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The Press.

POLITICAL.

THE NEW YORK LEGISLATURE.

THE DECISIONS OF THE COURT OF APPEALS,
AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES.

the Court cites the provision of the law which
says that
no ballot that has not the printed
official indorsement shall be counted," and de-
cides:

have been sent in accordance with the Court's orders, and was believed to be in Albany. The Secretary of State, Mr. Rice, who was acting as Chairman, declined to make any reply whatWe are unable to construe this language when apever when he was asked if he had received it, plied to the facts of this case in any other way than as and the Board issued a certificate to the Demthe clear and positive mandate of the Legislature to ocratic contestant upon the basis of the only the Canvassers to reject and treat as void all ballots This found in the box, prepared for and bearing the desig- County return that was visibly before it. nation and number of another and a different polling-was, so far as we are able to judge, a purely place or election district than the one where the ballot partisan proceeding, and one of which the was cast. The Legislature has forbidden the elector New York Evening Post (Ind.), Dec. 30.-to cast such a ballot. It has prohibited the Inspectors Canvassing Board ought to be ashamed. The The Republicans have lost control of the State from placing it in the box, and the Canvassers from fair course would have been to declare that Senate, and have thereby given the Democrats counting it. But it is said this result will disfranchise there was no candidate elected from the discomplete control of the Legislature, by their the electors who cast these ballots in good faith, believ-trict, and thus make necessary a new election. ing that they were the proper official ballots. The own folly. If they had not persisted in run-answer is that when an elector attempts to express his On general principles, the result is a cause ning Mr. Sherwood as their candidate for the will at an election by the use through either design or for congratulation. The Democrats are enSenate in the 27th District, after they had accident of ballots which the law declares shall not be titled to the control of the Legislature, and counted, the Courts have no power to help him. been made aware of his ineligibility, they In view of these decisions, . which strike us if the election had been held under a fair ap they would have secured it by a large majority would not be in a minority in the Senate as eminently sound both in law and in com- portionment. to-day. Then, too, if the Republican County They will now authorize a mon sense, we do not see how the State Can- redistricting of the State, and will possibly see Clerk in the 25th District had exercised proper vassers could pursue any other course in these the wisdom of making it as fair as possible. In care in his work of distributing ballots, there would have been no question as to the elec- cases than they did in their subsequent meet- the meantime they will be entirely responsible tion of a Republican Senator in that district. ing last night. They declared Sherwood not for the administration of the State Governelected, and referred the question of whether ment, and that will be a gain over the former The decisions of the Court of Appeals on these his opponent was elected or not to the Senate condition of things. No one who remembers two cases are of themselves sufficient to take for decision, and issued a certificate of elec- the partisan manner in which the Republican the control of the Senate from the Republi- tion to the Democratic contestant in the 25th majority in the Senate has used its power to cans, and we are unable to see how the Repub-District by rejecting the transposed ballots prevent the Governor from exercising his Conlicans could have anticipated any other conclusion. These two decisions are upon questions cisions, and of the Canvassing Board's action the loss of the Senate to that party as in any The effect of both de- stitutional power of appointment will regard of great interest as regards the interpretation in accordance therewith, will be to make nomof our election laws. Mr. Sherwood was at sense a public calamity. the time of his election a Park Commissioner careful hereafter to keep within the letter of inating conventions and County Clerks more the law. The Republicans of this State, especially in reference to their conduct in the Senate, have got into the habit of looking upon themselves as rather above the law that is, regarding the law as something to be twisted and tortured this way and that to suit their convenience. They have received a lesson now which they will not soon forget.

of Hornellsville. The Constitution declares

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that no person shall be eligible to the Legislature who, at the time of his election, is, or within 100 days previous thereto has been, a member of Congress, a civil or military officer under the United States, or an officer under any city government. The Court of Appeals decides that Mr. Sherwood was not eligible; that he violated the Constitution in seeking the votes of electors; that electors violated it in voting for him, and that, as a matter of Constitutional law, any certificate which a canvassing board might issue to him would be an absolute nullity, since the "only use he could make of it would be to violate the Constitution, and do wrong by intrusion to an office which he has no right for one moment to hold." Finally, the Court says:

cast for his opponent.

other cases.

cases to the Senate without either of them having a
Sherwood and his competitor may both present their
certificate of election, and that body will have juris-
diction to determine all the questions of fact and law
involved in the matter. If it shall agree with this
Court that the relator was ineligible, and also find
that his competitor was not elected, the result will be
that a new election will have to be ordered in that dis-
trict; and the electors there can then choose a person to
qualified to hold the office, and then they can be prop-
erly represented in the Senate. It is far better that
they should be called upon to vote again than that the

Constitution should be violated.

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New York Sun (Dem.), Dec. 30.-The decisions which were rendered yesterday in the

cratic.

