Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, December 18, 1894, Page 4

THE OMAHA DAILY BEE TR 7:.‘;(091!:"“”’.!. Bditor, — PUBLISHED BV [ Y MORNING. TEIMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. ally Bee (Without Sunday), One Year. Dally Tee and Sunday, One Year ix Months . ® y §oturday uncll Blufrs, Chicago Office, 1 New Vork, Rooma 13, 14 and 1 Washington, 1407 F Street, N. W, COR DEN All communications relating to news and edl- torial matter should be addressed: To the Bditor. BUSINESS LETTERS, All buginess le mittances should be addressed to bilshing company, Omaha, Dr checks postoffice orders 1o to the order of the company PUBLISHING COMPANY. Tribune BIdg. George 1. Taschuc 1ishin the actual number of of the Dally Morning printed durin, s follows: ry of The sworn, mplete copies Sunday Bee mber, 154, was 16 2,611 1. 18 19 . 2. ZSCHUCK in my pres- ary Public. that will indict and indictments that will bring convictions I8 the crying need of this suffering com- munity. The money of Douglas county appro- priated in aid of the indigent poor should not be used by faithless officials to feed and wax f. How much will the legislature be asked to appropriate for the relief of the Burlington Journal, which has drawn $446,446.60 out of the state treasury since 18717 Don't all speak at once. The enlargement of working force of the smelting works will be of advantage to Omaha, It is one of the important home industries that are making Omaha a great manu- facturing center. the plant and Jobbers and business men who took a jaunt to Billings are confident that a promising field for new business was furrowed. We hope this may prove true, for Omaha is the natural distribu- ting point for the great northwest. The Burlington Journal has' drawn $446,446.60 out of the state treasury of Nebraska since The Bee was started. But those figures do not represent by $100,000 the drippings and pilfering of the mendicants and jobbers connected with that concern. If the Douglas county delegation de- sires to do this city a distinctive service it will sec that a clause be put into the charter governing metropolitan cities making it a penal offense for a city official to accept a railroad or strect car pass. The rallroads, by the way, ave not the sole offenders in this regard. In the estimate made of the political pap which the Burlington Journal has © subsisted on for the past twenty years, the amounts filched from Uncle Sam to pay the salary of its Washington Auninias under the guise of clerkship allowance to Nebraska members of congress, has not been included. That alope amounts to about $2,000 a year. This Is the way the republican cow has - been milked by Grandmother Gere at every turn, Time was when a place on the dis- trict bench of Douglas county was re- garded as one of the highest honors the people of this community could bestow upon any man. But in years and months the dignity of the exalted station has been outraged and in a few ‘ instances dragged into the gutter. It should be the business of the bar and people to restore to the district beneh the respect which all good eitizens are wont to accord it. In this boasted era of municipal re- form 1s it not about time the people of * Omaha resolve that the bondsmen of defaulting public officials shall be called up before the captain and made to set- tle? And is it also not high time that evil-doers be made to fear a grand jury Indietment? Out of all the indictments found against scoundrels that beset this community not a single conviction has Dbeen reached in recent years! January 1, 1805, will be a good time for turning over a new leaf, The legislature originally appropriated 5,000 for impeachment purposes, and the supreme court cut it down to $15,000, There was expended $11,749 in the im- peachment trinls of delinquent state officials, leaving an unexpended balance of $3,250. The full legislative appro- priation, ,000, has been carried along on the auditor's books, thus showing a balance o 0. 1t is reported that the hungry horde of pie-biters is already preparing to lay siege to this money and will trump up bogus claims that will, if allowed, dissipate the unex- pended balance in the fund. Against all such evil designs upon the state treasury the legislature must resolutely set Its face The bureau of animal industry and hoecake department located in the national posy garden at Washington, where flowers bloom in the spring and all seasons of the year at the expense of American taxpayers, has startlod the country with the Information that we eat too much. That is just what George Francis Train has been telling us for the last twenty year Five cents worth of peanuts a would sutlice to supply the average man with muscle and brain food, but so long as the head of the department, whose business it is to regulate the American diet, lives on champagne, terrapin tnd fried sweetbreads all the year round, it would be hopeless to expect the com- wmon people to live on mush and milk, OPPOSITION T0 THE CARLISLE BILL. Opposition to the Carlisle curreney bill is being freely expressed by financers and business men and numer- ous protests against the plan have been sent to congress. While little heed may be given to this opposition by the party in control of the house of repre- sentatives, it will not be disregarded by the republican