davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1901-01-06
STRIKE AT THE TOP.

lfr. Croker made a mistake in his man when
he sought to silence Bishop Potter by offering
him the head of Cross or Heriihy if he would
only stop his fight on official corruption and
keep still. 1t may seem astonishing that he
had the impudence to approach the Bishop with
the offer of a deal of any kind. II might be
thought that the Bishops character and po-
sition would have taught Mr.. Croker that this
was not the way to meet the particular emer-
gency with which he confronted. The fact
that no such Idea occurred TO him is of pro-
found significance. 1t means that by long
habit and successful experience il has become
Mr.. Croker's instinct TO buy off every oppo-
sition which he cannot grind beneath his heel
IT means that he has thrown sops to men of
high character before and removed them from
his path else be would never have reached the
stage of cynicism which prompted him to send
an agent TO Bishop Potter with offer of terms
which would leave intact his system OF cor
ruption.
How seldom is Bishop Potter's prescription
strike at the top followed by men who think
they want good government! 1t is matter Of
everyday observation to see citizens of good
intentions start out to accomplish some great
good and fall by the waysde. A little inquiry
will show that they have accepted somebody's
head, found q good excuse TO their own con-
sciences for saying their object is accomplished
and left the evil as 1ourishing as ever 1t is
sometimes dangerous to strike at the top. 1t
generally means long and desperate fight.
The head Of subordinate is much easier to
get, and II often makes about as good tenn
porary show achievement of the reform
ing hero. Bishop Potter might have accepted
Mr.. Croker's offer, and pointed TO the depo-
sltion OF Cross or Herlihy as an important vic
tory for decent people and warning to Tam
many to reform its ways. If he had done so
there would have been great rejoicing and as
much self-satisf,ction on the part Of the public
as If good government assured Indeed
Tammany would have been pointing with pride
10 its disciplining Of unfaithful servants and
many persons would have honored its claim
TO credit and said it meant well after ALL
The ease with which the discovery is made
that some rascal in power means. well and is
the victim Of his wicked subordinates is won
derful Bishop Potter does wisely to enforce
the lesson by precept and example Of accept
ing no such easy view Of the responsibility Of
those who rule us. 1t is the man at the top
who is TO blame, and everybody should remem-
Der ii in spite of all the jugglery which may
be INDUCED in. Cross and Herlihy may be
sacrificed by the master they served too we'll
Devery may be retired. A new Police Com
mission may be pointed TO with the assurance
that all the old evil has been cleared away
mated by Tammany next fall IT Is all one
The head still remains. The evil is at the top
1t can only be cured by striking at the top.
New-York tribune., 1901-01-06

cial attention to the matter In his message. and
the people will accept his judgment that prac-
teal and businesslike solution of the problem
has been found
The chief credit belongs to Mr.. Hewitt and
his associates. but they would have been unable
TO report a really notable achievement if their
efforts had not been generously seconded by
the residents of this city, yet unnamed. who
have agreed TO contribute about S120.000 for the
purchase of cliff and shore properties now held
in private ownership provided that the legis-
latures of New-York and New-Jersey supply
the additional money required for the purpose
this winter. Nor should the Society for the
Preservation of Scenic and Historic Places and
Objects be overlooked In apportioning the
praise. Its help given at time when
general public interest had declined and
period of legislative Indifference had begun.
Its cooperation. therefore, at the suggestion of
Governor Roosevelt. was especially valuable,
and perhaps, indeed essential to future success.
As we have said, public opinion is undoubt-
edly favorable TO this undertaking, but 1t is
important that it should express itself. There
would be little advantage in complaining of a
default at Albany and Trenton after the event.
Now is the time TO make such misfortune
impossible by convincing the legislatures into
whose control the enterprise has passed that
the people demand its fulfilment.
New-York tribune., 1901-01-06
PERSONAL.
in Boston.

