The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1904-01-08


the last seven months $1,000, 900 of a per
cent Philippine bonds we're issued in the
United States and sold above par. More
than half of them are in deposit with the
government as security for public money.
A cablegram has been received from
Governor Taft saying that the contract
for the purchase of the lands has been
signed and provides for payment within
six months. Now that they possess no
more land the friars will leave the islands
and will be superseded by American
priests who will exercise their functions
more in keeping with the present condi-
tons of the islands.
~
The Navy Department has ordered Rear
Admiral Evans to proceed at once with
the Asiatic feet under his command,
from Honolulu to Chinese waters. This
order is in connection with new develop
ments i'll the far East. The Chinese
Treaty has not yet been ratified at Pekin
and. it is thought at Washington that
Russia is secretly opposing such ratifica-
ton in order TO prevent the opening of
Manchurian ports of Antung Anken, to
American trade Russia fears that such
American interests in Manchnria might
induce the United States to oppose the
permanent occupation of the territory by
Russia. or might involve her in the
Russian Japanese quarrel. War between
Russia and Japan is considered inevitable.
although it may be postponed for some
time. The Administration is determined
that large American feet.will be on the
scene to protect American interests, and
therefore Admiral Evans has been order
ed to leave Honolulu at once.
~
Frank M. higgins, Chief Examiner of
the Civil Service Commission. in his an
inual report says that during the Vast fs-
cal year there were 1I2,624 persons ex-
auiined for the classified service of the
Government and there were 4o.423 ap-
pointments to all branches of the service.
The report states that conditions of en-
ployment in the Philippines are improv-
ing, and the. salaries for technical men
hive been increased, with the result that
within -the last FIVE months more appli-
cants have taken examinations for that
service than for the preceding year.
&c ~
vice constitutes more than 5o,per cent oil
the entire force.
~
The Senate Committee on Military AT
fairs has decided to vote on January on
the nomination of General Wood to be
Major General The majority report will
no doubt be an endorsement OF General
Woods military and civil record in Cuba
The Senate will doubtless accept the re-
port of the committee and General Wood
will receive his appointment, The tes-
timory before the committee is to be
printed and the Generals friends claim
it will vindicate him in the eyes of the
public.
~
The House Military Committee is max
ing inquiry into the cost of the army
maneuyers during the last summer. Ii
is believed the cost was approximately
81, 10000 The purpose of the commit
tee seems to be to place restrictions on
the expenditures, and the reports of what
is contemplated next year have caused
the members to move slowly in providing
for the work.
Several of the Republican members
have expressed the apprehension that the
plans contemplate big parades, with
gorgeous displays, for society purposes,
with probability of an expenditure OF
about S5,ooo.ooo. One of the plans ex-
plotted looks to the purchase of an im.