Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 226, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 September 1914 — Page 2

A MATTER OF TIME

By ROSCOE GILMORE STOTT.

• (Copy right.) Perhaps it was ten o’clock in the eroding when Rlohman and I sauntered out of the lobby of the Lankershon. T Had we boldly confessed, we would ihare doubtless said that we were mutually weary of each other’s conversation. We are mighty good friends, but an hour and a half of dinner and two hours and a half of varying conversar tion, though helpful in numerous ways, still has its drawbacks. For myself, I easily tire of Los Angeles in summer. But I always come, and proceed to make it a center from jwhleh to play the nomad in the many •pleasant directions. Rich man does likewise.

“There is a little eating-joint Just around the corner on Spring," he said •languidly, offering me a cigarette. “Thanks; no smoke fop mine. Food, Rich. Let us proceed toward said joint .And say, I haven’t but a little change !by me. So am not altogether prepared to pay 35 cents for ice tea or a quarter for one slim sandwich." “Robbers they all are. I get your (thought, I think. No" —and he lazily •turned me round the corner—"this is •cheap. Vile coffee, but good pie—and •cheap." We entered the lunch room and slowly made our way to the rear of the •counter. “On the square, Billy, I han't see what 1 want. Maybe pork and — No, jget that every night 1 come here. What Ikind of pies have you, brother?" A tall, elender waiter dropped the (sporting page into which he was (earnestly delving. “The pink sheet says the Cubs put it •all over the Slants today. I’ll bet Muggsy is some sore, eh?" He assumed a position of responsibility. "Exicuse me, gents—maybe you’re New 'Yorkers. Five kinds of pie tonight—peach, apple, mince, berry pie, and —’’ “I say, Bill, I’m going to my room land go to sleep. Late eating certainly does me no good. And 1 want to be I clear-headed, if I talk real estate with iPerky tomorrow." “I guess you’re right, old man. Good might Some doughnuts and milk for mine. And a little Jelly-roll." “Rich guy, ain’t he?" said the waiter, •returning with my simple fare. “He has enough," I replied half-re-•luctantly. “Half a million?” persisted my new friend.

“▲bout that," was my response, as I • 'went diligently after the food set betfore me. I felt that he was looking straight into my face, and it annoyed line. After a moment or two he spoke again. "I think I’ll be there myself one of (these days. I think it’s only a matter »’ time." “Be where?" I questioned hazily. “Where the half-milllone grow." I looked up with an amused smile. “On the dead, brother. I ain’t always going to peg along on eight per. . I’m nobody’s fool." “Certainly not But it sounds odd, you know,” I said, to fix up my injustice to a coming financier. “Tell us about it" ' “Say, I will, but —” He glanced at the large clock face behind him. "Say, 1 can’t offer yflu money—you’re probably as well fixed as him—but could you watch this Junk for about fire minutes? It won’t take me a minute more. I am mighty anxious to see a certain party about a block from here. If anybody comes in, he can wait a bit Bay, I certainly would appreciate it, mister." “Sure, run on,” I said. In a moment he had whipped off his apron and Jacket and was speeding away. Not a soul dropped in; and at the allotted time he came back, panting hard. "Say, I do certainly appreciate that. Have your lunch off me." “Not a bit of it. It was no trouble. Perhaps when you get your half-mil-lion, you'll—” “Say, I sure will, brother. And it's coming, mark my word." “Let's hear about It, while 1' drink another mug of milk." He gave me a generous allowance, and rested his elbows on the counter. "It's like this. I had a little money. Lots for me. About fifteen hundred dollars the old man left me. That was five years ago, February 12. --At the time he died he was a railroader, and we lived and roosted in Needles. "The heat was what put father out of the running. Well, mother wouldn’t move away, and I left her with my brothers and came here. I had read about the coast, and I had a little plan. And I’m staying by, working at this . junk, hoping to see her pull through.” “I hope it does," I ventured, genuinely interested. “What’s the plan, if it’s no secret?" "Well, say, I don’t tell everyone I see. But it can’t hurt to tell." He hesitated and grew quite sober in tone. "You see, I believe I can’t carry It out You can’t understand me,' I know. But what I mean Is— ’’ He rubbed his hands together, slowly, seeking Just the right words. "What I mean is that I could carry it out. but I can’t.** r ■ "I’m dull tonight and it’s hard for m* to follow such close logic. Yon say you could, but you can't?" Chin. I came here with fifteen hundred

