The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1894-12-01
EDITORIAL NOTES.

The young czar of Russia is dis
playing considerable activity in the
management of the affairs of the en-
pire, and if he bends his energies in
the right direction, there may yet be
hope for liberal government for
Russia.
The Trans Mississippi congress. now
in session in st. Louis, Mo-, will un-
undoubtedly resolve itself into free
coinage convention, and in this it will
not be endorsed by any considerable
portion of the people, east or west.
In the financial world certain laws are
inhexible, and one of these is that no
single nation can change the monetary
standard of the world.
The State of Alabama seems to be
going backward in civilization. A bill
has been introduced into the legisla-
ture to restore the lease system for
convicts of the penitentiary. The
abuses under the lease system have
disgraced every state that has adopted
it. The wilds of Russian Siberia have
horrors no more repulsive than have
been shown in connection with the
convict lease system. The good people
of Alabama should see to it that it is
not again fastened upon them under
plea of economy.
The Oregonsam publishes report
today that Major Mcneil, of the o, r.
& N. Co., was desirous of purchasing
the boats of the D. P. d A. N. Go.
and If the deal was made all the shares
of stock would be purchased at par
value of 800 each; an agreement
would be made that the same freight
rates as are now in operation shall re-
main, not only between The Dalles
and Portland, but also between all
intermediate points and that the rail-
roads shops be removed from Albina
to The Dalles. Such a sale will be
satisfactory to our people; but not the
disposal Of the controlling interest by
a few of the largest shareholders,
while those owning few shares would
be left to the mercy of the railroad
company.
Port Arthur, China's great strong
hold which had been fortified at great
expense. fell into the hands of the
Japanese Yesterday, after stubborn
resistance on the part of the Chinese
garrison. This is GROWING victory
for Japan, and if Okina were solicitous
for peace before this event she is now
at the mercy of victorious Japan.
The island empire has only popula-
tion of 10000, 900 while China's
hordes are estimated at nearly 400,-
100000; but her army is poorly dis
ciplined, and they lack the courage and
endurance of Japanese troops. This
campaign between Japan and China
has been q remarkable one, for in every
engagement Japan has been successful.
For long years the little empire has
adopted the advanced methods Of
western civilization, and has used the
most strenuous efforts to construct a
navy and equip an army which should
be second to none. The results of the
war SO far has proved that she has
been very successful in her efforts.
The rumor that Japan has been cast
ing longing eyes upon the Hawaiian
islands, with the intention of finally
extending its grasp to include them in
It's kingdom is without foundation,
probably. Commenting upon the ru-
NOR the San Francisco Chronicle re-
marks: "There is no question of the
great ambition of Japan to play a
prominent part in the affairs of the
Orient and the Pacific islands, but 1t IL
absurd to say that had the present war
not broken out Japan would have at
to sieze Hawaii. At one time.
when Japan was talking loudly about
the rights of her people in Hawaii, 1t
looked as though there might be
trouble, but since then no one has put
any faith in the rumors eff japanese
designs on the republic. So long as
any war vessel of other powers was in
Honolulu harbor L. would be an i'm
possibility for japan to land troops or
20 threaten the Dole government with
If safe from such pro
'edure Dole would be fully able to
maintain his powers against any force
hat the Japanese could bring from