various election cases, by the Court of Appeals, verified the prediction made in these columns a month ago, when we said: "Ultimately, therefore, all these election disputes may be carried to the Court of last resort and there finally and authoritatively settled; and no one has ever yet seriously questioned the We wish that we could commend the action absolute impartiality of that tribunal. In no of the Canvassing Board in the case of the 15th event is there any occasion for public worry or Senatorial District as unreservedly as in the wear and tear of mind. The Legislature will This is the district in which Mr. not be stolen; and yet if the Democrats are Deane the Republican candidate, died soon entitled to the majority they will get it." The after the election. doubt that he was legally elected. There has never been any result of the several decisions is to give The County the Democrats a majority in the State Canvassers refused to count a certain number Senate, and, therefore, in the Legislature of votes which had been cast for him because as the Assembly is unquestionably Demothe Inspectors of Election had written his In some of the cases all the Judges. their returns. name incorrectly on the blanks containing of the Court of Appeals concur, and in only There was no question about one of those in which there is a division of the correctness of the ballots. The Clerk opinion do the members of the Court appear refused to sign the Canvassers' certificate to have divided on party lines. The impor for the Democratic candidate, and a man- tance of this result to the Democratic party in damus was issued ordering the Canvassers the State of New York cannot easily be overThe Democrats will now assume. send the returns back to the In- estimated. control of the State Government, not by any In the correction. spectors for time the certificate, unsigned by the Clerk, got doubtful title, but with the sanction of the to Albany and to the State Canvassing Board. highest Court-and a Court which has shown The Court afterwards ordered a certificate, itself able to rise above partisan considerations based on the corrected returns, to be issued to for the decisions rendered yesterday are in Mr. Deane. No sooner was this certificate part favorable to the Republicans. Coming issued than the Democrats under the guidance into power under such circumstances, the Democracy has a magnificent opportunity, not of Governor Hill began to resort to all posSible methods to prevent it reaching Albany. only to remedy the wrongs of Republican misIt was mandamused and counter mandamused rule, but by a wise affirmative policy in the repeatedly got to Albany once by mail, and management of State affairs to make permawas taken from the hands of the postal mes-nent the victory won at the recent election. senger before it could reach the Canvassing Board. The only questions before the Court of Appeals were as to the validity of the first certificate, which had not been signed by the Clerk, and the right of the lower Court to issue an order to the State Canvassers not to district where the vote is offered, and no other. canvass an illegal return. The substance of The Court holds that the ballots in question the Court's decision was the following: Upon these facts, standing uncontradicted, we think were cast in utter disregard of this important the Court below, in its proper branch, would have the provision of the statute," that "the indorse-power to command the State Canvassers to canvass ment upon them differed from the regular without regard to such a return. As it contained the indorsement on all the other ballots used result of an illegal and erroneous canvass by the Board of Canvassers in excess of its jurisdiction, and which or voted at the same polling place, and, as they thereby would alter the result of an election, the Court were used or voted by but one of the parties should not permit it to be canvassed. As to the allegathat had made nominations, or in other words tions of the manner of the making of the returu by the in behalf of but one candidate or set of candi-County Board, the State Board could not itself inquire into them. If another return should be sent to the dates, the voters who used them necessarily Board, properly authenticated and containing the disclosed to such bystanders as could or de- result of the legal action of the Board of County Cansired to observe the candidates voted for." vassers, the State Board could canvass it. This the Court declares to be a violation of the When the Board met last night, the illegal secrecy of the ballot. Upon the question as to return was presented, but the corrected return whether ballots thus cast shall be counted, was not produced, though it was known to

The decision in the case of the erroneously distributed ballots in the 25th District is equally clear and important. Ballots officially marked and signed by the County Clerk for the 1st District in one town were distributed and voted in the 2d District, and those for the Ist and 2d Districts in another town were transposed and thus used in the election. The question before the Court was whether or not this irregular use invalidated the votes cast with such ballots. The law plainly requires that the designation or number of the election district indorsement shall be precisely the same, and in all cases that designation or number shall be that of the polling-place or election

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New York Tribune (Rep.), Dec. 30.-We file no appeal; we bow to the Court of last resort in the rectitude of whose intentions we have entire confidence. That we are disappointed goes without saying; that we are firmly convinced that the outcome of the decisions, conceding that it is good law, is nevertheless fraught with flagrant injustice to the voters of the districts in question also goes: without saying. The majority of the electors. of those districts will be unrepresented in the next Senate, and that fact stands for a grave outrage upon popular government place the responsibility where you will. As for the action of the State Board of Canvassers in acting upon the fraudulent Dutchess tificate when it was at liberty to substitute the true one in its place, little need be said. It was not unexpected. The Board took care to make plain several days ago. that Hill could depend upon it to do any work he might ask of it, no matter how dirty. The County Clerk of

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Dutchess County was long ago required by a | making power, and have thereby defeated the | and thereby commit the most deadly assault mandate of the Supreme Court, and by the Constitutional provision designed to give ex- on government by the people, ranks as a direction of the Board of Supervisors of pression to the will of the people. In greater criminal than the most degraded scounthat county, to file the corrected certificatedrel now wearing stripes in Sing Sing prison. the certificate which elected Deane. But that In the latter category must be ranked Governor shameless official, acting doubtless under Hill and every member of the State Board of orders from Hill, refused to file it. And now Canvassers, unless they are so blinded by parthe Board, recognizing the fraudulent certifitisan passion that they are unable to distinguish cate, and having first taken care not to receive right from wrong. the honest one, foist Osborne upon the people of the 15th District! If this isn't unadulter

ated scoundrelism, what is it?

Jan. 4.-Osborne will be sworn in to-morrow as Senator from the 15th District, Nichols as Senator from the 25th, and, after an organization has been perfected, Walker as Senator from the 27th. The three are arrant interlopers. Osborne-the most shameless of the three-owes his elevation to a certificate which concededly was bogus; Nichols owes his to the disfranchisement of 1,252 innocent voters; Walker, defeated by nearly 1,700 majority, owes his to the ineligibility of his opponent. If these three men should be caught taking the mean advantage in business of which they are availing themselves to foist themselves into public office they would be voted rascals. The Democracy of the State of New York has a history which contains some disgraceful chap

ters.

But we submit that in consenting to the swearing in of Osborne as a member of the Senate-not to speak of Nichols or Walker-it reaches the lowest depth of degradation.

the 15th District, if all the votes were counted,
Gilbert A. Deane had a bare majority over
Edward B. Osborne, the Democratic candidate.
As Deane has died since the vote was cast it
became a question whether Osborne should
have the seat or there should be a new elec-
tion. There were 18 votes for Deane which
we have heretofore described as undoubtedly
tainted with fraud. There were also 31 marked
ballots technically illegal. Whether these were
marked by design, as charged, or by accident,
does not fully appear. But as they were marked
the Canvassers felt that they had a right under
the law to throw them out, and they did so,
giving Osborne 14 plurality over his opponent.
The decision of the Court left this question
within the power of the Board, and they have
recognized Osborne's right to the seat.

was

New York Times (Ind.), Dec. 30.-By their
own stupidity in nominating an ineligible can-
didate the Republicans of the 27th District
deprived themselves of a representative, for
though the method in which the Judges and
the Canvassers have dealt with this case may
be questioned, the result is of very evident
soundness, and Sherwood's exclusion from the
Senate is the proper legal penalty for the
ignorance and carelessness of his political
friends. In the Onondaga case there
again a blunder, which by what seems to us an
unwarrantably strict construction of the law the
Court of Appeals holds must defeat the major-
ity candidate, but it was a Republican blunder,
and the Court of Appeals sits for the purpose
of making final and presumably infallible adjudi-
cations in cases of this sort. In the Dutchess
case a monstrous outrage has been done, which
if that district be peopled by men of virtue and
spirit will make it unassailably Republican for
twenty-five years to come.

