Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 112, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 May 1915 — Page 3

New Pen Portrait of the Missing Link

* . ITHECANTHRQM A PUS ERECTUS was hi* IJg 19 name - He couldn't pronounce it, much less spell It. Yet this illiterBH ate person was something of a personage — the first man; the Missing Link! “ |~ , We're all of the Erectus family, you know. Old Pithecanthropus was the founder of the line; he makes us kin to kings and emperors, to Thomas Edison and Andrew Carnegie; to Sitting Bull and Raisuli as well. He gives us a family tree which reaches back to the Pliocene age, making American colonial genealogies mere Bprlgs on its most extended boughs. And our great-great-great (repeat ad infinitum) grandfather was quite a chap, take it all in all. G. P Scott Elliot has been making an extended study of the old fellow and presents the result in his newly published book, “Prehistoric Man and His Story.” (J. B. Lippincott Co.) No family portraits remain, it seems. Old Ean Pith-etc. was not much on beauty and,' anyway, he couldn’t paint or photograph. “Yet,” says Professor Elliot, “it is possible to give a rude, blurred picture of the Pliocene precursor when he was just on the point of venturing on the great step upward.” So here goes—and remember you owe him respect as the head of your family; "His body would be covered with hair or fur except on the palms or soles of his feet. On tda head the hair grew long and thick and was continued, in all probability, down his cheeks and chin to form a combined beard and whisker fringe. We do not think he had much of a mustache, but probably his eyebrows ‘beetled.’ “The hair was wavy or curly; it may have had a tendency to be lank, straight and stiff on his head, but this is doubtful. It was not so woolly as that of the negro. His children probably had p rich Titian red or bronzy eoat of fur like that which one sees on young Galloway cattle. In the epidermis as well as .in the hair were both black and orange pigment, but on the whole he was probably moderately dark skinned. “The face would probably be low and broad, as compared with modern races. “His nose would be as broad as It was long,-with nostrils wide apart and facing a little upward and outward. The bridge would be almost concave upward, and the nose itself —all that there is—of the most retrousse. The eyes were small and deeply sunken under the rather prominent eyebrow ridges. It would not be easy to distinguish the peculiarities of his jaw on account of the hairy beard, and perhaps it was best so, for he had no real chin and a very retreating lower jaw; a long and.narrow slb well as projecting or prognathic upper jaw, heavy cheekbones and extremely large teeth, often with five roots to them. Those muscles which are at work when chewing hard food would he enormously developed, but those which are used in speaking would be feeble and weak. “Seen from in front, his appearance would be the reverse of prepossessing —the narrow, receding forehead, beginning with Its strong eyebrow ridges, would seem to disappear under the mop of dark, thick hair, out of which the little apelike ears could hardly be seen. He might have stood about four feet high, with hands, when so standing, reaching to the knees; both hands and feet would be large, chest narrow; he would be slightly bandy-legged, but

Big Shoes Keep Feet Warm.

Frozen or swollen feet are so common * mon ß soldiers living in the trenches, says the Paris correspondence of the Associated Press, that hundreds of depots have been established behind the line for the repose of these lamed soldiers, who are otherwise in perfect fighting condition. There they rest from four to eight days before they are able to return to the trenches. In addition to the* action of water ami ma d the men have suffered cru-

nothing to signify, for even at this period he probably chased small animals and hunted on foot. “At night he would retire to a roughly woven nest In the branches of a tree. When sleeping his head would be bent forward over his wrists; these would be crossed in front of his chest, with elbows down and outward. His legs would be strongly bent or flexed, so that the knees were also near* the wrists. His waist measurement would be excessively small or he could not assumed this position, which is, as a matter of fact, hardly possible and certainly painful for civilized man. On a similar nest close by would be his wife or wives, with Titian red or bronze babies sound asleep, and yet clinging round their mother’s neck. “Should a raging gale, with sheets of driving rain, fall upon him, he would still sleep on. The rain would be conducted away by his hair and beard, by his elbows and hip joints, so as to drip nearly clear of the face and body. The hair on the arm, even of those civilized men who retain sufficient to trace the arrangement, turns down both upper and forearm to the elbow; outward and downward from the wrist. Morevoer, if the reader tries to realize this attitude he will see that what with hair, whiskers, beard and eyebrows, even midges and mosquitoes might be puzzled; they might lose heart, being diverted and led astray by the tangled labyrinthine masses of his chevelure. But we must leave him in this position asleep, perhaps dreaming, i. e., apprehending by hirf senses some particularly delectable dainty (perhaps with corresponding motor reflexes).” Can you trace, from" this description, a family likeness in any of his descendants? And here was his 4 diet: “Fruits of all kinds (nuts and fleshy fruits), small birds and eggs, honey, grubs and insects. “He may, of course, have eaten shellfish, and especially oysters; West African monkeys are still fond of them, and for many primitive peoples shellfish are of the first Importance.” Barring the grubs and insects, he was something of an epicure, it seems plain. i Even in those diys, it seems, “the female of the species was more deadly than the male.” Mrs. Pithecanthropus Erectus was a fighter—a dangerous foe for beasts, no matter how ferocious. Professor Elliot says:

