Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 147, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 June 1915 — Page 2

BWO arctic relief expeditions will leave the United States this summer, bent on bringing back explorers marooned in the frosen polar regions. One is quite confident of success and not a desperate business, as such work goes. It will seek to reach the party of Donald B. MacMillan, now believed to be at Btah, North Greenland, and reported safe in August of last year. The second, a forlorn hope, will attempt by aeroplane search of the terrible northern seas to locate stouthearted Vilhjalmar Btefansson, who a year ago with two companions marched straight north into the unknown from the Canadian coast near the mouth of the Mackenzie river, i lfacMillan and Stefansson engaged in what has aptly been described as a race for an unknown continent. There is a great stretch of territory lying north of Alaska and Canada and branded on the north by the North pole, which has never been surveyed by human eyes. Admiral Peary, standing at elevations of 2,000 feet and later 1,000 feet on islands west of northern Greenland, believed he saw mountain peaks of this unknown land far to the westward. He dubbed It Crocker Land. If it exists, it is by far the largest area of solid earth now unexplored. The lure of it to the arctic pioneer is beyond understanding to the dweller under southern skies. Last summer MacMillan pushed across the strait from Greenland and then over several large islands to the westward until he came to Cape Thomas Hubbard, the last place from which the discoverer of the North pole, Peary, believed he caught a glimpse of Crocker’s Land mountains. Here a stretch of frosen ocean presented itself. For 125 miles MacMillan dashed over the ice straight west. Several times he thought he saw the land he sought At last he had to give up and concluded what Peary had seen was only a mirage. It is improbable Peary could have seen land farther than MacMillan went MacMillan nearly lost his life before he got back to the comparative comfort of Etah. This summer he may attempt new feats, but he will undoubtedly keep in touch with Etah, or at any rate let his whereabouts be known He will not be the staring mystery Stefansson has become. A relief party will leave Labrador in July aboard the schooner George H. Cluet. The vessel is sent out by the backers of the MacMillan expedition. including the American Museum of Natural History, the American Geographical society and the University of Illinois. All the arrangements are being made at New York. Capt. George Comer of East Haddam, Conn., will serve as ice pilot. If Stefansson is ever rescued it will be through the devotion of his secretary, Burt M. McConnell, who bade farewell to his chief April 7, 1914. No

NEW SLANG USED IN NAVY

(Some Expressions Hsve Been Retained, But a Lot of It Has Undergone Change. With the new nary has grown up a new line of slang, perhaps not so salt watery as was the old, but edged with as much point. “Shiver my timbers’* was a phrase That gave a yarn peculiar merit. Or added force to our Ideas, But now It's changed to "Swash my turret," No longer do the men in navy blue refer to the chaplain as the “Sky Pilot." To them he is known as “The Fire Escape.** There are no more main braces to “splice,” and, moreover, nothing nowadays to splice it with—that is, nothing on shipboard. So the phrase has fallen Into disuse. And as there are no more sails to “jam” their way Into the wind, the term “windjammer” has been transferred to the bugler. The medical corps is reverently referred to as “Pills.” The engineer's force is known f the “Black Gang” and sometimes as the “ijpderground

CENT CLEARS UP CONSCIENCE

Kansas Woman Who Defrauded a Weighing Machine Makes Restitution to Company. i Because she “cheated” the weighing in the depot oat of a penny more a year ago, the conscience of an Abilene, Kan., woman has been a letter received by the company’s

