New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-11-09


to the stories in circulation concerning the
Geological Survey. Many of them were hardly
worth the attention which Major Powell has
given to them. But as the Democrats seem
anxious to break down this valuable scientific
work, it Is probably well that their talsehoods
should be categorically answered
Now that the election is over, the public will
take more interest in the work of the Senate
Investigating Committee, which resumes
opelations to-day. There can be no charge
now that it is in any way Influenced by selfish
political considerations 1t has only scratched
the surface vet. If it goes to the bottom of the
abuses in the Public Works, Excise and other
departments, it will dO..a great public service.
LEGISLATION for the state Prisons Is one thing
that should early engage the attention OF the
next Legislature. Warden Lanehart reports
$50 idle convicts at Auburn alone. They have
q demoralIzing influence on the men at work,
and are themselves suffering physical and
moral deterioration. 1t Is a great shame that
the people of this State should be called upon
to support these stalwart criminals III idlencss.
II is not a creditable thing that in the three
largest cities in this country thousands OF chill
dren are shut out from the public schools for
lack of accommodations. But such is the case
in New-York, Philadelphia and Brooklyn. In
the latter city many children are admitted on
half time and new school houses are being
built In Newly York, however, not much Is
being done to remove this stain on the admin
istratiOn of municipal affairs. In Philadelphia
the people are beginning to stir themselves to
redress the wrong, but it seems doubtful as to
whether they will accomplish much.
Mayor Beaugrand, of Montreal, is deserving
of public sympathy. He is doing his best to
stamp out the smallpox epidemic, but he is
meeting with all sorts OF opposition and abuse.
Even his family has been grossly slandered as
a part of the warfare waged upon him. Ihe
Montceal authorities made their mistake i'll not
taking energetic steps to stay the disease Wh'h
it first appeared. As i result or that neglect
the city is saddled with an extra burden oil hall
million dollars in debt, while its citizens have
lost millions of dollars in the falling oil OF
trade and travel.
The result of the examinations for Welghcr
in the Custom House is at least vlndicatloh oil
Civil Service reform methods John w.
OBrien who stands highest on the list Is now
an assistant weigher, and has had twenty years
experience in the Government service. Had
not the President changed the regulations.
Sterling, who stands twenty-fourth on the list
of eligibles, would have no chance of an
appointment But as Mr.. O'Brien is veteran
and the law requires veterans to be given the
preference, he Will probably get the place. 1t
will be some reparatiOn OF the outrage on civil
Service reform committed by the removal OF
Captain Bacon TO have his assistant made his
successor.
General Nathan Goti mentions significant
fact in connection with the election in Virginia.
The Republicans made gains in the "Whito
Belt" but the Democrats made their alleged
heavy gains in the Black Belt" According
to the Democrats, General Lees saddle, which
failed to appeal TO the intelligent white voters,
hal a rousing effect on the blacks, inducing
them to forsake their party. This is q very
thin pretext to cover up frand. There was less
danger in ballot-box' stutling, fraudulent
counting. and in preventing voters from