"One of the hardest problems in the story of the earliest ancestors is to understand how early man succeeded in surviving through a period when many ferocious carnivora undoubtedly existed. Suppose that Pithecanthropus was caught, when munching fruit, by the redoubtable Fells Groeneveldtii, the name (somehow appropriate enough) of the fearsome creature, half lion and half tiger, which was one of her contemporaries in Java.

“She would at once draw herself up to her full height (about 1,700 millimeters). Her appearance would then be sufficiently alarming; the strongly marked eyebrow ridges, the powerful S\ « - w * V

elly from the cold. The explorer, Dr. J. B. Charcot, son-in-law to the poet Victor Hugo, has suggested the use of a very big shoe. Polar explorers never found their shoes large enough he said, and in all cases of frost-bit-ten feet the cause could be traced to the tightness of the footwear confining the foot so that it cannot by its own exerciße accelerate the circulation of the blood. This, Doctor Charcot thinks, is the difficulty with the French military shoe, which Is so flat at the toe as not to .permit the free

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IND.

Jaw, huge grinding teeth, retreating forehead, widening behind and covered with tangles of black or brown woolly or wavy hair —all these would impress his mind. She would certainly exercise her power of speech, such as it was, in yells, howls and resonant exclamations. Perhaps* she was intelligent enough to throw stones, sticks, fruits or whatever came to her hand, at the enemy. “These three things, all very unsuual in the Pliocene world—energetic if inarticulate vituperation, an erect position and action at a distance — would surely confuse and impress the primitive brain of Fells Groeneveldtii, and he would probably retire, with dignity, to seek some easier prey.” The description is based on a skull fragment discovered by Doctor Dubois in Java—the skull of a creature almost exactly on the line between man and the higher anthropoid apes. The very origin of the human race according to Professor Elliot, may have been in North America. On this subject he writes: “It seems probable that it was in North America that the very first primate originated. These interesting animals are found in the lower Eocene deposits, which mean that they are perhaps the most ancient of all known mammals.”

Later, primates —that is, the very first links in the chain binding man to his beginnings in antiquity, the forms of mammal life aeons older than even the Missing Link—were living in Egypt. Near Paris and in South America more Eocene* lemurs dwelt—they were widely scattered. Though the primate probably originated in North America, Professor Elliot believes man did not come to the new world until after the Ice Age—long after he was to be found in the old world.

The Kaiser’s Wardrobe.

The kaiser’s enormous wardrobe extends only to the top layers of apparel, according to the Intimate disclosures made by the author of “The Private Lives of William II and His Consort.” In the matter of shirts he is stated to he restricted to the historical half dozen of the Hohenzollem house, and even these are innocent of cuffs, a commodity William attaches with the aid of buttons and pulleys, “like any poor lieutenant.” Of socks also “never above a dozen pairs are In use," though there is no limit to handkerchiefs. But the outer garments, which could equip the marines of a first-class battleship or the officers of ten army corps, are contrasted with Frederick the Great’s wardrobe, “sold to an old clothes man for 300 thalers.”

Something of an Insinuation.

"Is dem you-all’s chickens?" “Cohse dey’s my-all’s chickens. Who’s chickens did you s’pose dey was?” ‘1 wasn’ s’posen’ nuffln’ about ’em. But I Jos’ say dat it’s mighty lucky dat a chicken won’ come a-runnin’ an* a-waggin’ ite tail when its regulah owner whistles, same as a dog.”— Washington Star.

movement of the toes nor the use of several pairs of socks. The tight lacing of shoes, also, he points out, 1* frequent cause of frost-bitten feet.

Related to Judge Lynch?

“There’s a new sort of photoplay coming out soon; it’s entitled ‘Judge Not.’ ** “Guess I've read about it in the papers, of course, but must have forgotten. By the way, who was this Judge Knott and what did he do to. get himself into the limelight?”—Paramount Magazine.

ALONG SIMPLE LINES

NEWEBT GOWNS DEVOID OF COMPLICATED DRAPERY.

Pleot Edge Much Used Instead of a Hem—Jet Retaina Its Popularity —Organdie Embroidered In Color* a Feature.

