davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-31
THE fPT or POLITICS

The crisis into which the country has been
led by the machNatiors of mining spectators,
demaoOgues, and dishonest debtors will rccal
to our minds perhaps certain rules OF govern
ment which are well understood in all foreign
lands, but seem lately to have been forgotten
in or own. THIS is the only part of the world
where experience is not supposed to be Of any
use in managing the affairs of a great Nation.
An Englishman goes into public life as he would
90 into one Of the liberal professions, and before
he reaches q high position in the Government
he il expected to learn the art Of politics III
some incOnspcuOus place not besct with re-
sponsLilities too great for his strength. lie
has a pride in his career and regard for its
good reputc. Naturally, therefore, he has
made politics highly honorable profession
honorable not only in It's objects, but in its
surroundings, in tho social rank which it confcrs,
and the associations and habits which attend it.
With us the pursuit Of political advancement
became long ago demoralizing occupation.
So many thousands went into it for the most
sordd purposes, and oNOwed it III the most
disreputable methods, that "pOllticlGn be-
camo term of reproach. A place under gov
eminent, instead Of rejecting lrstre on the
man who held IT, rather exposed him to sus-
picion. Ii is true that we can point to q few
men, in Congress and elsewhere, who have
devoted their lives TO public affairs with an
uprightness, dignity, and patriotic spirit which
the whole country recognizes But they are
brilliant exceptions. Oiiicc-getting in the main
is only vulgar trade, and man is hardly
qualified to succeed in it until he has rid
himself OF high ideas and fine scruples.
But in the reaction against political corrup-
ton which has agitatcd the country during
the past six or seven years, we arc in danger
of committing a mischevous piece of eAtrava-
cameo. We must not forget that governing
the United States is an art, and very
diff lit art, and it cannot be learned in a
week or two by smart lawyers, merchants,
ministers, and authors who have had no
experience in the management of men and
parties. The reformers of our day are too
much inclined to consider it the highest
recommendation of a candidate for political
post that he is "nO politician ~ which is much
rs II they should undertake 10 correct the evil
tendencies OF the stage by insisting that all
plays should be performed by men who are
"no actors" 1t is not usual TO value a doc
tor for his ignorance, or TO select gentlemen
who have never practiced law for elevation to
the bench, however highly they may be dis
tinguished for general intelligence and per-
sOnal virtue. But the principles of common
sense which are so vigorously applied to the
liberal professions are too often forgotten
when we come to deal with affairs of state.
The dOctr1naire refOrmer believes that he can
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-31
TIE CkCTRJTF OF The BOND.

When Mr.. Beck stands up in the Senate
Chamber to say that "the public debt is n
"Grst mortgage Upon all the property of the
United States" he tries to darken counsel
with words. SIr. Beck knows that the bonds
are not mortgages, nor anything like mortgages
and if some capitalist had loaned MIR. Beck GER
tain moneys, and Mr. Beck had secured him by
q mortgage on his own premises, he would
hardly demean himself toward bis creditor as
he and his kind are. counsellng the Nation to
treat its creditors. MIR. Beck would not be apt
to curse the holder of that mortgage because
he was q bloated creditor. nor plume himself
upon the proprietOrship of any extra virtue
because he belonged to the debtor class. lie
would hardly hold that he was under no OBJ
legation to pay because the lender advanced
the money with the fell purpose of getting in
terest, together with his principal, and not from
natives Of general philanthropy or special affcc-
ton for Mr. Beck. He would not attempt to
pay off his debt in cheap coin OF his own
making, nor yet in cheaper promises !;
nor would be refuse TO pay altogether
because Cuisines was depressed" Mr.. Beck's
sense of financial rcctitude would be sharpened
by the knowledge that unless he kept his
agreements he would find his house sold from
over his head and his land sold from under his
feet until the claim was satisfied
Now there happen to he no suggestive con-
siderationS Of this kind to stimulate the moral
ity of Mr. Beck rs representative of the
Nation. The Nation is not sueable. No bond
holder can forcclose. There is nothing what
ever TO bind the Nation 10 meet its
obligations. The bonds are not giaran-
tecd "by the increasing value OF the
property of the United States" They
are not even directly guaranteed by the pop
uar sense Of honor and justice. Their value
now depends upon the action Of Il few hum
bred politicians who are CHOSEN, rs Mr.. Beck
has been. To go to Washington with
power of attorney 10 transact the peoples
business, and there Is no fear of the
sheriff or OF the pcnitcntiaIy 70 drive them
into honest dealing. OF course, it is posi-
biity that even q politician can be taught
that the retribution for Nations knavery is
still more certain than tho punishment of an
individuals crime but SO long a. Congress
men keep talking about the letter of
1.-THE law" when there is nothing like n
law or contract to bind tho Nation,
the Nations creditors have but feeble
protection The hope We cling to is, that
il may suggest itself TO honorable gentlemen.
in some Of their lucid intervals that it is the
utter helpIcssncss of the Nations creditors
which ought to prove their amplest security.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-31

