davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-07-13

Secretary GAGE Is the uncertain quantity
in the Presidents Cabinet. That is to say,
much of the apprehension entertained by
men of sense and foresight concerning the
prosperity and good fame of Mr.. MCKIN-
GAGE and his actual or possible perform.
ances. There has not been time enough
yet to form conclusions about his value as
a statesman; but, as the weeks go on, his
course in minor affairs, not less than in
important matters of policy, is watched
with great interest and some anxiety.
Public opinion want to deal justly with
the Secretary of the Treasury, a new and
previously untried man in politics; and it
is now holding him under surveillance.
For that reason, among others, we partic-
ularly desire to record excellent things OF
the Hon. LYMAN j.. GAGE whenever he
gives us the opportunity. Within a few
days past he has been credited by the Wash
ington correspondents with two purposes
Of administrative reform which deserve
special mention, and for which. IL the cor
respondents are correctly informed, the
Hon. LYMAN j. GAGE himself merits un.
qualified commentator.
The first is In regard to the classified lists
under the present civil service rules. By
the sweeping extension of these lists dur
ing Mr.. C~LEvELAND's Administration many
offices were put under what is termed the
protection of the Civil Service law in cases
where there was grave doubt as to the
improvement of the service thereby. The
principle of selection by competitive exami.
nation, instead of by the methods ordinarily
employed by prudent business men in the
choice OF subordinates to fill posts Of re-
sponsibility, becomes a craze In those
minds of which 1t has once taken full pos.
session. The civil service reformers. mean
ing those gentlemen who desire to reform
the system OF appointment to make 1t suit
their theories rather than to promote the
real efficiency of the service, have all
along counted Mr.. GAGE as a friend.
fellow-zealot, and most valuable alIy,
owing to the high Office he holds.
The presence of Mr.. GAGE in the Cabi-
net, and the presence in the last Repub.
lican platform OF a declaration that the
Civil Service law should be thoroughly
and honestly enforced and extended wher-
ever practicable" have encouraged some of
the Chinese extremists to hope for n fur
ther extension of the classified service,
under Mr.. MCKINLEY, particularly in the
Treasury Department.
Itseems probable, however, that Mr., GAGE
understands civil service reform in u broader
and more enlightened sense. The proposal
to take from the present classified service
the deputy collectors and other minor en-
ployees of the Internal Revenue Bureau,
outside of the department at Washington,
including the internal revenue clerks. depu-
ties, and gaugers throughout the States,
comes directly, it is reported, from the Sec
rotary himself. He is said to have sent
to Civil Service COMMISSIONS PRooroR and
to have instructed him. to the disagreeable
surprise of all the Commissioners, to pre-
pare for submission to the President an
order modifying tho present rules In this
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-07-13

particular, N removing o large mt OF
Internal revenue employees for the pro-
lection" Of the Civil Service law. That is
to soy, these officers Of tho Government
are henceforth to be appointed In the old
way, IL Mr.. MCKINLEY approves Secrc-
tary CAGES determination, and makes the
change by Executive order.
1t Is easy to SEQ how Mr.. GAGE might
have hesitated to commit himself distinct
ly to q measure which will be denounced
by all the Middle Kingdom as q step back
ward in civil service refor m, an entering
wedge for the spokesman. Even II his OBJ
servations ofthe workings Of the present sys-
tenn Of appointment in his department had
convinced him, as q business man, that 1t
impaired the efficiency Of the Govern
ment's service, he might have preferred
to avoid tho clamor that will come upon
him from his ancient admirers and allies
in " the cause" To take tho other course
and openly assume the responsibility for a
change in the rules that will be violently
attacked n misrepresentod, shows q
courage worthy Of praise, and q high sense
OF duty.
The other creditable purpose manifested
by Mr.. GAGEc concerns the Office of the Gov
eminent Architect. II we understand the
law passed some time ago, largely through
the public-spirited efforts Of the architects
Of this and other cities, including such
masters Of their profession as CHARLRs T.
McKIM, BRUCE PRICE, GEORGE B. Posi-,
and JOHN M. CARRERE, It's provisions are
sufficient to enable the country to emerge
at once from the Age Of Horrors In Govern
ment Buildings. IL the Secretary Of the
Treasury will only take advantage Of those
| provisions. Secretary CARLISLE refused or
neglected to do this. Secretary GAGE has
already proceeded under the law so far as
to issue regulations throwing open the de-
signing and construction OF Government
buildings to the best professional talent
available.
That is as 1t should be, for here 10 o case
where the competitive principle applies. The
heavy and hideous loads which have been
| piled upon our section of Mother Enrth's
crust during the past twenty-five years or
80 are a disgrace to civilization and to the
nineteenth century. In every State, and In
almost every considerable city or town, the
flag Of the Union flies over some monument
to aesthetic ~vulgarity and expensive igno,
rance. Government buildings, as q rule,
are standing crimes against art and
common sense, monstrosities p~erpetually
exhibited, to the ~incalculable damage Of the
public taste. The Federal Government Is
the most extensive builder in the country,
and the millions 1t expends upon edifces
throughout the land should produce things
of beauty instead of the vile and degrading
masterpieces of official architecture which
we now behold. If Mr.. GAGE puts an end
to the awful series, he will, indeed, earn G
title to glory and the gratitude of genera
lions of Americans to come.
We chronicle with pleasure these en-
couraging reports respecting the views and
intentions of the Secretary Of the Treasury
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-07-13

