Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, December 31, 1875, Page 4

TERMS OF THE TRIBUNE RATIR OT STIACMIPTION (TATADLE T¥ ADYANCK), Pastage Prepuid at this 0 Dally Fdition, post-pald, 1 sea Parta of 3 rres VOUR WEERK for.. Lateraey and Jeliglons donbie i Onecope, per year, CiLh ot e, oz cupry. Clit of twenty, por €0 The portage I 15 con Bpeclmen coria seut free, Toprevent delay aud mistakes, ba mure and give Peat-ftico address {n full, including Btatennd County, Kemittanees may bo made efther by draft. express, Yost-Office onler, or in regiaterod latters, st onrrisk, TENNA TO CITY BUBSCINCRY, 423 conte per week, Taily, delivered, Sunday fnelndel, 30 cents per week, Addrenn TilE; TRIBUNE COMPANY, Corner Madison and Dearborn-ats,, Chilcago, Iil, TOSTPAID. Dally, deliv MCVICRER'S TIEATRE—Madison street, between Dearlorn and State, Epgagement of \he Oaies Opers Troupe, * Princess of Trebizonde.” HUOLEY'S THEATRE~Randolph sireet, between Ciark and Lasslle, Calffornia Miustrels, NEW CHICAGO THEATRE~Clark streel, between Randolph and Lake, Kelly & Leou's Binstrsls, ADELPHI THEATRE-—Drarborn Mouroa. *TLe Yorty Tolaves," Wireot, coruar WOOD'S MUSEUM—Motroo street, between Dear- born sud State. Afternoon, © Red Riding-Hood.” Evening, “ Juik Herkawuy' Adveuturea,” pibuihiibl kit SOCIETY MECTINGS. WABHINGTON CHAPTER, No, 43, Tl A, M~ clal Convoentiod this (I'riivy) evening af 710, for porkn the I ani 3. B Degree, | Vishing Comipan- Tons cordially {nvited, By ordor of the H, . one cordltly IBEHE AR, 0. TROWBRIDGH, Becs. The @Chiengo Tribame. Fridoy Aorning, December 31, 1878. AXNUAL REVICW. Our sane of to-morrow, Jan, 1, 1876, will contain Tix Tatovse's Annual R vlew of the Trade, Com- worce, and Mauufactures of the City of Chlcago,” for {egear 1835, The Roview will Lo unusually elsborato and compreliensive, bringtug to tio close of the year the stattstics of the cify's Commicror, its Graln, Lum- Lr, and Produce Trzde, the Wholesalo Trado 1u all ts ) ranshes, Manufactures, Public Improvemente, Build- Ihygs, ete, cte, Great carc{ling been osercised in the cliection and compiation’ of tho facts and Sgures entesing into tho Reviow, whick can e safely com- 2d for Its Acenracy and valuo a8 & compiste com- um of the sear's business, Arrsngements will be mado 1o mupply the edition of Jau, 1 {n large quan- titlcy, unid nowa-dealors will perceivo the advantage of scuding in their orders &8 early av convenient, urennbncké yosterdny ot the New York Gold Exehiange closud at S5, Colder westerly winds, with clouds or rain, are prodicted for the Inke region to-day. The dctectives are working hard to un. earth the monster Whisky Ring which is be- Jioved to exist in New York City, It isnot likely that Crookedness “got loft” in a nelghborhood whers Tanmany waxed 50 fat. ¥idian troubles sre nmong the uncomfort al4 probaobilities in the far West. Hostilo Sioux o the number of 400 threaten an ot- tack upon the Poncn Agency, and the settlers nro taking flight to tho nearest military post. In Oregon, the Nez I'erces are on the war. path, greatly to the nlarm of the inhabitants of the Walla Walln Vallcy. New-Year's Day is to be well celebrated by tho Anglo-American Lelegraph Company. On und after to-morrow, cablo rates will Le only 25 cents, gold, per wort for genoral nows dispatehies.” If this tarilt is permanont, which we doubt, the Awerican press can publish even fuller foreign dispatches than it does now, A terrible tragedy oceurred yestorday in New York, resulting probably iu the death of three persons, iwo by murder nnd the ihird by suicide. A mon nsmed Moxnor B. MixsTen, lhnving retired to bed with his wife wd child, fimt shot tho littlo one, then the wather, and then himeulf. Curiously enough, MissTn way in the employ of the Hociety for the Provention of Cruelty to Children, The City Treasurer of Buflalo, N. Y., has found it convenient to go upon a journey without lcaving his addreks, His abrupt do- parture for unknown regions occasions not a \itlle regret, owing to the discovery that the rity funds are short somethiug like $400,000. Thers, is in cousequence, u strong inqguiry for Mr, Josern Rowg, whose property, luthe srto estimnted at about %0150,000, will prob. iy full far whort of making good the deful- sation. ——— "I'hs President hias expressed his oplnionon she policy of the Demoerats in turning ex. Union woldicrs out of offico and replacing them by Confedorates, Ho says that he will lischarge Dewocrats from the Departments lust o4 fast as Uvion men are turned out of oflies in the control of the Fouso, aud will thus find places for the discharged vete srans. It is ovident thut thels game is one ihat two can play at, and Grant has suid * check-tnate” to the Confederates. New developmenta in connectlon with the distillery seizures in Chicogo are noither very sleuty nor very important, the Government sfficials Loving evidently concluded thnt the sime has not yet arrived when the public may ve fuformed as to the nctual extent of the < crooked " transactions hereawsy, It s be. fevod that nearly all the distilleries will be dlowed to rvesume operations under boud, such being the ususl practice where a largs sumber of cattls aro dependent upon the sstablishments for subsistence, Another Interosting letter from Mr, R, P, Ormickson ou the subject of the Btate rav- mue system will be found olsewhere in our wluous, The writer takes up the tax- payer's ** completo remedy ot law,” a3 the Supreme Court hoa stated it, and shows very ilearly that the rewort of the over.sssessed woperty-swaer to the Town Board or County Board is iu fact no remedy at all, much less a “complete remedy"; aud that the present tystem tends to put & premium upon fraud, leceit, ond perjury 'The Chicago produce markets were irregu. or yeaterday, Mews pork was less active, ud Je per brl lower, closing at $18.95 cash, ud 319,26@10.274 for Februory, Lard was mict, and 8¢ per 100 lba lower, closlng at N2,12)@12.16 cosh, and $12.80@12.82} for ‘ebruary, Meats were quiet and stoady at ¢ for boxed shioulders, 100 for do short riba, od 10} for do short clears. Highwines *are {o {air demand and unohanged at §1.09 o gollon. Flowr was