Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 172, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 July 1918 — Page 2

THAT BOLO KNIFE SURE CAME HANDY

Henry Johnson, Colored Soldier, Split a Lot of Hun Skulls With the Weapon. WAS ADOPTED FROM MOROS War Department Now Issues the Terrible Cleaver to Some of Our Troops, and the Germans Don’t Like It at All. Washington.— A. year ago Henry Johnson, a colored citizen of Albany, N. Y., was peddling ice, coal and wood in contented obscurity. Today Henry Johnson, a soldier of the United States, is wearing the coveted French war cross with palms, because he proved himself a brave man, and because at the critical moment he got his hands on a bolo knife* . The cable has told of Henry’s exploit—how on night duty with a companion in an American listening post he “took on” 24 marauding Germans in a swift rough-and-tumble, killed some of them with his rifle, bombed others from his basket of grenades, and then, even after he bad been woufided, split so many skulls with his bolo that all the enemy left on their feet after meeting Henry became suddenly and violently homesick. The bolo knife which Henry wielded so well weighs one pound and three ounces without its scabbard, and has a broad 14-lnch blade. It is sharpened to a razor edge, and near the end runs abruptly to a thrusting point. But one of its chief virtues as‘ a small-arm is its cleaving power. Most of the weight of the knife is distributed along the back of the blade. Americans first ran up against the bolo in the Philippines. Over there it ■was originally an agricultural cool, just as the machete was in Cuba, and blacksmiths at country crossroads hammered it out infinitely and in all sorts of forms. The “kris” with its curly blade is a form of bolo, and the “campilan” is a bigger bolo. Was Weapon of the Moros. It was up among the Moros that it was developed for war purposes. In the underbrush it proved a very terrible weapon, as many a trooper found to his cost. A stroke in the tropical night—just one —counted for a major American casualty. After a while our soldiers found there was no particular knack in the Malay use of the bolo they could not master. Then they began to capture bolos. And so, after the war ended, bolos kept coming back to the United States as souvenirs. . But it was not-* until 1910 that the war department tried the experiment of issuing the bolo knife as a regular part of the American equipment. It was used and tested by our men in Mexico, but there it was employed chiefly as a tool rather than a weapon. It was not until our khaki-garbed boys • went down into the French trenches that the bolo knife proved its right to be considered “the last line of defense” and a life-saver to the man who unsheathed it. Our colored troops display a special aptitude and affection for this weapon. The white fighter is inclined to rely ' upon his automatic pistol in an emergency at close quarters, but the colored man in uniform takes as naturally to the bolo knife as he does to — well, as he does to the name of “Mr. Johnson.” Issued to U. 3. Troops. The bolo knife is issued to our troops in two sizes—the smaller size of the type which Henry Johnson used, and a larger knife employed exclusively by field artillery batteries. This latter is practically a short sword, comparable to the principal weapon of tbe old Roman legionaries. It ik two feet long and weighs between three and four pounds. Of course, being issued only to artillerymen who are not ordinarily actually at grips with the enemy, it is intended mainly as a sort of underbrush cutter. But in the hands of a desperate man fighting for his life *t is a terrible persuader. The bolo is in no sense a trench knife. That is issued to every man in the ranks and is a special tool not

TANK CORPS GROWING

Recruits Arrive Daily at Gettysburg Camp. Long Hikes in Heavy Marching Order Fit Men for Duty With Pershing’s Army. Camp Colt. Gettysburg. Pa.—The American tank corps continues to grow nnd develop. Recruits are still coming In and the men already here are being drilled to within an inch of their lives. This is the preliminary discipline and the physical drill which will lit the men for the strenuous life of a In heavy marching order are almost •<ially occurrences. Although the work' is hard, the men like'lL They realize their need of this heavy drill and exercise. Negotiating the gray steel monsters over No Matt's Land is distinctly not a job for a man whose muscles are not almost