To THE EprroR OF THE suS-Sfr: ! will thank you
for the opportunity to publicly declare for recognition
of belligerent rights for Cuba. and against the policy
OF this Government. which scems to bo afnlcted with
paralysis OF both brain and conscience. II Is an out
rage on tho sentiments and rights OF tho American
people that in this affair OF supreme national interest
and oblis alton their sympathy should be suppressed
and their will thwarted by tho Administration at
Washington; and a double outrage that this ~indignity
and wrong should be perpetratel by the Adminlstra-
ton OF PreAident Mckinley, elected with special ref.
erence and Affirmative Response 10 the national dc.
mand for Governmental action In behalf OF Cuba.
Aside from tho great questions-no longer questions
in the case of Cuba-of mercy and juatice. IL the
present Administration indifferent to the fierce
light OF public opinion. which Is already adjudging
II to be the creature and bondman OF political mas.
tiers rather than the constitutional and honest rep.
rcsentative OF American manhood and honor? Mr..
Editor. the national heart and self.respect are on hre
with q passion OF pity aud r. resentment which. II not
rIghteously satisfied. win sursiy ono day revenge e..
self by breaking out on those who continue TO cheat
and stine II. ana consuming them In u flame OF popu'
lar contempt aud political annihilation.
The nations soul Is heavy with the guilty sense OF
being mado an accomplice In the Internal crimes OF
Spain. ONE or SEVENTY MILLIONS.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-07-13
Our Growing Torpedo Flotilla.

The Columbian Iron Works has notified
the Navy Department that the Rodgers, a
yardmate Of the Foote, Is ready for trial,
while at Bristol the Dupont, q sister Of the
speedy Porter, has been outdoing the latter
in preliminary runs, and Is credited In
these unofficial performances with the ex.
traordinary maximum of over 3Os4 knots.
We may confidently expect both these
craft to be in commission before long, pos
sibly to take part in the which
Commander W. w. KIMBALL Is to conduct.
He would then have, without calling on the
Stiletto, a force of half a dozen boats, the
Cushing, Ericsson, Porter, Dupont, Foote,
and Rodgers. There is a third Baltimore
boat, also, which must be far advanced.
This years torpedo boat manouvres will
be the first ever undertaken by our navy.
since now for the first time there are YES
sells enough for combined operations. But
henceforth such exercises may be looked
for annually, since we have now built,
building, or authorized, twenty.three such
craft, including the submarine boat. Ad-
ditions to the number may be looked for
when Congress meets again.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-07-13

