JAPAN CONTROLS
ALL MANCHURIA
Provokes China by Her' Continued
Policy of Aggression.
Rival Nations for Oriental Trade Are
Shut Out American Firms Suffer
Through Rebate Prosecutions and
Development Is Being Abandoned
Oowers May Protest
Washington, Feb. 20. Information
from unofficial and individual sources
evidencing the aggressiveness of Japan
in Manchuria has been accumulating
in the State department for some time
rr 1 i 1 1 ' .Tit i . . t
ter of knowledge here. It is said with
authority. hn(ivT. that in nn mAnnnr
has the Chinese government brought
.' tha maHai tr tYia afiiinfinn rf tYia
American government, and no report
on the subject is looked for.
A remarkable explanation of the at
titude of our government in this im
portant matter is developed a the result
f inquiry directed toward officials who
cnanot be quoted, but are in positions
to direct our policies. In effect, it is
as follows:
"It is frankly admitted that America
is losing her commercial foothold in
the Orient. This loss, however, is not
charged to Japan. Rather it is assert
ed to be the effect of the growing ten
dency toward international government
al regulation in the United States. . As
an illustration of this, attention is call
ed to these facts:
"Five years ago flour in barrels was
being shipped to the Orient from the
Northwest, steel rails frcm Pittsburg,
and cotton in bales from Texas. These
shipments were made possible because
of an exceedingly low ocean freight rate
arrived at by a railroad combination.
Ibis rate has been condemned hy our
courts as a conspiracy against trade,
and the development of this trade has
been abandoned. The domestic war,
as it is characterized, against the Stand
aid Oil company, which is credited
with the largest Oriental trade of any
American enterprise, is declared to
have been disastrously effective in the
Orient, while the tobacco and cotton
goods trades are said to have been dealt
heavy injury through the operation of
th railroad legislation here.
"From this point it Beemed easy for
jrovernment officials here conversant
with foreign matters, to view Japanese
commercial aggression in Manchuria
with a greater degree of complaisance
than would be the case in the face of
an urgent domestic demand for govern
mental assistance. Japan, it is assert
ed, without great difficulty, justify
everything she has done in Manchuria
as sanctioned by the 'open door' policy
initiated by the late Secretary Hay,
and adhered to by the greater nations,
including Japan.
While Japan may juetify these things
through the "open door policy, it has
been charged that there exists evidence
of her use of many methods and .prac
tices which might not bear the light of
impartial investigation. Besdes her
claim to an equal footing with other
nations in Manchuria, on the 'open
door' basis, she has, it is asserted, ob
tained many valuable concessions
through which her control of the rail
road and telegraphic facilities is prac
tically complete. Thiscontrol is known
to be used primarily in the Interest of
Japanese tradesmen and to the detri
ment of all foreign competitors.
Michigan Trains Snowbound
Detroit, MlchV Feb. 20. At least 13
passenger trains poked their pilots into
impervious snpw drifts throughout
.Michigan, and late this afternoon re
ports from out in the state indicate that
some of these trains are still snow
bound. Traffic was completely aband
oned in some instances. The bliznard
which swept down upon the lower por
tion of Michigan from the West yester
day afternoon still prevails with great
severity, and the snowfall ranges from
eight inches ia Detroit to 18 inches in
the Southwest section of the state.
Brazil Continues Rebates.
Washington, Feb.,20. The preeident
of the republic of Brazil, to commemo
rate the visit of the Atlantic fleet to
the city of Rio Janeiro, has signed a
decree authorizing the continuation of
rebates on tariff charges cn articles of
American merchandise during the fiscal
year 1908. The rebates which are con
tinued apply to wheat, flour, condensed
milk, manufactures of rubber, watches,
writing ink, varnishes, typewriters, re
frigerators, pianos, scales and windmills.
More Deaths in Chicago.
Chicago, Feb. 20. The blizzard
which began here yesterday was still in
progress today, although the greatest
fury of the storm had passed. A light
now fell during the early part of the
day, and was piled into deep drifts by
a strong wind. Traffic on all surface
and elevated Btreetcar lines, as well as
on steam roads, was greatly delayed,
though large squads of men worked all
night in an endeavor to keep the tracks
clear of snow.
Blizzard in Adirondack.
Flatteburg, N. Y., Feb. 20. A north
west storm of such eeverity as to be un
uuaal, even in this blizzard-accustomed
region, is raging in Northern New York
tonight, and is rapidly adding to the
enow that covers the whole Adirondack
region.
DYNAMITE ENDS LIVES.
Twenty-eight Killed by Explosion at
California Powder Wort s
Berkeley, Cal., Feb. 21. With a
force that shook the entire bay regit n
as an earthquake and a detonation
heard for miles, the Judson packing
house of the Hercules Powder Works
at Pinole, 14 miles north of here", blew
up at 4 o'clock this afternoon, and in
the explosion four white men and 24
CLinamen were killed. ' Ten tons of
dynamite went up in the terrific blast
shattering the she is to dust and splln
ters. t
W. W. Stillwell,- foreman of the
packinghouse, was blown to atoms at
his post of duty. Not"a particle of his
body was recovered. Manuel Enos
Jose Grace and W. A. Kodregues were
the other white men killed. The 28
dead include every man at work in the
packinghouse. None escaped.
Flames burst foith in the ruins after
the explosion end threatened the gela
tine house, where two score girls were
at work. A panic ensued and many
were cut by flying glass and crushed
and trampled in the mad rush for the
doors.
The panic and confusion following
the exploiion were pitiful. Families
of the men who daily risk their lives at
the powder plant came running from
the little hamlet of Pinole seeking news
of loved ones. Parser of additional
explosions preven'ei those who escaped
injury from approaching too near the
wreck, and it was not until late in the
evening that the number oi dead ana
injured was known.
SYNDICATE COMMITS FRAUD
1 illman Starts Postal Inquiry Into
Coos Bay Land Dealers.
Washington, Feb. 21. The St. Paul
& Pacific Timber syndicate, having i
office at 525 Chamber of Commerce,
Portland, is to be investigated by the
Postoffice department, to ascertain
whether or not it is using the mails
for fraudulent purposes. Senator Till
man yesterday charged in the senate
that this company is flooding the coun
try with circulars, in which his name
is used without authority and in which
the company offers to "make $5,000
out cf $200" invested with it, to be in
turn invested in timber land in Coos
and Douglas counties as soon as the
government rejovers title to the un
patented portion of the g ant t3 the
Coos Bay Wagon Road company.
Tillman charged that thU company,
of which Bryan R. Dot is pre.-ident, is
engaiei in a "scheme of swindling,'
and ea:d he propo e 1 "to stop the rua
cals from g tting any more money."
He accordingly laid the circular before
the Postoffice department today, and by
his request the concern will be investi
gated. If it is found that its circulars
misrepresent facts, and if, as chsred
by Mr. Tillman, this company is
swindling those who subscrile to its
scheme, it will be denied further use
of the mails.
HINTS AT GRAFT.
House Asked to Investigate Estimates
for Naval Vessels.
Washington, Feb. 21. A resolution
was introduced in the housa today by
Lilley, of Connecticut, providing for
the appointment by the speaker of a
special committee of seven members to
investigate the conduct of the Electric
Boat company, of New Jersey, and its
predecessor, the Holland Boat com
pany, respecting the me hods employed
by the paid companies in regard to the
ps stand proposed legislation of con
gress. The proposal f of a congressional" in
vestigation is an outgrowth of the fail
ure of the emmittee on naval affairs to
suppoit President . Roosevelt's naval
construction program. The president
'personally backed the Navy department
in ite request for the authorization of
the four battleships, ten destroyers,
four submarines, etc. The, .committee
cut the battleships to two. and raised
the sut marines to eight, and in connec
tion with the latter craft adopted thn
Loudenslger amendment providing that
they should beoi the type of the Octo
pus, unless a superior type Bhould be
offered and demonstrated by October 1,
1908.
Contempt .Charge Holds.
Carson, Nev., Feb. 21. For their
r ritiuism of the Supreme court that
Ixxly today found Peter Breen, judge of
the Third district, and J. Mastretti,
district attorney of Lander county,
guilty of contempt. Judge Breen was
ordered to expunge the false and scur
rilous remarks he made against the
court or be disbarred from practicing
law in any of the courts of the state of
Nevada. He was given 2 days to ex
ecute this order. Mastretti was dis
barred from the practice of law in any
state court for the period of 30 days.
Company Is Threatened.
Salt Lake City, Feb. 21. A letter
signed by Joe Train and Fred Stack, as
alleged leaders of the "Black Hand,"
was received today by Manager Wade,
of the Ogden end of the Utah Light &
Power company, in which the threat is
made that unless the company reduces
the rates for light and power the Black
Hand society will blow up the power
company's dam in Ogden, the plant
and offices in Ogden, and kill every
officer or citizen who dares to interfere.
Flood Probable in Ohio.
Toledo, O., Feb. 21. The storm of
last night is continuing today. Unless
freezing weather comes quickly, a disas
trous flood seems inevitable.
i PROCEEDINGS OF THE SIXTIETH
SESSION OF NATIONAL LAWMAKERS
Saturday, ctb-uary 22,
Washington, reb. 22. In the pres
ence of many senators and a large gath
ering in the galeries, Kenator Porter
McCumber, of North Dakota, today
read the farewell address of Washing
ton. .
The Indian appropriation bill, which
was reported to the senate today, carries
$9,825,820, an increase of $1,610,123
over the total appropr at ions made by
the bill as it was passed by the house.
The nomination of Louis A. Coolidge,
of Massachusetts, to be an assistant
secretary of the treasury, was ordered
reported favorably by the senate com
mitee on finance.
Washington, Feb. 22. The race
question came to the surface in the
liniiBB trwlav when Hnflln. A lflhnmfl
offered an amendment to the District of
Columbia street railway trackage bill,
providing for "Jim Crow" cars. Hef
lin declared that separate coaches for
the whites and blacks had solved the
race problem in Alabama and be ex
pressed the opinion that such an ar
rangement would solve it in Washing
ton.
The amendment was defeated, 140 to
59.
The bill was passed. It provides
universal transfers on the basis of cash
fares or Fix tickets for 25 cents It
also provides for street railway facilities
from all parts of Washington to the new
union station.
Friday, February 21.
Washington, Feb. 21. Senator Hey-
burn and Representative French, of
Idaho, today introduced in the senate
and house the bill prepared by Idaho
sheepmen amending the 28-hour law,
by providing that railroad trains con
taining ten or more cirs of livestock
going from one state to another snail
maintain an average minimum speed of
16 miles per hour from the time the
stock is loaded onto cars until the des
tination is reached, deducting reason
able time for stops made for feed and
water. The bill provides a fine of $100
to $500 for failure to maintain this
speed.
An amendment to the postoffice ap-
propriatioon bill was introduced today
by Senator Foraker.
Seven Filipinos may receive instruc
tion in the United States military acad
emy, according to a bill passed by the
senate today.
Washington, Feb. 21. The time of
the house of representatives today was
devoted to consideration of what is
known as the District of C dumbia rail
way franchise that is, the bill provid
ing for extension of streetcar lines to
the new union station. The subject of
universal streetcar transfers in Wash
ington elecited special attenti n and
no disposition was manifested to
amend the provision except to strength
en it. Tomorrow also will . be given
over to District of Columbia business.
Thursday, February 20.
Washington, Feb. 20. Because of
the death in this city today of Senator
latimer, of South Carolina, both
branches of congress adjourned, the
senate almost immediately after con
vening and the house an hour after
ward upon receiving official notice of
the senator's death. In each chamber
resolutions of regret were adopted and
committee appointed to accompany
the body home.
Most oi the time the house was in
Bession was consumed in the reading of
mpeacnmeni cuargea onereu oy iur.
Waldo, of New York, against Federal
Judge Lebbeus R. Wilfley, of the
United States court at Shanghai, China,
which were referred to the committee
on judiciary. $
Chaplain Hale, in his prayer open
ing the Benate, referred feelingly to the
death of Senator Latimer. . - ..
The immigration committee, of
which Mr. Latimer was a member,
also adopted resolutions of regret.
Wednesday, February 19.
Washington, Feb. 19. Senator Bo
rah, of Idaho, dropped a bomb in the
United States senate when he proposed
to amend the existing law by providing
that United States senators and repre
sentatives in congress should not be
permitted to act as paid attorneys in
any Federal court in cases in which the
United States government is interested
directly or indirectly. The senate was
droning along, considering the Hey
burn bill to revise and codify the Fede
ral statutes, when it reached that pro
vision under which United States Sen
ators Burton and Mitchell had been in
dicted and convicted. It was here that
the junior Idaho senator unexpectedly
prop ised his amendment. N
The senate in executive session today
ratified the arbitration convention be
tween the United States and France,
which was signed on February 10. A
naturalization treaty between the
United States and Pern also was rati
fied. Senator Knox introduced a bill pro
viding for a system of postal saving?
banks. '
Washington, Feb. 19. The bill pro-
May Rearrange Stars.
Washington, Feb. .20. President
Roosevelt ia considering a proposition
to revise the national flag by an entire
ly new arrangement of th stars. On
July 1 another star must be added to
the flag, to represent Oklahoma. The
plan of Dr. A. M. Martin, of Blcom
vllle, O., calls for a geometrical design,
consisting of five arcs in combinations.
This means a big star with five points,
the center being occupied with a few
Irs.
"
vming ror the taking of the thirteenth
census occupied most of the time of the
session of
the ncuse today. Progress
witn it was slow because or numerous
amendments offered, which in the
main were rejected. The bill was
amende 1 in one important particular.
however, and that was limiting the
census to the mainland of the United
States, Alaska, Hawaii and Porto Rico.
Previous to the consideration of the
census bill, Henry, of Texas, taking his
cue from Boutell's remarks of yesterday
lauding the speaker, urged the Repub
licans to bring in an employers liabilty
bill and a bill requiring notice before
the issuance of Federal indictments.
A petition for the impeachment of
Judge L. R. Wilfley, of Shanghai,
judge of the United States court for
China, was'presented to the house.
Tuesday, February 18.
Washington, Feb. 18. The Aldrich
currency bill was opposed in the senate
today by Stone, of Missouri. During
Stone's argument in advocacy of the
plan for government guarantees of de
posits in National banks Bacon, of
Georgia, took occasion to oppose that
proposition at some length. Bacon de
clared that, if such a plan were put
into effect, state banks would be put
out of business, as their deposits would
find their way into National banks
The bill to revise the criminal code
of the United States was considered
during a couple of hours in the after
noon.
Washington, Feb. 18. Speaker Can
non's presidential boom received mark
ed impetus in the house of representa
tives today when Boutell, his colleague
from Illinois, brought the suject to the
fore as the climax of a half hour's
speech. His remarks were based on tb9
fact that today was the 84th annivers
ary ci Cannon's first speech in thj
house. '
Boutell spoke with enthusiasm, and
when he closed with the remark that
within the next two months "the plain
pecple of the country would join the
voters of Cannon a district in confer
ring upon him the nation's final
honor," the speaker was given a great
demonstration.
Keen disappointment was felt on all
sides when the speaker made no reply.
He stepped from the rostrum and amid
cheering retired to his room while the
house considered pension bills.
Most of the day was taken up by a
discussion of the bill to . provide for
taking the next census. Its considera
tion bad not been concluded when the
house adjourned.
Monday, February 17.
Washington, Feb. 17. After a brief
legislative session today the senate or
dered the doors closed and for several
hours discussed the Witherspoon nomi
nation. During the executive session
an agreement was reached to consider
the ocean mail subsidy bill on Wednes
day, and Stoue, of Missouri, announced
that he would speak on the Aldrich
currency bill tomorrow. An amend
ment to the mail subsidy bill was in
troduced by Lodge, which authorizes
the postmaster general to contract for
carrying ocean mail in vessels of the
third class and to pay a subsidy of $2
per outward mile on voyages of 4,000
miles or more.
An amendment to the Aldrich cur
rency bill was introduced by Stone.
Washinsgton, Feb. 17. The legiela-
jtive, executive and judicial appropria-
tion bill, one cf the largest supply
measures of the government, was passed
by the house today after several hours'
discussion. The amount carried is
practically as reported by the commit
tee, $32,336,573. Macon, of Arkansas,
J continued his policy of attacking all in
creases in salaries and they were accord
ingly rejected on points of order by
him. '
There was a lively debate over the
provision giving discretion to heads of
departments to remove or reduce inca
pacitated employes. A provision was
adopted that incapables should not
draw pay.
Representative HugheB introduced an
amendment to the Sherman anti-trust
law remedying defects affecting labor
agreements.
State Line Not Marked.
Washington, Feb. 18. If the house
of representatives acts favorably on
Senator Heyburn's bill, recently passed
by the senate, a nice fat surveying con
tract will be awarded early in the com
ing summer to some man who wants to
remark the boundary line between Ida
ho and Washington. The senator's
bill appropriates $25,000 to defray the
expense of resurveying this line, which
was originally laid off in 1874. It has
been known for some time that the line
has not been completeely marked and
does not conform with the boundary
prescribed in the statutes.
Senator Clay III.
Washington, Feb. 18. SenatorAlex
ander S. Clay, of Georgia, is ill with
an attack of acute indigestion at his
apartments in this city.
Lease Lands fcr 15 Years.
Washington, Feb. 19. The house
committee on territories today favorab
ly reported a bill limiting the duration
of leasing of agricultural lands in Ha
waii to 15 years. The committee also
favorably reported a bill authorizing
the payment of Hawaiian postal sav
ings bank deposits. When the territory
of Hawaii was treated the affairs of
Hawaiian postal savings banks were
wound up with the proviso that the de
positors be paid by the United States.
"SPIRIT OF THE GOLDEN WEST"
All
Oregon Represented by Floats
In
dicatlve of Its Resources.
Portland's great annual instituion,
the Rose Festival, which was lnaugu
rated last June under such auspicious
I circumstraces, will, this coming June,
i be consummated on a scale so broad
and grand that it will have a general
appeal to the whole state of Orgeon,
and an individual appeal to every com
manity in the commonwealth. The
grand jubilee, which will be one round
I of pleasure for the whole week begin
mnz Monday, June l, and ending in a
blaze of glory the following Saturday
night, is not for Portland or Portland
people alone.
One of its most spectacular and bril
liant features is to be the magniteent
street pageant. This is a competitive
event open to all cities and towns of
Oregon oatiide of the Rose City. There
will be grand prisea, the capital prise
being a princely sum in cash with a
number of costly souvenir cups and
ether trophies of great value and
beauty.
Up to the present time about 20
eities and towns of Oregon have been
heard from, each showing great inter
est in the special state parade, and
several of these towns, through their
business organisations and "boosting"
clubs, have sent representatives to this
city to oonfer with the Festival manage
ment with reference to character of the
floats which will make the most effect
ive showing for their communities.
The Festival association has secured
the services of a master float builder
from the East, who is now here with a
corps of assistant ready to advise with
all who desire to enter the lists.
The railroads of Oregon, and the
whole West, in fact, are planning to
give special reduced rates on all lines,
good for the whole week of the Festi
val. Special low rates from Portland
to all points in Orsoga.
Every town in Oregon is invited to
enter some characteristic float In the
"All Oregon" parade, and the Festival
association invites coreapondenoe and
personal conference with cities and
towns, large and small, in this all im
portant matter.
Publications for Farmers.
The following publications of interest
to farmers and others have been issued
by the Agricultural department of the
Federal government and will be fur
nished free, so long as they are avail
able, except where otherwise noted,
upon application to the Superintendent
of Documents, Government Printing
Office, Washington, D. C:
Bulletin No. 110. Report of Irriga
tion Investigations for 1901, under di
rection of Elwood Mead, chief of irriga
tion investigations. Pp. 401, pis. 64,
figs. 12. Price 50 cents. This is the
third of the annual reports of the irri
gation investigations of this office. It
deals chiefly with the duty of water
but contains also reports from four sta
tions in the humid states, where irriga
tion is not a necessity, but a means ol
increasing the returns from farm lands
a report on the underground water sup
ply of the San Bernardino valley. Call
fornia, and the second progress report
on silt measurements.
Bulletin No. 86. The Use of Water
in Irrigation. Report of investigations
made in 1899, unoer the suverpision oi
Elwoed Mead, expert in charge, and C
T. Johnston, assisatnt. Pp. 263, pis
50, figs. IS. PriceSO cents. This bul
letin explains the methods in use in
the arid states in the distribution and
use of water in irrigation. It gives a
large number of measurements made to
determine the duty of water and the
losses by seepage and evaporation from
canals, and discusses the methods by
which the water supply may be more
effectively and economically utilized in
the production of crops.
Bulletin No. 104. Report of Irriga
tion Investigations for 1900, under so
pervision of Elwood Mea.d, expert in
charge of irrigation investigations. Pp.
334, pis. 25, figs. 29. Price 50 cents.
This report covers the second year of
investigations relating especially to the
duty of water. The reports of the field
agents contain also a large amount of
information on laws and customs, agri
cultural methods, crop returns and
other subjects related to irrigation. A
progress report on the quantities of silt
carried by a number of southern riven
is also contained in this volume
Idaho Corn Show.
On the 2d, 3d and 4th of Decembei,
1908, there will be held at Moscow a
state corn show under the management
of the Idaho Agronomy association. Not
only will there be a chow, but also a
rousing program, which in itaelf would
pay the farmer to come to Moscow.
The subject of coin will be taken up
and discussed from a practical and sci
entific point of view; the soil will be
considered in its different phases; irri
gation and dry farming will be talked
about and the various live stock, dairy
and horticultural subjects will be con
sidered. There will be some good premiums
offered to the winners of the show.
Now is the time to begin preparing by
planting some good corn and getting in
Une.
Tell your neighbors about it.
Do not forget the date. Mark thost
days on your calendar and plan to come.
For further information address, R.
E. Hyslop, Superintendent Idaho Ag
ronomy Association, Moscow, Idaho.
rmrrrM.
Make a syrup of five pounds sugar
and two cups water; boll until clear.
Wash, stem and seed one gallon cher
ries, drop in the syrup and boll thirty
minutes; skim well. Fill air-tight Jars,
seal and put In a cool place.
To CIhi m Stel Knlf.
Cut an Irish potato In half, dip one
jf the pieces in the brlckdust which
Is generallj used for cleaning knives.
Rub the blade of the knife and tha
lUln will immediately disappear. I
GREATEST STRIKE
KNOWN IN STATE
Fabulously! Rich Ore Uncovered at
Rawhide, Nev.
More 'Than 200 Met From Reno
Rush to Scent Ore Clear Across
Opening Uncovered Assays Over
S600 to the Tor Apparently Is a
True Contact Vein.
Reno, Nev., eb. 18. At the 50-foot
level of the lease of John Kearns, on
Balloon mountain, at Rawhide, today,
Tom Kearns set off a shot that uncov
ered a breast of ore literally alive with
gold and assaying clear across the six
foot opening more than $600 per ton in
gold and silver, making it by far the
argest gold discovery in the history of
Nevada, if not in the world.
The strike is only a short distance
from the estate of the Balloon Hill
company's property which sold last
week for $600,000. Not since the dis
covery of Tonopah has the excitement
been so intense in Reno. Tonight more
than 200 residents of this city, many
of them businessmen and others clerks,
left for the scene. Xhis rush has been
going on for the past ten days on re
ports of strikes from the camp, but the
confirmed story of the Kearns strike
this afternoon has added to the excite
ment.
The population since last week has
grown to 6,000 and is being added to as
rapidly as conveyances can carry for
tune seekers to the camp. The ore to
all appearances is in place. The vein
forms a contact between the mam back
bone of Balloon hill and joins the coun
try rock to the west, which is altered
porphyry. The gangue is in a moder
ately solidified kaolinized rbyolite car
rying about $3 In gold to $1 in silver.
WAR FEVER IN RUSSIA.
Rushing Troops to Frontier to Fight
Turkey.
St. Petersburg, Feb. 18. The alarm-
iet reports of the possibility of hostili
ties between Russia and Turkey, which
have permeated all stratas of Russian
society, have assumed the proportions
of a veritable war scare, to which the
sensational press is devoting ite biggest
headlines.
The situation is taken seriously, not
only in military circles, but also by
conservative politicians. M. Gutcb-
koff, leader of the majority in the
douma, announced his intention to
night of raising at the next meeting of
the committee of national defense the
question of the nation's readiness for
war. This, he believes, 1b of the most
vital importance, in view of the news
from the Caucasus and all parts of
Europe. He also purposes to interpel
late the minister of communications on
the ability of the railroads to transport
troops qu;ckly to the frontiers.
The douma, according to M. Gutch
koff, will be guilty of criminal negli
gence if it permits the country again to
be drawn into a war for which it is
wholly unprepared. The surest means
to avoid a rupture, he said, is serious
preparation for any eventuality.
SWEDEN FEARS RUSSIA.
Strained Relations Over Coaling
Sta-
tion May Bring War.
Stockholm, Feb. 18. The relations
between Sweden and Russia are decid
edly strained at present. The tension
has arisen because Russia insists upon
being released from the agreement made
when Sweden surrendered Finland, that
no naval stations or fortifications should
be established on the Finnish shores
adjacent to Sweden. The pait taken
byRussia in the Norwegian integrity
treaty and her present attitude on the
Baltic "closed sea question" also have
greatly irritated Sweden.
War is feared in Sweden, because
Russia for some time past has been pre
paring to establish a naval station on
the western shores of Aland island,
which is 25 miles from the Swedish
coast and only a few hours by steamer
from Stockholm.
Prosecutors in Conference.
Los Angeles, Feb. 18. Following the
report of impending Federal and state
prosecution of the railroads of Califor
nia upon charges of violation of the
law, H. E. Duncan, special agent of
the Department cf Justice at Washing
ton, was todav in consultation with
United States District Attorney Oscar
Lawlar. Members of the State Rail
road commission and Assistant Attor
ney General Raymond Benjamin ar
rived today for the purpose, it is said,
of examining the books of the Santa
Fe and Salt lake Railroad companies.
Canada Will Stand by daps
Ottawa, Ont.. Feb. 18. The Japan
ese consul was inquiring at the depart
ment today as to the truth of a report
from Vancouver about the arrest of two
Japanese under the Natal act. The
Justice department has no information
but its officers have instructions to
test every case by habeas corpus or
otherwise, so as to permit the Japan
ese to land. As soon as the official
copy of the Natal act has been received
here, it will be disallowed.
Standard Declares Dividend.
New ork, Feb. 18. The directors
of the Standard Oil company declared a
quarterly dividend of $lo per share.
The eame amount was paid in the cor
responding quarter last year. Standard
Oil is an unlisted stock. The amount
of stock outstanding is $100,000,000.