meant for fighting save at the last gasp. But the 14-inch bolo knife -is essentially a weapon. It is issued to six per cent, of our Infantry forces — not regularly to every seventeenth man, but as occasion may require or the immediate commanding officer may direct. Henry Johnson was given bis because he was assigned to particularly dangerous duty in a listening post. Others may be equipped with bolo knives —for Instance, as members of a special detachment to accompany raiding forces within the enemy lines. Their work must be quick, silent and thorough. From Luneville to Cantlgny the Germans have found it so. The small arms division of the United States ordnance department believes that the bolo knife has points of superiority over any knife in use on the European battlefield, else it would not have been adopted for our use.

MARINE SOUNDS GAS ALARM

Back home, a gong similar to this was sounded when old man Zeke’s barn was afire. In the battle zone It’s quite a different occasion. This American marine is sounding the alarm so that our boys may be prepared to meet the poisonous gas attack being launched by the Germans by putting on their gas masks, which the marine has already done.

Had Asked His Ma.

New Philadelphia, O. —That his mother, Mrs. Lennox, is living in Bridgeport, Conn., at the age of one hundred and six was what William Lennox, aged seventy, told Deputy Probate Judge J. T. D. Bold when he applied for a license to wed.

A British scientist has Invented a microscope that will measure a millionth of an inch.

BALDY OF NOME AND HIS SERVICE FLAG

as hard as steel itself. And for an erstwhile civilian’s muscles to become sufficiently hardened takes time and training. The daily work, the fresh air, plenty of sleep and the excellent daily rations are doing wonders in producing as fine a bunch of real fighting men as can be found anywhere. The officers’ school will be continued indefinitely. As fast as men complete the prescribed course, others will take their places. From now on, all commissioned officers will be selected from the ranks. The tank corps is a progressive unit. Every once in a while a battalion will disappear overnight, bound for “somewhere.” Recruits will fill their places and the work of training wilt move right along. New officers, trained simultaneously with the men, will command the disappearing battalion.

The members of the lowa Dental association recently pledged themselves “not to use any materials, supplies or equipment made in, or supplied by, Germany” for 50 years after the close of the war.

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER. IND.

USE SNAKES IN WAR

California Man Has Scheme to Kill Off Huns. "Lonesome Jack" Says Side Winders Would Exterminate Whole Boche Army.- \ Los Angeles, Cal.—“ Lonesome Jack” Allman, king of all rattlesnake catchers, offers to gather 10,000 side winders, or hornet rattlesnakes if the government will let him, dump them into' trenches vacated to the Germans by the Americans and let the snakes do the rest. The side winder is a death dealer extarordinary, strikes three times as fast as any other rattler, and, unlike others, does not act on the heart but paralyzes the nerves within 20 minutes. Allman would have no trouble in gathering them in Arizona and the Imperial valley, he says. The Germans if they possessed such a deadly weapon would not hesitate to use it, Allman believes. “The beauty of my idea is that the rattler can livetlve or six months Tit captivity without either food or water and they will be just as effective during that time,” says Allman. “I have an antidote for rattlesnake bite that could be supplied to anyone that handles them, but the Germans would not know what stung them. “My idea would be to catch them and then soak their tails in warm water. Then the shell that rattles and gives warning could be removed without Injury to the snake. Their fangs are so sharp that unless the warning is given with the rattles a person would hardly know what bit him. Side winders range in size from four to twelve feet.

SALUTES PHOTO OF PREMIER

Instinctive Action of Officer Reveals Respect of French for M. Clemenceau. Paris. —Little unconscious aqts often reveak the real measure of tbe popularity of a great leader. Tn the photographer’s showcase not far from the fashionable Parc Monceau there is among other pictures an excellent almost life-size head of M. Clemenceau. A young French officer who was passing the shop the other day glanced casually at the showcase. Perceiving the picture of his chief he Instinctively raised his hand to a salute and passed on unaware that his spontaneous tribute had been observed. In the early days of the long-range gun bombardment of Paris, says the Matin, it was stated that the shells were made from a new type of steel alloyed with vanadium, which gave it exceptional properties. But analysis has shown that the shells are made of ordinary nickel and chrome steel, such as is in current use for making guns both in France and Germany and whose properties are well known.

