Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-02-12

sand in existence. and the Government credit
remains unimpaired. 1t appears probable
that the mischievous ingenuity of single in
dividual has succeeded in disturbing the cur
rency for nearly half year.
THE THREATENED RUPTURE BETWEEN CHINA
AND JAPAN.
! Notwithstanding the plain proofs of the
| impossibility of serious difficulty between
Japan and China, efforts to provoke rupture
continue These are conducted by interested
European agents, some holding high stations,
others concerned only in the trading inter
ests. The former hope for opportunities of
diplomatic distinction, the latter count upon
large sales of war material 1t appears evil
dent that pIblic opinion in America is misled
on this point There never has been any real
ground for experimenting active hostilities, al
though outside efforts produced state of
things resembling danger.
POSTAL MATTERS.
| A portion of the American attaches of the
Japan Postofice are about to return home,
their term of Office having expired. 1t is
| generally felt by foreigners that their dis
missal is premature The Japan Postofice
stands pre-eminent in working but this is
owing to the devoted and extraordinary en-
deavors of the American employees. 1t is
doubtful whether the same perfect manage
ment is possible without the aid of these ex-
ceptionally able and untiring superintend-
ents.
THE RAvAGEs OF CHOLERA.
Cholera was completely subdued at the
close of last year. The final report, just
issued by the National Sanitary Board, shows
16S, 900 cases, and 101 900 deaths. The pro-
portion Of cases to the entire population is
reckoned at one to every 500. In certain
southern districts the ravages were frichtful.
In Leo Choo 725 of every 10, coo inhabitants
were attacked. The conviction of the Gov
eminent is unalterable, that the disease
gained admission through the opposition of a
few foreign ENJOYS, led by Sir Harry Parkes,
to the establishment of rigid quarantine.
coURTEsIEs EXCHANGED.
Courtesies continue literally exchanged be-
tween the Duke of Genoa and the Japanese
mobiles and officials. italian decorations have
been conferred on nearly score of Japanese
of various ranks, from Prime Minister down.
japanese decorations have been awarded to
the Italian officers in attendance upon the
| Duke.
THE BURNED DISTRICT OF TOXIC.
The rebuilding of the vast burned district
in Toxic proceeds slowly, the Government
proposing to introduce precautionary i'm.
provements In laying out the streets, con-
struction OF houses, etc., to guard if possible
against similar devastation hereafter. The
public loan is to be raised by the city au-
thorities to aid in erecting dividing walls in
the thickest parts of the Capital. None of
these measures will be effective so long as the
present corrupt and defective fire depart
ment exists. 1t Is powerful organization,
and the Government hesitates to over
throw it, although it is well known
that it is not only useless, but often
increases the spread of fires to secure pc
cuniary advantages which can easily be man
aged, and is regarded as a natural order of
things by the community. Previous at
tempts to introduce steam fire. engines created
riots, and caused a hasty retirement of the
projectors of reform. The popular suffering
by the lost fire was much less than ever be-
tore, owing to the prompt and extensive re-
lief from the Government and other sources.
len thousand dollars worth of rice and
blankets were distributed within twenty-four
hours: The foreigners in Toxic, Yokohama
and Kobe contributed upwards of $4,000
more. The Emperor and Empress gave
$4,000.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Government contemplates opening to
foreign trade the port of Dairi, in the Buzen
province, opposite Simonozski, on the strait
OF that name, but the matter is not yet de-
cided.
1t is highly improbable that the United
States offer of mediation in the Loo Choo
business will be accepted. The quarrel never
reached such point as to render mediation
necessary or desirable.
The japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs
is entirely opposed to the ridiculous claim put
forward by an English newspaper organ in
Yokohama, that il the Simonozski indemnity
fund be not given up England must demand
it. that nation having lost money while the
United States gained by the combined attacl;
on Simonozski eighteen years ago.