The New York Herald Newspaper, February 1, 1879, Page 6

NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1879.-TRIPLE SHEET. NEW YORK HERALD] ™ #21= teprevement miosues BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, PROPRIETOR, whlished every day in the year. excluded), Ten doll ERALD, THE DAILY Hi copy (Sundi ‘Three cents per co 0 dollar, perm Buy period less Sunday edition included, free of Dostaze. VEEKLY HERALD—Ono dollar per year, freo of post- ICE TO SUBSCRIB! —Romit in drafts on New and where neither of these ¥ in a vepistered letter, All order to insure atten- changed must give their old as well us their new addre: All business, news lotters or telegraphic despatches must be addressed New Yorx Hxnarp. ‘Letters and packuyes should be properly sealed, fejected communications will not be returned, YHTRADELPHIA OFFICE—NO. 112 SOUTH SIXTH LONDON ‘OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK HERALD— NO. 46 FL R PARIS OFFICE VENUE DE L'OPERA. NAPLES OFFICE—NO. 7 STRADA PACE, ‘Subscriptions advertisements will be received and rded on the same terms as in Now — UNION SQUARE—' BOOTH’S THEATRE STANDARD THEATRI Crowe. Matinee. Matineo. DERELLA. Matinee, NIBLO'S GARDED NEW YORK AQUARIU GLOBE—Uxksows. Mat GRAND OPERA HOU EN Bawx. Matinea, PARK THEATRE—Dor. Matinee. OLYMP1C—Tux Traveen’s Daventen, Matines. LYCEUM THEATRE. Pixavorx. Matineo, BROADWAY THEATER: KAR. Matinee. FIFTH AVENUE THE. Ctype. Matinee. THEATRE COMIQU WALLACK’S THEATRE. GERMANIA THEATRI STEINWAY HALL—W WINDSOR THEATH Matinee. TIVOLE THEATRE—Vanrery, Matinee. EGYPTIAN HALL—Van Matinee. ikapy Woman, Gvanp Batt, Matinee, ._ Matinee, Levts. YORK, SATU: The probabilities are that the weather in New York aud its vicinity to-day will be colder and partly clowdy or cloudy, with rain or snow, fol- lowed by clearing. Zo-morrow.it promises to be cold and clear. Watt Srreer Yesrerpay.—The stock market was active aud feverish. Government bonds were firm, States dull and railroads strong. Money on call was easy at 3 a5 a 2 per cent. Pouce Commissioner Sati is willing to be investigated, and says as much in a note to the Mayor. Next? Tue Sout or Business, otherwise known as competition, has departed from the three great bank note companies, they having been consol-, idated into one. Ir Seems at first sight very odd that the pre- sumptive heir to two millions of Gollars should cheerfully retail small groceries while biding her time ; but which one of us would not hurry to do likewise with such a fortune in prospect? Try us all, and se Otr Frtiow Cirizexs of French birth have still a warm place in their hearts for their mother country, and their opinions, some of which may be found in another column, upon the recent political changes in France, deserve the atten- tion of intelligent readers. A New Sysrem of extinguishing fires is ex- plained in another column. Either a larger sup- ply of fresh water or the partial substitution of salt water is necessary to ordinary precautions against fire, so all new systems proposed de- serve consideration. Wuart a Commentary upon human ignorance of sanitary Jaws is found in the summoning of an expert to testify in court on the dangerous influence of a cargoof putrefying meat in along- disabled vessel at sea! Any man with a nose, a stomach and a memory would consider special testimony unnecessary on such a point. A Sup-Comirres of the Potter Committee is coming to New York, apparently to look into the cipher despatch business. If the members will develop anything that can show more dis- tinctly the dishonesty and disgrace of violating the privacy of telegrams of any sort the Potter Committee wili not have been uscless after all. Mr. TatmaGe said last night that God liked the Chines: physiognomy so well that He had made four nundred million Chinamen und only one Kearney. Proceeding according to the same system of logic it appears that the same Power has created some thousands of preachers in America, but only one Talmage ; consequently— but the answer fails to be complimentary to the Brooklyn Boanerges. Tue Weatuen.—The pressure fell rapidly in the New England and Northern Middle Atlantic States yesterday afternoon, and a storm centre of considerable energy is now developing in the vieinity of Nova Scotia. A small depression passed into the South Atlantic States from the southwest, but the barometer was only rela. tively low. The zone of high barometer which extends northwestward from the South Atlantic coast is very irregular in form, being exeeed- ingly narrow over the coast districts and expand- ing over an immense area west of the Mississippi River. The centre of highest pressure is over the extreme northwestern districts. Rain has fallen in the central valleys and on the Gulf coast. Heavy suow is reported in the Rocky Mountain regions and in the lake districts, In the New England States the snow that at- teuds the disturbance, which is off the coast, was ‘light, aud, the temperature being moderate, it melted quickly after falling. The winds have been generally brisk in the lower lake regions, the Middle, New England States and the Mis- souri Valley. In the other districts they bave been fresh to light. Cloudy weather prevails in all the districts, except the northern lake re- gions. But slight changes have taken place in the temperatures