Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, March 2, 1880, Page 4

nt “ 4 Che Gribane. - TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION, WY MAI—IN ADVANC Fuewdny, th POSTAGE PREPATD, 8132.00 1.00 Ine, per mn 4 Thuraday, und Ratuniny, per yeni 6.00 Any olor day, ner'yenrenss tise BOO THAIN. s S35 Givo Post-Onlice address In full, inclnding Stato anit ‘Connty, Momittances may be made eliher by draft, oxpress, Vost-OMico order, or In registered letter, at our risk. TO CITY SUBSCHIDENS, Dally, delivered, Sunday exceptert, 23 conta per weok, Jaally, dollvorod, Sunday Included, #0 conts per week. Addrena THE TRIBUNE COMPANY, Corner Madison nnd Doarborn-sts., Chicago, Ih POSTAGE. Entered at the Post-ofice at Chteago, My as Second Class Mutter, For tho benefit of our pntrona who denira to rend Binglo copier of THR TRINUNE through the mall, we give horowith tho transient mte of postaxe: Domestic, Eight and Twotvo Pago apes Sixteen Pago Vapor... Kightand Twolva Vago I bixteen ago Vapor Per conn. ie cents “8 conts $3 conta ecnts INIBUNE BRANCH OFFICES. THR CNICAGO THINTNE bas established branch ofces for the receipt of subroriptions nnd ndvarilsc- mente as follows: NEW YORHK—Itoom 3 Trilnne Hullding. F.'T. Moe Fapnrn, Manngor. GLASGOW, Scotiand—Allan'’s American Nows Agoncy. ilt Itontiold-nt. LONDON, Eng~American Exchange, 419 Strand, Ieyny ¥. Graig, Agent. WASLINGTON, AMUSEMENTS. Mooley's Theatre. Randolph atreot, between Clark ind Ta Sole, Ens pegomont of Maggio Mitctoll, “Learl of Savoy.” Haverty's Theatre. Dearborn stroot, corner of Monroe. Engagement of Doyly Cartes’ Opera Company, “The Pirates of Ponsance,” MoVicker’s Thentro. Madison atrcot, between Dearborn snd State, En= t ‘wagomont of Mr, Clinton Mall. “Tho Strategists.” Hoanilin's Thentre. Clark stroot, between Washington and Randotph, Engagement of Miss Minnte Palmer. “Bonrding- -Behoo}.” * Werahey Muate-Hull. \_ atedinon stroot, betweon Dearborn and State. Ene “Vortainmont by Prof. Reynolds, SOCIETY MEISVINGS. ASHLAR LODGE, NO. 3, A. F. ond A. Ai Rog- ular meeting this (Tuesday) evening ob 720 sharp in ork. "tho fratornity coniially inviveds vont peas i TW EUL TL. CRANE, TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1880, Tim French Free-Traders are agitating Sgainst an increase In tho Custom-llouse duties, ———— ‘Ture reduction tn the National debt during * tho month of February was over five anda half iniliions, Tim County Board, at their menting yes- terday, decided to purchase from 200 to 200 aeres of land for a T’oor-Farm, Tum American horse Parole ts tho first favorit for the Lincolnshtre Handicap, to be run on tho 17th of Murch. Jans Russert Lower, tho poctstates- man, will leave Madrid this week to nssume his post as Minister to England. Tire Virgintn Democratic or Conservative ‘, Blate Central Committee will, on the 10th i ; i a i i t inst., Issue a call for n State Convention, | Tun Hull Distrlet Bank, located in York- shire, England, has suspended payment. Lt had a nominal capital of $415,000, and a pald- 4 ‘Up one of $140,000 only. A NuMBEn of bills looking to the reduction of the cost of puper by the free admission of articles used in ita manufactura were yestor- day offéred In the Houso, Tu Soclalists have resolved to confine thelr efforts at tho coming city clection to those wards whero there Is n chance of cleet- ing thelr candidates for Aldermen, ‘Tite total Insurance involved by February fires this year In Chicago was $715,509, anil the loss $36,580.09; agains $739,108 Involved Inst year, and 1 loss of $08,707,71. Sasa ‘Tue French Radicals have not everyt! hing their own way even in Paris, A Bonapartist was elected at tho muntelpal election Sunday for one of the divisions of that elty, rere A GENENAT, advance of wages has occurred at Lowell, Moss, the mnnufacturers agree- ing to tha increase of thelr own notion, and without petition or demand by the working- men, — \ ‘Tue celobration of the twenty-fifth annt- versary of the Czar’s accession to the autoc- racy of all tye Russins will consist In-a re- ception, some devotions, a tilitary parade, and a cannon salute, ‘Tue staid and highly respectable London Times has been indulging Jn a sensation, The French press are almost unanimous In denouncing its Interpretation of the vesigna- tlon of Princo Holentohu as Minister to Parts, —_—_ « _ Tue Duke of Edinburg hag arrived at St. Petersburg on a visit to his father-In-law, and perhaps to offer his condolence. ‘Tho Duke knows what It Is to bashatat. Hoehad ons experlence of the klud in Auatralin somo years ago, —_—_——— ‘Tre registration system as applied to Uquoralrinking has not given sutisfactton in Virginia, Both Houses of the Legislature yesterday passed a DIM repenting the Momt Bell-Punch law and restoring the ol Neense system after May 1. Some fences tn need of mending have brought Congressman Fort ona hurrled visit to Springticld, Lnasumeh as he declined to ‘be Interviewed, the preelse relation between, this visit and the pending Gubernatorial can- Yass can only be surmised, tris with Brazil this time, ‘The Vatlean threatens to break off diplomatic relations with the Government of that country if It persists In its nomination to the vacant Dlo- cess of Olinda, ‘Ihe appolatment seems to be very obnoxiuus to iis Holiness, AN orguulzatton to eotperate with the Na- tlona! Land-Lengue of Ireland, of whleh Mr, Parnell Is President, was formed in New *<York Sunday. ‘rhe membership is already duty large, and the promoters are contident of doing good service fur the cause of Irish land-law reform, ‘Tue question of disposing of Chicago sews aga still continues te occupy a lurge share of attention, and many and varlous ure the thoorlesadvanced and the plins suggested for the reinedy of the present unsatisfactory con- dition of things. Meanwhile, the chemists and aoloroscopisis wro discovering tn our hydrant water such fearful presences as deoiuids, rotifers, spirogyra, cyclops, oscilla- Soasememnsemeeentoetesmeemnnareness. thi iinet eal oedema THE CMCAGO TRIBUNE: TUESDAY, MARCI] 2, 1880 IWELVE PAGUS. toria, epitheclinm, hairs, featho: fungi, ete, cnough to drive atectotaler wit and send him to the nearest beer-saloon for refuge and relief, Clearly something must be done, and that at one, ee Tue London Thnes anys that tt Is too soon to conunence arranging as to the future dis- position of Afghanistan, Tho war ts not yet ended, -Many of the tribes are offering a determined resistunce. Itmay be predicted with