p. 21 | News and Miscellany

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 2, 1911

News and Miscellany

Notes and clippings from the daily and weekly press

—Of the third class at the Virginia Military Institute seventy-seven members were dismissed for insubordination February 20.

—The Russian government, February 17, asked the Duma to vote $60,000,000 for the construction of four battle-ships, to be completed by 1915.

—By the installation of powerful electric plants it is announced that within a few weeks the Eiffel Tower, in Paris, will communicate directly with New York and Canada by means of wireless telegraphy.

—Thirteen illicit distilleries were raided recently by revenue officers in Franklin and Patrick counties, Virginia.

—It is claimed a plot to overthrow the present republic of Portugal, and recall King Manuel, has been discovered. Fifteen arrests have been made, including a lieutenant of the army.

—The Missouri capitol building was destroyed by fire the night of February 5. The total loss, including the building and many records and State papers, is estimated at $1,000,000, with no insurance.

—A violent earthquake occurred February 20 at Monastir, Turkey. Several mosques and a number of houses were demolished. The population is camping in the open country, and much suffering has resulted in consequence of the cold.

—A fund of nearly $50,000 has been subscribed by various magazines in New York and Philadelphia to combat the pending legislation in Congress providing for increased postage rates on the advertising pages of periodical literature.

—Much discussion is going on throughout the country, particularly in legislative and trade circles, regarding the proposed reciprocity treaty with Canada. This treaty is recommended and strongly urged by President Taft, and has been approved by the House of Representatives. The question is still pending in the Senate. It is confidently expected, however, that the Senate will concur in the action of the House before adjournment.

—The text of a new treaty of trade and commerce with Japan was received in the Senate, February 21. The new treaty is a substitute for that of 1894, which became operative in 1899, and which, under its terms, is to expire at the end of the twelve-year period. There is, however, an essential difference in that the new treaty omits all reference to immigration restrictions, and leaves to the national honor of Japan the enforcement at her own ports of the limitations upon emigration. The treaty was ratified by the Senate, February 24.

—A vigorous campaign is being conducted in order to secure action by Congress, before it adjourns, to conserve the present flow of water in the Niagara River. It is claimed that the use of water on both the American and the Canadian side has already damaged the falls, and that its continued and extended use will very seriously increase the damage. It is urged that immediate measures be taken to so safeguard this great national wonder that its power and beauty shall not be lessened through the commercial use of the water.

—Strained relations have existed between Russia and China for some time. These resulted, February 15, in a decisive action by the Russian government, which insists that China shall comply with certain demands, failure on the part of China to result in a complete cessation of friendly relations. These demands relate particularly to questions of trade and commerce and privileges which Russia has enjoyed in the past through treaty rights with China. China has promised compliance with the principal demands, and it is believed the entire question will be adjusted.