AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1924, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

[Reuters Telegrams.] A BIG FINE. NEW YORK, July 11. For alleged violation of the shipping laws, which forbid vessels under foreign flags from engaging in comnioreo l>otweecii American ports, a fine of IH> tlions** ji<l dollars has been imposed by the Customs authorities at Boston on a British steamer.

CANADIAN BANK ROBBERY

OTTAWA. July 13. A telegram from Montreal says: The breakup of one of Canada’s most dangerous gangs of Italian desperadoes "lias been effected through the condemnation to death of six men who had participated if. the. holdups of the Bank of I leehilaga. . April, causing the death of two employees. The bandits escaped with I-10,00;) dollars, whereof the police have recovered -10,1100. The robbery occurred at- mid-dav. in tin* centre* of the city, following several rehearsals. The plan apparently originated with an ex-detective, who arranged the theft. Six motors were provided r.s a means of escape The authorities. however, through the confession of two of the bandits, presented a strong case; hut tin* jury disagreed. Thereuoon. a new jury, trying all six together, found a murder verdict. The trial disclosed some remarkable machinations. including a so-called “Trouble Insurance Fund.” whereto tin* bandits paid ten per cent, of the proceeds of their robberies, for which they received a promise of immunity from prosecution, or. at tlic worst, received the assistance of able lawyers. Tw> more members of the gang will stand trial in the autumn. One bandit was killed during the arrests, and two others are being still sought.

CANADA AND JADAX. OTTAWA. July 12. The Premier, Mr McKenzie King, lias informed the House of Commons that the question of the admission of Japanese "wives” lias been taken up hv Canada with the Japanese Government. He thought the Immigration Department could exercise a closer scrutiny in this regard than hitherto. The Canadian Government were not admitting Japanese contract labourers and they did not intend to; but Mr McKenzie King pointed out that the feeling between the United States and Japan was now somewhat tense. Canada ouglil In recognise this. The Premier said; “1 believe Japan is very friendly towards ns. If our commercial agencies will lake advantage of the psychology of the situation, there is a chance for Canada to develop immensely her trade between Canada and Japan. We are endeavouring to obtain. by diplomatic methods, what our friends in the south have despaired of obtaining in that way.

rNII,UT. FIND OF ALBINOS. NEW YORK. July 11

The anlliropologieal stall' of the American Alusettm of Natural History, following on a most thorough examination of the so-called "White” Panaman Indians (as cabled dune 1!) have issued a report declaring that they are Albinos, adding that they essentially are similar to the Albino types found among South America s Indian peoples, as well as among the Italians and negroes. The staff herein disagrees with the verdict of the independent body ~f scientists, who, after a briefer examination, unanimously hailed them a“ remnants of a Proto-nordie race. The Museum authorities, however, examined five normal members of the trihle, additionally to the so-called white girl and hoy. lindi’ig that Ih 1 latter ar-> distinguished by a great diminution ol pigmentation, hut discovering a slight pigmentation in the hair and eyes.

The report continues: Hence, they are not complete Albinos, hut complete Albinism is rare.” adding:. 'lf this is a disease, it is not new nor confined to the tropics. These characteristics have been observed and recorded in Alexican and Fnited Flutes Indians. Doctor Marsh, who discover ,-! these among the Panamans, asserts that 100 Albino Indians live in a restricted San Rlas area. Herein **e think lies unique interest, because Davenport estimated one Albino to a population of ten thousand.

CLOVER’S CANTER CUR I-

MEDICAL SOCIETY’S STATEMENT

(Received this day at 9 a.m.) NEW YORK. .1 tilv Li

A telegram from Philadelphia says the County Afeilietd fxociety has announced that Dr Clover has tailed to establish his alleged isolation ol the cancer germ and his professed development of anti-toxin wherewith to treat the disease. The announcement, summarising Dr Clover’s claims contitines:— l)r Clover presented no proof of a scientific character and flatly refused, upon request, to make an exposition of the facts necessary to substantiate his claim or demonstrate that the serum had cured a single ease of di-ease. The committee, therefore, is of the opinion that it is their duty to coin hut the information already published in .order to check popular misinformation and prevent false hopes being given thousands ot sitfforeis from this dreadful scourge.

RUM-RUNNEIIS RAIDED

NEW YORK. July Li

Following on the Halifax- report that the steamship Alulhotise was raided by rum pirates off the New Jersey coast, two weeks ago, the Prohibition officials have received word that a second ship has been hoarded by pirates, who killed the captain, and threw the body overhoard. The identity of the steamer has not been revealed, hut she is of foreign registration. The raids were directed hv one of the biggest bootleggers in the country in retaliation for the cutting of rum prices bv foreign ships, so it is stated.