The Washington herald., 1908-03-01

London. Feb 2q.-ReHabIe advices from
Bucharest show plainly that the nego-
tiations between the Roumanian govern
ment and the firm Of Krupp. of Essen.
for an arrangement under which the lat
ter was to take over and work the ma
tional arsenal at Bucharest may be re-
garded as az an end.
The project first arose when the ROu-
manian government found that unless
it was prepared TO buy Krupp's pat
ents for parts OF guns and fortihcation
cupolas. it would not be entitled 10
manufacture them. As il could not
afford to purchase the great number OF
patents involved it decided to approach
the Essen Arm with a proposal in the
sense indicated. the concession TO the
latter TO be lor a long period.
With this end in view Gen. Averescu.
minister Of war. made journey abroad
70 examine and discuss this affair and
come, if possible, 70 an arrangement with
the firm Of Krupp.
Opposition Raises Objection.
But in the interval the opposition. hav-
ing heard Of the proposed concession,
started most violent campaign against
It, calling the scheme anti-patriotic. The
government. feeling that it might create
a new source OF agitation in the country
postponed taking a decision on the sub
ject. leaving things in allegiance. and
waiting for better times.
The s5--;-offcial press at the same time
received orders to insert dement,. stat
ing that Gen. Averescu's visit abroad had
nothing to do with concession Of the
Roumauian arsenal, and this order was
duly carried out
The government continued to watch
public opinion. Only when asked in Par
lament by leading members Of both par
s.whether the idea Of ceding the arse
nal had been definitely abandoned or not
II decided 10 break of negotiations alto
gether.
An engineer sent by Krupp, who had
been employed for some time making an
inventory OF the arsenal. left the other
day for Germany.
Sunday Rest in Italy.
The new Italian law for the observance
Of Sunday as a day of rest, which has
just come into operation, VIII. If enforc-
ed. make a great difference in the life
of the Roman shopkeeper and his assist
ants
The law orders that all shops. stores,
and public places shall remain closed
from midnight on Saturday to midnight
on Sunday. and that no work Of any
kind shall be carried on inside them. ex-
cept by persons belonging to the family
Of the proprietor, during those twenty
four hours
Exceptions are made, however. in the
case OF hotels, inns. cafes. billiard-rooms.
fiowsr-shops. baths. Photographic estab-
lishments. chemists shops. newspaper Of
fees private lending Libraries, and read
ing-rooms. livery stables, and tobacco
nists. These various kinds Of business
may be carried on throughout Sunday.
provided that the persons employed in
them receive by turns one free day in
the course Of the week.
Further qualified exceptions are made
for butchers and all dealers in food and
fuel who are allowed to keep their shops
open from Z o'cIock on Sunday mornine
until midday The barbers-a large and
important class in Italy, where few per-
sons shave themselves-may also remain
at work till midday. but are not allowed
10 reopen their shops till midday on Mon.
twenty-four hours TO their assistants
1t IS possible. however that this par
ticular provision may be modified by the
municipality at the request Of the class
affected.
No Sabbntarian Motive.
The measure, as will have been oh.
served. has no sabbatarian tendencies
Il simply aims at securing one day OF
rest in each week for the working claSse,
and for shop assistants. It is. however
warmly approved by the official organ o.
the Vatican on both grounds. because Il
will tend TO the better keeping Of Sunda,
and because It will tighten the load Of tho
toilers.
Opposition 10 the ministerial legislation
In France concerning the alienation Of
religious beQuests has come from an un
expected quarter
petition has been presented 10 the
Senate. signed by large number Of Prot
estant pastors, members Of the church
councils, and other notable adherents ot
the reformed faith. who, although no,
affected by the governments proposal Il
divert 70 lay purposes funds beoueathee
for masses in Roman Catholic churches
protest against the measure. which the,
describe as yeritabfe iniduity
They invoke the Senate not 70 innitat,
the example of Louis XIV. who in leS
conhscated the property of the consis.
tories and handed it over to hospitals
They add:
The descendants of those who were
pillaged and prosecuted for religion,
sake, we retain an invincible horror 70,
anything which attacks the liberty q,
worship and of individual rights"
This manifestation Is particularIv vrel
come 20 those Liberals who wish to ON
pose what they consider to be unEenerou.
legislation without identifying themselve,
TOO prominently with the clerical propa
ganda.
Tie Berlin city council has adontad IN