Professor Emory r. Johnson, a member of the
Nicaragua Canal Commission. Is in ST. Louis col
lecting statistics relating to the commerce OF nt
Louis with other parts of the world TO De presented
to Congress In the committees report on the pro-
posed canal He is a member of the faculty OF the
University Of PENNSYLVANIA. in charge or the de-
partment of transportation and commerce he
Florida. has been engaged for the last six months
collecting statistics relating to the commerce or
tied all the large cities of the Atlantic and Gulf
coasts on his present trip Professor Johnson mas mas
go TO Indianapolis.
Senator Thomas r. Bard. of California, and his
brother, DIR. c. l.. Bard. of Ventura, Cal, are 10
mother This hospital Will eventually be presented
the city.
DIR. John A Lamson has retired from the medical
dictatorship OF the Equitable Life Assurance So
service. He was reelected president Of the Gran
ite Railway Company, of Quincy. yesterday
Secretary Long again denies the report that he
is going to Colorado live His daughter is going
to that State on account of her health but Mr.
Long says he shall always consider Massacnusetts
his home.
An attempt is being made TO revive the project
for monument TO Edwin NJ. Stanton. Lincoln's
Secretary of War. his native town. Steubenville
Ohio; The plan originated at the time OF Stanton's
death. but sufficient money was not forthcoming.
The royal game of solta claims the many sided
German Emperor player. II somewhat re-
sembles the game of checkers Thirty pieces are
used in play, and there hundred squares
the table There are at present on view In Lon
don the actual pieces and table used by the
Kaiser The exhibit, which Is valued at $4,000. is
Of delicately enameled gold work. and IS incrusted
with brilliants while tiny gold suns. moons and
stars surmount the royal arms IN enamel.
San Francisco, Jan. 5-A letter OF holiday greet
ings from Helen Gould to the sick soldiers at the
Preside has been received at the General Hospital
and printed copies OF the mssvs will be distributed
10 the
Washington Jan. 5-Secretary Hay Is again con-
fined his home by severe cold.
New-York tribune., 1901-01-06
MUSIC.
NOTES ON A DAYS OFFERINGS

NOTES ON a DAYS OFFERINGS
pianoforte recital and two operatfc Represents.
tons were yesterdays musical offerings 10 ~,
New-York public. IL was more OF an Ola poar,s
than the bald announcement suggests as 60
Russian played a list of pieces for the piano,o,.
written chiefly by German composers: a Croaf,.
soprano (bless her for her universal geniusn .
Belgian tenor. an Austriah confralto a c.a-
barytOne and New-York basso together win =.
International small chorus of wonen) perfo-..
Wasner's Teutonic sWalkiire''; a downF,.
Yankee woman (bless her. tcoD. an Italian harr
tone. a German tenor. French basso a pol,.h
contralto. and folk of mixed nationality sam, .
composite Spanish-Italian opera. ~Il Trovator.~ =
These the products of afternoon and eyens,
but not all of them. for in afternoon and ev.n
ing the Observation-Disclosures -Gierman-Anerican Sons.
and his band gave concert of all kinds of music
One could scarcely imagine striking fIlusrr,
tion of the old trUism that art is cosmopolitan
Comment there might be on such doings bv -,
why the eternal blazon? IL has all happened
before and has been talked about to the edication
or mystifcation of all concerned MIR. Gahrilowitsch
the Russian pianist. has played so often in New
York of late. without increasing the good opinion
which he won on his first appearance, that :,
might not be profitable 20 him or agreeable TO ri,
admirers to read a discussion in detail OF his -.
cital Fine in It's analysis. brilliant in its tschnc,l
exhibition his playing was yesterday as II h..
been before; but not peculiarly hsart-warrnlng m.
performance Of 'sI Trovatore'' in the evening VIA.
chiefly interesting a specimen OF operatic ata.
vism. Everything done reminded an experienced li,
tener of the good old. old days, when the singer,
shouted wabbled and hunted the fOotIghts TO thar
own supreme qualification and the delight of their
hearers. But Mime. Nordica sang like an old ItaJ
ian diva plus the artist with modern ideals and /.
splendid artistic conscience
In the 'Walkire'' performances. aside from much
that has been praised heretofore. heartily II nor
amply. there was presented a special claim Yor
congratulation to artist and public IN the singing
of Mr. Blass Hunding. The young American IA
the possessors of fine voice and equally dne A.
ustc Instincts Nine. Ternina. II seemed TO US
brought out the divine melancholy, tho tender
pathOs of a loving daughter. better than ever BE-
fore, though possibly at the OF its Joyous ez
uberance Nine Schumann-Heink was an incou
parable Fricka, Van Dyck at his best as Ssuund
and Mr.. Bertram's Wotan. with occasional Iapsea
was a splendidly conceived and executed inperson-
alton.
New-York tribune., 1901-01-06
THE NATIONAL GUARD.

