Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 151, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 June 1916 — Page 3

SMOKELESS STEAM ENGINE

AN INVERTED SMOKE-PIPE CARRIES THE GASES, SOOT AND CINDERS DOWNWARD AND BACKWARD.

Taking the polite hint that the electrification of railroad terminals during the pant few years has supplied, the steam engine has added a vital Improvement in construction, which will make it smokeless to all intents and purposes. The new apparatus is an inverted smoke-pipe which falls •away to the ground instead of opening vertically upward. The pipe carries the gases, soot and cinders downward to the track, instead of releasing them to float in the air. In order to assure the correct draft a fan drives these furnace exhalations downward, and a vapor arrangement moistens the smoke and cinders so that they are dropped to the ground immediately, and are not blown about by the rush of the train.—lllustrated World.

SHOULD BE AUTOMATIC

GREAT NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT OF “STOP” SIGNALS. Cannot Be Considered Perfect Until the “Human Element" in Engine Cab Has Been Entirely Done Away With.

When one stops to consider, aside from the loss of life occasioned, the amount of momentary loss from damaged and destroyed property, lawsuits, etc., caused by railroad wrecks, it is apparent that the railroad managements would gladly expend an equal or greater amount to prevent them. The question here arises, why do the engineers disregard signals? In the case of the Milford wreck, and this applies equally well to others of the same character, the engineer evidently did not see the second or stop signal, if he did the first, which was set at caution. The oversight or neglect of the caution signal might have been through absent-mindedness, but surely not that of the second, writes a correspondent of the New York Sun. From former wide experience as an observer in the locomotive cab I am aware that through temporary absentmindedness or mental fatigue the retina or eye picture of a semaphore in a certain position may not be recorded in the brain at the time of passing. The habits of the locomotive engineer are controlled now to a large extent by the railroad management. He must be a man of temperate habits, physically and mentally sound. His work hours are so apportioned as to insure freedom from physical and mental fatigue. He is well paid. Every possible precaution has been taken to insure the reliability of this one man, yet many Investigations report that “the wreck was not Caused by a defective signal, but through failure of the dead engineer to obey the signal set against him.” He might kgve been suffering from faintness caudetf by temporary Indigestion or irregular heart action, from one of a hundred human equation contingencies. Any engineer In his right senses would no more pass a “stop’’ signal than he would deliberately run onto a bridge which he knew had been rendered unsafe by a washout. The safety of every passenger on a railroad journey is dependent on an essential which is beyond the control of any railroad management and which is known as the human element. It is this element which constitutes the final and essential feature of the successful operation of the present day railroad signal system. . - Considering the above facts, it seems that, of the different railroad signals constituting a system, the imperative "stop” should be so designed as to eliminate the human element. In other words, that it should be so arranged as to stop the train irrespective of .the action of the man at the throttle. That this not only can be but has been accomplished by modern day railroad engineering is witnessed by the fact that a successful automatic train stopping device has been in successful operation /or three years past on a railroad operating west out of Chicago and through the Rocky mountains, where in extreme winter blizzards the engine cab windows are so covered with ice and the air so filled with flying snow that the engineer would be obliged to bring his train to a stop in order to observe whether a signal were set against him or not.

Immense American Railroad Line.

If the tracks of one of the great eastern railroad systems were laid in a single line there would be enough to build a standard gauge railroad around the world and double-track it from New York to Kansas City. The exact length of all the railroad lines in the system, whether single, double, triple or quadruple tracked is n,823 miles. Of these lines, 3,761 miles have two or more tracks, 828 miles have three tracks and 637' miles of track tn the sidings, excluding the thousands of connecting sidings owned by industrial and other plants.

New Type of Locomotive.

A new type of locomotive Intended for light work Is equipped with a boiler in which a full head of steam can be raised in 15 minutes, ?-

TRAINS PLAY “LEAP FROG”

Engineers’ Ingenuity Solved Problem of Relieving Congestion of Traffic on City’s Elevated Lines. To relieve the swelling traffic on the elevated lines in New York city trains are now made to play “leap frog” by an ingenious method of track laying. A horizontal view of the completed structure would bear a strange resemblance to the roller coaster railroads so much in evidence in nearly all of America’s amusement parks. Nearing a station the express trains for which the new track is being designed, rise swiftly on an incline, so that they play at a modified, mechanical game of leap frog. ' Under the raised tracks, or “humps,” as they are technically known, the local stations are situated. The reason for the “leap frogging” is obvious. There are three tracks in service already on the elevated lines, but the third track could not be used for express service unless the trains crossed over and on the local tracks to take on and discharge passengers. This would involve delay and a serious possibility of accident. The stations selected for the express stops are either re-enforced or renewed, and the middle track is raised about 12 feet. The loading platforms for the “extra elevated” express tracks are built over the existing local tracks, which are left unchanged. The length of the “hump” is determined by the grade of the present local tracks at that particular section, as the grade of the express tracks never exceeds three per cent. The new platforms are about 350 feet long.

