Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-10-13

papers to-day official explanation of the
present filthy condition of the streets, is a yir-
maj admission That the numerous complaints
On that subject we'll founded and falls far
short of bein. credi.abe TO the authorities on
whose behalf the publication appears 10 be
made. The whole matter be summed up
in a halt dozen words: The present street-sweep-
ing service is wholly inefficient. This being
the case, apparent To all eyes, and conf ssed by
those responsible for the health and comfort of
the city, the remedy which is very simple
one. should be applied forthwith. The present
contractor should be made TO keep the streets
clean. without any its or ands. III he cannot or
will nat do this, then the contract should be
taken from him and given to some who is
both aoie and willing to do the work properly.
No minor considerations should any longer be
allowed To interfere with this plain and urgent
duty.
III the alumni Oh cornell university who are
now striving to prevent the issue of purely
honorary degrees by that institution shall sue
coed III their purpose, nobody will regret it
except those unrlpe scholars who have buoyed
up their hopes of future renowr by the thou. Int
that cnance might throw 4 masters or doc
tors diploma in their way. The comforting of
degrees has become a source OF manifold abuses,
In all the higher Summaries of learning.
Honors have gone so steadily by favor instead
regarded By the persons who might be ex-
pected most tn value them. This is a field il,
which REFORM Is not only possible but practi-
cable. Academic degrees not hereditary:
they die with the holder; and, il a number of
The leading colleges could agree upon policy
of restriction. and stand fast To it for genera
ton or two, multitude OF past blunders would
be botted oat, while no new bluuders would be
committed TO supply their places. Cornell uni
versity. owing to it's comparative Independence
oihvinS beneIacLoss, is al institution well fitted
10 SET the reiNm in motion, and its older con-
tenporaries viii lose nothing in dignity by
falling into line behind it.
Both Secretary Manning aud the public lac
has so admirably served have reason to con
graduate themselves on his ability to return to
his post al the head oi the Treasury Depart
ment- II is TO be hoped that the confidence
born of his improvement; in tile face of serious
obstacles may not carry him into anot her excess
oil work One warning such Is he las received
~ilhln the last h;t.i-year should answer for a
whole lifetime.
The delegates HON district assembly 40 to
The general assembly at Richmond may have
stirred up some local feeling against themselves
ON the social equality question, bat they prov ed
last evening, by their WORK At q ire what SORT
vi STUN they are made of. In the south, where
personal bravery is "a trait particularly admired
one sneh exhibition As ihat will atone Tor good
many minor sins anu shortcomings
Iae action taken by the directors of the Alex.
andria Canal Compan Monday looking To
tue settlement of the qucs.iO. al issue between
that corporation and the lessees of the canal
with regard To the title OF the aqUeduct bridge.
Is only about three months iaie but better late
than never. Ii the question had been one of
immediate profit 10 The directors OF the canal
company, Instead oi a mere convenience to the
puolic. II would not have Witnessed the waste
of q Whole summer on ats first preliminary.
Ex-Marshai Bstzaine illustrates admirably I'm
his own career the old maxim about giving a
dog d bad oane. His conviction OF treason at
detz appears To have been only the BEGINNING
OF series OF disclosures. all rointing to the ex.
istence OF deeply dishonor,bie traits in his char.
acter. The fact that General Diaz has no, hesi.
lated 10 publish his charge while the ex-marshal
Is still alive. at liberty, and neutral soil gives
the story OF the proposed betr,y al of Maximillan
ID Very strong color OF truth.