considerable certainty thot, although England may gain a foothold In Athans: tan, it will be no easy matter to retain It. Tue Supreme Conrt yesterday decided as Uticonstiiutlonal a West Virginta State law exeltuling colored citizens from jury service in that State. The Court held that the law was antagonistic to the spirit of the Four. teenth Amendment. and to the principle that An acensed person should be tried by a Jury of hits peers, {tts rather diMeult to con- vince the Virginia nnd other Southern legis- Jntors that the negroes have been emanel- pated, Justice Field dissented from tho opinion of the majority, Tnhovnteseldom comessingly, The English farmers have suffered much through the de fective harvests of the Inst two years. Now a surlous epldemte prevalls among the sheep of Great Britain, ‘Tho dlseuso attacks the liver, and ts said to be fatal In most Instances. When it ts considered that many farmers. tn tho Northern and Southwestern shires of England devote themselves almost wholly to sheep-farming, the spread of the disense can- not ba viewed without alarm by not only the farmers but the English people generally, ere Tnx German Minister of War, while stating that there existed no Immediate cause for apprehension ng to the disturbance of the peaceable relations existing between Ger- many and the other European nations, sald yesterday, when introducing the Milltary Dill, that 1t was tneumbent on Germany to bo on an equal war footing with other countries, and to be prepared to meet any emergency that might arise. The German Government do not intend to be eanght napplug, ant will not stop to think of the expense, Lorn branches of the Iowa Legisinture yesterday received Messrs, Parnell and Dillon right cordially, ast evening they ad- dressed a large audience In the Des Molnes Opera-House, presided over by. Gov. Gear, Its worthy of notice that Mr. Parnell’s re- eoptions are tho most enthusiastic in strongly Atepublicnn locates. New York City, the hot-bed of ‘Tammany Demoeracy, was far behind Chicago in this matter, as the Par nell Reception Committee in that efty have aracetully acknowledged by their recent vote of thanks, ee Tue West Chicago Park Commissioners yesterdny elected officers for tho ensning year. Notwithstanding the Board had declared on iis advent to power that no officer would be paid a salary except the Sceretary, the membors proeceded to vote themselves salaries on tho motion of Com- missioner McCrea. ‘The salary of tho’ Presi- dent was fixed nt $2,500, and that of the Secre- tary $1,500. Tho retiring Drestlent, Mr, Woodard, was voted $2,000 back pay. Lt Is doubtful if he will consider It consistent with jis record or his previous pledges to accept the salary, es Frank O'MeEAnA, late Svoretary of the Re- Hof Committee of the utchers’ Unton of this city, has returned here from Cleveland, whithor ho had gone in search of employ- ment, to vindleate hhinself against the eharge of absconding with the funds of the. Unton, He proposes to mnke it interesting for his ac- cusers,—Sullivan, O'Connell, Stokes, Downs, and Powers, oMecrs of the Society, It is to bosincerely hoped, If any of the demagogs who created the recout troubles at the Stock- Yards are guilty of misappropriation of any. funds, that they will be summarily and quick- ly dewlt with. CitanLeEs BELL, & mulatto, under in- dictment for the murder of Fenton Benttic, through his attorney sald he beélleved he could not obtain a fair and impartial trial beforo any of the Cook County Judges save McAllister, That Judge, however, refused to try tho case, aa did Jidga Barnum, the “second choles” of the prisoner, It may be allthe Judges will refuse in Ike manner, Campbell will not object. Hoe will ho tn the position of the Irishman who, when he was given the selection, complacently chose a gooseberry-bush ns the treo from which he desired to bo hanged. Mn. CAntyrr, from the Mouse Committee on Ways and Means, reported yesterday a DEL making many changes fn the Internal- Rovenne kw, at the suggestion of the Nu tlonal Distitlers’ Assoclation. ‘The changes contemplnted by this bill relate to the bonds furnished by the distillers, the amount of which fs reduced one-half; the time which tho mashes shall be retulned in the ferment Ing-tubs; the manner by which “ packages are to be withdrawn from the bonded ware houses; and tho mode of assessing tho tax, Mr, Aldrleh Introduced wn independent bit to prevent distillation of ateoholie Nauors by others than Ieensed distillers, and In places not distillesie: Whratas FE. Cirannnen, of New Iamp- shire, says that It 1s foullsh and ridiculous to think of Biaine’s accepting the nomination tur Vice-President. He could not but fect it vory irksome to remaln silent while Im- portant debates go on in. the Senate. Mr. Blalne will have first plnco or nothing, Me, Chandler thlnks that Grant would be a better man for Vice-Preaident than Blaine, but it is shuply absurd to think of Grant as candidate for tho second place, Indeed, ho has not suld that ho wants the first place yet. It fy the oplnion of Chandler thut Btainy'’s ehaneos of success for the Presidential nomination ure very good, and this opinion {s shared by many others besides the New Hampshire gen- tloman, ——_—_$__— ‘TUR convict-labor question bas come up in the County Board in connection with the award of contracts for fntshing tho new Court-House, It appears that the butder ta whom has been awarded the contract for marble work and Uling expects to use tho Inbor of a number of conyiets in the Mnols Veultentlary, and this fact hus developed much buncombe solleitude for the “rights af the workingman.”