throughout the country, although the tendency is toward a general fall. A rapid rise occurred in nearly all the tributar of the Mississippi River, cansed by the forma- tion of gorges and a consequent backing of the water, The is breaking up very fast on ac- connt of the continued warm weather in the central valleys and the heavy tails of rain in the mountains. It is fortunate, however, that po very extensive gorges have been formed up to the present, like those of the winter of 1877. This may be accounted for by the shortness of the cold periods, prevent- ing the formation of very thick ice, and the rapid melting occasioned by the high tempera- ture and rain, The weather over the British Islands is stormy and increasing gales are ex- pected in the Channel. The weather in New York and its vicinity to-day will be colder and partly cloudy or cloudy, with snow or rain, fol lowed by clearing. To-morrow it promises to bo cold aud clear, The report of General Newton, printed in our Washington intelligence yesterday, explains the present situation of the pro- jected waterway for connecting the Hudson and East rivers. It will be recollected that last year Congress made an appropriation, moderate in amount but still sufficient tor preliminary work. It seemed a great point gained when Congress was brought to in- dorse the work by authorizing its com- mencement. There was no necessity for making the first appropriation larger than the wants of the year, and, as much time would be consumed in making surveys deciding between the three practicable routes, the moderate appropriation was quite sufficient for the first year. Had the right of way been acquired another appro- priation would be granted at this session, and when Congress had committed itself to an important work fully begun there could have been no further doubt of its steady prosecution from year to year until completed, But the enterprise is brought to a stand, and there is no certainty that Congress will appropriate more money this winter. sy It was made a condition of the construc- tion of this work by the government that it should pay nothing either for the right of way or for the land it might have occasion to use in constructing the ship canal. This condition was reasonable enough, since the benefit to the adjoining property would be so great that its owners could well afford to give all the land required and a great deal besides. And yet no disappointment should | be felt at their refusal. It is not in average | human nature to give what: it is for the in- terest of the public to buy. General New- ton reports that he spent much time, care and labor in ascertaining the position, boundaries and ownership of the property affected in anywise by the proposed im- provement. On the 28th of December last he sent out circulars to owners of property along the Harlem River and also along two of the proposed cuts from the Harlem to the Hudson--namely, by way of Sherman’s Creek and Tubby Hook, and by way of Dyckman’s Creek and Spuyten Duyvil, leaving out the Kingsbridge route as in- eligible and too expensive. At the date 6f his report—January 18—he had received but a small number of answers, but sufli- cient to show that there is no reason- able hope of acquiring the right of way by voluntary gifts of pri- vate property. General Newton is a mau of too much experience to be surprised at this result. ‘‘Naturally,” he says, “owners will refuse so long as there re- mains a chance for remuneration.” In- deed, it is perfectly idle to expect that the government will ever acquire the right of way and the needed land by such a method. But although fully convinced of this Gen- eral Newton does not recommend the pur- chase of the land by the government. He recommends the very reverse. ‘I do not believe,” he says, ‘that the country at large would sustain the policy of purchase, but, on the contrary, would reject an im- provement coupled with such conditions.” What, then, is to be done? It is certain that the government will not purchase and that private owners will not give the land needed for the ship canal. This state of things puts an end to the project unless some other party in interest comes to the rescue, Most of the private owners will not, and some of them cannot, concede what the act of Congress requires. ‘Some of the property,” says General Newton, ‘is held in trust and cannot be alienated except by condemnation.” This is evidently a matter for the intervention of the State Legislature, which should exercise the right of eminent domain, as it does in so many other cases where private property is needed for public use. General Newton thinks that meanwhile it would be well to continue to appropriate as if everything were ready for commencing the work, for he does not think it impossible that the proper concession will be made after the adjournment of Congress. Norisk will be incurred by acting on this sugges- tion, since all the money appropriated will remain in the Treasury unless the owners yield or the State takes the property and makes compensation to the owners. But Congress would be more likely to appro- priate money if the Legislature would take the necessary steps at once. The interest of the State and the city in this improve- ment is so great that a carefully framed act for taking the property and