davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-15

viction that on this question the Radical leader
has spoken wisely. Meeting the objection that
the enlargement of the suffrage in Ireland may
increase the number of MIR. Parnells follow
crs, he makes the remark that 1t viii be
wiser for the Government to meet them In Parl-
lament than in the country perpetrating out
RACES. To this he adds the shrewd surmse that
the Irish leader in his heart is anxious to have
the Government exclude the island from the
benefits of the reform bill so that he can add to
the number of his adherents. That is undoubt-
edly true. Mr.. Parnell is not unwilling to have
England act uniusty in this matter of the suf-
frage. Injustice at Westminster will promote his
political purposes by estranging Ireland and
prolonging the period of agitation and lawless-
ness.
This question of the inclusion of Ireland in the
benefits of the Reform bill is not one that re-
ouires argument The British theory is that
the island is an integral part of the United
Kingdom and as such is entitled to represen-
tation at Westminster in proportion to its popu-
lation. The Irish delegation is numerically as
large as it ought to be. There is no ground for
COMPLAINT on that score. But that delegation
ought also to be elected under the same condi-
tons of suffrage in borough and county which are
recognized in England, Wales and Scotland
Borough suffrage in Ireland is not to-day on the
same level with borough suffrage in the re-
mainder of the United Kingdom. This is
legitimate grievance, and if the island be ex-
Guided from the proposed reform of the county
suffrage, the injustice will be doubled. If Ire
land be an integral part of the United Kingdom,
it ought to enjoy the benefits of a common
scheme of citizenship and suffrage. Mr.. For
ster recognizes this fact in his patriotic and
statesmanlike speech, overcoming personal
prejudices and emphasizing Mr.. Chamberlain's
demands His argument seems to us unanswer-
ohio
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-15

Dwight had insured his life for large amounts in
order to provide for his family, and then, being
unable to pay the premiums, had killed himself,
was given a good deal of plausibility by the
manner in which il was presented. The plain
tiff, however, opposed to it, first, the absence OF
all direct evidence of suicide; and second, the
general purport of the mans life and the char
actcr of his testamentary requests. 1t was
case in which there was great deal to be SAID
on both sides. Such attempts to defraud IN
surance companies have been made. The death
of the deceased was very sudden. The con-
diton of his affairs was such that he could not
have kept up his payments on the policies. But
he does not appear to have been the KIND OF
man one would think at all likely to have re
course to such methods, and the theory OF sui
eide, while not a violent one under the clrcum-
stances, could not be advanced beyond the hy-
pothetical stage. Only the medical testimony
could have settled it, and that was so hopelessly
conflicting that the jury appears to have thrown
it out altogether, with the inevitable result OF
being compelled to find verdict for the plain
tiff on all the points at issue. The old question
as to the value of expert medical testimony
will, of course, be raised again by the result oil
this trial,
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-15