dull. Wheat way ‘THE CHICAGO 'RRIBUNE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3{ % activa and {e lawer, elosing firm at 53¢ ensh and 95%e for January, Corn was nctive and irregular, elosing at 4te for December and #itfe for Jannary. Oats wero quict and firm- eor, eloging wt B0de cashh and for Veb. ruary. Rye was dull at Gi@67je. DBarley was active, but 2{c lower, closing at &1jo cash and 79¢ for Janunry, Hogs wers mod. erately nctive and weak, selling at $G.40@ 7.12). Cattle were firm and in good demnnd. Sheep ruled quict nnd steady, One lhundred dollars in gold would buy $112.75 in green. backs at the close, "The seeond annuat banquet of the Chicago Dar Association took place last evening, aud was in every way a brilliant and notablo nffair. Members of the Association and in. vited guests wero present to the number of about 200, aud n finer assemblago of legal talent it would be difienlt to bring togother in any American city. The toasts and rpeeches of the evening wo given at length in our Iocal columns, and can be commended both for their brevity and sprightliness, Senator Srexcen, if the report of the In- vostigating Comumittes of the Alabama Legis- Iature be true, will havo on exceedingly hard task to perform to convince the Scnnte Elec. tiony Committes that he is one of tho sort of persons with whorn the grave Senators desire to nssocinte. The report of the above-named Committee, which is signed by all its mem. bers, irrespeetive of politics, finds BpExcEn guilty of every form of bribery that could suggest itself to a criminally ambitious ad- venturer. ture baving failed to supply him with that deligtful article, a certuin Capt. STiNE, alies Groner ‘Tnovrsoy, alius C. W. CHANDLER, undertook to fill the aching void in the Bee- retary’s heart, aud thereby n similar void in hin own poclet. He presented himself to tho military authorities at San I'rancieco, modestly stated Lis relationship, confided to them that he was on inspection duty, and asked for armns, A telegram to Washington, a telegram Lack, and the Secretary's pscudo- brother wns arrestod. Me is now inspecting the interior of a jail Even San Francisco, which has hitherto held herself superior to the general wenkness for internal revenne violntion, is in a fair woy to come under condemuation as no better than she should be in this vegard. That there has been a Whisky Ring in 'Frisco, and that the day of reckoning is menr at hand, thero is ample reason to beliove, as will be seon by the letter of o correspondent printed this morning. The power of the "Treasnry Depariment hios survived the trip ncross the continent, and though it has been exercised but moderately as yot, the indica- tions nre that the blow will not long be de- ferred, aud that when it falls it will hurt somebody. Judlicinl clemency was exercised yesterday in o somewhot unusnal manner for the benc- fit of Mr. Jostrm PoLnak, n Justice of the Peaco who had been tried in due form in the Criminal Court nud found guilty of extorting illegnd fees. 'Tho verdict was set aside and a new trinl grantod by the Court, whereupon the Statv's-Attorney promptly entered a nolle prosequi, and that was tho end of the cnso. Tt is said that the defendant was no moro guilty than many other Justices of tho Peace in the mattor of illegal fees, and that the lenien- ey of the Court was due to this fact,—all of whiar may be troe; but it would be inter- estlug to know how the practice in question is over to be discontinued and supprossed if offenders sro treated so tenderly as all this, THE DYING YEAR, In parting compnany with the old yenr, it is well to reenll gome of the more conspicuous cvents that enler into its history, It is nota- Dble as the closing year of the first American century, though the formal celebration will 10t bo held until nest July, The most ftting and encouraging circumstance wo recall in connection with this phaso of its bhistory is the completo pacification of the South, ‘The year 1875 opened with tho danger of ase- rious disturbanco in Louisiona. It was the 4th of January when Gen. Bnrurpan assumed command at New Orleans, and by his prompt and courageous treatment of affairs ns ho found them first nssured the preservation of peace, and opooed the way for 8 subseguent adjustinent of tho enarl into which the two contonding factions hiod got themselves. For nearly two monthy the Louisiana affairs were ogain the topie of Congress, productive of debates that sometimes lasted through the night s well as day. Finally the contention between the two partles was settled on a Dbusis since known as the * Wanreres Com. promise,” which guaranteed Xrrroao his po- wition as Governor, aud adopted s rule for tho organization of the Legislature which subsequently placed it in the lands of tho Democrats, 'The Louisiana settlonent had n guod jutluence in Arkansas and Mississippi, and for the last fow months of the year thero have been better indications of permanent peace aud selt-government in tho Bouth than at auy timo sinco tho War. ‘The natioual legielution of this country, comprehended within the scesion of Con. gress which closed March 4, 1875, consists walnly of three or four fmportant measures, The bill providing for the resumption of spe- oo puywents Jun. 1, 1879, and also for free baoking, beeane a law Jan, 14, Tho Presi- dent returned the bill with his approval, and o speciul messago recommending Congress to adopt measures for carrylug it into operation, which, unfortunately, has not yot boen done. ‘The othor notable Congressional mensurcs were the Little Tariff bill, which, under the protense of correcting some errors, really added to tho tarif, and the Tax bill, which inoreased tho tax on whisky and tobueco, and restored tho ‘*‘horizontal” 10 per cont to tho duties which bad boen taken off by a provions Congress. It was prom. ised that this would Incrense the revenue; Lut it went into operation in time to take away some §6,000,000 of revonuo for the year, showing its effoct to have boon prohib- itory in some cases. It has meroly incronsed prices, and led to frands aud evasions in the puymont of duties snd tuxes, but without udding o dollar to tho