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.