Indianapolis Journal, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 January 1888 — Page 4

THE INDIANAPOLIS JOURNAL. TUESDAY", JANTJAUY 3, 1SS8

THE DAILY JOURNAL TUESDAY, JANUARY S, 1888. -

WASULNGIOS OFFICE 5 13 Fourteenth S. P.S. Heath. Correspondent SEW YORK OFFICE 104 Temple Court, Corner Beekinan sod Kassau streets. THE INDIANAPOLIS JOOBNAL Can be found at the following places: LOX DON American Exchange in Europe, 440 Strand. PARIS American Exchange in Paris, 35 Boulevard das Capacities. , KEW YORK Gedney House and Windsor Hotel. CHICAGO Palmer Houe. CINCINNATI J. P. Hawley & Co., 154 Vine street LOUISVILLE C. T. Deering, northwest corner Third and Jefferson street. ET. LOUIS Union News Company, Union Depot and Southern Hotel. - WASHINGTON, D. C Riggs House and Ebbitt House. Telephone Calls. Business Office 233 Editorial Rooms 242 The foreigu mails during the last week or two have been unprecedented! large, one steamer bringing 740 sacks, another 973, and bo on. Congratulatory letters to the President, perhaps, on his free-trade message. The tally-sheet forgers and criminals generally will get no comfort from the manly and courageous words of Judge Irvin yesterday. If the present grand 'jury fails of its duty, as did the last one, it will not be the fault of the court. Mb. Voobhees announces that he has been at work on his tariff speech for "several days." That is to say, he has just dashed it off, in the intervals of looking after offices for Indiana "boys." Nevertheless, he declares it to be the greatest effort of his life. As a New Year's gift Indianapolis could have nothing more acceptable than a new Council and Board of Aldermen. If theee two bodies will do their duty the city may congratulate itself before the close of the year on having entered a new era of prosperity. If there are enough Democrats in the country who can read to equip the postal service they should be sought out and given the places of the incompetents who have been put in during the past two years, and who have demoralized the service beyond expression. . Lakt year opened with a series of distressing railroad accidents. The two shocking casualties reported in the papers of Sunday and Monday occurred during the closing hours of '87, thus completing a record of disaster. It is to be hoped that the new year will not have such a list to show. The sanguine and exuberant Mr. Voorhees has decided to deliver his tariff speech in advance of Senator Sherman's utterances on the subject. "When the gentleman from the Wabash crawls out from under the Sherman steamroad roller, a little later, he will regret that he did not go to the rear instead of rushing so foolishly upon his fate. There has been so much talk and interest developed in the Ives-McKeen trade, that the Journal prints in full the answer of Mr.-Mc-Keerr to the complaint of the Hamilton & Dayton people, which was filed yesterday in the United States Court. It is a lengthy document, but it is of interest in giving the full details of the negotiations. It is reported, on apparently good authority, that President Cleveland wants the national Democratic convention to meet at Chicago, because he believes his influence is strong in the West. On the other hand, prominent Democrats of the anti-Cleveland variety, including several members of the national committee, are in favor of Chicago because of the strong undercurrent of sentiment in the West against the President. With both factions so easily satisfied, the choice of Chicago as the meeting place would seem to be a foregone conclusion. It is announced that the trials of the appealed liquor cases from the Mayor's court will be commenced to-day. We hope to see the cases continued until the last one is disposed of, and webelieve that it is possible for the men who have persistently violated the liquor law to find out that the worst thing they ever did was to appeal from the Mayor, and thus add to the costs they have already saddled upon the tax-payers. A few roasting verdicts, and a few whito-aproned criminals in the work-house will do much to settle the question of obedienco to the law regulating the saloon traffic. The criticisms on James Russell Lowell's Boston speech are not because he favored free trade or tariff reform. Not a few prominent Republicans have done, and still do, that without incurring more than respectful dissent from the mass of those who favor pro,ection. Mr. Lowell's fault, as his defenders jrell know, was his false and fulsome praise of Grover Cleveland as "the best representative of the higher type of Americanism lhat we have seen since Lincoln." lie night have made a free-trade speech without misrepresenting the truth of history and insulting the intelligence &f every well-informed American. The Evening News defends Mr. Lowell; does it indorse his statement quoted above? Yes r no. 1 . THE installment of the Lincoln biography In the January Century relates to the formation of the Cabinet, and contains a bit of history of especial interest to Indiana readers. Mr. Lincoln was urged to give Indiana a place, and considerable pressure was exerted In behalf of Scuyler Colfax. The President elect bad, however, previously made choice o! Caleb B. Smith, and resisting all demands from any other direction tendered him the appointment of Secretary of the Interior. As Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Colfax had met sometime before ia an Illinois campaign, and had bad some political differences, it was thought at the time that the President cherished a remembrance of the former disagreement, and that his decision was influenced by it In a letter to Mr. Colfax written immediately

after the inauguration Mr. Lincoln gives a very characteristic reason for his choice, and one that would occur to few men as a motive of action in making appointments. After refe rring to the honorable recommendations offered in Mr. Colfax's favor and assuring him