firms Of that city. including Mr.. W. p. Foge ono Of
the Of The Herald. and asked on the
ground Of Mr.. Peixotto's "eminent services in the
cause Of humanity while Consul to Roumanis.s
IL was also recommended by many distinguished
citizens in CINCINNATI and san Francisco In reply
to the suggestion that nobody knows what Mr.
PeixottOs State is it is said that lie has resided in
California for ten years past; and to prove lie
services 10 the Republican party, II Is urged that he
has spoken at many mass meetings. and stumpcd oil
over Ohio during the last Presidential campaign.
There are one or two indications which give Just
shadow of hope that the Bland bill may at least 10
delayed by the dlsagreements Of the silver men long
enough to enable public opinion to influence the
Senate for good. One is the seemingly firm stand Of
Mr. Beck against the free coinage clause and the
other is the amendment of Mr. Cameron, Of Wiscon-
SIM making the number Of grains In the dollar 40
instead of 412l2 Both these men voted for tho
Matthews resolution, and both propose to change
the very things the extreme silver men
are most anxious for. If both remain firm they may
send the bill back to the House loaded with amend
ments that will long discussion, and that can
not fail to be benefit. While these are cheering
signs an unexpected demonstration to the contrary
is made by Senator Burnside who wishes to make
the 42O grain dollar lega-tender for all sums below
$780, Rhode Island will be apt to open itS ayes at
this.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-31
NETWORK DAILY TRIBUNE THURSDAY JANUARY 3d. 1873

three legai-tenders of different values-gold,
silver ard paper. We now have only two, but
the banks have been forced TO keep accounts
in the cheaper, and to treat the other as a mat
ter of special contract So the cheaper or
three will necessarily be the money OF account.
Nobody will pay the dcarer if he can help It,
and promises 70 pay dollars" quality not
specified. will mean promises TO pay paper
Of necessity, gold and silver will be de-
posted and paid only on special contract
as gold is now. Silver enough for du-
ties will be held in use, and paid out
in interest by the Treasury nearly as fast as
it comes in. Hence it will be held as a special
deposit though no law exists for the issue OF
Treasury certificates representing it, and the
coin will have to be carted from the banks to
the Treasury and back Paper being the nee
essary money Of account unless the banks IN
terfere, will be at par, or 100, in all transac-
TONS silver may be worth 101 or 1O2, ana
gold 112 or 1l3-how much more, will depend
upon the depreciation of silver bullion abroad
This is the beautiful monetary system TO when
we are invited. This Is the ditch into which
the Nation is asked to jump. black, miry, bot
tomless and full of shame.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-31
gn0er 10 Advertisements


BANKING HOUSES AND BANKERsI7h Pdae-o'h co4"NH
BOARD AND ROoAS-6M PeJe-3d COUNT
BUSINESS CHASCEs--7h PGQe-5th column
BUeINEeS NOfIcYs-1h PGce-ls column
Coal AND WoOD-7M PuOe-6th column.
DANCING ACADEsIEs-8th Po1e-2d cOluDln'
DTNTIsT.Y-7M pGqe--6th column.
JIyIDEND NoTICRs-7h PGge-6tb- column.
DRY GOODS-3d Pdae-ith column.
TIsANCIAL--7M PdGe-5ih and ON coiuhDs'
FrRNlTURE-fH Fdoc-6th column
iNsTRUcnoR-6M Pade-1st and 20 Columns.
IrCIUREs AND NgETINGS--3d Pd9e-otn cOiurlh
IYGA NorICEs-6M Pdoe.3d column
ICsT AND FOUND-7h PGqe-6th column
Map1IE AND SLATE MASrEIS-7fh FcGe-6tn Column
MARRIAGES AND DEATHs-3h Pd0e-0th column -.,,
MIsCFLL ASEOUs-7N Pd1e-Oth coumni SM F0ae-o'i
and 9th columns. $50
MUSICAL ISsTHUMEHTs-3d GRaGf-5th column.
NEW PusIICA1 goNs-6M Pd1c-1st column.
PEoPos ,Is-7M f0oe-6th column. -.,
RrSL ESTATE For sALg-COUsTRY-3d PdGe--5th
coumn; TO ExchAGg-3d 5th cOrumn.
SAVINGS BASKs--7h Paee-6th column.
SPECIAL NonCEs-5h FG0e-0th columns 40 -
SITUATIoss WAHYED-MALEs-3d PG0c-4th cOlurih
FEMAIEs--3d Pagt-4th column. - $500, ..,,
STEAMBOATS, AND KAILROADS-6m PGQe-od anu H'n
columns. -
STEAMERs UCyAN-6h PdGe-3d column
TBACHERs-6M PdCe-2d column.
TIIE BALI. SYAsos-36 PdGe-6th column. ~
To IgT-Cirv PROPKs1r-3d Pdce-otn Column
CoUNTRy-,}d PdGe-5tb column.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-31
PERSONAL.

