Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 206, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 August 1910 — Page 3

THE American HOME

E<3 ITor' .

Mr. 'William A. .Radford will answer ■Questions and give advice FREE OF COST on all subjects pertaining to the subject of building for the readers of this paper. On account of his wide experience as Editor, Author and Manufacturer, he is, without doubt, the ‘highest Authority on all these subjects. Address all inquiries to ’William A. Radford, No. 194 Fifth Ave., Chicago, 111., and only enclose two-cent stamp for reply. The subject of cement construction tor homes has attracted much attention among architects in the last few years, and on account of the popular demand for such houses is bound to remain in the front. There is no ques tion that the well-built cement house fs both economical and sanitary. It Is warm in winter and cool in summer. j Now, lest there be some prejudice in the mind of any reader, it may not\be out of place to make a little reference to one of the aspects of the cement construction field that may remove that prejudice, or help to, at least. It is a fact that some poor work has, been done, especially with •concrete blocks. A campaign was made over the country a few years ago by the machinery men who had concrete block machinery to sell urging every man to buy a machine and •go into the business of making blocks. Alluring inducements even were offered, and thousands of men bought machines who were no more fitted to make, concrete blocks as they should he made, than they were to crochet fancy work. The making of good concrete, whether in the form of blocks or in Y al^s > I s no boy’s job. it requires intelligence, just as any construction work does. Now, the concrete block should not be condemned for what the offenders against it have done. It is human nature to judge things by their worst aspects. And the men who made blocks that absorb water or crumble have done a great mischief to the .block. There are throughout the country thousands of well built concrete block houses that will stand forever and are moisture proof. But one poor house will create

an adverse impression that a dozen good houses cannot overcome. The writer knows of paany fine cement houses that attest the value of cement In home construction. Cement is pliable and capable of being adapted to nearly any design the architect may select. Cement houses require no repairs whatever, and the older they get the more nearly like stone they become, Cement work placed in the Coliseum of -Rome is as strong today as it was

First Floor Plan

12,000 years ago when it xras put there. So in selecting the materials for the .construction of a home or even of any jother structure that it is desired (Should be lasting no better material Ithan cement can be selected. Now. for cement construction the (design of the home shown here is perfectly adapted. This house may be built of eight-inch concrete blocks for the walls and for the porch, and the round porch columns may be of molded cement. The design calls for an elaborate basement. Here the furnace room will be located and also the kitchen, toilet, a laundry and icoal bin. On the main floor there is ,a good slsed living room, a dining Toom' and two bedrooms. The else

of the house is 23 feet 6 inches wide and 37 long. If it is possible a site should be selected for the house where gravel will be available on the ground for the making of the blocks. This can be taken from the excavation for the basement. If that Is done it will greatly reduce the cost. The blocks should all be made In advance and allowed -plenty of time to cure. The secret of making a concrete block that will be impervious to water is to use a well graded gravfel, that is, a gravel In which the stone*

.vary in size from sand to stones a half inch in diameter. The cement should be sound and plenty of it should be used, with a waterproofing of hydrated lime in the face. The.mixing should be thorough and plenty of water should be used. If these direotlons are followed a block will result that will be waterproof. While the blocks are curing they should be sprin-

kled three times a day for a week or ten days without fail. , The design also is adapted for construction of frame either with the usual siding on the outside or with h cemenj. stucco finish. If cement stucco is used either wooden lath can be placed over furring strips with tar paper underneath or metal lath can be used.

In Paris the theory that man’s soul and also woman’s, is revealed by the length, shape, inclination and spacing of the teeth has been put forward by certain dentist-physicians, and society is greedily grasping at the novelty. The new method of “dental divination” is declared to be much more certain than palmistry, mind reading, phrenology or such old-fashioned diversions as fortune telling by cards and teacups. One - newspaper announces that invitations are already out for a “dentomacy seance.” Here are some of the “secrets” which the new “science” professes to lay bare:' Long, narrow teeth indicate vanity; teeth small, separated and very white are a certain sign of inconstancy and fickle character; long, irregular teeth, projecting forward, are an index of avarice and egoism; small, uneven teeth indicate an uncertain disposition, with a tendency to nervousness; untruthfulness is shown by teeth which crowd and oyerlap. f

Mark Twain as “Attraction."