Both adding and subtracting can be done with a new calculating machine that is about the size of a watch and can be carried in a vest pocket.

Misses Fay and Helen Allan, daughters of “Scotty” Allan, driver of the famous Darling team of dogs, w’ith Baldy of Nome, and his flag representing his 26 sons and grandsons now in the service on the Italian front. Baldy was the leader of the Darling team, but was too old for active war service. His descendants are among the dogs that have been invaluable in carrying supplies and munitions to Italian soldiers In the mountain passes, especially during the winter.

SAYS FUSSING IS HUMAN

Brooklyn Court Rules It Does Not Constitute Cruel and Inhuman Treatment Brooklyn, N. Y.—Squabbles, wordy altercations, unkind and exasperating or even insulting words used in the heat of passion aroused by bickerings do not constitute cruel and inhuman treatment, according to a recent divorce case decision by the appellate division. The court added: “Unfortunately for our weak nature, these things constitute conduct which renders it unsafe or Improper to live together.” Testimony went to show that the wife, who sought divorce and alimony. Objected to lie presence ofa stepson and chased the male members of the family from the house. \ “In these squabbles she (the plaintiff) seems to have been able to hold her own," said the court “We do not think any law requires a domestic exile to support a wife while living apart from her own family.”

POINTED PARAGRAPHS

When passion is king, reason is de* . (ironed. i 1 l ““*' It is now up to tbe local congress* pan to sow a little seed. Any man who speaks nothing but the truth is never garrulous*. If Ananias were living today he would not be considered so much. Usually the more money a man has the more selfish his children are. Politics may not pay, but most candidates are compelled to put up. A man wisely makes use of the present when he gells a duplicate wedding gift. A woman may talk until things get serious and then give the man a chance. Every man knows how mean his acquaintances are, but he is never absolutely sure about himself. —Chicago Daily News.

SAYS THE OWL

The sea of matrimony swamps many a courtship. The teeth of time —those the dentist supplies on credit. His satanlc majesty acts as receiver for moral bankrupts. It’s unfair to judge some frames by the pictures -they Inclose. Speaking of gloves, three of a kind aren’t in it with two pairs. The man who Itches for fame has to do a lot of scratching to get there. Some people have faith in odd numbers—and the favorite number is one. fao, Cordelia, we can’t all be hero worshipers; some of us have to be heroes. Some men have so much respect for the truth that they always keep at a distance from it.

WITH THE SAGES.

Direct not him, whose way himsell will choose; ’tis breath thou lackest and that breath wilt thou lose.Shakespeare. Force, force, everywhere force! We ourselves a mysterious force in the center of that. There is not a leaf rotting on the highway but has force in it; how else could it rot? —Carlyle. Enhui is the only other element necessary, ttf be added strength to a deep, damning sense of guilt, to make a hell on earth within the soul itself. It extinguishes in Its dark abyss every treasure and pleasure given from above. A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends and that the most liberal professions of good-will are very far from being the surest marks of it.—George Washington. Take life too seriously, and what is it worth? If the morning wake us to no new joys, if the evening bring us not the hope of new pleasures, is it worth while to dress and undress? Does the sun shine on me today, that I may reflect on yesterday? That 1 may endeavor to foresee and to control what can neither be foreseen nor controlled—the destiny of tomorrow? —Goethe.

