The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-20
EDITORIAL NOTES.

Not very long ago the prediction that vessels
would be constructed of aluminium would have
been considered visionary but now ship-b uid-
are more and more inclined 10 believe IL may
yet be realized. a little steamer constructed OF
aluminium at Zunich the hull engine and screw
propeller having all been fashioned from the
beautiful white metal. has made a successful
trial trip. AS aluminium is light. strong and
proof against rust, the construction of large
steamers and their powerful machinery out of it
would inaugurate new era in the ocean-ca.ry-
ing trade, The carrying capacity and speed eX-
ceeding anything yet attained. just imagine the
change aluminium In lieu OF steel would make in
the new Cunarder COO feet long, with tonnage OF
1000 TONS that is expected to attain speed OF
twenty-five knots an hour.
at is most significant as well as encouraging
sign OF the times that popular attention every
where is being awakened aud directed 10 that
overshadowing curse OF American p0liticS-the
power of Tie local political manager boss
says the Baltimore sun. at IS an evil that has
grown enormously with the growth Of our great
cities, aud with the gradual formation of the
class OF professional politicians of a low type,
who follow politics as trade and simply for The
sake of tho money that Is in IT. San Francisco
has had more than her share of boss rule with
concident schemes Of plumber aud savage on
slaugnis on the dollar limit. 1t is an encoutag-
ing sign OF the times that Buckleyism suffered
such disastrous defeat.
The Ordnance Bureau OF the Navy Depart
nent Is making preparations for competitive
trial between three OF the leading rapld-iire guns
used in secondary batteries. The contest will be
between guns of six pound calber. Though
their size is nothing 10 brag about, weapons that
throw twenty-five and thirty shots a minute,
piercing four Inches OF steel at 100 yards and
having range of three and bali miles, are
capable of deadly execution.
The gross income of the railroads Is a pretty
good gauge of the country's prosperity. The in
come of 1890 was Sl,097 SAT, 42S, against
1902, 926, o59 for 1889, a gain of S94 921, 1863
From 1888 to 1889 the increase was So, oO0,-
600. The big crops Of 1891 are likely 10 result
in many additional millions being poured into
the Golfers of the railroad maguates, whose lead
ing characteristic Is 10 collect all the traffic Will
BEAR
The British War Office has been urged to pre-.
vent the circulation of sociallstic literature in
the army. The insubord nation Of the Grenadier
Guards and one or two other crack organizations
caused their officers to examine more closely
into the daily lie and associations OF the ptivates
and nom commissioned officers, the result being
the discovery that An active socastc propa-
ganda had been going on in the army for some
time.
In England and Germany the iron and steel
manufacturers are complaining OF dull times,
and number Of extensive works have closed
down. The idle mechanics and workmen Of the
West Cumberland Iron and Steel Works in
Britain are so destitute that many are accepting
parish relief Doubtless many of them would
like TO enjoy the benefits of McKinleyism.