Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 157, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 July 1917 — Page 3

THe San Blas Indians

WHERE does it lie, this peculiar lure of the Indian? It grips, us when Big Chief comes to town, a pictured Indian brave quickens our pulses and especially has the Cuna Cuna or San Blas tribe aroused my interest, writes Alice S. Macqueen in the Los Angeles Times. For more than four centuries they have dwelt along the Atlantic coast of Panama, about 60 miles north of Colon toward Colombia. Historical records tell us that formerly their territory extended as far as the valleys of the eastern reaches of the Chagres river, covering both sides of the Continental divide between the present Canal zone and the bays of Atrato and San Miguel; but much of their belongings have gradually been taken from them, although they are ■constantly on the watch for the hated Invader, ready to fight for their possessions. The very withdrawal of the San Blas Indian women from contact with the outside world lends romance and mystery to a visit to their country. Until recently, I am told, white women had not visited their dusky sisters, who bear little resemblance to our Indians of the United States. These diminutive people, seldom reaching more than five feet, with their dark copper skins, could hardly be taken for Africans, but for their telltale crisp, black hair. Years of ocean bathing and basking In the rays of the sun has given them a deep bronze complexion. At the Island of Corti. Early on a bright July morning we sat on the deck of the S. S. San Blas. Our little steamer was low in the water. Twice an alligator grazed her bow, creating great excitement. The brilliant sun had converted the ever blue Caribbean Into a glistening jewel box; coconut palms clothed in verdant, sheeny green lifted proud heads from water edge to horizon.

An hour’s ride and the island of Corti, our destination, was in sight. “Cayucos,” large and small, danced about on the waves. Tiny Indian boys of five or six years valiantly paddled boats no larger than themselves; each ripple threatened disaster._ Big brother manned larger craft. Sometimes Seven or eight occupied one boat. “Nuede” they greeted, so “Nuede” we called back over the water. This meant “How do you do?” the captain told us, although I cannot vouch for the spelling, using sound for my guide. Soon a reception committee swarmed the deck of our ship, accompanied by “Charlie,” the interpreter, and after considerable consultation among themselves, he advised us to follow him. We had seen many of these Indian men on the streets of Panama, but a closer study was Interesting. Hats, far too small, chiefly black derbies, were perched aloft the stiff upstanding hali Shirts of different hues, worn outside blue jean or black trousers of uncertain length and an occasional necktie completed their costume. Gravely the elders surveyed us, while the younger generation eagerly waited our tossing of coins into the water, when their shining, naked bodies would poise for an instant 'on the boat’s side, then splash they went into the water, only reappearing when the victor had secured our offering. So clear was the water that their agile bodies were not lost to sight for an instant. Before US lay a brown patch. ■ A “wart,” we agreed, on Mother Nature’s face. This was Corti. The island seemed to be floating about on the water and looked as though it might sink mny moment Camera laden and filled ! with the spirit of adventure, we crowded into “Charlie’s” waiting “cayuco." As we neared the island black heads bobbed up here and there in the water. How they chattered, those curious boy Indians I The doorways, opening fairly on the water edge, were crowded with men, women with babes in arms and children. The women were garbed in “fiesta” attire, as a five-day celebration, the nature of which we were unable to ascertain, was being held. Gay turkey red, yellow and purple calico encased them, while behind, covering

every available spot of ground, were their homes. Narrow sticks, bound together by mountain vines, formed the sides, and they were surmounted by palm-thatched roofs. As we drew near the women and girls quickly concealed their faces in bright mantles, but piercing black eyes still spied at us inquisitively. Abashed or afraid they would not even permit us to caress their babies. “Come,” said our guide, and we entered the first of the long line of dwellings. Each one, we were told, housed from ten to twenty families. In the dim light, furnished by two low doorways, we distinguished a tremendous room, with floors of hard packed clay. There was little furniture, except a few hammocks strung about, while clothes lines seemed to form a division for the family quarters. An occasional wooden bench was occupied by groups of men recovering from too much celebration. Cleanliness seemed the rule. The ocean serves as bath house, toilet and medicine man to these primitive people. The Indians stood about in groups, ever watchful, apparently waiting for our departure.