TO SEEK TWO ARCTIC EXPLORERS

one has seen Stefansson or the two men he kept with him since then. His vessel, the Karluk, drifted several hundred miles to the westward and was crushed in the ice. Part of those aboard the Karluk were rescued through the perseverance of McConnell. Then McConnell came back to the States and started his efforts to organize a relief expedition. It was he who evolved from his brain the idea pf hydro-aeropland. Many of his plans were talked over in the Eight Oars, E. W. Demiug's studio in artistic Macdougal alley. The Canadian government is chided by McConnell for failing to fit out a relief expedition, as Stefansson is upon Canadian service. But the great war has Intervened and monopolizes Canada’s energies. *'l consider it my duty to search for Stefansson,” McConnell said. “As a survivor of the expedition, I shall not be content to sit idly and in comfort in civilization until I know that my comrades are safe, or what has happened to them." Opinions differ as to what has happened to Stefansson. He may be drifting on a field of ice somewhere north of Alaska. In this event he would reach Siberia, if still alive, about two years from now. McConnell thus outlined his plans recently: “Our expedition is not more hopeless than that of the Rodgers, which started out to rescue the creV of the Jeanette In 1879, two years after she had sailed. “As to the practicability of using hydro-aeroplanes, it is well known that Amundsen intended taking flying machines with him into the Arctic and using them for scouting while his iceship, the Pram, drifted about in the ice pack. In using hydro-aeroplanes, too, we may discover the hypothetical continent of Crocker Land which Stefansson sought. “North of Siberia, Alaska and western Canada lies an unexplored area of

savages.” The cold storage plant is designated as the “morgue,” and the meal pennant, which is hoisted on all ships at meal hours, is jokingly referred to as “the deserter’s recall.” Beans are known as “Boston cherries,” and the Sacred God which makes its way Into man-of-war storerooms with vest unbuttoned, is hailed as the “Massachusetts Nightingale.” The bluejacket who asks his messmate to pass him the “sea dust,” expects the salt cellar. The wireless operator answers to the name of "Sparks,” ship fittere to the call of “Rivets,” the electricians to the name of “dynamo busters.” The navy regulations retains the old name of blue book, but because of the many recent changes the chapter which is read to the crew at muster and known as “Articles for the government of the Navy,” is now known as “The Rocks and Shoals.” The anchor is still known as the “mud hook.” the water cooler as the “scuttle butt.” and hammocks as “dream bags."—New York World.

In her letter the woman stated that more than a year ago she and her daughter were In the depot waiting for a train. The daughter placed a penny in the weighing machine, and after it had registered her weight and before she stepped from the machine, the mother stepped on also and was weighed free. This worried her so much that she inclosed a stamp in the letter and asked Mr. Mills to place a penny in the weighing machine, thus easing her conscience.—New York Sur

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IND.

more than a million square miles. Truly this is the last frontier,’ the last unexplored area on the face of the globe. The prime object of the Canadian Arptic expedition was to explore that area as much as possible, but when the Karluk was lost Stefansson was compelled to rearrange his plans accordingly. He immediately decided to go over the treacherous, moving, crushing ice fields north of Alaska in search of the continent which some students of tidal phenomena have argued exists —and which others have argued as conclusively does not exist. “Admiral Peary and the president of the Aero club both declare the plan feasible. My plans pre simple. We would leave the ship, which would be near the shore, every favorable morning, flying about 800 feet high, and go in a straight line to a point 175 miles from shore, scanning the ice fields with powerful glasses. Then we would turn at right angles for 20 miles, turn again and fly to shore parallel to the outgoing course. “The ship, in the meanwhile, would have sailed to a point 20 miles east along the coast, where she would welcome us back. "I would bring together the crew and outfit at Victoria, B. C.. as Stefansson did. We should sail from home not later than June 1, 1915. The hydroaeroplanes would have to be thoroughly tried out before starting and then could be set up either at Nome or Port Clarence and tried again. The date of sailing from Port Clarence, which has the best harbor on the northwest coast of Alaska, will depend on the state of the arctic ice pack, which generally comes down to Bering strait late in July or early in August. “The hydo-aeroplanes would be of the most reliable type, with a carrying capacity of two men ami 100 pounds. Their tanks should hold enough fuel for a 400-mile trip, and their pontoons should be re-enforced and equipped with sled runners, so that we may land at will on ice or water. Both machines should be of identical build, so that parts may be interchanged in the event of an accident to one of the planes.” Mr. McConnell believes Stefansson has found the mysterious land he went out to look for and is now unable to return to his base on* the north coast of Alaska. McConnell was one of the three members of this expedition who gained the mainland of Alaska after drifting about on the ice for nearly a month. He thinks Stefansson is able to provide for the party of three with the two rifles and 400 pounds of ammunition they had when last seen. When Stefansson bade farewell to McConnell and the meteorologist of the expedition he kept with him two companions, Stprkersen and Ole Anderson. It was quite fitting that these three adventurous spirits should be descendants of the race of Leif Ericsson, the man who probably discovered America. All three were picked veterans of many arctic campaigns. They knew all the wiles of the Eskimo*, besides the scientific learning of the white men. Only some terrible misfortune could have extinguished them.