AT the outbreak of the Spanish war. when
the country was suddenly confronted with an
emergency for which during a long succession
of years Congress. though well advised as to
the course of wisdom, had foolishly neglected
to provide the services of the National Guard
came into urgent request. In this State the
question of the loss of regmental identity at
arose. and ii strongly urged that the
disruption of established organizations would
be a hardship and possibly in its ultimate re-
suits q considerable misfortune. Nevertheless
il was pretty generally felt that members OF
a regiment whose private obligations did not
forbid them 10 respond to a National demand
which they clearly recognized should not too
strenuously insist on debating the terms on
which they would serve the country. Governor
Odell in writing that part of his message
which refers TO the National Guard. obviously
had i'm mind the conditions which existed two
and a half years ago and the fine display of
patriotism which was made In spite Of natural
regrets, and his observations concerning the
proper functions of State troops are sound. 1t
Is unquestionably desirable that regiments
should not be broken up except upon the stern
est necessity. and il may be fairly assumed
that such n necessity should be prevented by
measures adapted TO any contingencies that
can arise
1t is gratifying also that the Governor feels
himself warranted In saying that the National
Guard of New-YOrk lis In condition entirely
satisfactory. and under the existing regula-
"tions governing ID has reached such degree
"Of efficiency that II may safely he relied upon
ito perform every duty that may fall TO IT,"
We hope that the closer official attention which
he will now bestow upon IL as commander-in-
chief will not lead him to modify his present
favorable estimate. There has been some ex-
preston Of opinion 10 the effect that the un-
fortunate results which were thought likely TO
follow the loss of regimental integrity due TO
the war with Spain are In fact observable: that
there has been certain decline OF spirit and
relaxation of discipline, and that rather serious
indications of Incompetence might appear If an
occasion for active service should arise. An
official assurance that such apprehensi0ns are
groundless is exceedingly welcome. We trust
that the final test will not be required. but that
the customary conduct and demeanor OF the
Guard will constantly Justify public confidence
I'm its readiness for an emergency. So long as a
prevalent belief in It's efficiency is so sustained
we may reasonably hope that there will be no
need to call II into action.
New-York tribune., 1901-01-06
THE PALISADES.

An account of the legislative processes official
negotiations and personal endeavors which have
recently resulted In producing bright prospect
OF salvation for the Palisades Is elsewhere
printed in this issue. 1t is an interesting story
OF an undertaking which was beset with many
difhculties, for a long time made no progress
and more than once appeared hopeless. Sud
denly II Is now seen to have been brought. II
not to the verge OF completion, at least to a
stage at which final disappointment would seem
to be almost impossible. The joint Commission
representing New-York and New-Jersey de-
serves public gratitude for the knowledge and
skill with which II has performed Its part of
the work. and the legislatures OF the two States
cannot AFFORD 10 neglect theirs. For il is safe
TO say that public sentiment heartily supports
the project. and will not hesitate 10 put the
blame where II belongs In case OF failure 10
Improve the opportunity Unexpectedly pre-
sented Governor Odell did well to direct spe-
New-York tribune., 1901-01-06
LOTOS CLUBS YULETIDE DINNER.
YEOMEN WITH THE LOG, THE SIDE OF
BEEF AND OTHER FEATURES OBJ
MERRY OLD ENGLAND

