The morning call., 1893-08-10


The question of establishing a gun fac
tory on the Pacific Coast is raised by Sem
ator Dolph's bill in Congress. Such q
factory is necessity of national system
of defense. 1t is unsafe and inexpedient
to depend upon the East for guns and
ammunition, just as it is to trust to the
East for ships required on the Pacific
Coast. The work ought to be distributed,
not merely to provide employment at
various centers. but to utilize to the full
the advantages at command on this coast
A gun fac DRY could be established on San
francisco Bay. producing what is neces-
sary Tor war vessels and land fortifica-
tions. Some point such as Benicia or
Vallejo. in the vicinity Of Mare Island,
would be suitable. Senator Dolph also
advocates an expenditure of $133 600. 900
on Notifications. coast or othrrwiS This
is a programme which may easily be over
done The United States must have its
commercial ports and naval bases we'll
secured, but the real protection of the
coaS. Is better intrusted to strong navy,
and encouragement should be given to that
work.
Mr.. Gladstone has announced that there
Will he an autumn session of Parliament
1t is nearing the 10Th of August, day
when most men of means are on the
moors grcuse-shooting. but the festival Of
King Grouse cannot be kept this year by
the Parlamentarians unless they bolt their
duty. 1t is question of getting the
home-rule bill into the Lords, there to be
rejected. of course, and passing the final
votes OF the financial estimates The rest
OF a very extensive legislative programme,
including revised registi alton and parish
fn~ hnt
ment, will come up in the autumn. That
is why the Government supporters cheered
the P;emier's announcement. The home
rule fight has only begun. All through its
progress in the Commons it has been
fought with a desperation and unscrupu-
lousness wholly Unprecedented, but the
maiorities, with one or two executions.
have never been critical, and this unwaver-
Ing backing has given the Government the
courage 10 persevere with nnflinching
resolution. When the Lords reject the
bill Mr. Gladstone will open an agitation
in the country. Next year tn. bill will
again be passed and If their lordshps are
OF the same mind an appeal to the elector-
ate Is certain.
The light way in which murder is re.
garded corresponds with the light way in
which it is dealt with by punishment. 1t
may have been indifference TO the law, or
hope nursed that no harm can come to
him, that accounts for a very cool assassi-
nation near Los Banos. An employe on
the Dos Palos ranch of Miller & Lux got
severe clubbing eighteen months ago from
an Italian in the service Of the same firm.
The indignity seems TO have ranked in
his mind. lie sighted the Italian yester.
day morning driving toward him i'll
wagon, and lie stopped his work. went for
n at
yards distance. Then he gave himself I'D
and explained that he had got even with
his old-iime antagonist. Eighteen months
is very long period to harbOr a drudge
for a thrashing.
Mr.. w. Fl. Mills has done service in
directing atten ton to an acacia which has
very valuable properties in tanning hides.
The Germans import great quantities of
this black waffle species from Australia.
and It will thrive equally well In this
climate. Tanning ought TO have Il better
prospect in this State. but the capitalist is
no doubt able tn give his reasons why so
many hides 20 East. The acacia bark can
be used here or exported. and the profit
should induce planting
A merchant maintains that the game of
the Southern Pacific in getting the Gov.
ernnent to make a harbor at Santa
Monica is clearly to kill competition.
The Santa Fe could only get to
Santa Monica by route too expensive
70 be practicable, and the Southern
Pacific is laying its plans to monopO-
lie business. This would be a blow to
the trade between San Francisco and Los
Angeles. Every merchant of any foresight
wants to see the trade Of the coast wholly
untrammeled. All the facts in favor Of
San Pedro as against the railroads choice
are known. and if the railroad lobby wins
the victory will be in the teeth of plain
facts and public policy.
1t is reported from Europe that the
United States. Germany and England have
resolved to exile Mataafa, the defeated
chief. This will not be hard lot to the
routed warrior. provided he is not sent
into an uncongenial cline. His prospects
OF reigning are over. and he may as we'll
be out of the way of mischief. The Sa-
means are more likely to settle down to
peaceful incidence when Malietoa has no
rival.