. Ou the other hand, It is urged with great forve that the employ- ment of convict labor by the State Is an evonomlo measure the wlatlom of which Is apparent, and that the*contract In questlon should not be rescinded on avcount of the possible employment of such labor In Lts ful- iillment, Tho matter remalns tu abeyance, —_——_$__— ‘Tux roport of the Sucrotary of the Ohicugo Lumbermen's Exchange shows the recetpt this year of 1,407,720,001 fuct of lumbor, the largest amount ever recelyed here, Of this, only 839,000 feet came from the Dominion of Cunade, ‘Lhe Increase ju receipts for the year is 25 per cent, ar about 300,000,000 feet. ‘The lunbermon have greatly luercased thelr fucllitles during the year, and a larga Ine crease In recelpts iy anticipated for this year, ‘Tho sales for 1879 amount to 1,878,000,000 fuet, and the prices wero considered eminently satisfactory, ‘The average galy In receipts cach yenr fs 60,000,000 fect, although this guln has not been regular; indeed, somo years showed n Iarge falling off on former years, Tho membership of the Exchange is now seventy-eleht, naainst sixty-six Inst year, The Prestdent . coneratulated — the members ond the city, and there were mutual exchanges of compliments all round: and, take itall in all, Chica has good reason to congratulate Itself In possessing stitch enter= prising eltizens and such capable business: nen. ‘The members concluded, by electing a Board of Directors for the enaulng year. This body will elect tho officers of the Ex. ehnunge, 4 el Our telegraphic columns contain news of many shipping disasters, ‘Khe weather at sen seems to have, heen unpreeedsntedly rough, and the fee-fields ave reported as lie Ang broken npand drifted southward already, ‘The steamer Alexandria, from Geno, arrived at New York yesterday bringing five passen- gers nud forty-tive of the crew of the steamer INndoo, and the crew of the British brig Julla, both of which went down tn mid- ocean. ‘The steamship Manitoba, from Bos- ton for Glisgow, has been sighted thirty miles from shore with muehinery disabled, She was proceeding under sell Besides these, there are reports of collisions and various necidents, and the jolly tars have had rather rough (ime beforeeven rude, bluster ing March put in an appearan ‘Tue: Pacie Mail Steamship Company and the Pacific Riilrouls have settled thelr dim- culties, An arrangement te conthine five Years has been entered upon by the eommil- tees .of these corporations, ‘I'he roads pay the steamship Mne $110,000 per month in consideration of the right of the roads to fix” passenger and treight mtes fo the Pacitle Const, ‘the rods are to purchase the steamers ‘Yokta and City of Pekin, of the China Ine, for $1,200,- 000, paying for them In twelve monthly tne stallments, ‘This comproimfse bodes no good to tho passengers or to merchants recelving xoods from the Irellie Const. China, ant Japan. Rates are sure to go up at once, Tho Pacific Roads. huyve purehaserd a mo- nopoly, nnd the public will have to pay: for it, Aa Tite Inquiry dnto the causes of the Tay bridgo disaster proceeds, tho criminal pare simony and the penny-wise-and-pound-fool- ish policy of the raitrond company beeomes: mory aud more apparent. The evidence shows that the Iron used for the castings was of a very inferlor deseription; the calumns were of unequal thickness, cracked, and Dlistered, ‘To hide the defeetive condition of the pillars the holes were filed with ce- iment and palnted over. "The managers of the road will most probably be held responsl- bie, and It Is quite Mkely that they will suffer severoly for thelr nigeardly and vicious economy, ‘The fate of the Glasgow Bank Direetors eneonrages tho hope that these managers or thelr responsible oMleers will plek oakum I some Scoitlsh or English prison. Convention, the New York delegation 1s re- ported us far from being solid for Grant, It fs stated that nearly one-third of the dele- gates are unalterably opposed to on third term, and, although some of these my feel bound by tho resolution of tha Conven- tlon to sttipport Grant, they will use all their Intluence against tim in’ the Convention, The faet that at least one-third of the District Conventions pro+ nounced against Grant will be pointed out by the disaffected delegates to those from olher States, and, as New York 18 a pivotal State, the danger of golng against the pub- Hely-expressed destres of so large a portion of its people wilt be emphasized. It fs be- Heved Conkling will use all hls influence to defeat Bate, even if he should not suc- ceed in his desire to nominate Grant, ‘Tir: stock of ex-Congressman Payne, of Ohto, is going up rapidly. Lust Saturday ho was mentioned for the Vico-Presideney ; yes- terday he was mentioned for the Presideney, and itis thought that, should Tilden con- clude that he hns no chance of winning, he will support Payne for the nomination, An- other rumor credits ‘Tilden with favoring Senator David Davis, It 1s hardly to be ax- pected, however, that he of the barrel will fling away ambition so suon In the campaign. Ne ty too much impressed with the ides of Ils * monumental wrongs,” and, It may he, hopes that the Hterary bureau under a new manngement may do away with much of the bad improssion created by the unearth: ing of the elpher dispatehes, his ratlrond record, and unhexlthy surroundings tn general. John Kelly is the only person in tho Democratts party who hag any terrors forthe soul of the old man of Gramerey Park, and John will not down, neither will he bury tho hatehet, Kelly hud enough of crow at the St. Louls Convention, Tan Young Republleuns are organizing for Bluine, A largely-nttended musting was held last evening at the Grand Paeltic, and was addressed by Gen. Steve Hurlbut, who spoke in pralse of Blaine, and pointed out the rlek the party would fneur In nomi. nating Gen. Grant, while six - great States were opposed to him. Grant had tho speaker's respect, but it did seem as If there were more than one man in Ameriea eapable of filling the Prestdentfal ehatr with honor to himself and satisfaction to the peuple, It was the General's oplnion that Jf Atthiols is allowed to oxerclse a frea choice In tho selection of a candidate Blaine will be tha man, Tho objection that Blaine was & politician and thot Gen, Grant was the people's choice was not borne out by the New York and Pennsylyants Conventions, Thera the politicians ruled and Grant was the choles, A colored man named Mitehell slated that the colored people wore almost unanimously In favorat Binine, ‘The Club then formed #& permanent organization, and promises to do geod work for Blaine during the coming : AN fuportant slop lias been taken by Mr. Morrison, of IMnols, toward the remoyal of the ban of seervey water which Eastern spoc- wlators are enabled to voneeal from the country asa whole facts relative to shipments for export whieh are of great consequence fo producers and dealers in the Interior. Mr. Murrisun yesterday offered In the House seoncurrent resolution having for its pur vose the removal of an, esisting ‘Treasury regulation, known us’ tho “ninety-lay order,” tho effeet of whitch Is to with hotd from publication all. statistics rel- ative to the export trade, Under this order it is possible for speculators like dim Keene to ship to Kurepo millions of bushels of wheat ani suppress ail