davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20
4 MARES NEST.

The constitutional lawyers on the Democratic
side of the Senate have found mares nest in the
first fthe proposed new code of rules and they
are greatly agtated over the discovery. This ia
simply provision that when the President pro
tenn of the Senate finds 1t necessary to be absent
he may designate another Senator TO preside in
his absence, such designation not to hold good
more than three days Some OF the Democratic
Senators, notably Mr.. Baydrd see in this grave
danger to the Presidential succession. They
point to the present situation for proof of the
danger. Suppose Mr.. Edmunds to he called
away from the Capitol for three days. lie
dcsgnatcs Senator to preside In his stead.
During the three days President Arthur sud
denly dies, and, as the Democratic leaders
argue, the Senator whom Mr.. Edmunds has
thus casually selected becomes the President of
the United States until March 4, 1885, as the
time has passed when, under the statute, a
special election could be held to prcccdo in
auguration next March. Such a situation would
of course raise n great many embarrassing
questions; but it is reassuring to reflect that
there is no reason for believing that the situ-
alton could ever exist.
Senator Edmunds stated both the law and the
practice and the common sense of this question
when he said the other day that n Senator
designated in this way to preside could never
claim to be in the line of Presidential success
son for tho reason that such q designated
Senator has never exercised any of the i'm
portant functions of the President pro TEN. lie
has never, so far as the records of the Senate
show, signed bill or a joint resolution, or
done ANYTHING more than act as n stOD-gaD I'm
the chair. This is the practice, and the law and
common sense coincide with it. The real Presi-
dent pro tenn Is the man whom the Senate elects
to that place, and it is only reasonable to sup
pose that he continues to hold the place so long
as he is able or willing TO do so, or until the
Senate chooses his successor.
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20

fees, and not out of the proceeds OF taxaton,
makes not jot Of difference. The fees ought
to into the city Treasury to lessen the burdens
of the people. The Office of Register Is OF
much importance and responsibility, and that
fact, of course, Is to be given full weight in
determining the compensation that should go
to its incumbent. But say that he received ten
or twelve thousand dollars for his services
does anybody pretend to argue that he would
not be generously paidl Applying the business
principle test, does anybody suppose that similar
services rendered to a banking or mercantile
corporation would command more than $1O,O
yearf
The minds of the tax payers of the Metropolis
are in a state of healthy ferment just now.
THE TRIBUNE's exposure of the reckless and
prohigate manner in which the great department.
of our local government is conducted has pro-
duced profound sensation. There is general
non partisan demand for such a radical change
in methods and in men as will accomplish
thorough correction of abuses, and make econ
Omy and efficiency the rule in the management
of the affairs of the city. This righteous de-
mand of public sentiment will not be fully met
so long as the emoluments of some Of the city
tOuuJJ dC plpothO OuO-
rageously extravagant figure. On the theory
that Register is expected at short, stated
intervals to "whack up" handsomely for the
benefit of the party the present compensation
of the Office is explainable. If the Register
puts $4,000 into his own pocket and gives his
party $4,000 to send into "close districts"
during important campaigns, there is no ground
for complaint on the part of the taxpayers unless
it happens that they labor under the impression
that the people ought not to be asked to pay the
expenses of political organizations.
The next Legislature is certain to be asked to
pass measures in the interest Of New-York
city Office ce-hoders The annual tinkering at the
charter of the Metropolis generally is largely
for their benefit. Let the law makers of 1884
institute a change. Let them approach the
consideration of the question of the needs of
this city from the point of view Of the tax
payer and not of the tax-cOnsumer.
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20
WASIYNG PUBLIC MONEY.

