EVENT AND COMMENT
According to late newspaper accounts, one of the most striking efforts in the direction of wireless communication is that of Mr. Nathan Stubblefield, residing near Murray, in the State of Kentucky.
Mr. Stubblefield holds the theory that sound waves, as well as vibrations of ether, can be conveyed from one point to the other without the use of wires. To prove this, he has invented an apparatus of apparently simple construction, consisting of a transmitter and receiver. Its only metallic contact with any solid object is by means of a wire rod, which is sunk into the ground at the desired point. Through this the waves of sound are conveyed from the transmitter to the ground, and from the ground to the receiver of the other station.
To show that water as well as land will conduct these vibrations, Mr. Stubblefield established communication between a boat some distance from the shore and a station on the land. From the boat, the strains of a musical instrument playing on the shore could be distinctly heard and recognized.
Mr. Stubblefield believes that it is only upon the question of obtaining a high voltage that the unlimited application of his system depends.
The many persons who have viewed his experiments are fully convinced that Mr. Stubblefield will do much toward furthering the possibilities of wireless communication.
In the will of the late Cecil Rhodes, provisions were made, setting aside $10,000,000 for the founding of free scholarships for the benefit of students from the British colonies, Germany, and the United States. Of these, the United States is to have two for each State and Territory. The conditions of these scholarships are that the candidates must possess the necessary educational qualifications, manly qualities, a fondness for out-of-door sports, and an “exhibition during their school days of moral force of character and instincts to lead and take interest in their schoolmates.”
Mr. Rhodes’ purpose is to concentrate the scattered forces of the Anglo-Saxon race, which, he believes, contributes the greatest influence for good upon humanity.
The EdinburghEvening Newsof April 12 has stated that Mr. Kruger, in behalf of the Boers, desires peace on the following conditions:
Absolute independence will not be made an issue if otherwise a satisfactory form of government can be reached.
The proclamation of banishment must be canceled, the confiscated property restored to its owners, and all other property destroyed by the British soldiers must be paid for by their government.
The recognition of both languages in the schools and courts.
The pardon of rebels and the release of political prisoners.
All prisoners of war are to be returned to South Africa on a fixed date.
The foregoing terms and conditions are to be carried out under the supervision of one or more of the powers friendly to the Boer cause.
Negotiations have now reached such a point as to promise a speedy termination of the war in South Africa.
In the recent correspondence between Lieutenant-General Miles and the Secretary of War, the former asked for authority to take with him to the Philippines ten Cubans and Porto Ricans, for the purpose of illustrating to the inhabitants of those islands the beneficial influence of the United States.
A representative group of Filipinos would then, on the return journey, be brought to this country, to familiarize them with our civilization. In this way it was hoped to establish a more amicable understanding between the two peoples.
After a careful consideration of General Miles’ plan, the Secretary of War stated his disapproval of it on the ground that it would be impracticable.
The Great Salt Lake, which for a number of years past has been gradually diminishing in size, is now causing some little apprehension to the people of Utah. Although not well understood, it is thought that the diversion of the streams which formerly fed this interesting body of water, for the purpose of agriculture, is partly responsible for its decrease. The cutting away of forests also is supposed to have had its effect in diminishing the water supply of the region.
The largest power house in the world is that recently erected in New York City by the Manhattan Elevated Railroad. The total energy of its entire system of engines is 1,000,000 horse-power. This is capable of being converted into a force of 600,000 electrical horse-power, in which form it will be used for propelling the trains of the elevated railroad.