New York Herald (Ind.-Dem.), Jan. 2.First and foremost among the measures which will be brought forward when the Legislature meets next week will be a bill for an enumeration on which to base a new apportionment of Senatorial and Assembly districts. The achievement of this great end will be a cause for popular rejoicing. Representation at Albany to-day is based on the population of seventeen years ago. It is a matter of common notoriety that this is not fair, just, or Constitu- Buffalo Evening News (Ind.-Rep.), Dec. 30. tional representation. In certain districts the -The Republican side was ably handled bepeople have more, and in others fewer repre- fore the Court by some of the most eminent sentatives than they are entitled to. The effect lawyers in the State, and the defeat is in no of this unequal representation is simply to way attributable to them. It is to the primary disfranchise large bodies of voters, to deprive cause of it that we would direct attention, and them of that voice in the Government which that may be summed up in the one word, is theirs by, right. In this way New Plattism. It was the anxiety of the unconYork, Brooklyn, and every city in the State scionable hoodoo of the party and his side has suffered. The political effect has been partner, Hiscock, to secure factional control of unjustly to increase Republican representation the Senate that forced the nomination of men and cut down the Democratic. It is a fact in three overwhelmingly Republican districts capable of demonstration that New York is a which will now be represented by Democrats. strong Democratic State. A large majority of Albany Express (Rep.), Dec. 31.-Some of its voters are now, for years have been, and for our Republican contemporaries are so dazed years will be Democrats. Yet for eight years by the turn affairs have taken that they do not the Republicans have had majorities at Albany appear to be conscious of the fact that they and one or more Senators at Washington con- have been whipped out of their boots. They trary to the will of the people. Such has been talk about "new steps to be taken," " new the effect of the unfair, unjust system of appor-moves to be made," as though the fight instead tionment now in force. This should be swept away, not because it is favorable to the Republicans and unfavorable to the Democrats, but because it does not permit a fair or Constitutional representation of the people.

That Governor Hill has managed this contest Philadelphia Times (Ind.-Dem.), Dec. 31.— with consummate skill, and that he has fought it with a singleness of purpose to win a party victory regardless of the popular vote in several districts, will not be questioned by any intelligent observer of the struggle. In short, he has stolen the Legislature of New York under color of law, just as the Republicans have lately stolen the Governorships of Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Nebraska, and the Legislatures of New Hampshire and Montana, by which three United States Senators turned up as trophies of the theft. But who doubts that if the Court of Appeals in New York had been Republican, with equal ability and integ rity embodied in its Judges, the decision would have saved the Senate to the Republicans?— or who can doubt that if the same decisions given by the Court of Appeals on Tuesday would have changed the Senate from Democratic to Republican, a different judgment would have been rendered? This is probably no graver reflection upon the Judges of the Court of Appeals of New York than that they are human. Since four Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States serving on the Electoral Commission each voted as blindly in the support of their respective party interest as would a lot of ward political committeemen, the public judge with generous charity the political decisions made by Judges elected by political parties. Of course there are noble exceptions, but they are the exceptions and not the rule.

DAVID B. HILL.

Simen

said that in the quality of ability involved in Brooklyn Eagle (Dem.), Dec. 31.-It can be the acquisition, exercise, and consolidation of political force David B. Hill is unmatched by any man of his time, probably of any time, in the case of American Democracy. Cameron had a more extended duration of partisan sway, but his party's defeat at times entered into his schemes for personal control. Such an idea has never entered into the mind or methods of David B. Hill. He has driven united Republicanism to disaster. He has aided divided Republicanism to suicide, but Democracy triumphant has always been his object-and he has achieved it. He is a past master of the policy of power and in large senses of the power of policy. Statesmen are of being ended had just begun. This sort of what a party calls its most trusted aud successthing is foolish. It will not help the Republi- ful men while they live, and what the opposican party. That organization, for a variety of tion concedes them to have been when they reasons, is not in the best repute of the voters die. Politician is a term of diminution applied of the State. Mr. Fassett was defeated by to great adversaries or of gross exaggeration New York Journal of Commerce (Ind.), Jan. nearly 50,000 majority, but if Democrats had applied to small helots. Truly a statesman 4. If the Democrats had polled only a minor-not voted for him the majority would have is greatly a politician. Really a politician is ity vote, and were trying through mere legal been much larger. The Republican party needs transcendently a statesman. Jefferson, Lincoln, technicalities to obtain control of the Legisla-running to seed for years. brains and voters and leaders. It has been Walpole, Pitt, Talleyrand, and Tilden, among ture, even then it would not have been true strength but has lost steadily. Therefore it is will the splendid chieftains of to-day when It has gained no the dead, interchangeably fit either term. So that they were stealing the State." There may be injustice through an inequitable decis- absurd for Republican newspapers, in com-death shall denude definition of envy and of ion of the Courts, but if this is in accordance menting on the action of the Court of Appeals hate and set the stars of a century in the galaxy Neither to the immediate nor to with legal forms it is not larceny to obey it. in the contested cases, to talk about "the will of the ages. But in the case before us the substantial equi- the people just now is not inclining in the di- York afraid to of the people being overcome. The will of the ultimate future are the Democracy of New trust the keeping of the ties were beyond all question on the other side. The Democrats had elected their Gov-rection of the Republican party. Nor has it fame and the interpretation of the faith of been in off" elections for several years. the consummate partisan from whom the ernor by nearly fifty thousand plurality over Therefore it does not seem to be the best con- Governorship to-day will drop, as a trust well his Republican opponent, and by a clear major ity of all the votes that were cast at the elec-sidered thing to set up the claim just now that discharged, and above whom the Senatorship tion. It was not their fault, nor was it the will the Republican party has been despoiled by will to-morrow beam, as a star well deserved. of the people of this State, that the Democrats any action of the Court of Appeals. had not a clear majority in both branches of the Legislature. By any fair expression of the popular will this would have been the result. The Republicans, by a course which no fair-minded man can defend, have kept substantial control of the law

