smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1878




situation. and the influence of a man OF per-
sopal integrity in the Controllers Office, give
us tor the time being policy OF modera-
ton in financial affairs, we are not
to f1atter ourselves that this condition Oh
things will last forever.


The principal feature Of the plan which we
published on Saturday is an enlargement OF the
veto power of the Mayor. Nobody lmaglnes
that this will be enough. but tits good 10 Tar as
it goes THE TRIBUNE has always held that the
secret of good municipal govt ment srespoh-
sibility. We shall never have our Affairs
deceDtly managed until there is some one
officer who has power to control them, ana
upon whom the taxpayers can readily pass
Judgment at the polls. When power ls
divided between a score or so or Aldermen
and a Mayor, and q number OF quasi-Inde-
pendent Commissioners, extravaganza is lneVl-
table, and jobberyis as easy as lying. Aldermen
are not much afraid of beng punished by
their constituents for official offences when
the votes of majority of their colleagues
keep them in cOuntenance; and experience
has proved that almost any outrageous scheme
which can be pushed through the Common
Council at all can be carried over the Mayors
Veto


1t is now proposed that in certain eases the
Mayors veto shall be absolute. We do not
see why the list of such cases should not DC
greatly extended The Mayor might properly
have an absolute veto upon nearly every class
of legislation now intrllsted to the Common
Council. There is little danger of our suffer-
ing Inconvenience or injury by the failure
of any ordinance or resolution of the average
New-York Aldermen, and if the Executive
used his power improperly n popular election
would soon apply the necessary corrective. All
the worst evils of our municipal administration
heavy debts, crushing taxes, cxtravagant ont
lay, corrupt grants 10 corporations, INVASION
of private right, wrongful concessions to
favored classes and indiyiduals-ale the direct
result Of the legislative power of the Common
Council or else of legislative interference mt
Albany. Any change which places an effec-
tal check upon this authority viii be an advance
toward good government. BY placing the
check in the hands of an officer easily reached
through the agency of the ballot we make an
advance toward popular government rs WELL
We do not know that the scheme to which we
have referred is likely to be acted upon at
present, but these points may be protitably
considered
Year: 1878

We published on Saturday an abstract of
scheme of charter reform proposed by a
member of the late Constitutional Commits
sion 1t deals with the great problem of
municipal adminstration-the frightlul pro-
pensity to create public debt-which after
years of agitation and debate we are apparently
as far as ever from solving. AT present we
have an honest management of the finances
of the metropolis, and We believe that it is
the policy of the Controller 10 keep the ex-
penditures within some sort of bounds After
the unparalleled peculations and extravagance
of the Tweed government. brief recoil was
inevitable. But this reaction can only be
temporary. In the nature of things it
must be followed before long by strong
tendency toward reckless expenditure. and
there is no force in the city administration, as
now constituted, that is capable of resisting
it. If the exigencies Of a necrliar political
Year: 1878

ing.


We do not know of any exercise which gives the
patriotic American lively and grateful sense
of the superiority of the best magazine literature III
this country to periodical publications OF the same
class in Europe, than turning over the pages Oh
bound volume Of The Atlantic Monthly. Ihere
is nothing in England which compares favoraDiy
with this excellent publication, and OF course
there is nothing in France which bears even re-
mote resemblance to it. Only in the United States
has the art been found of producing monthly pub
Icaton varied enough in its range Of topics for the
taste of that imperfectly trained person commonly
known as the average reader" and yet serious
enough in purpose and in literary style to interest
people Of genuine culture The atlantic has been re-
markaby good during the past year. and it prom
lses for 1879 fresher, brighter and more vigorous
career than ever I.r
Year: 1878

The new Patent Commissioner has ehdeu
one abuse which must have rendered wretched
the lives of his predecessors, and was surely
an eyesore to the public. 1t was that OF the
Temporary employment of clerks under
contingent appropriation, involving an an
nua descent upon the Department by swarm
of helpless and needy persons, and an annuai
expulsion, as soon as the fund was exhausted
of the few who had had the good fortune TO
get even this brief foOthold. Commissioner
Paine declares that there will be no more OF
this; there must be permanent clerkshlps ana
regular appropriations. This is sensiDie
position to take. If Commissioners and Sec
retaries would oftener insist upon doing their
business like business men, there might be
fewer haphazard methods in legislation.


