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.