Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-07-25
From Washington.
((ori espondence of the Alexandria Gazette
Washington, d. c., July 20.

[Cori espondence of the Alexandria Gazette.
Washington, d. c., July %.
The reported activity Of the Russian
Vladivostok squadron in the Pacific
has aroused considerable apprehen-
sion regarding its effect on the
trade between this country and
japan. There are now within a few
DAYS of Yokohama and Toxic harbors
several big ships laden with American
goods destined for Japan, and in most
cases the cargoes come within the Rus
sian definition Of what is cOntraband OF
war. The ships fly the United States,
German and British flag, and -four is the
principal item ON their manifest. Ma
chinery, leather, canned meats and many
other articles which might be of use to
the japanese army in the field are al
50 being transported. Ifthe Russian squad
ron succeeds in capturing any of these
vessels they will find them rich prizes.
During the first few months of the year
there we're pretty nearly daily shipments
of japanese gold to the United States in
VARYING amounts. The last shipment
which was received July Is was
SO, 900, 900 which brought the total up
to slightly more than $40, 900, 900.
When Japan two or three months ago
issued loan for $50, 900, 600, two fifths
of that amount or, 500, 900, 600, was
subscribed in the United States. AT
the time eminent japanese officials de-
clared that none of that money would be
taken out of the country but would be
left here to settle debts already con-
tracted or to Nuke additional purchases.
That would make Japan's investments
here total 500, 600, 600. The chances
are that Japan's business with this coun-
try has reached about $75, 900, 900 since
the beginning OF the year, all, or nearly
ALL of which has been in articles that
might fairly be brought in question as
cOntraband of war.
Fifteen men were at work at the
Washington Barracks this morning in
place of the % union bricklayers who
went out last week owing to the employ
ment of non-union colored workman.
Capt. Sewell, the engineer in charge OF
the improvement, said this morning
that he could get all the men needed to
take the strikers places. "There are
fifteen at work now" he said, "eight
fled applications with the civil service
board this morning for rating. have
letter from an out-of-tOwn men who
will come here with fifteen more men
lust as soon as / want him. am very
sorry that the union will not give dis
pensation to the bricklayers here and
allow them to work with the non union
men. This is strictly an open shop.
Any man who is first class workman
does his work promptly and thoroughly
and conducts himself well need have no
fear of losing his place. | would ike
10 take back the men mad. II the
strikers do not report to work immedi-
ately, however, fear there will be no
opportunity for them. The work is
going along nicely. Of course, the
government is put to some inconvenience
but we hire our men by the day and,
as there is no specified time to complete
the buildings, we can wait for men,"
Having erected Notifications of riprap
at a. cost of $1,000, 900 in Hampton
Roads, the War Department is now pre-
pairing to lombard it with the heaviest
guns available to find out whether il
will stand the test of heavy Smelling.
This fertilization is known as Fort
Wool. If it withstands the lombard
ment, which will occur early in August,
it will be further improved, and is ex-
pected to prove a much better protection
for Washington, Baltimore and Newport
News than Fort Monroe. If it does
not stand the test to the satisfaction OF
the War Department experts, it will be
abandoned.
The Woman's National and Interna-
tional Rescue League is about to enter
the field of national politics. The pur-
pose of the movement is to secure from
the presidential candidates declaration
as to what they are willing to do to ame-
IlOrat6 the COuulllOu vi WOihVh ""SO
earners. Campaign funds have been OBJ
tanned and Charlotte Smith, of this city,
president of the league, will open head
quarters in New York city at once. A
letter has been prepared to be sent to
Judge Parker, describing conditions and
asking for an expression. Another letter
will be sent to President Roosevelt, charg-
ing the republican party with having
failed in its duty toward women workers
and asking him what he is willing to do.
Miss Smith was a caller today at the
headquarters of the democratic congress
sional committee in this city. She sub
mitted resolution, recently adopted by
the league, declaring that it has come
to the knowledge of members OF the
league, that the Brown Bag Filling Ma
chine Co. has offered its services to DO
all the clerical work, addressing of en-
velopes, etc, for the democratic COM
mittee. for less than one-half it costs the
committee at the present rates of wages
paid female employees. The league pro-
tests against the letting of this contract,