The New York Herald Newspaper, January 31, 1875, Page 8

8 oo NEW YORK HERALD BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. sieeremiec JAMES GORDON BENNETT, PROPRIETOR, Cia NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBE: RS.—On and after January 1, 1875, the daily and weekly editions of the New Yor« Herarp will be sent free of postage. All business or news letiers aad telegraphic despatches must be addressed New York Heraup Letters and packages should be properly , sealed ——-+ LONDON OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK HERALD—NO. 46 FLEET STREET. Subscriptions and advertisements will be received and forwarded on the same terms as in New York. MOVIIEE TL... <...050cadevons AMUSEMENTS TO-MORROW, CADBMY OF MUSIC Fourteenth street engiian. Upera—MARTHA, at’ P.M. Miss Louise Kellock. LYCEUM THEATRE Yourwenth street and sixth avenue —'TWIXT AXE AND CROWN, ato P.M; closes at 10:45 P.M. Mrs. Rousby. BRYANTS OPERA HOUSE, ‘West Twenty-third street, near Sixth avenge. — MISMIRELOY. se., aS. Mey closes at IDE. Dan Bryant, GERMANIA THEATRE. Yourteenth street LHR FROFBL'S AUTETL, at 8°. Mj closes at liad P.M. Line NIBLO'S, Broadway. TOM AND JERI. a8 P, Mj closes at 10:45 YM SAN FRANOTSO! STRELS. | Broadway, corner of Twenty-nintn sircet.—-NEGRO MINSTHGLOX, abs P.M: at WP. SON HALL Sixteenth sect B DULL CARE, at 8 P.M closes at Wo P.M. Mr. Ma GLOBE THEATRE, Broadway,—VARIETY, at 8 P. M.; closes at 1029 . M. WALLACK’S THEATRE, —THE HaUGHRAUN, at oP. M.; » Mr. Boucicault. BROOKLYN THEATRE Washington street.—PYGMALION AND GATATEA, av3 P.M; closes at 1045 P.M. Miss Carlotia Leclercq Woop's M mM, Broadway, corner ot Thirtie reet.—W re HES OF aay YORK, at8 i’, M.; closes at 10451, M. Matinee avz Broadwa: 10-40 P. METROPOLITAN THEATRE, a a Broadway.—VABIBSTY, ats P. M.; closes at 10:59 NEW YORK STADT THEATRE, Bowery.—ULIIMO, at 8 P. M.; closes at 10:45 P.M OLYMPIC THEATRE, No, oa Broadway.—VARIBTY, at 3 P. M.; closes at 10:45 THEATRE COMIQUER, So. pl4 Broadway.—VaBLLETY, at 3. M.; closes at 10:45 BROOKLYN DONALD MeKAY, at 8 Oliver Youa Byron. 3 closes at 1045 P.M. ROMAN HIPPODROMR, h street and Fourth avenue.—Afternoon and tand Tweoty evening TONY PASTOR No, 20 Bowery. VARIETY, at BRA HOUSE, Me; chokes at 2045 FIFTH AVENUE THEATRE, Twenty.cighth street and Broadway —WOMEN OF THE DAY, at closes at 1030 P.M. Mr, Lewis, Mass Davenport, Mim Jo QU. ADRUPLE SHEET. sew YORK, SUNDAY evening. Wat Srreer Yesrerpay.—More firmnes was shown in the stock market than usual. The bank statement of the week shows a large loss ‘in specie. Foreign exchange was firm. Money on call loans 2 and 3 per cent. Tax Lovisuna Ixgciny was continued yesterday, and Governor Kellogg informed the committee of the great things he would do for the State if the people would only | let him have his way. If he would only let the people Lave their way they would do all | that is needed for themselves. Avapama Arrarrs.—A summary of the evi- dence taken in the Alabama affairs is else- where published, and the fact that an anti- matrimonial society has been formed which prohibits the women from marrying demo- | erats argues badly for the increase of popu- lation of that unhappy State, as the democrata appear to be in the majority. Azz We To Have Licut?—In his message to the Common Council on entering on the duties of his office Mayor Wickham stated that he was ignorant of the true condition of the city finances, and he urged on the Board of Aldermen the importance of obtaining ». complete balance sheet from the Finance De- partment up to the first day of the present | year. Since that time resolutions have been adopted by the Board of Aldermen and by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment calling for information from the Comptroller in re- gard to financial matters, and up to the pres- ent time no notice has been taken of such resolutions by Mr. Green, and the information requested has not been supplied Are the people to be still kept in ignorance of the ex- tent of their liabilities and of the manner in which their financial affairs are managed? Is there not even to be such an investigation ot the Finance Department as the law requires ? The people look to Mayor Wickham for some satisfactory reply to these inquiries, Tue Leoeran Leapensuip tN ENGLAND. — The effect ot Mr. Gladstone's resignation upon the liberal party of Great Britain is clearly explained in our London letter, and his proba- ble successor in the leadership is indicated. Mr. Forster is the natural leader of the Eng- lish liberals, and has the advantages of expe- rience and ability. Our correspondence gives the tone of the London press upén this sub- ject, and there is no doubt that the Amer ean people would find in the success of Mr. Forster, who was always the friend of their government, an assurance that the policy of his party would be in harmony with the progress and the united interests of the two nations. England has less to do now with the Old World than with the New, and we neces- sarily feel a direct interest in the manner in which our nearest European neighbor is governed. The Westminster Review is probably correct ia saying that the tories now ale only by making concessions to the liber- als, and in anticipating before long the re- establishment of the latter in the Ministry. In that event America could have in England no better nor more influcutial friend than Mr. Forster. closes at | From our reports this morning the probabiliti.s | are that the weather to-day will be warmer and | cloudy, with cold and clearing weather in the | NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 1875.