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The

Chicago Herald (Ind.), Jan. 2. -For seven peopl. entertain the highest respect for that tribunal. They do not believe that the Court years the retiring Governor has faithfully and willfully would commit the slightest wrong. loyally administered the duties of his high office and now receives the plaudits of admirBrooklyn Standard-Union (Rep.), Dec. 30.-ing countrymen. "Well done good and faithAny kind of a thief is a despicable person, but ful servant!" While administering his office a thief who will rob honest men of their votes. I with an impartial and inflexible hand in the

good government and welfare of the whole | is criminal or lawless in society, whatever is | tense. It contemplates a shameless violation of people of the Empire State, he has never corrupt or arrogant in politics, is distinctly solemn pledges and a deliberate abandonment failed to remember that he was the exponent benefited with him. He has greatly benefited of sacred principles. There s nothing in it to of Democratic principles. By his loyalty to likewise the enemies of democratic institutions, party and vigorous leadership-vigilant in by showing what an American demagogue can guarding every interest involved thereby-he accomplish by perverting the machinery of the has beheld his party grow each year in State and of party to his ambitions. strength, cohesion, and aggressive force. He assumed office with the opposition of a Republican Senate and Assembly. He surrenders the office to-day to a Democratic successor, whose arm will be strengthened and courage sustained by a Democratic Senate and Assembly.

Augusta Chronicle (Dem.), Jan. 2.-Senator Hill will go to the front as a leader in the Senate. He will measure up to the full requirements of his new position. He has experience, mentality, and courage. He is aggressive, conservative, and able. He knows the abuses and the corruptions of the Republican party. He is the most hated and the most feared by the Republicans, and the most abused man in the Democratic party.

ency

like another.

appeal to the pride, the patriotism, the manhood of a single Democratic voter in all this land. It s a programme born of an unbridled ambition which would ruin where it cannot rule. It represents no respectable body of Philadelphia Press (Rep.), Jan. 2.-How the Democracy proposes to fight for the Presid-public opinion and voices nothing but the has been recently illustrated in New York. wishes of a little coterie of political adventurers Its policy is embodied in David B. Hill, and it and mercenaries who would make the Demowill make use of his unscrupulous methods to in its motives and actions as one sneak-thief is cratic party as much like the Republican party win. He has overridden the law, thrust aside Courts, and trampled on the rights of voters in order to give New York a solid Democratic Government. The same methods were pursued in the South until that section was made solid. Senator Hill, with corrupt Tammany at his back, controls New York, and with an aggressive alliance between him and Gorman and the solid South a vigorous effort is to be made to place this combination in National power. will be the fiercest and most desperate assault the Democratic party has made on the Government since the days of Aaron Burr.

MR. HILL ON NATIONAL ISSUES.

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MR. CLEVELAND'S CHANCES. New York World (Dem.), Dec. 30.-Mr. Cleveland is the candidate of the anti-politiHe represents ideas, sencians, so to speak. timents, aspirations, not organized purpose. Ordinarily such a candidacy for a nomination would be hopeless because organization is supposed usually to count for more than ideas, sentiments, and aspirations in nominating conventions. In Mr. Cleveland's case there seems to be a widespread conviction that the rule will not hold good. In spite of the organized hostility to his candidacy, it has been the general expectation that he will receive the nomination. But that expectation is now somewhat less confident, perhaps, than it was a year ago, even a month ago. When the result of the November election was made known it was said with accents of certainty that the event made Mr. Cleveland the inevitable candidate. The World gathered the expressions of opinion on this subject from newspapers throughout the country, and the voice of the press thus reflected was substantially unanimous to the effect that the masses of the Democratic party had fixed upon Mr. Cleveland as their choice for the nomination, and that the Convention would do their bidding. Since that time doubt appears to have arisen. The question is everywhere asked:

Can he get the New York delegation; or will he be nominated without it?" With the New York delegation for him he would almost certainly be nominated. But if that delegation shall be stubbornly opposed to him it may happen that his supporters from other States will regard his selection as one imperiling the Electoral vote of New York, without which the Democrats cannot hope to elect any candidate. They may deem it wiser to put aside their first choice in favor of a man from some other State who would receive the support of of all factions of the party in this State. suggestion is made daily in the Democratic newspapers outside of New York. It unquestionably reflects a doubt felt by the Democratic voters.

