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THE WAR IN THE EAST

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Mar 29, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 13.

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THE WAR IN THE EAST.

General Kuropatkin's resignation from the command of the army and navy operating against the forces of Japan has been accepted by the czar, and General Linevitch has been given the command in his place. The new commander has a most difficult task if he accomplishes what is expected of him in the reorganization of the Russian army in the face of a constantly-advancing foe who has captured everything before him and is now flushed with victory as never before. Mukden was occupied by the Japanese last week, and Tie Pass, where the Russians expected to make a stand and did attempt to rally, is also in the hands of the Japanese. The Russians are now retreating toward Harbin, where the railroad branches off to Vladivostok. In the demoralized condition of the Russian army, and in view of the great losses in killed, wounded, and prisoners which it has sustained, it is not generally expected that they will be able even to hold this most important position. A defeat here means the cutting off of Russia's only remaining seaport, Vladivostok, and the forcing of the Russians back along the railroad over the wind-swept plains of Siberia.
Notwithstanding her reverses, it is reported that Russian officialdom is determined to continue the war, even tho Harbin should be taken. It is reported also that French bankers are refusing to float a large loan which Russia desired for the continuance of the war.
There are as yet no definite figures as to the losses sustained in the great battle of Mukden and the disastrous retreat which followed. The Russian loss by some is placed as high as 125,000.
The committee of the French Chamber of Deputies into whose hands was placed the bill for the separation of church and state, has made its report to that body. After presenting the relation between the church and state from early days, the report states: "We maintain that the sole solution for the difficulties growing out of the régime of the concordat is a loyal and complete separation of church and state, particularly under the democracy, wherein the existing universal suffrage and sovereignty of the people make the continuation of an official religion such a defiance of logic and good sense that it seems astonishing that the French Republic continued such an equivocal régime during the last thirty-four years." The report states that it is useless to put off the separation until after the popular election, as such a delay would be advantageous to Rome and dangerous to France.
In view of the agitation over the taking of Indian funds for the support of Catholic schools, the matter was brought up in the Senate on February 28. A bill was finally passed, forbidding the use of any Indian trust funds for the support of sectarian schools among the Indians. An amendment was finally passed, which permits any individual Indian to direct that any portion of principal or interest coming to him from such funds may be used for the education of his children in such schools. It is felt that this was a compromise, and makes a loophole through which virtually the same object will be attained, namely, the use of Indian trust funds for the support of Catholic schools.
As an illustration of the power wielded by lobbyists over Legislatures, the following is to the point. The Delaware House of Representatives, on March 16, voted to refuse all lobbyists the privilege of coming upon the floor of the Legislature. This action was taken because of the fact that, for several days, the lobbyists seemed to be busier on the floor than did the legislators themselves. On the same day the lobbyists held an indignation meeting, and adopted resolutions demanding the floor privileges. The resolution was sent to the House, and the exclusion resolution was at once rescinded, and that almost unanimously.
The Legislature of Colorado, in joint convention, has ousted Governor Alva Adams from his office, and given the office to the former governor of the state, James H. Peabody. The latter had contested the election of Adams. On a recount the vote of a number of precincts was thrown out as fraudulent. However, the normal Republican majority was not given to the unseating of Alva Adams, and it is reported that the change could only be carried through on the promise that Peabody would resign in favor of the Lieutenant Governor.
A drug trust is now in control of the whole drug business of the country, selling only to its favorites, and boycotting those who meet its disapproval. Wholesalers and retailers alike are subject to its tyranny. Testimony in the matter has been brought out before special commissioner Sanpsell for the Federal Government. The testimony will be turned over to attorney-general Moody, looking to prosecution under the Sherman law.
The engineering committee of the Panama Canal Commission have declared in favor of a canal at sea level, thus eliminating the locks that would otherwise have been necessary. It is estimated that such a canal will cost $230,500,000.
Scientists have at last discovered a method of making artificial hair and artificial silk. The latter is made from cellulose, obtained principally from carded cotton, altho it may also be obtained from corn and some other grains.
Heavy and continuous rains in the southern part of California have resulted in the complete suspension of railway traffic, owing to the resultant destruction of roadbeds and bridges, and to numerous great landslides in the mountains.
A number of Japanese cruisers have arrived at Singapore, and are lying in wait for the Russian warships. The latter, however, are believed to be on their way home.
Delaware has decided to do away with the pillory. The old torture machines will be broken up; but wife-beaters will still be whipped in public.
A report from Venezuela states that President Castro is now preparing for war with various foreign powers, including the United States.
Special agents of the government are now investigating alleged land frauds in the state of Utah, which promise to rival those of Oregon.