Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 287, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 December 1913 — Page 2

tr*p N GREECE today counh — try life refers almost exKJ l\i clusively to the peasants yfe try. The modern edu--39 . cated Greek is essentialVj I yjj ly a townsman, and y; though some few of the "" wealthy classes have

Beats in the vicinity of Athens, rustic .pursuits have little attraction for him. There is but little, also, of what we should term provincial life, for Athens Is the one city of any pretensions to culture, and in it is centered the whole "social life of the nation. The majority of well-to-do Greeks make their money ‘abroad —in Egypt, Smyrna and other parts of the Levant, as well as in western Europe—returning periodically to Athens to fipend the fruits of their toil. Rural Greece, nevertheless, presents many interesting aspects. The scenery, in most parts possessed of a splendour entirely its own, is made the more romantic by the great historical traditions associated with almost every name upota the map; against such a background the peasant —physically and, perhaps, morally by far the finer half of the modern Greek race—makes a picturesque flgtire. The currant fields at least in the Peloponnesus, are the most characteristic scene of rustic labors. But great and Important as the currant industry Is, the vines are curiously local in •their distribution, and it is only a relatively small portion of the country which can be thus cultivated. Elsewhere the crops are of a more universal kind, and in essence the occupations of the peasantry are familiar, however peculiar the details which arise out of local conditions may appear; ! —; The Greek peasant has much ado, thanks to the general poverty of the soil, to wring a bare living out of agriculture. His indutsry is prodigious, especially in the mountainous regions where the traveler’s admiration is extorted by the diligence with

The Quiet Harmony Which Prevails In the Furnishing of This Suburban Living Room is Worth More Than Passing Notice.

By EMILY ANDREWS.

Do not use soap on window panes. [Either alcohol or ammonia will give a fine polish. Remove stains or discolorations from tinware by dipping a damp cloth in common baking soda and rubbing briskly. Salt water is a tonic for the eyes and should be usfed frequently. Broken orris root is more delicate in flavor than the powdered, and imparts a violeUike fragrance to the linen chest

TRACING FLIGHT OF BIRDS

Most Interesting Results have Been Obtained Through Banding the Flyers. Bird banding has lately become popular in the United State* and evidently will soon reach a record. The banding consists of attaching an identifying tag of the leg of a captured bird and then releasing the bird, In the hope that later, perhapß in a year or two, It will be again captured

COVNTRY LIFE IN GREECE

HELPS IN HOME LIFE

which small patches of ground, stolen a a it were from the barren slopes, are cultivated and the peasant works with Implement of the most primitive kind witness, for example, the plow seen in. one of the accompanying p h q t o g r aphs, which consists of little more than an ironshod spike, yoked to a pair o f undersized cattle. No doubt

the said spike efficiently achieves all that is necessary—the soil is so shallow that it will bear little more than a mere scratching! Naturally, in a country with the physical charcteristics of Greece, the activities of much of rural population are pastoral. The goatherd is a familar figure everywhere; the shepherd also, but to a less degree. The goat, indeed, is the Greek peasant’s cow, providing him with milk, cheese, and flesh. It is interesting to note that the herdsmen still retain that knack of throwing the voice from height to height across the intervening valleys, which in classic times made possible the transmission of news at a speed that almost rivalled the modern telegraph. The national costume (which is,

Chopped dates may be used In rice pudding instead of raisins. The addition of a well-beaten egg to mashed potatoes improves potato cakes very much. . To dry a wet article quickly, wrap it in a Turkish bath towel, and wring. The towel will absorb most of the moisture. If irons are rubbed with a flannel wet with kerosene oil, it will keep them from rust, and starch will not stick to them. All fruits and vegetables should be carefully washed before eating.

and the tag reported, so as to trace something of its migrations or other flights. More than 800 birds were so bauded last year, and an association of those interested lias recently been organized. The bands are attached so as not to inconvenience the little travelers and are all numbered, besides carrying the words: "Notify American muaeum, Nev- York.” An example of the facts determined in this way Ib the experience of an enthusiast in New Hampshire last year, who found on the leg of a chimney

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, REN!

