* * * * * The Tariff Conference has done its work very rapidly. After less than two weeks of discussion, this committee has prepared its report and given it to Congress. It was presented to the House on the 20th of July, and after a debate of two hours it was adopted by a vote of 185 to 115. The Conference had done its work so well, and had arranged the changes in the bill in such a manner, that the House made little objection to them. The measure now goes to the Senate, where it has to be readopted; but, as the changes made by the Conference were so very slight, no doubt is felt that it will be passed without delay. Unless something very unforeseen occurs, it will be in the hands of the President before the week is out, and the Dingley Bill will then become a law. There is general rejoicing that the long and tedious discussion is over, and that Congress will be able to adjourn before many days have passed. * * * * * An interesting story comes from Paris about the new X-rays. According to the account which reaches us, an apparatus has been prepared by which the Custom House officers can examine the baggage and ascertain whether there are any dutiable articles concealed in it, without going through all the trouble of unpacking and searching. It is said that cigars can be easily counted by this new process, which promises to be a great success. The method of using it is very simple. The instrument is mounted on a large table; one of the Custom House officers takes the fluoroscope and stands at the end of the table. Two others seize the baggage, and piece by piece hold it in front of the rays for examination. If this method is really as useful as it is declared to be, it will save an infinite amount of trouble in our Custom House. Unfortunately there are so many more dutiable articles in this country than in France that it is possible even the X-rays might not be sharp enough to discover them all. * * * * * The treaty for the annexation of Hawaii has been approved by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and returned to the Senate for ratification. The committee thoroughly approved of the treaty, and sent it to the Senate without any alteration or criticism. It therefore stands as we explained it to you in No. 34. The chairman of the committee, Senator Davis, would be glad to have the treaty ratified at once, as he thinks that speedy action would be the best way to avoid any trouble with Japan. He has, however, been warned that if he tries to press the treaty this session, the Senate will block it with the lengthy discussions about which we told you. Senator Davis therefore thinks that it will be best to let the matter rest for the present.