know! edge of the fuct from Western graln-growors and dealers vitally interosted In knowing the movement of cereals to EKurape; and the sume fs tray of athor oxports from Eustern ports, Tt is now proposed to do away with a regulation which tt ls not the proper province of tho Treasury Department to enforce, since Ithas no possible connection with the col- lection of the customa revenue, and operates for the benefit of onu class and to the In- jury of another, ‘The cotton merchants of New Orleans as well os the gratn-shlppers of the West are Interested in the abolition of a systein which furnishes the uld of the ‘Treasury Department in tho suppression of information which the whole country hag a right to possess, and which ought not to be withheld. Aono the important oplutons yesterday delivered by the United States Supreme Court the one tn whieh is involved the right of removal of certain cases from the State to tho Federal Courts wilt com- mand very general attention. ‘The ense wis certified up from tha lower courts fn ‘Fennessee, and arose ont of neontlict as to jurisdiction of the trial of an Internal-Revenue officer indleted under the State law for tho killing of an itelt distiller, or“ moonshiner,? whitle the ofleer was inthodisechargy of his duties, Suchtstho prefudies against the enforcement of the Revenue laws against crooked disttlting in ‘Tennesseo that the officer was arrested and indicted for murder, and hts right to go be- fore the Federal Court for trial was denfed on the partof the State. ‘The United States Supreme Court ti deating with this question asserts In various ways the brond principle that thts is a Nation with a big N. and holds that since it is essential ta tho constitutional supremacy of the Federal Government that it should have “the power to enforce its own laws, the right of a Federal Court to assume Jurisdtetion over a Federal oflcer in the dis- eturge of duties under Federal authority tnust be upheld. THE LAW OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, ‘Tho Coummittes of the House of Ropresent- atiyes which have reported # plan of electing Tresldent and Viee-Prestdent of the United States deserve the thanks of the American people for the fearlesness with which they have performed their duty, and for the non- partivanship of the scheme they have pro- vided for averting the most fatal conse- quences of our present system. Tt is unfort- unate that some such change in our law was not made in time to take effect at the coming cleetion for President. It is not the less in- etunbent. on Congress to take action on this subject at the enrtiest possihle day, so ns to give assurance to the country that tho dangers which have so long menaced our Natlonal peace will not exist hereafter, ‘The difiiculty of any new arrangement of the method of electing President hus always beon that of interfering with the State organ- fantion; that diftenity has existed from the begluning. The right of the States to vote separately has been so jealously adhered to that even at this day any measure Intenited to inerge the votes of the several States, de- stroy thelr Identity, and have the President elected by n majority of the aggregate vote of tha Nation would be indignantly rejected. ‘The scheme reported by the Commitice in this case preserves the Identity of the several States in the matter of voting for President. JE provides, as is now the case, that each State shall have a number of Electoral votes for President equal to fts Senatorial and Representative delegation In Congress, and tho Electoral yote of each Stute fs to be determined py the popular voto of the people of that State. ‘he proposed plan, however, abolishes the tnachinery of thd Electoral {College,—an institution whieh hus. long since exceeded its days of usefulness, and now serves only ay a means of possible fraud, and as unnecessarily complicating the election, I¢ {8 proposed instead that the voters ofeach State shall vote directly for persons for Presiilent and Vice-President, and, In order to remove all possibility of re peating wholesale frauds ag in the past, each candidate shall receive in each State 2s wuny Elvetoral votes for President as the popular vote given for hin bears a pro- portlon to tho whole popular vote of the Stnte, ‘Thus, in Ilinols, at the election In. 1876, ayes, received about 19,000 votes more than ‘Tildet, and Cooper received 17,000 votes. Ilad the rulo now proposed. been In fores then tha Electoral yote of Ll nols would have been given: Mayes, 11; ‘Tilden, 9; and Cooper,1. New York, instead of giving ‘I'ilden 35 votes, would have given him 18 and Iayes 1%. Kentueky would have riven ‘Hnyes 4 votes and THden 8; Towa would have given Hayes 7, Tilden 4, ‘Tilden would have recelyed yotes in New England, and Mayes would have divided the vote of every Southern State, The half-million of Kepubjtean votes in Now York would have had thelr full wetght in deciding the election, and the Democratic vote In Iowa and Illinols would in lke manner have not beon cast In vain. So long as the Stato system shall be retained, and It is Jnseparable from our form of Government, the proposed plan {s the nenrest possible approach to having the cholee of President determined by the acti popular vote of the country. Every voter In every precinct can have the assur- tunce that his vote will be counted, and will haye its effect on tho election. The plan matured by this Committeo pro- vides for the direct voting of the people of each State, exch voter glying his ballot béar- ing the names of the persuns voted for for President and Vice-President, The returns will show the aggregate voto of the State, and also the total given for each cundidate. Dividing tho aggregate vote of the State by tho number of Electoral votes to which the State may be entitled will give tho ratio for onch Eluctoral vote, and each candidate will bo awarded that number of Electoral votes to which tho popular vote given for him entitles him, If there bo n fraction, tho candidate having the largest fraction will bo entitled to the odd vote. In order to avold the necessity of having tho election of Preatdent determined by the Honse of Representatives, as now, this pro- posed amendment provides that the cand! date having a plurality, when no one has a majority of tho Electoral votes, shall ba de- elared clected, ‘The rule fs plain, stinpte, ond direct; it preyents frauds, or reduces: their possibility to the minimum. In no ease can such a fraud