dollars and got a Job in this Joint What fid Ido with my money? I put it all in on land —not-land, either — sand. "You know Pebble Beach, I s’poseT That is, you know the stop by that name on the line out to Santa Monica. Well,-1 own 50 acres of the sandiest sand there." I laughed heartily. I could not restrain myaglf. “It does sound funny. There’s not a house within rods an' rods. But there will be, you mark my word. How much did the fools that bought Ocean Park make? * “And the park didn’t have near as good a look, Borne say. I tell you, 1 planned to stick it through and wait till she showed up. But, brother, 1 guess I can’t. I’d teh you why, but it’s late. You know I’m on all night, but you other people need your sleep." "Go onl 'I want to hear it out" “1 Just ran down to the stage door of the People’s theater. About six months ago I went to a matinee, and sat in 'a good seat for 20 cents.’ Ever go there? It’s a swell little house, and plays a stock company. “Well, brother, I didn’t see anybody there but Isadora Lamphere—lsay, I call her now. Say, to me there was nothing there for me but Issy! Does Juveniles better'n anybody I ever heard. And a looker — Oh, Lord, what a looker!"

A bit overcome with emotion, he paused, and 1 squirmed into an easier position. “Well, we started up, and it’s stuck. She lives with her mother, and they treat me like a king, only they’re poor as Job’s turkey_and here, too. The kid’s been at the game since she whA ten, and she’s getting worn out. She’s the cuddlely kind, and wants a cottage. “You know girls—they’re all alike, rich and poor. She cries when I come over, and begs me to sell out for ’most nothing and fit up a little house. She thinks we can keep going oh my eight per and— Well, if we can’t, she says she’ll willingly go back on. And they’d take her any time. You can bet your lunch on that”

I slid off the stool, while he'fumbled in his pocket. Finally he drew out a crumpled letter. “Say, you’ve heard about all. I guess I can afford to tell you the finish. Have something more off me, won’t you? A little pie?" "Nothing more but the end of your story." “See here, brother. It’s a letter from the Central agency. He offers me a thousand, cash, for my stretch of sand. Lord, how I hate to give it up! But the little kid — Say, try to see her tomorrow afternoon. Honestly— ’’ “Sure," I said with a hearty laugh. “She is all that and more. 1 used to be there. And it was almost the same. I didn’t have the cash and — Well, I couldn’t get hold of any." A thought flashed through my mind. “Would you mind letting me see the letter?”

“Certainly not. Say, say. I’d make it to you for the same, if you have enough to stick it out On a pinch, I’d knock off a little. But it couldn’t be much. I’m losing five hundred as it is, you see." I read the letter at least four times. “If you’ll hold him off till noon, and come to the Lankershon and call for me, I believe I can add enough to let you out clear.” “Well, say, I sure will —at noon?” “At noon, sharp—good night.” “Good night,” he responded with the smile of a man who has made half a thousand in the twinkling of an eye. My welcome at close to ten next evening wae more than hearty—it bordered on the distressing. Young Lester Jones was at once a whole reception committee and I was the president-elect Suddenly the waiter of an evening before was the happiest freeholder I have ever seen. "It’s all fixed up, Mr. Kent —deed, transfer, and rent for a year in advance at 2348 Edgewood. Tomorrow I’m going to have it deSned up, ready for the swellest furniture that five hundred can buy. And, oh, you should hear the kid go on about you. “And say, the little affair will be pulled off in a week. Only the kid’s mother and you. She. quits the People’s tonight" After a half-hour of being a hero RlChman came in hurriedly. I had not seen him since the night before, and the transformation was at least startling. All of the languid had given way to keenest activity. I thought he -was a trifle white in the face, but be controlled himself splendidly. “A thousand congratulations, old man. I only wish I could have had the brains to lunch with you last night But I won’t spoil your luck. I do congratulate you." “Rich," I cried, "for heaven’s sake put me right next to your idea. I deserve no congratulations that I now have knowledge of." “Forgive me, Billy, I thought you did it on purpose. It would have been fair, but I felt a bit shabby about it" He paused and caught me by the hand. "You blocked my deal with Perky and bought that stretch of sand. I had a tip that society was going to the beach and live on sand. “The Garrisons and Bakers and De Longs will build at once. What you hold in a year or two will net you a couple of hundred thousand. Easy. Society has decreed bungalows on Pebble beach." . r looked at the waiter across the -counter. He was certainly a trifle pale, •JhR the smile did not leave bis won-' dering face. _ v -r "Two hundred thousand t— But I’ve got the kidl-

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IND.

