New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-17
CAUSE OF lena DISASTER.

me Official investigation or the cause or the
lena disaster. without so far being absolutely
conclusive. indicates that the initial explosion
was the result OF the decomposition OF tho nitro
cellulose powder known as the powder. Ad-
miral Maceron. whose flag is stu flying on the
wreck OF the lena. shares this opinion The ex-
perts say that this IS not owing to negligence.
for no scientific method has yet been discovered
for preventing such decomposition. which "a
brought about b. the hygrometTic variations OF
temperature felt IN the most carefully construct
ed magazines. and not only the B powder Of the
French navy, but all other modern high class
powders such as are used in the navies Of the
United States. Great Britain. Germany. Italy.
Russia and Japan. ere equally liable TO similar
decomposition. which infallibly produces spon-
taneous combustion. n. Vielle. inventor OF the
powder. expresses the same opinion
EFFECT OF WALL STREET SLUMP.
The recent slump IN the prices OF United
States railroad securities had depressing ef-
feet on the Paris Stock Exchange. and the lead
ing bankers here attribute the Wall Street panic
not TO any really alarming condition OF Ameri-
can railroads, but 20 speculation and manipula-
ton OF the market by few large capitalists.
The French investing public. however. are some
what scared by the recent slump. and also by
the abrupt rise. The conditions OF Wall Street
IN tina last week have checked the movement to
invest in sound American bonds and stocks.
which only short time ago promised to become
highly popular.
There is no foundation for exaggerated re-
ports OF an epidemic OF black smallpox IN Paris.
Only half a dozen cases have yet been reported
The people are. however. fully alive TO the dan
ger. The sanitary authorities are taking all
necessary precautions. The number of persons
vaocinated each day averages thirty thousand.
THEATRES AND BOOKS.
Paris and New York" light. risky comedy
in three acts. with dialogue IN which some
shocking things are said in very delicate Ian
guage. was brought out tonight at the Theatre
Rejane, and proved greater success for Mmc.
Rejane. who took the part Of a young and beau
tiful Cincinnati widow. than for the authors
Francis de Croisset and Emanuel Arene. Allu-
s,ons ore made TO certain Montmartre resorts
mentioned in the evidence in the Thaw trial II
is the story Of a Franco American marriage
and without being character study sets forth
IN cineuatographic incislveness the ways and
manners of wealthy Americans. as well as OF
pennless families OF the French nobility Nine
Refane is delightful and inimItabIs. She pratt
ties in the most fascinating manner In speaking
French with Cincinnati accent Count Boni de
CasteIlane. who was present at the first per-
Torrance remarked that he did not consider the
play was really true TO nature. Indeed the ac-
ton seems partially suggested bv the eplsodes OF
his recent matrimonial experiences
Plon Nourrit Issues "Un Medecin du DlXhui-
tiAne Steele Theodore Tronchin l7OS-17Sl' by
Henri Tronchin. being a picturesque narrative
Of yoltaires physician. with fresh anecdotes OF
voItaire his irrepressible gluttony. his irritable
temper and his mental exuberance. Fasquehe
publishes 'EIistoires de Parisians." by Alfred
Capus, brimful of interesting stories OF Paris
ians Of to-day, excellent. clever and witty.
c. LIB.