revenuo of the Gov- ernment. The Civil Rights’ Lill became a law March 1, but hus occasioned none of the tomuit which jts oppouents predicted. Tho conditional adinission of Colorudo wes also voted before the close of tho session. Of the other political events of tho earlier pert of the year may bo mentioned the elec. tion of Bonator Fungy, of Michigan, as Presi- dent pro tem., which has assumed on unusual impostance by tho death of Vice President ‘Wirsoy, which confers the Prosidential suc. ceasion upon Benator Frusy, BSoon after the sdjournment of Congress, the abandonment of the Civil-Bervice rules was formally an. nounced in conformance with & warning to that effect which the Presidens ‘gave Oone gress if the latter should fail to make the necessary legislation for sustaining thom. Gen. Spisyen, long time (United States 'Frons. arer, rexigned Mareh 28, and was succeaded by Mr, New, & banker of Indinnapolis, Ind. Of tho later political events the fall clections were peculinrly in their defeat of the Demo- eratic rag-baby, and for their annulment of the Democratic gains which had been made one year before, The organization of tho Forty-fourth Congressis too recent to requiro any help to tho memory in recalling it. ‘The foreign relations during the year havo been penceful, and for the most part promis- ing of future harmony. Spnin furnishrs the only exception, There werarnmorsof wi.-grow- ing out of the failure of Spain to fuldll the obligations growing out of the Virginius affair, during the enrlier part of the year, aud thoso have heen renewed more recontly. 'Thera is nothing spocitic, howover, to war- rant any scrious apprehension of such a re- sult, 'Chere aro unsubstantial reports that the United States Governnent has proposed to ather Governmonts an intervention in the Cubnn war, but it does not nppear that thera is any gonernl disposition to ndopt this course. With the excoption of the Cuban insurrection, there is nothing which thrent- ony o disturbance of tho American policy of peace and good will to all mankind. The political events of forcign countries have been peacoful for the most part and pro- gressive, France has succeeded in adopting n Constitutional Government of a Republican form, and has already begun the selection of u Seuate, The prospects of the French Ro- publio are considerably Lrighter than over before. Great Britain has moved along in its characteristio substantinl fashion, notwith- standing tho money panies it has endured from an unpreductive investment of its sur- plus capital. The only political sensation it ‘had during the year was tha clection of Jors Mrzenen to Parliament, and his rejection by that body at the instance of Distanut, This would have been n long and ugly strugglo had it not been terminated by Mirencus death. ‘The most striking thing done by England has beon the purchase of 176,760 wshares in the Suez Canal at a price of £4,000,000 stexling. This is in effect o declaration on the part of England thnt, if Russia and Austrin are going fo di- vide up Turkey in Burape, Buglond will lay claim to Egypt oy a guoranty for an opon way to her trade with Ludia. Spain alone, of all the great powers of En- rope, lins been torn by civil war, IsaprLua’s son, ALFoxso, had tho misfortune to be in- augurated King of Spain on thoe first day of the yeor, and has ever since had two civil wars on his hands,—the Carlist insurrection in Bpain and the native Cuban revolt in Cu- ba. Noither of these insurrections differs oswentially in standing at tho end of tho year from the opening of the year; and, though neither has made any particular progress, an- othor year las been added to demonstrate Spain's incapacity to assert the sovereign power which she still assnmes with all the arrogance of old. The Herzegovinina insurrection npgninst Turkey s really the most important warliko event in Europe, inosmuch ss it bas attracted tho in- tervention of Austrin and Russia, and will probubly lend either to a peacoful redistribu- tion of European Turkey or a genernl Eu. ropoan war. Germany has signalized its strongth nnd progress by a uniforn enforco. ment of tho FaLck lasws, a8 against which the oceasional protest of tho Pope and his Bish- opa has proved ineffectunl. The Pope has further attached the United States to him by the creation of an Americau Cardinal, aud the establishment of threo additional Metropoli. tan Sees in this country, China has secured 8 new Emporor—Tsax Tiex—during the courso of tho year, and hes a amall war on ita hand with Corea. The year lins been unusually quiet, and also prosperous, with the oxception of cer- toin colnmitics which we detail elsewhero, The death record, which we also give mn avother articlo, included somo of the world's most noted people, THE REVENUE PROSECUTIONS, Tho acizure of distillerics and rectifying establishments in this city on Wednesdny was to many persons a surpriso, thio general supposition baving beon that the Govern- ment hod oxhausted its information in the seiznres modoin May last, The acizures in Muy were extonsive, and indicated that the frauds on tho revenue Lad been very largo; including tho seizures of Wedneeday last, it in possiblo that the unpaid tax on tho spirits which were illegally sold in this eity, of which the Goveroment hos ovidenco, nggro- gated between $$1,i00,000 and 2,000,000, ‘Without expressing any opinion as to the guilt or innocenco of the persons whoso es. tablishments have boen scized and themsolves plnced under suspicion, it is but fair to ns- sume that tho Governmont has not acted without having ample information or proof Justifying the cxtrome mensures. The Reve- uue law practically makes the manufacture of spirits o Government business,—tho books and wholo establishments boing open to the Govornment, aud all transactions boing sube ject to daily record and report. The law makey tho Government interoat in the busi- ness the primary conslderation, and the pny- ment of the Governmunt’s proportion the absolute condition on which the business shall be proscented. The law gives to the QGovernment more than propriotary rights. The rights of properly nre subordinate to those of the