The Dreyfus Bordereau or Memorandum.. Situation in the Transvaal...... LAST issue contained a picture of the great Forth Bridge in Scotland. Today another bridge is illustrated on page 850. It is instructive to compare the two. They are entirely different in construction and each is subject to different conditions. Germans usually couple ornamentation with strength, whether it be in the building of bridges, houses, factories, or other structures. America might with profit follow her example in this line. Trolley poles in Germany are artistic. Rosettes are sometimes used in place of poles, and do not disfigure the buildings to which they are made fast. Many American trolley poles are eyesores. The ice-breaking steamer Ermak, shown in last issue, marks an important advance in dealing with an icy obstacle which has held men in its clutches. The prospective tunnel from England to Ireland may be nearer realization than it seems. The experiments in flying machines show that inventors are, with feverish impatience, trying to master the realm which has baffled the race since time began. The clouds are being forced to unfold their secrets, and in time there will be fewer worlds to conquer. The idea advanced in an English periodical that the wrecks of the Mohegan and Paris may have been caused by some one "tampering with the Lizard Lights," seems absurd. It suggested that the tam With the Editor 845 pering may have been done by some one who had "insured cargo at much above its real value in order to profit by its loss." That supposition belongs to the Dark Ages. It is true that a very long time ago false lights were burned off the coast of Cornwall to lure vessels to the rocks. The same thing was also true in America. But this is the 19th Century. Sailing vessels have been driven out by steamers, and steamers are not lured ashore. The article belongs in that class of cheap literature of which there is a surfeit. It is surprising that some papers printed it, for the ideas advanced cast suspicion upon everyone who shipped cargo on those ill-fated boats. No one nowadays would attempt such method of destruction, in which hundreds of lives would be involved. over, the Lizard Lights are among the most important in the world, and the keepers are tried men and true. The article is a cruel reflection upon men whose supreme thought at all times is fidelity to their trust. More On pages 858-9 will be found the newest map of the Philippine Islands. By making a note of the pages subscribers will be able to refer to the map and locate any place which may become important as the wheel of war revolves. This map will also be bound in Part X, History of Our Own Times. Notwithstanding recent rumors of an early peace, it now seems likely the war may continue for months. If battles were fought on a large scale, there might be a speedy end, but skirmishes seem the rule, and these may be long drawn out. To understand the move ments of both armies frequent reference to a reliable map is necessary. Several cash remittances have been received and there was neither name nor address inclosed to tell who the senders were. Will friends kindly give full particulars and addresses when they remit? The traveling public will await with much interest the result of investigations into the stranding of the Paris. It seems especially sad that the staunch vessel, which miraculously escaped sinking far out at sea nine years ago, should have been wrecked so near to where she was built; but it is highly gratifying that no lives were lost. Much sympathy will be extended to her captain, Frederick Watkins. Those who have sat at his table while crossing the ocean ferry, and noticed his strict attention to duty, will suspend judgment before condemning an officer who, in the opinion of his brother captains, had no superior in the service. Our climate is in several respects one of the best in the world. While it is true that the severe heat is hard to endure, it nevertheless has its advantages, and in the alternation from cold to heat, and heat to cold, is the secret of the general good health which prevails. Those compelled to live in the tropics know full well how debilitated they become after years of heat. A few words of caution to readers are timely. This is the season when there is a tendency to discard what are considered heavy clothes. In playing golf June 22, 1899] The Dreyfus Bordereau 847 or tennis, and in cycling and other recreations, hidden danger often lurks. When overheated from exercise by all means avoid draughts. Cool off gradually. Do not sit in damp clothing. It was a wise surgeon who said, "If you sit with your back to a draught, you are facing your own coffin." ON page 854 is presented a photographic reproduction of a fragment of the famous document which, with other things, led to the arrest, degradation, and exile of the unfortunate Dreyfus. The Universe (since incorporated with this paper) was the first paper in America to publish part of this important document, which appears for the first time in THE GREAT ROUND WORLD. The Dreyfus Bordereau or Memorandum and Esterhazy's Letter. The upper cut, A, translated, reads: "Without any news from you, indicating that you desire to see me, I send you, Sir, however, some interesting information. 1st:-A Note upon the 120 lb. hydraulic gun and the manner in which it is handled. 2d:-A Note upon the wheeling troops (Cavalry or Bicycle Corps?). (Some modifications are occasioned by the new plan.) 3d:-A Note upon a modification in the formation of the artillery. 4th: A Note relative to Madagascar. 5th-The proposed Firing Manual of the field artillery. (16th March, 1896.)" |