The Democratic party begins to illustrate it.
self, even before the House has organized.
Everybody knows that each new committee
involves new expense, rs well as new en-
tanglement of business through strife between
committees as to precedence in action. Every
person who knows anything about legislation at
Washington knows, also, that there are too
many committees, and the important COM
mittecs have been made too large. Public
business is greatly delayed by the difficulty of
getting quorum in the large committees and
by the endless wrangles into which "many men
of many minds" plunge such unwieldy bodies.
But places must be made for partisans. Rooms
must be provided for influential leaders of the
party, and, as all claim that distinction, ad-
ditional committees must be created, with
additional expense for rooms, for clerks who
serve the chairmen as private secretaries in
their correspondence with constituents, for
stationery and cOnvenenccs which the com
mittee is supposed to need, but which the
charmen find very useful, and for personal
service Of runners or servants. So the expense
is piled up, while the public business is delayed
and confused, all because partisans must be
provided for and honOred at public cost.
Apparently to relieve the Speaker, and court
the Greenback interest, the House Committee
on Rules has agreed to report in favor of q
separate Committee on Labor. That makes
new chairman's place, doubtless for the
member from Iowa who was elected as Green
back member but went into Democratic caucus
and voted for Mr.. Carlisle. Also, it gives other
Democratic statesmen chance for small dema-
gogsm. But what is the use of Committee
on Labor9 The principal duty Of most Of the
House committees is to consider the effects Of
proposed measures upon the interests of Amer
ican labor Next let us have q separate Com
mittee on Wealth, and another on Happiness.
1t has also been determined to create new
Committee ON Rivers and Harbors. There is
no sense In this. If an appropriations COM
mittee is fit for its duty, 1t ought to pass upon
and report all bills making appropriations for
the different branches Of public service. If 1t Is
not fit for its duty, 1t ought to be discharged,
and new men selected. But the Committee on
Commerce, not having enough else to do, has
been principally engaged of late in contriving
The Big Divide" which has given so much
offence to the people. Now 1t Is proposed that
this great annual combination of pilferings and
robberies, Jobs and meritorious appropriations
shall have separate committee for the sole
purpose Of contriving 1t. That such change
Is not for the public interest Ia obvious. Dem
ocratic members will find next year not few of
their constituents who will wish to know why 1t
was made. They will probably give in answer
every reason but the true one the new COM
mittee 10 to be created, if at all, solely to COM
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20
4 DANGEROUS TOPIC.


We suspect that The World Is not quite clear
in its mind about the tariff. At all events, it
keeps trying to explain itself, day after day,
with seeming consciousness that all its previous
efforts to explain itself have been in its own
estimation abortye. The difficulty seems to be
that Tie World wants to save the Democratic
party and yet TO say something about the tariff.
Now the tariff question il a can of nitro gyccr-
inc in the hold of the Democratic steamship,
which cannot be stirred rashly without danger
of blowing the whole concern apart in no time 4.
But it would be well, nevertheless for The
World to put the question before the public
candidy and without Misrepresentation.
Republicans do not object to a reduction of
tax, or to a reduction Of surplus revenue what
they desire Is To avoid disturbing and pros
trating the Industries of the country unncccs-
sarly. The majority Of Democrats propose to
reduce the surplus of the taxes by cutting pro-
lection out OF the tariff. That does not seem to
Republicans the wiscst way to reach the desired
end because it will indefinitely disorder the in
dustrics of the country, and because no one can
reasonably expect that a moderate or prudent
reduction Of duties will result in a reduction of
revenue. A part of the Democrats, but not
majority, because they supported Mr.. Randall
and were beaten more than two to one would
like to cut off revenue by cutting of internal
taxes. But tho Republicans do not see good
reason for that cOurse. This year. the rcspon-
sibilty being with Democrats, there is a gen
eral disposition among Republicans to wait,
possessing their souls in patience. 1t seems to
them tolerabIy sure that the Democrats will
propose an unwisc way of reducing taxation, if
any. They can afford to wait, with that idea,
until the Democrats get ready to say what they
mean to do
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20
TALKS ABOUT TOWN.
THE TRIBUNEs EXPOSURES.

Er-Sheri6 James OBren-I am glad 10 see that thCrs
is paper with courage enough 10 attack the corrupt
Department Of Public Works Isn't strange the other
papers ignore the factsi When The Times published the
figures gave them about the Tweed ring the other papers
copied them, particularly THE TRIBUNE and It exposed
other corrupt officers too Those papers which do not
follow THE TRIBUNEs lead will ''get lef" tell you, and
will have to print the facts when official investigation
is made by the Legislature. You want to turn 10
the bg pipe contracts" which controlled by ring OF
contractors through Maurice b. Flynn These
get all these contra cts at big prices and furnish light
weight and short quantity All westchester is being laid
with inferior pipes at this very moment. The money
made these"big pipe contracts" is The city
doesn't get than than three-Quarters of mile
every mile OF big pipe IL pays for.
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20
COLORApO IND TEE SILVER QUESTION.

