The morning call., 1891-05-03
EDITORIAL NOTES.

The proposed expedition OF DR.. Fridtjof Nan.
sen, the Norwegian explorer, TO the Arctic. pur-
suing the same course as the Jeanette, is con-
stdered extremely hazardous and likely 10
duplicate the experience Of that unfortunate
vessel Indeed, Engineer in Chief Melville, who
led the Jeanette survivors TO safety in NorihrrD
Siberia, IS not the only one who does not con
slider the plan practicable. The doctor even
proposes 70 court the danger that led to the
Jeannette's destruction. His vessel is 10 be so
constructed and strengthened that the Ice, in
stead of crushing, viii lift it out OF the water
Those who went through the experience with DE
Long assert that no vessel could have wiIhsiOod
The strain to which the Jeanette was constantly
subjected for over eighteen months NanSen
expects to carry sufficient provisions for five
years. 10 enter the Arctic through Betting Strait,
take nOrthwestery course and reach out for
the north polar regions. expecting 10 cover a
considerable distance In that direction before
becoming fastened In The ice pack. which, il IS
supposed, viii eventually carry his expedition
over the pole, his calculation being that there
are currents north of Franz Joseph Land that
will eventually bring him out between SpIIz.
bergen and Greenland.
There is strong feeling in Jamaica favorable
to reciprocity. A: present this country annually
takes about S5,OO0,00O worth OF merchandise
from the islanders, who in return purchase about
three and quarter Millions worth with a tariff
OF dollar a barrel on flour aud nearly three dol
lars barrel on pork. While The members OF
the Colonial Council are IN favor OF making con-
cessons 10 secure the advantages Of reciprocity,
the Governor, as the representative of the Queen,
inierposes vigorous objection. 1t certainly
looks as though Lord Knu;sford. the Secretary
for The Colonies will have more than lie can do
TO satisfy The demands of British colOnists whose
commercial interests are closely Identified with
those OF the United States
Bismarek's recent declarations, It is believed
promise lively times in Hle Reiebstag. While he
asserts that he win never attack any policy
directly Initiated by the Emperor, he is con-
yineed that the greater danger TO the Fatherland
Is not from without but within. He will not re-
fraiD from exposing it, but he certainly Will never
say anything TO give his opponents reason to
charge him with attacking the Emperor from
personal motives. Nevertheless he can pro-.
pound few queries that will cause CapriYi TO do
considerable thinking. -
The belief Is growing in Rome that the Rudinl
Cabinet. which was never strong is beginning TO
totter. The election of Sign0r Grlmaldi as a
member of the Budget Committee was a black
eye for the Government, whose candidate for the
place defeated by vote Of III to 100.
GIimadi was Minister OF Finance in the late
CTlSpI Cabinet
The Navy Department is experimenting with
new device for the protection of gunners in
exposed places on war vessels during action.
1t resembles curtain of chain armor, formed OF
interlOeking steel splras, which are remarkably
flexible and strong and calculated to protect