Long Hair Only for Young Girls. The women and children soon became less timid, and followed us through the narrow passageways, endeavoring to loosen our brooches, trinkets and belt pins. They exclaimed over our clothing and asked many questions, which our guide answered to his own, and apparently their, satisfaction. There were four women and three men in our party. Sad to say, the latter received slight attention. One of our girls had very light hair. This interested them. They removed her hat and quickly loosened her hair, and 10, it was spread before them “pure gold!” “But why had this lovely maiden long hair?” they questioned “Charlie.” We found that only the young girls of their tribe wore long tresses. This discovery was made by: our being halted before a booth similar to that of h church bazaar. Two Indian maidens were squatted on the floor ready to be shorn of their stiff, jetty locks, the priestess of this haircutting ceremony being a withered old squaw. Twelve years old the maidens were today—mature women, ready for suitable husbands. So after all the children bearing children in arms were young mothers, though immature of feature and form. A picture of thrqe little girls, daughters of a member of our party, was shown to the old woman. “Humph!” she grunted; “too bad, all girls.” Then slyly she slipped the photograph inside her bodice, and we saw it no more. Perhaps it will be treasured by her grandchildren, certainly she considered it a prize. An unlooked-for bargaining spirit was displayed when we endeavored to purchase some of their handiwork. Three, four and five dollars was asked for the waists. Paper money would not be considered, only silver satisfying them.

A Modern Battle Cry.

We’ll rally ’round the hoe, boys, and join the ranks of toil, shouting the battle cry of “Feed.’em!” We’ll train the crops to grow, boys, as tillers of the soil, shouting the battle cry of “Feed ’em!” Where there is work to-do, boys, we’ll gather on the spot, shouting the battle cry of “Feed ’em!” To duty we’ll be true, Jjoys, and till the vacant lot, shouting the battle cry of “Feed ’em!” Nature, kind mater, will aid in our need. Dowa with the t.ater; up with the weed! So we’ll rally ’round the hoe, boys, and train the crops to grow, shouting the battle cry of “Feed ’em!” —Boston Post

House Still Indispensable.

Owners and breeders of thoroughbred horses for racing and other purposes insist that the horse still is an indispensable national asset. Notwithstanding the enormous number of motor vehicles now used in warfare, the> claim that the British government has purchased considerably mors than one million horses and a quarter of a million mules since, the beginning of the European conflict.

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IND.

CONDITIONS Of WAR

Effect of Failure of Railway Transportation Outlined. UNABLE TO CARRY SUPPLIES Arms and Munitions Piled in Heaps on Ground at Vladivostok—Disorganization Among Railroads During Civil War. The effect of a failure of transportation facilities in modern warfare is well illustrated by the present situation in Russia. There seems to be no doubt that the failure of the Russian military plans was to a very great extent the result of the disorganization of the nation’s railway system, a disorganization so complete that it extended clear to Vladivostok, 6,000 miles behind the fighting line. At that port an accumulation of arms, munitions and supplies shipped from America for the Use of the Russian forces is piled on the ground for miles. Some of the material has been there for more than a year. It may well be doubted whether the Russian revolution would have come so quickly to a head had the military authorities been able to keep the troops properly supplied and thus put them more nearly on equal terms with the enemy. Conditions During Spanish Wan

Nor does the Spanish war furnish the only example of a failure on the part of American railroads to meet the stresses of war conditions. Something of the same sort of disorganization affected the railroads of the Northern states during the Civil war and resulted in the first plan of railway centralization for military purposes. When the serious nature of the struggle had begun to, be evident to the people of the North and repeated calls for volunteers had resulted in the raising of large numbers of troops in different sections of the country the facilities of the railroads broke down completely. The movement of men and supplies In numbers then undreamed of was too much for the personnel and the equipment of the numeroqs smalLroads which at that time broke the journey between most of the principal cities. Government Control.

It was this situation which in 1862 impelled congress to pass an act giving the federal government power to take over the railroads in time of war. President Lincoln, however, contented himself with calling to Washington Col. Thomas A. Scott, then an officer of the Pennsylvania railroad and afterward its president for many years. Colonel Scott received an appointment as assistant secretary of war, with full authority over all the railroads in connection with the movement of troops. Colonel Scott and his assistants soon had things straightened out and troops were moved to the various mobilization and concentration points as fast as the army authorities were able to take care of them. One of the Pennsylvania’s bright young men whom Colonel Scott summoned to Washington to assist him in the work was a certain division superintendent,' Andrew Carnegie by name, whose fame in other fields of endeavor has well-nigh obscured the reputation for unraveling knotty problems, which he demonstrated as an official of the military railways. Another of his assistants was John P. Green, who afterwards rose to the vice presidency of the Pennsylvania and who is still serving the company on its board of directors.