strictly, Albanian in origin). Ts dyings out in Greece, but is still worn by many peasants, though donned in fullest glory only on festal occasions. Usually the working garb-is a pair of shoddy trousers in place of the snowy fustanella, or kilt, and a flimsy cotton blouse (generally of a greyish drab color and a check pattern), which has very full skirts, and thus appears to end in a quaint abbreviated petticoat. In Thessaly, where reminiscences of Turkish rule survive, not only In the mosques and other buildings, but in the habits and appearance of the people, the fez is not unusual, and garments in the Turkish of baggy breeches and a sash round the middle are often seen. It was from the great plain of Thessaly that the ancient Greeks obtained their finest horses (of thetype seen in tfee-Barthenoi frieze), and in this northern part of Greek territory horse-breeding is sti)l an important pursuit. The windmills of Greece perhaps daserve a word of notice. In place of the cumbrous great arms which similar structure in this country carries, the Greek windmill carries sails of canvas which can be spread \o greater or less extent, as circumstances require, upon the spider’s weblike arrangement of spokes to whk.h they are attached. The wtells also or, at least, their machinery for drawing the water —are often of a very curious pattern. It is no uncommon thing to see a blindfold donkey patiently perambulating a circle and supplying motive power, through the beam to which he is harnessed, to an arrangement of clumsy wooden cogwheels actuating an endless chain of earthen pots, which automatically empty themselves of the fluid hoisted from the depths. f But Greek peasant activities are by no means entirely agricultural and pastoral. In addition to currants and vines, are orange groves at Kalamata yielding superb fruit scarcely inferior to that of Jaffa, and tobacco is grown in various districts. The mineral resources of the country are considerable, and large numbers of worker* find employment in the lead mines of Lavrion, in the marble quarries of Pentelicbn and elsewhere. Among the accompanying photographs will be found a picture taken at the mag nesite quarries of Limme, in Euboea, which are worked by a British company under a concession from the monks at Galatake, near by.

Made Up For It.

Fay—The Widow Dasha way’s hu*' band didn’t leave her much when hd died, did he? Ray—No; but he left her very oftep when he was alive.

swift that fluttered down his chimney a band showing it was the same bird he had banded the year befon under similar circumstances. Chimney swifts are reputed to go as far south as Central America for the winter; so this bird had made a long journey to get back to his old hom# for the summer.—Saturday Evening Post. 0^ The title of admiral derives Its origin from an Arabic word, emir-al-bahr. moaning "lord of the sea.”

A. E. JOHNSON.

BEST FOR THE BATHROOM

Nothing Will Take the Placa of the Inexpensive and Easily Made Rug. Somehow a bathroom rug is a more or less unsatisfactory proposition. It is very likely because water will splash upon it and clamp towels and unslippered feet Insist upon seeking its soft surface. And so, from sheer sanitary necessity, the bathroom rug must be washable; and from sheer contrariness a washable rug will slip and wriggle—at least nine out of ten do. But there is one kind that Is more quietly Inclined than most because it is heavier —the old rag rug of our grandmother’s days. Cut an oval from some heavy washable material the size you desire the rug when finished. Denim would answer the purpose. Then from the strips of some heavy, soft, washable goods make an even braid, being careful to fold in the rough edges neatly, while plaiting the strips. The braid may be as wide or as narrow as you wish, and the strips cut accordingly. If the rug is to be blue and white, have one strip ofj white and two of blue, so that the rug will not show the soil too easily. Do not have the strips too longC>**^"”"

HOUSEHOLD QUESTIONS

To drive a nail through a plaster wall without injury to the wall, dip It in hot water first. This will prevent it from breaking away the wall. To give a soft tread to oilcloth, and also to increase its length of serviceableness, put a layer of sawdust on the floor before laying it. To keep bread boards a beautiful color, rub them well with half a lemon; then wash them in cold water, and stand them in the wind or in the sun to dry. To prevent the corners from wearing on table oilcloth, paste at each corner, on the wrong side, a square of cotton before putting the oilcloth on the table. To remove the greasy-looking marks on the arms and head rests -of leather chairs, -use linseed oil as follows; Boil half a pint of oil and let stand until nearly cold; then pour in half a pint of vinegar. Stir until it is well mixed, then bottle, and it is ready for use. Put a few drops on a flannel and polish with soft dusters. This will thoroughly renovate all leather.

Pickled Apples, Peaches and Pears.