that a tender of the appointment was not withheld on account of anything happ ening in 1858, he concludes: "Indeed, I should have decided as I did easier than I did had that matter never existed- I had partly made up my mind in favor of Mr. Smith not conclusively, of course before your name was mentioned in that connection. When you were brought forward I said, 'Colfax is a young man, is already in position, is running a brilliant career, and is sure of a bright future in any event with Smith it is now or never. ' considered either abundantly competent, and decided on the ground I have stated. I now have to beg that you will not do me the injustice to suppose for a moment that I remember anything against you in malice." 'BLOODY SHIBT" EEPUBLICASISM. Our Washington correspondent has found out at least one Republican who has the coarage of his convictions and who has not been there long enough to have become politically enervated. There is an immense number of such Republicans throughout the country, a good army of them, but they are not as numerous in Washington as we 6houli like. There seems to be something in the atmosphere of that city, or at least in that of the United States Senate chamber, that has a very debilitating effect on a certain class of Republicans. Peihaps they become asphyxiated with senatorial courtesy. The robust Republican met by our correspondent voiced the sentiments of a great many others who are expressing themselves to the game effect with varying degrees of emphasis. There is a growing feeling among Republicans outside of the United States Senate, who, by the way, constitute a considerabie majority, that the party needs a revival of old-time Republicanism. The rank and file would like to see a good deal more "offensive partisanship" among the so-called leaders, especially in some of those in the Senate. The Republican party has never achieved any victories by retreating, and never will. If it has ever gained any triumphs by compromising or surrendering its principles, or by shaping its policy to suit the Democracy, we do not now recall them. A Republican vote for the confirmation of Lamar will be to that extent a surrender of Republican principle, and a recantation of all the party has been fighting for since 1860. Democrats, as well as Republicans, ought to vote against his confirmatioD, on the ground of his unfitness and of the indecent political motive that inspired his nomination. But a far more potent reason, with Republicans, Bhould be his rebellion record, and the fact that he still believes, as a matter of abstract principle, that the South was right and the North wrong. His confirmation by Democrats would be entirely consistent, but by Republicans a base and cowardly surrender of principle. The time may come when Mr. Lamar, or some other person with , a similar record, can be confirmed without the aid of Republican votes. If so, let it come, but let us not anticipate it. Our robust Republican friend says these weak-kneed Senators are frightened by the cry of "bloody shirt." lie is right Democratic politicians and editors are loaded with that phrase all the time, watching for some timid Republican at whom to fire it. Unfortunately, too many Republicans are afraid of it. They forget its honorable origin and its patriotic significance. They would better incorporate it in the party's coat-of-arms, and adopt it as one of the party's sacred emblems. The crusaders, who made the dark ages blaze with the light of their campaigns, their battles anff their victories, did not erase the emblem of the cross from the banners' under which they marched because the infidels derided it. All the more they upheld it, full high advanced, as the sign in which they were to conquer. We want more Republican leaders who are not afraid to march under the "bloody shirt." MAYOR DESHY'S MESSAGEMayor Denny's address, delivered at the first meeting of the new Council, last night, merits a careful perusal by every person interested in or desirous of becomingacquainted with our municipal affairs. It is a thoroughly practical, business-like document, and its suggestions and recommendations will furnish the Council some important topics for consideration. The city finances are discussed with considerable fullness, and while the situation is gratifying in some respects, in others it is not. The city bonded debt is not large, only $1,405, SCO; the rate of taxation is lower than any other city except one, and there has been no apparent waste or extravagance in the management of its affairs. But while its revenue is limited by law, its necessary expenses are steadily increasing and its annual interest account is out of all proportion large. The situation seems to demand either an increase of revenue or a reduction of expenses, or both, in order to meet aceruing and future liabilities, and the question is, how can this be done? The Mayor estimates the city's net income for the current year at $520,000, of which $100,008 goes on the annual interest account. This is too much to pay out for interest on a bonded debt o $1,403,500. The debt should be funded at a lower rate of interest At present $160,000 bears interest at 6 percent, per annum, $21,000 at 8 per cent, and $1,224,500 at 7 310 per cent. The debt matures between 1889 and 189C. It ought to be possible to.fund the most, if not all, of this indebtedness in a long bond at not higher than 4 per cent. There i3 plentynof capital seeking investment at even lowerrat es, and there are few better investments offering nowadays than a long-time bond of the city of Indianapolis at 4 per cent The Mayor characterizes the rate of interest now paid as "ruinous." He is right, and the Council should address itself immediately to the important question of refunding the debt The legal limitation of the city's indebtedness and rate of taxation has proved embarrassing in some respects, but beneficial on the whole. Under this cast-iron law the city's 1 revenue has largely decreased, owing to a de