Mr.. DuRLAoHER Of the Progressive Demo-
cratic League feels assured by information
he has obtained from Mr.. SHEEHAN that
Tanmany Hall will reafirm tho Chicago
platform with emphasis" and that "a
ticket will be nominated which will be
composed of men who can consistently
stand on that platform"
Even II Mr.. DURLAoHER Is not altogether
Justified in drawing that conclusion from
the purport of Mr.. SHEEHAN's answers to
his questions on the subject, it may be as
sumed that actually when the Tammany
Convention is held his confident expecta.
tion will be fulfilled. To preserve its tech
meal regularity that organization will re-
affirm the Chicago platform, for 1t has
neither the conviction nor the courage to
mark out a course for itself which runs
counter to Organism.
Ono thing or the other II must do; 1t
must either reassert and emphasize Its
Organism, or 1t must reject and repudiate
that body Of revolutionary social and po-
litical doctrine. The plan Of lodging the
Bryanism it supported SO violently last
year was hopefully conceived by some of
Its leaders, at the suggestion of weak
kneed gold Democrats Of the Manhattan
Club. but 1t has now been set aside as i'm.
practicable. 1t could not be carried out
except at the cost Of the fatal demoraliza'
tion of the Tammany campaign. 1t would
exasperate the great Bryanite following
upon which Tammany must depend for en-
thusiasm n aggressiveness, and 1t would
not satisfy the honest and genuine Demo
Gratis driven away from the organization
last year.
Nothing 10 moro evident In tho political
situation than hat q Bryanite municipa.
ticket is to be in the field next November
II It IL not put up by Tammany 1t will bt
nominated by a boiling faction, which &C
cordingly will claim the Democratic regu
lhrity Tammany is determined first of al
to keep.
Tammany Hall has made It's bed, ant
It must lie in it. 1t stirred up last year tn,
dangerous passions of the community b,
Its wild Bryanite campaign, n this yea
It 10 itself at their m ercy.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-07-13

Nrom fhc Youth's Compdrion.

NfcN
When Fridtjof Nansen was a young student
he attended a ball and danced with many part
ners. Returning long after midnight through
tho streets to his lodgings he h eard loud outcrfes
from q woman who was struggling with two
%ruflans. In another moment tho woman broke
away from them and ran toward the spot where
Nansen was standing. The two men were close
behind her In hot pursuit.
vigor, and put himself on guard as tho mon APP
preached. He allowed the woman to pass, but
called upon the Infatuated pursuers to halt,
standing directly in their way, and hitting out
fret at one and then at the other. The rufians,
angered by this unexpected attack, turned re-
sentfully upon the rescuer and would have over.
powered him and possibly have murdered him.
II he had not shown presence Of mind. Drawing
himself up to his full height and throwing back
his coat collar so as to expose the ~cotillon fayors
which he had worn during the ball, he sternly
asked them II they knew who he was.
The two assailants, awed BY his manner and
supposing him to be q royal officer, were at once
cowed.. They apologized roughly for not recog.
mixing him., dropped their arms. and sneaked Of
In the opposite direction from that which the
woman had taken.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-07-13
The Now Army Promotion Order.