WHY IN INVESTIGATION VAS STOPPED.
After reading the revelations in to-day's
TRIBUNE in regard to the Public Works De-
partment, it will not be difficult for any person
to determine why the investigation begun by
the State Senate Committee was so suddenly
abandoned. Enough was developed to show
the existence of maladministratiOn and abuses
of an alarming character. 1t was proven that
men were hired in the Public Works Depart
mcnt TO serve until after election time who were
not required to do any work. When such facts
as these came to be developed before the Com
mittee, in the interest of Democratic peace and
harmony, the investigation was abandoned No
doubt the new Senate will afford Mr. ThOmp-
son an opportunity to explain in way ne has
not vet been able to attain the extraordinary
facts in regard to unbalanced bids and other
abuses in his department, which have already
been exposed in TIE TRIBUNE.
But we do not believe that honest Democrats,
any more than honest Republicans, will uphold
Mr.. Thompson The abuses in his department
have been allowed to exist because their char
acter and extent were unknown. 1t is incOn-
ceivable that any honest man would sustain
system that leads to the payment OF great
deal more for the repair Of sewer than the cost
of new one But that is what has resulted
from Mr.. ThOmpson's practice of evading the
PLAIN requirements of the statute in regard to
contracts. This system of giving out work
in 5000 ORDERS if within the letter Of the law
which there is strong reason to doubt, is none
the less reprehensible. The Grand Jury should
give this question q searching investigation in
the light of the statute as interpreted by Judge
Davis.
There is probably no system OF municipal
government in this country that would permit
of the expenditure of public money in such a
loose and scandaous way as that of which de-
tails are given to-day, Ill connection with the
restoring of pavements. The work is not done
by contract, nor is it done by employees of the
city, as in Brooklyn, but is given out to pOlit-
zeal favorite in the same manner that repairs
are made to sewers. But the orders are drawn in
blank, and in such loose manner that there is
practically no check on the outside person who
does the work. His profits may be 80 per cent
or, as in the sewer case, 900 per cent He may
keep the money himself or turn it into the
Golfers of his firm But there is one thing sure :
no part of this enormous profit is turned mo
the city treasury. Why the statute is evaded In
order to benefit in this way Mr.. Thompson's
political and personal friends is one of the ques-
tons that ought to engage the earnest attention
of the Grand Jury.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-15

FoRErGN.-Tho Crown Prince arrived at BARGE
Iona Yesterday. - The crew Of twenty-One men
belonging to the steamer AUX, from Liverpool to
Rotterdam, was lost in gale on Tuesday. -
The death of Henri Martin has been announced
-- Pierre Richafd de Laprade is dead. GO Sir
Matthew Whito-Ridley will be proposed for
Speaker by the Tory members of Parliament.
CoNGREsS.-Delay in the reorganization of the
Senate is looked for - The announcement Of the
House committees will probably be made on Wednes-
day next - The Democrats objected to an in
curry into the Danvile riot. - General CLARK
has appointed several House clerks.
DoMEsTIC.-Durng an affray near polling place
in Ncw-Orleans yesterday three men were Killed
and ten were wounded. == The coal miners OF the
Nonongahela River district threaten to strike on
December 20. 60 Testimony duplicating Mont
eomery was given at Hllsboro, ILL.,, in the Emma
Bond case. GO Revelations of great cruelty to
the boys of the Western House of Refuge, at Roches
ter. were made yesterday. -= George W. Day,
merchant of South Norwalk, died suddenly, yester-
day. after eating some canned peas. 60 There
was conflict between Italian and colored la0oreTs
at Newburg Pa, yesterday, in which three OF the
colored men were wounded == Matthew Arnold
delivered his lecture on Emerson in Boston last
night.
CITY AND SUBURBAN.-Further abuses IL the
Public Works Department by which the city has
lost large sums, are shown in THE TRIBUNE to-day
- The Standard Theatre was burned yester-
day loss 100000. - Many interesting facts
regarding Miss Keiser and her relations with Dunn
were learned. 60 General di Cesnoa continued
his testimony. - Alumni of Cornell dined at
Martinell's 80 An attempt to burn the Casino
On Wednesday night was made public - The
New-England Society elected officers. ==- The
Jury in the Conroy case were locked up for the
night Gold value of the egal-tender silver dollar
(412l9 grains), $3.50 cents. Stocks generally were
active and lower, and closed weak.
TIE Manufacturers local observations indi-
cate clear or fair and colder weather Temperature
yesterday: Highest, 500 lowest, $50: average,
4h3aQ
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-15
4 VERY REMARKABLE CASE.