Hard to Convince.

Bacon —Don’t yon think lata hours are had for children or grown-upe? Egbert—Sore, I often tell my baby that when Pm walking the floor nights with him, but I can’t seem to get it into his head.

Powerful Modern Explosive.

French, military estimates show that about 25,000,000 horse power is developed in the explosion of a charge from one of the biggest cam non now in use. -

TAKE TIME WITH ASPARAGUS

Prepared Hastily or Carelessly a Groat Part of Its Finer Flavor Will Bo Lost. The very best method, of boiling asparagus is first to wash, scrape and tie into a bundle, and then plunge the stalks into a vessel of boiling water, allowing the tips to come above the water. The steam will be sufficient to cook these tender parts. Serve on toast or with melted butter. In Europe a little butter is placed on the edge of the plate and the hot head of asparagus dipped into it before eating, hot in this country a white sauce usually accompanies this dish. An economical way, and“when there are children a more convenient way also, is to cfit the tender parts into short lengths and cook in the least quantity of salted water possible. It should be done in about 20 minutes, when it is taken from the liquor and the latter thickened with a little flour, butter and cream. The asparagud is laid upon toasted bread and the sauce poured over, in this way one gets the full benefit of every bit of the vegetable while the tougher portions can be made into a nice asparagus soup. To make this, cook the stalks in salted water until tender and press through a sieve. Put two cupfuls of milk over the fire or milk land a white stock mixed. When it boils, stir in two tablespoonfuls each of flour and butter thoroughly rubbed together, by pouring the scalding milk over gradually. Put over the fire, and if found too tltick when brought to a boil thin with hot milk. Add the asparagus pulp. Season with salt and pepper, then strain into the soup tureen. Asparagus omelet makes a delicious dish for either luncheon or breakfast, and is a good way of using up cold asparagus that is insufficient for making into a salad. Make a plain omelet with three eggs, three tablespoonfuls of hot water and salt and pepper to taste. Add the water and the seasoning to the yolks and beat in the whites at the last. Pour into a hot buttered frying pan and cook slowly. To test whether an omelet is cooked sufficiently press with the finger. If it comes away clean the omelet is ready to serve. Turn upon a hot platter and have ready the asparagus heated in a little cream or thickened milk. Fold over and serve garnished with parsley.

Strawberry Custard.

Now that strawberries are in their season one likes to find new ways of serving, and coming across this recipe, it sounded “quite good,” so I am going to send it in, writes a correspondent. One that does not care for so large a recipe can halve it. Select the finest, freshest berries; hull, wash and drain carefully. Turn them into a deep glass dish, sprinkle each layer with powdered sugar, and just before serving pour over a cold boiled custard made with the yolks of six eggs, one quart of milk, one cupful of sugar, a pinch of salt and one teaspoonful of lemon extract. Whip the whites to a very stiff froth, add three tablespoonfuls of sugar and drop in large spoonfuls in a shallow pan of boiling water. When cooked lift them out carefully.

Cucumbers in Brown Gravy.

Prepare half a dozen medium-sized cucumbers and cut them into thick slices, place them in ice water, let stand half an hour, drain, simmer in unseasoned beef stock until tender, then skim out the cucumbers and lay them in a hot vegetable dish. Cook one tablespoonful of browned flour in one tablespoonful of butter, add the stock, stir until thick and smooth, season with one teaspoonful of kitchen bouquet, one-third teaspoonful of onion juice and peppsr and salt to taste. Pour the sauce over the cucumbers before serving.

