The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-04-16

ity. causing great damage to property. We
need not feel surprised at the statement
that many chickens and hogs were killed,
for the stones were very large, some of them
measuring two inches in diameter. and they
covered the ground to depth of six inches.
To have produced these results CT rapid
coDgelation OF moisture in the atmosphere
the meteorological disturbances must have
been very violent Yet there have been
hailstones greater even than these. at least
by report Some years ago a paper was
read before the British Association for the
Promotion OF Science on storms in the
Himalayas. and the writer calmly gave the
assurance that he had heard of hailstones
the size of an elephant! Had these aerial
missiles been only as big as baby elephants
they would still be worthy Of being photo
graphed, but the savant who heard Of them
was unfortunately not in the neighbofhood
at the time Even the British Association.
accustomed to swallow many things in
geology, received the dimensions of these
hailstones with hilarious incredulity.
II is much too soon TO crow over solution
of the difficulties Of transportation besetting
this State. for nothing has yet been done
beyond surveying the situation and weigh
ing and giving shape to plans. That belief
does appear to be well-founded, however.
that the movement now CT foot to provide
an independent. competing connection with
the East is in earnest and will have tangible
realization. With prudent reserve, the
details OF the scheme and the names of the
subscribers OF capital are withheld. To be
hasty and premature in disclosures would
forewarn and forearm opponents of the
scheme. and there will probably be enough
OF difficulty to overcome when the promOt-
ers are ready to proceed. Ii would, doubt
less, crafty The Southern Pacific people to
witness dlslntegratiOn and dissens sion at
work from the commencement Mr. Leeds
trQn ffnx.
careful study since his arrival on the coast.
and he has come 10 the conclusion that the
local rates arc a key TO the whole subject
With reduction OF these rates competition
by sea will be developed. and that will in
fiuence through rates and force them down.
local road, bound not to combine with
any other company, would materially change
the whole situation. a number of capital
lists, before whom the merits of the pro-
posal have been laid. are willing to join
hands in the enterprise, and il they do not
recede the road can be constructed, and al
moderate cost. too. With a genuine COM
petlng road and unfettered facilities for
trade by sea, the incubus that retards the
progress Of the State would be removed.
The clockwork of justice is sadly out of
repair when prisoners are kept in prison
awaiting trial about as long as they might
have done in Neapolitan dungeons. A
prisoner was before Judge Rix in the Police
Court Yesterday whose case has been pend
ing three weeks, and he yet has few DAYS
to waste in his cell before being confronted
with the witnesses. lie is only charged
with petty larceny, and If it be very petty he
has already uutried had more than enough
punishment. The probability is the poor
man has neither friends nor money. or he
would be out on bail, even Tor much more
serious o1fense. IL Is nothing short of
Scandal0us TO be negligent in bringing
prisoners promptly to trial.