Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 166, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 July 1917 — Page 3

After the Years

By Veronica M. Maher

(Copyright. 1917, by W. G. Chapman.) “So you want to purchase an interest in the business?” propounded Alvin Brooks. '< “If my modest means will allow it, Mr. Brooks,” responded Pierce Waldron. “I’ve been your traveling salesman for eight years. . I have done moderately well and have saved money. I want a home jqb now, for I have Just been married. Even if my little fund covers only a small interest, I would be glad to pay it in.” Alvin Brooks studied the bright, eager face of his most 'faithful and successful employee sympathetically. His rare good heart showed in his homely, but honest face. “Waldron,’ 1 he said, “you come at a favorable juncture. Ten years ago when after a hard, struggling life I started in business, I made up my i mind that when I was worth twentyfive thousand dollars I would retire; first, because I do not care for money; next, because that sum will be sufficient to keep me for the rest of my ' life. I was just thinking of retiring from business.” “Oh, sir, after that fine foundation that should be a pride to you!” “I have decided,” declared Brooks definitely. “Now then, I’ll make you a proposition. You keep your little capital to run on,. take over the business, pay me ten per cent of th‘e net profits for a like number of years and Brooks and Company passes into your hands.” Of course Pierce Waldron was delighted and Alvjn Brooks strolled from his hotel the next day feeling like a -boy let out of school. His life up to twenty-one had been one of deprivation and trial. He had been the sole support of his mother and sister from early boyhood. Both had died. Then

Halted Before the Windows.

he had slaved and saved. At twentyone he was able to start In business* in a small way. He had made money, fast. How he would like a life of reasonable leisure and Ignore and forget the hard grind of the' intense years devoted to business. \ At the end of a week Brooks was at ' his wits’ end as to how he could spend his time. Inactivity palled upon him. Through all the years his one fond memory was of the old home, humble but cherished. He decided to visit the old town and did so. He left it disappointed, depressed. Its character had entirely changed. ' The old house had been .torn down to make place for a factory. His old friends were scattered dead. , “There seems to be no cozy corner tor me in the whole world,” he told hiihself with distressing candor. “I’ve missed it, somehow.” Then Alvin Brooks got down to a dull jog trot existence. He moved to a boarding house to have companionship. It did not suit him. He rentled a flat and hired a neat, practical old housekeeper. It was not home. He joined a dub. It became a bore. He never stopped to analyze that what he needed was home interest and home comfort. Alone and serious in his lonely flat, Brooks would dream of the old days. Even its hardships were sacred and welcome to him. It had been happli nessto work for .others. Tender memories of the ols homely village life came to him persistently. The scent of an apple would make him choke up as he recalled the ripe .pippins his old mother was wont to wrap in cloth in the old* bureau drawer. Once he came across a ragged urchin munching at a „ piece of. new homemade bread and buffer and It brought tears to his eyes. ' Ohly circumstances and discoveries suggesting the old home life were en* dearing to him. One day Brooks halted before the windows of an isolated llttlfe candy and stationery shop near a public school. Its display was of the hetero-

geneous mass of candy, gum, pencils, paper and the like of its class. But in a corner stood a Jar, dust covered, obscure. It held half a dozen slabs of what in his early days had been called “beefsteak candy.” In his youth that had been the crowning triumph of the candy-mak-er’s trade. He had not seen its like for over twenty years. He stood as one under a spell of fascinatlod, staring at that old discolored Jar and its shrunken, color-faded contents, and there rushed into his mind all the years of his unsophisticated boyhood. Then he entered the little store. “That beefsteak candy,” he said, taking out his pocketbook.. The prim, neat little lady who presided over the humble establishment stared at him uncertainly. She was puzzled until he pointed at the Isolated Jar. “Oh, is that its name?” she spoke. “I never knew it. No one has ever called for it and I fancy my predecessor carried it for years, just as I have. One slab, sir?” “All of it,” said Brooks, a strange catch in his voice, and the little storekeeper regarded him in wonder. She stood staring vaguely after this erratic purchaser of her old and faded stock. It was the next day when Brooks returned. “I ddn’t know what brought me back,” he blundered clumsily. “I guess it is because I am lonely and I wanted to talk to you about that beefsteak candy. Most people would laugh at my fancies, but you’ve got a kind face. Truth is, miss, that candy is an old timer, like myself.” “Yes?” encouragingly smiled the lady, not averse to a chat with this well-appearing, respectable-looking visitor.