minority in the senate whenever the measure reaches that body. There are some democrats in the honse who are in sympathy with the republican view that this measure ought not to be rushed through, but ample time given for its consideration, rightly urging that a bill which is in- tended to practically revolutionize the eurrency system of the country ought to be thoroughly discussed. It Is quite probable, however, that the influence of the administration, which seems anxious to have the measure brought to a vote with as little delay as pos- sible, will prevail, so that the house may act on it this wee The state bank currency feature of the Carlisle plan is Dbeing shaopls criticised and this will be somewhat modified by the banking and currency committee One of the persons heard Ly the committee last wee 8 Presi- dent Cornwell of the City bank of BuTalo, who is also presideut of ihe New York State Bankers' as<ol It was thought that this gen by reason of his connection a state Dbank, would approve that featur of the proposed currency reform plan, but instead, he declared it to be the weakest part of the whole scheme. He said that the national bank note possesses three of the elements of a perfect curren security, immediate convertibility and uniformity—and lacks only the fourth elasticity. The adoption of the state bank provision would rob the bank currency of one of its essential and most important elements—uniformity Another objection to the state bank provision was that if such banks is- sued circulating notes the business of the counterfeiter would revive and thrive again as it did before the war. Under the national sys- tem the counterfeiting of bank notes had become an exceedingly danger- ous business and had been reduced to a minimum. The state bank feature has been modified by the committee, but is still open to objection. As originally submitted the bill provided that state banks might issue currency without hindrance until the time tax becomes due, when the question of a continuance to issue currency would be determined by the character of their methods and a decision reached as to whether they should pay tax on cireula- tion, taxation being contingent upon compliance with treasury regulations, It is now proposed that the treasury requirements shall be complied with by state banks as a condition prece- dent to the issue of circulating notes, which is certainly an improvement. It is also proposed that state banks shall Dbe prohibited from issuing notes below the denomination of $10, placing such banks in this particular on the same footing with national banks. The measure is unquestionably bet- tered by these changes, but it Is still far from being an acceptable plan of currency reform. The abolition of the legal reserve which the national banks have been required to maintain for the security of depositors is a serious de- fect, and another ground of objection is the provision which taxes national bank note circulation and leaves state banks free to issue circalating notes without any such burden. One finan- clal authority sald of it to 'the house committee, that “as a bill to substitute national bank notes for United States issues it will be a failure, as it presents no inducements to solid banks to become insurers of the clr- culation of mushroom institutions, and the stimulant to organize state banks not subject to United States inspection is questionable,” All these objections will reccive due con- sideration, it is safe to say, when the bill goes to the senate, because there the minority can insist upon its receiy- ing thorough discussion. It will have to be very radically changed if it passes the senate, and we should say that the chances are very largely against it getting through that body. Few fivancial plans proposed in recent years have been so generally dis- credited by practical financiers and business men as this one of Secretary Carlisle las been, i with OUR RELATIONS WITH GERMANY., The German government seems dis- posed to firwmly adhere to its decrees against the importation of American cattle and dressed meats. The efforts of the United States minister at Ber- lin to secure a suspension of the dis. crimination have been without avail, and congress bhaving manifested no concern in the matter, it is said that the future aetion of the German govern- ment s awaited with some apprelien- sion In Washington. Reference is made to the speech of the German chancellor in the Reichstag, in which he indicated that the government feels very strongly r rding the discrimination German sugar in the tarviff, and im- plied that in the event of its heing maintained the retaliatory policy Ger- many has entered upon would be ex- tended. It is stated that the situation is causing a great deal of anxiety to the exporters of cauned beef, in which there is a very considerable trade with Germany, and as the farmers of that country are urging tfe exclusion of oleomargarine, there is danger of that article being shut out from the Ger- man market unless congress takes such action as will leave no excuse for re taliation, It appears that the American minister is doing everything possible to secuve an amelloration of the order exeluding our cattle, and while he is busy at Ber- lin the secretary of state Is laboring hard to convinee the German minister at Washington that the decree ought to be revoked. But against these ap- peals there rises up the dewand of the farmers of Ge for better - tion to their m'::wmu and under;::g- eut conditions it is a ery which the against German government Is not willing to disregard. It has a good case against us, as the president and secretary of state have confessed. It asks the abolition of the onetenth of a cent duty on German sugar upon the ground that it s both an unfair discrimination and violates treaty stipulations. It Is entirely clear that the policy it has adopted regarding our meats is retalia- tory and it is equally obvious that if we refain this duty the policy of re- taliation may reach out to other pro- duets. 