HABIT TRACED TO AZTECS

Americans Not the Original Gum Chewere, as the World Seems to Have Believed. The Aztecs of Mexico are said to have been the first gum chewers Renown in this, or, for that matter, any other, continent. The followers of Coytez reported that the Indians chewed a gum to quench thirst and relieve exhaustion. They obtained it from the sapote tree by tapping, and today the manner of gathering the sap is in close analogy to the process of gathering maple sugar in New England. The tree is indigenous to the northern countries of South America, Central America and especially in Mexico, the last named furnishing about six-sevenths of the entire supply consumed annually in the Unite States. The sapote tree is usually found in groups, frequently gnfWs to a height of 40 to 60 feet, is generally very straight, and has a long, clear length which makes it most desirable for timber. The wood is of a reddish mar hogany color, is quite hard, heavy, compact in texture and fine grained. Door sills and frames of this remark* able wood have been unearthed in the prehistoric ruins of Uxmal and found to be in an excellent state of preservation. The wood is in demand today by cabinet makers, who employ it in the manufacture of high grade furniture and household ■fittings. The fruit, the sapodilla pear, was once very popular in Latin-American markets, but the constant demand for the gUm and the consequent tapping so reduced the size and quality of the fruit that it has become almost a negligible product. Throughout the rainy season, while the sap is up, the tapping is done by the “chicleros,” whose only implements are a machete and a piece of rope. The rope is fastened about the waist and slipped around a tree, leaving the chiclero’s hands free to make the V-shaped incisions spirally all around the tree. The sap runs along the incisions and is collected in cups at the base. It ..looks like milk at first, but soon turns to a yellowish color and thickens to the consistency of treacle. It is collected and boiled in a rather primitive manner in large kettles, and when it has reached the proper consistency it is kneaded and the surplus moisture expressed. It is then molded into large loaves and is ready for shipment. —Argonaut.

Tampered With Town Clook.

Marcellus McGowan, the keeper,* has solved the town clock mystery at Kinston, N. C. McGowen alleges malice, but whatever the motive, it is certain that when he clambered into the tower of the court house to learn what T»as causing his big, bright pet with the gilded hands to strike the hours on the half hours and sometimes strike several hours at once, he found-part of the mechanism apparently purposely clogged. Certain roosters in the hearing of the bell’s melodious tones had the habit of giving their reveille with its chimes in the early hours, but it is said the perplexed chanticlers became as erratic as the clock. At the time McGowen was away at a militia camp, where he didn’t have to bother about the time of day at all. Marcellus McGowen made the following public statement, rather brief, but to the point: “To whom it may concern: Some ott climbed over the partition and pjft some timber under one of the weights, and stopped it. M. L. McGowan, court house clock.” By the finale of the proclamation It would seem that McGowen and the clock are one in person, as they really are in spirit. Now he would like to whaY possessed the malefactor to put the timber - under the weight to stop the clock.

Turkish Women Study Medicine.

Medicine has been practiced by Turkish women for some time, because it is only recently that men doctors have been allowed within the harem. Curiously enough, it is one pf the oldest superstitions of the Mohammedan world that has the greatest impetus to medical studies for women. It is thought among the Moslems that the last wish of an old woman is sacred and must be carried out at all costs. Not long ago the wife of a former grand vizier, Haihiddln pasha, died. On her death bed ehe expressed as her last wish that her twelve-year-old daughter might take special courses in medicine, similar to those given to men. There waa nothing for the government to do but to hastily open certain of these courses to women in order that they might not be cursed by ignoring the dying wish of a respected old woman. Katharine Buell, in Harper's Weekly.

Restocking Forest Streams.

The restocking of national forest streams in all states where such forests are situated, including those now being acquired in the White mountains and the southern Appalachians, will be given attention as rapidly as supplies of fish fry become available for planting purposes.. The forest service is admirably organized -to carry on work of this kind, and doeß so with practically no interference with regular activities since the fish must be handled with the utmost haste and frequently during the late evening or early morning bourn* . The production of the existing federal and stale fish hatcheries is hardly adequate to meet all demands, however, and therefore the work has to bn done in installments. ,

FRENCHMAN WONDERS

ABTONIBHED AT MAGNIFICENCE OF TONSORIAL PARLOR.