There is much good sense In the new rules
issued by the Adjutant-General's Office for
the promotion Of army officers below the
grade OF Major, In accordance with tho Act
of 1890.
The examining boards must find out the
actual professional fitness of an officer to
be advanced, and remember that "mere
examining Is not a desirable feature In the
examination Of mature and generally we'll
educated men," The boards must observe
"the officers ability to make practical ap-
plication of all he has learned, rather than
the committal to memory Of equations and
data which he could, under ordinary
conditions, obtain from books of reference"
Again, the use an officer has made OF his
opportunities in the past must be taken
into consideration; and, hence, when he Is
ordered for examination, his immediate
commanding officer and his regimental
commander are to make known, without
specific instructions so to do, anything tend
ing to disqualify him, based on his record.
But, in the absence of detrimental reports,
good character will be presumed, 80 that no
affirmative testimonials are required.
The lists Of topics prepared for examining
boards seem to cover the required ground
very thoroughly, and provision is made for
original questions to be added by boards to
the lists furnished them. The army has
always been very particular in assigning
differences in value to questions, and also
to subjects. In the lists now prepared for
the use of boards values Of D, 10 and
Is are assigned to the various questions,
and then, in the nine subjects examined
upon, while the total value of 200 is the
same for each, the relative weights" are
different, drill regulations and minor tao
tics counting for 8 each; exterior ballistics,
fire discipline, h%ippology, field engineering,
and military topography for 2 each, and
administration and military law for 1 each.
The rule In each case is this: Find the
percentage in the various subjects, multi
ply each by the relative weight of that sub
ject, then divide the sum of these products
by the sum of the relative weights Of the
subjects included in the examination OF
each officer" A percentage of 10 In eacf
of the examinations must be reached IL
order to pass.
These revised rules will be compulsory or
and after Jan. l next, but up to that time
an officer may elect to be examined under
the old rules. The new ones, however, have
already been practically tried, and the re
suit is to verify the prediction Of the re
visers that they would shorten the time re
quired for professional examinations. Il
Is thought that a line officer will finish in
side of two days, at most, instead of being
n week or perhaps a fortnight, as hitherto
1t should be noted that q graduation di
DIoma of the Fort Monroe or Fort Ienyen
worth school, If issued not over five year.
before. will be accepted as evidence of pro
fessional proficiency.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-07-13
THE SECOND MUaWUMp VENTURE
The wreck OF the Democracy Followed by an
Effort to Wreck the Republicans.

The wreck OF the Democracy Followed by an
Enort to Wreck the Republicans.
To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN-Sir: 1t hardly
needs an experienced eye to discern that the
element known rs "Mugwump'' is engaged in
an attempt to do for the Republican party what
the Mugwumps did for the Democracy about
thirteen years ago.
In 1884 the condition of the Democratic party
was most reassuring to all who wished well
for Democracy. 1t was eminently n time
for vigorous leadership, guided by genuine
principle, and free from tho sapping iniu-
ences of cant, hypocrisy and iubdub.
Had the battle Of 1884 been fought and
won with q real Democrat as standard bearer
the party might have been In power yet and
for many years to come. instead of being
wrecked on the shoals of Organism, and sink.
this is the result OF the Democracy having
allowed itself to DO misled by Mugwunp clamor
into tho acceptance Of Cleveland.
The Democracy did not discern tho true mean
Ing OF Clevelandism until 1t was too late for tho
party TO escape destruction. As for Cleveland.
terms in the Presidential Office and a large for
tune, nearly all accumulated since he first en-.
tered the White House. lie, at any rate. has
been no loser:
temple DO allied at the expense OF the Republt-
can parity That is the question that Is being
pressed upon New Yo k Republicans by tho
same Mugwump element which used Cleveland
TO throttle Democracy. The Seth Low move
ment is another Cleveland movement. The two
ances. and about equally disappointing in per.
fOrmances. M.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-07-13
nFroaMs ron WEsr PoINr.
mo hoard Of visitors Points out Dcrects at the
military Academy.

