Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 286, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 December 1917 — OFFICERS ALL DRESSED UP [ARTICLE]

OFFICERS ALL DRESSED UP

Men Who Will Lead Undo Sam's Fighting Force* Also Have Some Place to Go. When the American army takes the field the officers, at-least, are going to be the sportiest, niftiest set of men that ever trod the path of glory. Since they are risking all, they are going to have the satisfaction of stepping out in the trimmest style. Vanity Is to have its sway, and no one can criticize. When a man offers up his life, who can deny him his fling at fashion? j Furnishing goods dealers who are | supplying officers tell stories of great I business, says the Kansas City Star. The officers are all dresesd up. In addition to having some place to go. For ooe thing, they are going In for swagger sticks. A swagger stick is something lees than a cane, minus the crooked handle. It Is a trim little article of adornment, but few men dare carry one, except in uniform. The army vindicates the wrist watch. Because they are handy and practicable, the soldier may wear a dainty timepiece, with an illuminated dial, strapped to his wrist. In civilian life—but that Is something else again. Metal mirrors that cannot be broken are being carried. Pigskin puttees costing as high as $12.50 a pair find ready sale. Tailor-made uniforms cost more than S4O. The best Is none too good for the officers and student officers. Expensive hats and shoes that conform to the army regulations are in big demand. The English spiral puttees are permitted and. have a big run. Many of the men are buying camel’s hair blankets at $25 apiece for the. field. Officers* trunks that sell at S2O apiece and carry-alls of duck that go at $l&50 are sold rapidly. An Eastern manufacturer says that the largest order for swagger sticks came from Kansas City. Maybe. A lot of them are sold —some of them with gold tips. There is no skimping on apparel.