Items of Interest August 2, 1900 Issue

Items of Interest

Race riots prevailed in New Orleans the latter half of last week resulting in much bloodshed. A couple of negro desperadoes in resisting arrest fired upon and killed two police officers and wounded others. Then the lawless element among the whites began a ruthless war on the colored population, sparing none. One of the negroes who shot the officers was brought to bay the third day after his escape and shot eight more persons, killing three and dangerously wounding three others, before he was forced to face the police and the mob in the open by the firing of a house in which he had sought refuge. The mayor of the city organized a committee of citizens to assist the police, and the Governor sent the State troops to aid in restoring order.

At the time of the capture of the Taku forts by the foreign vessels of war, it was commented upon unfavorably that the United States squadron under command of Rear Admiral Kempff did not participate in the bombardment. The seizure of the forts being an act of war against the government of China has since been regarded as a mistake, and Admiral Kempff's report of the occurrence, which was received by mail last week, is therefore interesting. He says that he declined to join in the attack because he was not authorized to initiate war against a country with which the United States was at peace, and that that limit of authority was to protect American interests. His action was commended by the governments.

The Chicago council has unanimously passed an ordinance regulating bill boards. It provides that such structures shall not contain more than one hundred feet superficial area or be more than ten feet high, that they shall be made of incombustible material, that they must be at least three feet from the ground and twenty-five feet back from the street line, and finally it provides that the consent of the owners of three quarters of the frontage on both sides of the block must be secured before the boards can be erected on boulevards.

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