Traveler From the Effete Old World Overcome by the Luxury That Surrounds American While He la Being Shaved. »

Last year one of the noted literary lights of Paris visited this country—or, rather, New York, for like many foreigners who “tour America,"' the lure of life in the metropolis proved too strong to allow of further travel and investigation—and this is the way he -describes the joys of an American barber shop. His amazement can be better understood wnen one remembers that the “tonsorial parlors” of Paris are notoriously stuffy and unsanitary. A ceiling and walls of tile, a floor of mosaics, toilette tables of variegated fferhle, %rjnchairs with shining eteel attachments . . . Not a hair, not a speck of dust visible ... a luxury more striking than that of the Theater des Champs Elysees. I seat myself in an armchair which Insinuatingly invites sublime repose. The barber, in spotless white, sur* rounds my neck with Immaculate napkins and then addresses me the word: “Shave." “Yes.” Instantly I feel the chair descending beneath me. The blood rushes to my head and I am not altogether comfortable. But I know that I am in the hands of experts and my tranquillity Is restored. “Manicure?” I raise my head. I see in the neighboring armchair other men in my po•ltjpn before whom are young women who are torturing their fingers with a variety of instruments. I will imitate them. “Yes, manicure." Instantly a slim girl, blonde and Smiling, rolls toward me a little marble table, on which I observe many napkins, many curious instruments of steel and a little bowl for warm water. The young Americaine gently seizes my hand and plunges it into the boiling water. The sensation is disagreeable. “Shine?” ~ This cryptic word I found upon inquiry signified, “Do you want your shoes polished?" The barber for the head; the manicure for the hands; the shiner for the shoes. It is all so logical that I accept. . . . Suddenly I am aroused from my reverie: “Steno?" I'do not understand. Task: “What is steno?" * “A stenographer to whom you dictate your letters." Is it a joke? No, his face is tranquil. Then I reflect; the barber for the head; the manicure for the hands; the shiner for the shoes; a stenographer for the brain. It is all so logical. But, in truth, I should never be able to dictate my correspondence thus surrounded by so many persona bent on beautifying my modest per sop, Besides, what would come next? An oculist for the eyes; a dentist for the teeth; a masseur for the muscles? I feel a vertigo coming on, and I reject the stenographer.

Manila Buildings Mutt Be Ratproof.

The municipal board of Manila has passed an ordinance providing that all buildings constructed in the city here after must be ratproof. This measure is for safeguarding Use* public health against bubonic plague. The ordinance was drafted by the director of health and the city engineer. Hollow walls and partitions are forbidden. Walls, with the exception of those of solid wood, must be of concrete, brick, stone, mortar, or other material that will keep out rats, to a height of one meter (3.28 feet) from the ground, and must extend below the surface of the ground at least twice the thickness oi the wall. All hollow construction ii forbidden except it be without aper tures through which rats may pasi and of materials through which the] cannot make their way. A penalty is provided for violation of the provl slons of the ordinance of a fine not ex ceedlng SIOO or imprisonment for not more than six months or both.

British March on Washington. ’

One hundred years ago saw thi first practical step in advance of th< British naval and military expeditioi against the city of Washington. Then were two rivers by which Washingtoi might be approached—the Potomac on which it is situated, and the Patux ent, flowing in the rear. The Britlst commander achose the latter, both 01 account of the facility of access ant for the purpose of destroying the fleet of American gunboats which had ta ken refuge in its creeks. This object was successfully accomplished on Au gust 20—fifteen of the gunboats belni destroyed and one captured, togethei with fourteen merchant vessels. Tht next day the British army effected 1 landing.

Cure for Hay Fever.

Dr. Claude Lowdermilk of Galena Kan., reports to the Journal of th« American Medical Association that o three hay-fever patients treated witl a toxin prepared from pollen befor* the onset of the symptoms not on* bad an attack throughout the season and that of sixteen so treated afta the onset thirteen were cured. Doc tor Lowdermilk gave also an autoge nous vaccine. 1

LIEGE FAMORS BELGIAN CITY

STRATEGIC points in the importance of Liege, the Belgian city before which the German advanoe was checked and where, according to European dispatches, the first great, battle of the war was fought, are numerous. Principally it was the most-strongly fortified obstacle to the supposed plan of the Germans to cut across the lower half of Belgium into French territory, but in addition to this the city is of Itself a prise in many ways. In its surroundings it is the Pittsburg of Belgium. For miles to the southwest of the city, along the banks of the river Mease, there are scores of blast furnaces, puddling furnaces, rolling mills and forges. It Is the site of the famous Cockerill works, said to be the largest manufactory of mar chlnery in the world. The Lion, erected as a monument on the field of Waterloo, some 60 miles distant, was made here. Liege proper, with a population of 168,000, lies at the Junction of the Meuse and the Ourthe, in a basin margined by hills. Many handsome buildings and gardens strive to keep themselveß handsome against the tremendous odds of coal dust Surrounded by Mineral Wealth. All around the city is a wealth of coal and iron ore. The mines extend even under the city and river. These natural riches, in connection with the favorable situation of the city at the junction of Wo navigable rivers, have given rise to the extensive manufacturing industry in the city itself. The products are varied, but the principal one, and that whioh would make Liege a valuable prize of war,

