Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-05-22

Agriculture are not yet prepared 10 say
whether the introduction of Belgian hares
into the United States will be nuisance
or blessing. In Australia the introduce
ton of ordinary rabbits proved so disas-
trouS that the government was compelled
10 take the matter in hand and use the
army to exterminate them. The animals
bred so rapidly that they overran the
farms and the pastures and destroyed the
forage and vegetables as effectually as
the locusts OF Egypt OF the grasshoppers
of the West. A bounty was offered for
rabbit skins, and everybody went 60 kill
ing on his own hook, but they increased
50 much faster that it seemed for time
the whole continent would have TO be
abandoned by its human inhabitants.
Then the government ordered out the mi
litia, and for months thousands of men
were engaged in the determination of the
pest. Some fear has been felt lest the
Introduction of the Belgian hare should
result in a similar danger to this country,
and the government biologists are now
M liking anxious observations.
-
A serious condition of affairs is report
ed in Alaska In letters which come from
army pluGEiS tu hutN ia tAat tNAAN+S~sf
and especially from those stationed at
Fort Davis. The forage at last accounts
was nearly exhausted, and it was evident
that there would soon be entire depen-
dence upon the animals of the vicinity.
A correspondent, writing to the War De-
pavtment. says that it is surprising to
see some OF the stuff sent TO Fort Davis.
The canned cream supplied by the sub
sistence department was exhausted long
ago. A great deal of the supplies fur
nished has been condemned, and VIII
probably be Of no use as army subslst-
ence" There was sufficient coal at Fort
Davis to last through the winter with
| economy, but at st. Michaels 1t is report
ed there was no fuel worth mentioning.
The price of supplies, which must be
| shared by civilians as well as the army,
has greatly increased. and there was ey-
| cry indication that those who had made
! money in Alaska would have every oppor-
| unity 10 spend it for the necessities OF
| life. Coal for nuisance, brought as
much as $50 a ton.
| -
The national homes for disabled volun-
| teer soldiers are open to regulars and vol
unteers alike who have served in any
war, the board Of management, in the
| discretion allowed by law. constituting ser
vice In the Philippines as equivalent t.
service in war. The proposition has
been several times advanced to throw the
volunteer homes open to regulars without
regard TO war service, and an amendment
was offered during the last session of
Congress with that object in view. Bat
it was defeated because Of strong oppo-
sition to endangering the rights OF the
volunteers. and also because the regulars
have national home at Washington, sur
rounded Ivy beautiful grounds, an ideal
place. which is in part supported by con-
tributions Of Is cents deducted from the
monthly pay. There are in addition TO
these thirty State homes where the vol
unteers of the various States may find
shelter in their old age.
| 49,
Commissioner Powderly wants the
head tax on immigrants coming into this
country increased to not less than s.. Al
present this tax is 81 He has recon-
mended to Congress that the increase be
made, not with view &c imposing hard
ships upon the newcomers, hnt really to
help them. He says the increase i'm
poses no severe burden upon those seek
ing homes In this country, and il would
insure the accumulation OF a fund sufii-
cient to construct suitable and comforta-
BILE buildings whenever needed for the
comfort and safety of those awaiting in
spection, as well as for the administra-
ton of the law relating to immigration.
The tax of 81 on each immigrant makes
up a fund used in administering the inn
migration laws. Last year this amounted
to $576,6SS.
The State Department was informed IN
a cable dispatch from Special Commits
sioner Rockhiil that the Chinese peace:
plenipotentiaries had informed the for
eign ministers at Pekin that the Chinese
government would assume the obligation
to ray the IL iemnity of 1887 100000 de-
mnnded by the powers, but desired thir-
| " years in which to do il, as the re-
sources of the empire would not permit
better arrangements. Acting Secretary
Hill sent instructions to Mr. Roekhill 70
continue TO use his influence with his dip
lomatic colleagues to secure still fur
Their reduction in the aggregate amount
Of the indemnity. This government adj
heres to its assertion that China is NOT
able to pay more than $500, 100000.
-
Admiral Dewey favors a neutral 18TH
milan canal. being opposed to its fortifea-
ton. In discussing this subject he said:
| "Afore than a year ago ! said that the
| canal should be neutral. ] avn more con
vinced to-day of the necessity Of such
action Erection of fortiieations would
make the canal one Of the prime 0bjec-
\ tives Of our enemy's operations in time Of
4 war. Besides. their construction would
entail enormous expense ard neeessitate
| constant expenditure to heep them man
ned and in proper condition. The neu-
! trality 81 the canal can be guaranteed
! by our haat. The canal is to he com
mercial waterway. and naturalization,
| therefore, will mean its preservation"
| -:
Mrs. Jessie Benton Fremont. widow Of
the Pathfinder" has clpim against the
| United States government for lands TAX
| On from her In California. Thesc lands
were appropriated as far back as 1863
for military purposes. They had cost her
more than $4,000. TO Say nothing Of the
interest since, and she has never been
paid for them. Gen. Miles made an in
yestigation. AMI ne pronounces her right
| 10 restitution to Dc u8questi0nable.
il
| r. G. Knox is The eighth Attorney Gen
| eral OF The United States taken fr9m
! PENNSYLVANIA. his predecessors being VIII
/ liam Bradford. Richard Rush, II. -. Gil
pia. Jeremiah :. Black. H. ~ Stanton.
/ - II Ds4.@