BUILDING .ROADS IN RUSSIA

According to Department of Commerce About $300,000,000 Will Be Cost of Projected Lines. Extensive railroad construction in Russia during the next ten years aggregating almost 60,000 miles, recommended by a special commission, has been approved by the Russian council of ministers. A report to the. department of commerce says about $300,000,000 will be the cost of 51 projected lines, aggregating 20,779 miles, recommended for construction during the period 1917-1922. _

MOVING BAGGAGE OF INTERNED GERMANS

TYPE OF ENGINE AND CARS USED IN NAVY YARD.

The photograph shows two navy-yard flatcars drawn by a peculiar short switch engine at the League Island navy yard, Philadelphia, loaded with the baggage of the interned' German sailors of the raiders Prinz Eitel Friedrich and Kronprinz Wilhelm, who had been started on their journey to the forts in Georgia where they are now interned. The cars were guarded by United States marines.

GIRLS DO MEN’S WORK

Railroads radiating from Chicago already have begun to employ women for men’s work as a result' of war’s effect In thinning the ranks of the men employees. The Erie and the Baltimore & Ohio have notified operating officials to employ women whenever necessary, and the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, the Chicago & Alton and the Monon are preparing laT take similar action. '

RAILROADS BUILT IN MIDAIR

One of Greatest Engineering Accomplishments Under Our Flag-—Many Remarkable Scenes. A railroad journey on the Island of Hawaii, where the great Kilauea volcano is always active and so easily accessible by auto from Hilo, is filled with remarkable scenes. The railroad is built almost on the edge of the great cliffs overhanging the Pacific, and it crosses deep canons, bores through ridges and follows horseshoe trestles, all of which forms one of the great engineering accomplishments under the American flag. The railroad passes through banana and scores of miles of sugar cane plantations, picturesque villages of laborers with sections devoted exclusively to Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese and Filipinos. Coffee plantations show an intense dark green against the lighter shade of the sugar cane. Occasionally passengers on the trains pass beneath cane bundles, which look like great winged birds, brought over the fields to mills on wire cables or trolleys. In other places they see the cut cane floating down water flumes to the mill. Some of these flume trestles are at least 250 feet above the bottom of the canon. A splendid auto road parallels the railroad track and over this scores of taxis and jitneys carry a cosmopolitan population. —Boston Transcript.

MOST POWERFUL OF ENGINES

“Seven Hundred," Triple Articulative Type, Put Into Service—Power Is Unlimited.

Seven Hundred, the most powerful locomotive that ever hauled a train, was put into service on a Virginia railroad the other day. It is of the triple articulative type —a type of which there are only three others in the United States, and all are owned by the Erie railroad. Seven Hundred, however, has a greater tractory power than any of its prototypes, there being practically no limit to the weight it can pull or push. Before its capacity could be reached, the drawbars and couplers of the most modern cars would break under the strain. Were it possible to put them together, it could pull 300 cars, loaded to capacity, and it would be able to push a much heavier load. A conception of its weight, 844,000 pounds, may be gained when it is known that, in coming from Eddystone, Pa., it had to detour 50 miles between Philadelphia and Wilmington, because the most direct line was not strong enough to bear its weight. The cost to build the locomotive was SBO,OOO, and it will be used to haul coal in the West Virginia mountains.

LOADED TRAIN GIVEN BATH

Flat Cars, Loaded With Ties, Run Into Steel Cylinder and Immersed In Preserving Fluid. A strange-looklng train, composed of a narrow-gauge oil-burning engine and a number of very low flat cars of corresponding width, constitutes an Interesting part of a tie-treating plant recently opened at Riverton, Wyo. A string of these cars, loaded with about 500 ties, is backed into a strongly built steel cylinder, 132 feet long. The engine is then detached, the big circular door at the end of the retort is tightly dosed, and a zinc-chloride solution is forced Into the chamber by a vacuum process. When the ties are completely Immersed in the preserving fluid it is put under pressure to force it to the wood fiber. After six hours they are thoroughly saturated and are removed/ —Popular Mechanics Magazine.