carry snore than one Electoral vote in tho State, while at pres- onta like fraud ecarrlos with it the whole Electoral vote of the State, ‘This plan ts reported by Committee con- alsting of Messrs, Bicknoll of Indlana, Hun- ‘lon of Virginia, Cuctisle of Kentucky, Stephens of Georgian, Ewing of Oho, Lounsbery of New York, and Dann of Arkansus, Demoernts; and Orth of Ind ana, Updegrait of Iowa, Van Vorhis of Now York, and Yocum of Pennsylvauly, Re- publleaus, ‘The scheme fs absolutely non- partisan, as every election Jaw should be, 1b is based on the’ prinelple that the candidate who gets tho most votes should be declared elected, and any provislon founded on any other princlple must Inthe end prove de structive of the common Iberty of the tand, Of course, It will meet with opposition In States where the partisan majority js so overwhelming as to induce the dominant party te hold on to what they consider a “sure thing,” forgetful that what isa ten- porary advantage to the party In one State Is nioss to It In anothor,. A law which, with- out depriving a majority of its proper pro- ponderance, secures to all partica in all the States thelr full proportion of votes, accurd- ig to numbers, is in the end the best for all, ‘rho country has had painful experience of tho dungers of contested Presidentint olec- tions. Elghtyyearsagoaclvil warthreatencd the disruption of theinfant Untou becausvof a contested Presidential election. Four years suo a contested election agitated the whole country, Thata civil war was then avolded was due to a temporary expedient, whereby | tha defects and the evils of the existing law were overcome; but no one believes thata device of that kind can ever be repeated. A eloso and exeited election 1s now at hand. It may be determined by a voto all one way, or It may result inn chotce ns close as thatof 1878, with allegations of fraud on beth sides. The whole American people enter this canvass wiih forebodings of danger to tho National peace. Candidates are urged, for nomination on the ground — that they will claim and fight for the Ex- ecutive oMece in ease thelr party eauens sinll so declare, Tho shadow of 4 elvil war growing out of the Prestdentiat election fs witnessed by all persons, ‘Chong there fs no tine now to change the existing Inw for the election of this yenr, the duty of Congress to submit this plan to the people for thelr ratifleation Is a clear one. If the Peopte shall ratify it, then all danger of com- plications at future elections will be avolited; if they reject it, then Congress will be ne- quitted of ‘the responsibility of having re fused to give the people the opportunity to pass npon the scheme for the preservation of the National peace and the securing of honest electlons, ieererereenpete eee} MR, FINK'S DEFENSE OF POOLS, Mr, Albert Fink, the Commissloner of tho trunk-line railroad pool, professes to think that the newspapers misrepresent. tho attl- tude of the railroad managers toward the proposed Congressional legislation for tho superviston of the raitroads, le makes the polnt that the rallronds which he represents (thirty-four different corporations, we de- Neve) are not opposed to any and all legislae ion, but simply to that which has been pro- posed thus far beeanse they believe it to be inadequate as a remedy, Ie characterizes tho Reagan bill with some justica as merely a statutory assertion of the common-law principle, and contends that any shipper who suffers from unreasonable or unjustly-dls- orhminating tariffs can find redress now as wellas under tha Reagan butt that should become a law, ‘Lhe latter statement may bo fairly questioned, even though It be ndimit- ted that the Reagan bul is little more than a formal statutory declaration of the general prinelples now and always recognized by the Courts, It isa huge joke to refer the public fo the Courts, under the present condition of things, to secure falr and equitable treatment at the hands of the railroads, ‘The Brent cost and interminable delay of Nghting corporations, and the comparatively sinall interest which an individual shipper has in assuming the burden of Htigation, render an appeal to the Courts against extortion or dis- crimination altogether impracticable, as n matter of fact, the power of the railroad cor- porations {sso sweeping and fs excrelsed so Arbitrarlly that shippers not oily And them- Selves practically excluded from the Courts, but did noteven anre to put in an appear ance before the Congressional Committeo at Washington to show up the railrond abuses, because thoy feared the reprisals which the railronds would levy upon them in revenge, Any Congresstonal law, even in such general terms as the Reagan Dill, woult earry with It Ratrong moral foree, even though It should fall to provide the quick and casy remedy de- manded by public interests, and to that extent {twould be an finprovementupon the present total Inck of remedial legislation, Even admitting that the leglstation which has been proposed does not afford a com- plete remedy, it is vastly more accoptable than tho legislation which Cummissfoner Fink would provide if he could have his way, Ile says that the only legislation re- tulred to protect public Interests Is to legal- ize and enforee “ voluntary agreements? be- tween the rallronds “to establish and main- tain reasonable rates upon a uniform and equitable basis.” ‘To iustrate Just what he means by this statement, he declares that the rallrond corporations Included fn hls pool have been working to this end, and that, if there were a Nationa) law to compel them to abide by the terms of the pool, there would no longer be uny cause of complaint. ‘Chat {fs to suy, when the railroads arbitrarily raised tho tariff on grain from 15 to 40 cents per 100 pounds between Chieago and Now York Inst fall, just as seon as they found thomselves relensed from water competition, then the existence of law under Which any ‘railroad company could ba punished for not maintaining this and Bhaflarly arbitrary tariffs would make the producers content with the conflseatton of their property and tha consumers perfeetly satised with the exorbitant prices they would thus be compelled to pay! Low or why tho burdon of extortion would be any Ughter upon the public when the rallrowds shout have tho logal machlnory at hand for enforcing thelr arbitrary tarit’s Mr. Fink does not stop to oxplain, ‘Tho vital defect in Mr, Fink’s ratiocination {a that he considers solely the Interests of the rallroads