A girl who was a stranger to Mark Twain once found her way into his Bermuda home with the hope of getting a sight of the authqr. She came suddenly in contact with him and frankly explained her errand. t “Have you see the crystal cove yet," he asked, “or the aquarium?” “No, I came to .see you first,” she answered. 4 “Well, you shouldn’t have seen me first," he answered. “I run in opposition to the crystal and the acquarium. But they’re not shucks to me.' I’m lots better. I give them their money’s worth. But you should see them. Then you’ll appreciate me.’’ This was said in his most earnest drawl and with .only a sparkle cd humor In hie keen blue eyen /

“Dental Divination."

PARIS ET LES PARISIENNES

ORIGIN OF STYLES

AMERICANS TAKE THEIR IDEAS FROM PARIS. > Fashion Must Be Followed Even Though the Styles of Gowns and Millinery Cannot Be Made to Look Attractive. BY FRANCES GROSVENOR. . All at once, from the quarters of the compass, comes an Inquiry into the origin of the styles with which American women are blessed —or afflicted—ln the fashioning of their clothes. It seems that our apparel, especially in the matter of millinery, has not only failed to please our men folks, (who fain would worship at the shrine of beauty adorned), but has

provoked a revolt on the part of many women during the past year. ■\ The “Merry Widow” and the “Peach Basket” (alluring names for hats), called down the wrath of our male relatives, made us the sport of the caricaturist in the daily press, and even provoked a revolt on our part. How did we come by such atrocious millinery? Mr. Boh tells us it was foisted on us by the French, in who_a we have had such faith for so long a time. All this commotion served as advertising, and thousands of ns went on our Way—not serenely—getting in everybody’s else way with our "merry widows,” and resembling toadstools under our “peach baskets,” defeating our own efforts to look attractive and meriting the settled conviction in many minds that women are hopelessly foolish when it comes to .following the fashion. Our conglomeration of models comes to us through many channels and “It is the style,” or “They are wearing this” are bound to cease to be a big stick. We are destined to become more Independent in our choice of styles and to wear millinery of which even our male kin will be compelled to admit “It is beautiful” and “It is suited to you.” We will not care a fig about who is wearing It or whether somebody else made it the style or not. It will be in the trend of fashion, otherwise our menfolk would pronounce it too conspicuous, and everybody will be happy when everybody is suited.

DRESS DERAILS IMPORTANT

Attention to Little Things Will Raise the Hat or Gown Above Mediocrity. In dress, as in other things, the importance of the attention to little things is essential If this be done, the big effect will take care of itself.' A gown, hat or wrap can be raised from a plane of mediocrity to that of distinction by the Introduction of little details of ornamentation that are decidedly successful in the attainment of that end, yet are within the reach of most fingers. A bat that in itself is the duplicate of hundreds of others can be treated to a peculiar binding or an unusual adjustment of ornaments. The binding, by the way, offers wide field for differentiation from the usual flat velvet facing. Fringe, in silken or linen form is distinctive, if used as an edging for the turned-down rim. Silk or velvet can be puffed or shirred over the edge, while a rose quilling is the newest trimming for that part of the •hat. Then, again, color In the form of beads, silk or velvet can be used with a discreet eye for unusual combination of tones. In other words, the unusual but approved alliances of shades make for the distinctive. A detail perhaps that many women overlook is the question of hatpins. Just as soon as one considers these orna-menteof-utlllty (and dangers) to form a part of the hat scheme there will be added effect Do not choose promiscuously the pins, each of which is very beautiful, but in the relation to

others detracts from the whole. Surely, the immense discs should be made to contribute to the headgear. In dress the details are extremely important Dlttle pleatings that are for the most part hidden, applications of tiny buttons or narrow braid, hidden bands of color under lace and the wonderful attention to hooks, loops and buttons at all fastenings are the factors that produce a successful whole. Motifs not applied by the machine, but by band, and buttonholed in such a way that the material melts Into the edging are extrepiely effective. Pipings of two or tKJfee colors form tiny lines of contrast unexpected places,’ while a piece of embroidery or chintz that many of us would consign to the scrap bag can be made important as a decorative agent. Last of all, let there be paid a careful attention to the accessories with which woman adorns herself. With a red dress use the jewelry that best harmonizes with the shade. Black and white are more friendly to the jewel casket, but the rule of one color scheme is the best to be observed.

