The morning call., 1894-01-31

The fund for the unemployed is running
down, and contributions are needed TO
continue the good work. In this res pect a
generous example has been set by the en-
plOyes Of the mint, who have subscribed
one days pay to the fund. amounting to
the handsome total of S675. If this spirit
were shown generally in workshops, fac
tories and stores, the relief committee
would be freed from anxiety. For
couple of months yet the unemployed must
depend on assistance of this character
and they are returning much more than
the value of the money in the improve
ments they are effecting at the park.
Admiral Benham's firmness at Rio was
the right policy 10 tea h the Brazilians
manners. Any display of supneness
after refusal on the part Of Da CANA to
cease firing over American merchantmen
in the harbor would have been interpreted
as an acknowledgment of superiority in
The Brazilian rebel forces, and have led to
conduct even more outrageous and con-
temptuous. By clearing his ships for
action Admiral Benham made it evident
that he was prepared to clear the rebel
cruisers out OF Rio waters or under them,
and the lesson thus given is wholesome.
The war in Brazil. as far as fighting goes,
has lasted long enough. and has degener-
principle at stake On the part Of De Mello.
As far as good or bad government can be
secured, one side Is about as trustworthy
and capable as the other. and other coun-
tries are mainly interested in seeing q ces-
sation of the strife. 1t is probably hope
less to expect that peace will be perma-
Dent The dictatorship spirit will arise
again TO tarnish the name of republican
institutions.
Some more Panama scandals are prom
ised unless terms are made with DR.. Herr,
whose disclosures had such an unfortunate
effect on the political fortunes of Clemen-
ceau, the Cabinet-wrecker. 1t is quite
likely that many more names may be be-
smirched in France il the truth were to
come out without reserve. De LessepS is
an instance of the man who is always
turning up in France 10 magnetic the
grand nation. He was successful at SueZ,
although no more an engineer by profess
sion than a tailor, and 1t was cHnfiden tly
thought he must succeed at Panama. The
failure OF that work serves one good pur-
pose. 1t should make precautions dOubly
sure that no such fiasco of fraud and in
competence shall arise in connection with
the Nicaragua canal
An old man who ia cheerful and merry
hearted until the end of his days puts to
scorn the groans and despair OF pessmism.
Such rarity is the venerable Professor
Blackie. the Greek scholar, poet. essayist
and critic, who is now 81 years and 6
months old. In explaining bis natural
buoyaIcy OF temperament he recently
gave three reasons. He has always loved
his native mountain air of Scotland, he
has preferred walking on his legs 20 any
other form OF locOmOtion, and he has
always loved Scottish songs better than
anything else in the world. But he added
a fourth characteristic. He loved his
fellow man, and especially all bonnie
lassies. as he quantity puts it. The pro-
fessor may sometimes be seen taking
carriage drive surrounded by bevy of
young ladies, and he is by no means the
oldest of the party in friskiness and ge-
niality of his manner On such occasions
He is remarkably well-preserved man,
spare in physique, 1.-the. elastic and
straight
Buyers OF real estate 60 by sentiment
when it is with them for profit, but mere
historic associations count for nothing
unless remunerative. The famous Mont.
gomery block. the plainest but one of the
strongest buildings in the city, was put up
to auction YESTERDAY, and disposed of for
$3.50 less than 100000. How the builders
would stare at such a realization, CON-
pared with what the property was worth
III pdllDs udS sOuC W JnO is
so interesting in its associations that some
one with a memory for anecdOte could
produce a most readable volume on its
skeletons in the cupboard.
Vallejo has now a water supply of its
own, thanks to the public spirit and fore
sight of its citizens. The blessing of this
enterprise lies in getting absolute control
Of the supply for the benefit of the whole
city at the lowest possible price. Ii there
is profit it will go into the treasury of the
city and relieve the burden of taxation.
There will be no watering of stock. n o
grudging of hvdrants to put out fires. no
plunder of the community by excessive
rates. Cities which have their water sup
ply are inclined 10 study other matters
with public spirit.