SAN FRANCISCO MAIL NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2433, 31 October 1900, Page 9

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL NEWS.

(Per Moana at Auckland.)

It is said that President M'Kinley expects war in China in some guise, and that for this reason it has been decided that the troops of America, shall be withdrawn, with the exception of the Embassy Guard. Americans are not in f*he mood to be caught in the midst of an embroglio with China or between the European. Powers on Chinese soil. The strike in the anthracite coal regions of Pennsylvania shows no signs of coming to an end. It was announced that 118,000 of the 14-1,000 employed in the region were idle. At a meeting of owners it wa3 agreed to offer a 10 per cent, increase in wages, and to reduce the price of powder from 2.75d0l to 1.50d0l per keg. Notices to this effect were posted tliroufjhoai, the entire anthracite district, but produced no rffect, the miners declaring there were other differences to bo adjusted, and they must have recognition of their union, through the leaders of which ■only could they treat with employers. Troops have been at hand in the midst of the miners in case of, outbreaks of violence, but the strikers have won the admiration of tho country by the moderation and psacefulness with ivhich they have presented and maintaine 1 their case. The quietness ot the men has perhaps deceived public opinion, as to their seriousness. Tho price of coal lias advanced little in spite of the lack of developments. A regiment of soldiers sent to maintain order has been withdrawn, simply because"'of the evident ability of the strike leaders to keep order, and persuade the miners their only hope of success lies in keeping the confidence and sympathy of ths people by good behaviour and using only persuasion to keep non-union men from going to work. The union, in their statement of the cause of, tho strike, say the average wages of -anthracite miners for many years have been less than 250d0l annually. During that period the cost of many of the necessaries of life has been increased 20 per cent. The increase in the cost of living without a corresponding Increase of wages is equivalent to a reduction in wages.

Both great political parties in the United States have fired the opening guns of the campaign, and both are hard at work. Mr (W. J. Bryan himself is an indefatigable speechmaker, and is touring East and West, tirelessly speaking from rear ends of the train at small towns and keeping things in a ferment all along the line. The matchless orator, Burke Cochrane, spoke in Chicago to a gathering so vast that great loss of life in fche crush was only naraowly averted. Mr Cochrane is convincing, and his success has alarmed the Republicans, who no longer feel the election of M'Kinley and Roosevelt can ■be .effected without work. Mr Mark Hanna (the great Republican boss) himself has taken the field, though all his life backward about speaking in public- He has been well received. Mr Roosevelt, the war hero and Republican candidate for Vice-president, is as busy as Mr Bryan himself, but scarcely the Siero in the West as he was when a " Rougli Jtider " only, ancl not a candidate. Earlier in the season it was believed on all sides the Democrats had absolutely no chance of win•fciߣ this, election. Active wggk. ligj^ bgyv

ever, disooAered the unpopularity oi President M'Kinley in unexpected quarters, and far less enthusiasm for Roosevelt than was counted upon by party leadei-3 when he was against his better judgment, induced to accept nomination. The war in the Philippines has been far from popular, and it is felt by tLe masses that the great prospei'ity of the country, even if due to administration, has benefited capitalists, and is not shared in by tho labouring classes. Of course thit> is only partly true, but has enough basis of fact to serve as a campaign issue. The American Navy department has issued a notice to the effect that though the land forces in China may be reduced as circumstances warrant, the naval force in the Orient will bo from time to time increased, with reference to protection of American interests in sections. Several important vessels have already been ordered to prepare for the Asiatic station, though a fleet of 28 vessels is already in Asiatic and Philippine waters. On tho other hand, General Obaffee, at Tientpin received order.-i from Washington to withdraw the bulk of the American troops from that point, and will carry out the order as early as possible. News of America's withdrawal created a sensation. "In Washington a rumour gained circulation that Mr M'Kinley had positive knowledge that war would be formally declared in.tKe Far East within iwo months, and the American action would be purely with the idea of taking no risk of being involved in the inevitable struggle. The following statement was given to' the prej-s on authority which,, though^not official, is considered high: — "The President ordered the troops to withdraw froi^ .Ghana becaxi&e he came into riosression of information that war could not_ be delayed-niuca longer. He ordered American warships to tho Ea'-t because wo must protect American interests;. War will begin within 60 days, and I expect it much sooner. Probably it will begin \\ith a declaration of war against China by Germany. The end, no man can tell."

It has just been notified that a convention of delegates from all the Bow Wong Societies of the world is to be held in Yokohama in October to consider what the society can do in regard to securing a modern Government for China. The hope of this society is to prevent partition and secure a stable Government, preferably under Emperor Kwang- Hsu. freed from the domination and control of the Empress^ Do-wager, and with friendly advice and the assistance of America, Europeans, and Japanese ; to inaugurate reforms in the methods of taxation, disbursement of levenue-s, and organisation of the army, navy, and internal police.

Spain has just completed two important treaties with the United States which await confirmation by the Cortez and Senate. One is a treaty of amity and one of extradition.

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