“You see, the one vivid thing I remember best in my early boyhood days is just such a jar. of just such candy in my native village,” narrated Brooks. “It used to fasflnate me. I would stand and look at it for five minutes at a time, dreaming how the first twenty-five cents I earned I would buy one of those slabs and luxuriate on it. Often, too, I treasured the thought that when I got rich I would buy a whole jar of it and feast upon it. Well, I tried it yesterday—alas! now I can have all I want of it the zest of youth is gone.” “You are too young a man to say that,” said the little lady. “Finally, away back in that early boyhood I earned a quarter chopping wood. Ah! how I hastened to buy one of those slabs of beefsteak candy!” dreamily ran on Brooks. “And then — don’t laugh at me—-there was a dainty little miss I loved. I presented it to her and —she kissed me, the only girl that ever did.” His auditor had become strangely agitated. “Who—what was her name?” she asked. softly. . ... : ... . • “Lucy Graham.” “Why, she is my cousin! You must be Alvin Brooks. I have heard her speak of you and the incident you relate many a time.” “She is living?” pressed Brooks. “Oh, yes. She is a stenographer and comes to see me every day, unmarried, and as good and beautiful as ever. Why, there she is now!” And Alvin Brooks once more pressed the hand of the gentle maiden who was destined to' fill the void in his life through all his happy later days.

HEAVEN IS EMPLOYER’S HOME

Curious Information Is Brought to Light by the Military Census in New York. Albany, N. Y.—The New York state military’census is going to show some curious Information. For Instance, an unmarried, nineteen-year-eld Albany girl gave these answers on her blank: “What is your business?” “Colporteur.” . * • . “Are you in business for yourself?’* “No.” • “If not, what is the name of your employer?” “The Lord.” “What is your employer’s business?” “Forgiving sins.” “What is your employer’s address?” “The heavenly sanctuary.”

Fare for Bishops.

It has been noted that cold chicken and “The Church’s One Foundation” is the'fare provided for bishops at their episcopal visitations. But a missionary preacher once declared that he always got bread and cheese and “From Greenland’s Icy Mountains.” On one occasion at a. vicarage, after the evening service, he was gratified to see the maid bringing in a nice hot chop. While ha was regarding this unusual sight with anticipatory pleasure, the vicar entered, and said: “Help yourself to bread and cheese, old man; the doctor has ordered me to have a chop every day.”—London Daily Chronicle.

Didn’t Appear at Box Office.

Things looked black for the dramatist. For the fourth time In one season a play had been withdrawn after a week’s run. “Cheer up, old map,” said a consoling friend. “Perhaps posterity will recognize the genius displayed in your plays.” “Maybe,” said the dramatist, bitterly, “but the difficulty is that, so far as I am concerned, posterity is on the free list.’’

Much Easier.

Betty—Jack says he-will stop drinking if I marry him. , Mrs. Wyse—Well, be careful, dear, it’s easier for • him to begin again than it is for you to get unmarried.

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IND.