A good mixed pickle is made by combining the three different kinds of fruit. Rub the down off the peaches with a coarse cloth, the pears if the skin be tough, otherwise simply remove the blossom end and peel t£e apples, leaving the stems on. Stick a couple of cloves in efcch piece of fruit. For six pounds of fruit allow three of sugar, a pint of strong vinegar, four dozen cloves and two dozen cassia buds. Cook the syrup 15 minutes, skim well and put in the fruit. Cook until tender, then pack in glass or stone jars and seal.

Ham Balls.

This is a good way to use up the scraps of lean cooked ham. To one cup of the ham chopped fine, .add four tablespoonfuls of milk and stir over the fire until thick, then add yolks of two eggs and seasoning of pepper to taste, with a teaspoonful minced parsley. Mix and set away to cool. It is well to make up this mixture the day before it is used. Form into balls, dip into beaten egg and crumbs, and fry in deep, hot fat. Serve with garnish of parsley and creamed potato dice.

Fruit Pinwheels.

Two cups flour, four teaspoous of baking powder, not very full, one teaspoon salt, two tablespoons sugar, two tablespoons butter, two-thirds cup milk, one egg, one cup raisins, one cup currants and a little citron. Roll onehalf inch thick, brush with melted butter, then add the fruit. Roll like jelly roll, cut one-half Inch thick, then bake. The icing is made of powdered sugar with a little cream and vanilla. Spread with a knife.

Potato Pepper Salad.

Cut three cold potatoes Into half Inch dice. Remove the seeds from a green pepper and chop it fine. Mix four teaspoons of vinegar with two tablespons of Ice water, a little powdered sugar, a dash of pepper and a half teaspoon of salt. Place a layer of potatoes in the sand bowl, then a layer of chopped pepper, and sprinkle with a tablespoon of oil. Continue in this manner till dish is filled. Then pour over the dressing and set in a refrigerator to become very cold.

Apple John.

One generous pint of flour, two teaspoons of baking powder, two tablespoons butter, one cup milk. Make It to fit a dish in which are sliced about a quart of apples. Put it on top of apples and bake. When done, reverse It and cover with a cup of sugar, a little spice and butter. Serve hot, with milk or citam.

Marshmallow Dessert.

Cut marshmallows In 'small- pieces and add to them half as large a quantity of English walnuts broken in pieces. Mix them together with whipped cream and serve in glasses, ver> col,d.

ILAER, IND.

Up the Coast from Panama

TRAVELERS from this country cross continents and seas to find nothing more curious or picturesque than may be found on the west coasts of Central America and Mexico, comparatively close at hand. To be sure, accommodations for tourists are few. There is nothing luxurious about the hotels at all, but the traveler sees a land *of quaint customs and interesting people and sees it just as it is, writes G. R. King in Grit. Within the next few years there will certainly be a wonderful change in conditions along this coast. With the opening of the canal win come new steamship lines, lower freight rates and increased travel. Probably the cities along the coast will lose some of their picturesque characteristics.. Travelers sailing through the canal in the days to come will see but little of the real Panama. The trip across the isthmus by train allows opportunity for seeing the sights at each end. It is a surprise to most passengers who sail from Panama for California ports to find that the boat does not start west but south. It is commonly supposed that the isthmus has a western and an eastern coast. As ? matter of fact, it has a» northern and a southern coast. “Why, see that sun,” cried one of the passengers on iny boat, “it is coming up on the wrong side." It was difficult to realize that we were sailing due south to round a huge boot top. I had taken a slow boat instead of an express steamer, because I wanted to stop at the various ports along the coast. The republics, big and little, strung along In this order —Panama. Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico. Honduras has only a few miles on the Pacific shore, and Salvador no Atlantic coast line at all. Most of the republics have been torn by revolutions, beggared by graft and kept back by luck of education to an extent which can* scarcely be realized in this country, near neighbors of ours though they are. There ie a tribe of Indians in Panama which has never been conquered and which Is quite independent of the government, boasting that no woman in the tribe has ever borne a child to a white man, and obeying laws of their own making. Immense Tracts of Fertile Land.

