TOPICS OF THE DAY.

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

DURING last week the National Association was assembled in convention at Long Branch, and occupied four days and evenings in discussing matters of interest to them. THE JOURNAL did what never has been done before, presented a synopsis of the proceedings, covering six pages of print, so that the delegates had the report to take home with them. Many came to the office for copies, and gave us a better opportunity for personal chat than we found time for at the convention. In this issue we give some additional matters connected with the gathering of interest to all firemen. A full official report of the proceedings would occupy fully twenty pages of TlIE JOURNAL, which, of course, we were unable to give. Several correspondents whose letters were omitted last week, on account of the convention report, will find them in the present number.

JUDGE TREE of Chicago has sent to the Mayor a check for a sum of money, the interest of which is to be devoted to the purchase of medals to be presented to the policemen and firemen of that city who, each year, shall perform the most meritorious and gallant service in their respective lines of duty. The principle underlying the action of Judge Tree is a correct one, and if carried into effect would undoubtedly have a stimulating effect on the men mainly interested. The Chicago Times says that the trouble will be in carrying out the true intent of the donor. It seems utterly impossible that merit should control any city appointment. Politics, nationality, ward influence, all take the precedence of fitness when a place is to be filled. A gift of the kind should not go into the hands of any person who depends on votes for his position. It is difficult to see where it could be placed so as to be sure of being given out according to the intent of the donor. The merit marks would have to be kept by the superiors of the contestants, and in this direction political influence, favoritism and many other malignant elements would have sway. When firemen and policemen are promoted with reference to their political backing, it is impossible to conceive that the distribution of medals, any more than the distribution of places or promotions, would have any connection with the real merits of the various contestants.