WASHINGTON, July lathe report OF the
Board Of Visitors TO Wost Point, submitted TO
the Secretary Of War to-day, finds serious obtcc-
tion to tho present method Of appointing cnndi-
dates, and recommends that greater caro DO
observed in selecting tho material. Tho success
of tho academy, II says, rests upon the appoint
ing power, and the highest and best results viii
DO accomplished only whom this is exercised
wisely and judiciously. Though this power is
vested In the President, no acts, the report hnds,
upon his own Judgment only in selecting the ten
cadets at large and the one from the district.
Tho report gives the whole number OF appoint
mcnts allowed as 37l. and Of this number there
arc scarcely over 325 ut tho academy, owing to
tho seeming impossibility Of keeping vacancies
Allied. For the last fvo years the graduates
have averaged but 90 In number. while they
should average 90 II kept up to tho maxim Of
attendance. To secure this the board recon-
mends the appointment Of 90 additional cadets,
two from ench State, to DO named by tho
Senator'S Tho board favors q more care
full execution Of the purpose contemplated by
tho laws regarding tho academy, and urges
that greater care DO observed by those making
appointments. 1t suggests that tho March cx-
passed upon without. delay and that In case of
failure tho person who made the appointment
another nomination and again n third II practi.
cable before the examining board closes It's
| labOrs. III there is n third faDure, Btll anotner
opportunity might DO given at tho June cXami-
nations to q candidate who had not had n pre-
vious trial.
Greater care in selecting candidates, says the
report, with these enlarged opportunities, would
reduce the number Of vacancies with which the
academic year usually opens. In examining the
course OF study the board found some objection
to the lack Of English. and urges tho Importance
of charging this part of the curriculum. An
officer. It says, should have q thorough knowl.
edge OF his own language. 1t is not important. II
holds. that he should DO an orator. but 1t il impor
tant that his letters and reports be in clear and
ersclanguGgc: The operation Of armies. 1t states.
and the exploits Of individual officers and mon
frequently I'LL pages OF history of this country
and II is through official reports that the &C
counts roach the Government and tho public. II
will not be necessary, however, 1t says, TO go be
yond the limits Of this country to find military
writer's whose style may be studied with prof,
and advantage.
The board suggests that. in connection viii
the course of history, the cadets might
be required to study, the military operation.
leading up to and resulting in n battle
or a siege, and after tho class has becom,
we'll acquainted with the details, the member
should prepare reports Of the part taken In thes
operations by each brigade, division, corps: o.
such exercises would be valuable in tho educa
ton of officers who some time may meet tn,
realities Of war in the service of their country.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-07-13
The suInIstry,s Only weapon.

To TIE EDITOR OF THE sus-Sir: In your very gcner-
Gus remarks In Saturdays sun. under the heading
bad and Good Advice to the Negro" you wrote Mr..
W. d. Clinton "Rey." Mr.. Clinton 10 not a minister.
but a medical doctor. In the A. ii. E, Zion Church
tho laity are PERMITTED to send delegates to the annual
Conference who have equal rights with the ministers
In discussing questions, DIR. clinton was a lay dele
gate from one OF the churches In PittSburg. was
present associating tho Presiding Bishop. e. {. Petty.
The subject IN err discussion was tie report OF the
on the stat OF the Country.
Several OF the ministers spoke, AMI tho general
sentimInt expressed was that the only weapon he.
longing 10 the ministry, either Offensive or de-
fensive, Is the Word OF God. which is :" truth" aud
must prevail. j. W. Hoop.
Presiding bishop OF the New York Conference, 563
BleecKcr street.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-07-13
Kentucky and Iowa.

Tho gold Democrats of Kentucky will
hold q State Convention at Louisville
tomorrow. There is nothing exciting in
tho Office Of Clerk of the Court of Ap-
peals, the State Office to be filled this
year. To keep their organization to-
gether, to make n stirring declaration of
principles, and to continue unremittingly
tho war against the Bryan Democrats, are
the objects of the Kentucky gold Demo.
Gratis. The Hon. HENRY WATTERsoN is
blowing the trumpet with his accustomed
vigor, but there are some notes in it which
are not calculated to bring In recruits to
tho gold Democrats. Some of these gentle.
men are inclined to make passes Mt old
bogies instead OF fighting the urgent, dan
gerous, and powerful issue of Organism.
To denounce the Dingley Tariff bill, for
instance, as the gold Democrats of Iowa did
last week, seems waste of breath, for with
only the gold Democrats showing any symp-
toms OF fury against that bill, lighting it is
mott practical question. 1t leads to nothing
TO pass resolutions against the new tariff.
The powers behind Organism don't care "A
penny about the tariff. They are playing
for higher game, and they must be met and
beaten at 1t. Still, the declaration of deli.
c TO the protective tariff may he consid
cred as a technical necessity. 1t makes the
record correct in form. 1t may case IA few
tender c~onsciences, and 1t gives the plat.
form fire. At least it will give the platform
fro In Kentucky. The Iowa Democrats
were content with this not too vigorous
whaek at their old b~ugaboo:
denounce the pinEIey TArn bill soon to b,
snActed into law by the EoputlicEn Congress under
pretencs OF increasing the revenue, II 10 the old Ro
publican policy Of protection to the few at the OK
pense OF tho many. IL tends to create and fostel
eEaSts and yaonoDOilOA, and we recognise II - ia tl