The morning call., 1892-12-29

over. 1t was very long journey and very
hazardous. Yet, when the dispassionate
critic thinks it over, it was a much easier
journey, mile for mile, than if it had been
performed anywhere else in the wids. From
Constantinople or Smyrna to Peking is
smooth running compared with any track
that could be mapped out iD Africa, South
America or Australia. The Old World is
the cradle of civilization, and there are good
roads in Asia Minor. Persia, Russian Asia
and China. 1t was not the labors of cycling
that bothered these daring travellers. 1t was
the curiosity of inhabitants, who regarded
them somewhat as meteors available eXcep-
tionally for inspection. In China the crowds
of the curious were positive enbarrass-
ment. When this exploit has been ven-
tilated there VIII be others in the field. 1t
may soon become geographical lesson or
a test of physical endurance and courage TO
compete in races across continents, and
very healthy, stimulating exercise it will he
when passports really protect the bearer.
This may come in time. We cannot expect
too much from the Chinese or from nomadic
tribes all at once.
1t is a right order from the treasury to
Boston prohibiting the importation of rags
from number of specified porte in Europe
where disease not only turks but stalks
abroad. These rags are used in paper
making and for. other industrial purposes.
Is it not possible to find substitutes? The
Daily Chronicle of London, with which is
cOnjoined the most extensively circulated
weekly in the whole country, LtOydS'
Heekly, obtains most Of its paper for its
own mills from Algeria. The paper even
keeps its own ships going 10 bring cargoes
OF espart0 grass as speedily as possible
from the growing districts to the mills.
The London Daily Telegraph a few years
ago used California as a base for paper
The MOjave Desert ibers were utilized. 1t
saved much to that very shrewd pro-
prietary. Is there any real need of rags
from abroad? For commercial rapacity, OF
course. But cannot the merchant con-
tent himself with fair profit out OF good
material at home?
The situation in France is reassuring that
the republic has weathered the storm and
is again in smooth water. One of the pretty
things OF the struggle between the republic
and its enemies is the courage shown by NJ.
Ribot in refusing to fight a duel with Nj.
Andrieux. The latter tried hard TO draw
the former into the field of honor, but failed
10 win renown in spitfire probity. 1t is
quite time that other public men in France
Initiated the example OF Rlbot. The con-
tempt Of generation as 10 dueling would
level 1t as one OF the most eowardly articles
to exhibit bravery, as IL is alSo one OF the
most horribly unjust in settling quarrels.
NJ. Andrieux will now consider himself at
the dogs without being actually consigned
thitheT. The republic has another turn of
life. and it may be hoped there is nothing
like another Panama scandal ahead 10
threaten its existence.
The delay in the arrival of the Cunard
steamship Umbria need not cause much
anxiety. 1t is one Of the best built steamers
on the Atlantic and its crew is well dis
cipined. The probability is that the en-
pinpS have hroEan doWn aud ha ha an
gineers are repairing damages. Some years
ago a steamship IF the Pacific Mail Company
rocked 10 and fro on the Pacific for eight
days before a defect of the machinery could
be repaired, but the passengers were all
landed, although some of them might after
ward turn prematurely gray. The Umbria
is one of the finest modern vessels and will
weather auV moderate trifle