Judge Davis's address to Therasson, the
lawyer recently convicted of obtaining money
on false pretcnces, was stern demand lor
absolute good faith between lawyer and
client. Reluctantly as disgraceful sentence
was imposed in this instance upon once
reputable member of one OF the most
honorable of the professions, IL was
unduestionsbly deserved-if we are to accept
the verdict of the jury; and there can be az
little doubt that it was necessary to stamp
this CRIME with seal that could not be mis-
taken. The client, because of comparative
ignorance of the forms of law, IL for
no other reason, is usually at the mercy
of the lawyer, and deception and fraud
should receive under such circumstances
the heaviest penalty which outraged law
can inflict. 1t speaks well for human
nature, which seldom has kind Word
said for it, that such cases should be com
paratively rare. When one has been dlseoV-
cred, however, and guilt has been clearly
established. there should not be wanting
solemn warning against the repetition OF one
of the basest of crimes.
Year: 1878

A letter written long ago by Washington school
mistress and recently made public III a case at law
in Boston, seems to import that the late exPresi-
dent Buchanan not entirely proof against the
Influences of the teuder passion as his ceb-
acy and the cold austerity of his ways
led his contemporaries TO imagine. The
t,vitterinr schoolmistrcss exhibits him in
an attitude of chyalric gallantry which would have
done no discredit to an amatory knight of King
Arthurs Round Table or to sprghtly and romantic
Troubadour returned from the Crusades. He in
formed her that she was the most charm
ing person whom he had recently met


and hoped that she would frequently renew
her visitation. On her departure he accompanied
her to the door and kissed his hand to her with n
mingled statcliness and grace upOn which she
dwells with natural pride and some prolixity. She
IA candid enough to mention that lie said nothing of
marriage; but who can tell what might have hap
pened IL le visits which he solicited with such ro


mantle ard0r had been often enough repeated


II is gracious episode In the life of the
stiff. unlovely old magistrate, which the
chirruping young schoolmstrcss rehearses. and II
she had possessed half the matrimonial talent of
the Widow Oliver she would nfallibly have carried
of the old gentleman and set blooming marriage
garland, redolent OF May and sunshine, upon the
Winter Of his venerable brow. But she lacked re-
source and resolution, 80 all sthat remains Of the
high chance which once was hers Is her chatteriDg
Year: 1878

There is considerable diversity of opinion
on the question Of the advantages, present
or future, to be derived from the annual
oratorical contest between the pupils of
some of the leading colleges which was
brought about in some mysterious way two
or three years ago and has not yet died out
or given place to some new educational
whim. This contest took place in one OF
our public halls last evening. The theory
Of the friends of the scheme is that it brings
our institutions Of learning into closer
communion with one another, helps to de-
stroy what might be called provincialism,
encourages a healthy rivalry and inspires
the youth Of each institution with conf
dence in themselves which they could not
easily acquire in any other way. On the
other hand, it is urged that the practice is
forced, ridiculous and absurd. We are told
in the first place that it is waste of time on
the part of the contestants; that in the prep
aration of turgid platitudes upon subjects
Of which they can, in the very nature Of
things, know next to nothing, they are
losing precious months which should be
given to more serious and earnest work
Then the effect upon the successful young
Demosthenes is said to be bad For the
balance of his life he imagines himself
an orator, and is, of course, ruined!
If, however, the youth must declaim,
there is one part Of the performance
which might in future be omitted with
advantage to the public. Why hire a hall
for the purpose of hearing these youthful
prodigies declaim their sense or nonsense !?
1t is all very well to say that the public can
save itself from being bored by remaining
away; but UNFORTUNATELY there is a large
number of uncles and aunts and fair and
unfair cousins who cannot remain away.
and who are ruthlessly dragged forth to
grace an oratorical holiday. In behalf of
this very large class we respectfully suggest
that these interesting exhibitions of early
eloquence be given in secret. We should be
all satisfied with the verdict of the amiable
gentlemen who act as judges as to who is
entitled to wear the honors of the coming
American orator. Do not ask us to hear
him before he becomes an Alderman or a
Congressman a fate from which we devoutly
hope he may be saved.
Year: 1878