Governmont, whose fee or tax wust bo paid under oll circamstances, Sowo years ngo the tax on whisky was ucreased to §2 per gallon, and, owing to the general do- moralization of the revenue servics undor Axvoew Joisoy, the greater part of the tax —perhops 80 per cont—was divided between corrupt Government officers and the ‘manu- facturers aud rectifiers. The consequouces were wnost disestrous, not only in tho loss of rovenuo, but in tho corruption of public morals, the croation of a widespread sontimont that it was ollowable to cheat the Govern. weunt, aud that Lolding on office carried with it the right to malto all that the oppertuni- . ten permitted, Large fortunes were made dishonestly oud vapldly ; extravagance in live inyg, wastefulness in expendituze, and the baloful results of sudden wealth acquired by disreputablo nicans, followed, having & cor- rupting effect upon soclety. Young men and old men earning honest livelihoods by honest labor grew impatient and restloss; families euvious of the mode of living adopted by those who had got rich by short cuts, sud thousands of people who bad never had a dishonest thought, argued themsalves inta the doctrine that it was o duty to get monoy by any moans, This demoralization has beon evidonced by the constant succession of vin- bezzlements, frauds, and all manner of dis. honest sppropriations of money, which have followed ever since in all the walks ot life, Fadelity to trusts haa becore the exoeption, = e e———————————— e such an avalancho of corruption in publie and privato lifo ns has tnken place during the Jast ten years, In evory departzuent of the 1mblie rervico and in all branches of commer- cinl Lusiness the attempt to get rich by fraud b been widesprend nud general. ‘I'he collection of the rovenue onspirits was improved by the reduetion of the tax, and a total cinngn of revenue oficers, For a while the reform progressed, but the evil doctrino that thiero twns no moral turpitudo in robbing the public had been too generally accepted, aud the men charged with the collection of the revenuo gradnnlly yielded to tho templa- tions, and used their ofices for dishonest prin. Certainly as far back as 1871, in cera tain places and at varions dates elsewhere, the businoss of dividing the Government tax between the rovenuo oflicers and the manu- fncturers of spirita begun, and hns been regu- larly enrried on ever since. We do not underrate nor apologizo for the criminnl conduct of tho men engaged in making spirits, So general wastho business that there has not beon n day for several years when whisky could not Le bought in any of the large markets at prices which pre. cluded competition from the tax-paid spirits, A man who could put one-fourth, or one-third, or ouc-half of his whiskey on the market, paying the tax on the remainder, could sell stock at an avernge price far below that on which full.paid tax whisky could bo sold, and make a large profit,—na profit so large that ho could well givo to the revenus officers 20 to 80 cents a gallon for their partici. pation in the crime. In no ease is the un. lnwful salo of untazcd whisky possible with- out the consent of the revenio ofilcers. The corruption, we may assume, proceeds from tho rovenno ofiicer. e 1nckes his domand for money, and offers ns n consideration per- misgfon to sell whisky without paying tho tox. This involves Gnugers, Storckeepers, and all the other officers whoso silence or co. operation is nccessary to the fraud. In St Lonis the rigots of the law wero applied to thoso uslablishments which did not enter tho Ring. Permission and protcetion were offer~ od at the rate of 30 conts a gallon, This dis. Lionest payment to the revenue officers wag divided among various persous, offlcial and unoflicial, connccted with the revenue ser- vies and not connccted therewith. These persons, the recipients of this money, theso biackmnilers and seducers, these wretches who made the manufacture of whisky unprofitable to all who did not do a dishonest business,—theso are the principals in this great erime, snd upon them shonld foll the soverest penalty of the law. Thero is hardly uny necessity for secrecy or silence nny long- er, Each man guilty is personally awaro of the fact, and ho may safely accept ns true that the Governmcnt has an whundaneo of proof to establish that guilt. Between tho manufacturers and the Tressury it ia o ques- tion of doliars and cents, with payment of the unpaid taxes. But between tho Govern- ment and the rovenue oflicers, and their portuers who have lovied and extorted and reeeived this money as a liconso for fraud, it is n question of crime and the proper punish. ment thereof, WHINE OF THE '6W§!IBIZY~TBEVEB‘ OR- AN.” Tho Chicago nowspaper which has earned for itself tho designntion of the Whirly- Thieves’ Organ has n charneteristic whine be. cause Tue Trinvxz hing been at the pains to expose Lhe roal bearing of its recont malicious and scandalous attack on tho Secretary of tho Troatury. It says that Tae Tnisune is jenlous of it! This is the best exhibition of humor wo have ever noted in its columns. 1t is positively fanny. We suspect, howover, that thero is a subtle purpose oo tho part of the Organ to advertise the fact that Tue TrinuNg Las taken some notico of it,—a dis- ngreeable duty forced’npon Tir Trinuwe, just g Jover, McDonaLp, and other whisky- thioves oceapied a portion of Tme Trinuns's space, which wo would much have pre- ferred to dovote to more ngreeablo snd moro lionest peoplo. Until the Whisky- Tlieves' Organ exposed its own charactor in connection with the Ring for dofranding tho revenuo, it conld not complain that Tue Triouxe dignifled it with any special refor. ence, nor could it uso this as a means for ad- vertising itself, Bo far as its account of weighing up a certain amount of mail mattor overy week i8 concerned, we aro uot informn- ed of tho truth of its aysertions, and shall tako no pains to inquire into them. As it began about a year or 50 ago to sell a woekly edition ot little moro than the cost of white papor, we should not be surprised if that bait had ecnught a good many unsuspecting Grongers, This i o matter, howover, which daes not concorn eithor Tug Tomuxe or the public in the least, which has never taken any fnterest in tho affairs of tho Organ until it hegan advertising its own subservienoy to, or partnerahip iu, the Whisky Ring. 1f tho Organ seriously meant to convey the imypression that ‘Tux Tuibuse regards it in the light of a *rival,” wo can remove it in a very fow words. While we would naturally profer to have every nowspapor published in tho interest of publio honesty, and decency, and corroot principles, no journal devoted ex- clusively to the very opposite of theso is likely to come in competition with Tur Tats. use. Theroe is, therefore, no reason why Tre Tuisone could have any envy or selfsh ob. Jjoction to the publication of the Organ. If weo wero selfish nbout it, wo could not ask to have a difforout rort of paper printed. The Organ advocates the intorests of tho ultra Pro- toction Riug, which Tux Tnibuse opposes. 