New-York tribune., 1886-01-05

The storm which has overspread nearly the
whole country east of the Rocky Mountains for
the last two or three DAYS is unusually large
even for this season of broad storms, but not
exceptionally severe. 1t is remarkable, how
ever. thai SO few of such storms have been felt
thus far this winter. Starting from Texas and
NewMexico it has moved enthusiastically to
the Lakes, with snow upon its western hank,
but onIy rain TO the northeastward and south
eastward The weather prophets do not prom
ise much use for hand-sleds and toboggan slides
in this neighborhOod in the immediate future
The sentiments of the President of the
Board of Aldermen, Mr.. Mooney, do him credit.
He hoped the members would feel their re-
sponsibility as representatives of million and
a half of people, and take no action that would
cast discredit on themselves. Their duties
should be performed fairly without tn fear OF
legislative committees before their eyes. This
was neat hit at the retiring Board. When
Mr. Mooney takes his seat in the Board OF Estl-
mate and ApportiOnment we trust ne Will make
a personal application of all these points to
himself, and always prefer duty to the inter-
ests OF Irving Hall.
The wheels Of legislation begin to revolve in
Albany to-day, and the general expectation Is
that the grist ground out will be decided i'm
provement on that OF last year. Both Senate
and Assembly contain many members as trust
worthy as they are intelligent and experienced,
and the organization effected last night is just
ly regarded as an earnest of better things than
usual A number of matters or large public IN
terest await the attention of these legislators,
and the members could not do better than to
give them precedence over everything else
There are tax reforms, municipal government,
excise bills and the like the private measures
and small Jobs can wait-the longer the better.
Officers connected with the Army or Navy in
positions to which they have been appointed
by the President ard confirmed by the Senate
will take especial interest in a decision oil the
Supreme Court reached yesterday. 1t declares
that such officers are liable to trial by court
martial for irregularities although the office
may be in its nature civil one. The TRIAL of
Paymastcr General Smith, of the Navy, is
therefore ordered to proceed. Another decision
of public interest declares that military compa-
nies not organized uDdor the laws of the State
or Nation may be dissolved by the State au-
thOrities 1t seems strange that this question
should have been raised since the War of the
Rebellion was settled In favor of the Union.
How otherwise could sedtiOn or treason be put
down
The ten Democratic members from Hamilton
County took their seats in the lower House of
the Ohio General Assembly yesterday, and for
the time being therefore, Democratic election
frauds have triumphed in the Buckeye State.
There was apparently no way to avoid this re-
cult, after the recent decision of the Ohio Su-
preme Court General Robinson, being only
temporary chairman, announced that he could
not 20 behind the certificates, and the
Democrats who held these papers were
therefore sworn in. 1t was disgraceful sight
and one which honest citizens i'm OHIO would
probably like to forget quickly. But they will
not be able to do so. The House, later in the
day, directed the Committee on Privileges and
Elections to examine INTO the rights OF these
ten frauds to their seats. AS the committee
has power to send for persons and papers the
inquiry ought to be so thorough as to leave no
doubt who is directly responsible for these
shameful violations of law.
Mayor WhitDey's first message is composed
of commonplace remarks upon matters familiar
20 all who are acquainted with the affairs OF
Brooklyn. 1t does not show the writer to be
possessed Of broad or original ideas, or OF the
marked capacity to administer the Office TO
which he was elected. Nevertheless, this
merely PLAIN statement of facts regarding The
condition of Brooklyn cannot fail to DO sug'