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

In his recent address on " The Social and Po-
Htica Problems of Our Second Century," ex-
Senator Ingalls, In describing the wonderful
growth OF the United States, which he consd-
cred more wonderful than any feature of the
Arabian Nights" said From 1850 to 1890,
Notwithstanding the expenses of the most de-
structlve war in modern times, The accumulated
permanent wealth OF the country Increased
more than $500, 900 an hour for every day. Sun
days and woikdays included. Every time mans
watch licked In his pocket during all This time
the increase was more than $40. We are justl-
fed, therefore, in saying that the growth aud
industrial development on this continent has
been bowling success, and some men are not
satisfied. 1t always happens in every COM
munlty, in every age, and always will, l sup
pose. that the men who fail in life outnumber
those VINO succeed" The ex-senator, who
STYLED himself "a statesman out OF employ
ment," then confessed that the only reason he
knew why he was not millionaire WAS because
he had not brains enough 10 become one.
Barlhelemy ST. Hilaire, the French statesman,
is one OF those VINO opposed TO an entangling
foreign alliance. In bis opinion the Triple ALI
ance was maintained more against Russia than
France. All, he declares, must stand OH guard,
or the Whole of Europe would soon become the
booty OF The Gar France was only a second
airy cause of anxiety to Germany, Austria, En-
gland and Italy. II France remained neutral in
the struggle between Russia and the allies she
need fear nothing. Should she join Russia what
would she gain? In case OF the defeat OF Russia
and France, she would be torn into small bits.
10 case OF victory size might get back Alsace-
Lorraine, aud even the whole bank OF the Rhine,
but on the other hand would be forced to accept
the dictatiOn of st. Petersburg. He conse-
quently was in favor OF maintaining a neutral
position
The proposed French legislation against spies
is terribly rigorous. If the measure favorably
considered by the Military Commission of the
Chamber becomes a law the death penalty will
be inflicted on every one who, while concealing
his name. position. calling or nationality gathers
or permits TO be gathered for hin, in fortified
place, Information which pertains to the defense
aud safety OF France in her relations TO foreign
enemies The same punishment is to be melted
out TO every one who, under similar conditions,
may be caught collecting statistics, making
typographical notes or studying The systems Of
roads and railways so FAR as any OF them has
any bearing on the national defenses.
The New York Supreme Courts decision III
the Tracy will case declines TO enforce against
the mlllionaire's daughter, Harriet the clause
forbldding contest under penalty OF the
forfeiture of a bequest. 1t was the girls
guardian who essayed to prove that the
tesjatOr was incapable OF making viii.
The Court held that any provision in
d WILL Which Ill llS dpplCdlIOn comes Ill COnHlCt
WIKI the organic or statutory law Of the State by
which il is made the duty OF the courts to look
after the rights Of infants must be deemed TO be
Illegal and VOID, as being against public policy
l. is asserted that discovery made during the
English naval maneuvers, just concluded in the
North Sea, has modified accepted ideas of the
value of torpedo vessels. In no instance, 1t is
stated, did a torpedo boat succeed IN an attack
on an rOnclad. Nevertheless, they are not likely
TO be discarded. for. in spite of showers of shot
and shell from rapid-hring guns aud every pre-
caution known IN naval tactics, they sometimes
manage to plant a TORPEDO where 1t can destroy
Rlanco Eucalada or some formidable terror of
the seas.
The 900o-hOTse- power engines Of the armored
cruiser Maine are TO be sci up and placed on
hlblton in New York. Tue engines and boilers
Of The big vessel were designed by the engineer
officers OF Ihe navy, and the work OF building
them was, when the contract was given, consid-
cred one OF The greatest, II not the greatest
pieces Of marine engine construction every at
tempted in this country. The contract price
was S735, 900. with premium OF $500 for each
horsepower above 1000.