Simplicity in line is a strong fear ture, and it shows the straight path along which the winds are blowing. There is no complicated drapery or ornamentation. Naturally, the French designer uses more skill in the manipulation of material and effects are BBUally simpler than the methods when the American sewing woman goes to copy them. One of the well-known Fifth avenue importing houses in New York said that it was no easy matter to rush out new gowns these days. The trick they turned in other times of taking an order for a frock on Saturday afternoon and delivering it on Wednesday morning was too difficult to contemplate now. The fashion for putting a picot edge everywhere has gained in Importance, and when there are yardß and yards of It on one frock time must be allowed for such work. And yet this trick of putting the tiny pointed edge instead of a hem contributes to the seeming simplicity of a frock.

, Jet is used in quantities, as everyone expected. Jenny likes it well and puts it under tulle more than she does over it. There is a strong feeling for the styles of 1840 and 1870, both of which call for quantities of

Most Economical of Any Blouse Is Chiffon, Which May Be Combined With the Most Tailored of Street Suits, or Used to Lend a Festive Tone to Fancy Costumes —This Blouse is Trimmed With Black Dots Embroidered on White Chiffon, and Red Embroidery.

lace and artificial flowers. Often the latter is used under the former or to loop it up into the festoons which the empress of France liked. That 1840 pointed basque, with its straight decolletage, also copied by Eugenie to Bhow her lovely neck and shoulders, is used by Caillot as well as by other houses.

There is also the medieval decolletage, which is cut in a straight line across the collar bone and which is distressingly ugly: Cheruit and some of her followers almost discard the deep decollete line and bring the frocks well up on the chest. The square front with the high back .is smart. Although the high collar is reckoned as a first fashion, the best houses sent over the neck which is opened in a V in front, outlined by a

FROCKS OF COLORED LINEN

Charming Models Are Being Shown, Made Up In Variety of Styles That Seems Endless.

Linen frocks of more or less severity are made up In the very soft linen and in lovely colors. Very frequently the linen is used only for a skirt and an overblouse of some kind, while the long-sleeved underbody is of finest cotton voile or sheerest white linen. Russian blouse lines reappear insistently in these overblouses and in silk frock blouses, too.

There are many little plaited overblouses belted a trifle high, with very short frill peplums, among the twixt season models in crepe and soft silks and a popular little frock of this type is rose crepe. Its overblouse and skirt are entirely plaited in narrow box plaits, except where the fullness of the skirt is shirred in a hip yoke, to develop into box plaits below. The long sleeves are of rose chiffon and the chemisette and high flaring collar frill of fine cream lace with a bow of smoke gray velvet to match the narrow riband girdle of gray velvet.

Voluminous Veils.

One pf the new veils of the voluminous sort, has a small embroidered flower In bright color placed so thpt it will come over one cheek. Another big veil Is unusually voluminous, and is a big, irregular circle with a circumference of almost three yards. It is thrown oier the hat so -that the center of the veil and the center of the hat coincide, and the wide edges ti«n e unevenly down over the arras back and chest.

handkerchief collar in a soft material. Organdie embroidered In colon la a feature of many gowna. It often extends from the neck to the waist, forming a vest* a double collar, and also a pair of turn-over cults. (Copyright, 1915. by the McClure Newspaper Syndicate.)

WORKING IN FANCY LEATHER

Innumerable Pretty Deslgna for House Decorations May Be Easily and Quickly Made. The woman who is skilled in needlework or handicraft of any sort will need no preliminary training for making small pieces of leather work suitable for house decoration. First of all take a stationery folder, for instance. It may be made any desired size, though each end should be made to fold inwardly to touch the center line to make the top cover. A good grade of soft black morocco leather, with black satin lining, would be a good combination, and the edges could be stitched with black silk thread or else bound with leather glued in place.

Corner pieces should also be cut and glued into place. These can be fancifully cut with an eyelet punch, and with the assistance of a pair of manicure scissors many artistic designs can be produced. For the holder use a piece of leather of any desired color, say fifteen by thirty inches square. Fold the ends toward the center and crease along the folded edges, after which fit the pasteboard to what will be the bottom of the folder.

Make the lining, but before attaching it stitch two satin pockets on each end, which will be folded under with the overlapped corners. Bind the edges in any preferred style. If a monogram is desired cut the initials with a small eyelet punch and place satin back of it. This should be shown on one of the overlapped pieces.

If you care to furnish the folder with writing equipment fill the pockets with stationery and add a black penholder and lead pencil.

WHAT FASHION HAS CHANGED

Silhouette of Bkirt Most Noticeable— Modification of Clinging Draperies Is Most Apparent.

