FIRE LOSSES AND LAW EVASIONS.
By Editor
VERY few realize the loss occasioned each year by fire in the United States alone. Each year we see records published of the number of persons killed and injured in railroad accidents; but we seldom, if ever, see a statement of the loss of life and money occasioned by fire. Last year the number of persons who lost their lives by railroad accidents in this country was 6,930. Much was said about this great sacrifice of life; and yet the number who lost their lives in fires during the same time was nearly as great—6,772; and in these fires there was consumed property to the value of $230,000,000. The International Society of State and Municipal Building Commissioners and Inspectors is agitating the question of better laws and better law-enforcement in the matter of building regulations. In this matter, as in many others, the breaking and evasion of the laws already in force go on openly and flagrantly. The secretary of the Society declares that there is scarcely a city in the country, where, if a man have sufficient "influence" with some alderman or other, he may not get "ameliorating concessions" and other exemptions from the building regulations. If he be powerful enough, he can build absolutely regardless of building inspector or by-law. He says: "I have records of case after case where 'special permits' are issued, or where building inspectors are ordered by their superiors, the council, or the mayor, to issue permits, so-and-so, or where, if that official refuses, such special permits are issued over his head." It is but another evidence of "the rule of graft," where principle and safety are sacrificed to greed. A Plea for Pride.—In the pending peace negotiations between Russia and Japan it is said that Russia is especially solicitous that her national pride be not humiliated. Pride is rather a doubtful quality to be proud of. It is a poor dependence. In the late peace negotiations between the United States and Spain, the monarchy was very desirous to retain her pride, and she was allowed to do so, altho it cost this government $20,000,000—the price paid for the Philippines, or rather for Spain's privilege of conquering the natives. Were it not for national pride, there would not be any wars to speak of; "only by pride cometh contention," and when a defeated nation pleads with the victor that its pride be spared, it would seem to be a plea for a ground of recognition among other nations as a war power. But the Lord has said that "pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall," and so it will be in the end. It is true of nations as of individuals, "Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Missionary Campaign Bulletin No. 1 has just been issued by the General Conference Campaign Committee. It contains plans and suggestions for the campaign, with a brief outline of the literature to be used and the work to be performed. These are being sent out to those who are expected to lead out in the work in their various fields and localities. A limited number of extra copies are kept on hand, and may be secured by addressing H. H. Hall, Mountain View, Cal., secretary of the committee.