Much of Honduras is a wilderness. In Nicaragua and Guatemala are immense tracts of land of the most fertile character and in the finest climates simply waiting the development which 6hall come with peace and prosperity. Slavery is an actual if not an admitted fact in many of these republics. The law says that a peon shall remain in the service of his master so long as he is in his debt, which is all the time. Further, the law says thnt the debt is inherited by the man’s descendants and kinsmen. Peonage is really slavery.. The fault of the system lies, however, in the fact that a few men own all the land and that the peon sees nothing ahead but a continual round of labor. When, as in Mexico, all the land is in the handß of 6,000 individuals, while the total population is 16,000,000, there is little future for a poor tnan. Costa Rica is the one country in Central America which seems to have solved the land problem. There the government is the supreme landlord and the land is parceled out in small lots to families who will actually work it. As a result Costa Rica is made up of small farmers and is prosperous and happy, the serenity of Its affairs being disturbed only by an occasional revolution engineered by an ambitious politician. (Conditions in Nicaragua, next door to Costa Rica, are about as different as can well be v imagined. Nicaragua is a land of revolutions, bloodshed and bad debts. Yet its natural resources are beyond estimate.' Its climate is delightful. It has a coast line on two oceans and good steamship connections. Some day it may prove an El Dorado. Already the need of progress is felt, and the government hns signed a contract with an American company for more than half a million dob

lars to pave the streetß of Managua, the capital city. Houses of Adobe. Managua is a typical city of Central America and is built aljnbst entirely of adobe, the native mud, similar toi that used all through Mexico and parts of the United States. The walls are, thick and keep out the heat. Roofed with tile, these houses are attractive to the eye, especially at a distance',, but cover them with corrugated iron! and they have little beauty. Nicaragua is a land of fruit and birds and flowers. Nature evidently meant it to be a paradise, but permitted it to fall into bad hands. Alligator pears, a costly luxury in New, York, are cheap enough for beggars in; Managua—and there are plenty of beggars to eat them. Oranges and pineapples are at their beet there, and very plentiful, and the natives make fjree use of what they term the chocolate tree, because a beverage made from the seeds of the flowers Is as delicate and palatable as chocolate. Salvador is an independent little country just above Nicaragua and overshadowed by Honduras and Guatemala, but next to Haiti it is the most densely populated of all the American republics. The steamers stop,.at La Unlon and La Libertad, both small places, where conditions are exceedingly primitive. At La Libertad I saw a woman grinding corn and she was doing it by means of two stones, the lower stone, which was somewhat hollowed, resting on the wide tongue of a huge oxcart. Always does Salvador keep a sharp eye on her northern neighbor, turbulent Guatemala, but of late years that country has been occupied with its own affairs. Nominally a republic, Guatemala is actually governed by a despot. Our stops at the towns of San Bias and Acapulco on the west ctast of Mexico were full of Interest. Acapulco has a natural harbor, said to be the best with one exception in the whole world, being surpassed only by that at Sidney, Auetralia. San Bias is very different in its characteristics, most of the houses being thatched. This is an important port and a favorable Ashing place. And a Mexican fisherman re an interesting individual tq look at On his head he wears a hat of gigantic proportions, but his feet are bare, except,, perhaps, for rough sandals. Their hats are the chief concern of the Mexicans, and they treasure them as carefully as an American woman her Easter bonnet. Western Mexico is filled with opportunities for development and with the opening of the canal tthere doubtless would dawn a new era were it not for the internal dissensions which keep out foreign capital, and stand as a constant bar to progress.

Game to the End.

The late Timothy D. Sullivan had a great fondness for the Bowery boy, and used to tell a story to illustrate the Bowery boy’s gameness. "A newsboy”—so he would begin—“lay bedridden In the hospital. A friend of.hlß, a bootblack, called: ‘“How be ye, Jimmyf’ asked the visitor. “ ‘l’m mighty sick,’ groaned the newsboy. ‘‘Mighty sick, I tell ye; I got to lay flat on me back. The doc says if I turn over on me side I’ll kick the bucket.’ “‘Oh, rats!’ > “ ‘That’s wot he says. If I turn on me side I’ll kick the bucket straight off.’- " ’ “ ‘l’ll bet ye $2 ye won't. Try It and see.’ “ ‘l’ll take that bet,’ groaned the sick newsboy. “Wincing, he turned upon his side., and, sure enough, it killed him instantly. “His friend, the bootblack, laid $2 on the small corpse's chest and departed solemnly on tiptoe."

Cheap Filler.

How do tnese poets make a living, anytibw? ’’ "Oh. there is always a market for jpagazlues to fill in with.”