Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 219, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 September 1918 — Page 2

Substantial Pensions for American Women of Red Cross and Y. M. C. A.

parents, Col. and Mrs. Charles A. Carlisle of South Bend, Ind., the value of the wonderful service rendered by the women of the American Bed Cross and the Young Men’s Christian association. From this letter a movement has begun to take shape to pension any such women whose heroic efforts may make assistance a debt of honor on the part of the nation. Conferences with Colonel Carlisle have decided accordingly to submit to the American people through the press the following suggestion and petition: “In behalf of all the American women at home and abroad who serve in the American Bed Cross and the Y. M. C. A., and in behalf of the countless number who serve elsewhere, all with the same hope and desire, to be of real value and service to the American soldier, every American in the world is invited to contribute to a freewill offering for the express purpose of establishing the “American women’s war fund,” out of which shall be paid a substantial pension to every American woman who gives ' up het life, or who sacrifices opportunity at home that she may better serve ‘our boys’ or in other ways contribute to their welfare and comfort. “Every penny contributed shall go to the ‘American women s war fund’ and shall be held for distribution by a finance committee to be selected by the American Bed Cross and the Y. M. C. A., and approved by the secretary of the treasury of the United States. “Each penny contributed shall be held by the finance committee subject to order and distribution by an executive committee, who shall be selected and directed by the American Bed Cross and the Y. M. C. A. head officers, and if they fail to agree the secretary of the treasury of the United States shall have full authority to take over all funds and direct how the money shall be distributed. So far'as possible, and if and when these "funds shall permit, the executive Committee in its discretion shall pay to any American woman, or to the family or dependents of any such American woman who gives up her life in the service of the American soldier, or who makes any special sacrifice at home or abroad that she, may better serve ‘our boys,’ a sum of money that in part may, in the discretion of the executive committee, show due appreciation by the American people who contribute and make possible this fund. “To each person who contributes shall be given a certificate of membership, acknowledging receipt of the contribution, and once each year, so far as it is possible to do so, the executive committee, through the press or otherwise, shall make a comprehensive report. “Every child in Sunday schools, public schools and elsewhere is invited to contribute one penny or more each month for a' period of one year, making the payments direct to teachers, who will deposit the funds with any national or state bank, for shipment to the national finance committee, care of the American Bed Cross, Washington, D. C.”

Best Time to Take Vacation Is in Extremely Cold Weather of Winter

It is customary with us to take vacations in the summer, although we really need them more in winter, when human powers' are limited by low temperature. We are at our physical best in the autumn and spring. So it is not because we have been away in the summer that we feel better in the autumn, but because of the favorable conditions of the autumn season. The best work in factories by operatives who take no summer vacations is done in the autumn. Such workers are most apt to lay off in the very cold months, and many factories shut down the week after Christmas because of the low energy of the operatives. Throughout the spring factory charts show a rise in the efficiency curve until about the middle of June, or when the average temperature is 68 degrees. It then falls as the temperature rises. During the autumn the efficiency curve rises at an increasing rate as the temperature is gradually falling, but when the average temperature falls below 48 degrees the curve turns downward and reaches its lowest point in January. The logic of all this is that we ought to take all our vacations in January. The reasons why we do not are because we prefer fine weather for our outings; because most out-of-door sports can be played to better advantage in the summer, and because sultry summer weather causes much bodily discomfort. Then we have a notion that cold weather is “exhilarating,” and that we don’t need a vacation at such a time because of this “bracing” quality of the season. The fact is that cold weather keeps us moving so as to quicken the circulation, which is depressed by low temperatures, and this activity is erroneously supposed to indicate a maximum of energy.

Reformers Busy Now Waging Campaign Against Use of Tobacco By Soldiers

By DR. A.J. HEYL.

, These so-called experts, and investigators who periodically-warn the race that it will be exterminated if the people do not reform their habits and abandon certain alleged vices will continue as long as the world lasts, 1 presume, to have a number of followers. They are busy just now waging a campaign against the use of cigarettes by the soldiers. It is true that our boys are smoking more than they ever did. There are not very many men in the armies of the United States, England, France, Italy riid the other countries who do not smoke. They have got to do something, and smoking, in my opinion, injures them less than any othei •Vied* they could acquire.

By ADDISON C. THOMAS. Chiago

Do the American people realize the important work for the war that our women are doing at home and abroad? With the greatest array of women that the world has ever known actively helping the fight for the freedom of mankind, it seems but fair that ample provision should be made at the earliest'possible moment for their maintenance and support. in case of disability, and in particular for the war nurses at the front. Miss Kathryn Carlisle, who is at the front in France, has strikingly brought out in a letter to . her

By BRICE BELDEN, M. D.

Retired Army Officer, WaduDgtoa, D. G

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN. RENSSELAER. IND.