Strawberry and Rhubarb Pie.

Have you ever tried strawberries in rhubarb pie? I substituted strawberries for part of the rhubarb in a pie yesterday, and the result quickly disappeared. The following is the recipe: One cupful finely cut rhubarb, one cupful strawberries, one cupful sugar, one egg, two tablespoonfuls flour, butter. Mix rhubarb, strawberries, sugar and beaten egg and let it stand half an hour. Add butter and flour rubbed together. Bake with two crusts. —Boston Globe.

Raisin-Apple Tapioca.

One cupful pearl tapioca, two cupfuls apples, one cupful raisins, two cupfuls brown sugar, one-half teaspoonful butter, two cupfuls water; soak tapioca in one-half cupful of cold water an hour; cut apples in quarters, lay in baking dish, with sugar, tapioca and water mixed and turned over them the last thing after other ingredients have been added to them. Bake an hour in hot oven. Serve without cream. Makes rich pudding.

Baked Tomatoes.

Cover the bottom of an earthen dish with ripe tomatoes sliced; then a layer of bread crumbs, seasoned with pepper, salt and butter, then another layer of tomatoes, and so continue till the dish is filled, letting the topmost layer be of bread crumbs. Bake about mie-half hour.

To Make Fig Filing.

This filling be used in almost any layer cake. Take a pound of figs, chop fine and put into a stewpan on the stove; poor over them a teacupful of water and add a half cupful of sugar. Cook all together until soft and smooth. When cold spread b» tween layers of cake.

TO DO AWAY WITH COLLISIONS

An Illinois man has invented a portable derailer for cars, the idea being that, if a train is blocked, a rear signal can be set, and, if not heeded, a rear train is thrown off the track. The chief objection to the device is that it does not lessen loss of life, but merely places the blame where it belongs and kills the right man. Perhaps a better arrangement would be to have a portable obstruction, which, placed beside the track, would not derail a train, but engage a lever

ENDOWED WITH LIFE?

OLD ENGINEER HAS IDEA ABOUT LOCOMOTIVES. Study of Telepathy Convinced Him That His Notions When He Was Handling the Levers Were Pretty Nearly Correct After 30 years at the throttle in the service of one of the great trunk lines going out of New York, Sylvester P. Ames, locomotive engineer, retired recently and prepared himself to loaf away the remainder of his life. He found it impossible to loaf, however, and yearned for a hobby or something else that would compensate him for the loss of rattle and roar so long a part of his existence. A friend suggested a study of telepathy, in which -he was deeply engrossed. Ex-Engi-neer Ames took the tip, went to the New York public library, surrounded himself with works of Lodge and Pedmore and other kindred authors and soon became known as a telepathic “fan.”

The other evening an old-time friend called at the Ames flat in Brooklyn and thought to spend an hour or two in a game of cribbage, of which the old engineer was at one time very fond. No use. Ames was surrounded by a wall of books covering the subject of thought transference, hallucinations, haunted houses and phantasms. The visitor touched on old times on the railroad, hoping to get Ames away from the spirits. He got him away—but in an odd fashion. The old engineer closed up his books and turned to his friend with the following: “Do you know, Bill, since I been studying these telepathy books I’m more’n ever convinced that locomotives are alive the same as we are alive. I always had a notion that way, but I used to keep it to myself for fear that folks would laugh. But when I read the statements of reputable people who’ve seen ghosts, and one in particular where a lady’s pet mare let her know by a vision that a bad shoe had played havoc with her hoof, I feel certain that inanimate things as well as animate things think and feel. “When I was running the old 826 I often noticed that just before we met and passed the 827 my locomotive would act in a peculiar way. She wouldn’t run so steady. Sort of nervous in her drivers. She and the 827 were turned out of the shop the same day and they were put on the same run,' only working, in' opposite directions.

“So, as I tell you, whenever I, on the 826, neared the 827 coming the opposite way I noticed a queer quiver all through her. When we got within a quarter of a mile of each other the 826 hissed and chugged a blame sight more’n she ought to and so it kept up till we had passed each other, when my locomotive settled down to her regular common-sense average way of behaving.