—QU ADRUPLE SHEET. The Rapid Transit Question. The recent awakening on this subject, a'tested by the various schemes broached during the week which has just closed, is a hopeful sign that at last efficient measures insy be taken for securing so vital an improve- ‘ment. It is too early to decide which of the recently proposed plana has the best claims, and even if we had a settled preference we should hesitate to express it at this stage of | the discussion, The first grand requisite for | success is to get the public mind of the city | deeply and universally iuterested in the sub- ject, and this end would not be promoted by | putting a wet blanket on any of the projects | which have been offered. Honest zeal for ‘any particular plan implies zeal for the | great object, and the advocates of | every plan help forward the general move- ment by interesting a section of the com- | munity that might otherwise be indifferent. If we wish the whole body of publio senti- | ment to be kindled on this great question we | must encourage the application of torches to | every combustible part and afterward take advantage of the universal glow. | We must not overlook the fact that the in- | tereste of the city are opposed by artful and | determined enemies, whose tactics consist in raising plausible objections to every plan which | has chances of success, The horse car com- | panies, whose profits would be diminished by | the competition of a steam railroad, and the Vanderbilt roads, which aim to monopolize | steam travel above Forty-second street, will | be, first, lust and always, the inflexible op- | ponents of any officient plan which would | meet the wants of the city. The publio needs | to be on its guard against schemes originat- | ing in or favored by these hostile interests, who have heretofore lobbied acts through the Legislature granting powers to build a rapid transit road with no other real | aim than to furnish a now moral to the fable | of the dog in the manger. Vanderbilt has a | charter for a steam road from Forty-second street to the City Hall, but its only effect bas been to head off other plans. Our citizens must | not permit themselves to be duped again by similar tactics, While giving a candid and h kindly hearing to every plan proposed in good faith they must not be deluded by projects in- tended to postpone efficient action. We look with distrust on the proposition of Senator Madden for amending the amended constitution with a view to confer on the lature authority to provide for rapid It seems too much like approaching | the subject under the guise of friendship and | stabbing it under the fifth rib. If this resoln- tion should pass it would be a legislative inter- | pretation of the new amendments denying the | right to take any legal steps towaid rapid transit under the amended constitution, The consequence would be a postponement of the subject fortwo years, and, if Madden's pro- | posed amendment should not be ratified by the people, an indefinite postponement of the whole question. It is incredible that the Constitutional Commission intended to put a perpetual interdict on rapid transit. If they have done so it cannot be excused as an oversight, because this subject has occupied agreat share of public attention for the last | five years. If the effect of the new amend- ments be what Senator Madden assumes, the Constitutional Commission must have been bribed and corrupted by the interests adverse to rapid transit. The high character of its members renders such # charge incredi- ble. And as they could not have overlooked a question of such vital interest it is fair to suppose that they did not think the amend- ments would erect a barrier against the | growth and prosperity of the city. Nor is there anything in the re- sult of their labors which tends to | impeach either their honesty or their intelli- | gence. The amendments are perfectly con- sistent with the immediate and vigorous pros- | ecution of any plan for rapid transit which can secure the requisite capital. Special or local laws on various subjects are forbidden, but acts for the incorporation of cities are not included in the list. Every city charter is as