FROM NEAR AND FAR

The American tractor for agricultural purposes is being largely introduced into China. The literacy of Spain is very low, only’ about 30 per cent Of the people of the country being able to read •end write. For the first time women are allowed to study at Georgia law schools following the enactment of a recent law giving that permission. In Switzerland only small tract* of forests are allowed to be denuded at a time and the portions from which timber is cut are immediately replanted. America now has about 37,000 miles of good roads, or 6,000 more than France. Of the American highways 5,000 were completed in 1912, and 6,000 in 1914. Plants have been established in both Scotland and Sweden to manufacture a steel said to be equal to the best crucible steel by an open-hearth process. There are more than 100,000 acres of nlpa palms in the Philippines and the Insular government is endeavoring to produce cheap sugar and alcohol from their sap.

SOME OBSERVATIONS

It is difficult to love your neighbor on a party-line telephone. One way to be popular is to let your neighbors think that they are. To see a chicken on the doorstep when you arrive means too much company. As a rule, real statesmanship consists in providing proper laws for the other taxpayers. Of course, new fashions always look funny, but the comedy wears off when the bills come in. Abyssinian empress is named Zeoditu. A pretty name —we like It better than Theodolite. I? Occasionally the lady in public life may be a good housekeeper, but she does not often work at it. It is to the credit of the American maiden that the baseball uniform is never as attractive as the khaki.

■ We may laugh at superstition, but it is safer to nail a horseshoe over your door than to bet on a racetrack favorite.

SAYINGS OF A CYNIC

Love is to marriage what coal is to coke. A girl' Is either a man-eater or a total abstainer. The best way to stop a woman’s mouth is to kiss it. Woman’s one good deed —to look beautiful at man’s expense. One art worth studying in life is that of taking nobody too seriously. All life Is a matter of bossing; you’ve either got to boss or be bossed. - A man may be lord of creation, but a woman is queen of the earth. Desire for something—or someone — is the motive power of the world. About the only thing the modern girl can’t do to a man is to make him happy. -There are few men in the world successful enough to have secrets, and no women. £ —■ The artistic temperament covers a multitude of sins.— Chicago Ameri-

THINGS TO REMEMBER

The tickets. Your umbrella. Your bank balance. The point of the story. A certain party’s birthday. -- 7~~~ 7* '■■■< ~~~ What the string on your finger is for.

ANVIL SPARKS

Kind deeds make good shortening for even the upper crust of life* The husband of a nagging woman usually believes In absent treamenL Some who can be voluble in meeting would hesitate to open their books to the Lord. An economical wife and an industrious husband make a good team to plow the furrows of life. . Some people give a dime to a good cause, and th«u. when dollars do not flow back to theflta, think something to wrong with the tii®- —The Christian Herald.

JUST A LITTLE SMILE

“Musical men are never business* men.” “Oh! I don’t know. They finger a lot of notes, anyhow.” No Choice. Mary had some breakfast food. Which she didn't seem to like: But 'twas that or nothing, for There was a butchers’ strike., \ \ ■ -; >w . Making a Good Start "We are going to reorganize this business,” said the expert. "That’s the way to talk,” answered the head of the firm. "Efficiency will be the watchword.” "Fine!” “Your son must go.” “Let me shake your hand. Tv> been wanting to fire him for three years, but didn’t have the courage.” | L— ■ • * Just a Baby. The New Mother—Well call baby , Fanchon. * .1 The Aunt—Oh! no. Name her Estrella. • The Grandmother —Why not have her baptized Geraldina? The Father—Excuse me, folks, for butting in, but just remember you are naming a baby, not a sleeping car, a race horse or a cigar. First Aid. “If women get the ballot, they won’t stand on street corners arguing about politics for hours at a time,” said the eminent suffragist. “No,” replied a mean man, "but if some way could be devised to serve them with a cup of tea and a sandwich on street comers, they would.” A Reason for the Question. Mrs. B. —Did you mall that letter I gave you this morning? * Mr. B. —Why do you ask? Mrs. B. —I want to see if your veracity Is of a higher order than your memory. But It Feels the Same. J '? Stage Hand—Gee! But that prima donna has a nasty temper. Stage Manager—Sh! Artistes don’t have tempers. They have temperaments.

GETTING AT THE FACTS.

“De Skin told me the other day that every dollar he has on earth was made honestly.” “So? How much do you think he to worth?” “About ninety-eight cents.” Quite True. . “Say,” snarled the irascible editor, “these verses of yours are not worth the paper they are written on.” “Maybe not,” replied the poet, modestly. “The paper shortage Is so acute nowadays that hardly anything to worth the paper it to written on, unless it is a cheek.” Exact Location. “Cucumbers never hurt me in thu world." , • ■ “WaaL thet ain’t where they hurt me, neither.” >