TO RECLAIM DISMAL SWAMP

Engineers Have Long Had Their Eyes on Picturesque Wilderness Which Can Be Made Valuable. Dismal Swamp, which lies just south of Norfolk, Va., partly in that state and partly In North Carolina, Is one of the most picturesque wildernesses In the eastern United States. Although It may be reached from the busy port of Norfolk within a few hours by a boat which plies dally up and down a small canal, the Dismal Swamp remains an unspoiled wilderness where black bears and panthers still roam, while the smaller creatures e of the wild exist In abundance. The thick junglps and bottomless bogs at once offer perfect hiding places for the wild things and obstacles to the hunter which are often Impassable. Then, too, the swamp Is alive with snakes—the deadly copperhead and moccasin being especially abundant—and this fact alone detracts considerably from the popularity of the place as a pleasure resort. It is nevertheless regularly visited by some hardy hunters, and is the deiight of naturalists and scientists of all kinds, who here find what they most love —unspoiled, primitive nature. - The Dismal Swamp has great possibilities of future usefulness. In the first place, it contains some of the deepest and richest deposits of peat In the United States, and this fuel Is undoubtedly to be used In this country In the near future. Furthermore, engineers say that the swamp can be drained, and that it will then become one of the richest bits of farmland in America. Indeed, one man has already demonstrated this by draining a few hundred acres of the swamp and raising phenomenal crops on It. —Chicago Dally News.

WORK ALONG WRONG LINES

Writer Points Out Imperative Need for Change in Present Legal and > Charity Systems. A change in our legal system must be made which will take account of the complex life of the present, as against the old-fashioned form of living, which brought with it temptation, greed and jealousy. Persons who, on account of wrong environment, have stooped to illegitimate means to attain their ends should be corrected, with discipline if you please, but not with brutal punishment After correction they should have the chance to make an honest living; they should not be ostracized as at present, so that there Is nothing else left for them to do but to return to a life of crime which sooner or later reaches the depths, when the state is forced to spend thousands and thousands for their upkeep. The creation of beggars has never been due to the exercise of kindness. All beggars are made,* more or less, by the charity system. With charity abolished and every individual understanding that we are all born to work and enjoy our work in accordance with our fitness for the work we are called upon to do, there will be no need of charity, and crime and disease will be lessened tremendously.— Editorial by Misha Appelbaum in Humanitarian.

“Shinplasters."

One of the curious forms of money to which the United States government has resorted was the “shinplaster currency.” These bits of paper money were called “shinplasters” by reason of their size and not because of the use to which they were put. It was a strange condition of affairs which led to their issue. The Civil war had put a great strain on the finances of the United States. Metallic money grew scarce. In the first place it was exported and in the second place It was hoarded in vast The government had issued “greenbacks” to take the place of silver dollars and five and ten dollar gold pieces, and as dimes, quarters and halves had also grown scarce it was decided to issue fractional paper currency. It was seriously needed, because there was great inconvenience throughout the country from a lack of small change. Merchants used postage stamps, tokens of various forms, their own “promises to pay” or script, and even buttons were employed as small Change, to be later redeemed by the merchant in goods. It was to meet such conditions as these that the government issued small paper notes in denominations of 10,25 and 50 cents.

Pronoun Little Used.

The form “thon” has held its place in the language, with occasional use, for sixty years. It is defined as meaning “*lllßl one; he, she, or it; a pronoun of the third person, common gender; a contracted and solidified form of ‘that one,* proposed in 1858 by Charles Crozat Converse of Erie, Paas a substitute in cases where the use of a restrictive pronoun involves’ either inaccuracy, or obscurity, or its non-employment necessitates awkward repetition.” As an example is given the substitution of “Each pupil must learn thon’s lesson” for “Each pupil must learn bls or her lesson.” —Literary Digest.

Try a Rumor Next Time.

Snitcher —Listen, Tellltt, I’ve got to get 'another room. I- don’t like the landlady. Tellltt —Why not? Snitcher —She asks too much et me. Wanted me to take a room upstair* the other day.whenl couldn’t even get my arms around her, let alone the room.—Cartoons Magazine.

THE NEW TENANT

By ARLINE A. MACDONALD.