1t is true that is a game which both countries can play at, but hav- ing confessedly made a mistake, Is it not our plain duty to rectify it? The cattle-growing interest of the country, which is one of the most im- portant, desires to retain the German market, which was one of growing value. This great interest, which em- braces a large proportion of the farm- ers of the country, has asked congress to do the one thing that appears to be necessary to restore to us the German market for our meats, and the president has recommended that this be done. There ought to have been an immediate favorable response from congr , or at any rate some disposition manifested to recede from a false position and at the sime time protect the cattle in- terest of the country from what, if per- sisted in, must be a serlous injury to it. As this is purely a political qu tion, it would seem that there should be neither difficulty nor delay in dis- posing of it. But this congress cannot easily be brought to concern itself about the interests and welfare of pro- ducers, THE PLATIY CANAL ONCE MORE. The promoters of the Platte River canal scheme appear to be determined to have the proposition, which was de- feated at the general election 1 s vember, resubmitted at a special elee- tion, to be held within the next thirty or for da, They have succeeded in securing a large number of signa- tures to petitions circulated among our business, men and other classes of citi- zens, urging the county commissioners to resubmit the proposition at the earli- est possible day. Assuming that the petitioners signed their names of their own free will and accord, it becomes a question whethe they have given the subject stch con- sideration as it merits, and whether they really desire what they have prayed for. - The most serious objec- tion to the canal project, as it was pre- sented to the voters in the defeated proposition, was that it contemplated private ownership, and the same time failed to require a guaranty from the canal company that it would com- plete the canal and maintain and oper- ate it after it is completed. There was o another flaw in the proposition which jeopardized the enterprise. Tt is the opinion of eminent attorneys that the-issue of the county bonds to the canal company could have been en- Joined in the courts on the ground that it is not such a work of internal im- provement as is contemplated by the law authorizing counties and cities to vote aid to works of internal improve- ment. If that view were sustained by the courts the money expended for hold- ing a special election would be an ab- solute waste. Now, inasmuch as the legislature will convene two weeks hence, and that body would doubtless enact laws that will enable the county or the county and city together, to own, build and operate the proposed canal, it certainly does seem ill-advised for the commis- sioners to call a special election at this time. There is no doubt that a large majority of the property owners of this county favor the canal project, and are willing to be taxed for it. But we be- lieve we voice the sentiment of the great mass of those who favor the pro- Ject when we say that they prefer pub- lic ownership. If the county is to con- tribute a million dollavs to dig the canal it ean afford to contribute another mil- lion for the purchase of the plant, and by becoming the owner of the canal, place itself in position to pay interest on its bonds out of the earnings. Another reason why public ownership is preferable is that it will prevent all complications and controversies over the charges for power or water, and thus will prevent the tampering with our county commissioners by the eanal company. Some of the advocates of the canal object to public ownership because they say it will not stimulate such enterprises as laying out subur- ban factory towns and other projects that might develop industrial activity. This is all moonshine There is noth- ing In public ownership to hinder le- gitimate projects that depend on ecanal power or water. On the other hand the laying out of paper towns and booming of town lots on cornfields ten miles away from the town bodes no good to this community, At any rate nothing can lost by waiting until the legislature has taken action. be MR, GOMIERS RETIRES Samuel Gompers, for twelve years president of the American Federation of Labor, has been retired from that position by the election of John Me- Bride, who at the present time is presi- dent of the United Mine Workers of America. Whether that choice is a wise one we are not in position to state, but the Federation has acted wisely in vitalizing the principal of rota- tion ‘in office. My, Gompers has been a sagacious and eflicient divector of the affairs of the great association, which comp the best and most intelligent membership of organized American labor. And yet the retention of one man at the head of the Federation was almost certain to demoralize its rank nd file, as did the perpetual presi- dency of the Knights of Labor under Terrence V. Powderly. There are as many fine fish in the sea as ever were caught and there certainly are many capable and level headed men in the ranks of organized labor who possess the requisite qualifications for any and every posi- tion created by the federation. Un. like Mr. Powderly, who made an ex- hibition of himself and resisted with all his might the selection of his suc cessor, Mr. Gompers has had the good sense to take the change in good part and to cougratulate his successor upon ' his selection. In the republic of labor no such thing as perpetual office hold- Ing can be tolrdted. On the contrary, rotation In offigs tends to vitallze the body and stimwlate the best men in it to activity 'y holding out the oppor- tunity to grabity thelr ambition. S e— The St. Paul Chamber of Commerce has adopted resdlutions deprecating a revision of theocurrency by congress and favoring the creation of a cur- rency commiggion to report a plan of currency reform within a year. There is quite a general sentiment that a properly constituted commission—that Is, one composed of practical financiers and business men—would be likely to formulate a 1ifiach better currency plan than is to be hoped for from this con- gress, but the difficulty is that the present congress will not ereate a com- mission of this character. If it should provide for a commission it would un- doubtedly be dominated by politicians, This is the proposition of Representa- tive McCreary, which provides for a commission of nine members, three to be named by the president, three sena- tors to be selected by the vice prosi- dent, and three members of the house to be appointed by the speaker. Of course such a commission would hav a majority of democrats, and it is need- less to say that those appointed by the vice president and the speaker would not represent the sound money element of that party. They would be free sil- verites and state bank currency men, and consequently would not be able to agree on any plan. Moreover, it is not probable that any commission ap- poiuted under democratic auspices would be able to formu a currenc, plan acceptable to the next republican house of representatives. It is difficult to understand how those who hav no faith in the ability of this congress to revise the currency system can be- lieve that anything satisfactory might come from a commission of its creation. The wisest suggestion is to let the cur- question wait until there is n republican congress and president to deai with it. In Omaha ¥ generous- hearted people. No appeals in behalf of worthy objects of charity are permitted to fall upon deaf ears. In fact this city has become a mecea for indigent and helpless people from all the countr: round about. There are many cases of destitution in this city today that must cceive the attention of our people. No estimate has as yet been made of the total amgunt of money and pro- visions that will be required to meot the exigencies of the winter month Every great wityelike Omaha is bur- dened with ~destitute people. Thay come from fay afifl near in order to re- ceive benefits from the charitable as- sociatlons that. have become a feature of social life in our cities. We venture to say that the people of Omaha will this «winter dipehse more charity in proportion to ¥iér *population than will any other counmfmity in the state. Yet, in the face.of. this fact, appeals are, coming in from the drouth sufferers of ‘the border'¢ourities and Omaha is expected to generously respond.. Many of our citizens'iwill do so, but there are others who will leave the matter to the legislature, which is expected to make an appropriation for the relief of unfortunate residents of the western and northern portions of the state. Whatever sum may be appropriated Douglas county taxpayers will pay about one-tenth thereof. The question is, how much should be expected of Omaha in the way of voluntary con- tributions to the state relief fund? The late Robert Louis Stevenson was not merely a fiction writer of uncom- mon merit. He was a writer whose work possesses an.individuality and a peculiar excellence which give it en- during value and will make it as popu- lar with thie next generation of novel readers as it is at present. He was a master of style, a consummate artist in the use of language, and if not a genius, certainly had the highest order of talent. The world of fiction readers will profoundly regret his loss. FLASHES UF FUN. New Orleans Picayune: The politiclan who has been lost in the shufle does not think much of the pack he has been with. Detroit Tribune:“Got even with my wife.” “How?' “Smcked the cigars she gave me in the presence of her curtains. Philadelphia Record: Butcher's Clerk— That chiropodist ordered some meat sent up, but I have forgotten what kind." Butcher— Send him corned bees Adams Freeman: Most men make a great fuss about doing the best they can. With a woman it's what she can't do that bothers her. Detroit Free Press: Sam (coming in hur- riedly)—Say, Tom, can you chinge $? Tom—Change nothing., I'm so hard up I can't change my shirt Richmond Dispatch: In some Kentucky ministers dare not pr the Acts for fear the male m thelr congregation may g0 out them. parts of h from hers of between Atlanta Constitution: *Is the major run- ning on his record this year “Yes; and a glance at the cemetery will convinee yon that his work covers the ground.” : Indianapolis Journal: the ety nephew, Jestah madé a grab for his hat, *‘By gosh, I'm goin' to git out of here,"” said he. VT dgi want to be mixed up ds an accomplice 1A nd robbery.’” ““This play,” sald “was stolen from the ribune:’ “Jar said his wife an you spare me'a dollar today " or? demanded Mr, Tyte-Phist, “1 want to buy § few things for Christ- mas.' y “Well," said Mr, Tyte-Phist, “didn't I ive you a doliar] two weeks ago for a Birthday present THE LADY AND THE TRAMP, Detroil Free Pross. “Ah," sAid the lady to the tr “You've eaten of my food, And ail 1ask s thal you may Be fulf of gratitude” His volck showed deep emotion ap He answered with a sigh: “I can't be full of gratitude. Because I'm full of ple. HINTS FOR HOLOOMB. Woodl River Interests: Governor-elect Hol- comb says he realizes that his troubles have Just commenced. The populists having elected only one state officer, the demands upon him for gubernatorial ple are something appalling. Hardy Herald: No, Judge Holcomb fs not the youngest governor this state ever had, but he has all the chance any of his prode- cessors ever had to make the best governor the state has yet seen, and we hope he may succeed, Wayne Democrat: It is currently reported that Governor-elect Holcomb has received more applications for positions supposed to be within his gift from republicans than from demoorats and populists combined. This, huwever, is in accordance with the eternal fitness of things, as republican politicians, as a rule, even though renegades that could not stand Majors, are usually influenced by what they expect to get out of it. Madison Reporter: Governor-elect Holcomb wears lightly the honors that have been thrust_upon him by the people. He s pur- sning the even tenor of his way, heedless of the rabble horde of-hungry republican law- yers who want to fill his place on the bench, heedless also of the persistent multitude that 1s clamoring for appointive positions in the sweet bye-and-bye. Now, we hear of him holding court at Kearney, again at North Platte and again at his home in Broken Bow. Here an ovation is glven, there a banquet is tendered him, but always and everywhere Mr. Holcomb manifests (he same erstwhile simplicity, dignity and kindliness of heart. In his determination to round out the year in fulfilling the duty he owes to the people by serving them as judge he is upheld by the people. They elected him and they want his services as judge as long as they can retain them. ks, Getting the Worst of It. Chicago Times jetween Judge Brewer's maximum rate decision and the proposed amendment of the commerce law by repeal of its ooling clause the American producer and consumer are going to be ground up into railroad dividend - AT Death Blow of Pugilism. St. Louls Republic. Pugilism knows too much to live. Andy Bowen and Con Riordan’'s deaths ha followed too closely for public sentiment's patience, Pugilism will not be allowed her affer in any of the United States. To pe mit finish fights would be to connive at as- sault with intent to kill — - The Trusts Know It Not. Bpringficld Republican. It just happened so, no doubt, but It is not altogether fortunafe that the first appli- cation of the Sherman anti-trust law should be made against a labor union for conspir- cy. The law has been in force four year nd w designed to suppress combinations or conspiracies of capital. But so far as the trusts go it has been a dead ietter. T S AT modations for Venality. Lincoln News, It is no compliment to the legislators to say that there is talk of running special trains to Omaha during the coming session of the legislature to_please the members who do mot like Mayor Weir's orders Neither is it much of compliment to Om Yet that is just what Is being said, The rumor can hardly be deemed a tribute to the statesmanship of the mem- bers of th> approaching session. Acco win When Beatrice extended an_ invitation to Editor Rosewater it was looked upon by many in the light of a joke. When he hired a hall and billed the town it began to look serious, and when he made a rousing republican speech Friday night the earnest- could not be gainsaid, Editor Ros has not yet been in Nebraska Cit but the invitation only withheld until his services can be availed, with a prospect of being more urgently needed. Ut et Emigration of Japanese, Chicago Herald. There s nothing in the new treaty with Japan about the emigration of Japanese to the United States. This Is a matter, how- ever, to be regulited by the laws of the two ccuntries, not by treaty. The law of Japan prohibits emigration to any country Where the subjects of that empire would be unwelcome. Ividently, in one sense, reputa- ble Japanese would not be ‘“‘unwelcome’ in_the United States, but, as of the Mon- gollan race, they come under the prohibi- tions of the Chinese exclusion act. and Sentences. Hebron Journal. Omaha has a judge who has become no- torlous for his tyranny and