Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-31

the government, and the house insisted on
removing some of them, thus raising the
years estimate by million and a hall.
The government, however. has used
the restrictions left to some purpose. and
SO. while 100000 out this year on the
original estimate. it will be E1.000.o00 In
hand next year on the final estimate.
The rumors that scheme OF national
insurance is to be included in the kings
speech month hence have caused much
perturbation in insurance circles. 1t Is.
of course. recognized that such a measure
could only have any marked effect on
child-insurance and on the working
infant mortality has been gradually in
creasing its claims to public attention.
any reasonable scheme is likely to be
placed beyond the bounds Of party poll
tics
There is a general feeling that il such
measure is once brought forward not
even an alteration Of the balance Of power
at general election would relegate 1t
again to the background; and there has
already been some discussion-which may
very soon be re-echoed on the stock eX-
change-of the probability of one impor-
tant company, which derives a very large
proportion Of its business from child in
surance, and from the issue OF policies
OF the class that brings in weekly pay
ments, suggesting to its shareholders the
advisabilfty of foregoing large portion
OF their dividend until the exact inten-
lions of the government are disclosed
AS yet there seems to be nothing to
justify such a step as this: but il the
measure In question is really contem-
plated we may be on the verge of an
other campaign similar to that against
the licensing bill.
Gala Time Over Reservoir Opening.
The second week in March has been
fixed for the opening Of great reservoir
at Honor Oak, a London suburb. and
the ceremony will be performed by the
Prince OF Wales on a scale of much mag
niicence. The opening Of the undertaking
will mark a new era in the romantic his
tory of London's water supply. it being
the largest eovered-in reservoir In the
world. Visitors to the Crystal Palace by
the London. Chatham and Dover rail-
way may remember the site, long used
as a cricket ground by the clubs of
Honor Oak and Dulwich. and lying at the
foot Of One Tree hill. When finally COM
pleted the top Of the reservoir. which is
twenty-one acres in extent. will be leveled.
turfed and transformed into recreation
ground. Underneath this unique play
place there Is a storage capacity equal
to 100000 gallons Of water. The in
terror Of the reservoir is a hall of thou
sand columns. its long naves. with
ptlaSters supporting the groined roof fifty
feet from the floor, giving it the appear
ance of a huge underground cathedral
The prince WILL l understand, be treated
to subterranean display thoroughly in
keeping with the magnitude Of the
greatest achievement of the METROPOLITAN
water board.
The British museum attained its one
hundred and fiftieth birthday yesterday.
1t has passed through vicissitudes since II
was officially opened January 10, 1859, In
the great red brick building then known
as Montagu House, Bloomsbury. The old
mansion has now completely disappeared
it's gardens have vanished, and in their
place stands the imposing edifice known
all over the world for it's collection OF
priceless treasures.
But still it is far too small for the re-
quirements of the age and for the various
collections that are always being offered
to and bought for 1t, although the South
kensington museum has eased it some
what by housing it's natural history
specimens. and the gigantic library Of its
provincial newspapers is to be found al
Hendon.
l understand that there is still some
idea of purchasing an additional site close
to the museum for the reception Of fur
possession Of the nation. but 1t is doubt
fui whether, in the coming year, such q
large expenditure OF money would com.
mend itself to the chancellor Of the ex-
cheQuer.
One of the leading features this year al
the International exhibition at the White
City at Shepherds Bush, which proved
sue. success last year. will be a pre-
sentiment Of pleasure and health resorts OF
the world. For this display several OF
the palaces have been allotted. and they
will be arranged as nearly as possible in
the geographical order which traveller
visiting the chief countries of Europe and
the United States Of America would fol-
low.
Englishmen will thus see a miniature
reproduction OF some Of the chief beauty
spots of the continent and America. whilst
foreign visitors will become acquainted
with English watering places and spas
like Bath, Of which they know little al
present. In the arrangement Of the ex-
hibition as a whole an effort will be made
to simplify it's character and to show only
the products Of those industries which
specially distinguish each country. The
commissioner general of the exhibition
has lust returned from continental tour
and has received very general promises
of support IL. IL. MOORE.