completely within the control of the Legisla- | ture as it was before the amendments were adopted. It is competent for the Legislature to invest the Common Council of any city with unlimited power over the streets and the | uses which may be made of them, with the ex- ception that railroad tracks cannot be laid down without the consent of a majority of the property owners or a decree of the Supreme Court of the district if the owners should make a refractory opposition to the public in- terest. It remains, therefore, quite with'n the | scope of legislative authority to clothe the | Common Council of this city with plenary | power over the subject of rapid transit, sub- ject to the conditions just mentioned. We are, therefore, constrained to regard Senator Madden's proposition as a device of the enemy. The action of Mayor Wickham in recom- mending the Common Council to appoint a committee to examine and report on this sub- ject was honestly intended, and is open tono objection. Such a committee has been ap- pointed, and their inquiries will probably lead them to the conclusion that a change in the charter is necessary for conferring on the Com- mon Council the requisite power. If this opinion should be accepted it will be the duty | of that body to memorialize the Legislature | for an extension of authority. The bill offered by Senator Moore is in ad- vance of memorials and petitions from the city, and it sketches s plan which deserves examination. We do not see that it is ex- | posed to any valid constitutional objection, | but there will be a difference of opinion‘as to | the expediency of constructing a steam road s | at the expense of the city. If there could | be adeqnate securities for honesty, econ- | omy and rapidity in the prosecution of the work we have no doubt that it would be wise for the city to undertake it at i gx- | pense. It will ultimately be eri vestment of capital, though not, perhaps, for the first ten or fifteen years, But, like the Erie Canal, it will pay for itself in the end and yield a surplus income. The city has invested an amount exceeding the cost of such a road in the Central Park, which will never yield a dollar of direct revenue, althongh it has already more than paid for itself in enhanc- ing the value of taxable city property. A rapid transit steam road would do more for city property than the Central Park has done, besides yielding a revenue which would reim- burse its own cost and be a source of perma- neat municipal income. The objection | | tape may be supplied. The noble band of to thia method—and grave objection it | himself by the only evidence probably that is—is that it would be a nursery of | corrapt and stupendous jobs, Senator Moore's Dill seeks to avoid that danger by ; putting the work in the hands of three com- | missioners of high character, to be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Common Council. We doubt whether this would prove an adequate safeguard. It would probably be better to clothe these commissioners with au- thority merely to fix the route and determine the plan, and then, when these are settled, to let out the work, either as a whole or in sec- tions, to the lowest responsible bidders. It is no doubt preferable that the work be done by private euterprise, and if capitalists can be induced to undertake it the city gov- ernment ought to stand out of their way, ex- cept so far as its action may be necessary for determining routes and plans, conferring au- thority and enforcing contracts, The scheme of Mr. Drake for encouraging capitalisis by private subscriptions is entitled to favor 6 & means of testing the liberality and publio spirit of citizens whose property would be benefited. Mr. Drake's plan, as we under- stand it, is to raise three or five million dol- lars by subscription, to be offered as a bonus to any responsible company which will build the road on a route and in a manner which a committee of the subscribers may accept and approve. There can be no doubt that such a bonus, if the money can be raised, would bea powerful stimulus to the enterprise, nor that the subscribers would be reimbursed by the increased value of their property. The ex- periment is well worth trying, and the move- ment of the Chamber of Commerce deserves every encouragement. Woe sincerely trust that something practical will come of the new agitation of this subject which pervades every section of the community. The Terrible Mr. Green, The Comptroller is a terrible man, anil nearly everybody seems afraid of him. Dr. Livingstone in his travels relates that when an African king appears in public, with baro legs and a blue coat, and perhaps a sword, | his subjects throw themselves face downward and salute him by rubbing their noses in the earth, Mr. Green produces a similar effect of fear upon the New York public, and upon ; many officers of the city government, who dis- play a marvellous