Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-02-17

Wa1hiuQfOu. and equal To That OIL al the
0tksr daily papers here added together.
One of the questions which the democratic
party is seriously divided Is that of our silver
policy There are individuals in the republican
party who favor silver coinage, but the party as
such opposes il. But the democrats are not so
united. A very respectable element in that
party, both in numbers and influence desire
the contsnued coinage of the standard silver
dollar and its distribution through the channels
oftrade, II necessary, by force. On the other
hand, large body of the party cordially
sympatkizes with the republican attitude on
this question.
1t seems that President-elect Cleveland like
most eastern democrats, belongs to this latter
class and, naturally, the silver men are dis
gruntled at the discovery, especially as Mr..
Cleveland appears TO be disposed to push his
views actively on this question. They have,
therefore, united in petition to him to refrain
TO. the present from committing his admins
fration TO an anti-silver policy. There may be
significance in the fact, however, that the petit
ton, though signed. has not been sent
1t does not follow that those who urge the sus-
pension of tn silver coinage object TO the use of
the silver dollar as circulating medium. 1t Is
admitted that, as a matter of fact, the coin does
not circulate, and that the effort to force 1t In 20
circulation by purchases of bullion and contin-
ued coinage has thus far been failure. Many
believe that the true way to satisfactory adjust
hent OF the relation. OF gold and silver is to be
reached by just the opposite course from that
followed by this government for several years
now without success. 1t might be we'll, as these
persons suggest, to try the other tack.
The vaS =, but ominous statement Is made
that 5000 people are out of work In New York
city. OF this number 10000 are put down as
wom.a. OF course, In population of more
than million there are hundreds of thousands
who do belong To he yvn W fper
in most families only one two persons receive
pay for labor, the other members being occu-
pied In domestic cares, social activities school,
ing, idhns, and so forth. But if it is meant that
there are $1,000 persons who in ordinary times
earn wages, who are now out of employment,
the situation Is indeed gloomy. Probably the
estim,se is much exaggerated
That unusual restitution prevails Is however
too evident for denial. Many willing. capable
and honest men are out of work. and wages
when obtained, are often below the rate of fair
compensation. No one, for instance. can blame
the men who are facing this keen winter on an
empty stomach for demonstrating against the
engagement by the New York authorities of
Italian contract-laborers on the streets at a cav
OF ninety cents day. This is a rate of wages
WEIGH Is insufficient to meet the most neces-
sary and measer needs of an American citizen
1t Is too little for one man 10 live on let alone
q family. Nor Is 1t an answer to the complaint
argument is one of the sophistries of the dreary
sciesce of political economy. As well might IL
be argued that because competition forces down
the passengerrate from New York to Chicago to
one dollar that that is the proper charge for the
serviYs.
Representative, Ex-senator Eaton or Oldbill-
eaton as he is more affectiOnatel; known in
3ankeeland, is not to be awed in his old age by
such kickshaw as the sergeant-at-arms' mace
ia
cid the veteran constitutional lawyer who
would not bend the knee TO the Electoral Conn
mission, so far forgot his veneration for law In
yesterdays stormy scene in the House, as to
treat Nj. Hills spread-eagle emblem with open
ooloQuy and contempt, but even went so far as
to express his INSTRUMENTATION In that peculiarly
offensive form known as the .'long nose
fashion of derision very popular among small
boys after reaching q safe distance but rarely
INDUCED IN by eX>ouuders of the constitution
On the floor OF C6ngr .ss
Two great capitals were vexed with riots YES I,
terday. In Paris the communists quarreled
among themselves, and came rear disturbing
the general peace. In London, thousands of
disconte- I'D workingmeE gathered in the
squares and I'd NJ. Gladstones official
residense, and voiced their grievances In no
gentle ssrain. 1t behooves society to mind these
portents. 1t will be remembered that ante
=.
and enjoyed itself generally, while Noah and
his samples Of animals for preservation were
going into the ark
The action OF the House on the Grant bill was
not credftable to either its head or heart. A
bill Of this class deserves to be considered on its
merits, and not be made a football for politi-
clans. It was unfortunate, moreover, that such
stress was laid on the fact of Grants poverty
The country Is disposed to grant him special
honors and rewards, not because he is DOOR but
because his military services deserve them.
The measure will now go over till the next
Congress, probably, although Mr.. Randall has
expressed an intention of making another
effort TO get the Edmunds Senate bill before the
House.
1t Il tntimated at Albany that by the end of
the week the President-elect will announce his
cabinet so many interests have to be con-
suited that il Is mex TO impossible to keep an
appointment o. this sort long a secret Unless
the present slate Is smashed by some unfore-
seen accident three of the cabinet will be Bay
ard, Manning and Garland
MI. Randalfs scheme for the reorganization of
the navy Is radtca; IL character and ON that &C
count viii dnj activ, friends and active ene-
mics. But the country viii. be satisfied with it,
or any other schem, If IL succeeds. The main
thing is to make a start in the needed work
VI dc lob