New-York tribune., 1902-12-28
TOPICS IN CHICAGO.

Chicago Dec 26-When Secretary Shaw a
few nights ago addressed the Bankers Club Of
Chicago on the money question he did not
think to mention one peculiar form of currency
which is, yet, restricted TO Chicago-eoal.
That substance has become circulating me-
dunn among certain classes of business men
here AS Yet the fuel has not been put On par
with gold, nor is it cIassed with silver but it is
a recognized medium in some places for the
purchase of alcoholic and malt liquors dispensed
by the drink. The city sealer has just discov-
cred that about half hundred saloonkeepers
accepting coal in payment for drinks. AT
the present rate of exchange ten pounds OF coal
buy glass of beer, and from twenty to thirty
pounds one drink of whiskey. One teamster,
however, gave four hundred pounds OF coal for
two glasses Of beer, and another gave o4o
pounds for a single drink of whiskey. The city
sealer has announced his intention OF prose-
cutting both teamsters and saloonmen.
Now appears a colored youth who boldly
takes a stand against the education of the
negro. He even goes further, and declares
against suffrage for his race. Robert johnson is
the individual and he is writing article en-
bodying his views for publication in magazine
devoted to the interests Of the colored race in
America. Johnson opposes the education OF the
coIored man on the ground that it generally
serves only to make him ambitious for political
office. Education" Johnson says, instead OF
helping the eolored people to come together for
the advancement Of the race. arouses seihsh am
bitions" Johnson formerly a student at
Cornell University, but is now custodian OF the
Ryerson Laboratory at the University of Chi
cago.
The suicide of a boy named Miller, nineteen
years DID, who had been in the employ OF GER
tain law and order league as a spy on llesal
sellers of liquor in a prohibitive section OF 1he
city has drawn severe criticism on the organlza-
ton The details of the affair carry their own
pathetic commentary, demonstrating in tragic
way the danger of employing boys to break the
law that a society may secure evidence on which
IN convict the violators. The unfortunate lad
ended his existence with dose Of poison when,
as he considered, he disgraced by his dis
charge from the service of the antl-llouor ieasue
because it was discovered that he had become a
victim of the drink habit. The case 1s being
used as an argument against hiring boys to
frequent dramshops to tempt the keepers TO sell
liouor in violation Of the prohibitory laws
The City Council is trying hard to ease the
coal famine which has become acute. At the
meeting this week one of the aldermen sug-
gested a conference by the council committee on
railroads and the officials of the lines running
through the Illinois coal fields. In the preanpie
To the resolutions it was suggested that coal
have the right of way. In the event that the
conference fails of the results expected, an ap-
peal is to be made TO Governor Yates and Presi-
dent Roosevelt to require the railroads to haul
coal to the exclusion of all other business. If
necessary owing to the danger of a coal famine.
and a CONSEQUENT rioting." The situation is said
TO be mainly due to the lack of motive power by
the railroads caused by the unusually heavy
general traffic and the shortage of cars.
Clarence S. Darrow, leading counsel for the
Mine Workers Union before the Coal Strike
Commission. who declared himself to be a So
ciaiist OF too radical a type to accept the
mayoraity no1nina ton offered him by the union
labor men of Chicago, is urged for Democratic
leader in the State House of Representatives, TO
which he was elected at the last election. Mayor
Harrison and his strong following are the
sponsors for the Darrow movement. IN nam
ing him the Harrison contingent is playing a
xhrevd game of politics on the party enemies of
the Mayor the Hopkns-Sullivan faction. 1t
was the latter that sought to bring out barrow
as All opponent of Harrison for the Democratic
p1avoralty nomination next spring. Hopkins
and his adherents lauded Darrow as a natural
leader of men and an honest and fearless rep
resentat five of the people. But, the lawyer haV-
ing firmly declined to be the nominee or any
marty for Mayor the Hopkins faction finds 1t
self in a peculiar position, where 1t can hafdiy
e0ord TO antagonize him for the new honors
the Harrisontes seek to thrust upon him. unless
II reeants all It's praise Of him when it sought
.. make him the instrument of the thrice elected
Mavor's political undoing. BY his hackers Tor
leadership of the Assembly minority Darrow is
.searded as far the ablest Democratic member
who will sit in the legislature at the coming
seesion Mr. Darrow is considered the man
h CT eouinped to guard the great interests Chl-
capo has at stake in the legislature this winter
He is an ardent champion of munlclpaf owner
shin the initiative and referendum, and klnoreo
subjects In the opinion of the local De1noc-
racv as voiced by Mayor Harrison, he stands
for me best interests of Chicago,
The County Democracy which is TO ne' IL ihe
a,,,h,tion of its officers is realized. the Tamnaany
NJ Chicago and Cook County. is in an awful
might. one that seriously threatens it's tradi-
,ions as n simon-pure Bourbon organization.
The fourth annual ball OF the body is TO come
off soon after January ]. ard it has been the
intention 20 have the ball at the lst Regiment
r,orv the most eligible hall for glad political
function unfortunately. there is a strict rule,
which cannot be abrogated under any circum-
stances prohibiting the sale Of Intoxicating
donors o.. the premises Now. the patriots OF the
County Democracy are not at all distressed De-
cause they might have 10 forego the enjoyment
az something a little stimulating than
mon during the ball. but they are really con-
,arned about the privations of their guests The
committee of arrangements at a meeting rev
NIGHTS ago discussed the VeXatious question for
several hours One leader, in a lengthy speech
declared that the committee should Thoroughly
investigate the possibility of holding the bah IN
.I.s,, far