alacrity in getting out of bis way. The diphtheria is not more earnestly avoided than he is, and in some respects it is not more dangerous. The sufferer by the first disease is in danger of dying from suffocation, but the sufferer by Mr. Green is certain, unless prompt remedies are used, to perish of star- vation. Itisasingular fact that while the St. John’s Guild, the soup houses and other charitable institutions are striving to relieve the distresses of the poor, the Comptroller's office shouldbe effectively employed in reduc- ing men to want. Thescrubbers, the sweepers and dusters of the City Hall must go hungry that Mr. Green’s enormous appetite for red scrubbers keep sweet and clean the halls of justice only that they may feel the injustice of the government in having their wages withheld when they are due. ‘But no one now cares to have any direct contest with Mr. Green. He is more terrible than he ever was, and the clerks and employés in the departments flee from him as if he were the wrath to come. Instead of crowding around the City Hall as in bygone days they desert its familiar corridors, and, far trom the scene of danger, write protests and appeals to the newspapers. Why should this be so? It is a conundrum which has not yet been answered. We only know that Mr. Green is a terrible man, but why everybody should tremble at his frown is a political mystery. That Andrew Johnson should in- spire fear is easily understood, for he bran- dishes the constitution as Hercules did his club, and with equally great effect. He goes to the Senate to cleanse the Augean stable of our politics, and he is sustained by the moral forces of the people. But what constitution does Mr. Green defend? What power does he wield, or what party does he represent? It is impossible to find out what Mr. Green represents, except Mr. Groen, and we think the people, and particularly the politicians of New York, must be verdant enough to be ap- palled by this Ishmaelite of the city govern- ment, who owns no party but himself, and has for his opponents all who seck thorough and permanent reform. Palpit Topics To-Day. Among the topics chosen for discussion in our local pulpits to-day two are of more than ordinary interest, and will probably be treated exhaustively by the ministers who have chosen them. One is by Dr. Moran, on the ‘Limitations of Spiritual Knowledge,’’ and the other by Mr. Pullman, on the “Soul’ 8 Power to Ruin Itself.” The former is a metaphysical subject, though we doubt not the fact of such limitation will be freely conceded. And, inasmuch as, both intel- lectually and spiritually, our stability and growth depend upon the quantity as well as the quality of our knowledge, it becomes o matter of interest to asértain when and where our search after spiritual truth must find » limit or an end. In regard to the other topic it is a fearful fact to conceive that a soul has the power to ruin itself, and that souls are reckless enough to bring upon themselves swift and certain destruction. Somewhat akin to the first named topic is an inquiry by Dr. Porteous as to what is truth and who possess it, We don’t believe that any doctor in the Church or out of it can ansyer that inquiry except by the monosyllable—God. Truth is too broad and deep and high to be possessed absolately by any man or set of men, and the most that any of us can obtain is a small slice off the great loaf. The basis and object of “Christian Faith and Obedience to Faith’’ will be considered by Mr. Van Buskirk; the ‘“Worsbip of the Early Christians’ will be set forth by Mr. Andrews ; “The Incredulity of Thomas” by Mr. Hawthorne, and “The Best Investment’’ by Mr. Corbit. Poor fellow! Thomas has had t bear the sins of almost as many as his Master. He has been made the scapegoat of sceptics and quibblers ever since that day when, fuifilling a Scrip- tural injunction to “try the spirits," he insisted on applying his own test to the risen Christ who stood before him. We honor the man whose convictions are not swayed by the hear- | says of others, but who will honestly search out the truth himself, sud, having satistiod | comfortable circumstances, and who know not | samo thing. | and would convince him, then cheerfully embraces | and holds fast to the trath. ‘The ‘Good Fight” will be made by Mr. MacArthur, and the ‘Book with the Seven Seals’ will be | opened by Mr. Terry. Amusements of New York. We have forgotten—indeed, we never knew, nor do we believe anybody knows—-who it was that said, if anybody ever did say so (and yet it might have occurred to some one), ‘et mo write the songs of the people and I de not care who makes their laws.” It was a very wise saying and very applicable to New York. It is true that the man who is kind enough to make our songs makes very bad ones, but the men who make our laws notoriously excel in general incapacity. Most of our songs are written out of tune, and to sing them