conveying it to the United States ought to pass without opposition, We think the act of the Legislature should explicitly exempt the State Treasury from liability to pay any part of the compensa- tion. This is expedient in order to secure the votes of the rural members and to pre- vent delay. ‘he city of New York could well afford to give the land, and prompt ac- tion is needed to encourage Congress to make a new appropriation in order that the work may be begun this spring. Such an act as we have indicated would ensily pass the Legislature if all the city members would ask for it. The expense to the city would be « mere bagatelle; or, rather, it would be attended with no expense at all if the law for converting the property.to pub- lic use were properly framed. The act which the Legislature ought to pass should be drafted on the model of the act of 1853 for establishing the Central Park and of the act of a later date for construct- ing the Boulevard. Like those here cited it should be an act relating to the city of New York, and it should pursue precisely the same methods in taking private property and making due compensation. In the case of the Central Park, and also in the case of the Boulevard, a commission was appointed for assessing damages, but, unlike the similar commis- sions for acquiring the right of way for a railroad, it appraised benefits as well as damages. The Central Park enhanced the talue of all neighboring property, and the commission had to make both a debit and a credit estimate. The land taken was appraised at a reasonable valuation, and an assessment was also made on the surrounding property which was benefited by the establishment of the Park. In that case the amount of land taken was so large that its value exceeded the amount of the assessments, and there was a balance against the city. But for the proposed ship canal only a narrow strip is needed, and the land lying along each side. of it will be so enormously benefited that a moderate assessment would defray the whole expense, and the city would have nothing to pay from the ordinary sources of taxation. All the property bordering on the Harlem River im- provement would be needed for the uses of commerce. It would become the seat of great warehouses, immense grain elevators, and other structures -for the ac- commodation of traffic. The land taken should be appraised at what it is fairly worth without the improvement, and then asufiicient sum should be raised by assess- ments on the neighboring property barely to make up the amount of the awarded compensation. The assessments would thus be very small upon each owner in propor- tion to the benefit, and not a dollar would need to be paid out of the city treasury. The Legislature ought, within the ensuing ten days, to pass an act on the plan we have sketched, and then there would be no fur- ther hitch or hindrance in the prosecution of this great work, which is so important to the welfare of this city and to the general commerce of the count ri Commerce in the Arctic Ocean, In the telegram from Zurich which we, print to-day may be found a suggestion especially directed to the enterprising spirit of our American merchants—a suggestion for opening a line of trade with Siberia and Northern Russia by way of the Pacific and the Arctic oceans. M. Sibiriakof, in the communication to which we refer, points out that it will probably be found possible for our whalers, by entering Behring Strait, to make regular summer voyages as far along the Arctic coast of Siberia as the mouth of the Lena River with cargoes to be sent up to Yakutsk, and that the same ves- sels may carry a return cargo of the prod- ucts of that country, and that these out and return cargoes may constitute an ex- tensive and profitable commerce. It will be remembered that when « navigator from Sunderland some months since made a voyage of commercial exploration on the other division of the same coast and ad- vanced as fur as the Yenisei River he found there a vessel with a cargo from Hamburg engaged in precisely the sort of traffic which M. Sibiriakoff believes might be profitably carried on between the mouth of the Lena and San Francisco. [tf the Germans find a profitable traffic with one part of Siberia we certainly may with another, for Yakutsk is the great emporium of the commerce of Siberia and the centre to which come every year caravans from all parts of Northern Asin and China, An in- dication of the importance of its trade may be derived from the fact that furs to the value of nearly two millions of dollars are sometimes sold in a’ single year at one of the annual fairs. 