Great French Seaport

WITH, the opening on May 7, last year, of the great canal connecting Marseilles with the River Rhone came the announcement that Marseilles was to become a free port in direct competition with Hamburg. The object in view when designing the canal was to connect Marseilles, the premier French port and one serving numerous industrial establishments, with the center of France, "by a waterway sufficient to deal with a larger amount of goods of greater bulk than could be carried by the existing railway lines. There being a number of French canals connected with the Rhone and its tributary, the Saone, the new waterway will put Marseilles in direct communication with a large part of northern Europe and permit a more effective distribution of-those products which come to the French port from countries bordering on the Mediterranean. The Marseilles canal, which threatens serious consequences to Hamburg’s trade, is one of the important public works that were carried on. despite the war. The waterway connects Marseilles with Arles, on the Rhone, and for part of the distance runs in a tunnel under the Nerthe range of hills to of the great port. It also connects London with' the Mediterranean by an almost straight line, making Marseilles the greatest gateway to the East and the Central clearing house for all North African trade. Fifty miles long, it has taken 12 years to build,* and cost The scheme has been carried out with financial aid from the state, the department of the Bouches-du-Rhone, and, more especially, from the chamber of commerce of Marseilles, which expects great results from the work. Rhone an Interesting River. Engineers point out that the Rhone is certainly the most interesting French river. It has been utilized in the past in a large measure, and since 1878, under the influence of the great enthusiasm shown in France in favor of internal navigation schemes, its flow has been improved from time to time. The river in its main portion runs in a north to south direction, and is continued northward at Lyons, and in an almost straight line, by the Saone, thus forming a water course which should be capable, according to a writer in the English journal, Engineering, of placing the Mediterranean in direct communication with northern Europe. He adds :

“It is even, it might be said, the sole watercourse available in this respect, for there are practically no other important watercourses which flow southward into the Mediterranean.” ■- > The new canal, In the sections on a straight line, is 82 feet in width, with a normal depth of eight feet, two Inches. The depth is nine feet, ten inches between Marseilles and the Etang de Berre, as it is hoped that in that portion of the canal larger craft, sea-going barges, perhaps, will be used owing to the prospective development of industrial establishments on the Etang de Berre. This presupposes the transshipment of some of the goods loaded on larger barges and destined for towns and districts up the River Rhone. The canal section in the straight will always be five times the immersed section of the present Rhone barges when loaded to their maximum .carrying capacity, or 600 tons on a five-foot nine-inch draught. Something About the City. Marseilles already is the chief seaport of France and the second city of the republic in point of population. It is on an inlet of the Gulf of Lyons, 25 miles east of the principal mouth of the Rhone. The location is very picturesque, the ground rising on all sides in an amphitheater of woodcrowned hills 1,200 to 1,800 feet high, which terminate in a steep promontory a few miles south of the city, z A century ago the r city wap a duster of narrow, crooked streets grouped around the cove that formed the old harbor. Now several wide avenues < traverse this old portion, and nearly the whole city is laid, out with broad and straight streets, and generally presents a modern aspect. The city; is dominated by the hill of Notre Dame de la Gardg», Which rises to a height of <BO Wetbetween the town and the shore. This hill is. encircled'on the water side by the picturesque Confiche

THE CROWDED HARBOR OF MARSEILLES

road which leads southward along the shore of the gulf. There is a citadel on a promontory guarding the old harbor, now a landlocked cove reaching into the heart of the city. The harbor is defended also by the fortified islands of Ra tonneau and Pomegue, and by the Chateau d’lf, the last named formerly a state prison immortalized by Dumas in “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Although it was a Greek settlement as early as 600 B. C. and before that was the site of a Phoenician colony, Marseilles has no interesting remains of ancient times, and few architectural monuments.