correctly requires » profound ignorance of music; and those who sing them with the strictest knowledge of the notes inevitably make a disgusting and painful impression. An understanding of modern music implies dis- cord and distress. But the laws are still worse. They are framed, like bad pictures, with the express parpose of being broken. They forbid compulsory crimes, such as lar- ceny, embezzlement and murder, and require impossible virtues, such as maguanimity, integrity, benevolence to beggars and forgive- ness to public officials, Whon we institute a comparison between our music and our laws we are reduced to a painful dilemma. It is unavoidable to admit that nothing can possi- bly be worse than our music ; but then when we recall our laws it is equally unavoidable to affirm that the previous admission was made without a competent knowledge of the legis- lative genius for mistakes. of the old It follows, Pengiar, Oak eee proverb we should invent a new ohe, which should read, ‘If am sorry for the people if they should insist upon my writing their songs, but may the Lord defend them if [ ever have to make their laws.” This proverb would be more applicable fo the present law than tho old one. And yet t would be wrong to think that American society is deprived of either harmony or equity. Wordsworth says that “by one per- vading spirit of sounds and numbers all things are controlled,” and we find that the “obsolete’’ music of Mozart, and the prin- ciples of Coke and Blackstone, are still potent in the opera house and the court The Artistic | room. The Beecher trial strikes its roots deep in the past, and the decisions of many a dead Engiish judge vivify the arguments of a living American lawyer. So with music. We have not much respect for present fuail- ures, but grand orchestras aud great com- panies show @ proper reverence for tho triumphs of the past. New composers are novelties, but the ancient musician defies the decree of banishment imposed by his modern rivals and triumphs in immortal youth. We are rejoiced to know that these princi ples of art which we have endeavored to indi- cate are appreciated by the managers of New York. The Legislature we almost despuir of, but the theatres still possess respect for tradi- tion and art. Since the days of the Wood and the Seguin troupes when have we had better English opera than that which the Kellogg company now gives? Mme. Parepa-Rosa was one of the greatest singers of this age, and English opera under her direction rivalled, and not unfrequently excelled, the Italian. When that beautiful voice of hers died, too soon for the delighted world, ‘the appealing silence eloquently took the throne which it forsook.” Miss Kellogg does not replace that great artist, but she is worthy to succeed her. English opera, under her rule, is still a power, “and though death has made its inroads upon the company it is still competent to sing Mozart, Gounod, Flotow, Verdi and Thomas | with all the olden charm. Ancient music, as in the production of ‘‘Martha,” is not neglected, while in ‘‘Mignon” modern inspiration is interpreted with charming delicacy and thorough appreciation. We are giad to chronicle the success of the English Opera season in New York, for it is evidence both of the merit of the company and the cultivation of the public. Nor are our principal theatres leas regardful of the claims of high art. Mr. Boncicault in his “Shanghraun” has pro- duced a classical comedy which will soon have numbered its hundredth night. It is a true Irish drama, and as played at Wallack’s rightly controls the approval of intelligent classes. That Mr. Boucicault is a greater writer than Shakespeare we are not yet prepared to admit, but that he is this win- ter a more successful one is certain. Mrs. Rousby has introduced a new element into our acting drama, and, after her serious ill- ness, every one will be glad to know of her reappearance in her best réles this week. Altogether the public has reason to be better pleased with the theatres this winter than with the Legislature, apg yet, alas! how much is rapid transit heeded for_the Seay ple meuts as well as the necessities of The Sufferimg Among the Poor. As the winter wears along the evidences of suffering among the unemployed force them- selves upon ge notice. Unfortunately the sources of reliof available last year ara not to be found at the present time. The efforts of those whose avowed policy has been to starve out poverty, so that the destitute might either perish or be driven to other places to ‘seek relief, have been partially successful. Yet there are many thousands of families now in our midst who cannot escape from the city, and who must either obtain food and warmth during the remaining winter months or die miserable deaths unaided ina Christian com- munity. Daily experience teaches us that want in the city is widespread and extreme, and the decision is forced