The Lotos Club held its Yuletide dinner last even.
ing in the clubhouse. No. SIS Fffth-ave The En-.
tertainment Committee filed the evening with
amusing surprises. carrying out the customs Of an
oldtime English Yuletide feast.
Two buslers In old English garb with zay
mantles. top boots. blond wigs and large hats
with larger feathers. marched down to the dlnias
room at 7;So. sounding their bugles. The curtains
were drawn aside, showing the dining room pro-
fusely decorated with holly. The diners then
marched IN to the bugles' tones.
Frank r. Lawrence president OF the club prs-
sided. AT the same table with him were Justices
Morgan j. O'Brien, Van Brunt and Mclaughlin,
Senator Chauncey NJ Depew. Andrew Carnegie.
Frank H. PIatt. Chester S. Lord J. n. F1agIer @.
W. COtteril and n B. Wilson
The menu cards We're eIaborat.e showing en- ore
leaf Scottish bagpiper. another President
Lawrence Judge Van Brunt and Andrew Carnegie.
and on another boar's head and a cook carrying
a plate Of roast beef A band played. sixteen glee
singers sang and then a tenor singer gave a solo.
When IL came time for the feast the huslsrs
marched in again Then came Macdonald. bag
piper Of the Black Watch; men dressed yeor1en
of the sixteenth century carrying yule los, and
dozen cooks carrying the side OF roast beef The
Metropolitan Quartet sang the Roast Beef OF
Old England before the beef was served
The lights turned down. a quartet sang
and the punch was breSed. while all sang 'Gi-o.s
Giroha.' VIII Carleton sang drinking song writ
ten for the occasion in which he 'hit'
bers Of the club. Mr.. Carnegie laughed with tire
others at this:
Here's 70 Uncle Andy.
And an ali around jim Dandy.
Drink II down
Senator Depsv was amused when Mr.. Carleton
Here's Farmer Chauncey.
Who's surprising nscrOrnalcy
DSink It down
New-York tribune., 1901-01-06
uAoHETES FARM TOOLS UNDER TARIFF

The Board of Classification Of the United States
General Appraisers yesterday made a statement
regarding the duty 100 dozen machetes, I'm
ported from Liverpool 20 San Juan. Porto Rico
The Collector assessed duty OF 10 per cent al
yalorem. under Paragraph 19S Of the Tariff act
The importers. Herrero. Ortega & Co. protested
claiming that the duty should be only s5 per cent
under Paragraph 154. which covers swords. sword
blades and side arms.
The Board oyerrules the protest General Ap-
praiser Fischer, who wrote the opinion OF the
Board, says: While 1t is true that IN coun-
tries such things have been put 10 use as weapons
or war, such use viii not change their ciaSsl1ca-
tion They not swords side arms. They
were made for and are most commonly used AZ
farm implements. and perverted use VIII not
alter their designation"
New-York tribune., 1901-01-06
THE STORY OF THE CENTURY.

"Finis" is written by the inexorable hand Of
Time upon the record of the latest and the
greatest century. We mean the actual record,
made with deeds. not words. or if with words,
with such as were themselves no less than vocal
deeds. The written history of those hundred
years, in the common signification of the term,
Is not yet even begun, and may not be COM
pleted when not the latest but the last century
OF time shall have been reached. No one would
venture TO maintain that the annals of the
eighteenth century, or of any past century,
have yet been made entirely complete, judicial
and accurate, or that, indeed, there is any we'll
founded hope that they VIII ever thus be made.
The last few years have been noteworthy for
research into and animated discussion OF the
careers and characters of Bonaparte, Cromwell
and other eminent figures of the past with
scarcely any perceptible progress toward uni
yersal agreement upon the facts of their re-
specfive. cases. The nineteenth century con-
tanned men as important and at the same time
as inscrutable as any Of its predecessors and
was marked with occurrences concerning which
controversy has been, is and probably will be as
keen as that concerning any occurrence Of for
mer ages. The story of the century, then, is
one that will doubtless engage historical phlo-
eophical and controversial attention throughout
all the generations which are yet TO come Of
men who read and write and think and argue
These inevitable facts are however. no rea-
for refraining from making such present
record OF the century best we may. Rather
is ii strong reason for doing so, in order that
now, at the earliest practicable moment and
with the incidents of the century still fresh and
with its genius still regnant in the mind. the
salient features of the story may be set down
they appear TO sane and lucid observation, to
serve as groundwork for the studies and
eiaborations OF future ages as well as to per-
form no less important duty for the present
age. There are, moreover, many great items
in the record which are not open to dispute and
of which words OF final authority may even
now be written. Future generations may de-
bate with irreconcilable differences OF opinion
the motives and the results OF the deeds which
we have witnessed In the past years They
will not dispute the facts. The various mile
stones have been passed beyond dispute how
ever 1t may be questionable in what direction
the progress has been made. The wars the
explorations, the inventions, the revolutions
the scientific developments, the political and
social changes Of the nineteenth century are
liked beyond recall and beyond dispute With
their ultimate bearing upon the future. the
future must he left 10 deal. With the estab-
ltshed facts of them we have at the present
time to deal, and Of them to make orderly rec
New-York tribune., 1901-01-06

