New-York tribune., 1884-01-11

The Alumni Association of Columbia have now
taken the first step toward the establishment of
course of public lectures under their own direction.
The first Of these will be given this evening In the
college building, at Madison-ave. and Forty-ninth-
ST. by Dr. Charles Waldsten. The subject is " In
fuence of Athletic Games on Greek Art" This is
praiseworthy movement and should be supported
by all the friends of Columbia.
Mr.. Morrison's selection of subcommittee on
tariff changes is quite significant Mr. Mills, of
Texasi is Free-Trader, Mr.. Kelley of Pennsylvania,
is a Protcctionist, and Mr.. Hewitt, of Ncw-fork,
has declared his position repeatedly and fully.
There can be little doubt that such subcommittee
will recommend great changes, and as httlo that
the majority of the full Committee of Ways and
Means will favor them. But there Is growing ap-
prehensIon among the Democrats, evidently, that
Mr. Randall and good many others will prove
traitors to the party" by voting with the Repubh-
cans against important changes Of the tarltf.
The spectators who have been trying to put up
the price Of grain are having a hard time what
with posted wheat at home and accumulation or
unsod grain abroad, the prospect for forcing the
Old World to buy at our own price Is not quite as
favorable as some flaming statements made 1t ap-
pear a month ago. The millions who consume
wheat i'll this country will shed no tears If the spec
uators fail to make bread dearer. With enormous
stocks in sight we find that other countries nave
so far taken from our Atlantic ports 2O,OOO,OOO
bushels less wheat since September than they dld
during the months of the last crop year.
which does not sustain the reports Of unprece-
dented demand abroad. In flour exports, also,
there has been decrease of Go0,330 barrels, equal
TO 3 OGI .525 bushels 50 that the demand has thus
far been $4,000 900 bushels less than it was in
1850. The attempt to extort high prices from con-
sinners this year does not seem likely to succeed.
It;sto be feared that Mr.. Payne viii never con-
done Mr.. Thurman.
few weeks ago in discussing the question OF
prison contract labor THE TRIBUNE suggested that
in view of its Importance it might be well Tor the
Legislature to refer it to a commission. Such
commission is provided for in the bill which Mr.
Howe, who has made the subject special study
has lust introduced in the Assembly. 1t would OBJ
yiously be a great public misfortune II politics
were allowed to assist in shaping the prison policy
of the State. The movement for commission is
advocated by the Prison Association, non-parti-
san organization composed of pubc-spirited citi-
zens who desire to see the PRISON problem solved
independent of politics and in q manner that will
command the general approval. Mr.. Howe's bill
NAV need amendment, but in some shape it ought
to pass, and pass promptly.
1t is not strange that great railroad company
should desire to secure the services of ex-Secre-
tary Sherman as its president, particularly II the
position of the company oblges it to borrow money
When he was Secretary of the Treasury he bor-
rowod about 81 900. 100000 at 4i2 and per cent
and that sum ought to be enough for any railroad.
Still he had the credit of the United States to work
with and possibly might not be quite as successful
in placing the securities of railroad. The wonder
is that anybody expected him to leave the Senate
where he is of great public service, for the salary
that any corporation can offer.
An effort was made in the Legislature IN 1881 to Sc
cure to this city the exclusive services ofthe
officers, assistants and subOrdinates who are PAID
from the municipal treasury a salary for such ser
vices In any bill intended to reform the city gov
ernnent which may be introduced this year. a
similar clause should be inserted No person SAoulu