4 Gambetta’s Advance. Gambetta was elected President of the Chamber of Deputies by 314 votes in a total of 405, ora majority of 223—a sweeping suc- cess, certainly, and a very queer evidence, indeed, of that ‘‘loss of prestige” which the Paris correspondent of the London Times says he has suffered since the former crisis; which loss of prestige, it may seem scarcely neces- sary tosay in view of the vote, exists nowhere but in the imagination of the correspondent, who invented it to explain a quaint theory of the crisis as viewed in the Elysée, and who continnes the fiction to be consistent with himself. By this choice the Assembly se- cures a presiding officer of great talent, and one whose influence in the Ohamber is not less, certainly, than that of the officer who has now gone into the Pres- idency, though his influence is of a different kind from that due to the respect felt for M. Grévy’s character, experience and recognized certainty. An obscure man who possessed the talent to preside successfully over the deliberations of a body often stormy in its ebullitions might be made by his advancement to such a place; but Gambetta, already famous and possessed of wide popularity and dominant influence, caunot be indebted to the place for ony ordinary advantage like that. In many respects the chairmanship of a de- liberative body tends to cramp if it does not dwarf the proportions of a great orator, and it is, of course, inconsistent with the performance of the functions of a party leader. In this respect it will be of service to Gambetta, who has been too much asso- ciated in common opinion with a character constructed for him by popular imagina- tion, in which he is depicted as the arch anarch and agitator. With the presumed impartial gravity and calmer dignity of the position of President of the Chamber he will become associated in everybody's thought, and will be morally as well as politically in the direct line of the Presi- dential succession. Onondaga’s Charity. The investigation into the oruelties and abuses that have disgraced the Onondaga County Pauper Insane Asylum has closed, and the evidence adduced establishes the truth of the horrible statements that some- time ago startled the community, The result is a strong demand by the officers of the State Board of Charities for the im- provement of the poorhouse buildings, better and kinder attendance for the un- fortunate inmates of the pauper lunatic asylum and the transfer of the chronic insane to the care of the State. The Sup er- visors of Onondaga have conceded these’ points. The repair and alteration of the building have been commenced; the help at the insane asylum has been increased, some of the officers are to be removed, and the chronic insane are to be sent to the Willard Asylum as soon as pos« sible. The cost of supporting these poor creatures has been squeezed down in the county asylum to eighty-five cents per week, This cruel economy is the secret of all the sufferings and barbarities that have been visited on the unfortunate lunatics. The State charges the county $2 60 » week for each person supported at the Willard Asylum, and the desire to save the differ+ ence and to keep a pauper as cheaply as a dog could bo fed lies at the bottom of the Onondaga infamy. The people of the county should watch vigilantly to see that the promises of reform now made by their Supervisors are faithfully and fully carried out. How Precaution Becomes Security. The foresight that provides against even remotely possible dangers must be com- mended, because it is also constantly directed to the avoidance of the more im- mediate perils that beset navigation, Hence the intelligent traveller feels confidence in the captain and officers of an ocean steamer who frequently exercise their crew at all the manceuvres that would be necessary for the safety of passengers if real danger pre- sented itself. ‘here are, however, many precautions to be taken at sea of which the ordinary traveller has little knowledge, and these are not the least important of all necessary to safety. ‘The arti- cle entitled “Safety at Sea,” which we publish to-day, furnishes additional infor- mation regarding the uses of the compart- ments separated by watertight bulkheads, into which all iron steamers used in ocean navigation are divided. We present it in continuation of an investigation which the Henawp has set on foot of the condition and management of the vessels on whose stanchness so many lives annually de- pend. It would seem that what is termed “the English system of inspection is ad- mirably calculated to secure safety because its conditions are rigidly enforced in a ma- jority of cases, and the steamship compa- nies submit to it because it affords passen- gers an official guarantee that all due fore- sight is exercised for their security during the voyage. Pumps and sluices are ex- amined in port to ascertain that they operate freely and are watched at sea by the engineers and carpenters, ‘The opinions expressed in ourarticle point toa general recognition by the owners, agents and officers of steamships of the necessity of a constant inspection of the bulkheads, but we are satisfied that unless these are more numerous in the long ship they can- not be relied on to keep her afloat when badly injured. Legislation regulates the means of transportation on land, and, in some cases, provides punishment for any infraction of the laws of safety. Why not the law also protect the traveller by sea and define a limit for the area of a watertight compartment? Is not this a good subject for Congressional action? It is certainly more important than cipher investigations. Our Policy Toward Mexico, The natural relations that should exist between the United States and the Mexican Republic are those of peace and commercial reciprocity. These, when once fairly estab- lished, ought to remain undisturbed by any efforts on the part of the politicians of either country to bring about a condition of passive or actual hostility which would