The Savannah morning news., 1902-01-01

the new century, under most favora-
BILE auspices. The first year of the cycle,
1901, was one of remarkable achieve
ments and progress. It's history prob
ably has no equal Industrially, finan-
cially and commercially the United
States have made gigantic strides.
Science and invention have given us
new wonders which might well be
marveled at; but we have ceased to
marvel. We have reached that point at
which we decline to be moved to
amazement by new things. We regard
wireless biography over long distances
and submarine navigation is quite mat
ters of course, and only speculate upon
when they win be brought to higher
state Of perfection.
Probably the field of electricity gave
greatest results during the past year.
Marconi's feat in flashing signals be-
tween the New World and the Old,
across the ocean without wires, was
the most sensational event Of the
twelve months; but there were other
achievements that mean more to the
vastly greater number of persons Edi-
sons new storage battery was one of
them. This battery, it is confidently
predicted, will solve the problem of
cheap automobiles. Long distance
transmission of electrical energy is an
other. There had been before, of course,
transmission of energy from Niagara
Falls 20 Buffalo, a distance of some
twenty miles but during last year
economic transmission was established
i'm California over a distance of 222
miles, the conductors carrying the
enormous voltage of 10000 volts. This
means that light, power and heat from
water falls may be secured within
radius of more than 200 miles from the
source of the power.
Next to electricity, medicine has
probably made the most important adj
yances. The science of bacteriology is
better understood now than ever be-
fore. An almost new literature en-
bracing the history and treatment of
diseases hitherto "incurable" has
sprung into existence. The bacilH of
malignant fevers have been isolated
and studied, and serums for the cure
of various ailments have been pro-
duced The dreadful disease, cancer,
has been attacked as never before and
there is good promise that it will be
removed from the catalogue of incura-
bles before great while. 1t may be
said that yellow fever has been turned
out of it's strongholds in the An
titles, if not actually mastered by pre-
ventive and curative means. A few
days ago we printed the announce
ment of an intestinal antiseptic that
is promised will be a specific for ty-
phoid fever, dysentery and kindred all
ments.
But it is impossible to touch even
lightly upon all the great things that
have been produced or perfected dur
ing the year. since full page of the
paper would hardly more than contain
catalogue of them. Industry has
been equally active. The manufactures
were greater than ever before in the
country's history as were also the
NOiiJihVS VI bstplldi
features. The export movement of
farm products was the greatest on
record. The gifts of philanthropists
for charitable and educational institu-
items were greater than ever before. 1t
has been truly year of expansion.
And the activity and progressiveness
continue unabated. The new year
orens with the brightest promise.
Prosperity covers the country and
everywhere the spirit of the people is
hopeful. The only fly in the ointment
is the continuation of hostilities in the
Philippines. 1t is sincerely to be hoped
that will be removed before the end of
the twelve months now just begun.
Locally, as we'll as generally, the
new year opens bright. Savannah flour
ished and waxed greater during 1901.
She enjoyed excellent health and a fine
business, besides iudicious expansion
of limits adding to her wealth and pop
ulation. The outlook could hardly be
more gratifying. With increased facil-
tiles and growing field, Savannah en-
tors the New Year full of energy and
courage and confidence.
-S-o-e