The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-03-09
EDITORIAL NOTES.

Berlin, which is regarded by some economical
writer's as the most prudently and efficiently
governed city in the world, owes its good reputa-
tiontO the fact that the municipality is run as a
business enterprise. The revenue is derived
from an Income tax, corporation franchises, gas
works. sewer and waller taxes and assessments
upon realty. great source OF income Is the
manufacture of gas, a frstclass service being
provided al reasonable price, the city deriving
an annual profit Of 81, 125000. The taxpayers
divided into three classes, according TO their
annual assessments, and each class selects
third OF the City Council OF 126 members
Henchmen OF a boss would not be tolerated, the
electors picking out men of well-knOwn business
capacity whose term OF Office is six years. The
cOun Gil is lIkened TO the directors OF huge cor
poratoD, disposng Of the eity's income to the
best advantage and appointing executive off,
GERS. The Mayors tenn is twelve years and his
annual salary S75o0. The Berliners generally
pick out a gooG man OF business and executive
ability for the head Of the municipality Buck
leyism would not be olerated under any eircum-
stances.
The Factory and Workshops Act Amendment
Bill, now receiving the attention OF Brialn's law
makers, provides for the better sanitation of
factories, improved ventilation, better means of
escape from fire, greater protection from injury
from dangerous machinery and the M ans OF test
Ing The rate of payment by piece work so as 10
guard against fraud. The Home Secretary has
brought in a measure dealing with the same
question i'll accordance with Ministerial pledges,
Sydney Buxton has charge Of another bill OF
more sweeping character while in The Upper
House Lord Dnnravsn and Lord hiring have
submitted reforming projects OF their own. ! he
announcement of the proposed organization OF
Labor Commission, the above evidences OF
anxiety TO legislate for the benefit Of working
men aud other well-knOwn signs are considered
g.F Iii
dissolution OF Parliament.
In some OF the crowded di strIcts OF London
family AIT er family have located in house only
10 die Of the fever which killed of the previous
occupants. The very ground is saturated with
the germs of the disease. To obyiatc such a coz
dtion OF affairs threatening epidemcs which
spread 10 more favored districts, measure has
been submit ed to Pafliamept which gives the
municipal authorities the right for sanitary
reasons to condemn such pesIiierous rookeries,
take possession OF them at their market value,
clear them away and provide for the cOnstfuc.
tlon OF buildings on sound sanitary principles.
In Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow this plan
has resulted in benefit 10 the general health.
When fVe.masted ship was launched some
old salts were dubious about tie advantage Of
The fifth mast and predicted failure in tacking
as ii was thought such rugged vessel could not
ship in the world, having a carrying capacity of
G150 tons dead weight, aud rugged with five
masts, recently made her maiden voyage from
Cardiff TO Rio in SO days, which Is considered
satisfactory record, and worked the captain de-
clared, as easily as a yacht. II the France con-
tnues 10 prove successful 1t is probable that sue
Will soon be followed by still larger ship capa-
bic OF carrying 5000 tons OF freight.
The Bank Of frances timely loan OF 75.OOO,-
600 francs to the Bank Of England in November
last 10 tide over the temporary embarrassment
caused by the financial crisis Melted it 562, 500
francs in interest. The money, which has been
returned Was never unpac- ed but it was neces-
sary by the condition of the Bank of Eugland's
charter 10 deposit 1t IN tie vaults a guarantee
at the time when considerable amount OF
golden bars was withdrawn to be converted
into coin.
Cable adyices by way OF Lisbon do not convey
a very faItering idea OF financial affairs in Brazil
They intimate that the amount OF paper issued
already or about TO be issued in short time by
Dr. BafbOSa's banks is In the neghbOrhOOd Of
100000, 900, and that the Government paper is
about So5, 10000 This paper is incoayertible.
Formerly the banks held gold as a guarantee for
their paper, but The guarantee exists no longer.
The deadly ear stove got in its work at the
railroad accident near Havana, Ill. The wreck
burned so rapidly that 1t was win the utmost
difficulty that some Of the passengers were
rescued.
The prospects are that within a month the
President viii be en- route TO California. There
IS no doubt that lie Will enjoy the trip and re-
ceiye hearty welcome.