Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-12-08

Here and there peevish criticism IS stu heard
against the artistic fitness and beauty of the Wash
!ngton monument. though IL is fair to assume that
those who now decry the monument have not seen
IL in its completed form Among those who have
the advantage OF thus inspecting it there f;a sub
stantial agreement as TO ifs merits Its simplicity
Bn1 dignity appeal to every behOlder as especially
typifying the character Of Washington and IL Will
take IT'S place among the commemorative shafts OF
the world as Inferior TO none In appropriateness
aud effectiveness OF design.
While the shaft was In an fpconpIptei starp n
had suggestions OF the shot tower and rnunufac-
tory chimney order, and serious doubts were enter
tanned IL II would outgrow these smilartie5, but
such fears have been dspelled "a the lortiness OF
the structure It's tapering lines and the cap OF the
ooeiisS have given the shaft all IT'S anticipated
grace The effect IS helped, too by the material
used IN the construction, q fine white marble,
which gives the ooelisk a lightness, purity and
serenity that would have been lacking with a
darker stone.
IL VIII be remembered that before Congress de-
cided 10 complete the monument on the original
plan, the most capable architects OF the country
were invited to suggest Improvements and that In
answer to this request number Of designs were
submitted But none were found TO be as salts
factory Is that on which the monument was begun
anu. on this pl1n therefore, with slight nod-
fcation. the work was prosecuted to a conclusion
The appearance OF the now completed shaft amply
JuStIIeS SuCA decision IL Is left TO finish the
work by architectural decorations at the base. q
feature IN which care must be taken not to oyerdo
The y. 7. Times publishes this morning the text
OF the Spanish commercial treaty Just negotiated
through the efforts of Mr.. Foster. Its essential
provisions have already been divulged but the full
text shows more clearly the Importance Of the
document The spots where the shoe will pinch
VIII be with regard 10 the sugar and tobacco In
terestS- In these two directions the United states
has promoted by protective legislation Industries
which properly belong TO n more tropical climate
than is embraced Ia territory and hence II the
assistance at present rendered these Industries is
now Withdrawn they VIII Amos, inevitably lam
guish- How practical an issue this preciptates is
illustrated by the shutting down of the great to-
bacco mandatory OF StraitOn and Storm In New
York, involving the loss OF employment to over
2CCO operatives The firm, in defense OF their ac-
lion, take the ground that the removal OF the pres
ent duty on leaf tobacco VIII parayze their busi-
ness as In that case they cannot compete with the
cuban manufacturer, and hence they stop their
shops 20 await the action OF the Senate Naturally
The clgaTI0akerS are strenuous II their opposition
10 treaty that thus threatens TO cost them their
means OF livelihood, and they may be expected 10
oppose It's ratification By all the influence at their
Command The sugar interest is equally indlg-
naHt and viii oppose the treaty with all It's powers
Hence IL Is evident that the Senate and possibly
the House, Will shortly be engaged In an active
taTiu controversy in spite Of the laborous efforts
o. some of the democratic leaders to keep that un
easy spirit down