1t Lins lived upon the printing pap furnished by the County 'T'reasurer und tho Aldormanio Ring. It has been tho special oracle ,0f tho “Rog-Baby, and has assoclated itsolf with the Dewoeratio inflation schems ou which Tax TemoNs huaa mede war, Aud now the Organ lLas come out openly in its defonse of tho Whisky- Thioves' Riug by atlacking Secrolary Bnis- Tow who I8 prosecuting the thioves, If thore aro any other Rings horeabouts, the Organ is ready to take up their cause, Now, it is well known that Tux Tuwune never has beén, and it is generally belioved that it nover will be, the organ of auy corrupt Ring or thievish juterest. ‘Tho Whivky-Thicoes Organ, there- fore, occupies & ground upen which Tax Trsuns has no desiro to trench; aud, so long es tho Orygai keops this ground, there is not the slightest dangor that it will cross Tas Triwune's path, nor offend the gense of our reuders with its pressuce. ‘Tho readems of Tug Tnmone believe in the promotion of ofticial integrity, houest money, fair taxation, rovenuse tariff, and the exposure and punish. mont of all corvupt, plundering Riugy, so they are not likely to bave auything to do with the Whisky-Thicves’ Organ. That concorn calls itsolf & Republican fournal ! B8t it advocates a species of Rte- publicanism unkuowa to the party, It is openly in opposition to the Prexident aud the Administration on their financial policy while dishonesty is the rule. Never within | and the prosecution of revenue thisves. It the Listory of the couniry bas there besn | would be difiguls to point oub any sstential differenco between its platform on financial questions and that of the Cincinnati Zn- quirer. It it were to suspond publication, which wo hopo it will not, the pecuniary interests of ‘Tz TrivuNg would not be benefited a parti- cle. Iind it not mado its atrocious attack on Heeretary Bnstow in behalf of the whislky thioves, Tie Tainunz would not have defgued to notice it unless in n mild way to oxpose or punoture somea of its rg-baby sophisms, JUDGE HIGGINS ON THE HOLD-OVERS. We print this morning a lotter pddressed to tha Citizons' Assaciation by Judge Vax 11 HisaiNs upon tho question of the holding aver of the present city oflicers of Chicago, especially of the Mayor, until April, 1877, Judgo Hraoina makes these poiuts against the assumption : 1. That the Constitution prohibita the Legislature from making sny appointment to ofico, or electing any officer, except thoso nccossary to the two Houses, 2, 'That the oftico of Mayor of Chicago is an *‘oftice,” ns deflned by the Constitution, and one which the Legislature is. prohibited from filling Ly appointment. 3, That the Legislature had no more power to provide that the Mayor of the city, theu in office, after his terin expires should 1ill tho same office for a definilo term under the new clarter, than it had to provide that H. D. Corvix should be Mayor of Chicago from Dac, 1, 1875, until April, 1877, 4, That under the construction given to the new charter, that Mr. Convrx continues Mayor until April, 1877, the Legisinture in onacting that cinrter did not in eect elect or appoint CorLv1y Mayor from December, 1875, until April, 1877, and such election was un- constitutional and void,—~the Legislature not having power to do anything of the kind. G, That the charter, bowever, does not bear such a construction. That the charter provision, that when it shall be adopted ‘“tho city ofticers then in offico shall thero- upon exorciso the powers conferred upon likzo officers in this act, until their successors are elected and gualified,” contomplates that there will b an election to fill the vacnncies, the old officers serving merely until that election is held. The charter docs not say the old officers shall continne until the next regular election fixed in the new charter. 6. 'The offico of Mayor under the old char. ter was nbolished by the rapeal of the char. ter; and the oftico of Mayor now exists only under the now charter, Consequently, thero is a clear vacancy in all the offices crested by the new charter. 7. The now charter provides that when o vacancy exists in the office of Mayor, and the unexpired termn oxcecds one year, such vocancy shall bo fillod by spoeinl clection, and the charter does not pretend to fill the office, merely providing tbat the Mayor in oftico shall act until his successor under the new charter shall ba aléctad. These points aro strongly presented by Judge Hicomns, who is confessedly ons of tho ablest lawyers in this clty, sud aro forti- fied strougly by opinions in parallel cases delivered by Judges Breest and Lawnesce, We commend the letter to tho careful read- ing of the public, a8 well as to the Court- House crowd. A TAXED PLAG. It in & matter of common belief, into the nccaracy of which it wero unkind to closely inquire, that the Stars and Stripee wero adopted as our national flag on the first day of 1776. ‘To-morrow is to bo particularly cel- ebratod, then, by a great display of bunting. From dome, and tower, and steepls, and stafl, the Star-Spangled Banner will bo flung to tho winds, It is the emblem of a Govern. ment that is proudly claimed to be tho best and frecet on earth, which nominally exists for tho bonefit of the many, the greatest hap- piness of the greatost