Current Mention

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 5, 1908

— In a battle between Yakui Indians and a band of Indians acting for the Mexican government, forty of the Yakuis were killed on October 28, in the state of Sonora, Mexico.

— President J. T. Harahan, of the Illinois Central Railroad, has placed an order with car manufacturers for one million dollars’ worth of freight-cars, to be delivered before December 1 of this year.

— Elections for the federal House of Commons were held throughout Canada on October 26. The returns show that Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the present premier, will be returned to that position for another five years.

— An investigation by police officials in Philadelphia reveals the fact that scores of the children of that city are addicted to the use of cocaine. Sellers of this drug have made it a practice to teach children its use.

— The United States Census Report on the production of cotton for this season, shows that the number of bales ginned from the present season’s growth is 6,283,780. This is the largest cotton harvest since 1904, and is very close to the record established at that time.

— The supreme judicial court of Massachusetts, in making permanent an injunction against several labor unions on October 26, ruled that labor unions are not permitted to impose fines on their members in order to force them to go out on strike. This is one of the most important decisions ever rendered in reference to labor matters.

— Venezuelan authorities have seized a British trading-vessel at the island of Margarita, in the Caribbean Sea, and imprisoned the members of the crew. The seizure occurred on August 23, and the crew and passengers have been detained as prisoners until the present time. The English government has begun an official investigation into the matter.

— Count Zeppelin, of Germany, whose great air-ship was recently destroyed, has, through contributions from the government and from private individuals, constructed another of the same type, which is now making successful flights. On October 27 Prince Henry of Prussia, brother of the kaiser, ascended with the count, and made a voyage of several hours’ duration.

— In view of the fact that the American government has indicated to Russia its desire for a revision of the treaty of 1836, the Hebrews of this country are again agitating the question of their rights as American citizens in the matter of entering and traveling through Russia. American Hebrews are now entirely barred from entering that country.

— There has been much interest throughout the State of Ohio during the past few days over the question of local option. There have been considerable gains by the temperance forces. Thirty-three counties have voted dry, closing 871 saloons. Five counties have voted to retain the saloon. In one of these the Anti-saloon League will contest the election, on the ground that foreigners were allowed to vote.

— The Panama Canal Commission reports that during the month of September more than three million cubic yards of earth were excavated.

— One of the night riders in the Reelfoot Lake region of Tennessee, who has been captured by the troops, has confessed to his part in the murder committed by the band, and has implicated more than fifty others.

— The situation in Turkey and the Balkans, while still strained, seems less warlike than for some time. Austria has yielded somewhat in the matter of negotiations over her annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bulgaria has consented to a cash remuneration to Turkey for Turkey’s loss through Bulgaria’s action. It is reported that Turkey has amassed a considerable portion of her army. Servia has called out her reserves, and notified Turkey of a new treaty between herself and Montenegro.

— Eight battle-ships, comprising one half the battle-ship fleet that is now making a tour of the world, arrived at Amoy, China, on October 30, and was accorded an enthusiastic reception by the Chinese. One organization which was especially conspicuous at this reception was the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, of Shanghai, the body which organized the boycott against American goods three years ago. The Chinese officials are said to interpret this visit of the American battle-ships as an indication that America will assist China in maintaining her integrity.

— For many years scientists have been experimenting with various preparations in an effort to find a cure for leprosy. From time to time, announcements have been made that some scientist had discovered such a remedy. These announcements have been generally, if not entirely, premature. A report from Wellington, New Zealand, however, states that a leper has been released from the leper station completely cured of his leprosy by a remedy discovered by two Turkish scientists. The same remedy is now being tested at hospitals in other parts of the world.

— Because of the feeling of animosity existing throughout England against Germany, and the closer relations that have been established during recent months between England, France, and Russia, the emperor of Germany has given out statements in reference to Germany’s attitude toward England which are causing much interest and no little excitement throughout England. In an interview with a prominent Englishman whose name is withheld from publication, the emperor asserts that Germany, during the time of the Boer war, stood between England and a combination of the European powers against her. He states that it was proposed that France, Russia, and Germany interfere unitedly to bring the English-Boer war to an end before England had subjugated that country. Such a stand as this on the part of Germany must be recognized by the English people as a cause for gratitude rather than animosity, and reports indicate that it is coming to be looked upon in that way. Some fears are entertained as to the result which such a disclosure may have in other international relations in Europe.