The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-11-19
EDITORIAL NoiEs.


The retirement of Tricoupis. who has been at
the head of Greek affairs for the past four years,
is an event that attracts considerable ait linton
at the capitals OF Europe. His policy has been
directed IN lie main TO the peaceful object OF
preventing Il quarrel between Greece and Tur-
key in which The resources OF his coun ry would
be dangerously strained, though on the eve OF
the recent election he made "PaG-Helenic"
speech designed TO stay the popular tide That
threatened TO oyerwhelm him. The downfall Of
TrlcOupis once more brings Delyannis TO The fore.
II was under his administration that the Greek
forces were called out 10 1886 10 secure an
extension of territory. The European powers,
however, interfered and blocksded tho Greek
ports. He declined to Yield 10 the menaces OF
the powers aud resigned. The prospects Of
renewal of Greece's aggressive policy is not REL
Ished in some quarters, and the question Is asked
''Nill the European powers permit a small state
created by the public policy Of Europe 10 throw
all the world into confusion III an attempt TO
achieve an impossible iteal2"
General Benet, Chief OF the Bureau Of Ord
nance, in summing up the achievements OF the
department during forty-0ne years OF continuous
service, points out The causes that make this era
in the military history OF the world marvel, de.
claring smooIl-b0res have yielded 20 rifles aud
500-yards' range and uncertain accuracy TO the
unerring bulrseyes far beyond the uuaided
reach of human vision, and the brittleness Of
cast-iron spheres has been superseded by the
marvellous paTforatDg of steel armor by elon-
gated projeeaes. Gunpowder. with Rodman's
marked Improvements In size and burning and
consequent reduced pressure. seems 10 be yield
iRg TO smokeleSs compound. not yet perfectly
developed. and 10 the destructive power OF the
titanic explosives OF to-day.
The Department of Agriculture Is now en-.
gagged III investigating the possibilities and con-
a ff.ps nF glNa rid OF lao
amount OF land In this region capable OF being re-
claimed is believed to be not less than 1907
Uo0, 900 acres an area comprising 80 per cent
more arabic land Than Is Included in The thirteen
original States and Florida. The department
has sent out series OF circulars containing
queries relating TO almost every phase OF the
question, aud judging from the good results ac
complished by lis artesau-well investigation,
Will present some valuable results for the con-
sideralion of Congress and those interested In
the problem OF rcelalming the desert places aud
Transforming them into regions Of fertility.
Such a sharp lookout is now maintained at
Eastern ports that the efforts of foreign officials
TO get rid of convcts, brggars and public charges
by sending them TO America are being repeat
eddy frustrated. The vessels that bring passen-
gers Of this description are bound to return them
free of charge and the masters are placed under
bonds for the safe keeping Of those refused a
pctiHit " idLu- IL iIeuucutly HdppcuS SOHic
pretty queer characters are anxious to find a
home on American soil.
The Maine which was successfully launched
yesterday, Is the finest battesbip OF the new era.
She Will be protected by armor OF twelve inches
of solid steel and will carry guns OF teniuch cali
Der, that will enable her gunners TO hit an enc
my's defenses at distance OF nine miles with q
steel shot weighing quarter Of a ton. Long
may she be permitted 10 carry our banner In
peace, but should circumstances require it, she
Will be able to cope with some OF the finest Iron.
clads af1oat.
Ever since the discovery Of photography the
secret of reproduction 10 natural colors has been
eagerly sought and il all accounts are true, the
solution has been reached by Philadelphia
photographer, 10 whom the art is indebted for
many valuable improvements. His process ADDS
wonderfully 10 the interest and beauty OF slere-
opticon displays.