severity. His name Is Scott. Among the recent emana- tions from his court was the sentencing a young man to five years at hard labor in the penitentiary for stealing two cloaks, The account does not state the value of the cloaks. The supposition is that the cloaks were common, ordinary garments worth probably $30 or $10. From the severity of the sentence, the supposition would be that the prisoner had stolen two costly seal- skin cloaks or two imperial wraps. Had Mosher been sentenced in like proportion for the crimes he committed, the sentence would have been for a period of about 2,600 years, Another case the same day was the sentencing of a young man for three years in the penitentiary for stealing a bicycle. Was 1t studded with gems? There ought to be more “making the penalty fit the crime.” Courts. ought to understand that crimes differ in degree, and that extreme severity Is no more than extreme leniency. Sam Tilden FProphecy. New York Sun, In a conversation held some time after the civil war between Mr. Tilden and a gentleman who had been a conspicucus citi zen of a seceding state, the southern ge Ueman sald that the démocratic party’ ap: eared to be permanently disabled and roken down. Mr. Tilden's reply was char- acteristic and most interesting. “It seems to be broken down at present,” he said, “and it is broken down. Yet it will come up geain, and It will orice more g2in control of the government. But this situation will not be permanent. In order to come Into power the democracy must have the support and assitance of the south- ern steies; and that support and assitance may very' soon prove to be its ruin. The southern states will insist upon ruling the democracy utterly, and, being poor, they will try to foist into' the 'democratic’ program ideas and measures contrary to all demo- cratic principle. Against this the whole country will protest. The United States will never consent to be governed by the south or by such southern ideas. The democracy will be voted down; and then its last situa- tion will be worse than the first.” When Mr. Tilden delivered this memora- ble prophecy he had no idea that such a man as Grover Cleveland could be raised to the head of the democracy through zny wild delusion of popular sentiment; and thus the calamity which he foretold has come upon the country much sooner than he could have believed it to be possible. A I e ‘quity of the Rate C Plattsmouth Journal, position Judge Brewer tock in the Nebraska maximum freight rate law that the cost of col ruction and equipment should govern the earning or charging power of the roads 1s a good deal like the position of the gold moncmaniacs that “the st of production” of the precious metals governs their value. In the case of gold and silver it is the standard of value fixed by law which regulates the value. If all the commerce-using nations of the world were to change the law regulating the amount of gold to be put in a dollar that would settle its_value. With silver it is just the same. The ipse dixit of the law is Supreme in that respect. With raflways it is different. A railway might be bullt on the top of the Rocky mountains which would cost $100000 a mile, but its freight charges could not be based on that cost, but they must be fixed on the utility of the traflic, or it would get no business and its stock’ would be of no value whatever. Judge Brewer or the whole United Btates supreme court could not create an equity in favor of such a road charging rates based upon cost of comstruction and equipment, Neither can he by arbitrary dictum compel Nebraska people to pay rates based on th. cost of construction and equipment of Ne- braska, rallways. The judge 18 & good bible student and Bunday school teacher, and we venture to recommend to his attention that passage of the scriptures wh “Whatsoever ye would that men to you, do ye €ven 0 unto them." It may give him an idea of equity not found in modern law books. The Highest of all in Leavening Power.— Latest U. 8. Gov't Report oYal Baking Powder ABSOLUTELY PURE PROPLE AND THINGS. The wise bank official should provide sen- try boxes. The great trouble 1s to make the purse fit the intention. The Lexow committee struck a rich streak of pay dirt last week. Ths germs of success are rooted in the small boy, who seelng what he wants, boldly asks for it. Recent events have convinced New York police that peddlers’ fruit is not as healthy as it used to be. A Kentucky court convieted a man on Wednesday for murder committed on the pre- ceding Friday. This activity gives lynching a close race. The Syracuse and New Orleans “blows" are more effective In discrediting pugilism than the ordinary kind indulged in by the short-haired fraternity. A reservoir bullt by the city of Philadelphia at a cost of $1,159,600, is pronounced by ex- Derts to be a superb municipal job. In other words, it won't hold water. Bishop Taylor says there is a distillery in Liberia_which the natives call the “Good Jesus Factory,” so closely in their minds is the liquor assoclated with Christianity. When Mayor Strong of New York took the oath of office he kissed a bible that was open at the Book of Revelations, That has been an open book in New York for some time. A Berlin genius has nvented an_ear cover- ing warranted to deaden sounds. But it does not n t the emergency. ‘What the country