The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-07-28
EDITORIAL NOTES.

The Bertill0n system OF Identification which
recently ed a revolt in the Massachusetts
PeniteDtiary was inaugurated In Paris in 1882.
The Objectionable measurements are of most
minute character, giving height. length and
breadth OF head, length Of forearm. middle
finger, foot and ear and color of the eye. Cards
containing these and other measurements are
tabulated under Length OF head" such as long,
medium aud short. SubdIyiding these classes
into long, medium and short fingered; long,
medium and short arms, etc, it takes but brief
time to trace out the measurements of a priS-
oner. Then by inspecting the photograph it is
easy to identify an old cuprit. Old offenders
generally change their names but often prepare
tons 20 Iemeasure them result 10 the confession
of their Identity. DR.. BertIllon hopes that his
system will In time result IN anonymous con-
formations" by Furnishing the prisoner without
casting dishonor on the name OF family.
The incipient mutiny of the Grenadier Guards
the result of DESPERATION through severe aud OPP
pIesslVe treatment, was an astonishing revelation
TO the ruler OF Great Britain. Affairs in the army
must be In a very unsatisfactory condition, Ow
ing to the shameful abuse OF authority, for the
announcement OF Punishment and departure OF
the Grenadiers is coupled with tldings OF the
suicide of Two guardsmen, a corporal and prl-
vate who in farewell miSsives declared they had
been subjected to such abuse by their officers
that II was impossible to endure their miserable
lot any longer. While the pride of the army are
forced into mutiny 10 obtain eyeh decent treat
meni, the officers in a number OF instances have
brought discredit upon the uniform they bear,
by figuring in affairs of galantry and as CO.
respondents in the divorce court
Assistant Postmaster General Clarkson's trip
OF observation on this Coast proved a revelation.
"The great West" he declares, sis prize pack
age-a world in Itself OF wonderful surprises"
In That vast territory" he adds, "is now slum-
bering the vote, which in 1892 VIII elect the next
President of the United States" No doubt his
visit will result in better appreciation OF the
demands OF the great West for increased postal
facilities and other improvements. In times
gone by the demands OF the Coast have not met
with ready response. We need post
Office, coast defenses 'aAd river and harbor i'm.
prOyements. AS the pivotal point OF influence
progresses westward, national legislators Will be
apt TO pay more regard for the needs OF the Coast
The demands of France In regard to compensa-
ton for the English proIectorate over Zanzibar
are said to be increasing and now include the
recognition of French influence throughout the
vast extent of Northwestern Africa and of French
authority In Madagascar. II these concessions
were granted, France, as well as England and
Germany, would thus have new African en-
pire. Mohammedan Influence in Northern Africa
would give way TO the beneficial march OF prog
ress, as displayed in the development OF Algeria.
Only the jealousy OF Spain prevents the French
from replacing the barbaric administration OF
Morocco with progressive government.
Between Bulgaria and Russia the Sultan Is in
a remarkable state of perpexity While the lit
tie princlpaty that has caused so much worry
and excitement during recent years threatens to
declare her Independence. the Russian feet in
the Black Sea is getting ready for naval DEM
onstratIOn, which it is believed will be coupled
with demand for the immediate payment OF the
war indemnify so long deferred The Turks,
like the willy Mongolians, believe in procrastI
mating diplomacy, and can only be brought to
terms by decisive measures