crease in the valuation of property for taxation, while the expenses have steadily increased with the growth of the city. This situation still continues, and a3 the necessary expenses of the city government will inevitably increase during the next year, it becomes a serious question how to meet it This can only be done by an increased assessment, an increase in the rate of taxation, or devising new sources of revenue. It will be for the Council to consider how far, the situation can be met under present laws. There is a limit beyond which the expenses of municipal government in a growing city cannot wisely be curtailed, and if a city is to keep up with the march of improvement it must have some margin of revenue. The Mayor states that the appropriations for street improvements and repairs last year were only about onethird as much as they were twelve years ago, and that the city's part of the proposed improvement of Washington street alone will nearly equal the total of last year's expenditure in that department. Necessary improvements may be deferred several years, but they cannot be put off forever. As one means of revenue that can be reached under present laws the Mayor recommends a special tax on vehicles, the proceeds to be used in repairing the streets. Such an ordinance ought to have been passed before now, and the Council should lose no time in carrying out the Mayor's suggestion. The Mayor takes decided ground in favor of requiring the street-railway company to comply with the provisions of its charter, and urges the Council to take immediate -action in the premises. On this head he says:

'The company should be required to discon tinue the use of the inferior, dangerous, and unsightly 'bob-tail' cars nowin use. (2.) The T rail and old-time flat rail should be replaced with the 'most approved' kind, as the charter directs. (3.) Conductors should be placed on several of the principal lines. If the company had been complying with the terms of its charter on this subject for the past few years, there is little doubt that several serious accidents and deaths of citizens, as well as several murders and robberies of the company's drivers, would not have occurred. (4.) The company should be required to complete the Mississippistreet line to Twelfth street in the early spring, or else take up the portion of the track already laid: for to allow the company to leave the line as it is will be to uphold it in practicing a plain deception and fraud on the Council." These recommendations will receive universal approval, as will the further one that public opinion ought to compel the company to subttitute horses for mules in the car service. As long, however, as the company is permitted to defy the Council, it cannot be expected to yield to public opinion. The Mayor makes a number of other recommendations which will doubtless receive due attention from the Council, from which, by the way, considerable is expected. The members constituting the majority were elected with a distinct understanding that they were to use their best efforts to bring the administration of city affairs to a strictly business basis, and they are expected to work steadily to this end. This dcesnot imply any reflection on the excellent record of the late Council, but simply that the new should, as the Mayor says, "strive to improve, even on a good example." The Mayor's message puts them in possession of all the necessary facts for making a good start THERE was less solemnity about the jubilee ceremonies in Indianapolis, on Sunday, than seems to have characterized the proceedings in the Pope's honor in other cities, but the enthusiasm manifested by the Tomlinson Hall audience was all that the most exacting Pontiff could desire, and if be had been a presidential candidate would have figured as a large-sized "straw." In fact, the Indianapolis habit of rallying in great numbers on political occasions causes any large gathering here to take on certain peculiarities common to political meetings, and if some ardent and excited lover of the Pope had nominated him for the presidency, the audience would probably have felt no surprise, but would have voted unanimously in favor of the proposition. The demonstrations of Sunday gave reason to believe that if his Holiness were to take a tour through the country, he would meet with a greeting which would -throw the reception to the Cleveland hippodrome far in the shade. A New York paper urges the formation of a citizens' co-operative association for the detection and prevention of frauds in "a ton of coal." They have ordinances in New York forbidding false measurements in fuel, but somehow strong doubts seem to exist as to whether they are properly enforced, and the city authorities have not given rise to suspicion by refusing to prosecute men detected in fraud, either. " AB0DT PEOPLE AND THINGS. It has been decided by the postmaster at St Louis that mince pie is not mailable matter. Douglas Grant, brother of the famous beauty Miss Adele Grant has been appointed a messenger in the Navy Department at Washington at a salary of $820 a year. There seems to be no limit to George W. Childss benefactions. He has just subscribed $2,50o for the erection of a memorial window to Milton in Westminster Abbey. Pope Leo's appearance in the basilica of St Peter's on Sunday was the first appearance of a Pope there since Victor Emmanuel entered Rome in 1870 with troops to overrule the temporal authority of the Pope. The great financial king of New Zealand is Johnny Jones, of Dunedin. His wealth runs up into the millions, and the greater part of it was made in steamboating. He is a native and once earned scant wages as an oarsman on a ferryboat. The Rev. Dr. Leonard Wr. Bacon, whose patriotism made him unacceptable to a faction ia the Savannah church of which he was recently pastor, is now temporarily tilling the pulpit of the First Congregational Church of Waterbury, Conn. The Princess Metternich has been in Pari3 re cently, and astonished that city by appearing in costumes Which were actually shabby. The Princess Metternich has long been famous for the elegance of her attire, and her present carelessness in regard to dress is most astonishing. It is recorded as a remarkable fact that the Rev. Dr. T. DeWitt Talmage dictates his sermons to his secretary at the rate of 150 words a minute. This is nothing, however, to the activity he displayes when delivering a sermonHe can, at a crisis, make 238 gestures a minute and never turn a hair. John L. Scllivan recently said to a friend that he had never resisted a policeman. With a thorough appreciation of his own prowess he remarked: "I'm different from everybody else in that If a policeman should try to arrest you and you resisted he might knock you down