as so niuich private property, where- aa they aro under thy Jaw public corpan- tions, exist upon public sufferauce, enjoy valuable public priviteges and. grants, and Aronmennble to publle supervision, © Volun- tary agreements,” or “codperation,” or “federation,” or “pools,” or whatever elso tho combination inay bo called, will never recognize the rights and Interests of the pub- Ho unless subjeeted to the approval of tho public, If Mr. Fink’s theory about eodpera- tlon, which seems to ve substantially the sameas that advocated by Charles Francis Adams, be correct, then some tribunal representing the public should have the privi- lege of confirming or rejecting the terma of combination, Had the public been repre- sented fairly In tho existing pool the rall- ronds would not have been permitted to charge during this winter three times na much ng they charged Inst summer for tho same service, A few daya ago Mr, Fink's pool agreed to take off five cents por 100 pounds on grain going from Chlengo to Now Yorks but thts action was ontirely ‘arbitrary, and it would puzzle Mr. Fink himself to ex- plain tothe public why the rallronds were Justified in charging tive cents more per 100 pounds last week than they charge this week, There has becii no notable decrease In oper- “ating expenses within the Inat fow days which enables the raflrond companies to perform a kiven service at o less cost to-day than thoy did Inst Theaday, The voluntary remission of a part of the poo! tari? simply reveals the power of the rullroads undgr a system of tr- Yeapousible combination, and it is a confess slow that they have Leen charging extortion- ate rates during the entire winter simply be- cause the public, through the instrumentality: of the Government, hus fulled to put any re- straint upon thom, Whenever Mr, Fink talks of the legal en- forcement of agreements or pools among the railroad corporations ho refers to" the ca- tablishmnent and maintenance of rensonable and non-lsorlminating transportation tar- {ife.” Tut such tariffa can nover be seoured so longas the rallrvads shall have the priyi- lege of dletating both sles of every con- tract, Mr, Fink would undoubtedly maln- tain that 40 cents upon grain and 45 cents upon provisions between Chicago ant New York ts “a fair and reasonable" charge, but he could not finds single person autsiilo of the rallroad business who would agree with him, Itia not only the Interests of the rall- road corporations, which waut to got the most. they can, nor the interests of the middls men, who dro satlsficd witha uniform and steady rate, howaver high tt may be, but the Interaats of tho great mass of producers and consumefs, that must be conaldered; and the Intter demand rightfully that the great pub- Ue highways shall bo compelled to carry pas- sengers and freight at auch charges ns will yleld a fatr interest on the actual value of the railroad property. Rallroad men like Mr. Fink cannat understand, of elsa thoy willfully obscure, this yew of the cago, ‘Tho reason why railroad pools are pro- hibited in tho measures which havo beet proposed In Congress 13 that the most con- aplenous Instances of extortion and dis- erimtnatton have been furnished by such pools, Ifthore were a railway tribunal in this country, to which the charges ant “working agreements” of the rallronds should be submitted before they could go into effect (ns Is the case in England), the popular antagonism to combination might danppear. ‘The rights of the people to ren sonable ant wndiseriminating tariffs could then be defended, and the samo tribunal could furnish quiek redress for violation of the ngreemen{s made In the interest of the publie as welf'as that of the railronds, But this ta not what Mr. Fink asks, Io destres that the railroads shail continue to sxercise tho sume arbitrary power thoy now have of imaking their tariffs og exorbitant and unfatr as they please, and, In addition to this power, they shall have legal machinery for the on- foreentent of their extortion ‘and diserimina- tion, Stteh a proposition fy simply preposter- ous, afid it only serves to illustrate the fm- pertinenea acquired by railroad-men from o long iulifference to the Interests and rights of the people. ——— SECRETARY SHERMAN Vs. THE WEST. We doubted the report that Secretary Sher- man over sald he would support the pending Jinmediate-Transportatton bill whose pur- pose fs the destruction of the New York {m- porters’ monopoly, protected by law. Mr. Sherman ts out Inn long letter to the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Rep- resentatives in opposition to the bill, orrather proposing amendments destructive of Its most finportant feature. Te Insists that the juvotees of Western Importers shall still be filed In the New York Custom-ouse, where they may be open to the impertinent serutiny of their rivals of New York, and where they may he delayed to the serious annoyance. of the Chieago merehnnts, who have x right to insist’ that they shatl bo filed atthe home Custom-House. Jt requires about five days for bonded goods to reach Chicago from New York, and §t requires only two days for mail packages to traverse the same route, ‘The papers connected with the iranshipment of bonded goods from steamer tocar must be completed and renily to mail before tho goods start on thelr. westward Journey. . Hence the invoices and other pa- pers should arrive in Chicago three days he fore the goods, But it is a notorious fact that gvods often arrive before the papers, showing conelustvely that such papers aro pigcon-holed In the New York Custom- House. ‘That they are detained willfully, with the purpose of embarrassing Western lporters, ig evident, If Mr. Sherman does not know this fact lie ought to. If he knows It and still insists upon the retention of the provision of law which permits the outrage, he fs guilty of supporting a grossly unjust uct of discrimination In favor of New York Importers as nzalnst Western Interests, Seeretary Sherman Insists that there shall continue, as now, to be n pro ferma entry at the portof New York of all forelgn goods destined for interior porta, in order, as he says, “not to dlsarrange the records.” Ho admits that “the oaths to entries are merely formal and might be omitted.” Ilo ought to know that the entries ara “morely formal! also, and that they might be omitted also without tho smallest influence upon the safety of the revenue, Notastngio article of inerchandisa shipped in bond without appraisement