number,—and which gives in practico the lio to this theory by baging it whole tax-system upon the plunder of the many for the * protection’ of tho fow, This Governmeont has kindly granted one mavufactory of bunting, in which our revored fullow-citizen, B, F. Bur- ren, i8 understood to be heavily interested, tho priviloge of making patriotic persons pay $1.75, gold, for every dollar's worth of starred-aud-striped cloth, Bunting could be sold in New York at 48} conts pgr yord if thore wers no tariff-tax upon it. But our laws impose an ad-talorem duty of 35 per cent and 2 specifio one of 20 conta per yard. Theso twa items amount together to 75 per cent of the prime cost. They have to be paid in gold. Thus, if a man wishes to rojoice over his country's pros- perity by hanging out o flag, his country treats the patriotio impulss a9 a crime, and nssesses o fine of 75 cents on the dollar sgninst him in punishment thereof. Our forsfathers complained bitterly of a trifling tax of a fow cents per pound on tea, and fought o cortain rather important war on account of this and kindeed mattars. ‘They would not lot s whole nation tax them in such away on an article of luxury; we mockly permit a little knot of speculators to levy sn unormous tax on that Star-Spangled Bannor beneath which equal rights are supposed to provail, The Government nominally levies the tax, and gets abont 31,200 8 year from it; the speoulators aforesaid probably clear ten times this som by reasun of tho tax. When the child of the peried goos walking with his father on New Ycar's Day, soos the flags fiying, and asks what the celebration is about, the ingenuous parent will find some diffioulty in wakiug the boy sce why it woa wrong for England tolightly tax English sub- jeots and yet is right for the ex-Hon, B. . Byrren and his followers to heavily tax men who nare not their subjects but their political equals, Had we not better, as one of the minor celebrations of the Centennial year, iake froe the flag that is the symbol of our freedom ¢ ‘The year 1875 has been a fruitful ouein casuplties and disasters, In April, Oshkosh, ‘Wis., suffered & loss of $2,000,000 by fire, In May occurred tho most disastrous ship- wreck of tho year,—that of the etcamer Behiller, off the Scilly Iulands, by which 850 lives wero wacrificed. Inthe samemonth the extonsive forust firesin Pounsylvania involved a loss of $3,000,000 and the tornadoes in tho South 800 lives, June was marked by terriblo disasters. An carthquake in New Grensda swallowed up 16,000 poersons, and the disastrous floods in the Houth of France destroyed nearly 8,000 lives and $75,000,000 of property. These flooda were followed by very disastrous floods in July in Bwitzerland, Bilesis, Nlindostan, England, aud agsin in Frauce, by which several hundred lives and vast omounts of property were dostroyed. In tho samo wonth Russia was visited by a long succession of incendlary fires, kindled by dis- contented serfs, which destroyed eighteen towns and villages. In August cholera broke out in Syria, and swept away 5,000 psople. In Beptembar ihe coast of Texas was devas. tated by flood, which destroyed 400 lives. In addition to theso cnsunlties, famine dur- ing the year swept awny 20,000 people in Asia Minor, aud an epidetnic of mensles car- ried off nearly 15,000 Fifi Islanders. It is within bounds to say that nearly 120,000 lives have booa lost by the great casualties of the year. THE DEAD OF 1876 The harvest of daath during tho yoar, which is now so noar its closo, bas beon a fruitful one, The ecythe has mowa with Impartial sweep, aud tho necrology oxhibita s lst of eminent names quite au tong aud reionrkable as those of formor yosrs, If thoie is auy apecial foaturs to uate, it 18 in tho number of artists and politiciany of tho oid acliool who have peesed awav. Literature han lost & lutge number of eminent cholars aad weiters, amoug them the following; Clsrlos 8praguo, the poet ; Henry Clapp, the King of tha old Now York «Bohemians ; Ciarles Dawnon Shanley, tho humorius oseaylst; Satwmuol @, Drake, the antiquarian and historian ; lortimer Thomnaon (** Doeaticks™) s Jcseph E. Babson (* Tom Folio"), of Bostou ; tha Nev, €. W. Upham, the Sajem witeheraft bistorian; J. Ross Browne, the traveler; and Frederick Hudson, the ex-msuager of the New York Herald. These named belong to our own country. Europo has loat Charles Kingsloy ; M. Cretioeau Joly, the French historian; John Timbs, Arthur Uelps, and Augustus Maybow, the English essnyirta; Winwood Reade; M, Ach¥d, Edgar Quinot, and tho Marquis Do Bal- loval, French authors ; Viscount do Castitho, tho Portugueso poot; tho Rt.-Rev. Counor Thirl- wall, the Eopkish Listorian of Grecsaj Seldl, tle Austrian poet, and author of tho Austrian Nationnl llymu ; Hans Christtan Andersen, tho delightful Danlsh novelist Willlam Rayle Ber- nard, tho English dramatic autbor; Nicholas Muoller, the Hwabian printor-post; and Dr. Oncar Peachel, tiie Gorman geographor, Tho arte have wet with a very severs loss. Tho stage, both lyric and diawmatic, wo leave for a detalled notico at anothor timo. Paiating bas lostin this country Qilbert Burling, of Now York; William J, Hays, the aotmal-paintor; Iietro Vainl, of Now York, who committed sui- cide; Witlam Craig and Willism Oliver Stone, snd tho eminent Amorican sculptor Horatio Btono, who died in Italy. Europe has lost somn very eminont men, among them ths paintors Millet, Corot, and Pelotte, of Franco: Noifuer, of Alsaco; Molbye, of Denmark; Vou Ramborg sud Klein, of Munich ; Buben, of vionbnj Pick- ersgill and Watkor, of England, Among the sculptorn are Philip and Stoplions, of Eugland Carpeans and Barye, of Frauce, This list euould also include Edwin Welby Dugin, the Lnghsh architect, Death has been specially busy among the old politicians of thia country, tho lisc including Vico-Presidont Ionry Wilson; ex-Presidont Andrew Jobnson ; ex-Gov. Bramletts, of Ken- tucky ; Garnokt McMillan, Momber of Congress eloct from Georgis ; Nothan 8argent, ox-Com- missioner of Customs under Prosident Lincola ; William A. Buckingoin, Senator from Conuecti- cut ; Bamuel F. Horsoy, Momber of Congroas from Maino ; Samuol Hooper, Member of Con- gress from Massachusotts ; James Bullinton, Mamoar af Congreas elect trom Moesacuuaotta 3 Thomas Biddle, United States Minister st Ecna- dor; Gen. John O. Breckiondgo, of Kon- tucky; Jemse D. Dright, of Indinna; Honry W. Barry, dlember of Congress from Mis. slasippl; Gen. Duif Groen, of Georgla ; Judge McFadden, Delegato from Washington Terr- ritory ; E. A. Warren, ex-Mombar of Congress from Arkansas; Frank Biair, of Missonrl; Col. Alezandesr Hamilton, of Now York; ox-Senator ‘Wellor, of Califormia; Caleb Lyon, of Lyondslos Henry T. Dlow, of Bt. Louis; ox.