Mrs. General Marcy died in Baltimore yce-
terdsy.
Mr.. w. D. Howells's brother has been ap-
pointed postmaster at Jefferson. Ohio.
An original miniature Of Schiller was
brought to this city few days ago. and instantly puff
chased by some admrer Tie coart-sword always worn
by Schiller occasions Of ceremony is in the possession
OF Mr. Bayard Taylor, to whom 1t was given by Ihack'
cray.
Mercedes of Spain is fair. sweet-looklng
maiden with round grsh face, extremely winning and
attractive. She 10 intelligent gentle and amiable.
Worth, by the way, has been making her courtdress
in velvet embroidered with lions and castles in
gold and silver, the blended crests OF CasIe ana OF
Arag0n.
Alexandra Dumas, the elder, had many or
dcrs and decorations cared little for them that 10
used to nail them the cabin door Of his yacht When
ne sold the yacht he let the decorations 20 with it, either
through sheer careessness Of those intentional
accidents which eccentric genius fleets
Not long ago the Prince Of Wales arrived ut
Scotch residence Sunday. having been previously
taken to task by a Glasgow Protestant Association
which memoralzed him to change the date OF his ar
rival so that violation OF the Lords Day might DO
avoided and that tho excellent example OF your Illus
trous and regretted father viii be followed by you a.
patron and supporter of all means to ma1an nyioato
the Lords Day, and thus evince that righteousness
which cxaIteth nation" Through his private secre
tary the Prince replied that as he would arrive very
early at his destination, and A. he proposed To- pass e
DAY getly and In retirement, il could hardly be con-
ceiye,i that he was breaking the Sabbath.
1t is an interesting fact that there arc very
persons the world possessing peculiar keenness
vision enabling them to certain planets with the
unaided eye People with tie ordinary power Of sight
usually see ak OF the stars OF the Peades Keper
tions one person, who. with the naked eye, could SEQ
fourteen, and Littrow another who saw sixteen. Dr.
Dawes. M English clergyman and astronomer, was re-
narkabe for his powers Of distinguishing very faint
spots If light and Mr.. @ NJ. wa.d an amateur astIOno-
mer ln the North OF Ireland is known among scientific
men having viewed two OF the four moons OF Uranus
with so small and simple help fOurinch telescope.
In this country Mr. g W. Burnham, OF Chicago, IL noted
for tho particularly acute whcn reveals 10 HIM
double stars The Astronomers OF other lands OfD call
upon him to decide yexed questions relating to these
afl
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-31