interrupt the currents of trade and divide the peoples of this continent by the creation of conflicting interests. We there- fore read with some concern the statements published elsewhere this morning of Mr. George 8. Bowen, of Chicago, to whose in- strumentality is mainly due. the visit of the commercial delegation from the United States to the Republic of Mexico, We are aware that many diflicult questions of a political character remain unsettled between our government and that of General Diaz, and we can appreciate the solicitude of our diplomatic representatives in Washington and Mexico for a final and satisfactory settlement of these before other questions of importance bearing on the commercial relations between the two re- publics should be officially discussed. But we do not recognize the wisdom of a plan that makes the settlement of the second de- pend on that of the first, any more than we would that of a rule compelling a starving man to take an oath to support the consti- tution before he got anything to eat. It seems to us that if we can demonstrate to the people of Mexico the value of our friendship by the peaceful plan of selling them cheaper and better goods than they can procure elsewhere we go further toward the settlement of existing differences than by seeking to overawe them by military parades on the border or the equally for- midable remonstrances and threats from the State Department. This country now needs more trade and less policy. Our sur- plus products must find a market, and why not in Mexico as well as in other countries? We would not sacrifice a point of national dignity in dealing with any foreign Power, but we object to allowing our foreign policy to be influenced by the selfish hopes of the land grabber and the dishonest dreams of the sutler. The difference between Mr. Foster and Mr. Bowen arises from the fact that the points of view from which they re- gard the situation are different. The diplo- matist is jealous for his country’s honor; the merchant is anxious for his country’s prosperity. Is it impossible to secure har- mony between them? It is a case in which we demand honor without injustice and prosperity with peace. A Detective Theory. Farther details are given to-day of tho remarkable story of the death of Barron, the cashier of the Dexter Savings Bank, at Dexter, Me. Believed at one time to have diced as a hero and to have fallen the victim of his refusal to open the vaults for burglars, it is now held that he was a defaulter and committed suicide, Appar. ently the detectives are the sole inventors of this latest theory, and it is said they have been ‘‘forced” to adopt it by their inability to account for the facts on the former theory. Dotectives never believe in any man's honesty if they can help it, and it may be taken os a primary assumption in all their inquiries that if there is any virtue anywhere in the world it is contrary to ex- perience. But it seems to push a delusive fancy a great way to be forced to acknowl- edge that 1 man must have committed suicide merely because the detectives can- not find the men who must have killed him if he was murdered. If in any case where the detectives cannot find » murderer it follows that there is no murder, and conse- quently no money, there aro a great many deaths to be accounted for on new theories, ‘Three thousand dollars, the alleged defal- cation in the bank, is a small sum to stand as a motive for suicide; and it wquid re- quire to be shown that some other man’s “defaleation is, not to be covered up at the expense of the dead man's reputation, es- pecially as the defaleation was only discoy- ered eight months after his death, and the changes in the sworn statements could have been as well mado in that period as before. Doubtless the insurance money helps out the point as to motive; but the burden of this new theory rests on a supposition that requires more faith in detectives than is commonly justifiable, Just Like Those Indians. If anything additional were needed to show the utter incapacity of the North American Indian to accept the beneficent features of civilization a paper presented to the Senate yesterday would answer the purpose, A number of copper-colored residents of the Indian Territory offered a remonstrance against the passage of the bill providing for a Delegate to the House from that Territory. Think of it! Should the bill pass some native politician could go to Washingtcn once or twice a year and send back refreshing showers of ‘pub. doer.” and Congressional Globes to fertilize the aboriginal mind, furnish curl papers for all the straight-haired dames in the Territory and kite tails for all the boys. He could learn—and atterward impart his knowledge—of every new and pleasing beverage the basis of which is alcohol. In the use of profane language, which is of such ingstimable comfort to the native tongue, he could become an eclectic, giving of his store unto those whose representative he would be. Numberless other blessings would be within his gift, and some day he might chance to die and have his remains escorted home by a committee of the House, in which case the half-civilized residents of the Territory would enjoy the inestimably refining and ennobling spectacle of grief as rendered officially. And yet the Indians want no Delegate! Out on