-Congressman Jonckes, ©of Rbode Islsnd; and ex-Secrotsry Grabam, of North Caroliva. Among the promi- nent politiciana abroad who have passed away are Jobu Mitehel, Hir Francla Bood Ilesd, ox- Licutonaut-Governor of Canada; snd Fraocis Deak, of Hungary. 'Plso moat | rominent clorgymen who have died aro tho Rev. G, ¥, Trask, tho anti-tobaccospoatie; tho Rev. Dr. Patrick Leahy, Archbishop of Dublin 3 tho Rt. Rev, Edward John Horan, Dishop of tho Dioceso of Kingston, Canads ; the Rev. John Wright Hoberts, M, E. Blshop of LiLeils; tho Rov, Isaso Qol- lord, tho pioneer Methodist of Kentucky; Fathor Boochm, tho centenarlan Methodist preacher; tho Rev. Mr, Selwyn, Chaplain of the Quecn of England; Dr. Laberouz, tho Romsn Cothiolio Desn of Falaa; Archbishop Plau- tier, of Nismes, France; the Rov. H. J. Ripley, Professor at Newton Theological Semloary ; tho Rev. Lowis P. W, Dalch, D. D.; tho Rev. Nobert (. Vemilyea, Professor of Theology at Haitford semnary, Conn, ; Atha- naso Jose Coquerel, the famons Fronch Protest- ant clergyman; the Rov. Hamuol Clark, of 8t. Mark's Collego, England; tho Rev. Charles G. Finoey, ox-Presldent of Oborlin Collego, Obio; Dr. Nutt, President Indiana Stato University ; Lycurgus, Archbishop of Byra: Cardinale Lorenzo DBarill, Anoibal Capolti, and Gaspard Grsasoline ; also Presidout George Smith, of the Mormon Church, and Martio Harrls, ono of the aathors of the Mormon Liiblo. Tho eminont juriats of this country who haye died aro Chiof-Justice Hardin, of Kentucky; Judge Aaunsell B. Field, of New York; Judge Georgo B, Woodword, of Ponnaylvania; Judge Beltamy Btorer, ot Ohio; Iorace Dinmey, of Philadelphia; Prof, Joel Parker, of AMasaa- chusetta; and United Biates District Judge s.ougyesr, of Michizan, The medical profession has lost Dr, Edward Delafield, of New York; Dr, Samuel M. Eliot, the eminent New York ocnlist; Dr. Gerbard Hoal, & leading homoopathio physiclan of Cin- clnnati; Bir Chbarles Locuck, the Eaglish pby- sicisn and accouchor to the Queon; Drs. ‘Winslow Lowis and N. 0. Koep, ot Doaton ; and Dr. A, D, Lord, of Ohio, Among tho sciontiats who have passed away Prof, Herman Rister, the English chomist; the satronomers, Wilsoo of Metbouroe, Argelander of Bony, Twltchell of Civciunati, Mathieu of Paris, and Winlock of Cambridgo, Mass.; Bir Charles Lyell, the English geologist;' Prof, ‘Wheatstons, tho eloctricisn; Prof. Sundevall tle Swodlsh zoologiut: Bir Goldaworthy Gur- nett, the inventor of many projections for minors; B, R. Wells, tho phrouologiat; Jean Frederio do Waldecl, the African travalor, who diod at the advancod age of 105; Herman Ewsld, the Qorman philologist; Prof. J. E. Calros, the English political economist; snd Prof. J. A. Lopham, ex-Btate Geologist of Wisconsin, The United States army hay Jost Gou, L.'JB. Roberts, Drevet Brig.-Gou. Willlam Huyes, Drevet Brig.-Gen. George W. Msoy, Adjt.-Geo. Lorenzo Thomas; and the navy, Lieut.-Com. W. N. Allen, Rear-Admiral Charlos 11, Deh, Lleat,-Com. Douglas Cassell, Reas-Admiral John Do Camp, Com, AudrewJ, Urake, Com, George u. Morris, and Rear-Adiniral Napoleon Collivs, The prominost military oficers of Europe who Lave uied aro Liout.-Gon, Jamou Hope Grant, of the English army, Geu, Dufour of tho Bwiss arny, Gen. Frolssard of the Fronoh army, and Gon, Caballero de Rodss of tho Spanieh srmy, and Count Wende zu Euleuberg of $he German army. Among the pronunent business men of this mun&ryuwhv h?:n died are Eber B. Ward, ths Michigan iron-masters Witllam H. Avpinwall, of New York; Houthworth Shaw, of Doston; I B. Sluger, of sewlng-machice and many-wives fsme; Juhn Hsrper, senior membor of the Harper Brothors; Darius Wells, the inventor of wood types ; John MoManuy, the Pennsylvania {rou-master; M, W. Mason, of Now York, tho fuventor of the locowotive head-light ; -Bsmuel Ohbubbuck, the inventor of many imptoyementd in telogrsplic apparatus; Robert H. Ive: Providence, R. L; Willam B. Astor, of New York § Francis Dene, of Boaton ; Vice-Presidens Mumford, of the Wastern Unicn Telogreph Company; sad W. Q. Ralston, tbe Californls bsuker. Syt eat iy are Frederiok Willlam, o . “Tval Bhun, Boophros of Chiss kad hid nidow § the Intants Don Bebastian, cousin of Issbells of Spslu; Princa Paul Qetropirawitach of Gooigia; ex-Quoen Amolis of Grocca : Ferdinand I, ex+ TEmporor of Austris ; Prines Charles ‘Thoodors, greatunclo of tho King of Bavaria; Fiince Adel bort, unole of the King of Bavaria ; the ex-bnke of Modens 3 and the tiuce of Lipps-Detmold. Tho list of tho dnnd would be lncomplato withe ont prosorving the names of a fow of the emi nont womon who have paesed away, Among thom Lady Fraukio; Celis Burleigh, tho woman's- nighla sgitator; Emoline, the favorito wife of DBrigham Young; the boautitul Russian Prin- coss Orloff; Auits, nocond wifo of Garibaldi; Mme. Jeauns Lowss Uacrang, the French cdine poner; Mra, Heury M. Tioid, of Nev York;Qind Mrs. Ently Biiss Gould, the Leusfactor of the Roman children. ——— Indiana promiacA to fuinisn ua with & new veislon of the law of lbol, Tho Herdricka Club, of Indianapolis, i mad, very mad. It hias boen noufled by o loca! Journal that it “ dosan't amount to a row of flat-hoaded pins,” aud it {4 reported to bo shout to sue the affend- ing editor for dumnges to its collective rovuta- tion. ‘Lbe verdict, if ovor given, mil decide tho precies harm done & man by comparing him to s flat-headed pin. If the damages awarded ars low, f0 that this now dorogatory phrago ¢an be cheaply used, it may becoma popular. It fa ona of the curiosities of tho English language that, while & pin s much more band- some, polished, snd