The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1874-03-28

The United States rank as third among the ma
tions of the earth as regards the amount of their
Great Britain has an annual commerce
Of more than $4,000, o O.OOO, France OF Sl,42O,
O00. 600. while ours reaches only : .l64,0 600. 900.
Yet our population, the extent of our country, the
abundance OF onr resources. are greater than those
Of either of these countries, and We persist in a
financial system which tends to counterbalance
these advantages, and to keep us in a condition OF
inferiority.-N. b. Standard.
The Cape Ann advertiser says there have been
ia lives and 81 vessels lost during the present
season. The only year which approximates to it
was 1862, when there were los lives and 10 vessels
lost. or the ia men lost this season, AZ were
known to be married. leaving Al widows and Sc
fatherless children. The largest loss of life and
property was in the Bay OF ST. Lawrence. IN the
gale of August %, when 81 men and II vessels
were lost. The total value of the vessels lost is
Sis, 700 insurance 500, 9Is, mostly in the Gloh-
cester Mutual Fishing Insurance Office.
Among the matters that will engross the atten-
ton of Congress at the present session will be the
consideration of a constitutional amendment chang
ing the method of electing the President and Vice
President. A committee of the Senate has had
the subject in consideration during the recess.
This committee, of which Senator Morton is chair
man, are understood as having agreed upon an
amendment to the present system, which will be
submitted to the Senate for consideration. 1t does
away with the Electoral Colleges by enabling the
voter to vote direct for the candidate for President
or Nice-President whom he prefers. 1t also Gre
ates a tribunal for the decision of disputes which
may arise about the iegallty OF any portion OF the
election
Reports from India state that the Government
was doing all in its power 10 mitigate the teTrors
of the famine in Bengal. Relief works on an
immense scale had been organized, and employ
ment woHld be given in them to those seeking aid.
Work is to be provided for all and food imported
to supply all the laborers. In addition relief will
be given TO those unable to toll. The famine was
expected to be at its height about March LIST, after
which some mitigation might be expected. The
contrast between the action of the Christian Gov
eminent OF India and the Govern
ment Of Persia a year or two ago is a good illus
tration of the difference between the two religious
systems. The Christian saves. The Mohammedan
left his people to perish.
Growth of possessions by annexation has stimu-
lated in the Bostonian mind the desire for a public
park, and it is urged that the site should be Sc
lected and purchased Immediately. on account of
the rapid growth of the suburbs of the city and
the consequent increased value of land suitable
for the purpose. \ plan Of public grounds has
been prepared which contemplates the making of
n park containing three square miles of territory.
or about 1000 acres, and for this the cost. with
improvements, is estimated at S., 900, 900. The site
Is IN BroOkline, which at the recent annexation
election refused TO be annexed to Boston. and is
now completely surrounded by the other districts
OF the city. 1t contains small streams and a large
pond OF water, and it is proposed TO use the water
supply by making an artificial lake and a chain of
lakelets which will give variety TO the scenery.