with his club, but if it was me and I resisted he would shoot me the first thing. No man would tackle me without his hand on his revolver. And so I co with a policeman quietly the first time he speaks to me without making any fuss." Is the reminiscences of Rev. Dr. Furness, in Lippincott's Magazine, is put down a characteristic remark of General Jackson, who, when he was mentioned for President, said, "A h 11 of a President I should make" a "prophetic" observation, truly, for that is the kind or a President history gives Old Hickory the credit for having made. Sons-in-law may come and Presidents may go, but the , cook abides steadfastly at the Elysee. He has been there since Thiers was President. His name is kept secret from the outside worldr but he is commonly known as "LeBel Alfred."' His salary is $2,400 a year, and perquisities worth as much more. He greeted M. Camot with the profound observation that the way to most people's hearts is down their throats. There isn't much doubt that Cape Cod is getting eaten up by the greedy sea, and in time will disappear. The Provincetown Advocate says that "less than 100 years have passed since a lighthouse was placed here by the government The original purchase included a plat of land ten acres in extent. At the present time this inclosure embraces barely six acres. On a point just north of the marine stations at Highland Light the face of the bluff has moved inland 200 feet in the last five years." "You're smoking cigarott.es, my boy ;" He smoothed the youngster's curly head. "Smoke on; " and then a look of Joy The undertaker's face o'erspread. Boston Courier.

COMMENT AND OPINION. Most American novelists are doincr good work in the short-storv line. The result is agreeable to everybody, and it maintains the reputation of America for the best short stories in the world. Baltimore American. The whisky lobby insido and outside of Con gress will De on nana, active ana vigilant as us ual, and ready for trades. This lobby is, how ever, strongest inside the Houses. It wields the gravel at one end of the building. Washington Republican. Says Prof. Goldwin Smith, in the Toronto MaiL "If President Cleveland's policy finds favor ana tne united tstates advance m tne direction of free trade the maintenance of the protective system in Canada will become morally impossi ble.'- Uoiawm femith is not a tool; fie Knows a free-trade message when he sees it. New York Tribune. This is likely to be the last serious disturbance that the Knights of Labor will ever make. The order is hastening to its final dissolution and has staked its existence upon this effort to command recognition. Failing- now it is dono for, and those whom it has oppressed will be come tree men again. JN ew l oiK uommerciai Advertiser. The American canal is not the one in Panaama; it is that through Nicaragua for which the final surveys are just now being made, and when it is completed and vessels flying the stars and stripes are crossing in it from ocean to ocean the only result of De Lesseps's wasting ot millions of francs and thousands of human lives will remain a mere scatch across the backbone of the continent. Boston journal. 3Mk. Cleveland would have us turn away from that 'policy which has given us the commercial independence of Fiance and accept in its stead the commercial subjection of England. As in England and the colonies agriculture has been crushed for the benefit of manufacturing. bo in this country Mr. Cleveland would have manufacturing destroyed for some supposed benefit to agriculture. Denver Republican. Journalism is not nowadays a matter of scrap-book information. It may have been, once upon a time, but that time is past. "What journalism is to-day is the description and dis cussion or. tne event wmcn nas just; occurreu, and the only way to study journalism is to work at it. The journalist must learn to write and to think.' He must cultivate a state of composition and a style of thought. 1 his he cannot do by keeping a scrap book. Omalia World. To a disinterested observer then it seems evi dent that Americans will not, as Sir Charles Trevelyan says, consent to grant an absolute monopoly to foreign authors and their assignees, so that they can nx tne price or tneir dooks without competition. But there is, we think, a disposition to accord the loreign auinor some on-40inpeasation, in the nature of a royalty, that will not seriously augment tne seaing price ot foreign works in this country, and that will insure to American authors a similar royalty in other countries. Charleston News and Cour ier. The Italian Question has been discussed anew, but the outcome is distinctly unfavorable to the restoration of Rome to the Pope. This much seems to be finally settled in the Italian mind, which is not, however, unfriendly to the Catholic religion. With the beginning of the vear Leo enters upon the celebration of the fiftieth year of his ordination to the priesthood, with the congratulations of the Protestants and Catholics alike, and with the prospect of mak ing his pontificate notable for the moderation of his policy, and for the rehabilitation of the church of Europe. New York Times. EX -GOVERNOR PORTER'S POSITION. Be Is Absolutely Out of Consideration as a Candidate for Governor Views on Politics. Wabash Plain Dealer. A representative of the Plain Dealer was ac corded an interview with ex-Governor Albert G. Porter," in which that gentleman expressed him self freely on the political situation in Indiana, though he declared tnat ne naa laseu comparatively little interest in politics during the last two years. . In the course of conversation he remarked: "For nearly two years I have been engaged in the preparation of my history of .Indiana, and have been confined to my residence so closely that I am almost a recluse. My wort is now practically completed, but I do not care again to enter the political arena. I stated at the Republican conference in Indianapolis last week that I would not be a candidate for Governor, and I thought