Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22
Foreign

& y
Riotous scenes are occurring at Oher-
ammergau in the preparations for the
next representation of the Passion Play
in 1910
The Bavarian villagers elect the actors
to their different roles, and a dispute has
arisen regarding the choice of the man to
represent Christ
Guido Lang played the part in 1900 and
his forefathers played it on many pre-
vious occasions.
Lang has, however, developed Progress
sive political tendencies. He stood as
Progressive candidate during the recent
elections of the Bavarian diet, and the
clericals, who reign supreme in the Ober-
ammergau, are opposing his reelection
for the play.
Father Daiser is leading the opposition
and minority of the villagers are sup
porting Lang. The dispute has developed
into violence and threatens to upset all
arrangements for the next historic rep
resentation.
The Japanese battleship Kurama, of
H. 500 tons, launched few weeks ago,
will carry four 12-inch guns, eight S-inch
and twelve 6-inch. in addition to num-
ber of smaller quickfires, and will devel-
op speed of q IA knots. She is fitted
with the newest appliances throughout.
The Kurama, says Reuter- telegram, is
expected to prove the most powerful ves-
sci of her class afioat.
81
The torpedo boat destroyer Simpson,
purchased by the government of Ecua-
dor from Chill, arrived at Guayaqdl
October 81. The Simpson will be re-
christened Lbertador Bolivar. The
schoolship Maranon, formerly belonging
to Ecuador, has been sold to Chilli. from
which country she was originally pur-
chased. She will leave Guayaquil soon
for Panama under the China flag. and
will engage in the immigrant business
between the isthmus and Chilian ports.
So
Several warships now building in
England for South American countries
have been insured for $1000,000 each,
which represents their value at launch
ing.
Lord Curzon's ten-day visit to Oxford
has been more strenuous and vital, though
very informal, than any chancellors visit
for generations. 1t is likely to be the be-
ginning of a series of important reforms
in Oxford life. Lord Curzon has been dis
cussing with all the chief authorities ways
and means by which university education
may be made so efficient as to avoid the
tender offices of the threatened royal
commission, and at least one important
development has already been decided
upon. Much fuller opportunity will in the
future be given for research work inde-
pendently of examinations. Particular
requests to this end have been received
from the German Colonial and American
Rhodes scholars, chiefly for whom ire
search degrees have lately been estab-
ished and 1t is hoped that great i'm
petus will be given both to science and
history teaching by these extensions and
relief from routine. Other reforms dis
cussed include changes in the business or
ganization of the university and the ap-
pointment of the more brilliant and stimu-
lating college lecturers to special posts
as university lecturers; while many hope
that it will be found possible to increase
the number and improve the status OF the
more democratic portion of Oxford, the
unattached student.
Last seasons profit at the Monte Carlo
casino was 81. .5O00 900, This represented the
combined fortunes of travellers who wen.
there with systems that couldn't lose.
Monte Carlo Is a fascinating spot to the
tourist, but he should not go there to
make mpney-the casino isn't run that
way.
-
Switzerland has three official languages
German. French and italian.
Lord Esher, deputy governor of Wind
sor castle. is q confidential servant OF the