MIR. WILLIAM +. CHANDLER is allowed in
other columns to explain the meaning. of the
Now Hampshire Republican Convention in in
dorsing the administration. lie says it was ell
tircly for the good of the party and to prevent
u bolt Of small faction, which is a comfortable
way Of getting ont of the difficulty for Mr..
Chandler. When Mr.. Chandler is not working
for the good of the party he is generally work
ing for his own good and in gracefully accept
ing thestuation he has shown his usual sagacity
where his own interests are concerned. Mr.
Chandler makes one sensible remark however
namely, that he is opposed to reopening of the
Presidential question. The administration and
the country will breathe frecr, now that he has
declared himself Oh this point. 1t would be
terrible calamity If he was on the other side.
Mr.. Chandler seems to have learned something
In his trip to New Hampshire.
Year: 1878

USoUEsTIoNABLY MIR. THATCHER NJ. ADAMS


paper on street cleaning by the police Is in


every respect the ablest contribution on that
subject that has been presented to the public.
But we must except to one of his suggestions.
He believes in giving the business into tho
hands OF some experienced specialist" who in
turn is to be in some way under the supervision
of the Health Board. The latter body has not
distinguished itself conspicuously by looking
after either the health cleanliness of the city.
Like the Police Board IL has been more cele-
brated for ingenious apologies for not doing it.
We prefer that the specialist" should under
take tho work under the Mayors supervision
and altogether independent of both the Police
and Health boards except in 50 far as they
might assist him by their vast machinery. But
their assistance should be at the option Of the
specialist and entirely under his direction.
Year: 1878

York city toward Nova Scotia. Up to the
time of its arrival yesterday morning on the
Carolina coast both itself and the lake
storm preserved their distinctive organiza-
tions, but last evening the latter resolved
itself into barometric trough, at the south
erly end of which the Gulf storm still ex-
listed, with lower pressure and increasing
winds. The high pressure over New Bruins
wick and the lower st. Lawrence Valley pre-
serves its position, but with diminished
area. presenting very sharp gradient
southwark toward the storm centre on the
coast. Heavy rains and comparatively high
temperature have attended the progress of
this Gulf storm. sIn the West temporary
rise of pressure has been followed by a
new depression is advancing. AS the
adjacent areas of high pressure are not
much above the mean dangerous winds
will not prevail over the lakes for day or
two, but those attending the storm on the
coast may be regarded as extremely menac-,
ing to shipping particularly on the East
ern coasts. The meteorological situation
yesterday furnished another example of the
phenomenon OF the double storm which is
not unirequently experienced in the Eastern
districts of the United States The weather
in New York and it's vicinity to-day will be
cloudy and slightly cooler, with rain, fol-
lowed by light snow or sleet Tomorrow
the weather will probably be cloudy and
colder, followed by temporary clearing
Year: 1878

storms from tho West and south.


Yesterday the weather over all the region
east Of the Mississippi was disturbed by the
movement Of two considerable depressions,
which last evening united in one over the
Middle States and the lakes. The least
energetic disturbance was that from the
Northwest, which We referred to frequently
during the week. It's centre did not de-
scend below the latitude of the lower lakes,
but its influence extended considerably to
the southwark, even as far as the Lower
Mississippi Valley. Rain and snow have
attended its eastward movement to the
lakes, and continue over that region,
although the organization of the storm
as distinct area of disturbance has
been broken up by contact with the more
energetic storm to the southwark. The
latter is identical with that which for the
past week has caused high winds and
threatening indications on the Gulf coast.
We noted its rapid eastward movement.
which caused an entire change of the con-
ditions prevailing in the Western Gulf. The
centre Of this storm has followed the south
erly margin of the zone Of high pressure,
taking o northeasterly course along the
Atlantic coast, and moving nearly over New
Year: 1878