th declaration was broad enough to satisfy everybody." "Still, Governor, there seems to be some doubt as to your position, among the Republicans of Wabash. Suppose the convention should nominate you, in spite of your declaration?" "The convention will never do that; and, if it did, I could not break faith with my friends who wish to make the canvass, and whom I have assured will have a clear field." "What do you think of the outlook for the Republicans the coming year in Indiana?" "It is somewhat early as yet to hazard an opinion. Indiana normally i3 a Democratic State, but the party management has been such that many members of the organization have refused to go to the polls, or if they did, voted the Republican ticket In 18S0, when I made my canvass, I could see them coming everywhere I went, and I was certain for some weeks previous, of Republican victory. With proper organization we can make the same inroads upon the Democracy in 1888. What will be the leading issue of the day? The tariff, of course, and what the Southerners are pleased to term the 'bloody shirt.' The tariff is an issue that forces itselr-into prominence in every campaign. Cleveland, as a President, has given satisfaction -to the Democracy of the country, although be has been execrated in many sections by his party friends. They admire his independence, and think that he is 'honest,' and once a man is imbued with the idea that bis candidate possesses honesty of purpose he is proof against argumeat There is one thing I know of which the leading Democrats of the country stand in mortal dread, and which would utterly destroy all hoDe of its success, and that is the death of Jefferson Davis. In the event of the demise of the hoary old traitor, the Southern Democrats could not be restrained from the wildest expression of grief, and in paying tribute to the memory of the unrepentant rebel, such a spirit of indignation would be aroused among the loyal inhabitants of the North as to make every doubtful State Republican. Besides, in case of his death, it is quite likely the Northern Democrats would be betrayed into utterances that would insure the overwhelming defeat of the party, even though the manifestations of affection and regard in the South should be explained away. As to presidential candidates, I should be pleased to sea General Harrison nominated. He .would make a strong canvass in Indiana, as he is careful, prudent and popular. Mr. Blaine would make a magnificent candidate, but I do not believe he would be any stronger ia Indiana than he was in 1884. The boom of Mr. Sherman has not attained the proportions anticipated, and I don't believe he bas the strength now that he bad six months ago, thongh he is a fine man and would run well." "How would it suit you to run on the presidential ticket with Blaine or any other prominent Republican from the East, Governor?" "Well, that is a matter I have never thought about. I assure you I am not a candidate for an office, and don't expect to receive a nomination." "Recurring to State politics, who do you think will make the canvass for the Republican nbmi nation for Governor' "Thus far Will Cumback ana Colonel Robertson are the only avowed candidate?. Cumback is, I understand, making a close canvass of the State, and 1 think undoubtedly he will prove

formidable in convention. He is a strong man. especially witb temperance Republicans. Col. Robertson is also strong in many localities, people generally believing that he was robbed of th cffle tT which he was legally elected in ISS'J. nd being desirous of securing a vindication for him. I tbink it quite probable that Chairman Huston, of the State central committee, will shy his castor into the ring. He is a livaly campaigner, has an abundance of money, and is an able man. I am, of course, not authorised to announce his candidacy, and do not know positively that he will enter the race." "What do you think of Speaker Sayre's record last winter? Do you believe he would command enthusiastic support over the State if he wer to become a candidate?" "Moat assuredly I do, Mr. Say re made hosts of warm friends at Indianapolis during the session of the General Assembly, and to-day stands as fine a chance of capturing the nomination as any man in Indiana. I have the warmest admiration for Sayre. He is quick to graso a point, is a shrewd politician, and would fill the Governor's chair most efficiently. Ha is a splendid man for the canvass, and there is no one I could support more cheerfully. It would be quite the thine for him tootne out" "Speaking of Issues, do you believe the temperance question will cut much of a figure ia the campaign of 1888?" "I do. moat emphatically. The party must take a stand on that question which will hold the temperance element. It bas little to hope for from the liquor men. They are wedded to the Democratic party, and can never be reclaimed. To the temperance men of the Republican party must assurance be given that the party is uncompromisingly opposed to the liquor traffic, and will control and restrict its evil influence if it cannot extirpate the business entirely." "Although not a candidate yourself, you expect to take the stump next year, do you not?" "Yes. I shall do all in my power to secure Republican success in Indiana, and, nothing unforeseen preventing. I 6hall make a thorough canvass; but I dislike campaigning as intensely as any man-who ever took the stump, and ia 1880 time and again I have felt so fatigued that I could with difficulty ascend to the stand from which I was to speak. When not addressing audiences I was shaking bands and trying to say something agreeable to every man I met, and the strain imposed cannot be appreciated by any one who has not undergone the experience. I do not care to undertake such a canvass as that again." There seems to be but little question that Mr. Porter is sincere in his expressed determination not to permit his name to go before the convention next June. The Plain Dealer believes that the Republicans over the State will be unwilling to admit that victory or defeat hinges upon the nomination of any one man. Governor Porter may be considered out of the race for Governor.