such wilful stu- pidity! Let these people be managed with a strong and resolute hand. Stamping Out the Plague. Dr. Botkin’s suggestion for the treat- ment of infected villages'in Russia is one in which is involved the effective destruc- tion of the germs of disease it the plan is rigidly enfgrced, but which otherwise may lead to an even wider spread of the con- tagion. Hundreds of villages in the dis- trict in which the pestilence now prevails might be burned with farless loss to Russia than would be caused by the continuance of the malady, even if the humanitarian aspect of the facts is not considered, and the reimbursement for destruction thus practised. for national advantage would be a bagatelle. But the villagers must not only be removed from the villages; they must also be kept isolated for a time long enough toallow for the development of the disease if any persons are already infected. More- over, the destruction must be complete, and the ruins must be guarded to prevent the wretched and ignorant country people from attempting to seenre some treasured bits of portable property. All the require- ments cf this case run into ong another so closely that it isto be apprehended the laxly administered Russian service may not per- form the work effectively, even if it is deter- mined to try it. PERSONAL INTELLIGENCE. Secretary of War McCrary never drinks. Ex-Treasurer Spinner writes as General Butler looks. Sitting Bull says:—Come West, young man, come West.” Among Englishmen the navy is more popular than the army. Mr. Henry Watterson, of Louisville, is at the Everett House, Mr. John Bigelow, formerly Minister to France, is in Washington. Mr. George S. Boutwell, of Massachusetts, is at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Mrs. Hayes’ last reception dress was white striped gauze over white silk, Justice Billy Strong, of the United States Supreme Court, is a temperance man. Count Litta, at Washington, has had a successful operation performed upon his throat. Danbury News:—“It used to be rather bluntly put, “Wine and women.’ Now it is liquor and ladies.” Dr. D. A. Pignatelli has been appointed Regent of the Italian Consulate of Philadelphia during the ab- sence of Count Galli. It is hinted that the Shakers have been letting out their money at usury, and thus have become chil- dren of this world. We hope that there is no truth in this hint. ‘The Marquis of Hartington was yesterday installed Lord Rector of Edinburgh University, His inaugural speech was an exhortation to adhere to liberal prin- ciples. In this little fight between Messrs, Conkling and Hayes the chances of war are all in favor of Hayes, so that if he wins he will gain a political victory, but not one that requires much exertion of mind. But if Conkling wins it will be the work of a man who had the government of the United States to fight against, A Newburg man went into a clothing store the other day, and after picking out some very fine cloth, naid:—I want to make my father a present of an overcoat. Just measure me for it. Of course it will Be too big for him, but it's a pretty good wearing cloth, and as the old man’s in bad health I'll have to wear it sooner or later, anyway. Just make it a little broad across the shoulders.” Viscount Stratford de Redcliffe, that almost fabu- Jones personage who figures romantically and heroi- cally in Kinglake's history, is now ninety-one years old, He had a great inflnence upon Turkey during the years that preceded the Crimean war, and his manner with the Sultan led Englishmen to believe that there was no other country in this world but England, During tho late years of his life Lord Red- cliffe has been studying religious books, The skill that he showed in diplomacy does not appear in his religious writings. London Truth (speaking of Irving's acting toward Ophelia):——"3o far as my experience goes a person either kisses the object of his affections or he does uot. If he cannot make up his mind which to do the struggle is mental, and he does not make snaps at her, Let any one ask himecif whether he ever be- haved thus to a qirl, and let any girl who ever in- spired aiman with a desire to kiss her ask herself whether she ever witnessed so singular a perform- ance, of whether, if she were to, the sense of the ludicrous would not extinguish every feeling of love.” London World:—“Tho press ia now worked by the government as mechanically and as obediently as the wires are by a telegraph clerk, and when any indi- vidual journalist resents the process his ill condi- tioned audacity produces quite a sensation, Stil, those who—whether they happen to be readers or writers of newspapers—like to know that journalism is not altogether an organized menial homage, and that there are newspaper correspondents whose statements are not echoes of the mandate or antici- pations of the wish of a dominant political clique, will consider it matter for satisfaction that to some quarters thia arrancement does not apply.” FINE ARTS, TWELFTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF THE WATER COLOR SOCIETY --"‘PLIVATE VIEW” LAST EVEN: ING—NOTES ON THE PRINCIPAL PICTURES. ‘The private view of the twelfth annual seuiiee of the American Water Color Society toox place at the Academy of Design last evening. There was a large assemblage of artists and critics. A