The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-09-29

prime mover in this project, is also an in
fuential member of the Chamber of Depu-
ties, which lends color to the theory that
he knows what he is doing. If the Min
istry really has such plan it promises
curious new phase to the vexed Papacy
problem.
The Irish convention has been treated
here with salutary contempt. Arrange
ments had been made to send very full re-
ports, but after the first day no London
paper cared to print them, and the whole
affair lapsed into the obscurity of few
lines on an inside page.
This is in gratifying contrast to the
prevalent spirit of few years ago when
any casual Finnerty or Ryan who needed
a little cheap advertisement in his BUSH
ness could get quoted verbatim here and
be placarded in the Tory press as an i'm
portant and dangerous parsonage.
There are persistent rumors that Lord
Salisbury has decided to push forward a
comprehensive scheme for reforming the
House of Lords, several different forecasts
of his intentions being whispered about,
but believe that the matter has not yet
got beyond the stage Of speculative discus
sion. 1t would be quite possible to rear
range the composition of the House of
Peers so that it would be a much more
effective Tory force than at present and
still seem to satisfy the principal objec-
tons of the reformers, and very likely
some such thing may be attempted before
this Parliament dies, but there is no need
for hurry about it.
Public interest In the ministerial doings
is concentrated, indeed, in the Foreign
Office, which shrouds itself in profound
mystery land even more on the prospects of
big fight between Chamberlain and Cecil
Rhodes. This ought by all rules to be a
notable struggle.
Meanwhile there is no shadow Of a sign
of a break in the unexampled mining
share boom, which continues its exciting
upward career and makes all other Stock
Exchange business seem rather paltry and
colorless by comparison. 1t was expected
that this weeks settlement would clean
out a lot of weaker SPECTATORS who are
known to be carrying much bigger burdens
than they are fitted for but they hung on,
some paying as high as 80 per cent for the
privilege, in the belief that the boom has
still plenty of vitality.
Many quiet realizations are being made,
however, and on every side one hears
stories OF great fortunes safely withdrawn.
Florence O'Driscoll, the poor young en-
gineer, who was in America in 1893 as a
delegate to the exhibition and was whip
of the Irish party as well, went out to
West Australia that winter as a salaried
expert and has become a big figure in the
market here. He is at the head of the
Menzies properties, and it is supposed that
he could retire to-day with two millions.
This furore in London has naturally at
tracted a good deal of Continental money
and Paris particularly has heavy IN
terest. The Paris Bourse has become
frightened and decreed that no new min
ing stock is to be quoted for the remainder
of the year, but this action has not at all
checked French speculation here.
1t is to cost about So 900, 900 and its navi-
CATION is to be free. The project has
aroused so much jealousy in other provinces
that the Government, which bears nearly
| three-fourths of the expenses, has also
| been compelled to undertake costly i'm
provements for Antwerp, Client, Ostend
| and Brussels.
| Excavations in the Cathedral of Anglers
brought to light the other day the collins
| of King Rene of Anjou, the father of
| Queen Margaret of the Wars of the Roses,
and his wife. The remains OF the latter
have practically disappeared, being only
| in tin case, but in the leaden coffin of
King Rene was found preserved his skele-
thin gold leaf, in his right hand the
scepter of Naples and on his breast jew
eled orb all green with rust.
HAROLD FREDERIC.