OCR TRADE WITH MEXICO. Statistics Showing Its Incrtami Jealousy of European Countries. Washington Special in New York Evening Post. Mr. John W. Foster, ex-minister of the United States to Mexico, to Spain, and to Russia, who bas but recently returned from a six weeks' trio to Mexico, has again left for that city. Mr. Foster is the attorney for the government of Mexico, and it is believed that in that capacity he bas gone back in order to assist in making further preliminary arrangements for the prof posed new monetary treaty. The departure o Mr. Foster, who has the fullest confidence of the Mexican, as well as our own government, and who, although a pronounced Republican, has been employed on important diplomatic matters by the present administration, will not diminish the interest which the representatives of foreign governments have manifested in this proposed treaty. Such a treaty would, of course, be a great injury to the increasing trade between Germany and Mexico; for. if the difficulty connected with the making of exchange between the United States and Mexico should be removed and an international agreement reached, by me ans of which the silver coin of Mexico, represented by an international certificate, could in some way be accepted in payment for merchandise purchased in the United States, the stimulating effect upon the commercial exchanges between the two countries conld readily be understood. If the importers of Mexico could purchase their goods in the United States without loss ot the treat discount to which they are now compelled to submit in making their purchases in Europe, and could, in addition, receive the benefit both as to time and cost of transportation in favor of purchases in the United States, the buik of the trade of Mexico would be transferred to this country, to the great disadvantage of Germany, Franco and England. It is not easy to give a complete exhibit of the Mexican foreign trade on account of the tardiness of the Mexican government in furnishing returns. The volume and tendencies of tha commerce between Mexico and foreign countries however, can be pretty fairly estimated from the following compilations of the latest date accessible here from the returns of the Mexican Treasury. These compilations are made by an authority upon Mexican commerce and finance, Senor Garcia Cubas. The principal articles of importation into Mexico are cotton, woolens, hardware, articles of food, linen, and hemp. The following table shows the market value of all imports for the fiscal years ending in 1874 and 1833. The ereat increase in the volume of trade came in the last two years of this period, and was due to the increased facilities for internal transportation afforded by the new lines of railway, From 1873-74. Enelaud $12,642,002 United States . 8,660,043 France 4.878,497 Germany 4,052,058 Spain 1,270,496 South America t 1,89,551 1SS2-83. $19,760,051 13,705.488 7,936.144 7.591,278 2,441,152 361,565 Total $34. 005,297 $51,795,676 Instead of continuing this comparison by showing in a similar table the exports to the same countries for the correspoding years, Senor Cubas presents a table that shows by articles the exports for the fiscal years, ending in 1878 and 1883. As railroad building had not begun in 1878, this date is as valuable for purposes of comparison as 1873-74 would have been; but the failure to specify the destination of the exports is a very serious omission. The table is as follows: Articles. 1877-78. 1882-83. Precious metals $22,584,599 $29,62$, 657 Other exports 6,701,001 12,178,937 . i Total $29,285,660 $41,807,594 The articles noted as having especially increased in exportation are: llenequin, from $1,078,076 to $3,311,002; cabinet woods, from $1,450,468 to $1,917,323; coffee, from $1,242,041 to $1,717,100; bides, from $1,242,041 to $1,717,190; live animals, from $30,000 to $G34,376; caoutchouc, from $9,055 to to $159,882. The values exported to the several countries with which (Mexico deals for the year ending 1883 were: To England $17,258,242 To United States 16,739,097 To France 4,204.005 To Spain 1,989,258 To Germany 1,125, 71 S To all other countries - 490,371 Total $41,807,532 The general drift of these figures shows very conclusively that railroad building in Mexico is having a wonderfully stimulating effect upon her foreign commerce, and that a very large part of the newly created trade is coming to the United States. One further fact may be cited as showing still more conclusively the direction of the increased trade the exports from the port of Vera Cruz for the three years ending respectively in 1S83, 18S4, 1885, were $23.956,316, $25,119,420, and, $17,067,096. For these same years the exports by rail into the United States through, collectively, Paso del Norte, Nuevo Laredo. Nogales, and Piedras Negras were $2,353,422, $5,583,094, and $11,421,10L SENATOR SAWYER'S POSITION. Some Very Plain Talis from the Leading Republican Paper of Ills State. Milwaukee Sentinel. While Senator Sherman of Ohio considers Mr. Lamar an unfit man for the Supreme Bench, and declares that he will do all in bis power to prevent his confirmation. Senator Sawyer, of this State, is reported to think favorably of him, and, if