upon those who have been blessed with the means to relieve it whether they will act as humanity dictates or will suffer thousands of their destitute fellow creatures to perish in order to emphasize their disapprobation of pauperism. The announcement of the number of per- | sons now in the city willing to work but un- able to obtain employment, if a correct census could be obtained, would startle all who are not in @ position to form some idea of the truth, Families who have never before known want are absolutely destitute, because the members who nsually support them are | nesota Legislature USs called apon Mr. King either to appear or rosign, alternatives which, | compelled to remain in idleness. The misery state of American music” country. | where to look for relief. The amount of secret, | unobtrusive starvation going on in our midst is fearful to contemplate. Some remedy for this terrible suffering must be found, and no better means eeem to offer than the formation of ward committees of visitation and relief. We had these Inst yoar and we sadly need them now. Private benovolence should oxert itself in the present unhappy condition of affairs, and active steps should be taken to raise funds for the immediate relief of cases that will mot ad- mit of delay. The Commissioners of Charities and Correction cannot help one- tenth of the cases that call tor consideration, Indeed, the most deplorable misery exists among those who shrink from seeking public assistance. These are the sufferers who should | be discovered and, assisted by private charity. Much good may no doubt be done by the city authorities. There isa balance of some five or six thousand dollars lying over in the Comptroll:r’s hands from the excise moneys paid in prior to January 1. This should be used at once for outdoor relief. The Depart- ment of Charities and Correction may do something by devoting a larger amount of money to outdoor relief and cutting down other expenses. But the main reliance must be in the direction of private benevolence ex- ercised through ward committees. It is to be hoped that our wealthy citizens will take prompt action in the matter and sustain the reputation they have already gained for the munificence of their charity. Spirit of the Religious Press. The Golden Age discusses the Louisiana problem, the Catkvlic question and the Young Men's Christian Association. Concerning the’ former it thinks that if the republican party will not do justice to Louisiana it is doomed, and the sooner it is left to perish the better. The cause of the Catholic troubles in Europe, the Golden Age thinks, is the breaking of that Church with the masses, whose rights against the oppressions of capital and of power it no longer asserts or maintains, and until it can reinstate itself again i in | thei: idle t to “ondoavor to roge regain iter eden political si- premacy or temporal power. The work of the Young Men’s Christian Association, the Golden Age says, is practical religion, and it rejoices that more and more the theological element diminishes and the philanthropic grows. The Christian Leader has an excellent eulogy on the late Canon Kingsley, the poet, preacher and novelist. The Church Journal, discussing Dr. Newman's answer to Gladstone, sums up the arguments of the Doctor as amounting to this—that infallibility is not infallible, after | all; that in any given case it is to be revised and accepted or rejected by the private judg- ment or conscience of each man for himself. Tho Examiner and Chronicle exposes the fallacy of cutting off contributions to religious and benevolent objects on the plea of hard times, | while personal and domestic indulgences remain untouched. The Catholic Review recom- mends the consolidation of all the Uatholic schools in any one diocese under the super- vision of one general school board, to be chosen by delegates from the several schools, whose local authorities should continue to pro- vide for their financial support. In this way, and this alone, the Review thinks, can a system of Catholic education be established which shall be permanent and grand in its results. The Evangelist discourses ably as well as humorously on the importance to ministers of seeking and preserving a sound and strong body as well as mind. The Churchman in- dulges in an elaborate essay in defence of the unity of God’s word and the folly of attempt- ing to expound any part while denying the authority or inspiration of any other part. The Baptist Weekly, while rejoicing in the growth of its denomination during the past year, is not very sanguine that the moral power or influence of the hundred thousand recruits will avail much to the revenues of the benevolent societies of the church. “The great mass who come into our churches, ” says the Weekly, ‘scarcely give more token of their addition than the snow flakes which fall into the sea.’’ This is throwing cold water on them with a vengeagce. The Pope's Encyclical proclaiming the Jubilee is the chief topic for consideration in the columns of the Freeman's Journal, whose editor notices that document as being as peculiar for what it omits as for what it proclaims. It does not impose fasts or almsgiving, as in other years, but exhorts prelates to urge both. It does earnestly enjoin on prelates the duty to instruct and exhort against the horrible crime of blasphemy, which crime, the Journal thi nks, is more prevalont here than in any other The Observer, in its controversy with the Independent, maintains that there is as great difference between Trinitarian and Unitarian churches to-day as th ero was fifty years ago, notwithstanding the presence of the Independent among them for the last decade, and that they can no more unite now than then. The Jewish Messenger discusses tO QUCENOLE Which seem to affect its people at this time—the im; rh of religious edu- cation and by wi a abogld be 4 parted. The first ‘t concedes fyithou argument, and the second it sums up as the duty of the parents, and more especially of mothers, in their domestic lives. The Meth- odist encourages teachers by assurances and illustrations that their instructions outlive the passing hours and bring forth fruit some- times in strange places and under peculiar circumstances. The Christian at Work inti- mates that there is a disease prevalent among books and that they are dying at the rate of a hundred a day—that the second hand book stores are the morgues where thousands of them are laid out. The mortality of novels especially is something fearful. Theinference is simply that of Darwin—the survival of the fittest. The Hebrew Leader is ably working up an interest among its readers in congre- gational singing. It demands that the chil- dren be taught to sing in the synagogues, for the worship will be thereby beautified and the souls of the worshippers will be brought into closer comwunion with Him who is the source of all harmony. Tue Pactric Mau, Investication continues, like the wounded snake, to drag its slow lengthalong. The whereabouts of Postmaster King continucs to be a mystery, and o very important one to the sommittee. The Min- | affectiong it it ig Pal falls upon many who have heretofore been in | we think, would in tha and amount to the Specta: Street Cars for Ladies. The inadequate accommodations furnished by our city railroad companies to meot public wants at certain hours of the day, when the commencement and close of busi~ ness increase passenger traffic on every line, are especially disagreeable to ladies. To be compelled to breathe an unwholesome at- mosphere for a half hour or so, in which the unwelcome odors ot strange dinner cana, outer garments fresh from a sewer, pipes of uncer- tain origin and breaths of every description of alcoholic vileness mingle together, and to stand on wearied limbs while stalwart lords of creation esconce themselves comfortably in, corners, scowling, perchance, when the slight. arm clinging to the strap obsourea the dim light of the ill-smelling lamp, is no pleasant ordeal for a lady. Tha city railroad companies can _ readily: | afford a concession to their too indulgent patrons, to make some special provision for: Jadies during such hours when the cars are overcrowded, When poor working girls ara obliged to shiver on a bleak platform or be jostled by unfeeiing persons who claim the right of way by reason of their superior strength there is certainly a just cause to de~ mand of the companies special cars for the weaker sex. Frequently ladies find it » task: of extreme difficulty to obtain even ordin: standing room on a car in the morning ai an evening. Each company should, therefore, reserve a certain number of cars for the exolu~ sive accommodation of ladies during those! hours of the day when the throng of passen-: gers is greatest. Corporations that make so much money should be compelled to consult tho intoresty of the public, ‘ Tar Rirtx Marca between Ireland and America will take place in June, and wel print to-day the address which our National! Association has issued to patriotic citizens. Funds are needed to insure the international’ contest, and, as the amount is comparatively; small, it willnp no doubt be speedily supplied. PERSONAL INTELLIGENCE AEE RG Pema cay Wolves at Metz come ag near to the city as the railway station, Judge R. D. Rice, of Maine, is registered at the | Filth Avenue Hotel, In Japan there are 13,716 schools and the scbol. ars number 1,289,307, Governor Benjamin F. Potts; of Montana, im staying at the St. Nicholas Hotel. es Captain William G. Temple, United States Navy,/ is quartered at the Everett House. Major Wilburn B. Hall, of the Egyptian Army, is stopping at the Brevoort House, Congressman Elijah D. Standiford, of Kentucky,: has arrived at the Metropolitan Hotel, The atest contriouuon to natural history ts “The Book of the Goat,” by S. Holmes, Rev. J. C. White, of Cleveland, ts among the latest arrivals at the Westminster Hotel, Assemblyman Edward Gallagher, of buffalo, ar- rived last evening at the Coleman House. George Gilfillan threatens a volume of poema, but a stuffed world feels that it has Gilfillan enough, Lieutenant Governor H. G. Knight, of Masea- chusetts, has apartments at the Filth Avenue Hotel. The British iron-ctad Tnunderer hay just. re- ceived two thirty-eight ton guns, the drat “1ta- sued.”