New-York tribune., 1885-07-06


he seems to have preference for the most offensive
partisans, and particularly where he has personal
knowledge of the political activity of the candi-
date. Thus at Buffalo Nh. Gatchell, who has just
been appointed appraiser. is a prominent Demo-
cratic politician who has held several Offices al
ready, and among others that of deputy sheriff.
The only partisanshp that seems to be offensive TO
the present Administration is partisanship In oppo-
sitiOn to the party of rebellion.
The Marquis of Queensberry has been disputng
with Monsgnor Capel Oh the subject of Agnosti-
cism, in San Francisco. and it seems to be the pre-
vailing impression that the peer was worsted in the
debate. Perhaps if the arena of discussion had been
twenty -four foot ring. and 1t had been condurted
under his Lordship's ruled, the result might
have been different.
The Pennsylvania Republicans will hold their
State Convention at Harrisburg on Wednesday,
July 8. and there promises to be warm contest.
The only State Office to be filled this year is that OF
State Treasurer, which makes it important that an
unexceptionabe nomination should be made. Coio-
mel VI. 5. Quay is the most active candidate for
the place, but lac is strongly opposed by 1he Fh'to-
doiphia Press and other Republican papers, on the
ground that his nomination would awaken the
factonal fight which lost the State to the Republi-
with Senator Cameron in past contests; and the
desire of many Republicans seems to be to harmon
ize and strengthen the party by the choice OF
candidate who will satisfy everyb body. There ought
to be plenty of such among the half million
Republicans in that State
The appointment of Dir. IIedden as Collector OF
tho Port is not Nlr. Cevelands act. Why will not
the Democratic press tell the truth about the mat
teri Nr. Thompson was invited by the President
10 nominate the Collector and he graciously con
sented Mr.. Hedden IL Collector by favor Of King
master Thompson. If he be Civil Service reformcr
of the ne west type, on ly plain. blunt merchant
content to conduct public Office on strict business
principles, let Mr. Thompson have his due lie dis
covered the Collector aud made him what he is.
Simultaneous raids of Ayoob Khan's allies in
Afghanistau and of the lIonassir tribe at Dongsla
will remind the Marquis of Salisbury that the Lab
eral Government have left considerable diplomatic
estate to be administered by their SUCCESSORS Inc
Afghan question has not been settled by the English
policy of snrrendering after Russian pledges nave
been violated and the Soudan has not been paci-
fled nor Egypt permanently protected by the death
of Gordon and the butchery of the garrlsons lhe
MARQUIS of Salisbury now has the opportunity oil
Offering the English people definite policy both III
Afghanistan and the Soudan rs substitute for
yacllation, indecisIon and helplessness Gordon
in his diaries described Liberal diplomacy rs the
policy of a log floating down stream, drifting along
and taking advantage Of every circumstance. IL
WIS tho policy Of inaction until action should be-
come inevitable in order TO avert Ministerial defeat
albeit too late to secure any practical result.
Commander Schlcy has procured tho establish
mcpt ofa school for improved instruction for sailors
The purpose is to teach them to handle the modern
gnns which are conspicuous by their absence III
what we ale pleased 10 call our navy As we may
some day come to possess effective guns, and posi-
bly, ships to put them ill., 1t is thought well to pre-
pare our seamen in advance. This Is thoughtfui
policy. though it cannot be said TO promise any
immediate returns
Riel appears to think himself entitled to acanittal
because he surrendered when he had no alternative.
His story about being lnveged into the rebellion
by others is very thin. There is plenty OF evidence
that he was at work for months stirring up the
half-breeds and that he was only carrying out
views which he is known to have held for many
years. His ambition has long been notorious. and
there will probably be difficulty in proving that
be was the head aud front OF the insnrrecton. and
that il would not have occurred except for his
enprts But for all this. it is possible that the
Canadian Government may lind 1t embarrassing TO
punish him Is deserves
The cities of this ceuntry seem peculiarly dis
posed of late to provide themselves with new or
ganizarions and new charters. Boston Is just get
ting into a new suit of municipal clothes, which,
IN Democratic opinion. fit too much like strait
Jacket. Philade phia, on the other hand has new
charter which the Democrats are hoping will
enable thon 10 secure some measure OF control IN
that Republican city. 1t is question for phio-
sophical students of political problems why So
called reforms of city governments almost in-
yariably take tho shape of doprving the people OF
cities of some part of their power Would it not be
as well 10 recognize the fact at the outset that
great city Is III many respects n great hotel. oc-
cupied by great number Of people who have no
sense OF permanent residence aud no fixed or abld-
ing interest in tho prosperity of the city. because
they know that they arc liable to move to any
other place in search OF employment at short
notice. 1t is the changcable nature of the popula-
ton of great cities which makes it peculiarly
difficult to apply to them the principles of self
government, which elsewhere work 10 well III
practice.
IL Secretary Manning wants To win hoaors as q
reformer he might better turn his attention to his
workers in Albany County. Supervisor Wise. who
was indicted for alterng election roturns last
November, has not yet been tried Burn and Ker-
man, two inspectors indicted for violating tho cleo
ton laws have just succeeded in getting their trials
further postponed, while John Duff has been await
ing trial on similar charges for two years. 1t be-
gins to look as If :" Boss Mannn9s Dstrict-At-
torney means to lot down easy tho machines bal
lot-box mapipllators who get caught at their ne
farous work.
PERSONAL.
Bishop Doane. OF Albany. has written latter warmly
commencing the early closing movement Forty OF tue