Gilpin observer., 1899-11-16

| S0ull UC ueNeAOpeu.
In a report to the Interior Depart-~
ment of the geology of the Philippine
islands, Mr.. Becker of the geological
survey, gives some interesting infOr-
nation regarding the mineral re-
sources of the group. Mr.. Becker says
that while gold exists in both Luzon
and Mindanao, it is comparable rath-
er to that of the Carolinas and Vir-
ginia than to the Western gold fields
of the United States, and rush to the
Philippine fields, he predicts, would re-
suit in disappointment. The report
says: "The copper deposits of Lepanto
seem rich and extensive, but very eX-
pensive roads will be needed to render
them available. The high quality of
some of the iron ores of LuZon is be-
yond question, but the Ignite of the
islands is not adapted to iron smelling.
The so-called coal is a good Ignite.
| Its heating effect is from two-thirds to
| three-quarters of that of the best
steaming coal. There are great guam
titles of this fuel. and much of it prob
| ably could be delivered mt profit on
vessels at $3.50 Mexican per tom
Rear Admiral Schley received orders
Thursday to raise his flag on the Chi
cago on the 18th instant. BY this or->
der Admiral Schley is formally placed
III cOllllndUu Ol tne SOuUn AtlHntlc
station. Admiral Schley will proceed
to sea as soon after the 18th as posi-
bic. His squadron will consist of the
Chicago and the Montgomery al
though there is official authority for
the statement that the squadron may
be increased about the time that Ad-
miral Schley starts on his cruise to
South African waters No orders which
will be made public will be given to
Admiral Schley to proceed to any par
ticular part of his station, although
it is known that he will cruise in South
African and East African waters One
reason assigned for the fact that no
particular order will be given that the
admiral visit Delagoa bay or its vicini-
ty Is that If the United States should
have squadron there other nations
might seek to have Squadrons there,
and it has already been intimated that
Great Britain has objected to anything
like general demonstration in those
waters, which demonstration was sug-
gested some time ago by France. 1t
was stated to-day that Admiral Schley
will first sail for the South Atlantic,
where he will cruise leisurely for
two weeks before starting for Cape
Town.
The alacrty with which the Samoan
question was settled and the slight re-
sistance shown by the European pow
ers to the efforts of the United States
to protect commercial interests in Chi
ma is regarded by the State Depart
ment officials as marking new era in
the effectiveness of diplomatic repre-
sentation emanating from Washington
due to the worldwide recognition that
this nation has advanced to first rank
among the great powers. This trans
early part of the present year. Prior
to that time, it is pointed out, the
European concert was disposed to set
tie Asiatic affairs as well as those of
the greater part of the earth, with ut
ter disregard of any other interests
than their own. A notable instance
was that of despoiling Japan of the
just fruits of her victory over China.
and tie division of the profits between
Germany and Russia. 1t is the pro-
found conviction in the State Depart
ment that no such handed pro- .
ceedngs will be subsequently attempt
ed either in Asia or in the Pacific.
while Interference in South or Central
American matters. which has been of
frequent suggestion for many years.
necessitating constant exhibition by
this country of the Monroe doctrine
and annoying minor controversies. has
been entirely placed beyond the possi-
bilities.
BY the arrangement recently made
between the governments of the United
States. Great Britain and Germany,
the United States becomes possessed
of all the islands of the Samoan group
which lie east of the Hist meridian of
longitude. These islands comprise
Tutuila. where is situated the harbor
of Pago-Pago. and further east, Manua,
OlOosinga. Ofoo and Roso islands. Out
side of Tutuila in this group there is
no harbor and but one anchorage. sit
uated on the northwest side of Manua.
In Savaii there is only one harbor for
ships, that of Mataatu, exposed at all
seasons: and moreover during the per-
iod from December to April, when the
north winds are prevalent, 1t Is dan
gerous. In the island of Upolu there is
no first-class harbor. Even that of Sa-
lunfata. mentioned above, would re-
quire very considerable expenditure
to make it of any use. while the made
quacy of Apia as harbor was clearly
shown in the terribly destructive tenn
pest only n few years ago. But in the
island of Tutuila besides five reef har-
bors similar to those in Upolu, there Is
the harbor of Pago-Pago. which is
deep and land-locked basin whose easy
approach and perfect security for YES
sells cnuses 1t to outweigh In value all
the other islands of the group. II is
generally considered by naval experts
the finest harbor in the Pacific ocean.
The Interstate commerce commission
has announced its decision in the case
of the board of railroad commissioners
of the state of Kansas against the At
Gibson. Topeka Il Santa Fe Railway
Company and other carriers. The main
points decided by the commission are
ms follows Carriers of corn and
corn meal from Kansas points to