The Dwight case in which verdict has lust
been found for the plaintiff, is one of the most
remarkable insurance suit ever tried. Colonel
Dwight had insured his life in a number of COM
panies, the aggregate amount of the policies
being over $4,000 He died quite suddenly
and when he had paid but one premium on most
of the policies One company paid its policy on
demand, but the others refused to do So and q
test case having been agreed upon, they under
took to prove that the deceased had committed
suicide, as the elimination of a deliberate
scheme to defraud the companies with which he
had insured his life.
The medical testimony was very conflicting,
and of a character to confOund any jury. The
medical witnesses for the defence swOre posi-
lively that the death of Colonel Dwight was
caused by strangulatiOn, the immediate cause
being asphyxia. They described the Estate of
the internal organs at the post morton as being
wholly incompatible with the hypothesis of
death from disease. They declared that the
lungs were full of air, that the brain was en-
gorged with blood, that there was no morbid
process in any of the internal organs. They fur
Their alleged that the body bore a deep crease in
the neck, such as could only have been caused
by construction, and which rope would have
produced. The medical witnesses for the plain
tiff on the other hand, as positively expressed
their belief that Colonel Dwight died from nat
ural causes. They declared that the crease in
the neck was caused by bending the head back,
and that it was evidently not the effect of con-
striction. They found the lungs in normal
condition, and they fully accounted for the
death by disease. 1t was charged on the part of
the defence that Dwight had splitting of blood
when he applied for policy, and that he had
concealed this affection. Upon this point
mass of medical testimony was adduced, and if
some of it is to be believed it would seem that
splitting blood should be regarded rather as evil
dence of peculiarly robust health than as IA sign
of pulmonary disease.
The theory of the defence, that Colonel
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-15
NETWORK DAILY TRIBUNE SATURDAY DECEMBER Is, 1888

ability to repel the attacks of the enemy upon
our weakest points. In order that we may gam
time for further preparation we must DO aDie "
guard at least what may be called the raw ma
terial of our defences. To let an enemy seize
all our ports and destroy all our seaboard Clues
before beginning to stir effectively in our own
defence would be to let judgment go against us
by default. Our last war was against an enemy
who was even less prepared than ourselves put
we can expect no such conditions in war WIN
any European Power, and least of all with Eng
land. In the event of war with great naVai
Power we should be beaten at the outset III we
were unable to defend our coasts and ports, anu
all our great resources would prove unavaiiing
to save us, simply because preparation Is d
matter of time and the necessary time "ouiu
be denied us. For these reasons 1t Is the I'LL
perative duty of Congress to make present pro-
vision for the creation of so much OF navy as
is needed for defensive purposes, and to see
that our coast Notifications are improved ana
armed so as to render them fit custodians OF the
enormous interests intrusted to them.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-15
PRETEYTTON BETTER THAN CURE.


The strongest argument that can be used for
the immediate strengthening of our Navy and
coast defences consists in the fact that in the
event of a foreign war we should have to de-
pend for safety upon whatever means of pro-
lection we then possessed. Considerations of
the extent of the National resources are not rel
evant here, for, whatever those resources may
be- IL they are not available when the need
arises they will be to all practical intents nom
existent Nor can we solace ourselves with the
assurance that, even if we suffer at first because
of our want of preparation, we shall be able to
recover ourselves subsequently, and by degrees
regain equality with our enemy. The resources
of France are practically inexhaustible, but
they were pOwcrless to save her in her ex-
tremity, and for the obvious reason that the
Germans would not give her time or oppOrtu-
nifty to utilize them.
It is true that we need not fear invasion, but
so much of our wealth and commerce is focused
upon our seaboard that successful attack upon
that would rapidly reduce us to perilous straits.
In our present defenceless condition an enemy
might, with powerful fleet attack, capture, de-
stroy or hold to ransom any or all of our sea-
ports, and all of our dockyards and public and
private sulp-Dullulllp toldDlloilliNhbS' iO
same fleet, having thus paralyzed our defensive
power on the coast, could prevent us from re-
gaining possession of the principal points on
the seaboard. We should then be driven to
make the most frantic preparations with the
means remaining to us, but of what avail would
they be9 How long would our commerce sur
vive the paralysis of its central organization
After New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Wash
ington and other important ,places had fallen
into the hands of the enemy, with what hope
would the work of resistance be carried ont
Our immense resources would be left to us, but,
precisely as in the case of France they would
not be available forthe needs of the hour. And
it must not be forgotten that the enemy would
be carrying on his campaign while we were
making our preparations, and he, having been
ready from the first, would only have to re-
double his blows upon our naked sides. Those
who imagine that in such state of things it
would be possible to conduct foreign war to a
successful issue can hardly have given the ques-
ton much serious thought.
The first necessity, In tho event of war, is
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-15
HOW TO NOMINATE 4 TICKET THIT
COULDN'T BE ELECTED.
Mom The N,,e. York sun lDem.l