COLORADO AND THE SILVER QUESTION.
Mr.. Kelley in the House and Mr.. Morrill, In the
Senate are at one on the silver question. The
opposition Is represented by Mr.. Belford. The
country, for It's own interests, wishes the coinage
of silver stopped, and those who desire double
standard are as earnest about the matter as those
who desire single standard. But Colorado, hav-
ing silver mines, wants the coinage continued.
The wealth of the State of Colorado is not in
its mines. 1t is a rich agricultural State.
One day it will look back upon its mining stage
with something like contempt. It's mining
camps die out Leadville, for instance, is not
what it was. Nevada came into the Union a
silver State, and man need not be very rich to
own the whole State to-day. Mines get exhaust
ed. The development which rests upon mines
as basis is uncertain. But Colorado can do
better; its agriculture will make the State rich
long after its mines have fallen to secondary
Importance. Yet at present Colorado thinks
silver mining matter of life and death.
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20
Netp21ork DAILY Gribn,re.
FOUNDED BY HORACE GREELEY
NEW-YORK, THURSDAY, DEC. 20.
THE NERS THIS MORNING.

FoRIrGN-The Crown Prince of Germany wit
messed review of 10000 Italian troops in Rome
yesterday. - Irish cOnspirators were on trlal ID
Edinburgh and in Cork yesterday and MIR. Glad
stone was guarded by policemen at Hawarden
- The Spanish Ministry may resign in conse-
uuence of lack of support in the COrtes. - Re
ports received at ConstantinOple from the SOudan
state that Ell Mahdi with his army is moving west
ward from Ell Obeid. 80 1t was Tumorod III Paris
that Admiral COurbet has occupied Sontay in Ton
uuin without resistance, the Chinese having eyac-
mated the place.
CoNGREss.-In the Senate bills were introduced
to regulate the subettng of mail contracts for the
appointment of q commission to investigate the
subject of railroad transportation, to promote the
efficiency of the Army and to consolidate the Bureau
of Military Justice and Corps of Judge Advocates Of
the Army n bill was passed adopting for the Dis
trict of Columbia the new time standard; the re-
port of the Committee on Rules was further consid-
cred. 80 In the House, after debate. Thomas G.
Skinner was sworn as a Representative from the lst
District of North Carolina.
DoMEsTIC-The New-Jersey State Temperance
Union met at Camden. 80 The Louisiana Demo-
cratic convention made no headway. Mis- Re-
ecca Williams of Baltimore, has broken her we'd
ding engagement. j. H. Quinn was virtually
convicted of setting fire TO a POughkeepsie hotel
"A slight railway accident near
Red Bank, n. j., interrupted travel two honrs.
THE cautilever bridge at Niagara will be
formally opened to-day. Mine persons are i'll,
two fatally, with trichnoss, at Bloomington, Ill.
- mass meeting was held in Washington, to
express indignation at O'DonnelPs fate. - Cot
ton warehouses in Baltimore were burned -
The property of the late Genus Barnum of Balti-
more, has been awarded iudicially to the McDon-
ough Institute.
CITY AND SUBURBAN.-The Council of Reform
presented to the Board of Estimate yesterday pro-
test against extravaganza in city departments, es
pecially in the Department of Public Works. -
In the Aqueduct Commission o. b. Potter sharply
criticised Commissioner ThOmpsOn's management
of plans to increase the water supply. - The
cross-examination of General di CesnOla was con-
tinued. 80 Mrs. De Nell testified in her suit for
a limited divorce. - Alumni of Hamilton Col
lege ate their annual dinner = Navigation was
impeded by the snowstOrm. 80 Gold value Of
the legal-tender silver dollar (412l2 grains 50. 80
cents 80 Stocks were active only in spots and
after an early advance declined and closed unset
tied.
THE WEATHER.-TRIBUNE local observations in
dicate cloudy followed by fair weather and lower
temperature. Temperature yesterday: Highest,
So; lowest 24o; average, 299s.
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20

consummation devoutly to be wished. But u
they do, 1t will be the first thing they ever did
"boldly and firmly" Unless all signs fail. these
same men will be shouting for extreme protection
in some states-within nine calendar months.
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20

as he proposes, the craftsmanship ought by al
means to be given Mr.. Belmont. 1t would III,
the measure of his ability and no doubt aiford
great satisfaction to the workers in the Woman
Suffrage cause.
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20

will certainly be necessary to devise means OF
suppressing their secret societies, and bringing
their colonies within the purview Of our laws
and form Of government. Thus far this has
not been DONE
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20
NEW NEWSPAPER VENTURES.