It is expected that the cost of operation of the express trains will be somewhat decreased, as the headway which they get on the incline will carry them some distance before power need be applied. Trains will also be able to stop quickly and smoothly because of the upward incline as they enter the station.

FEWER CASUALTIES ON LINES

Year 1915 Showed a Decrease in Comparison With Figures of Corresponding Periods. Of the 8,621 persons killed by steam railroads in the last year, 222 were passengers and 1,594 were employees on duty, 5,084 were trespassers, 1>163 were nontrespassers not included in any of the above classes, and 343 were victims of industrial accidents. Of the 162,040 persons injured, 12,010 were passengers, 38,060 were employees on duty, 840 were employees not on duty, 5,390 were other persons not trespassing, 6,448 were trespassers and 99,192 were hurt in industrial accidents. The comparison for the last three years as regards passengers and employees killed and Injured by the operation of trains is as follows: 1915. 1914. 1918. Passengers killed 222 265 403 Passengers injured .....12,110 15,121 16,589 Employees -killed 1,809 1,850 3,301 Employees 1njured.......38,900 51,938 57,797

The number J>f fatalities in railroad industrial accidents was 409 in 1914 and 414 in 1913, and those Injured in industrial accidents totaled 113,374 in 1914 and 113,620 in 1913.

TWICE PLACED IN POSITION

Bridge Built in Holland, Designed for Use In Java, Given Thorough Test In Yards. A bridge that is to be built for the Holland government railroad over the Serajoe river in Java has been made complete in the shops in Holland, and so carefully has this been done that no field work will be required in erecting the steel structure other than that of connecting the members. The bridge site is far from any kind of shop facilities, and to make sure that the structure would ger together properly it was first erected as carefully as if on its permanent location, in the yards of the manufacturing company in Holland. Following this it was taken down and is to be shipped by steamer to Java. The bridge is of unusual design, consisting of three arched spans of steel connecting with, short, straight trusses over the piers. It has a total length of 698 feet 10 inches, and weighs 580 tons. It is designed to carry a single-track railroad having a gauge of 3% feet —Popular Mechanics Magazine.

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, INJ).

WHY YOUNGSTERS FAIL

Nervousness Sends Many Back to Minor Leagues. Young Players Unable to Get Mind Off Huge Stands and Immense Crowds —Do Not Concentrate Their Minds on Game. The greatest enemy of the young ball player is nervousness, according to St. Louis Globe-Democrat. Many a youngster of promise coming up from the minors ruins his chances by “aeroplaning” when he finds himself lined up against players of experience and reputation. • ~-■ He is likely to play far below his normal speed, and the impression produced on his manager is faulty. He may not have a chance to become fully accustomed to his surroundings or to get over his nervousness before he la railroaded back to the bushes. The best way for a player to succeed Is to try to forget that he is up in the big show and put his whole mind on the ball game. If he can fail to see the huge stands and the big crowd and just remember that he is playing a game of ball and trying to do his part toward winning it he will surely succeed if he has the ability. The player who is doing everything in his power to win the ball game is the lad who catches the eye of the foxy manager. One serious fault with many young players is that they think too much of their base hits. This is a natural fault, for every player, old or young, likes to wallop the ball to some far territory; but the real manager is looking beyond that He sees the fellow who can hit with no one on and two out and does not care for his style. On the other hand, the man who has the nerve to come up with .the smash in the pinch is the man who is retained, even if his batting average is many points below that of the other fellow.

TOLEDO FANS FICKLE CONCERNING NICKNAME «

“Iron Men” is the latest nickname for the Toledo baseball club. Two Toledo sport writers are using the name exclusively in referring to the club. Whether it will become popular is problematical. Rajahs and Bresna Hens were two names that for a short time seemed to strike the popular fancy, but fandom decreed that neither was suitable and returned to the old name of Mu<l Hens. Whether the new name will prove popular is hard to predict. One paragraph intimates that it wquld be a shajne to let them drop behind and rust during the coming season.

FEET TROUBLED ART FROMME

When Former Giant Pitcher Began to Slip McGraw Recommended lodine on His Neck. When Art Fromme was sent to the Giants by Cincinnati he had some sort of trouble with his feet. They became yellow and calloused, and every day, before going out on the diamond, Fromme would liberally paint his pedals with iodine. McGraw was after the lead of the league. He was up against it for pitchers, and as Fromme looked good in warming up, he asked Art what he thought of working that game. “Me? Why, say, I’ll hold these guys to two hits today,” replied Fromme.