SOME POSTSCRIPTS

A ton of sapphires will be used this year in an American factory where the jeweled bearings of electric meters are made. As a means of preventing thefts of automobiles some owners are now having their names engraved on the wind shield. One of the newer electric batteries for medical purposes is no larger than a flashlight and can be carried in a pocket. A recently patented foot rest for automobile drivers is intended to direct the feet to the right pedals when necessary. The government of Uruguay will establish a plant for experiments in the production of fuel from native bituminous shale. Italians have perfected a process for making an edible oil that also can be used in soap and as an illuminant from grape seeds. Sights mounted on a sliding extension have been invented by an Englishman to give users of automatic pistols better aim. An Englishman has invented a tool to prnhe cuts and small holes in automobile tires and remove articles which might cause punctures. The American Federation of Labor has protested against the employment of women car conductors in New York city on the ground that there is nc scarcity of labor.

THE LITTLE HOUSE

By GERALDINE MACK.

(Copyright, 1918, by the McClure Newspaper Syndicate.) Edwin Witham, bachelor, millionaire, clubman, Harvard ’l2, golf expert and gentleman, sat reading an advertisement in the Yokum Daily. It read thus: , “For sale, Little House in the Wood, all modern conveniences, will sell at sacrifice. Inquire Miss Eunice Loveless. TeL 89 Main.” Little House in the Wood, Eunice ■Loveless. As I repeated the words over to myself I found them to my liking. Surely the owner of such a name must be enchanting. Why shouldn’t I inquire about the Little House in the Wood? I would, and. I did. Making my way to the telephone, I gave the number to the operator. After a long and “patient wait a rippling “Hello” came over the wire. Where had I heard that voice before? Ahl I; remembered. It was the voice of the girl to whom I had sought an introduction all season. —“Hello, is this Miss Eunlcq,Loveless?” “It is” Again that rippling voice, which sent my heart into my mouth. “This is Mr. Edwin Witham speaking. I have read'your advertisement and am Interested in the Little House in the Wood.” “I would be very glad to show you the place at your convenience, Mr. Witlftim.” At my convenience! My convenience would be any time. “I’ll be out on the next train, Miss Loveless.” “Very well. Good-bye.” “Good-bye.” Looking at my watch, I found It to be 1:15. I had just enough time to catch the 1:25 out. As I stepped off the train at Yokum I looked around. There at the end of the platform was Miss Eunice Loveless. She was dressed in blue and looked very young and gay. As I advanced toward her, she smlwd and said: “Mr. Edwin Witl»m. I believe?” “Yes, and this Is Miss Eunice Loveless,” said I, admiring her dimples, her gray eyes and the black hair so becoming beneath the trim blue hat. “You know, Miss Loveless, I sdw you at the club dance last month and, because I was obliged to leave suddenly, I never knew your name.” I thought it best not to add that I had done my best to find out, though. She laughed and jumped into the little racer, and we started off. The ride to the little house in the wood was very beautiful. The river, along which the road ran, extended as clear and as still as glass. The air was soft and the pine-wooded shores very silent. The house was but 10 minutes’ distance from the station, and as we neared it the girl at the wheel cried: “Behold! Little House in the Wood.” The house stood on a knoll surrounded by pine trees, overlooking the river. There were rows of boxwood bordering the driveway from the low, spacious veranda to the river road. The house was for the greater part covered with ivy.