Aguinaldo dropped out of sight year or more
ago, and may be dead according to report, or
alive according to other report, without making
any great difference in the Philippine situation
The rebellion of which he was the chief figure
only survives in scattered brigandage, and with
without his leadership has no further force
behind it to make it formidable. The we'll dis
posed islanders who compose all but fraction
of the population will gladly see the last of it,
and of Aguinaldo. too. for that matter, prophet
without honor IN his own country. though he has
such an abounding supply of it of a certain sort
in Boston.
New-York tribune., 1901-01-06
THE AIR OF THEATRES.
NEw-YoRK PLAYHOUsEs AS COMPARED
WITH THOSE OF PARIS.

NEw-YoRK PLAYHoUsEs AS COMPARED
WITH THOSE OF PARIS
A dispatch from Paris. in another column Of this
paper tells of the recent experiments OF Dr. Hen
riot i'm analyzing the atmosphere Of the Paris thea
tres The results startling. but they need nor
be SO 10 any one who read the remarks on the
same subject in The Tribune few weeks ago.
made in connection with the review Of recent
publication the construction and management Of
theatres. with view 20 safety from fire. microbes
and gases. No analysis OF the air of theatres In
New-YOrk in the last few years has been pub
lished. Such analysis was made some twenty
years ago. and the results more astonish-
ing than those obtained by Dr. Henriot II was
ascertained that the air OF many Of the New-York
theatres was rather than that Of well regl-
lated sewer. This. however, with respect 20
gases. Microbes were not so fashionable then a.
they now. and no tests were made with q view
TO discovering them
Since that time great improvements have been
made. Much of the foul air then due TO the
lighting by gas. for flames are mighty destroyers
Of oxygen. To-day gas Is almost unknown IN The
lighting Of New-YOrk theatres Ventilation has
also been much improved The Recommendations
made by Dr. Henriot for the Improvement os the
conditions in Paris I'm many respects the same
which have been made here. The doing away With
carpets and plush hansings is the most important
and practical suggestion. Dr. Henriot suggests
large windows for hmelights. but the plan Is not
explained i'm detail. III the purpose Is light the
house without the burning OF gas in IL. it would
If the same end were accomplished more
pleasantly by electric lighting. The theatres OF
New-York are without doubt vastly superior e
those of Paris in their sanitary arrangements, -
they are with respect to safety from fire. But II -
desired.
New-York tribune., 1901-01-06
TO COMMAND PORTO RIcAy TROOPS.

Among those who sailed for Cuba and Porto
Rico yesterday on the Army transport Mcclellan
were Lieutenant T. l.. ID. breckenridge. OF the 10th
Infantry who is detailed 60 Santiago and his wife
Lieutenant William II. HAY. who goes 10 ioin the
Porto Rican native regiment of United States vol
unfeers; Captain w. r. Butler also assigned to
company Of Porto Bicau natives: Major e. r.
pfavo. who goes 20 San Juan as cor1nlissary: Car
tam IRA McNutt &C the Ordnance Department al
san Juan. Lieutenant Clarence Nj. Jones' OF tbs
Iutn infantry AT Santiago. aud Captain ". Nj
rhutlps, OF tlSs sam" regiment. and Mrs Joh,\
r. weston and her three daughters
New-York tribune., 1901-01-06

It's wild whirl Of Fortunes wheel in Wall
Street just now. How long will 1t last? Who
breaks pays-sometimes, at least Lambs should
be wary. Winds are not tempered nowadays to
the shorn bleaters whose fieeces have been lost
in stock speculation.
New-York tribune., 1901-01-06

variousy as the years go on. and il 1t scores
record anything like that of its predecessor il
will hold proud and shining place In history
TO all aftertime.