New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-12-14

chandlse amounting 10 more IMAM pow Is
equivalent to an addition TO the tariff tax OF
Der cent ad valorem. Therein lies fair argu-
ment in favor of putting United States consuls
on salaries or of reorganizing the fee system.
II was the part of wisdom for the Bridge
Trustees TO act cautiously on so important
question as the abolition Of tolls ON the prom
enade and roadways. Even if they had a
clear right to take such action, there are many
people who doubt the wisdom OF sweeping
away considerable source of income TO the
cities which built the Bridge The matter now
will go to the Legislature. in which the people
have much more confidence than IN the men
who control the Bridge.
The probability that the Thirdave. surface
railway would be changed into cable road has
now become O certainty. Something OF this
sort as inevitable as soon as the fares on the
elevated road were reduced to fy cents at all
hours. Doubtless the public convenience will
be serv ed by the use of a cable. The condition
of Third-ave. will not be any worse than 1t is
now and travel will be faster, if it is no
cheaper. Moreover, the sanitary condition Of
tie city cannot fail to be improved when the
stables and horses of the company are dis
pensed with. A cable ought tn work well on
the Third AVE. route, it is so straight
Wightman, a priv ate detective convicted of
blackmail In connection with the Sears divorce
suit has finally been sentenced to three years
imprisonment. He ought to have had I've. IL
In high time that something was dope to stop
the abuses of the private detective system,
which for years have been outrageous. StIicter
legislation has often been suggested, but that
would be a dangerous remedy, and might
operate against just measure OF personal lib
erty. The thing to do is to let the men en-
gagged in this business understand that when
they are caught 10 wrong doing the severest
possible punishment will be inflicted upon
them.
The Commissioners of Accounts cost this city
a pretty sum which could be spent to better
advantage III some other way. Two years ago
their salaries were raised from $4,000 to
$1,000 and number of clerks were furnis he'd
them. The understanding was that the Com
missiOners would henceforth supply the Board
of Estimate and ApporuOnment with facts
which would be of value in making up the
city's annual expenses. What has the result
beenf TneBOard has not had fact of any
kind from the Commissioners but yesterday
they turned In a communication giving their
opinion of the amount of money the Board of
Health ought to have for 1887. Of course it
was of no value. This is painfully small
dividend on the money the city has invested in
these officials.
The Boaid Of Estimate is exhibiting a CON-
ND ldable tendency toward economy but there
10 danger that 1t may 20 too far in this direction
In some cases aud not far enough in others.
Considering the wretched condition of the
psvements in many Of the important business
stSeets--a condition which General Newton
characterizes rs scandalous-the Board did not
act wisely yesterday in refusing to make a
larger appropriation for paving. The sum of
$23S,000 will not do much toward imDroviu g
the streets. The money devoted TO this pur-
pose In recent years has been largely wasted.
General Newton promises 10 expend it wisely,