Fred. ScheH drtiS-I hear that the Terds SlHgS man.
Knox, is shortly start large sixteen-page
weekly in this city, to be edited by Hugh
McDermott. 1t is TO be called after Oakley
Halls old paper the Leader and is to be modelled
on that Sheet with Of the humorous In style Oil
don't know that the SCULPTOR who fought bogus duel
with Knox is to illustrate It. The penny afternoon
paper is supposed to be backed by the sntmOnopoly
crowd.
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20

TRIBUNE TERMS TO MAIL SUBSCRIBERS
Postage free in the United States.
Year 6MOnths. 3 Months
DAILY, with Sunday 50 oo - -
DAILY, without Sunday 90 eoV 10
SUNDAY TRIBUNE %
Remit by Postal Noe Money Order or Registered Letter
Postal Note the reBtter will please write on tho )o
sforT THR NRN- YORK TRIBUNE"
BRANCH OFFICES OF THE TRIBUNE.
Advertisements publication THE TRIBUNE and orders
Cor regular delivery OF the daily will bs recevedat the
following branch offices in Newly ork City:
Main Uptown Office, 23S Broadway, 8 q. m TO p M
No. 800 West Twenty y-third-st, 10 a. m 70 = p NJ
No 76O Thirdaye FOrty-sevenths, lUa M 70 D. M
No O07 Thiriave near Sixeth.st., 10 a. m. TO 3 p M
No g08 Ea II wenty ffthst TO m
Linton Smare No 92 East FOurteenh.st 10 am TO 8p m
IN OTHER CITIES.
w..YSeToy-1 s22 Est LoxDoX-2G BedfOrd-st- Strand
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20

The regulations prescribed by Mayor Edison
to govern admission into the Civil Service of
the city arc apparently full and complete.
Their success will depend in q great measure
on the persons appointed as examiners. If the
Mayor makes good appointments, he will have
taken a long step toward etiecting a much
needed reform in the city government.
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20

pose differences between wrangling Democratic
aspirants for place, and to give better chance
for making waste of public money serve part
isan ends in certain districts.
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20

The amendments to the plan for recognizing
the Republican party in this city appear well
opinion through the primaries and committees
The primary election law will make it danger
ous for any Democrat to vote under the new
plan, even if his name should be on the rolls,
and escape the scrutiny of the Committee of
Eighteen.
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20
5u0ex to ADVERTISEMENTS.
Business Notices.


"ALpERNEY BRAND"
always ooNDH,snD -
ATTryD THE GREAT SALE of Sealskin Sacques
snd nomans Pur and silk lined Wraps Seal Caps oioveS
Nmds and Robes at retail lowest wholesale prices S
q SHAYNR Manufacturer, l03 Princes GOODS are resoo
and elegant
DESKS.
BOOKCASES,
CHAIRS &c,
euitable for HOLIDAY PRESENTS, r - .n
Manufactured by i, ~; =; 9SL1tn", pn1tnn a.
8 oFFICE FURNITURE IN GREAT VARIETY
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20


The proposal that the city should place its
water supply at the mercy of one enormous dam
at Quaker Bridge, rightly meets with the
strong opposition of taxpayers like Mr.. .. i.
Potter and Mr. Z. S. Jatiray, who have carefully
studied the question. The only persons who
favor the project, apparently, are Commissioner
Thompson and his engineers. And rs Con-
gresham Potter said yesterday, what the cnSl-
neers of the Public Works Department want
most is little common sense. If they were
iudged by the results of their estimates on
unbalanced bid contracts it would be evident
that something else besides common sense Is
needed. Mr.. Potter cannot see how Mr..
Thompson expends $275,000 year to main
tain the present aqueduct. If he follows closely
the revelations in THE TRIBUNE he will be able
to understand where the moaey goes. In 1879
Allan Campbell began the work Of constructing
a conduit to the Bronx and Byram rivers. 1t
was to be completed in two years and half,
and to cost s., ,25O,O 900. Mr.. Campbell had the
contracts let within his estimates when Mr..
Thompson became Commissioner Of Public
Works. The cost of the work is now about
twice the original estimate and is not much
over half done. Mr. Thompson said year ago
that the conduit would be completed last
autumn He said yesterday that 1t would be
finished next autumn. No wonder Mr.. Potter
distrusted Mr. Thompson's statement.
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20

The Democratic Senators had rather poor success
in their attempt to exhibit themselves as the only
genuine vilService Refomers With vacancy to
fill and competent official to restore to his place.
whom the Democrats had turned out, the Republi-
cans certainly had good case so far as Reform
principles are concerned, respecting two of the
more important the offices And if the Democrats
are in favorof the introduction Of permanent tenure
In legislative ofoes-a point which is open to some
questiOn-they should prove their sincerity in
actions, not in words
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20
LOGAN. ARTHUR AND McCooK.