? Paris papers chronicle neatiy the New Year's reception of tue American Minister, “Sir KE, Wash- burne.” Mr. Gladstone wrote the article on Bishop Pat- terson, which appeared iu the October number of the Quarterly Review. Tita Falcteri, Lord Byron's Italian servant, whe was with the poet wien he died, has just died im London, aged seventy-eight years. In stirring his fire tne Areman on a French loco- Motive found a human foot in bis ash pao, and that was the first intimation they nad tnat they jad Killed 8 Man some hours before. Mr. John Noble, author of “Fiscal Legislation, 1842-1865," hag in the press, and will shortly pub- lish, “National Finance: A Review of the Policy of the Last Two Parliaments and of the Results of Modern Fiscal Legislation.” They have just caught a ragpicker in Paris, whom tie butchers found unprofitable. He had trained his dog to sieal at the buceher doors the choicest small cuts of meat, which the faitbiut animal brought to his master around the corner. in the Lonaon Times many persons have argued pro and con. the question whether vulturea are drawn to carrion by the sense of sight or saiell. Far the larger number of facta adduced sustain the theory that the sense of sight alone ts the guide. Miss Thackeray is writing a new story, entitled “dliss Angel,” founded om the life of Augelica Kauiman, which has been secured by Harper's Magazine and was commenced in the February. number, Ic promises to be her most important work. Captain G. I, Lydecker, United States Engineer, im charge of improvements of tbe Western rivers, with headquarters at Milwaukee, is on a month's leave of absence and sojourning with his father, Mr. John R. Lydecker, special deputy collector, at Englewood, N. J. This officer executed the mapa of the Lava Beds during the Mo‘toc war. There was received: at the Dead Letter OMice ot the Post Office Department yesterday a package containing one half dozen snakes, two of them dead and the remainder alive. One of them is acop- perhead, five feet long. The reptiles were inclosed in a tin box, perforated with holes, and were aa- dressed to Germany, but had been stopped at New York on account of overweight, the postage not being sufficient, Until tne dead letter opener hag satisfactorily explained his mode of iife for a weex past this snake story must be taken ver plenty of Salt. ” It is not always well to cause & woman to be ai rested in the jeunes simply because you believe her to be the same woman who may have stolen ‘What yot thats J from you Your shop several days bee fore; and the Paris shopkeeper, who had caused the arrest of @ lady in the street, reflected this probably as he quailed oefore her fierce indigna- tion at the police station and saw suits for dam- ages tooming in his utind’s eye, Horatio. But just as they were about to dismiss her some one noted a ptece of silk bidden under ner shawl, ana im five minutes she confessed herself a regular shop- lifter. In the course of the improvement of Paris they have come to the Rae Dauphine, which is on the south side of the river and runs from the Pont Neuf into the Pays Latin, As the houses are now going down Paris papers tell how the stroet was opened in the time of Henry lV. As projected it Tan through the garden of the Augustins’ Convent and the Order refused to sell. Henry reasoned with them to no purpose, and then told. the Superior that if the wali was not down in forty-eight bours he would come and open the street with cannon. “Sow, said the Superior, ‘Your Majesty enters into the true spirit of the Church, and we cannot longer object since you base your right on the canon law.” So Henry kept the priest to supper, , and th ‘eet was opened. Newspaper correspon ts were allotted places ; Ob beard one of the ships which were to carry Alfonso to Spain, but on the arfival of the Kingon board the Navas de Tolosa he found that the cor- respondcats of the Gaulots and of the Havas Agency had got on board the royal frigate by mis. take, His Majesty gave them permission to re. main on board, seeing that it would have been tedious and dificult for them to make their way to the vessei assigued to them, and later, not wishing to give evidence of special favor, sent = boat to the other ship to invite all the correspun- dents to comme on voard the Na On their arrt. val they were invited to @ dinuer, at which the Chevalier Marpbhy presided a3 the represcutauve ( of tne King, ~ a IN s