correctly represented by the newspapers, is likely to be one of tho very few Republicans who will vote to confirm him. We hope this report concerning Senator Sawyer may prove incorrect We should regret to see him place himself in antagonism with bis Republican friends in this State on a matter of so much importance. That he bas a right to exercise his best judgment, even if it conflicts with the views of his party, in his senatorial action, we do not dispute. His support of Lamar, however, will be the more unfortunate, both for bis own reputation and for the best interests of his party, because it ia almost certain to be attributed to motives which should not influence a Senator. Mr. Sawyer is doubtless aware that there is a considerable undercurrent of rumor that he was deeply interested in the reversal, by Lamar, of Land Commissioner Sparks's decision respecting the Omaha railway land grant. Lamar s action, which led to the bouncing of Sparks, took place after it was known that the President intended nominating him to the Supreme Bench, and at the time suspicions were expressed that it might have some connection with Lamar's desire to secure favorable action by the Senate on his coming nomi-i nation. It is deplorable tht such suspicions should exist concerning a man who may soon be a member of the highest judicial tribunal in the Nat'.on but such is the fact, and the time has corns for plain speaking. Tho Democratic press is

already hinting that the votes of both Senators Sawyer and Spooner are sure for Lamar because of their railroad affiliation?. The La Cross Chronicle, replying to a paragraph in the Janesville Gazette, as to the action of the Wisconsin Senators on Lamar's case, says: "Senator Sawyer was formerly president of an auxiliary branch of the Omaha road. Senator Soooner was its chief attorney for years. What does th Gazette suppose these men are in Congress for?" Of course, this insinuation is really as derogatory to Lamar as to Sawyer and Spooner, bat a Democrat may do things with impunity which would bring reproach when done by Republicans. RILEY'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY. The Xloosier Poet Supplies an Omaha Man with m Sketch of Ills Life. Letter in Omaha World. You ask me for my life, but I'd rather give you my money. But I was thirty-one years old last spring was a year ago. I am a blonde of fair complexion, with an almost ungovernable appetite for brunettes; am five feet six in height, though last State fair I was considerably higher than that in fact I was many times taken for Old High Lonesome as I went about my daily walk. I am a house, sign and ornamental painter by trade, graining, marking, gilding, etching, etc. Used to make lots of money, but never had any on hand. It all evaporated in some mysterious way. My standard weight is 135, and when I am placed in solitary confinement for life 1 will eat onions passionately. - Bird seed I never touch. "My father is a lawyer, and lured me into his office once for a three months' penance, but I made good my escape and under cover of the friendly night I fled up the pike with a patentmedicine concert waon and h&d a good time

for two or three of the happiest years of my life. Next I struck a country paper and tried to edit, but the proprietor he wanted to do that, and wouldn't let me, and in about a year I quit trying and let him have hi3 own way. and now it's the hardest thing in the world for me to acknowledge that he is still an editor and a most successful one. Later I went back home to Greenfield, Ind., and engaged in almost everything but work, and so became quite prominent Noted factions and public bodies began to regard me attentively, and no grand jury was complete without my presence. I wasn't considered wholly lost, however, till I began to publish poetry brazenly affixing my own name to it. I But I couldn't get any money for it, although stranger editors.wrote the letters -of praise regarding it. Then I sent a little of it to two or three real poets East and they commended it and I showed their letters and have been paid ever since. Still I am not rich. A skating rink proprietor who yearns to be a poet should be regarded with suspicion. What a Blizzard Is. St. Paul Pioneer Press. Of all the people familiar with the word "blizzard," probably not one in a thousand ever saw anything remotely resembling the thing which that word was coined to describe. In the absence of lexicographio authority, the - definiti in of the term is best supplied by personal experience. A blizzard means something as nearly as possible like the sand-storm of tha desert with pulverized ice in place of sand, and a temperature as many degrees below freezing as the other marks above. Its accompaniments are perfectly well defined. They are a very low temperature, never in the cenuine blizzard rising above the zero point; a tremendous wind velocity, equal to that of the most violent gales of the stormy season at sea, and the filling of the air with needle-points of ice. which blind the eyes and cut and sting like miniature arrows wherever they strike. This is the storm which benumbs, bewilders, and destroys life ia its path. It has been felt in rare instances by