The morning call., 1892-06-12

realized what had happened, and Detore Ine
victims could recover from their paralysis;
The robbers had their plan of how to get OIL
with the money, and they allowed NOBODY
else time to form a counter plan.
hundred questions may suggest them
selves as to what should have been done
under the circumstances. Why, for in
stance. was the train not stopped, so that
every body who had a mind to might join in
the pursuit? The train went on, to keep its
schedule time, and the passengers found
useless relief to their feelings in bowling
out harmless exeamati0ns. Why, again, did
the men who had been robbed not get out
and give chase to the flying buggy? If the
robbers could alight, so could they. But
they only bit their thumbs and went on to
the next station, and by that time the
depredatOTS were battling pursuit triumph
antly. II the thing were to do over again
of course the tables could be turned, but
the robbers evidently understood what they
were about, and nobody had the slightest
suspicion that human nature could attempt
a stroke of yillainy so preposterously auda-
ciOus. Doubtless, also, the fTetbOoteTs were
prepared to risk their lives in defense OF
their want of principle, and there IS gen.
orally fatal irresolution on the part OF
uDlnteTeSted onlOOkeTs to be bold and lear
not. Even had there been couple OF po-
licemen in the car the results might not
nave DbtN ulnNltut. nc ClllliG ID a. AO"ob
picturesque, but that will not console the
firm which has lost the money.
Canada at least enjoys the freedom of
open discussions Of her relations with the
United States and how they might be inl-
proved. At Windsor, Ontario, vote was
taken after a debate on a resolution favor
ing political union with this country, and it
was carried by surprisingly large major
ity. There were votes for independence
for imperial federation, 43 for the status
quo and 204 for political union. If the other
towns of Canada could only make up their
minds in the same way, Canada might
easily be incorporated with the United
States. Great Britain, who profits no
more from her colonies than II they were
foreign countries, would not stand seriously
in the way of political changes ardently de-
sired by her offspring Nor would Great
Britain lose by the operation. Canada
would still have her trade with the mother
country, just as the United States has.
The Bedouins of the eastern shore of the
Red Sea.are in revolt against the Sultan OF
Turkeys dominion, and Jeddah is threat
ened. This will give the Sultan an OpDor-
tunity TO show his power in a region where
he is weak and where British and Egyptian
policy is not friendly TO his domination.
OF late there have been rumorS that the sui
tan, backed by Russia. was anxious to have
another canal between the Mediterranean
and the Red Sea. The completeness of the
concession to LesSepS' company is believed
to balk this. but there would be profitable
returns for another company, and this
Brdouin trouble may operate as an in
ceutive to 90 ahead The engineering diff
eulties are Of no great magnitude.
1t is almost gratifying to learn that the
Southern Pacific Company is alarmed at the
revolt against its treatment of commerce on
the coast. To conclude that it is repentan.
would be undiscernng, for its policy has
always been TO grind out the uttermOst
cent from the trader and TO yield in nothing
unless it is compelled TO knuckle down. At
this moment il shows concern at the turn
matters have taken by sending its agents
round among merchants aud offering them
special rates, on condition that they hold
aloOf from the Traffic Association. Ii these
merchants are loyal to their OWN interests
and those Of the city and coast they will
stamp upon the proposition as detestabe
bribery. The monopoly is at its old tricks
of divide and conquer, and II merchants fall
into It's tolls they will simply witness the
exploited feebleness Of allowing themselves
to be manipulated and bled 10 death as
before.
The establishment of clipper lines be-
tween San Francisco and New York, if
carriediout energetcallv, as appears to be
the intention, will regulate the temper of
the Southern Pacific and other railways in a
marked manner. Merchants who help
themselves are certain 10 be respected even
by their opponents. Grace & Co. and Bal
four, Guthrie & Co. have an abundant back
ing from the mercantile community, and by
working together they can do much to solve
our transportation embaTTassments. Grace
Il Co. give the assurance that they propose to
take freight on reasonable terms, and the
one ship they have at present chartered can
not take all the goods offered on board, and
another vessel must follow. The time
should come when large freight steamers,
with speed of 10 knots an hour and eco
| engaged in this traffic between the Atlantic
and Pacific. Steamers would reduce the
passage to 90 days, and that would only be
double the time occupied on the overland
| route. provided all goes well, which IS ire
Quently far from being the case.
The promoters Of the new ferry across
the bay of San Francisco have received sub
stantial offers of support if they take up the
conveyance of passengers as well as freight
| There is every reason to be confident that
the traffic would pay well from the outset
at lower rates than prevail 1t IS said the
/ intention is TO reduce the fare to 10 cents
! each way, which ought to he sufficient, con-
| sidering the volume OF travel each way. No
! doubt the Southern Pacific would cut even
! upon this rate in order to preserve Its
| ascendency, but there would still be room
/ for q new company The marvel is there
/ was not competition years ago.