Current Mention

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 10, 1907

— Senator William E. Borah, of Idaho, who has been on trial for fraudulent dealings in government lands, was acquitted on the first ballot of the jury October 3.

— The laying of the corner-stone of a great Episcopal cathedral at Washington, D. C., September 29, was attended with much ceremony. President Roosevelt and the Lord Bishop of London made addresses.

— A revolution has broken out in one of the provinces of the Argentine Republic, and the insurgents have seized several positions. In fighting with the government troops many men on both sides were either killed or wounded.

— The severe rain- and wind-storms of the week ending September 28, not only did serious damage in Spain, but covered quite a large area of France and Portugal. Many rivers overflowed their banks, causing great destruction of crops, as well as loss of life. Some bodies have been found partially buried in the mud, and others have been washed out to sea. One third of the city of Lisbon is reported to have been flooded.

— A strike of the railroad employees of Austria for higher wages was begun on October 1, and is causing serious inconvenience. The manner of conducting this “strike” is unique, for it consists in the literal interpretation and application of every rule and regulation governing the movement of freight- and passenger-trains. These rules are so impracticable that when carried out to the letter, the movement of trains is delayed more and more each day until, finally, blocks occur, and business is at a standstill. The roads affected are the entire government system and the Northwestern Line, which together cover all Austria.

— The strike of the dock laborers at Antwerp, Belgium, which has prevailed ever since August 6, and has been marked by much violence, came to an end September 24. The Ship Owners’ Federation has triumphed, the men returning to work unconditionally, leaving all questions to be examined by a mixed commission in the future. The lockout was won through the wholesale importation of foreign laborers. It is reported that the large ship companies of the world have formed a combination for protection, and propose to maintain a large and competent corps of international strike breakers that can be sent to any part of the world where trouble threatens.

— Secretary of War William H. Taft, who, with Mrs. Taft, is making a tour of the world, was entertained by the emperor of Japan October 2. The leading newspapers of Japan characterize the visit as most opportune. The secretary states that the welcome afforded him by the government and people of Japan is a most positive sign of the good relations existing between the two countries. He has now gone to Manila.

— Secretary of State Elihu Root, accompanied by Mrs. Root and Miss Edith Root, is visiting in Mexico, where every honor is being shown him. October 3 the Chamber of Deputies met in special session to express the feelings of the lawmakers of that republic toward their distinguished guest. The secretary in reply to a speech of welcome said that he regarded the treatment accorded him as a sign of the growing friendship of the sister republics.

— Three Cuban revolutionist conspirators were arrested September 26 by the government’s secret police. For some time Governor Magoon had known that these men were the leaders of a conspiracy to cause an uprising about the 28th. They had plenty of money, and were working principally among the discontented negroes. The arrests were made when it was learned that the destruction by dynamite of the palace in Havana was planned. On the 28th there were slight attacks upon the rural guards, but order was quickly restored. While no serious conflict with the discontented is expected, the events of the recent past will, it is thought, prolong the period of American occupation.

— Marquis Ito has returned from Japan to his post as resident-general in Korea. By his consultation with the government he has succeeded in preventing, for the present at least, the annexation of Korea, which many leaders in Japan strongly favored. Although the Koreans have suffered much from misgovernment, he thinks annexation to Japan would cause the loss of self-respect, and would be too violent a remedy. The efforts of Japan will be directed to securing reforms in the judiciary, land laws, and taxation, as well as abolishing corruption, and encouraging enterprises for developing the natural resources of the country. Prince Yong, the eleven-year-old son of the ex-emperor and Lady Om, is to be recognized as the heir to the throne. The emperor and ex-emperor have cut off their topknots, the distinguishing mark of the Koreans and their especial pride, and have ordered their subjects to do likewise.