ont’) New York ‘Is° ever seen by any New York eusfoms altl- celal. Perhaps some of Sceretary | Sher- Inan’s subordinates can tell tho country or the Ways and Means Committee how the safety of tho revenue is promoted by the entry of goods contained fn cases which are neveropened, But this is all there js of tho entry at New York of goods destined for an Anterior port. ‘The-entry for all practical purposes Is a dead letter; it is slmply an an- Noyanca to the Intortor Importer, ond every customs offcinl In tho United States who knows anything about the subject knows what wo say fs true, IL follows that Secre- tary Sherman's proposition to retain’ the in- voleo and entry feature of the. existing statute is n proposition to finpede interlor Importations for the sole benefit of the im- porters’ ring of New York Clty, and not, 3 alleged, for the protection of the revens - Mr. Sherman ndinits that in tho Inst ten years goods of the value of $100,000,000 huve beon transported to, and the dutlos thereon ascartained and collected at, Intorlor ports without « loss of one dollar to the revenue, Now we defy Mr, Shorman or anybody else toshow that tha tnvoteo and duty feature of the const end of the business, as it has been transacted, has tended even remotely to tho protection of the revenue, ‘There is not to be found, olthér in the roport of Mr, Tinglo’s interview with Aldrich, Wilson, and Wyman, or In the long letter of Scerétary Sherman, 50 much as the shadow of a valid argument in support of the adverse ‘position of tha Treasury Department. Tho Waysand Means Committee should report tho bill just as It 1s, after adding to It the proposed express pack- ago and “ articles in bulk” clunses, —— Tur latest sensation in the grain-markets is the understanding that the recent exports from the seaboard were much larger than reported. This may be acciuental, but some parties In the trade who are ever on the look- out for motives as developed in acts think {t not improbable that thore Is somo deep do- sign controlling the matter, Of course wo aro notina position to say that these suspi- clons tre well founded; but itls not out of order to indicate how such a fact night be made to serve the Interests of leading parties In thotrade, The bellef in. Western. Europe that exports from this country aro Heht would ‘probably cause an advance in prices there which would inure to the ad- vantage of judicious sellers, while the sub- Requent announcement here and there that the whole truth had not been told would produce n reaction that world ennbie the sellers to Nl in their shorts at a good round profit. ‘The report of reduced freight rates on our railroads has prevented the adyance thus far, If any were expected. ———— ‘Tire Springfleld Rejublican deniea very emphatically Ar. Conkling’s assertion In his Utica speech that before Lincoin was renomi- nated in 1864” newspaper people took canvases of the peoplo, and found that thrve-fourths of thom wore opposed to Livouln.” Tt saya: Thoue statements are false. Thore was a fnc- tious oppouition to the oundidacy of Mr, Lincoln on the part of sundry tmpraotloabte Radicals, Wut they knew better than to canvass tho pea- nie, Wade, Winwr Paste, Senge Poillipa, irs. RC, Penis and bor band were ieade ers in that opposition, and Fremont, a failure every placa te hud been given during tho War, wus tholr {favorit candidute, Hut the movement was nbsolutely uniniuentlal, era over wos Amore emphatle cortaiuty of public opinion {ean that In Cuyor of Abraham Jdncoln’s renom- tnation, Tue well-informed correapondent of the Now York Tribune writes from Ution after the Convention that the final voto of the dolega- don at Chicago will undoubtedly bo cast solidly for Grant, although twelve of the delegates are poaltive Blaine men. . ee Pecn’s Sun: he Chicago School Board ‘bus doolded {has wheu.a schoolma'am Is marriud ahu must leave the school und give placo to a wll toucher, It iy woudorful the prejudice Chi- cago people-have agalnst married: women, Ip 80 .pronouneed that a grent many: marr ke wonton, When out none strangers, deny fel thoy ako married, and elaim to he pip, sumetimen thoy fool a fellow. Wo shout ie tho Chiengo School Hoard would atta ae elt tnnrrted wormun to earn a Hvting even t sho may have a husband. A hustand tang, ‘Atl ment tom young woinnn, and does nor eerie, her Intelligence, In many Instances a gil knoe more after she geta married." vey eee noms We not only helicva Mr. Sherman. yy Pa eHCTMaM WH spe Chieagn Convention, but that It fel Inprobabie he will go there muncric thin Sir, HlalneorGen, Grantectiertiea zie The Heraht’s enpaelty for twelleving ties chormene, ‘The howtility to Seeretary Sherine tn Mlchigan, Hltnole, Indiana, Town.and Wine Aluieintense, ‘Cheer te no candistate who wontt not bo proferred to him by Republienn veterey thos Stites, and ag he has no following inthe Fast {t fs dificult to sce where fly Votesean, come froin, au Tire Rey. Father Fagan, one of the most Intelligent nnd Hhorat Catholle priests tn the ‘West, is out-with a strong letter agninst the tare ation of Church proporty, Ite dnves his Ohfor. tions to the scheme on these reasons; (1) Church property Js unproductive; @) churches seve the Staten great doal of expense from Htigations and @) they help ta preserve tho pene avg polies-foree, and, in thasa ways, contritute Ane directly nll that shawl be required of {hem in defraying the generul expenses. ‘Ts Washington correspondent of tha Milwaukee Wisconsin writes in his lust Tetter ag follows: “Wherover, her Interests call her Chicago Is suro toga, She is now pushing hop claim for a harbor of refuge, in opposition tw Grand Haven and Milwaitkee, and three toong sho will get. majority of tha Lake Shore eltles and towne In her behalf, and when tho timo ar. rives will have na strong detegntion here, I met two from Chiengo here to-day on business to pregs hor intorests."" Tr is reported that when Senator Bayard was in Richmond recently ho was fivited to pay a visttto tho Virginian Legislature, In which the Rendialers have n ninjority, whero [twas pre posed to tender him a formal reception. iy reply was that he did not care to visit peoply who refused to pay thote honest debtece? change. Scnator Bayard doesn't talk ont tn that strong way whon he's looking out for votes; and that he does look out for votes. those who have seen hin lately in Washtngton can testify. pace bale Rseiciaals * Tis Governor and Lieutenant-Goyernorot New York are both delegates to the Chicago Convention. Gov. Cornell's son, a young lawe student, is also a delegate. SS POLITICAL POINTS, Senator Thurman ts entitled by every cone sideration of good senso to the vote of Ohloin tho Nutlonal Convention If he desires t.