“I know now, since I’ve read these books, that 826 was just sending a message to 827 through space. I remember I wrote a letter to Pete Riley, the man who ran 827, asking him—of course in a joking way, as I didn’t want to be joshed—if 827 acted queer cm him at any time. He answered me, and sure as you live, he declared that 827 acted like an old fool dummy or switch engine whenever he neared and passed me on the line. Without a doubt these locomotives were communicating with each other. “Tea, sir, the books make a lot of things plain that just seemed unexplainably queer in the old days. I recall that whenever on a stormy night old 826 pulled us into the terminal right on the tick of the clock as per time-table, I used to swell up with

on the locomotive as it passes and operate the pneumatic brakes, bringing the train to a standstill. Such a device would be entirely automatic, so that if the engineer failed to see the signal set against him the train would stop Just the same and no one would be injured. An arrangement such as this could be easily constructed, would be effective and would solve the old problem of “eliminating the personal equation,” but the arrangement has yet to be evolved.

a sort of gratitude toward her. Often when nobody was looking at the end of a trip through the rain or the snow, with the culverts just ready to burst over the tracks, I’ve gone up alongside that old engine, making believe I was going to oil her. I’d look around to see if anyone was looking and if there wasn’t I’d pat the old locomotive on her boiler, the same as you’d pat a fellow on the back. And I’d whisper: “ ‘You turned the trick fine, old girl, turned it fine. You’re the stuff, all right.’ “And do you know, although there was no reason at all for it, old 826 would thump in her exhaust twice as loud as she had been thumping? Yes, sir, thump- twice as loud. I wasn’t sure what it meant then, but now I know she realized that I was praising her and wanted to send me a message that she was tickled over the praise. I never would have been sure, though, if it hadn’t been for the ideas these books have set going in me. “Haven’t you ever felt warm toward things they say aren’t alive, just because they have been of service to you? I have, Bill, many a time. "Yes, and no doubt that old cribbage deck of cards is sore because you don’t handle it any more,” said Bill as /he took his leave.

RAILROAD FIGURES

The largest and most powerful locomotive ever built is the so-called Triplex Compound, owned by the Erie railroad. It was built in 1914 and weighs 426 tons, being used for “pusher” service on an eight-mile grade of line. Next in order of power and weight comes the Mallet type of engine, on the “Santa Fe” weighing 303 tons. The fastest passenger train in the world is operated on the North Eastern railroad in England, from Darlington to York, a distance of 44*4 miles in 43 minutes, giving an average speed of 61.7 miles an hour. A close second is the “Pennsylvania Special” which runs from Jersey City to North Philadelphia, 84 miles in 83 minutes, giving 60.7 miles per hour. As a matter of fact a rate of 120,mileB has been attained by a train on the Plant system in the United States in 1901, but the figures we have given are for the fastest regular trains. The Canadian Pacific railroad, with a total of 13,322 miles of track, has the greatest mileage of any railroad in the world.

Ireland's "Straddle" Railroad.

Running between Ballyunion and Listowel, in Ireland, is a unique “pegleg” railroad, so-called because it runs astraddle a single rail, elevated a suitable distance above the ground. The entire weight of the train is carried by this rail, guide rails being arranged nearer the ground to keep the train balanced. Each coach consists of two compartments, one on each side of the elevated rail, and the engine has two boilers, fire-boxes, and smokestacks.

Northern Line Being Built.

An Important railroad is being built vnorthward from Petrograd to a point on the Arctic ocean, near the Norwegian frontier, about five hundred miles west of Archangel, on a portion of the Arctic coast line, reached by the end of the Gulf stream, which makes the climate at that point much milder than at Archangel. A port will be created there that should, it is said, never become icebound, as Archangel is in winter.

Important to Trainmen.

Trainmen who know that a track at a place is commonly used by pedestrians must keep their train in control at that place, so that after the discovery of a pedestrian on the truck they may avoid injuring him.—Northern Alabama Ry. Co. vs. Guttery, Ala., 66 So. 580.