INDIAN TRIBE HAD WIRELESS

South American Red Men, as Long Ago as 1898, Used Unique System of Communication. In these days of wireless telegraphy It may be interesting to learn that as long ago as July, 1898, there was recorded the discovery of a wireless telegraphic apparatus in use among the Catuquinaru, an Indian tribe of the Amazon valley JS’South America, the Geographic Journal states. The apparatus, called cambarysu, consists of a hole in the ground about half filled with coarse sand; above this layers of fine sand, fragments of wood and bone and powdered mica fill it almost to the surface of the ground. These materials are surrounded by a case of hard palm wood, w’hich extends above the surface. The upper part of the apparatus consists of layers of hide, wood and hard rubber. Between the upper layers and the lower layers there is a hollow space. With a club, much like the stick used to play the bass drum, the native strikes the layer of rubber that forms the top of the Instrument. One of these instruments is concealed in each hamlet of the tribe. The villages are not more than a mile apart and placed in a direct north and south line. Although a person standing outside the building in which the apparatus is kept cannot hear a blow of the stick on the rubber top, ft is quite distinct in a similar building a mile distant. When one of these instruments is struck the neighboring ones to the north and south echo the blow. The Indian stationed at each one of the posts answers the signal, and by means of code messages a long conversation may be carried on.

CUBA HAS MINERAL WEALTH

Is Essentially an Agricultural Country, But Other Resources Are Now Attracting Attention. Cuba is essentially an agricultural country, but the mineral resources have of late years attracted attention, sb that the products of the land promise to be more diversified as Cuba becomes better understood. The province of Oriente, as Santiago is now known, is the richest as regards mineral wealth. At the beginning of 1913 there were 1,510 mines registered, metals produced be|ng Iron, copper, manganese, gold, mercury, zinc, lead, stiver and antimony; coal, asphalt, asbestos and petroleum were produced also. Other provinces have registered about the same kind of metals, some with the addition of sulphur. The asphalt beds of Cuba, It is believed, and the bitumen deposits in general will eventually prove superior to any others In the world. The possibilities of a great Industry from them are already promising. Some oil has also been produced in Cuba. Mineral waters of great merit are found at a number of points in the island, and the springs have for years been popular among the inhabitants.

His Memory Faulty.

Bert had failed to get In the wood the night before, and as a punishment bls father had told him to remain in his own yard all day. For a long time he sat, bn the porch steps, watching the other boys playing ball in a vacant lot some distance away, without saving a word. Then, as his mother came to the door, he looked up and said: “They’re out there, every one of them ; and they’re-no better’n me, only they’ve got a better memory for bringing in wood, that’s all.”- •

FOR THE LITTLE LASS

Attractive Little Frock Embodies Bolero Waist Idea. By Substituting Simple Gathered Blouse, Very Different Drees for House or School Is Obtained. No mother Is so blind to beanty that she fails of desire to make her little lass represent the spring blossom of nature, so typical of what she is in human life, and this pattern of a small girl’s dance or “company” frock is calculated, to give the appearance of a frilly pink rose or a ripple-cupped morning glory to your young daughter. - In the design, which is easy to follow, there is the full skirt and the

Party Frock for Small Girl.

bolero waist idea, although the pattern also furnishes a simple gathered waist for a plain house or school frock. It is convenient to own a design suited to several purposes. By the omission of the bolero blouse, or waist, there Is quite a different dress. While pongee silks of the different colors now obtainable in pongee are used for clothes for children, there is nothing more charming and appropriate for a child than white wash materials. These, of course, come in a great variety of w’eaves. A suggestion for this dress is to buy enough embroidery flouncing of a fine weave for a bolero. Edge the neck and armholes with very narrow embroidery of the same general character. Then sew two little ruffles of embroidery—or even of plain goods—on the full plain skirt, and shirr the puffs of the sleeves and edge them with the embroidery that trims the bolero. Dotted or figured lawns and swlsses are cheap and, attractive and wear bet* ter than plain white goods. They furnish their own trimming and can be worn over colored slips, with colored sashes, when the little girl entertains her friends at a doll party.

