New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-08-23
TOPICS IN CALIFORNIA.
SOUTH AFRICAN CAPITAL SEEKING IN
VESTMENT-SAN FRANCISCO'S CHAR
TER-THE JAPANESE STEAMERS.
tsr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIRuNE.l

tBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBCNEJ
San Francisco Aug. 22-The recent revival
Of the mining industry in this State bids fair
to receive a new impetus by the infusion OF
capital from the Transvaal. Several engineers
and experts commissioned by South African
syndicates are now here FOR the purpose of in
specting California gold mines. and 1t is openly
stated by those authorized to speak that Cecil
Rhodes. John Hays Hammond and others now
persona non grata to President Kruger are
only awaiting favorable reports to transfer their
field OF operations to the Pacific Coast The fact
that several Cafornians among the mem
hers Of the Reform Committee at Johannesburg
seen,s to have turned tho attention OF their
English associates H. this direction. for besides
the negotiations Just referred to, IL Is announced
that a deal involving the purchase of si'ooo'"V
worth Of bonds of the Los Angeles consolidated
electric railways has been carried through by
these magnates of Rhodesia. This VIII give
them control Of the transportation system or the
Southern metropolis.
The only change in the political situation dur
ing the week has been the fusion Of the Demo-
Gratis and Populists. on the basis Of five electors
for the Democrats to four for the Populists.
There has been some talk Of fusion in several
Congress districts. but Dis the leaders OF the
Democracy assert that they have no use lor
their allies to help them in defeating Mckinney
there is no probability of any further compina-
lions being effected. In fact. the Middle-of-the-
Road men are already beginning TO see now they
have been taken into camp by the enemy ana
their campaign work is not likely to show much
vigor.
Reports continue to be received regarding the
ptiful plight Of the men who rushed INTO Alasha
early in the year, deluded by stories OF 'he
fahulouslv rich gold fields in Cooks Inlet. Hun
dreds of men are stranded in that frigid
region destitute of provisions and proper cIo'h-
ing Unless aid is afforded by the Government
before the Arctic winter becomes severe many
of these unfortunate seekers for new Eldorado
will perish from privaticn.
The stagnation In real estate transactions not
only IN this city but throughout the state -
almost without precedent knowing now 10"
prices have fallen there are many who would
invest in land. but prevented by the strln-
gencv of the money market The refusai OF the
banks to make loans is eXasperatlng 10 ueai-
ers and the enforcement of the rule requiring
term denositors 10 give notice of withdrawal
intensifes the unfavorable condition of AFFAIRS
which no one expects TO improve until after
the Presidential election. for the feeling Is
strong that the free-sver agitation is largely
resnonsibc for the business stagnation.
strong fight is being made to secure the
adoption Of new charter for San Francisco
NJ the corning election. The defects of the
present municipal Incorporation act are gar
ing and its repeal is demanded by all the trade
organizations and improvement clubs OF the
city. The cyclists. who have recently gone INTO
nolitics in a regular way. are loud in demand
ing better streets and the Merchants Assocla-
zion declares that nothing but new charter
can enable this city TO keep step with other pro-
eressivc communities The bosses and poltl-
cans. however. oppose any change. and the out
come Of the struggle for better government IS
doubtful.
The chief theatrical attraction this week was
"The Gay Parisians' at the Baldwin where II
was produced with the full New-York cast II
proved great hit Next week San Franciscans
will have opportunity 70 sec NM MHn, 9a,,S
Gene at the same house. Manager AIlIeu o"u-
,.jer who has lust returned from the East, mas
booked most Of the leading attractions OF the
wear for the Baldwin and California ana there
will he no dearth Of amusement during the COM
ing winter.
Ar agreeable innovation has been made by the
directors of the Mechanics Institute, who VIII
omen their annual fair on September /. ms
wear the exposition will contain nothing put
hor,e products and il already promises TO eX-
coed in attractiveness its p'edeCes sors, Whch
were too largely devoted to display Oh cfiedP
urers.
The visit of Lord Chief Justice Russell to this
countrv j. both a pleasure and a disappolnt-
ment to his sister who lives in TINS CITY. one
is known as Sister Mary Baptist Is the Mother
Superior Ct the order of Sisters OF Mercy IN
This State. and was the founder or 81 Mary
Hospital She hoped 10 see her distheusheu
brother but he writes that the limited time al
his disnosal Will prevent his crossing the CONT
nent.
The confession of Matte Overman, published
during the week in which she confirmed the
judgment Of The Gongrega1OnadI rcnil anv
comment for the popular verdict had long been
rendered in accordance with the eccleslasucal
decision.
A railway to the top Of Mount Tamalpais Will
soon he in operation. 1t will extend 10 the sum
80, 90 tho most conspicuous elevation in the Vi
cinItv OF San Francisco and VIII aftord a mag
nifcent view. but its financial success Is a' least
'problematcal
Tho professors of the University Of California
are making an effort to induce grape-growers 10
craft their stock on strong. resistant vines Inc
resistants now most popular IN thls ota'e' sd.S
Professor Hayne are vastly nnlelIol W. ~ 10
used al the present time in Europe we nave
had great difficulty in convincing vineyardlsts OF
this although in the last year Soooooo mas oeeh
lost TO them from this reason.
The large number of whales recently seen
along the coast has opened a new held OF arnuse-
ment enterprise. the sending out or excursion
steamers properly equipped for whaling expeol-
lions The fare is high and there Is much noVeIty
In the trip but thus far no whale has been mar
pooned
Although San Diego seems to have been CHOSEN
as the terminus Of the proposed japanese line OF
Pacific steamships the vessels going either way
will make this city their first and last port of CALL
and this fact is expected largely TO influence
shippers and passengers.
THE FLORAL FESTIVAL AT SARATOGA.
The brilliant annual Floral Parade and Battle OF
Flowers will take place in the public streets OF
Saratoga on the afternoon of September l. Great
preparations in progress for this enter
tainment which will include gorgeous and artistic
IT, he Tho ii