The most radical change is in the silhouette of the skirt. From the narrow clinging skirt of last year to the wide flaring, circular model of today is a long step, both figuratively and literally. The change, nevertheless, is not so difficult as it may appear at first sight. For example, the long tunic skirt can be charmingly disguised and renovated by the addition of a wide band of embroidery or of goods of some contrasting color at the hem. This band will give tunics the necessary length and flare of the new skirts. The draped skirt often has in it material enough to be entirely recut, or it may be lengthened from the waist by the addition of a new, wide girdle or yoke attached to the fullest part. For the most scant and clinging of last year’s skirts only one renovation is possible, but it la a charming, one. Using the skirt as a foundation, build on this a series of ruffles or flounces, or veil it with a frill, flaring overskirt.

Dark Blue Patent Leather.

Leaping from philosophy to detail, there was never such a fashion for patent leather as now. It has been brought out in dark blue, an absolute innovation. Belts, collar and cufTs, hems to street suits, pockets and many other accessories are fashioned of it.

Khaki colored serge and gabardine are in favor, more so than the khaki itself. Short jackets that have huge pockets above and below the belt, fastened over with a pointed flap and a brass button, are made by all the tailors. And as for military buttons, there is no end of insignia on them, though, of course, the proper one, used by the allied armies, is not permitted.

PICOT WITH RIBBON VELVET

On* of the New Shapes With a High Point of the Straw Forming Part of the Trimming—From This Mounts a Great Bow of the Ribbon Velvet.

Velvet for Little Girls.

Girls from twelve to fifteen are following the example of their elders for afternoon in the wearing of velvet frocks. These usually have over blouses or long-walsted effects with the top skirt of velvet and the short underskirt of satin or plaited chiffon. ▲ collar of real lace and a satin belt or sash completes a very smart little costume which can be worn without a coat as wanner weather approaches.

HOME TOWN HELPS

GIVES VIEW OF COMMUNITY

Plan of Chicago City Club Is to Develop the Neighborhood Spirit. In the small city or village nothing In particular is done ordinarily to stimulate the neighborhood spirit. That force grows and develops naturally In a small community. People come to know one another without effort fthd easily retain their friendships and acquaintanceships. Thus is provided a substantial foundation for community interest, which is another name for neighborhood spirit.

In a city of large proportions the community interest, the neighborhood spirit, is less apparent and less cohesive. There is such an excess of humanity all about that unnatural barriers are anxiously thrown up against the making of friends too readily. Even neighbors living in the same apartment building remain strangers for months on end. Yet a city like Chicago, if it is to establish the cohesive Interest that finally produces community interest, must develop somewhat in terms of the neighborhood spirit. Out of this comes the broader interest that embraces the affairs of the whole city. This situation gives special value to the neighborhood center competition that is about to be featured at the Chicago City club. The purpose, as announced, is “to bring before the public, in graphic form, the practical possibilities of enhancing neighborhood life In our cities by better, and especially better grouped, buildings and grounds for neighborhood activities.”

This object Is a particularly worthy one. It fits in well with the public properties exhibition at the City club. By this means an opportunity la given Chicago citizens to obtain a clear idea of what they own as a community—their schools, libraries, museums, streets, bridges, parks, playgrounds, baths, police and fire stations, and so on. The well-informed citizen should have definite knowledge of this “great community estate” in which he Is a stockholder. The exhibition and the competition, with their incidental meetings and discussions, should do much to establish a broader concept of these essential matters. —Chicago News.

ATTRACTIVE PORCH

As simple as a quaker bonnet is this porch, yet it will add a touch of attractiveness when a quick-growing vine has canopied it.

Doing Away With Smoke.

Public opinion is setting strongly against the contamination of the air we breathe with coal smoke. A. general use of low-temperature coke would render the atmosphere of our cities as free from pollution as that of New York, where it is obligatory upon all Inhabitants to burn anthracite or some other form of smokeless fueL Through wantonly wasting the valuable constituents of coal by burning it raw in the domestic fireplace we suffer a double penalty. Not only do we pay directly for the fuel that is discharged unconsumed up the chimney, but we pay indirectly a second time In the labor spent In removing it when it comes back to us through the windows In the form of s m tits and dust We pay, too, in deteriorlated health and obscured sunshine. The whole subject affords an interesting Illustration of the solidarity of scientific progress, and demonstrates forcibly the fact that one advance Inevitably brings another In its train. The growth of twentieth century engineering science, which demands oil in ever-growing volumes, is thus tending to promote a sanitary reform which is long overdue.

Band for City Improvement.

A significant indication of the growth of the public betterment ment in . the South is furnished by tha news item that "the people of a thousand North Carolina communities got together December S to improve and a beautify their roads mad church an# school buildings and grounds.** M