the southern side. They destroyed also


the army of Moukhtar Pacha in


Armenia and stormed Kars. And with


all those elements of resistance out of the


fight they have an army not only stronger


numerically than the army with which


they began last year, but an army far better


in every respect for its service and expert
and England's hundred thousand would
not come to support the Turks, but to take
their places. 1t is preposterous to suppose
that England can do more in this case than
fume and roar. The time when England's
prestige" in Continental warfare was Of
value has gone by, and not to have the
sagacity to see this or the courage to recog-
nize it is what constitutes her Ministers
mere drivellcrs. Those were the days
when great battles were won by little
armies. Forty thousand men could decide
the fate of Europe in day, and forty thou
sand was figure commonly within England's
reach England's arm is just about as long
now as it was then, but other peoples arms
have grown longer. Before the French
Revolution there were no nations in Donti-
mental Europe. There were only princes
and their interests. Now thereis German
nation and army, French nation and
army. There are Italian, Russian, Austrian
and Spanish armies, and the wars Of
modern Europe are on such n scale that
England's little contingent would not even
IN o1;,a ba J>o1opca fo opo ciJa Or tho other.
This change in Europe seems to have
escaped the observation of Her Majestys
government.


But it has not escaped the observation of
others, and in the considerations Of the
conditions of an armistice it will not
escape the remembrance of the Russian
authorities that now their enemy is
PROSTATE and at their mercy, and that
an armistice is his only hope his only
chance for life. They will exact an equiv
alent for yielding him that chance. 1t is
esteemed that English diplomacy has been
successful in separating the point of an
armistice from the general subject of peace
negotiations. That is not SO plain. Russia
conceded that there was limit to her Aght
to demand separate peace negotiations
with Turkey but there is no limit to her
right in regard to an armistice, and to
separate that from the other was therefore,
not adroit, since if tho Turks indulge in any
posturing as to the terms on which she con-
cedes ON armistice she will refuse it alto
gether and push on the war. All that is said
thus far of the terms on which there is to be
suspension of hostilities comes from Con-
stantinople, and is the result of that some
what preposterous deliberation in which
the Sultan approved of the terms agreed
upon by his war council. But the Russians
were not in that council, and when the Sui
tan's conditions are laid before the Rus
sian commander there may be o change Of
tune. He may fancy that he ought TO name
the conditions on which he will stop the
advance OF his victorious forces. On the
heel Of this last victory it would be folly for
the Russians to grant an armistlce without
the concession of Adrianople. and. with the
Emperors troops in possession of that city.
no general council of the Powers would make
peace inimical to his wishes.
Year: 1878

THERE Is NOTHING New or cheerful to be
added to yesterdays reports of the Dunning
failure. The liabilities arc as heavy as mt first
reported, while the prospects of the creditors
have not improved. most unfortunate phase
Of the suspension is the effect upon other busi-
ness men, who find themselves in an unpleasant
position through no fault of their own.
Year: 1878

In ADoLisHING THE FEE SYSTEM for the inspec-
tion OF weights and measures the new Alder
men have earned the thanks of large number
OF business men, who have been compelled to
submit for many years to series Of petty but
vexatious and cxtortionate charges which the
ordinance partly sanctioned.
Year: 1878

GOVERNOR McCLELLANs political friends and
admirers intend that his inauguration next
Tuesday shall be memorable in the annals of
New Jersey. Philadelphia will take part in the
demonstrations
Year: 1878

NEW FEATURE has been added to the cigar
strike. In addition to quitting work they have
quit praying, because of the obnoxious views of
their pastor on the difficulty with their en-
plovcrs
Year: 1878

DURING THE REMAINING DAYS of the Week of
Prayer the churches ought to he we'll filed; but
II, unfortunately, the weather shall continue as
bad as yesterday it will do to pray at home
Year: 1878

Have you ever reflected, upon the very many
funny things we do for which we can give no
particular reason? How is it that we do not
give five cheers, four cheers, two cheers, one
cheer? Why is it that we give three cheers
and M more? Who can tell?


Why is it that the maDrity Of people nse
their right hand in preference to their left, aud
cannot help smiling a; those who use the
latter?