hankers for is a muzzle for calamity croakers. Congressman Breckinridge intimates in a late speech that the election will purify the democratic party. The purification began when the Ashland district repudiated the un- savory colonel. There are forty-five survivors of the war of 1812 on the roll of the pension office, of whom fifteen are 100 or more years old. There are twelve pensioners of the revolutionary war, but they are all w.dows. A great opportunity is open to the New Woman. The government is unable to man the new cruiser Minneapolis. A crew of full-blown bloomers would lend a pleturesque charm to the fastest cruiser of her set. The development of the micrabe theo in Buffalo led to the creation of two office: for bacteria sharps, with combized salary of $3,500 a year. Hyperdermic injections of political serum utterly fail to dislodge the occupants. The Sentinel of Milwaukee celebrated the golden anniversary of its birth by occupying a magnificent nine-story home. — The Senti- nel's prosperity is the reward of a half cen- tury of sleepless vigilance on the ramparts of Milwaukee. Harry Hayward of Minneapolis is said to be very fastidious about his neckwear, and it is feared the authorites will not be able to please him in the necktie line. Still, if the sheriff s put to it, he can bring out his reserve stock of novel ties. George M. McDonald, the Napoleon of bond investment swindles, began serving his term of imprisonment at Geneva, Ill, last week. Eleven months in a county jall is trifling punishment for the widespread robberies per- petrated by McDonald and his company Manifestations of the New Woman are mul- tiplylng. One of them stopped a man on th streets of Detroit, pulled a cigar and asked for a light. Up in Maine a muscular woman is working up a paying business spanking her neighbors’ bad boys at 50 cents a spank. G2 Stealing in Pawnee Ind The truth is that the supplies for the leg- Islature have been bought in advance of the convening of the legislature by the sec- ret of state in huge quantities and without any stipulations a 0 prices. Bills have been filed and approved by the secr trary of state and passed over to the audi ing “committee of the legislature, whic has taken the aporoval of the secretary of state as sufficient to show that the sup- plies were needed, ordered and delivered. In truth, huge quantities of these supplles are now' lying in the cellar of the capitol which were ordered and paid for years ago, as the present secretary acknowledegs. The legislature has been to blame for allowing guch bills 4o be pid, even in the hurry, bustle and confusion of a session, but the secretary, who deliberately ordered _the wagon loads of unnecessary material from favorite houses in Lincoln certainly di serves the severest censure. In these day: when hundreds of our western settlers are living on_the husks ordinarily fed to swine and many are on the verge of starvatin:, it is proper that those of all political beliefs join in the demand for a curtailment of un- necessary expenses. There should be no politics where the honesty of public offi- clals is concerned e A Deélaration of Principle. y Globe-Democrat. A man can be a sound and consistent pro- tectionist without believing that the highest duties are always the best duties. Ll THE LADY SPOKE TOO 500. Minneapolis Times. The car was very crowded and the fsle was crowded, too, And just then a woman entered and she boldly elbowed through, And she stood 1n anxious waiting for some gallant scn of fame To vacate his seat and grant her a clear title to the same! For three weary blocks she waited, when a gentleman And kindly whisp his late repose; dhe fluttered and she gurgled in a glggling kind of glee, And urged him' to maintain his seat in his serenity; She really couldn’t take It and he must re- sume his seat, She urged him and she pushed him and she aid it wondrous sweet, But it took her ozone from her when he answered, “Madam dear, I wish I could oblige you, but I've got to ed to her she might have |a tug. SOME NEEDED LEGISLATION. OMAHA, Dec. 17.~To the editor of The Bee: Now that our state legislature fs about to convene, for one I respecttally suggest enactments on the following subjects: First—Authorizing and requiring every county treasurer to procure, and in all ofielal proceedings, papers, ete,, to use a seal. As the law now is, the county treasurer Is required In some cases to use and affix his official seal, and as the law does not author- ize him to have a seal, the law, as decided by the courts, notably In cases of tax deeds, 18 a nullity Second—Change the law of descent so that murderers may not reap the rewards of thelr orimes. The law should be so changed that one may not take by descent nor devise who murders to procure the estate, Now that the eupreme court, in the Shell- enberger case, has finally decided that in this state one may murder for the express purpos of procuring property, and then become vested with the estate of the murdered pers son, 1t 18 high time for the good name of the state of Nebraska that the law be changed. Third—Requiring all _municipalities in awarding contracts for public work to exact bonds to the use of the municipality, to pay all labor claims. The law should be so framed that the board would have a con- fession of Judgment on which, on default, the attorney for