tha settlers on the treeless plains of the North. It seems, rather singularly, to occur less frequently as population and cultivationincrease. There are comparatively few people in Minnesota who have ever had personal acquaintance with it Indeed, to-day it is much rarer than a cyclone, as it is infinitely less to be dreaded; since tbre is some warning of its approach and it is barmless to those who have found shelter. There will probably be blizzards in the Northwest ia the future, as there will be earthquakes in Nw York; the one just about as frequent, and W. it the increase of settlement, about as dangevo j as the other. Not only, however, is it an abuse of the language to use the word of even th severest snow-storm, but it is a gratuitous slander upon a winter climate which is neither intemperate nor unhealthful. The correspondents and reporters should give the cyclone and blizzard a rest A Polpit Tht Denounces Crime. Columbus (O.) Special. Rev. Washington Gladden preached a sermon at the First Congregational Church to-night in which he made several statements of a sensa tional nature, and excited applause by a reference to the tally-sheet criminals. In speaking of the tendencies of municipal affairs in this city. Dr. Gladden said that he had never lived in a community where men sworn to do their duty violated their oaths with such impunity as they did here. , He thought the city needed a Common Council who would not be slaves to the keepers of the lowest dives in the city. He sincerely hoped the year would not run its course until those who forged the tally-sheets in this city two yeara ago met jwith a clear conviction and condign ' punishment and landed in the penitentiary. He did not intend this as a reflection on those who are at present under indictment, but we must not let the months and years dull our perceptions of the great crime against our liberties. A, Homesick Senator. Boston Herald. Senator Turpie, of Indiana, is reported to dis like service in the Senate. He probably will not continue in it if the Republicans can find a way to declare his seat vacant. This is an old -complaint on the part of a Senator. About twenty years ago the Republicans unexpectedly choso a Mr. Pratt to be Senator from this same State of Indiana. He was a Hoosier about sis feet and four inches tall, and built in propor-. tion. He came to Washington, and was stricken with deadly homesickness almost from the time he took hi3 seat He was an tinhappyman throughout his term, which it was not safe to have him end by resignation, as the Democrats stood ready to provide him with a successor. But where one Senator is unhappy, scores of Senators enjoy the life. The rich men seem to like it best of all, though the rich Nevada Senators are apt to have so much business on hand that they cannot find time for the delights of Washington society. How to Make Indiana Certain. Terre Bante Mail. The recent meeting of representative Republicans of Indiana, at Indianapolis, leaves no room for doubt that General Harrison is the favorite of the party as a presidential candidate and that the Indiana delegation will be unanimous in pressing his claims at the next national convention. This is but a just recognition of the splendid service he has rendered the party for years past. His campaign last year was one of exceptional power and effectiveness and went far to augment his growing fame as a political orator. With Harrison heading the national ticKet Indiana would be certain for tho Republican column. A New York Suggestion. letter in Elmira Advertiser. Sir please put this in your paper: For President in 1838, Chauncey M. Depew, of New York. For Vice-president, Benjamin Harrison, of Indiana. i And oblige a subscriber. Bia Flats, Dec. 10. This ticket has many splendid qualities in it, and our correspondent has hit upon a combination in it which has already been somewhat discussed. It is a ticket tht could carry New York State beyond question. m-p - A Remarkable tate of Things. Lincoln (Neb.') Journal. . ,. . . The long continued reign of peace in editorial circles at Omaha is attracting the attention it deserves. The Journal .aever hoped to have the pleasure of witnessing such a condition of things, but since the sandbag has given place to the holly branch it is willing to recognize the encouraging progress made in that town. Mora Important. , Sew York Mail and Express. . "The worship of God" will be conducted in. Plymouth Church under favorable auspices, with Dr. Lyman Abbott for acting pastor. And that seems moro important than to secure a pastor as an object of adoration. Didn't Like Sheep. Boston Traveller. ......... John Randolph, because of his dislike for sheep, once said he would go out of his way to kick one of those animals. President Cleveland seems to have the same feelings toward the owners of those auimals. Getting Into Society. Boston Globe. Now that Maurice Bernhardt has entered the Bonaparte family and his mother has dined with an American lady, they do say that Sarah's social position in Paris id looking up a little. Well, Yes. CSnriestcn News and Courier There is, in many respects, a wide difference between the character of Lincoln and that of Mr. CleveUnd: