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Page 8
It is toward Africa that the Powers of Europe are turning their
attention at the present day. England, France, Germany, and Italy are
all seeking to plant colonies there, and gather its riches for
themselves.
For years the various countries have had their way in Africa and have
pursued their conquests practically unchecked.
The few savage tribes that have resisted have been mastered with more or
less difficulty, and the country has been settled by the conquerors.
No nation had been met with that was strong enough to check the onward
march of Europe, until Menelik, Negus of Abyssinia, defeated the
Italians at the battle of Adowa, and showed Europe that he, at least,
intended to bring the conquerors to terms.
Since this battle all the nations interested in Africa have been seeking
the friendship of this swarthy monarch.
England finds it necessary to make a friend of him, lest in her wars
with the Mahdi's followers, in the Soudan, she have Menelik also against
her.
France and Italy both need the alliance of this powerful king, else they
will not be able to maintain the colonies they have already established.
Most of the African rulers have been won over with presents of beads and
gaudy ornaments, but Menelik belongs to a different class. He has
studied and tried to fathom the intricacies of European government, and
if he gives his friendship to the nations that are suing for it, it will
be in exchange for benefits much more substantial than the Europeans
have been accustomed to give.
* * * * *
Steady progress has been made with the Tariff Bill, and it is expected
that it will be passed within a very few days.
An attempt has been made to put a provision against Trusts in the bill.
The proposed clause would make it unlawful for people to combine
together to restrain free competition or to increase the market price of
materials. All materials unfairly increased in price are to be forfeited
to the United States, and it is to be the duty of the Attorney-General
to enforce all laws against Trusts, and to do all in his power to
suppress them.
It is thought that it will be difficult to add this clause to the bill,
but every effort will be made to accomplish it.
Mr. Sherman expressed himself very strongly on the subject of Trusts the
other day.
He said that in his belief the question of Trusts was the most important
one before the nation to-day.
He said that the Trust Law was not strong enough in its present form,
and that he was in favor of making all combinations that restrained
trade unlawful.
He declared that even if the effect of Trusts was to lower prices, he
considered them injurious to the public good, because they prevented
competition and drove the smaller men out of business.
The Tobacco Trust trial has resulted in a disagreement of the jury.
* * * * *
A wonderful diving-bell is being tried in the Great Lakes.
We described the method of using diving-bells in a previous number, but
this new invention is built on an entirely different plan, and can
accomplish results never before dreamed of.
The kind formerly made could not withstand the pressure of the water at
any very great depth. No machine had been invented capable of bearing
this strain until the new Smith bell was tried.
This bell has worked successfully in two hundred feet of water, and it
is claimed can withstand the pressure at a much greater depth.
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