FROM The Nttc. York sun fDemJ
More than one-third of the Republican Ma
onal Convention will consist OF delegates nom states
the election of the Republican candidate. Tho southern
States probably Democratic with tho possible exception
OF Virginia. VIII send 3l6 delegates 10 Chicago inc
Republican party IN those States Is good enough party
until after the Conventions II do nothing 10 help eloce
q Republican President -,
The seven Territories and the District OF Columbia VIII
send sixteen delegates TO Chicago They count for thet
full numerical value ia the nomination OF the eAnuus'o'
they can contribute votes on election day.
Here Is short aud easy SUN In addition;
Delegates the Southern states
Deleg from the Territories
Delegates New York. Colorado and Nebraska %
429
Number needed 10 nominate.
Tho candidate who controls the shadowy kepuDnean
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-15
Rickeys quarter lay side by side with the head Of
McLeau's dollar and Mclean won his bot,

The boys In a Washington hotel recently invented
some ostensible caramels, with which to make mis-.
cradle the lives of other children and grave and
reverend Senator, who owed Senator Garland .
practical Joke, saw in them, as he thought, me-
dunn through which to discharge tho debt. SO he
got some of the things and placed them on his desk.
Pretty soon Garland sauntered by, picked one of
them up, and asked what kind Of candy they were.
"They are caramels. Try one" Thanks; will"
and he placed one in his mouth. Now says Tho
Harrington Capital which tells the story, the cara
mel was filed with soap. and the jokers expected to
see Garland spit out the nauseous stuff That was
where the laugh was TO come in. But Garland dis
appointed them He ate mp the whole thing, soap
and ALL and never made q sign. The perpetrator
became frightened and ran out into the cloak room,
exclaiming: Good Lord! Pm afraid the man'S
poisoned.T ooh, you needn't be alarmed said
Bntler of South Carolina "Garland's got an Ar
kansas stomach" To this day no one knows
whether Garland tasted the soap or not.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-15
ma. F0RSTEMS SPEECH.

Mr.. Forster's speech at Bradford evinces
political independence and practical sagacity.
In contending that any franchise bill introduced
during the approaching session of Parliament
must include Ireland, he supports the views
entertained by Mr.. Chamberlain, a political
rival whom he has reason TO distrust and dis
like. He has the manliness to avow his con-
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-15

seems TO be good reason, therefore, for the
general congratulation which everybody has in
dulged in on learning of these conilagrations'
Three narrow escapes, however, should be
warning to the owners of our other theatres,
most of which are by no means what they ought
to be in regard to safety We have had three
fortunate fires. 1t will not do to presume on
orr good luck.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-15