is that of firearms. More than 20,000 persons in and around the city are employed in the manufacture of guns, ranging from small .vrihs to the largest of modern weapons. There Is a royal cannon factory and a small arm factory also in the suburb of St Leonard. In the wars of the last century Liege has played only a small part, but the city itself, is defended with modern fortifications. Its strength, it is said, is far greater than has generally been appreciated by military strategists. In 1888 the Belgium authorities decided to adequately fortify both Liege- and Namur, the two important points on the Meuse. At each place a number of detached forts were constructed along a perimeter dravra a distance varying from within four to six miles city. At Liege 12 of these forts were constructed, six on the right bank and six on the left side of the river. All of the forts have been kept fairly well up to date'. The heavy guns, in* their concrete casements, are raised and lowered automatically. The names of the forts on thg right bank of the river are Barohon, Evegnee, Fleron, Chaudfontaine, Embourg and Boncelles. The average distance between the forts is four miles, but Fleron and Chaudfontaine are separated by little over a mile in a direct line, as they defend the main line of the railway from Germany. The blx forts on the left bank, also commencing at the north, around a western curve, are Pontlsse, Liers Lantin, Loncln, Hollogne and Flemalle. It has been estimated by military authorities that 25,000 men would be necessary for an adequate defense of these fortifications today. Liege was made to figure largely in Sir Walter Scott’s novel “Quentin Durward," In which Scott made a notable blunder by speaking of the people of Liege as talking Flemish. The city Is, in fact, the center of the Walloon country. The Walloons are Romanized Gauls,In a much truer sense than their Flemtty it •V- f-' ■*" 'S‘ '

ish neighbors, and speak the French language. The city first appears in history in the sixth century, at which time a town grew up around the original chapel founded there by St. Monulph, bishop of Tongres. In the _ century the episcopate of Notger, which had succeeded the early line, was marked by .large territorial acquisitions, and the see became reoognized as an independent principal* lty of the French empire. There were many popular risings for freedom from the exactions of the episcopal sovereigns, who were also occupied in preserving neutrality in the various wars and preserving their territory from being raided by invading armies. Taken by Marlborough. They were only in psrt successful. Liege was taken by Marlborough in 1702, and the fortress was garrisoned by the Dutch until 1718. The French revolutionary armies overran, the principality in 1702, and from 1794 to the.fall of Napoleon It was annexed to France, and was known as the department of the Ourthe. The congress of Vienna in 1816 decreed that Liege, with the other provinces of southern Netherlands, should form a part of the new kingdom of the Netherlands under the rule of William I, of the House of Orange. The cjty of Liege took an active part in the Belgian revolt of 1830, and since that date the ancient principality has been Incorporated into the kingdom of Belgium. ' ' The principal point of interest to the tourists-in Liege has been the great cathedfab or church of St. Paul, founded in the tenth, century

STREET SCENE, LIEGE

and rebuilt in the thirteenth century. The University, founded in 1817, is one of the largest in the country and enjoys a high reputation for education in the art of mining and manufacturing. There are many beautiful gardens and the rivers are spanned by splendid bridges, but the larger portions of the city have a crowded aspect of narrow, crooked streets. The railway lines through. Liege are the direct routes from Cologne to Paris and from Luxembourg to Brussels, the possession of either of which would be valuable prizes to the German army. Waterloo, the place which everybody knows as the scene of the downfall of Napoleon at the hands of the allies on the 18th of June, 1815, is not on a direct line from Liege, but lies some sixty miles from it in an air line, south of Brussels.

Surgeon General Blue has ordered a corps of 12 rat catchers to start from Ban Francisco for New Orleans. These experts will carry on a campaign of rat extermination to stamp out the contagion. In six months, at a coat of SIOO,OOO, the danger of the bubonic plague will be removed. But at the cost of ihe lives of mu'! lions of ratsL Is not that enough to stir the wrath of ail the mushy-hearted people? If it is a crime to use guinea pigs to save human life, how much more wanton is it to slay helpless, defenseless rats on the suspicion that they may be carrying the fleas that propagate a plague! Here is work for the anti-vivisectionists! Save the rats! Let mere men and women die!—Puck.

Australian State Bakery.

The New South Wales government has decided to supplement its enterprises by the creation of a state bakery at Sydney. The government will acquire a bakery and bake bread for its own institutions. It is expected that the government win be able to deliver bread to the public institutions at one penny a pound. It is not intended to supply the general public from the government bakery.

Pity the Poor Rats.