Why is it that man cannot sec bundle
of tooth picks without helpipg himself when
he does not uced them at all


Why is it that a small boy cannot let the
thn-waisted wasp fly in peace, without
furiously going for it with bis new straw hat !;
or why is it that the small girl always insists
upon Juggling home kitten that has not even
learned how to open lis eyes?


Why is il that when any one asks us how
many days there are in certain mouth, we
always say over 10 ourselves:


Thirty DAYS hath September,


April, June and November


Why is il that we turn 10 tho right instead
or the left, which is more preferable, and il
adonted would save many an accident on
railroad and highway The driver always
sits upon the right Of his vehicle; in turning
TO the right he is fartherSt away from the
wagon he passes, aud unless he is an expert
cannot tell how close he comes to the wheels
Of the man who goes by him, whereaS, il he
turned to the left side he could look straight
down. see to tie fraction Of en- inch how close
he was approaching an obstacle. and thus
avoid IT, The engineer runs upon the right
hand track, and sits upon the right hand side
of his cab The long, narrow locomotive,
with its sand tower, belfry and smoke stack is
in front of him. cutting off his outlook aud
impeding his observation. He can view only
his own track. whi the opposite track. save
at a distance. is almost wholly unseen by him.
tOn some railroads the reverse is the custom.)


Custom, owing 10 causes we Know not Of,
has established these curious precedents, and,
from observation and education we inviting
" do thousands Of things that arc, to say the
least, funny, and that we cannot possibly
explain.
Year: 1878

M. Reznier has communicated 10 the French Academy of Sciences a description of new electric lamp, drawing its light from incandesent poles and acting in free air. A thin rod of carbon, pressed laterally by

 an elastic contact and pushed in tue direction of its axis against a fixed contact, becomes incaudescent and burns when traversed by pretty strong currant. As the end of the rod is consumed the pressure urges it forward through the elastic slides to the point of fixed con act, where

 the combustion takes place. In or der to facilitate the work of divers by supplying them with a submarine lamp, Barnet and Foster compress oxygen to 20 atmospheres in an iron cylindrical reservoir, from which the combustion of an alcohol lump is sustained, The escape of the gases generated is provided for.
Year: 1878

A woman put herself in the hands of Boston dentist to have her teeth reorganized. He found them in a very bad plight and asked her why she had allowed them to become so decayed without coming to him or some other dentist. She replied that she had not had time. But" he in sited, "it would not have taken long, and you could have come in almost any time" She saw that he was bent on an explanation, and she fired this at him like a cannon ball Well l guess if you had had a baby every year for the last ten years you would think it was enough to tend to-" He acknowledged he would.
Year: 1878

If you are not civil to those pret- ty, but headstrong New England girls. who wait on the table at Isle of Shoals hotels, they won't bring you anything to eat and make it a rule 10 spill soup all over your Sun day clothing.
Year: 1878

Common coal oil is one of the best of hair restoratives. Apply at night, wrap a towel about the head, and in the morning wash thoroughly and rinse in water with a little selp. Never rinse in clear water under any circumstances.
Year: 1878

He stands in the stores with his back to the stove and tells how hQ could run newspaper; how he could be as indendcnt as hog on ice, and call things by their right names; how he would expose cor ruption in high places; how he would write good common sence, and none of your frivolous ;ry-to-be funny stuff. Then he criticises eth CT peoples methods of conducting newspapers, and just wishes some one would give him a chance to show his journalistic ability. The way to cure one of these chaps is to get him to agree to write a sensible article every day for a week. Be fore the week is out he will be sure to be pumped dry, and will gapc worse for an idea than chicken does with the pip.
Year: 1878

WoBURN, June II. The body of Frank E. Da-
Wis, freight brakeman the Boston < Lowell
Railroad, who was last seen IN a buggy with an
unknown person, the evening of June 9th, was
discovered 10 the woods near Green street, this
morning The mouth was stuffed with cloth,
there were marks of violence about the head, and
the right ear was cut off There is no doubt that
Davis was murdered and dragged from the road
to where he was found.