practice one Of the most delicate of arts with
out having learned how, and that the night
way to govern political party is to put 1t
under the care of persons who have no prac-
teal knowledge of the mechanism OF politics.
This is pestilent nonsense. The country is
governed 10y parties, and probably always VIII
be, and he management OF parties requires
certain tact. adr0itness, and worldly wisdom
which are only gained by long experience
These qualities are perfectly consistent Win
high moral principle, and they are essential to
ito first order of craftsmanship. Mr. Lincoln
possessed them. Mr.. Hayes lacks them.
Some of the counseilors with whom Mr..
Hayes has surrounded himself lack them
still more wofully than he does. 1t Is
not worth while to discuss the rights
and wrongs of the particular actions, appoint
ments, lines of policy which have been most
sharply criticised; we have only to look at
the situation of the country and the kepuDll-
can party to-day. in order to realize the extent
of the Presidents deficiency. AT no time since
Lee invaded Pennsylvania has the country
been in such danger as it is now. The
danger was fOrescen long ago. MIR. Hayes
knew when he entered Office that this attack
upon. the honor and prosperity OF the Nation
would lie made. and we believe that no man
in the United States had a more earnest ana
patriotic desire to defend the public faith. lie
had strong and enthusiastic party at his
back. What has he done with iti Divisions
have been made wider. CounselS have been
confused. Half the Republican leaders are
fighting tho President more actively than
the public enemy, and the rest are doing
nothing The country is dcfenceless at most
critical period of its history. The financial
hereses which little prudent political man
agement within the party might have
checked, have made frightful Roadway.
And all that Mr.. Hayes has really ac-
complishcd. as an Offset to this deplorable
decentralization, is the choice of Mr.. Stanley
Matthews for brief but destructive career IN
tie United States Senate Would he not. az
ter all, have done better for the country, and
accomplished little more Of his schemes OF
administrative reform, if he had called to his
all the higher class of politicians, who know
how parties arc directed and made efficient.
instead Of trusting difficult and important du-
ties to the imbccile misnanagement OF mala-
lroit amateurs
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-31
THE DOYE SELLERS ~ THE TEMPLE.

JfIE nv r. DELILhN ~ 4 NE nm isi'
Obviously Mr. Leonard. Of Louisiana. mis-
understood the drift and purpose OF the Scrip
tura quotation with which General Butler
astonishcd the House on tuesday. He was
perhaps, cxcusable. The Massachusetts states
man was somewhat indefinite, and left the
application of his Scripture a little obscure. We
presume that he intended to compare the Church
conference nj Walpole, whose remonstrance
against the Bland Silver Bill he had just Of
fercd. with the money changers and dove
sellers who we're driven out of tho temple.
Bnt il did not so strike Mr. Leonard, of Lou
isiana That gentleman. catching the quota
ton which describes how those that sold oxen
and sheep and doves and the changers of money
were found sitting in the temple and driven
out with whip of small cords, jumped to the
concluson--and very naturally-that it applied
TO the Hall of the House. Thereupon he burst
forth In tho resistless elOqucnce OF woe, and
gave tho House the pathetic story of his o N
experience with the money changers and IL )s"
that sold doves. And truth cOmpels us to SAY
that no made better point than Ger
eral Butler had; his analogy was 'Iuch
more striking. and the picturesque and
vivid manner III which he set forth
his individual grievances added much force to
his presentation. Mr.. Leonards seat, as
described by himself in his remarks upon the
massage of Scripture which had been read, is
"nomnaly in the outer row upon refer
enco to the Congressional Directory. W. find 1t
to DO No. 12S-but practically" 30 said,
he had $40 seat at ALL And this must have
startled the House somewhat. II is well
Al. a. ,1,,,,.
of the House who have no standing whatever /;
but the NJ nouncemcnt from Der that he
had pa.iicaly no seat at all" while he was
nominal, lo .ated il the outer row, must have
been Il surprise. In further explanation, he
said that either his seat or the adjoining one
was constantly occupied by outsiders, SO that
he was obliged either to stand up or be bored
with desultory conversation.
TO give the House an idea of what he
meant by dcsutOry conversation, he went
on 10 say that upon one occasion he chad
" been canvassed by q man who had stem
:" ell tools TO dispose OF, and had been
" Obliged to buy Il set in order to get rid of
him." At another time he had been
bored with the desultory conversation
of man who canvassed" him to lave
his likeness printed in an illustrated
newspaper for $25; and the desultory can
vasstr told him they all did it, and that he
must be n grcenhOn not to know how it was
done. Is any wonder that in this state of
things Mr.. Leonard should make swift aDpI-
cation of the Scriptura quotation about money
changers and dove sellers to the canvassers
for stencil tools and portraits, and call for
E, yybin of small cords IN drive their
dcsultory conversation out of the Chamber 7
For If a member of Congress is to be shut up
in the Representatives Chamber at Washington
to be preyed upon by canvassers of that sort.
of what use il it to so to Congress at all Is
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-31

An excellent condition of affairs Is shown In the
annual statement of the Equitable Life Assurance
Company which appears in our advertising col
umns to-day. Although last year was not a favora-
BILE one for life insurance general the new policies
issued by this company equalled In number and
amount the business of previous years. The assets
and surplus have increased, notwithstanding the
loss of about SIS 900 by the depreciation of Gov
eminent bonds. The company holds at present
So 200 900 more of assets than are needed TO mecl
It's liabilities and thus offers its policyhoders a
superabundant security.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-31
Mesu.alork Daily Gribasare.
FOUNDED By HORACE GREELEY.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 81, 1878.
THE NEJrS THIS INCOMING.