the municipality could confess Judgment In the district court for the whole amount or face of the bond. Then all labor- ers, on sufficient proof of their claims, could have a judgment llen witkout the expense and delay of a suit in court, There {s much to be said in favor of this proposition and its necessity is painfully ap- parent to almost all manual laborers, and equally 50 to the officers of most municipali- tles. A large percentage of public contracts are awarded to persons not residing in the municipality, frequently not even residents of the state. The work is frequently done under agents or superintendents, who, when a bad bargain or an unprofitable contract has been made, under instructions from their employer suddenly leave Just before the work is completed, leaving no one on whom a summons may be served, and also leaving the laborers practically without even legal re- dress. To follow these tramp contractors to other jurisdictions, or even to be compelled to bring suit in a local tribunal in many, ves, in most cases, will eat up the whole amount due any one laborer. SAMUEL P. ——— CREW WALKED ASHORE, DBRIGHAM. Hawser Parted and the Steamer Grounded in Shallow Water. NEW YORK, Dec. 17.—The steamer Hevilius which arrived lnst night from Brazil brought as passengers from Bahia Captain Benner, Mate Stone and Stew- ard Warren of the schooner J. A. Simpson of New York, previously reported ashore at Aracaju, Brazil. Captain Benner reported that he loaded a cargo of sugar at Aracaju for New York. The vessel was ready for sea some five months or more, but was unable to get over the bar without the assistance of After this long delay the services of a government tug ‘were engaged to tow the vessel to sea and on the afternoon of No- vember 14 she got under way and proceeded. At § p. m., however, when on the bar, the tug's hawser parted and the vessel swung around the breakers, pounding heavily and drifted ashore. At low water the vessel was high and dry on the beach, the crew walking ashore with their personal effects. A small portion of the cargo was salvaged, but the greater part was jettonized after the vessel ot into the breakers. The vessel was sold at auction for a small sum. The Simpson was of 237 tons register and was owned in New York. She was partly nsured. Belgian DOLL CARNIVAL IN CHICAGU. Battery D Fillod This Week with & Unique Exhibition. CHICAGO, Dec. 17.—~The dcll carnival which will be held this week at Battery D, beginning this evening, will probably surpass anything of the kind ever before attempted in this city. Mark Twain, Rider Haggard, Edward Bellamy, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Mrs. Cleveland and hundreds of other notable pecple have sent in contributions and djessed dolls for exhibition at the carnival. The supreme crurt of the United States is shown at the carnival, with the justices in their long, black gowns, the clerks and attendants. They are shown in a facsimile of the United States supreme court room, which was made by a well known artist. The idea of showing the supreme court was proposed by Mre Manning, a daughter of Chlef Justice Fuller, e Urge n Currency Commission. ST. PAUL, Dec. 17.—The Chamber of Com- merce today adopted resolutions favoring the creation of a currency commission and that it be required to report to the president within a year the changes recommended by them in our system. The preamble depre- cates revision of the currency by congres: such revision being likely to retard busine: by inducing a period of uncertainty. A Mayor Hopkins' Throat Trouble. CHICAGO, Dec. 17.—Friends of Mayor Jchn P. Hopkins are alarmed by a serious allment affecting his throat. Arduous work during the campalgn a year ago and this has made it difficult to conquer the disease. Hoarse- ness has increased to such an extent that he will go east tcmorrow to consult get off here!” speclalists. Hints— OPEN EVENINGS UNTIL 8:30 I, AL, Holidays— Happiness— FHoopla— SUSPENDERS —Fine silk and satin embroidered in all colors and several styles. the novelties shawl mufflers; UMBRELLAS — Elegant silk, paragon frames, natural wood bandles, all prices, A A Cashmere WEAR, such as TIES—Thousands of ‘em. All the late styles and new colors, gloves In BOYS' LEGGINGS —The boy doeen't live that would nt lke a pair of leather leg- glngs. Dress welghts, in Kid, dog skin, BOYS' CAPE OVER- COATS—Very low prices on cape over- coats and reefers this woek. and Fur gloves ticns, KERCHIEFS — All new effects and kerchiefs and neat effects, MUFFLERS — Ex- tra fine line cf pure and Pals- ley wool muffiers for elderly gentlemen, GLOVES — Driving buck, fine Mocha, dog skin and cheverette, gloves, English and French kid. Full line of Dent's driving street gloves of all descrip- SMOKING JACK- ETS of English Jacket Cloths, quilted satin trimmed, from $3.50 to $16.00, in long extremely BATH ROBES of Terry Cloth and Eider- down, from $3.00 to $16.00, DRESSING AND BTUDENTS' GOWNS. English HANDKERCHIEFRS, —A beautiful line of Linen Handkerchiefs, hemstitched and plaln, in fancy colors and plain white, A very fine and extra quality Jap Silk Ini- tial ° Handkerchlef. Our regular 76c, We are going to make special price of this ono at 6oc, lght undressed buck, colt skin gloves. and lived BROWNING, KING & CO.,, Reliable Clothiers, S. W, Corner Fifteenth and Douglas Sts.