figure in a fine suit of armor, loaned by Walter Satterlee, has been placed on the landing between the first and second flights of steps, leading from the entrance up to the corridor, around which are ranged the various galleries, Plants and flowers were tastefully arranged in the space between the stairs, ‘The paintings are hung in the north, east, west and northwest gulleries of the Academy and in the corridor, the large South Room being closed, as usual. It will be found by those visitors to the present exhibition who had the pleasure of seeing last year’s that it contains fewer important works. Tho average quality of the examples is higher, however, and the exhibition is, as a whole, more interesting; for, though a number of well known names are un- represented, thore are new exhibitors whose first ap- pearances are signalized by examples which will at- tract much attention, This new clement brings un- doubted freshness, and, in some cases, undoubted Strength. Munich, Paris and the Fortuny school are well represeated, The loaned foreign water cole ors are, in general, of little importance, tioagh one or two good names were noted, ‘The best water color in the collection and certainly the best landscape is R. Swain Gifford's “Pilot Town, Florida” (100), @ small work, which hangs in the North Room. The motive is an exceedingly _ pic turesque one, and the treatment has a freedom and freshness which are charming. It is singuariy har- monious in its relations, strong in perspective and in lindscape texture. The house in the middle dis- tance, with the two palmettoes by it, is gguperb little bit of the work. We would, however, ask Mr. Gif- ford how long the plank is which lies on the beach in the foreground. Next to this, and a mos: dint ing with it the palm, is Samuel Colmén’s “On the ‘Maas’’ (902), in the West Room, which was exhib:iel in the water color display at the Union Lezgue Club last season, and is certainly the best example of his work Mr, Colman exhibits this year. The color is rich, the composition fine and the atmospheric effect ceri Broad in treatment, fine in drawing and harmonious in its lines, it is cer- tainly alittle master work. Near these two works we would place a fine little seaside sketch, “Guther- ing Scaweed” (183), by William Magrath, which hangs in the East Room. The grays in sky and sea ure admirable, the perspective is excellent and the surtisastrong point. It is crisp and effective in every touch. A. H. Wyant’s two works in the North Room, ‘Vicinity of Newport’ (40) and “Forenoon Effect"’ (47), do him much credit. The first, to our mind much the better work, is in a strong, dashing vein, with an excellently well managed foreground, a finely given distance aud a well toned, broadly handled sky, There is air and the real feeling of nature in this work. The second example will be a tavorite with many of the artists, tor itis a simple, delicate bit of impressionism, under a sky which can be hardly called a succoss. Samuel Colman’s large “Campus Kenneth Abbey, Sterling, Scotland” (159), in the East Room, is a fine work, simple in design and treatment, with broadly given and well handled color masses. Architecturally it is skilful. and the composition, with its well proportionra yertios: and horizontal lines, is very pleasing. Returning to the North Room we noée the same artist's “Study from Nature, Nurragansett, R. 1’* (105), as having good color und a pleasing motive, ‘the light effect is a strong point, but the sky, sea and landscape are not in good keeping. Mr. Colman’s large “Market Day in Brittany, Le Mans’? (73), is a well compose work which requires keying up. It is an effect of broad sunlight, but we Would hardly know it if it were not by the shadows which have been so carefully cast from the figures. ‘Theso, by the way, though careful in costume and well grouped, are of too large a size for the artist to handle. In silhouette they are, however, better than we could expect from a landscape painter. A. F. Bellows is represented by a large work, ‘The Village Elms’? (41), similar to his “A New England Homestead” of lust year. He has, however, nothing to take the place of his excellent “An English WaysideInun.”” The latter is f snaagping rs which the two former are not, though they are pleasing renditions of familiar scenes. William Magrath is well r ited in hia “The Cabin Home” (53), but we must lay it to his ill nealth that he has not made as great a mark thie year as he did last with his masterly ‘On the poorer He Golden mee af << oo contributions. .The you rl who, havi risen, stands in the replace and watches ite kettle boil, is solidly, conscientiously and well sinted, and we shall have more to say about her, James D, Smillie is effective in his ‘Sketch’ (39), and his ‘On Divens Creek” (19) is an admirable piece of drawing, though rather false in its greens.. In his “Jersey Meadows” (35) George H. Smillie comes well to the front. A sketch of moorland, with a quiet pool, into which is reflected part of a strong and quiet evening sky, make up his picture, whic! is a very harmonious one. A quaint, picturesque motive ppt treated, with good color, is L. O, ‘Tiffan, “Old Houses at Berne” (31). Wiislow Homer is well represented in the collection by a number of fine little pastorals wuich we shall speak oflater; his largest