—Cleree land Platndealer (Dem). i Gen. Garfield is not, and will not be, a candidate for Presitent, and stands squarely and flatly upon dls letter, reenmmending the Kee pblionys nf onl to give tholr united vote in favor of John Sherman for Prusldent.—Cleveland, Herald (Rep,), It is generally belleved In political circles in Washington that ‘Cilden’s manugers ‘ura ree sponsible for tho publication of Sonator Bay+ ard's antl-War 9 which has recently been tevived, Tho olt fs gutting In his. work. Cinefnnats Commerctat dud). Sonpiuns’ Hose, Moxtaomeny Covsty, Oy Feb. %6.—To the Miitor of the Comunercialt There aro bout 3,100 Inmates hero qt present, about half of whom voto the Democratle ticket, Out of suy 1,500 Repubticang hero Ldo not think: there ure fifteen who favor Grant's third term, Reeunnioay, Of the two-thirds rule in Demoeratle Naw tlonal Convontions the Buffalo Courter (Dem.) says; “Ttshould not Myhtly bo sct aside, and We holleve that in view of the present condition of National polities ita continuance, nt least at tho Cincinnati Convention, will be regarded as expedient.” : If Mr. Tilden should not be renoulnated himself, ho would probably favor Randall and do his best to olect him, It scems to bo under atood by those who profoss ta bo fn Mr. Tildon'ds © that, after himself, Randall ts big ice, while Gon. Hancoak fg anid ta stand second in bis faver.—Bmoklyn Kagle (Tidew'a orgin). Michigan will hol her State Convention Q week beforo that of Mtnois; and present ape Penrunces Indicate that tho first cholve of Mlebt> gan is likely to bo Haine, who fs, for spretol rexsona, 13 well ns the senoral once which oper+ Ate throughout the country, a great favorit wilt Michigan itepublicuus.—Delrott Post and Trina (Grant Rep), ; Wo ure sorry to ho obliged to say that the following, from the Cincinnat!, 0., Comnvrs celal, ia truo in this soction of our State. It sayst “Private conversation frequoutly unearths o sturdy Ropubiiean who has the courage to say that ho will not vate for Grant. And probably for every ono of those thore are ton who woubt nob yoto for him, buf do not choose to announed the fnot."—Hastings (Mich) Republtican-Banner (Rep,), Senator Edmunds, referring to the action of the Vermont Convention naming him for Prealdont, is reported ag eaylng: © J have never boon deatraus of it; in fuct, can look forward tono circuinstanees Ikely to arise ‘under whieh I'would take the office of President of tha United States, oven were it tendered me." ‘Those nearest to Senator Pelmunda any. his ste bition les not in the direction of tho White Houso, but toward tho Bupremo Beuch—Lie dianapolia Journal (Rep,). ‘Tho Democratic State Central Committee of Ohio having dispensed with n State Convene tion this your to detormino the choice of dele gates to the National Convention, tho matter has beon Itft to the Congressional Districts, [t is cluimed that the chofee atrendy determined pea Jn thirteen districta will give twent ‘Tliden detegntes to the Cincinnutl Convyentlom with a prospoot of increasing tho number to thirty or thirty-two ow the farty-four which ‘Ohio a ontltted to in the National Conveution.—- New York Herald (ind,), Tho Cleveland <nzeiger, always Repul+ Hean, contuins an editorinl whorein it is stated that undor no circumstances will tt support Gen. Grant for the Presidency. te Grant t@ nominated tt would repudiate him, but support the Hepublican aunty, State, and Congresstoual tlcketa, The editorial states furthor that ne effort has been made to obtain signatures to he Gorman antl-Grant third-term potltlon put In , clreulation a few days igo, but over 16H) sigiite tures havo nlrendy been obtained, From thie thore can be no doubt that the Gerinans 0! Cleveland are very unanimously opposed toGen. Ormnt—Speclal to Clueianaté Commercial. “Suppose it should ba Grant and Tilden?” is the query which I put to ono of tho shrowdes Democrats in tho Houso n duy or two MK00 “Well,” ho repilod, with a merry twinkle in his eyo, “that would be what wo call out West & ‘slow race,’ One of the populur amusuinents a our country fale ja what is cullod a ‘slow race: ‘Two men onter cach hie mulo, and cach beté that his mule will go slowor than tho other's Tho conditions of tho race are that cach shall Fido his opponont’s mule, For mstance, sup pss you and Twors to ontur, You would bet tha your mule could go slower than mine, aud é would bet that mine could coyor less grout! a joie T should mount your mulo, and do wat by using the whip fo maky It get abet while You, mounted on my anima would hh Ib with oll your might, and try to oover the distant firet. Now, that fa Just whint I think will huphr’ If tho Republicans _noniinate Grant, and ihe Dommoerate Tilden, ‘Thero will by lota of Repu! Hoans betting that thule mute fs tho slowest, af doing thotr best to bring Tilden out ahead, ane any quantity of Democrata trying to make Grant caver the moat ground. Yes, Grant and Tide would make a tbtow raco,' and no mistake, Washington Letter to Springfald Republican. Cameron and Conkling may shut thelr eyes to the exlatonce of a strong and uncomprom! ing anti-Grant faction in tha Republican partyy but it orlate, nevortheless; and it may Lo 48 fatal on error to ignore it,u8 tho Tilden oa Mocracy made when they porsiated in par nating Gov. Robinson In spite of John Kel He protests, It duos not alter the fucta of the ¢ to nocuac the opponenta of tho third-toria prine plo—as tho leuding Grant orgins ary Nott cl Herat te vf tho slaves of a foulist pees ‘ 2 ply route ludico, it 1s fur too Cent tor ness Grant can be vlvcto wilds out tho ald of thnev Ropublioans 0 ellug to tha unwritten law laid down by ety ington, it would be fatal ta the success of fr party tonomluata him. It should be remo, |, too, it while fidelity to party ta, 8 pburadtoriitig of Itopublicans een 4 a nota Ind, Unreasuul wl al faith based Upon sulld foundations uf princi ro and that tho moment those foundations snapped the whale mugniticent sbrneryte « Ke ubicanisny witltoppla ta the 1 eile tthe present moment. tuo Denecruta are dle vided in counsels, unable cithor to unite an 8 Gandidate ae platforta, Mayhap tne jor dune jou 0! LU mh iva Jnay provide thent with boule threo seceks Lalor at Cincluuatl,—Baviinure lrmecricass (eyte