Art Fromme.

The Giants were opposing the Pirates. Fromme went well for two innings and then began toslip. He issued two walks and struck a fellow, filling the bases. Then Wagner stepped to the plate and hit the first ball for a two-sacker. McGraw rushed frantically to the side lines and motioned Art to leave. As Fromme reached the bench McGraw turned sarcastically to him and remarked: “So you paint yotr feet to keep them from getting yelldw, do yon? Say, go in the clubhouse and paint a jlng of iodine around your neck.**

WHERE WASHINGTON TEAM WILL FINISH

'Just where the Washington team will finish this year is a matter of conjecture. Some wise ones have named as low as sixth place for Griffith’s outfit, but the team should do better than this, for it has been materially strengthened. The Nationals’ pitching staff, among the best in the American league, is stronger this season than last. Foster is playing the best ball of his career and this is also true of Milan. Ray Morgan is in great condition and Griffith started with a team better, collectively, than he has ever had before.

MANAGER PICKS UP PLAYERS

Pat Moran Will Not Pay Fancy Prices for Ball Tossers —Halts on Expensive Stars. Since Pat Moran has been in charge of the Phillies he has purchased only three players —Pitchers Mcftuillen and Karl Adams and Outfielder Good —and for each of these he paid the waiver price. He did not draft a man last fall, and he obtained the right to sign Outfielder Cooper for nothing. Moran picked up Chief Bender and Gqorge Chalmers when they were free agents. He traded Dooin to Cincinnati for Nlehoff and let Lobert go to the

Manager Pat Moran.

Giants in exchange for Stock, Demaree and Jack Adams, catcher. He obtained Whitted from the Braves, together with Infielder Dugey, in a trade for Sherwood Magee. In other words, the building up of the champions has involved an outlay of not more than 35,000 for players’ releases. Moran does not believe in deals for expensive stars, and as a result the Philadelphia club is a moneymaker for the first time in a great many years.

GREAT TEAM OF “CAST OFFS”

Manager Lee Fohl Claims Strongest Collection of Discards Ever Put Together. Lee Fohl of Cleveland says he haa the greatest team of discards ever put together, not excepting the Boston Braves of 1914. With a few exceptions every man on the Indian team b®s at one time or another worn the uniform Of another major league team and been released for one reason or another, though it is hardly proper to call players like Speaker, Roth, Daly and Gandil “discards.”

PALMERO IS QUITE ACCURATE

Cuban Twirler Never Forgets What to Do With Ball When He Gets It -—Resembles Wiltse. Emilio Palmero, the Cuban twirler of the Giants, whose splendid hurling against the Phillies in the first game of the recent series may win him a place on the regular pitching staff of the club, reminds one for all the world of George Wiltse in the field. He is accuracy itself in handling the ball, and he never forgets what to do with the leather when he gets it. A built to him must be perfectly placed to advance a runner.

Dependable Washington Players.

In "Jack” Smith the Cardinals have picked out a real ball player. McGraw has three wicked right field batters in Doyle, Kauff and Robertson. • * * No ballplayer ever improved his daily average by batting around at night. Oh, yes, the quick Witt of Connie Mack often helps him out in tight places. • ’ • • George Stallings hg.s no doubt that Elmer Knetzer will make good under Herzog. • » • Ball players who try to bait Hank O’Day these days are certain to get the hook. * • • An echo from the -past. Marty O’Toole, of $22,500 fame, was sold to Omaha, Neb. • • • In one respect pennants and the Red Sox are alike. It takes an operation to cure them... * « • Inside baseball is a great thing providing the other fellows don’t take the Inside outside. • * • Dave Altlzer Is going back. Yes, running back, and robbing speed boys on Impossible plays. • • 4 ----- Klepfer, one-time Yankee pitcher, is one of the main props of the rehabilitated Cleveland club. * • • The baseball shark who picked the Giants to finish one-two neglected to specify in which season. « • * It appears that Tyrus Cobb has a brother who resembles him in some respects, but not as a baseball player. • • • If Pongo Cantillon wins five American association flags in a row maybe he will get credit for having a ball club. * * * We hate to think what would happen to National league batsmen If Alexander’s "dead arm” ever came to life again. • • • Shorten, the Red Sox's new outfielder, has cut some nifty capers since opening day. He is especially long on hitting. • • * Miller Huggins, manager of the Cardinals, expects Lee Meadows to pitch more games than any other Card pitcher this year. . • * • A leaky bucket, a punctured tire, and a pitcher without support are about the same in that they get about the same results. • * • Hugh Jennings still has faith in "Bill” James and believes the big pitcher will come through and prove a big help to the Tigers. ’ • * • Wilbert Robinson hasn’t played actively for more’n a decade, but he’s the greatest ground coverer In the National lieague—when he sits down. 4 4 4 ’ Cleveland is baseball mad. The fans of that city are certainly entitled to do some celebrating, for they have waited long enough for the opportunity. 4■' 4 4 Connie Mack says that the Athletics did not get good weather on the training trip and that his young pitchers could not get the right kind of a start. ?> •