This

Syracuse Standard (Rep.), Dec. 31.-This is the last day of the Administration of Governor David B. Hill. He quits his office in a blaze of victory, with the homage of all his fellowFrom Mr. Hill's speech at the banquet tendered partisans who do not suffer by his successes to him by the State officers, Albany, Dec. 31.and the admiration of all men who respect Let us hold fast to the great facts, and pivot smartness more than honesty. His career our policy on those. Here is one fact: Demosince he succeeded Grover Cleveland as Gov-cratic legislation by this 52d Congress is quite ernor of New York has been a series of vic- impossible. Piebald legislation, of course, is tories-victories over political opponents and possible; I have no interest in that. Here is rivals, victories over public criticism and intel- another fact-it is the largest fact with which ligent public opinion, victories over wise policy our great leaders in Congress have to take and wholesome legislation, victories over the account: The people's verdict last year upon good sense and conscience of the people. Of the Billion Congress and all its works becomes course a man who could gain these victories utter nullity and empty wind, unless the people was also sure to win when his enemies met him of the United States, unbedeviled, unfooled, on his own ground and used his own weapons. stick to their work, again come together at the By their follies they have helped to furnish his ballot-boxes, and again next November thuntriumphs and develop the skill which proclaims der forth the same just verdict. The purpose him the most masterly political trickster in the of my speech in Elmira was to fix public attencountry to-day. We never have heard anyone tion upon the size of those two facts. For, if speak of Governor Hill as a good man, though their size is generally seen, no Democrat will he has his virtues; or a wise man, though he is wish to resist their controlling importance. free from some of the follies of mankind; or an What follows? Shall the people's verdict on honest man, though there are crimes that he the Billion Congress have execution or not? would not commit; or a broad-minded man, Shall the Democratic party, by keeping before though there are forms of narrowness to which the people the Billion Congress issues of 1890 he is superior; or a deep man, though he has nothing else and nothing less-keep for the sounded the depths of political iniquity; or a people power to add to their verdict of 1890 cultivated man, though some of his mental its execution in 1892? How can that best be powers have been brought to a state of great done? Call the problem a tactical problem, acuteness. But he is praised as a man who if you like; but the philosophy of practical succeeds, whether right or wrong. Hence his politics in a popular Government is to make experience is full of harmful instruction. It your issues plain, simple, single, if possible; seems to illustrate the possibility in American then keep them clear and unconfused, and let politics of ascending the highest stations with the sovereign people judge. Therefore, at out the aid of integrity; it encourages the Elmira, I suggested this course: young citizen to dispense with political virtue as an embarrassment in public life; it stimulates the worship of mere cleverness, artfulness, sleight of hand. and suppresses respect for the solid qualities of manhood and statesmanship. No small issues, no untimely issues, no new prints this morning the full text of the reply New York Herald, Jan. 1.-The_Herald David B. Hill's experience shows how high an ambitious citizen may climb without one of the issues, no other issues. Grapple to undo the made to our demand by Señor Matta, Minister qualities which the Fathers of the Repub-work of the Billion Congress. Put the country of Foreign Affairs, and several reports made lic regarded as essential to political emi- and its silver laws and its tariff laws back by the authorities at Valparaiso to the Governnence; and the end of his progress may ture in 1888 and before the infamous Republi- sailors of the Baltimore. According to these where they stood before our party's misadven- ment at Santiago soon after the attack on the not have been reached yet. Let men who are can revolution. Demand this and demand disposed to rejoice over Governor Hill's achievements ask themselves how his feats nothing but this, and keep on demanding this reports the trouble occurred in the worst have served the people, or how they have in Congress, in our State Conventions, in our ing a mob in a few seconds is easy." The of Valparaiso, a district where "formNational Convention, and throughout the canserved his party; let them tell what principles police were promptly ordered to the scene, and have been vindicated, how he has made society vass till sundown Nov. 8. when they arrived found a crowd a thousand better or politics purer. Of the few good laws Indianapolis Sentinel (Dem.), Jan. 2 -Gov- strong, and fighting with knives, sticks, and put upon the statute-books during his occu- ernor Hill would have the Democratic party stones going on. Every effort was made by pancy of the Executive chair the best was go before the people with no record upon the police to quell the disturbance and restore passed against his protest, and after he had which to base an appeal for their confidence order. The Intendente of Valparaiso reports impaired its efficiency by the modifications he and support except a little cheese-paring and a that "the local authorities could not dictated. His triumphs have been personal futile and manifestly insincere attempt to re- have done more than they did in and selfish. He has never merged himself in place one Republican tariff law with another reference to this disagreeable occurrence when the Democratic party, but has buried the party scarcely less outrageous, and to substitute for we consider the place where it began, the defiin his own ambitious schemes. To-day the one illogical and absurd coinage act another ciency of the police force for this extensive and delirious, shouting partisans persuade them- scarcely less illogical and absurd. There is no irregular city, and the imprudence of sending selves that he has been making the Democratic use of mincing words about this programme ashore at one time a hundred and sixty men of party great, while he has been aggrandizing which Governor Hill has laid down with such the Baltimore." These statements were comhimself. They will see their mistake. We an air of authority. It is a programme of municated to Minister Egan by Señor Matta would not say that Governor Hill is the sole cowardice, dishonesty, and partisan imbecility. with the assurance that once the guilty parbeneficiary by his Administration. Whatever It is a programme of trickery and false pre- ties are discovered due justice will be done."

1. Pass no free coinage bill; pass only needful appropriation bills, enforcing economy.

2. Grapple to undo the worst work of the Billion Congress. Demand the repeal of the Sherman Silver Law and the two McKinley Laws.

quarter

THE CHILIAN SIDE.

"

Immediately after the occurrence an investiga-thing for this Republic.-Salt Lake Tribune | but also to French and American, while they tion was begun by the proper authorities, with (Ind.), Dec. 31. the view of ascertaining the facts and bringing the offenders to trial. Commander Schley, Consul McCreary, and Minister Egan were appealed to for any proofs or witnesses they

could furnish to throw light on the matter and

aid in getting at the truth. That is the Chilian side, and it is entitled to fair consideration. It shows that the local authorities were zealous in trying to quell the disturbance and in investigating the facts, with the view of bringing the guilty to justice. It does not follow that the Chilian Government is relieved from responsibility for the failure of the Valparaiso authorities to protect our citizens against violence.