is not generally known outside tn,
,test London circles that when Lady Clara We're d
learned that Mr. TennysOn had been made a Baro
fastened to write and send him the following
Baron Alfred T. de t.,
Are we at last in sweet accordl
Ilearn-excuse the girlish glee-
That you've became noble Lord;
So now that time TO think you've had
or what 1t is makes charming girls,
Perhaps you find they're not 50 bad
Those daughters OF u hundred earls.
Baron Alfred T. de T.,
When last your face CHANGED to zee,
You had the passion OF your MID,
You said some hOrrid things TO me:
And then-"we parted" You to sail
For Oshkosh in the simple Storage,
But now, excuse my glrlsh glee.
YOU'RE reappearing IN the peerage!
Baron Alfred T. deT.,
Were you indeed misunderstood
That other day heard you say,
otis only noble to be gOOd"f
/ really thought that you affirmed,
IT'S so the words come back TO me,
"Kind hearts arc more than c0r0nets"-
My Lord, excuse my girlish glee.
Baron Alfred T. de T.,
There stand twin spectres In your hall,
Soon as they found you were a Lord
Two wholesome hearts were changed 10 gallj
The two, an humble couple they,
think see them, on my life,
The while they read Of " Baron" T.,
That gardener Adam and bis wife
Baron Alfred r. de T.,
You've treated them, II seems TO me,
In quite shabby sort OF style
You haYe-eXcuse my girlish glee;
You praised their garden sass You did;
You frted with them-dOnt deny,
And now, you fix a vacant stare,
And never speak "a they pass by.
Trust me, Baron T. de T.,
From yOn blue heaven above us BENT
This simple granger and his spouse
Smile as you read your title clear;
However IL be, It seems 10 me,
Nor must you call my language cruel
1t seems, excuse my girllsh glee,
Consistency 5 lovely jewel
Baron Alfred L. de T.,
know your proud your name 10 own
Your pride is yet no mate lOf niue,
NV blood Is bluer than your own
You'll bid me break your heart again
For pastime e'er TO town 20,
I'll NOT DO that my noble Lord
But give you something that owe.
Baron Alfred T. de t..
When you were In that angry ht
You turned 10 me and Numbered out,
Go teach the orphan girl 10 knit"j
am an orphan girl myself.
And that my knitting you may see,
Here Is a BIitien that I've knit
Excuse my gushing, girlish glee.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-15

Some plain words which Mr.. p. Fl. Winston,
IT,. of North Carolina has just addressed to the
people of the South will be found elsewhere in
this impression. They will not be pleasant read
ing TO the Democrats of this State. Mr.. Win
ston points out that there is at presenting reason
why sensible men should act with the Demo-
cratic party. Its principles arc no longer defined,
and its course impedes progress in the South.
Mr.. Winston is q native of North Carolina and
has long been identified with the party he now
arraigns. 1t will hardly be denied, therefore,
that he knows what he is talking about.
The Visiting Committee of the Board OF Man
ayers of the Rochester House of Refuge for Jul
venile Delnauents seems to be doing its duty
thoroughly lust now. Its members have discOy-
cred that there is truth in the rumors that the
inmates of the institution have been brutally
treated. The offending officers therefore, have
been discharged, and, possibly, will be punish
ed. But it is singular that the Visiting Com
mitteemen did not suspect that anything was
wrong until public rumor brought it to their
ears. They were especially appointed to see
that alb SEES did not creep into the institution
If they had kept their eyes open and had visited
the place as it ought to be visited the present
state of affairs could hardly have come to pass.
The Hewitt resolution urging the President
to interfere in O'Donnell's behalf, on the ground
that he is an American citizen, went through
the Democratic House of Representatives with
rush only day or two ago +; but a resolution
cOuched in similar language asking for an in
vestigatiOn of the Danville riot was buried
under heap of objections yesterday, almost
before it was read through. If the Danville
incident was all the fault of the negroes as the
Democrats have asserted from the first, why
not authorize an investigation to make the truth
clearer than nOonday2 The negroes who were
killed at Dauville were American citizens as
well as 0'DOnnell. Has the color of the vote to
be influenced anything to do with the action of
the Housed
New York seems to be having great good luck
of late in the circumstances attending the burn
ing of her theatres-as an offset, perhaps to the
terrible calamity in the Brooklyn play house
which occurred just seven years ago the fifth of
this month. The Park burned a year ago at about
p. m. it is only few weeks since the Wind
sor was consumed soon after everybody was
safely out of it and now the Standard has been
destroyed just an hour before the performance
was to begin. In all these places of amusement
there were good many exits in case of need ;
but in the Park and the Standard, especially,
the arrangement of the staircases leading from
tho balconies and galleries was bad, and the
stairs themselves were dangerously steep. In
the Standard, moreover, there was corner i'll
the rear of the box Office where jam of people
would have meant death to several. There