Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 October 1897 — HARD WORK FDR IT. [ARTICLE]

HARD WORK FDR IT.

DIPLOMATIC BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT BUSY. Vital Points Are at Stake-Cuban and Other Questions Demanding Early Adjustment— An English Artist Tortured in Thibet. Busy Diplomatic Season. The hnrd work of the diplomatic branch of the administration at Washington is about to begin, now that the diplomats arc returning to Washington. While the Unban question will ere long overshadow all other foreign questions, there are many other important affairs of state demanding immediate attention. With negotiations for a new Anglo-American general arbitration treaty, for reciprocity treaties in accordance with the new tariff law, for the settlement of the cable coutro—Tersy with France,' for "new Bering; Sc:U regulations and the outlining of a policy in regard to the construction and control t>f the Nicaraguan canal, the State Department end of the administration has a long season before it. A small contingent of the diplomatic corps is now in the city and the remainder is expected to follow. In anticipation of their coming the State Department is making preparations for the discussion of questions to be brought up very soon. Two diplomats strange to Washington will put in an appearance this fall. One is Herr von Reichenau, the German ambassador, who is the successor of Baron von Thielmann. The other will succeed M. Patenotre of France. Great Floods Ravage China. The steamer Victoria brings news to Tacoma. Wash., of the most disastrous floods that have visited China for many years. Sixty villages near Tung Chou, containing over 80,000 inhabitants, have been destroyed by floods and the people drowned or forced to flee. There is no means of finding h v ow many thousands have been drowned, but the number is estimated by Chinese authorities at 15,000 to 20,000. The flooded district is within twelve miles of Pekin, the capital of China. Great distress prevails. Chicago Man Used a Knife. William McCaleb cut the throat of his wife, Annie, in Chicago, with an ink eraser, killing her almost instantly. After satisfying himself that the woman was dead McCaleb shot himself in the head and breast and then cut his own thront. Barred Out of Russia. Adolph Kuttner, one of the wealthiest and best known citizens of the San Joaquin Valley, California, has just returned from Europe aud confirms the previously telegraphed report of how he was barred out of Russia because he is a Jew.