Government is not to be treated as a Power

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will prove disastrous to industrial and agricultural Germany. On this point the ex-Chancellor spoke like an agriculturist, and said expected in the remarks of the Prince was his nothing that has not already been said in the Reichstag. What was novel, curious, and unreproach of the Reichstag for abdicating its powers and making itself the humble servant of the Ministrv. Prince Bismarck deploring the servility of the Reichstag is an extraordinarily attractive spectacle. He did not stop there, but proceeded to cuff the bureaucracy. "Who," he pathetically exclaimed, are the which make so many changes in our relations authors of these new commercial treaties, isterial functionaries, people who are nothing but consumers, and to whom may be applied the words of Scripture: They sow not, neither do they reap; they put nothing in their granaries. Bureaucracy, that is the evil that is eating us up on all sides!" In conclusion the Prince said that if he had been obliged to sign

CONCERNING SO-CALLED "AUTHORIZED TIONS.-Mr. James G. Blaine has not been a STATEMENTS ABOUT MR. BLAINE'S INTENnewspaper man for nothing. He is generally credited with an ability to formulate his own views upon important public questions. He is also credited with an ability to hold his own counsel until it is time for him to speak. When he has anything to communicate he is at no loss as to how to get it before the people. There is nobody in public life who has a better knowledge of the methods and the agencies for But it does follow that the Chilian giving prompt and wide currency to important with our neighbors? Secret councillors, minmatters of information. Mr. Blaine is not in the habit of relying upon Western Congressmen as a medium through which to reach the country. Western Congressmen who profess to be in Mr. Blaine's inmost confidence upon important subjects, on which Mr. Blaine may not know his own mind yet, can expect to be regarded with a good deal of distrust. the proper time comes Mr. Blaine, if he has anything to say, knows how to say it so that there will be no question of its authenticity. Meanwhile, the people will do well to dismiss any irresponsible rumors which may make their appearance. Gossip and speculation, under present conditions, are worse than worthless.-Boston Journal (Rep.), Dec. 31.

which has committed an intentional or deliberate offense against the United States.

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FOREIGN.

THE COMMERCIAL TREATIES.

When

CLARKSON'S 'NEGRO QUESTION."
Nashville American (Dem.), Jan. 1.-Mr.
Clarkson, who generally speaks with knowl-
edge if not with authority, when he deals with
questions pertaining to the campaign policy of
his party, announces that his party will make
negro question" the issue of the next
Presidential contest.
The "
negro question
is a compendious phrase which in the mouth
of a Republican politician includes force bills,
bayonets, and all the paraphernalia and ma-
chinery of force and fraud which can be given
the sanction and the power of law to overwhelm
the intelligence of the South with the rule of
ignorance and barbarism. The Republican
party is and always must be a sectional party.
Journal des Debats (Paris), Dec. 9.-One of
It can
no more divest itself of sectionalism the greatest events in the economic history of
than the leopard can change his spots or the
our times will be the inauguration of the com-
Ethiopian his skin. Other issues may have a mercial treaties concluded by the German
seeming or temporary precedence, but all the Government with Austro-Hungary, Italy, and
burning, bitter, and unspeakable vindictiveness, Belgium. When similar treaties have been
all the tyranny, persecution, and oppression, negotiated-as to many it seems likely they
all the manifold devilishness of ingenious will be-with Switzerland, Servia, Spain, and
Scoundrelism wrapped up in Mr. Clarkson's other European countries, there will be formed
little phrase, the “ negro question," is present, against France, not exactly a tariff league or a
visibly or invisibly, on the surface or in the vast zollverein aimed at our country-such
depths, in every Republican campaign. In the terms would be inexact, but a system of inter-
last Presidential campaign there was com-national conventions of which the effect, if not
paratively little waving of the bloody shirt. the object, will be to isolate us, and to do so
There was no premonition of the iniquitous and by the operation of principles directly antago-
monstrous legislation which was attempted by nistic to those which inspire our legislators.
the Republican Congress. It was hidden for The majority in our Chambers sacrifice the
the time, but only waiting for an opportunity. interests of exporters and make no account of
We are rejoiced that Mr. Clarkson announces treaties of commerce entered into by other
this time in advance the intention of his party. countries. Meanwhile the explanation of its
though we have never doubted the constancy motives made by the German Government
of its hate or the perseverance of its malignant proclaims to us the absolute need of assuring
purpose. We believe the Democratic party markets for our national industries and for
will be able to meet the Force Bill issue in the creating stable tariff relations with other na-
next campaign.
tions. Stability," says the German Govern-
ment, cannot be guaranteed save by the
establishment of tariffs effected by agreements
A SILVER ORGAN THINKS A GREAT WAR with other countries, with stipulations for long
WOULD HELP THE COUNTRY.-How many continuance." This is said not only at Berlin,
Americans realize that we are paying to foreign but at Vienna, at Rome, and at Brussels, while
ships every year $250,000,000 in freight our Chambers do not wish to hear of and our
money? When added to that is the passage
money, and the money spent by Americans
in the Old World, it is not very strange that it
takes a good deal of money to carry this little
old country along. What is strange is, first,
that the Congress of the United States does
not fix things so that American ships would
collect part of that freight money at least ;
and that they do not fix silver on a status which
will give to the country, in legitimate money,
about sixty million dollars more per annum.
There never was anything stranger than the
way the Congress of the United States for the
last eighteen years has treated the silver inter-
ests and the shipping interests of this country.
There seems to be a class of men there who
are the abject tools of the moneyed men across
the sea, and the moneyed men of New York
City who negotiate foreign securities in this
country. It seems as though nothing would
break the spell that is upon them except a
great war. And if that war could come, we
believe even at the expense of life and treasure
it would cost, it would, after all, be a good

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Government dares not speak of treaties of
commerce. The contrast is striking. It ought
to give occasion for reflection to all whose
minds are broad enough to rise above electoral
calculations, and to preserve some concern for
the economic future of our country.

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BISMARCK'S VIEWS. L'Independance Belge (Brussels), Dec. 18.When Prince Bismarck was asked, recently, whether he would take his seat in the Reichstag, he replied: "Nondum meridies—it is not yet noon.' Last Saturday he received at his residence, Friedrichsruhe, a delegation from Siegen that had come to offer him the freedom of that Westphalian town. It seems that on that occasion he felt that noon had struck, for in haranguing the delegation he did not hesitate to frankly and warmly express his opinion of the commercial treaties just concluded by Germany. The treaties are worthless, he said in substance; they will be advantageous not only to Austrian and Italian manufacturers,

treaties like these he "would have trembled

like a child sent to find something in a dark

room.