“How’s the first impression,” asked Miss Loveless, the trim little hat on one ear, the dimples coming and going, and the gray eyes sparkling. “Fine,” said I. “You must come around to see the swimming tank,” said she, leading the way to the back lawn. “That settles It, I’ll take it because of the swimming pool,” said I. The dimples came and went. °I suppose you will think It funny of me to want to sell this place, when my father gave it to me this season. I’ll tell you the deep, dark truth, if you’ll, promise not to tell.” I promised. ' “Well it’s this way. I entered my horse ‘Jose San’ in the Yokum .races. I was sure of his winning, so I bet on him. ‘Jose San’ finished about half a neck behind ‘Junior’ the winner.” Here she looked at me, the gray eyes wide and the red lips poutipg. Who could stand such a pout? Who could sfbld such a charming child as she? Not I, so I only grinned and told her that I would be out that night with the money to close th£ deal. I felt rather guilty when I said that, for the deal could have been closed then and there. Thai night as I drew up to the veranda, she stood in the doorway. The light from the hall fell on her hair, and outlined her dainty, attractive, girlish figure. As she greeted me her eyes looked very gray, and her hair very black. The dimples came and went, and she led me into the library, she looked very small and lovely and helpless. As I handed her the money -she suddenly began to sob. “Oh, Mr. Witham, I don’t want it to But I need the money, so I suppose’it must. If I only had courage to tell Dad about the race.” The light had gone from her eyes, the dimples from the soft cheeks, and the small mouth quivered. Without thinking, I rushed to her. I took her in my arms, crushed her to me, and said over and over, “Eunice dearie, it doesn’t have to go. it will be yours and mine. ‘The Little House in the Woods.’ Look at me, darling, and let me find my answer in your sweet eyes.” As she lifted her eyes to mine, I saw But it was a different light, brighter and warmer, and I knew that light burned for me. As I crushed her to me, she whispered, my name as if it were a thing sacred; adored, revered and loved. It was my answer. “The Little House in the Wood” was mJ bride’s to be and mine. • -

A LITTLE BIT HUMOROUS

INNOCENCE. The culprit had hired the young town lawyer to defend him against the charge of stealing a book cabinet. After the first conference the young student of law who was just beginning court practice said to his client: «“Now, Bill, I’m convinced that you didn’t steal that book cabinet. If I thought you did I’d advise you to plead guilty. However, just leave It to me and I’ll prove to the court that you are innocent. In the" meantime 111 take a retainer of ten dollars and you can pay the rest when —” “Ten dollars!” said Bill. “I ain’t got no ten dollars.” At this startling news the young lawyer seemed downcasted, but suddenly he brightened. “Well, I’ll tell you what I’ll do,” he said. “I’ll try to get you out of this scrape and then we’ll call it square if you send the cabinet around to my office. I need one badly*.” Disposed Of. “You remember that clock t you sold me?" asked the lady. “Yes, madam, I - do,” replied the salesman. “You told me it would run eight days without winding.” “Well, - does It not, madam?” “I don’t really know. It had suph a diabolical alarm that I didn’t keep !t long enough to find out.” i . «- Did Best She Could. Mrs. Flatbush—l’m surprised at that neighbor of ours. Mr. Flatbush—What’s wrong now? “Why, I saw her banging her husband over the head today with her umbrella.” “Oh, well, dear, I guess that’s all right. Perhaps she didn’t have a nutcracker handy.” HEARD MANY A ONE.

The Judge—Madam, do you understand the nature of an oath? The Witness —You seem to forget, your honor, that' I’ve been married ’ for over twenty years. Mary’s Little Shoes. Mary had a little limp And furrows in her brow. She couldn’t wear a number two. But tried it anyhow. Good Reason. Redd —They always call a ship she, don’t they? Greene —Yep. “Well, do they call ah airship she. too?” "Certainly.” “Why?” “Because they’re inclined to be flighty.” T rue. / “Gardening is a good deal like raising children." “I find that it’s not enough merely to have one. To get the best results with either a child or a garden you’ve got to give them constant care.” Perhaps Both. Wifey—l believe you’re getting old: you rjever go out with the boys any more. Hubby (knowingly)—lt isn’t age; it’s wisdom. Happy Disappointment. Sad prophecies all unfulfilled Bid every pessimist be mute. . Each year we say, “The fruit crop's killed!” Yet somehow there Is always fruit. Excusable. “That’s the first fight that ever made me run,” said Broncho Bob. “I didn’t know running; was in your line.” “It isn’t But this time if I hadn’t run fast enough to catch up with Piute Pete, there wouldn’t have been any fight” One-Sided Heredity. “Do you believe children inherit faults?” “Certainly; Our children get all theirs from their Lather’s side."