New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-01-06
TOPICS IN LEADING CITIES.
SIN FRANCISCO.
REVIEW OF THE YEAR-PARDONS ABUSE
THE PRESS-MRS. FAIR.
rBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE


SAX FRASC1sCo Jan 5,-Tho annual study OF
statistics OH the first day of the new year showed
that California has no cause for complaint although
the past wear has not been a " bonanza seoson.
Farmers have done well, owing TO the high price u,
wheat Fruit and vegetable growers have furnished
for packing produce worth $i,5OO,OOO. WINE
makers estimate their crop at 1000 900 gallons OF
wine above the average in quality. The only indus
try which has not fourshed is mining In this city
progress has boon rapid. Eight hundred and three
new buildings were erected, costing over S0,ooo'-
900, great advance over previous years
Tho social and moral record, however, is bad.
Tho homicdes in this city numbered twenty-seVen'
and $40 divorces were granted an increase III Doth
cases over previous years. Most of the homlclues
were murders for which there was no reasonable
excuse and their frequency was due primarily 10
lax enforcement of law and the sympathy OF Jurles
with criminals.
What promises to work equal injury is the tend
ency shown TO pardon criminals. The Board OF
State Prison Directors issued orders that they would
receive applications for pardon on certain day
About sixty applicants handed i'll pleas on Thurs
day. Among them were many murdercrs ana
forgers and ClemctShaw one Of the perurers Ill tho
Kalloch case. who sworc Tint Charles De Young
fired one shot at his assassin 1T is SAID that the
Directors will pardon or reduce the sentences OF
several juvenile offenders. These young mood
lumsp who have excited tho compassion OF the
Board deserve no pity as they are mainly old in
crime, with no more desire for reformation than
professional thieves in the police court.
The case of Cox, for the murder of Mclaughlin Is
on trial The members of phenomenal coroners
Jury, which pronounced COXs crime case OF self
defence were called to testify for the prisoner but
they made bad showing. They declared that 1t
was their impression that the wound IN the neck Wns
caused by bullet which entered in front; whereas
the testimony of the examining physicians,
which they heard stated positively that the "istol
bali entered at the back of the neck, thus over
turning the hypothesis of self-dofence Ii was also
shown that several jurors were strong personal
friends of Cox.
There are fresh rumors of starting a newspaper
here by Dclacy the San Jose editor, who had Sc
cured the financial backing of 4. J. Donnelly, the
wealthy cattle dealer He is said to have won over
another millionaire and several business men. and
to have made arrangements for bringing out his
paper on March I. Meanwhile the old alta Cd'tor-
mia has emerged as an eight page paper. about the
size of The Springfield Mass Republican, and seems
to have taken new lease of life.
Calling on New Years Day was less general this
year than usual and many ladies who made elab-
crate preparations and received friends declared
this wond be their last attempt to follow the old
CUSTOM What has spoiled the day Is the habit of
many men to go about in parties of four or six call
ing at every house where any one of their number
has the slightest acquaintance.
1t is said that Mrs. Fair who recently secured a
divorce from the Nevada Senator will soon receive
guests In her fine house on Mob Hill.