NEAT, PRETTY HOUSE DRESS

One-Piece Gowns Are in Great Demand and Never Before Were So AtI tractive. Manufacturers have never before paid so much attention to house dresses as they have this year. The demand for the one-piece dresses for wear in the house and on the veranda is greater than ever before. The present styles for houses dresses are so neat and trim that the garments are suitable for street wear. For years many women have protested against wrappers and kimonos as work dresses, and yet women who bought work dresses ready made usually accepted these styles because few stores carried anything else. But now manufacturers are giving more heed to the work gown, and women who want to appear neat and trim while at housework may And many ready made dresses which will answer their needs. The prettiest designs are those which have the Dutch neck, three-quarters sleeves and buttons at the side. Many garments button in the front and a few at the back, although the latter are not in great favor as work dresses. One of the neatest dresses is made of blue linen with bias bands of red and white plaid around the neck and on the short sleeves. Some new house gowns have plain shirt waist sleeves with short cuffs fastened with fancy pearl buttons. The turn-down collars and Peter Pan collars are used a good deal. There is little variation in the skirt. No matter how the waist may vary, the skirts are usually the circular gored effect and should be short enough to permit the wearer to go upstairs without having to lift her dress. Percales, ginghams and lawns are favorite materials.

FOR THE SMALL GIRL

Sky blue zephyr is used for this simple little dress, which has a plastron front put on with a wrapped seam; the material which is set to this is pleated; a band draws the pleats in at the waist; the collar and cuffs are just stitched at the edge. Hat of soft straw trimmed with ribbon. Material required: 3% yards 36 inches wide.

Flower Friezes.

A pretty English Idea lately come to America is the application of a frieze, consisting of a canvas or paper border of flowers with the background cut away with a sharp pair of embroidery scissors, to the white or green painted walls of a bungalow. The dado or celling border thus formed is very effective and may be applied to every room in the cottage with a differently tinted wall and a different choice of flowers appropriately distributed for each. Try It on your summer bungalow.

Railway Engineers as Heroes

No man eludes death bftener or more narrowly than the locomotive engineer, says Mr. Thaddeus S. Dayton, writing in Harper’s Weekly. On a fast train the danger threatens and Is gone in a fraction of a second, "He goes on to tell of some of those “close calls” which every engineer must reckon on as part of the day’s work. There are a few cases, we are toH, when Providence steps in and averts a disaster which seems inevitable. The most remarkable instance of this sort happened many years ago on a railway in eastern Missouri. The story was told recently in the official organ of the Order of Railway Conductors. One summer morning a twelve-car train containing the members & of a Sunday school was bound for a picnic at' a point about fifty miles distant. Although the sky was cloudless when the excursion started, the train had not proceeded more, than half way when a thunderstorm broke. The rain fell in torrents. The engineer was worried for fear the terrific downpour might cause a washout or a spreading <jf the rails, and he slowed down to about 35 miles an hour. As the train swung around a curve and approached a small station which it was to pass without stopping, the engineer, peering through the broken curtain of rain, saw that the switch just ahead was open. It meant a terrible disaster. He closed hid throttle and put on the brakes in an instant. “Better stick to it,” he shouted to bis fireman. “I mean to,” was the answer. “God help us all!” His last words were drowned by a terrific crash of thunder which came simultaneously with a flash of lightning, that seemed to strike the ground just ahead of the engine. The next thing they knew they were past the station,/still riding safely on the main line ..rails. . .... The train came to a stop and -the engineer and conductor hurried back, to discover what had happened and how the train had passed the open switch. They found that the lightning had struck sqifarely between the switch and the rail and had closed the switch. “It was the act of God,” said the engineer. More often the story of a close call is “a tale of quick-thinking' heroism.” We are told of an engineer whose presence of mind save scores of lives in Newark, N. J., one December day a few years ago. . “A freight train was going up a steep grade about half a mile from the station when the couplings broke between the third and fourth cars from the end, and they began to roll down hill at a terrific speed. A long passenger train had just arrived and was standing directly in the path of the runaway cars. The engineer of the passenger train saw the approaching danger and realized in a flash that the on-rushing cars must be stopped at all hazards before they reached the station. Otherwise there would be a terrible loss of life. He uncoupled his engine, sprang into the cab, and opened the throttle. The big engine bounded forward like a spirited horse struck with a whip. At the last moment before the collision the engineer shut off the steam and jumped. He landed unhurt in a heap of cinders. The engine crashed into the runaway cars, and an Instant later there was nothing left of the locomotive or the cars, but a mass of wreckage. At least a hundred lives were saved by the engineer’s prompt action.” This story is told by J. A. Erickson, an old locomotive engineer: “I know of a surprise test two or three years ago where some young fellow, a signal engineer, probably, impregnated with cigarette smoke, took a bad place to try the test on the engineer of a long train that had about twelve heavy cars on the rear without air, and in the forward part of the train there were light cars. “They set the signal after the engine had passed the distance signal, and when the signal was set again the engineer threw on his brake suddenly and stopped the train so that the heavy cars in the rear piled up the light can and threw them on the opposite track in front of a passenger train going in the opposite direction, which ran Into the wreck and killed the engineer. If It had become known that that was a surprise test that very signal engineer would have been landed in jail.” ' Mr. Erickson also contributed the following Information as to the efficacy of signals, though he admitted that the cases cited by him were rare: "I have seen signals clear with trains in the block. I have seen signals that were clear with tracks obstructed from one end to the other. I was running a' train on Track 1 and there was a local train on Track 3

