Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-02-16
The Evening star has a regular. permanent
bena nde daily circulation more than treble
that of any other daily paper Published in
Washington. and equal TO that of all the
ether daily papers here added together.

The prompt and emphatic denial by Commits
sioner Webb In yesterdays STAR Of the often
siye sentiments towards ex-Superintendent
Wilson and others interested in the public
schools, attributed to him in sunday paper On
the alleged authority of IA trustee present, was
credtable to his sense of honor and justice, but
the fact that he found it necessary to make
such a disclaimer To relieve himself from the
odious position in which he was placed by that
publication should serve TO show him the evils
of the secret conference business i'm vogue at
the Commissioners office. Had the reporters
been admitted to that conference of the trus-
tees with the Commissioners, there would have
been no possibility of such vicously false repre-
sensations of the proceedings, being made. And
IL there is any excuse for secresy at any time I'm
the proceedings OF the Com issioners there Ger
tainiy can be none in keeping from the public
the parents and taxpayers of the city,-the
fullest knowledge of whatever takes place in
regard to school affairs. All transactions in re-
gard TO the public schools should be as open to
the public ~ the light of day.
The people have been growing more and more
impatient at the continuous steps Of the COM
nissioners towards centralizing power and
shutting out the public and the press from
scrutiny of their actions and records. For this
reason the appointment OF Mr.. Webb to the
board WAS hailed with satisfaction, because IL
was believed that as an old citizen of high char
intelligent idea Of their wants and just claims
rs a tax-payiug community, without vote or
representation, he would seek to popularize the
commissionershp form of government, and in
wife inspection of public affairs instead of re-
polling it. Ii is no. doubted that when he ..gets
the hang of the new house he will fully come
mp 10 the public expectation in this way.
Mr.. Morrisons tariff bill is more conser-
vative than any he has yet proposed, and it is
probably rs little open to- criticism from demo-
cratic sources as any that could be framed. The
entire reduction is estimated at 500. 900, 600 on
the basis of present iInportations. 1t might
happen, however, that the cheaper prices due
to lower duties would increase the consump-
tod and hence keep up the revenue Several
articles are added to the free list, the most i'm
portant OF which are iron, copper and lead ores
salt and lumber. reduction of twenty per
cent is made in the sugar duty. Wool has been
let alone.
The bill must be viewed as a bit of political
strategy for it's friends cannot expect it to pass
There has been some talk. to be sure to the
effect that bill of this moderate character
would unite the democratic party and would
even find favor in the republican Senate. How
idle such specuiations were appears from the
immediate opposition To the bill In the old IA
:niiiar quarters. Gov. Curtin is no doubt
quoted correctly when he is made tn say, II am
n PennSy lvanian, and am against any BILL
tariff reduction or otEarwise-which attempts
specifically 20 do the state inJIry. will vote
against it," This is explicit enough. and it is
fairly representative of PENNSYLVANIA senti
mcnt. There has seemed TO he some doubt rs
to Mr.. RandalFs position. but 10 would be alb
surd 20 suppose that he will change from. at this
time on the tariff. For the moment he is nom
eommittal but the revenue reformers need not
be reminded that no news from Mr.. Randall is
not good news. The Pennsylvania leader un-
derstands better perhaps than any body else in
the House the tactics OF silence and delay It
Is worth while to note, just at this time. that
not single appropriation bill has yet been
p s-ed-
But even If the tariff reforn1ers in the House
are strong enough to pass their bill. In spite OF
a fusion OF republicans and protectionist demo-
Gratis, II Is not 10 be supposed that the measure
will meet the approval of the Senate Hence
1t cannot do more than serve a political pur-
pose In the campaign SOON 10 open for the cleo
ton of a new House of Representatives.