"

THE REVOLT IN MEXICO.

Then came

A revo

Cleveland Leader, Dec. 31.-Garza has for several years been publishing a weekly paper, revolutionary in tone, in whatever frontier Mexican town he might find temporary refuge, and is described as an educated and polished man of considerable personal magnetism. He is a bitter opponent of President Diaz and his wealthy father-in-law is even more unrelenting in his hatred of the present head of the Mexican Republic. Sandival is a soldier with a good record for courage and ability, who was expelled from the Mexican army for sedition. About three months ago the outbreak manifested itself along the border, and the revolutionists, variously reported at from 50 to 500 in number, were encountered in several places and scattered by Mexican troops. u lull, and both Garza and Sandival were said to have left the country. If they did so, however, it was only to gather new strength and throw the Mexican Government off its guard, for on Nov. 16 the revolutionists attacked Guerrero in considerable numbers. lutionary proclamation was issued at the same time, in which Garza declared his force was strong enough to overthrow the Mexican army and called on all patriots to join him. Since then a sort of guerilla warfare has been waged in Mexico, and when Garza's followers were hard pressed by Mexican troops they have unhesitatingly crossed into Texas and sought refuge among their sympathizers there. At this time General Sandival is said to have 2,000 well-armed men in the mountain districts of Northern Mexico, while Garza's force, which is greatly scattered, is estimated to be nearly as large. Sandival is said to have great influence with a certain element of the Mexican army, and the Mexican authorities are evidently greatly alarmed at the way in which Garza's forces seem to grow in spite of all the difficulties in their way. Ten thousand Mexican troops are now massed in the States of Tamanlipas, Nuevo Ceon, and Coahuila, and a great part of Garza's forces are in Texas. It begins to look as if what at first seemed like a petty and hopeless insurrection may grow into a revolution that will overturn the Mexican Government. Throughout Northern Mexico great distress exists because of the failure of crops, and conditions are apparently favorable to a revolution. This increases Garza's chances of success, and at least gives ground for fearing a long and disturbing border warfare. It is hardly likely that Garza can finally prevail, with our troops and the Mexican forces actively coöperating, yet his chances are, in some respects, hardly less bright than were those of President Diaz in the early days of his revolt, when, it will be remembered, he, too, waged a border warfare back and forth across the Rio Grande. The notable difference is that the Diaz Government is very much

more popular and able than was that of Lerdo | Okounevsky, mentioned in this passport, is cases, strikes are not needed to introduce the de Tejada, which was overthrown by Diaz in allowed to remain in St. Petersburg for two eight-hour system. It will introduce itself by 1876. months, in order to find employment." This the inexorable logic of demonstration. step was perfectly illegal. Okounevsky, how

CANADIAN ANNEXATION, AND ITS

ALTERNATIVE.

Montreal Weekly Witness, Dec. 30.-What should we gain by annexation? We should gain free commercial intercourse, an enormous boon. But why assume that we cannot, like other American countries, get that without annexation? It would be as great a benefit to the United States as to Canada, and if it be said that it is refused to us just to force us to annexation, we say that that is the worst way to bring about that consummation. We would be in a contemptible position if we acknowledged ourselves to be deliberately forced into a foreign allegiance. If we were to be annexed our commercial freedom would be lost, and our commercial interests merged in those of another country and would be controlled in such a manner as might please the majority, though it might be greatly displeasing to us. Where Canada's true interests lie is in absolute commercial freedom. In the first place make the country a cheap one to live in. It is not naturally so. People need twice as much fuel, twice as much clothing, more and better food in Canada than they do in most civilized countries. These are natural conditions which cannot be altered, and which we would not alter if we could. But why should we add to these burdens by placing heavy artificial ones on everything we use? The natural heartiness and vigor of men living in our climate make up abundantly for the extra cost of living here so far as this is imposed by nature, but it cannot make up as easily for the extra cost of living gratuitously laid upon us in the interests of Governmental extravagance and thriftlessness. Canada is now acknowledged to be on the highway of nations. She is on the straightest and easiest road between Europe and Asia. In order to become a very great entrepot of commerce she has only to throw open her gates perfectly freely to the whole world. Farmers wonld then live at far less cost and obtain a much readier market for all their products. Even from a commercial point of view we do not think annexation would pay. There are really now only two things hindering a much wider and nobler annexation than political union with the United States, and that is a federal union of the English nations in which Canada from her natural relations with the United States and her historical relations with Great Britain would as an independent member form, perhaps, the most essential connecting link. These two things are the monarchic and aristocratic system in England and the Protective system in the United States. Of these, the first is more apparent than real, offering nothing but an imaginary and sentimental obstacle, while the other is very real, but doomed to early decay.

INSTANCES OF RUSSIAN TYRANNY. Darkest Russia (London), Dec. 18.-In St. Petersburg the police lately visited the house of a Jewish tradesman named Dünnerstein, who had gone away on business. They found his wife ill and on the point of confinement; nevertheless they demanded her license to remain in the capital. She informed them that her husband had the papers with him, and would soon return; but they refused to wait, and, despite her condition, which was evidently critical, conducted her to the railway station, and ordered her to return to Wilna, where her family reside. They had the consideration, however, to send a midwife with her, and the child was born on the journey, soon after the mother had left St. Petersburg.

A certain Okounevsky, a veteran of the time of Nicholas, having the right to reside in any part of the Empire, came to St. Petersburg and wished to settle down in business. His passport, which was good for one year, was returned to him from the Prefect's office stamped with the remark that "The Jew

SOCIAL TOPICS.

THE EIGHT HOURS MOVEMENT-
FAVORABLE TESTIMONY.