and the signal behind it was clear. I had been taught that this could not happen. After I reached the terminal I got another man and we went back and we saw four trains go through and still that signal was clear. I went down to the superintendent and told him. He called in the signal engineer. He said: ‘That cannot happen. It Is Impossible for it to happen.’ “I said that it had happened, and I saw It and I had two witnesses, but that the superintendent should send two more men to the signal and see if what I had reported was not true. They went out and came in and told him afterward that it was true. The magnets had been welded by lightning.”

AND YET FASTER IS DEMAND

American Public Is Speed Crazy, DeI Prominent Railroad Official. “The American public is speed crazy,” declares a man at the head of the operating department of one of the great trunk lines. "Every day, every week, our time table is subjected to a compelling outside pressure—the demand for faster trains. Our eritire organization Is geared up to the effort to meet it —these offices and clerks, that train shed down there, the yards and roadbed, and the then along the line from trainmaster down tp wiper—all our equipment from master mechanic down to the melter that made the silicon in'the engine drivers, ‘Give us faster trains.’ And we’ve got to find a way to do it—or some other road will. “It really isn’t a question of saving time with the speed maniacs, for, in my observation, it matters little with most travelers what they do with their time when they get to. their destination. But get them there quickly—that’s the cry. The infection has spread to one and all. It’s a kind of germ disease. In a way, it is funny; or, rather, it would be funny if the problem were not so desperate with us. “One day last February one of our Philadelphia expresses was four minutes late. Only four minutes late in zero weather, with frosty rails and skidding wheels. It should have been forty. Yet, an eminent financier cami into my office and entered a complaint. But r here’s the point—he wasted twenty of his valuable minutes putting in that complaint!”— Munsey’s.

Railroad Firemen’s School.

The Lehigh Valley railroad has introduced an educational System for its firemen by which the men will be required to take a three years’ course in the methods of doing a fireman’s duty and special instruction in the economical use of fuel. They will be required to know their work thoroughly, and, that the company may know how they are progressing, •will have to undergo examinations at the end of each year. For the first two years a percentage of 75 will be required and for the third year 80 ! per cent. Those who pass successfully will be in line for appointments as locomotive engineers. At the beginning of each term the students will get lists questions, answers to which will/be demanded! of them in their examinations.

Scores Defense of Criminals.

In a letter published In the Syracuse Post-Standard ex-Ambassador Andrew D. White speaks vigorously on the subject of “the chicanery, pettifoggery and folly in the defense of criminals.** He says that “homicides have increased within fifteen years from 2,000 a year tq nearly 10,000, placing us by far in the lead of all civilized nations in this respect,” and that there were capital convictions in only about seventy cases last year. "The Immediate cause of the whole of this state of things, with constantly Increased disrespect of law, is, in my opinion.” adds Mr. White, "a kind of sickly sentiment pervading the whole country on this subject”

Patriotic.

The visitors were Inspecting the new airship. “But what a pecudar shape!” they remarked. “We thought you were going to build it in the shape of a cigar.’’ “No,” responded the inventor. “Yousee I am from Pittsburg, and I am so proud of my home town I built it tn the shape of a stogie." i Later on they heard that the whole affair had gone up in smoke.