Observation-Disclosures mass meetings arc being held
in ENGLAND in the interest Of peace; Mr. Gladstone
eays the vote il Parliament to-day, VIII depend on
the Irish members. - There are 50 0O0refugees
ut ConstantinOple, and serious disturbance IS
feared. - Austria is taking firm attitude toward
Russia - The Russian steamer Constantine sunk
an Ottoman screw steamer, at Batum on Saturday.
by means of torpedo.
DoMEs1IC.-A draft Of a new Tariff Bill which is
printed in The TRIBUNE this morning, will be re-
ported to the full Committee on Ways and Means to-
dav. - The Coinage Commission for 1877 is
appointed, with Professor Eliot as chairman.
~ second instalment of 100000 has
been pad TO this Government by Mexico. -
The talk about silver compromise Is thought
TO aim at stopping action in the East =Maior
Burke Of New Orleans replied to Mr.. Chambers
telegram IL fiery manner. 80 Secretary Thomp-
son favors branch Naval Observatory in the in
terror of the country - Mr. Clar" Was confirmed
Superintendent of Public Works by unanimous
vote of the New-York Senate - Tho second
National Bank Of Kansas City has suspended.
CoNGaEss-In the Senate, letter from the Com
missioner of Pensions caused long debate. Mr.
Chrstiancy offered a substitute for the Bland Silver
Bill to the effect that the new silver dollar shall be
equal in value to gold. Mr. Allison gave notice that
he would insist on a vote on the bill to-day OF to-
". 4
he voted against the Matthews resOlutonnot for it,
as reported Mr. Fosters substitute for the resold-
ton in regard TO whiskey in bond was adopted.
CITY AND SUBURBAN-The Trunk Lin cached
an agreement with Mr. Hckson yesteruay ard
adopted plan tc prevent the cutting of rates IN the
West - The Chamber of Commerce appointed
special conmitte. to consider measures for procur
ing fair freight rates. - Mr. Jewett gave bonds
to appear for examination the charge
of perjury. - The Republican Central Com
mittee adopted resolutions 9 sainst silver. 60
The Board Of Education took action in favor of re-
ducing teachers salaries. - Miss AGde w. Oak
man, a Young woman from Boston, complained OF
being dragged twice. robbed and outraged. -
Controller Kelly expressed his views on the Consti-
futoual amendments. - Twenty-six students
were graduated by the Eclectic Observation-Disclosures
An express train the NewHsven Road was at
tackled by robbers. - Gold, 1928. 1O2, 1925.
Gold value Of the ,egal-tender dollar at the Close
97s,o cents. Stocks moderately active and gener-
ally lower, closing feve-ish.
THB WEArHER.-TRIBUyE local observations In
dictate cloudy weather, followed By snow and rain
Thermometer yesterday. go, 2S0, 23'.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-31

there no escape there from the stencil-tool man
and the illustrated newspaper person Is the
State Prison the only safe refuge from
their desultory conversation Heaven forbid
Mr.. Butler deserves thanks for having led the
way, though Internationally, to the discussion
of this subject and Mr. Leonard is entitled to
great credit for having given to the House
and the country the true story OF his enc0un-
tiers with the canvassers, and his manly protest
against being exposed to such attacks on the
floor of the House.
We cannot, however, let the subject drop
here without putting on record a sincere doubt
of the truth of the picture mans assertion that
members of Congress are In the habit OF pay
ing 1915 apiece for having their pictures
printed in illustrated newspapers. We have
sometimes seen pictures OF members OF
Congress in illustrated newspapers. and
we are only too well aware that
Congressman are subject to human weaknessesj
but we must say that we have never seen one
of those pictures yet that the subject would
not have given at least $25 not to have had
printed. We accept without question the stem
ci-plate story, but Mr.. Leonard must
have misunderstood the other mans
desultoriness. 1t Is more likely that
Congressman are in the habit of paying some
thing handsome to keep their pictures out OF
print. But. however that may be, it is better
that the money changers and dove sellers and
stencil-plate and picture people be kept of
the floor of the House, that our legislators
may not be annoyed by desultory conversation.