STATES.

London dispatch from George W. Smalley, New York Tribune, Jan. 3.—The question of the Russian Jew migration to the United States promises to be a very formidable one next spring. The most systematic efforts are making in this country to divert the whole stream of emigration from England to America. It is with that view, or for that purpose, that such large sums of money have been raised here, and to that end that they are being used. Not less than $150,000 have been turned over already by the English Committee to the Berlin Committee to be applied by the latter to the payment, in whole or in part, of the passage money of destitute Russian Jews who will be dispatched next spring from Bremen and Hamburg to

New York. The number

ever, opened a small shop, and sent in a peti- RUSSIAN JEWS AND THE UNITED
tion for permission to trade as a dealer. He
received no satisfactory reply; but after the
lapse of two months his passport came back
This
with the original remark stamped on it.
was repeated four times, and his frequent peti-
tions asking for permission to keep a shop
were utterly ignored. He has by now spent
the greater part of his capital-with which he
had hoped to do a little business-in paying
for stamps and the drawing up of petitions.
Aaronwitz, an old man with his three sons,
two of whom were married, all fine-looking
men from Yanovki, near Odessa, were in part-
nership as tailors and clothiers, and doing an
extensive business both wholesale and retail.
They received seven weeks' notice to leave,
and had to realize their furniture and goods at
one-tenth of their value. They had several
thousand roubles owed to them by orthodox
Russians; but most of their debtors laughed of these emigrants is estimated to be at
least 20,000. A further sum of $150,000
at them when they demanded their money, as is promised, if wanted. Not less than
these people knew that the Jews would not
have time to bring actions against them to 15,000 Jews found their way last year
recover their debts, and if they had time it to America, mainly from these two ports.
would be a question whether they would be Many of them had money, and many of those
successful, as all the Courts are more or less who had money were, says a high authority,
the least desirable characters. They could not
open to bribes and prejudiced against Jews.
be excluded, because they were not paupers.
They are not of the stuff which makes good
laborers or good citizens. They have hung
about New York and there they will stick till
their money is gone and they become a charge
upon the community. So will it be next year.
The Berlin Committee will do its best to secure
admission for these exiles, simply because they
Pittsburg Dispatch, Jan. 3.—A paper recent- have hardly any other place open to them.
ly read before the National Liberal Club, of Argentina is not ready. Baron Hirsch's
London, by Professor Munro, of Owens Col- scheme is a large one, and is not likely to be in
lege, on the economical effects of the eight- working order for two years. Both Baron
hour laboring day contains some very impor- Hirsch and Lord Rothschild are agreed in the
tant and interesting statistics. The question policy of excluding them from England. Lord
is whether the reduction of the hours of labor Rothschild, whose efforts in behalf of his co-re-
to eight hours would mean a reduction in the ligionists are unremitting, did his best from the
amount of labor performed, or an accomplish- first to keep them out of England, where the
ment of an equal or greater amount of labor labor market is overstocked. He is acting
by reason of the superior condition of the equally in the interest of his country and of his
workman. What Professor Munro has done
race. They all look to America as the one
has been to collate the statistics of the hours
spot where these victims of Russian barbarity
of labor with the output, in six mining districts have, for the present, a chance of making a
with the surprising result that the output of coal fresh start in life. It only remains for us to
per miner in each district increases or diminishes look out for ourselves. Next spring will un-
in inverse ratio to the number of hours worked. doubtedly be a critical period. The famine in
In South Staffordshire where the underground Russia is expected then to reach its crisis. The
laborer averages 40.8 hours per week, the aver-expulsion of the Jews from Moscow and else-
age production of coal is the highest, and so where will be actively carried on during the
on down through the list to Glamorganshire, winter. Neither humanity-a word unknown
where the number of hours is increased 25 per in Russia-bureaucracy, nor policy, nor the
cent. to 51.7 hours per week, the average pro- opinion of the civilized world, is of any avail
duction is decreased over 30 per cent. If this
difference appeared, in the statistics of but two Russian hatred of a race which is their supe--
to soften the rigor of Russian officials, and
districts, it might be due wholly to circum- rior in civic capacity and too loyal to renounce
stances such as the depth of vein or the hard- its religion in obedience to the savage intoler-
ness of the mining, but when the same result
ance of the Greek faith.
appears in six districts it gives a very strong
indication that in the coal-mining industry of
England the reduction of hours does not mean
a reduction of output. But Professor Munro
goes further than this, and makes the striking
showing that neither reduction of hours nor
higher wages decrease the ability of an indus-
try to compete in the markets of the world.
England, in 1890, exported one-sixth of her
coal product, a large portion of which
went to France and Germany, both coun-
tries possessing large coal fields of their own.
Wages to English coal miners are higher than
to the French and German miners, and
hours of labor are considerably less. Yet Eng-
land can produce coal more cheaply than
France or Germany, for while neither country
could ship coal to England in 1890, England
shipped eight and a quarter million tons to
those two countries. This, again, might by
itself be attributed to differences in the fields.
But when it is taken in connection with the
facts already quoted, it affords a statistical
basis for the productive advantages of the
eight-hour day that is very impressive. If the
same showing can be corroborated in other

THE FARMERS AND ANARCHY.

Farmers' Voice (Chicago), Jan. 2.-Dynamite is a devil, and those who advocate its use, or even hint that it might be used, have in them elements which lead up to murder in its most violent form. To be a millionaire is not of necessity to be a criminal, and the possession of great wealth does not argue a lack of every good purpose or impulse. Every man who has money gained under the protection of the law has a legal right to the benefits that may be legally derived from its use, and there are very few men who would not take advantage of an opportunity to become honestly possessed of a competence. No one disputes the fact that there are mere money sharks who take advantage of the necessities of the poor to add to their wealth, but it would make matters any better to precipitate red ruin upon our common country in order to reach them, for these same Anarchists would, if put to power, be more cruel than anything heard of since the Spanish Inquisition or the

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