George ". HOoker.-Of course after General McCoOHs
selection by the Senate the candidate for
ay stood no chance for the nomination for Sergeant At
Arms, but should have won If the Secretary had
from some other State. . l that some OF the
papers trying to make it appear that McCooks
q slap at President Arthur. IL had no such
meaning Ninety per cent of tho Senators who voted for
McCook are friendly to tho President. General
John A. Logan undoubtedly believes he can be nomin-
aed and elected President He has the bee IN bis Don
"a whole hive EN- But candidate talked 0i asyet
weak in this State where the real fight next yeart 20
be- s General Logan His persistent attacks upon General
Ftz John Porter nIure him in this State. Porter led
about ten thousand NewYork soldiers during the war;
and whether he was not guilty OF treason tney
still swear by him.
MR.. vANDERBILTs ART TREASURES.
William T07lbuH-AIr Vanderbilt has not been merely
altering his gallery he has really built new gallery az
q cost for the building alone OF $l50OOO That would
build very handsome residence for ordinary mortas,
wouldn't it Understand that the new gallery Will dis
play about 100 pictures never before seen here
CLEAN STREETS AND CLEAN RECORDS
Street Commissioner Coleman.-The first OF The
season camo both late and light Such fall does not
seriously incommode merchants impede travel and
did not put extra force to clean it on yesterday
could have spent thousand dollars in the effort
but 1t would have been wasted. could easily spend
hundred a hundred aud fifty thousand dollars more
each year than do without having CARLOAD more Oh
dirt to remove from the city and without improving our
sanitary condition. but II would be useless. On streets
which lnow clean once week could daily take up
some dirt but the cost would be seven times as rnucn'
and stu only the amount Of dirt DO removed ine
only advantage would be that the streets wOud look
cleaner This the point the people generally do not ap
preciate understand The sanitary condition OF New
York better than This largely due 10
the rigid enforcement by the Health Board OF the sanitary
laws, particularly they apply to tenement houses no.
The TRIBUNE has not yet touched upon my H'
Department When Il does hope to be ready with
good and satisfactory explanation think an error
not to reply promptly to charges In which the public ~
interested Public opinion is quickly formed wnsn
Is maintained under charges Of the kind tne s
making, and no power Csn stand i0as sssu''' SN'''
opinion.
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20

The Democrats in the House have set to wor6
to create several new committees, In order to
provide chairmanships for their great states
men of the Perry Belmont type. General
Keifer wants to assist in this work, though it is
doubtful, from the action taken in the House
yesterday on one of his resolutions. whether or
not his assistance will be of any benefit. But
u Committee on Woman Suffrage is created,
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20

The Speakers troubles increase. They were
bad enough when he was only trying to distrib-
ute AS chairmanships to the satisfaction OF l96
Democratic statesmen; but now the suspicion Is
abroad at the Capitol that Colonel Morrison, Mr.
Carlisle's Prime Minister, is striving to get %
men appointed who think that Colonel Morrison
would be an excellent Presidential candidate In
1884; other ambitious Democrats therefore,
are doing their best to check this little scheme
But they seem to be on the wrong scent. uh-
doubtedly Presidential considerations enter INTO
the craftsmanship problem; but there Is one
centlemans chances which the Speaker will
nusb harder than Colonel Morrison's. His name
is John g. Carlisle.
New-York tribune., 1883-12-20

The Irish supporters of the dynamite war
fare do not appear to decrease in number
because of the justice dealt out to them by the
English courts. Through fear of more explo-
sions and MURDERS unusual precautions are
now being taken In London and other cities.
Even Mr.. Gladstone has become impressed with
the great danger, and he was guarded yester-
day by detectives on his way to and from
church. This is certainly a deplorable condition
of affairs. Ireland will gain nothing and lose
o great deal from the misguided energies Of the
dynamite fends.