News and Miscellany

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 25, 1911

News and Miscellany

Notes and clippings from the daily and weekly press

— In consequence of food shortage on the Labrador coast, between five and six thousand settlers are suffering for want of food. Supplies are being forwarded for the benefit of the needy.

— Senator Frye, who has acted as president of the Senate pro tempore for a number of years, on account of his condition of health has tendered his resignation, to take effect as soon as a successor can be chosen to take his place.

— Recently a book on the Colonial laws of Massachusetts in 1642 was sold by a bookseller in St. Paul, Minn., for two dollars, the seller not appreciating its value. A few days later the same volume was sold in New York City for $20,000.

— The steamship “Merida,” with 187 passengers, was rammed by the “Admiral Farragut” off the Virginia capes, May 12. The boat sunk with its full cargo, valued at $2,000,000. The passengers, however, were rescued, and safely transferred to the “Farragut.”

— The first test in the House of Commons over the veto bill to curtail the power of the House of Lords ended May 15. The strength of the movement to bring about a reform in the upper house was shown in an amendment to reject the whole bill. The vote stood 363 to 243, and the measure was carried on its third reading 362 to 241.

— A bill which passed the Pennsylvania Legislature proposing to exempt parsonages from taxation has been vetoed by the governor. The proposed exemption is unconstitutional, according to a decision of the supreme court of the State, and the governor, for that reason, was “reluctantly compelled to withhold his approval from the bill.”

— A number of industrial strikes have occurred throughout the United States during the month of May. May 1, 1,500 shopmen employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad went out on a strike. On the same date 10,000 men engaged in various industries in Chicago quit work, demanding a higher rating of wages and shorter hours. Later in the month, some 9,000 machinists in New York City struck for a reduction of the work-day from nine to eight hours. May 3, 2,000 New York boiler-makers likewise quit work, pending settlement of a demand for an increase of wages.

— But little change has resulted in the Mexican situation during the past week. After the fall of Juarez, General Madero proceeded to form a provincial government, with himself as president. A cabinet was likewise selected. The revolutionists in other parts of the republic have reported unimportant victories and the taking of several small towns. At the present writing, May 20, peace negotiations are again under way. It is reported that President Diaz has definitely decided to retire by June 1, placing Señor de la Barra and General Madero in executive control, an election to be held later.

— There has been in progress in New York City for some days a sale of the literary treasures collected by Robert Hoe, inventor and builder of printing-presses. It is surprising to read of a day’s sales which run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. A single work sells for many thousands of dollars. A Bible, which is one of seven copies now in existence, sold for $50,000, the highest price ever paid for a book. The book was printed by Gutenberg, and is one of the first books ever printed from movable types. It is printed on vellum. It was bought by Mr. Hoe for $20,000 fourteen years ago. It is now the property of Henry E. Huntington, a wealthy railroad operator.

— May 15 the Supreme Court of the United States handed down a decision in the famous Standard Oil case, which will practically result in dissolving that great corporation. This monopoly is held to restrain commerce “unreasonably.” It is given six months in which to meet this new requirement. The court was unanimous in its decision as to the main features. This decision of the final court of appeals is regarded by the government officials as practically a complete victory for the government. Substantially every proposition contended for by the government in this case is affirmed by the Supreme Court. By the decision a corporation which attempts to control or absorb its competitor is illegal, and may be dissolved. The same day, the jail sentence which has been hanging over Messrs. Gompers, Mitchell, and Morrison, labor leaders, was set aside, the Supreme Court holding that the sentence of the lower court as to imprisonment was illegal, and that these men could be punished for civil contempt only by imposition of a fine. The Supreme Court holds that the published or spoken utterance of organized labor can be enjoined or attacked legally, because organized labor is a combination, and as such relinquishes the rights of individuals. It also establishes the fact that legal prosecution can be levied not only at the union itself, but at its officers as well.