picture, “iresh Air” (5)—a young shepherdess standing in the breeze on a hill- top—is a bold and effective work, excellent in its strong light and shade ond full of the feeling of s blustering day, F. 8. Church's ‘No Thoroughfare" (6) is one of those quaint, weird conceits for which e has a reputation. T. W. Wood’s “The Muddy Crossing” we have already expressed our appreciation of in these columns, and many will sympathize with tho charming old lady in her predicament. We pro _ test against being expected to admire and search for naan in such an unpleasant, Wrage 2 work as Henry Farrer’s “Twilight” (83). J.C. oll has ¢ good sky, rather heavy in forms, and well drawn surf, very real im color, und light effect in his “Neat Kuightsville, Maine” (72). Passing into the Eust Room we note a sparkling little Tiffany, “Archway Tlemcen” (146), which is full of sunlight and has a fine feeling of depth under the arch. Henry Murhman's “Gentleman of the Six. teenth Century”’ (139), has a tine old ‘head, and we are glad to welcome heal hn and new member of the society, whose first bits in the present collection are good in themselves and full of promise for the future. Broad treatment, a bold grasp after and successful capture of an effect, pure color and & strong eye for character in animate and inanimate nature are his best points. “The Little Merchant’ (172) is like all his exhibits thie year, a stu only, but it is an Crue cation J littl picture. William Magrath’s “Milkmaid” (155) is a singularly unsuccesstul work to be from so ahand. The ig Pes is heavy and ungraceful and the sky is green. ‘Landscape on the Housatonic River’ (160) is w good little K. Van Elten; there is nice color and a charming little vista over the river. Walter Hut” (189) is an effective little bit, ittle Thistledown”’ (175) has a face A, F. Bello’ of peculiar and unchildlike contour, a cast in her eye, and hair which is both extraordinary in color and strange in‘growth. Walter Satterlee shows de- ided improvement in his “Solitaire” (199), a care. fully painted interior, with an old bachelor seated at the game. figure is well posed and nicely drawn. ‘Thomas Moran’s “Morning Ride” (121), a strongly painted landscape, rich and solid in color, has a horseman in full gullop finely introduced. ‘On entering the West Room, passing for the present the corridor, we get our first sight of the first conti butions to the society's exhibitions of three decid- edly interesting mn—Messrs. Brennan, Blum and Currier. No matter what may be thought of their work or their aims, and the latter's are decidedly in- comprehensible, their productions will attract much attention. Thetwo former are ardent disciples of Fortuny, and strong men. We were convinced of this more by the sight of their pen and inks in the Northwest Room than of the water colors, which show, however, decided cleverness, The color of both is good, but Mr. Blum has the advantage. They are both humorists aid their drawings will raiso may a smile by their dainty grotesquerie betore the exhibition closes. The confreres into nothing deeply; they skim their subject picking out a bit of color, a gro ue pose, & suggestion of rich furniture here there, ta transicr to their paper. Note first that grotesque, decorative, almost caricature, ‘A Flight of Storks, by Robert Blum, An old Japanese urtist is at work decorating huge vases, while @ stork, his model, looks over his shoulder, and a young child tumbles about the apartment in the most inconsequential sort of way. “Dawn” (241), the first exan of A. Brennan we come t¢, is not a fair work to judge him by, tor it is a wild, dexterous suggestion of color and form, with a face indicated with rare skill, “Affect ing the Japanese” (247), the largest example of Mr. Brennan, shows a rich and fantastic apartment, with a damsel, dressed as it is furnished, snb+ mitting to the gaze of a pug, seen from behind and in most admirable silhouette. The color is good, the ren nicely cote oo seossories of Japanese furniture, carpets, jars an fan well suggested, Blum’'s “The Rehearsal’ (267, ia interesting and clever in its suggestiveness oO! oyengtnng ich it ought to represent, and a of color, vive can understand at eee a though they are certainly startling, but J. Frank Currier is past comprehension at ordinary distances, If you stand off thirty feet, half close your eyes and try hard to think what he means you may get # glimmer, if your tastes are of the madly impressionist stamp. A study of troes (265) in the most comprehensible, Of the others in this room No, 247 might be turned up- side down without injuring the impression of noth- ing in particular which it conveys. No. 276 we dia. cover at @ twenty feet survey to have a rather on effect of light through what we have sw be trees. There is more of Mr. Curricr in tl L. ©. Tiffany's “Among tho Weeds” is similar in stibject to ono of his my pictures of last year, and has a remarkably weil given foreground. The action of the girl drawing the cart is corridor, | nd IG ted by a couple of little — ekwith is represen figa heads, ‘Thalia’ (22) and "Clio" (295). ‘he latter has a charming and refined faco, t at pm ol y, delicate and hay manuer, bey: ne face is very bite modelled, jorthwest (or black and white) Room has some fine work in it, and the Btching Club hay (one itvelg