BASEBALL STORIES

COOKING NOW EASY

HAY-BOX AN INDIBPENBABLB KITCHEN ADJUNCT. Ito Use Helps Greatly to Offset the Burdens of Dear Fuel and Expensive Foodstuffs —Operation a Simple Matter.

Hay-box cookery is not a new Idea by any means, but recently it has had quite a revival, and in these times of dear fuel and expensive foodstuffs It is a boon and a blessing to the worried housewife. They are easily made at home and coat next to nothing. Purchase from the grocer a nice-sized box, say 28 Inches long and 22 inches wide and deep; if the box has a hinged lid, so much the better. This style of box can usually be had for a few cents. Line the box well with old newspapers; use several thicknesses, as it is important to stop up any crevice. In the center of the box place a piece of wood that will divide it into two. Fill each portion with hay; pack the hay in tightly, then In the center of each portion make a hollow or nest ready to receive the vessel containing food or liquid. When the vessels are in the box, cover the tops of them well over with hay, or, if preferred, a rough cover out of sacking can be made; into this pack some hay, sew up, and a cushion is ready to place on the cooking vessels; the lid is then closed down over al! and slow cooking will proceed for aa long as the box is kept closed. The box will last for years, and is no expense at all, save now and again renewing the supply of hay. Just the ordinary cooking utensils are needed, such as jam jars, casseroles, and stewing jars. ' All food put Tn the hay-box mustbe at boiling point when put in—if a continued slow cooking is desired. When cooking porridge, stews, etc., bring to the boil on the fire or stove; let it boil for five minutes, then put the vessel containing the food straight in the haybox, cover and close the lid. The food can then be left thus slowly cooking for hours without any attention, and it will not spoil. The cooking is excellent for porridge! it can be put in overnight, and in the morning will be found beautifully cooked and piping hot. For all food that takes hours to cook, such as lentils, peas, stews, soups, shin of beef, etc., this method of cooking should be employed. For business girls who have their best meal in the evening, nothing could be

Hay-Box Cookery.

easier or cheaper than to place the meat or soup in the hay-box and find it all ready to eat on returning home, and the method will appeal to all busy mothers and housewives, both as regards cost, efficiency and simplicity. There is no risk of fire, though, of course, care must be taken to see that there are no live sparks sticking to the bottom of the pans when they are put in the hay.

Rice Tutti Frutti.

One pint whipped cream, one-half cupful white sugar, one-half pint cold boiled rice, one-half dozen figs, onequarter package gelatin, one tablespoonful vanilla, one tablespoonful preserved ginger. Soak gelatin in little cold water for ten minutes. Heat one-quarter cupful of the cream —not whipped—with the sugar and when hot add gelatin and stir until dissolved. When cold add the rice, flavoring, figs, ginger and cream and mold. The ginger may be omitted if desired.

Ginger Cream.

Beat the yolks of three eggs, add pint of milk, two tablespoonfuls sirup from preserved ginger and one cupful sugar. Cook all together until thick- Strain, add one tablespoonful gelatin that has been dissolved in a little cold milk, the whites of three eggs beaten stiff, and beat all together until it begins to thicken, then add four ounces of preserved ginger, cut in very small pieces. Put in a mold to cool and serve with whipped cream.

Browned Potatoes.

Mash two cupfuls of cold boiled potatoes; add three tablespoonfuls of milk, four tablespoonfuls of grated cheese, one-half minced onion, onehalf level teaspoonful of salt and a dash of pepper. Melt one heaping teaspoonful of butter in a frying pan. Add the potatoes, cover and brown. Then turn and brown on the other side. Serve with tomato sauce.

For Old Pewter Ware.

To clean pewter, make a stiff paste of powdered pumice stone and soap, and add a bit of sweet oiL Wash the> pewter with warm soapsuds, then rub it all over with the paste moistened with water. Let it stand overnight, then rub off with a soft cloth. Polish with any good silver polish.— Magazine.