pointed thau s brick, you can sately compare & man to one brick, or & thoueand of brick, but you insult him by ‘calling him a piv, and tho insult ipcroasos It you ao- kuowlodge that he la equal to severnl pins, but 0t o 8 row of them, JoaQuIN MiLLER nays of Warken: * He wasa brick,” and porbavs, as thia puirase haa thus been lified above \he siang of tho streot, some futwie poot may dignify the ogually current phraso, ¢ That's the sort of inir- plo 1 am,"” by applyiug it to some futuro hero, Gen. Jupsox Kitrarpick's forthcoming des fonao of Gon. Busimax, which is soon to be , publieled in tho New York Times, will probably undertake to justify tho *‘Memoirs” in every particular. A prelimivary communication o tho ZTimea npeaks of the sorvices and character of Gen, Bupnuax in terms of the highout praise, even with personal affectton, Gan. KILPATRICE bias gome litorary sLiily, and bas had cceasion before now to show judicial qualitics of adigh order, Ifo will treat Gen. DorazoN sod otbor critics of Gen. BncumMax with the courtesy they deserve. Wo shall look with confidenco to Gen, Kiryarnick to produce a valuable work, T e, Tho 8t, Louis nowspapers adviso ns to sare our sympatuy for tho ehap-gicls and give it to tho fomalo school-teachers, Wo shall do nothing of the kind. Our sympathy is clastic enough to ombrace both school-tenchers and shop-girls, Basides, 1t {a not true, oe allegod, that tho fomslo school-tenchors aro compiolled to spond three hours a day io tho cold Listls. They rro not so well treated us thoy deserve to bej but, ae com- pared mith the shop-girle, they are in comforta~ blo circumstances. —~— Keutucky ia to ur;e the nominstion of Cissics AL Crav us Vice-Prosident by the Democratio Natioual Conveution of noxt spring. At least, C. M. O, soys go. Itias supposed that he will mako his speach of acceptance in the ** American lauguage,” in which, according to bis tolegram whoo Munister to Iussla, he conversed with the Caar. PSP GO The people of tho Weat aro in danger of for- gotting that Mr, Bgecmem is still on trial in Brooklym. Thbo attacks upon Lim from sll quazters aro Incessant ; and, if ho succeeds in ignoring them and holding his position in Plymouth pulpit undisturbed, ho will do more than carofal observers now regard as possiblo. Bating-rinks and steam Liorae-cars now absorb tho attention of the gay Parisians. Some com- tination of the two jnventions, whirh would al- low of steam-skates, ought to bo suggested, PERSONAL, Don't write * 1875 " to-morrow. Emily Faitbfull does not bolleve in wearing crapo. She does not deserve ber name. Honry Vincent, the Engllsh orator, ia in Dos- ton, tho guest of bis old friend, Willism Lioyd Garrison, Chsrlos Francls Adama ia ged for $856,~ 000. In it possiblo that sorich & man can foherit the White Housa? Now Englana religionists thiok Prosident Por- ter, of Yalo Collogo, showed great liberality by preachiog in a Unitarian puipit io Boston, * Edmond About eaid of Taino'a new work, just publishad in Paris: * Nevor beforo hass book been written agsinst the Revolution 8o fall of argumonts in favor of the Ravolution.” Charles Keat, a Roman Catholio editor of T.ondon, is editing an editlon of tho works of Charles Lamb, in tho Introauction to which ha will shed much light on tho essayist's life. Mr, Longfellow {a now drawing near 70. He is eaid to be a find picture of besutiful manhood, snd to show much improvement in Loalth since bo deliversd his * Moritnri Salutamus,” at tha fiftioth anniversity of his graduation, Moliere did not enunciate the priociple, “Ja prends mon bien ou jelo trouve.” His phrase was, *Jo reprends,” otc.; and it waa nttered when ho reclaimed & work that had been stolen from him, not when he committed & bold pla- glerism himsalt, Litorary thlevea take notios. A curious featuro of Mr. Swinburne's conver- slan to the Church of England fa tlat it was brought about by Dr., Jowett, » Broad Churoh- wman. One would natursily expect to find in It usliam the most conveniant door for & pssessge from the Roman Oatuolio to the Eplscapal com+ munlon. Pullman was shabbily treated in France. The Directors of one ratirosd line took some of ble cars on tral, but excloded the public from themj and at the eud of the timo for which they ware 1ent they wero returned with tho remark that if the public kaew how good thoy wers, the de- mand for them would be irresistiblo, Col. Forney writes homo that Rever'y John- son has detormined to publish a lotter pro- claiming his bellef that QGen. Behonck hina done pothing In tho Emma Mine matter * unworthy of s gontlerasn." Rover'y Johnson s nowin ZLondou, sad ho hae carefully examined all the paporain the csae that Gen, Bchenck chose ta submig to him. A DBaltlmore shopkeeper, who told s Isdy that she wasonoof the kind that ' came to look around and not to buy,” was cowhided by sn ln- digoant busband. ‘Tho whopkeeper aued for ssusult, and the husbaod ontored & counterplea of **insult,” which curioualy suggests the em- ploymont of a femala lawser to try tho case, and & female Judge and jury to hear it UUIEL ARRIVALS, i 10 Putmer Hous—Judge Whilsiy, Dloom! Ed Moare, Omaba} o5 Wil Uaylay, U 8. 4§ W. B, Hnocbridge, ‘Halitax, o ; . O Welker, A5 broath, Scotaud 3 B. M, Harvor, Fraucisco i 2 3. Mitfsny, Maotresl; J, 0. McGollom, New York: ‘Alfre Dyson, New Zealsud; N. W, Wells, Nobraak ¢ L. k., Hsrinan, Hau Fraucls Cook, Hochestar, A, Y, ; Gearga (:raok, McUrogor, Ia. ; G, O, Daruum, Duith ; B, Hiroomer, Cinelnustl."., Urand F 1. Dursid, Hacine ;' W, M. ltumsay, Cinclunal Kaldp au 7l hy i G b, + Honry Qurtis, Rock Talsnd; J. D, Leb- B etanatt s 1, ¥, acll, Ciintons 3, 3L, Tibuets, Rev,' W, L 2 aburg, Ky, ; the “Tal], Bycamore § e i vy ithate ; G, J. 3. Hedri 4 Ottum: 3 Oy T iekiunlo, ‘Olevelapd ; Lverett W, Patter- 200, 81, Lould..esTremont House—D, W, Gooden- oagh, Ludingios, dich, ; O. W, Cummings, Ban Fruis ‘leta’; N, Musso, New Yorks A. D, Lyuch and I, L Betbam, Tudianapolis; J. B, Btars, Hudwn, Wit 3 . jaynor, New York; K. K. Joues Quiucy; a. 5 ull Leavenworth ; loals -hat, Now York; ¢ nvflh:lu.mohuu. . 'Geanam, ndon i eoris. .. ShTs oo} e . Gorbam, Yo nmml;dhr W, ttaburg; 7. Ryder, Y