Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 1901. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 15 October 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 1901. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

The prevalence of cancer in the colonies has been frequently commented upon, and many theories been given as to the cause of its increase. Up to the present time science has failed to find a remedy for this terrible disease which apart from the .suffering to the individual, is a terrible infliction upon those brought into contact with those who are afflicted. In the New Zealand hospitals cancer patients have caused no end of inconvenience and .danger, and it is, therefore, satisfactory to learn that efforts are about to be made to alter this undesirable condition of affairs. The Napier Hospital Board is of opinion that the time has arrived when an hospital for the special treatment of cancer cases should be erected in one of the large centres, and has decided to request the Hospital Trustees of the colony to co-operate in approaching Government to take steps to this end. We are satisfied that all Boards will co-operate in the matter.

The Olayton-Bulwer treaty of which we have heard so much lately and which at one time seemed likely to cause trouble between Britain and America has evidently been settled. Great Britain allows America to control the canal on her guaranteeing its neutrality in time of war. The American newspapers regard this as a sensible arrangement. The “ Mail and Express,” the recognised M'Kinley organ, recently said :—“ What we now need is something that will really supersede the Clayton-Bulwer treaty, and this can only be obtained by amicable negotiations between the two Governments. Mere abrogation, even if possible, would be bad policy. We have recognised its validity too long to claim that the treaty is entirely obsolete and of no effect. The difficulties will disappear if we enter into an agreement for the neutralisation of the canal under an international guaran tee which we ought to desire for our own sake.” The Washington “ Evening Telegram ” remarked—“ There is no difficulty in the matter, and if national honor, sober sense, and due regard for the interests of the country prevail, England is evidently ready now as last year to agree to a neutralised canal under American control. Neutralisation is dictated by every consideration of national interest and safety. A new and satisfactory treaty should be ratified when the Senate meets next December. This treaty shows a change in the policy of Britain who is now evidently not indisposed to concede America’s claim to the military control of the canal in time of war. The special nature of America’s claim to predominance on the canal cannot be overlooked, while as between England and America, the difficulties respecting the fortification of the canal are probably more nominal than real.