FOR TOP OF WRITING TABLE

Receptacle for Stamps, Paper Fasteners and Odd Bits and Ends Can Be Easily Made. A Some spare moments may well be filled up by making the useful little Article shown in the accompanying sketch, and It can be easily prepared with three small cardboard boxes. It Is intended for holding stamps, pins, paper fasteners, and other odds and ends, and a small bottle of 1 Ink. The three boxes are fastened together side by side with paper fasteners, and this is shown accomplished in the small sketch at the top of the illustration. The sides of the box are covered with dark green silk, the material being fastened on just Inside and underneath with a strong adhesive. The three compartments are loosely lined with thin silk neatly sewed to the silk covering the edges

Useful Addition to Writing Table.

of the boxes. The edges are next finished off with a fine gold silk cord, which fe arranged, iivfefo little loops at eaCbcorner ot the tray. In front of each division the word indicating its contents is worked with gold silk, and this must, of course, be done prior to covering the boxes.

UNIFORM IDEA IS ACCEPTED

Adoption of Standard Styles Has Been Most Marked Effect of War z *■ Upon Dress in England. There has never been a time when women were more willing to accept standard ‘dress or uniforms- than they are at present. That is the most marked effect of the war upon women’s dress, says a London correspondent All uniforms have acquired dignity in women’s eyes. The housemaid

does not object to the cap and apron badge of servitude, the jvorker in the bank dons an overall cheerfully, yomen In various organizations wear their khaki, and the Red Cross and volunteer aid workers are proud of their uniforms. • An expert French designer, discussing those changes, says: “There always will be the women who want fripperies, the women who try to insist upon something quite different from the style of the moment, out nowadays their number is greatly diminished. The uniform Idea has ar- ’ rived. It may mean the total extinction of dressmaking as a creative art, but there will be developments on other lines. “There has never been a great war which has not influenced fashion in a picturesque or even grewsome fashion, and this world war has done its share. We had a fashion adapted as a compliment to each ally, the Russian caps and tunics, the Bersaglieri hats of the Italian soldiers, and the Serbian colors. Scotch plaids have given the Parlsiennes great Joy. “Khaki shades are In vogue tor spring and summer costumes, and the blue-gray, with touches of crimson of the French uniforms, Is seen here and there.”

SEASON’S NECK LINES YARY

May Be Cut In Any Way That One Likes Providing It Is Becoming to Contour of the Face. Occasionally one sees a gown that Is cut very high at the back and sides of the throat and opens sharply into a long narrow slit at the front The high military collars offer a sharp, almost startling contrast to these more feminine neck lines, but here, too, one finds variety. A few of them are half open in front, and others have regular standing ruffs which frame the face and fall away in soft revers of lace. One thing is comforting to know about this season’s neck line. You may have to cut any old way you like, providing It is becoming to the contour of your face.

QUAINT MILITARY BONNET

This smart bonnet just strikes the right note In the season's styles. The touch of the military is seen In everything wearable, but nothing can equal the distinct martial air that surrounds this straw “helmet.'’ A broad peak shields Miladi from the burning sun. The red star embroidered on the white straw commands attention and declares one a loyal patriot. The crown Is raised high in front suggesting the officer. The Idea is further carried out by the chin strap which secures the bonnet and keeps it at Just the right angle.

FASHION’S FANCIES

Summer bats are made of satin. Veils are very much ornamented. Lacquered flowers are the latest. Bathing suits are made of soft rubber. Linen hats are covered with braiding. , - The small, snug hat always holds its own. , Taffeta woven like straw makes a sport hat. The soft tailored suits frequently have sashes. Very deep linen cuffs are trimmed with buttons. Plaits still appear at the sides of chemise dresses, Tailored dresses are more severely plain than ever. Satin or tulle hats should be worn with muslin frocks. There are very smart coats made of white serge, unlined. Buttons are among the most interesting parts of a dress. The square neck Is very fashionable . and usually becoming. The narrow double or triple belts are as much liked as ever.

Rules of the Skirt.

Skirts do not stand .out at the hem. In the first place, they are no longer cut circular. Secondly, they appear to hang In about the ankle toward the bent, This Is because they are cut pa the straight of the goods. 'The petticoat, worn underneath the floppy thin dress, is of de chine with perhaps deeß chiffon ruffles.