(Copyright. 1918. W(-otero Newspaper cnton.i “I saw some workmen on the Church--111 place today, Jon. I think a new tenant is coming in,” remarked “Ma” Holton at the supper table. Jonathan Holton's lifted teacup descended slowly into Ids saucer as he looked up inquiringly. ' “So?” he answered. “It’s been closed some twenty years now, Martha. I shouldn't wonder if young Churchill was back to open it. I’ll take a run over there tomorrow and investigate.” In the silence that followed, Azalia Holton sat absorbed in thought She knew Bryant Churchill only as she re-" called his features on richly toned lithographed music sheets. He was a composer. The homestead of Jonathan Holton adjoined the magnificent estate of the Churchills, from the time of whose de-* cease he had exercised an oversight* of the premises which wps a sympa-1 thetic contribution more than anything® else. The next day Azalia started out for her usual after-dinner ramble through the fragrant fields and odorous groves, and had not gone far when she stopped at the sight of freshly painted signboards that blazed on every walk and path: “Private Grounds. Keep Off!” She stood transfixed in her virgin loveliness. • “What a hateful protestation!” was her first utterance when she had' sufficiently recovered her composure. It took her but a moment to realize that on her first battlefield she was helpless and defenseless. Like the “flaming sword” es old seemed these emblazoned monitors that urged her back from the tree of life. She felt that her problem was a serious one. After meditating for some minutes she Anally decided she would interview the new tenant. Her almost inherent right would be a probable excuse. As she advanced toward the house her courage returned and she quickly mounted the steps and gave the door a vigorous blow. After several unsuccessful attempts to arouse some one she tried the door, which .opened so easily that it gave her a surprise. The pleasant odor that greeted her seemed a part of the distinctive interior. The place was so beautiful that Azalia walked about from room to room.

In delightful contrast to the plain little organ in her home was the rich grand piano littered with music copies. Now, Azalia’s musical training had not been neglected and it was only natural that her fingers should seek the keys as'she glanced at the music before her. Very soon she was playing with her accustomed grace and skill, but in turning the pages of the folio an inner sheet was dislodged and fell to the floor somewhere. She turned about, only to discover that it was in the hands of a handsome young man in uniform. “I heard the music and came in to congratulate the musician. I am Bryant Churchill.” He was returning the fallen music to the piano. “Are you the —the —the coming man?" she faltered. “The coming man,” he repeated. “I mean, you arc the new tenant,” explained Azalia. “Rather, the ‘once upon a time’ tenant, facing new conditions. You are

“Azalia Holton,” demurely. “And now permit me to explain my statement, which may have seemed to you a trifle obscure. This Is my old home and I came here a week ago, but I am leaving again tomorrow to do my ‘bit’ for Uncle Sam, and then I expect to return for good.” Then together they sat talking and listening intently to one another until the twilight fell about them. “Azalia,” he was reflecting. “I have a littlb gem by that name.’ ’ He strode to the piano. If Azalia had lost her heart in the grandeur and charm of Churchill manor it surely had been found by the artist-owner before her, whose masterly execution was only surpassed by his kind voice and pleasing personality. He was the capsheaf of all that had gone before. Abruptly he turned and was-speak-ing in lawyer fashion. “Access to my property for twenty years gives your father almost an inviolable right in it But there is another who has a greater lien upon IL” He had risen and was looking away from her and did not see the cloud of disappointment that settled upon her face. She moved toward him and touched Ms arm consolingly. “Cannot something be done?” an anxious look on her face, now uplifted. Iler freshness, unseen by him in others, captivated hlip. With an indescribable Impulse he suddenly drew her Into his arms and kissed her. It might be the only one he could ever claim. “Bryant!" she murmured, gently disengaging herself. “Forgive me, Azalia,” he said. “I couldn’t help it. Can’t you see you are the one? In my travels I have found no one like you, though I have often wished for a time like this. It is growing dark and I am going away tomorrow. May I see you tonight?” • “But you are coming home with me to supper?” Azalia insisted. “On one condition. That you promise me that you will think of one day coming with me to my home to stay.” He extended his hand, which she took cheerfully. ' - A clear title to Churchill had pawed to the new tenant.

Model City In China

TOURISTS tn China and even old residents generally pass by Nan-tung Chow, a city on the Yangtse river which has not been open to foreign-business as a treaty port, writes Frederick R. Sites In Asia. Consequently comparatively few people are aware that a community which may exert a powerful influence on the whole of China as a practical example of modern, achievement is there to be found —a community that has taken great strides in developing education, social institutions, public works, manufacturing enter.pises and agriculture, ranging from the kindergarten to college and from good roads to land reclamation. Features commonplace enough in occidental life appear as marvels when found in this purely oriental-setting. All the changes have been wrought so quietly and entirely under Chinese leadership that even one of the most alert American educators in China heard of them with surprise and keen interest. This quietness of action is typical of the modesty of the man of classic letters, his excellency, Chang Chien, whose enterprise and wise leadership have been the mainspring of this new life. The positiveness of his Integrity, benevolent public spirit and unselfish progressive leadership make him stand out in the whole of China.

Nan-tung Chow lies upon the north shore of the Yangtze river about 100 miles from Shanghai. Recently an opportunity presented Itself for making a pilgrimage to this Mecca of Chinese progress. Evidences of a new China were at once visible. A carriage was brought up from the steamer landing by way of wide, well-graded roads, lined with young trees, and built on top of dikes constructed as a protection against the Yangtse river floods. Here and elsewhere throughout this district the banks of the canal are protected with neat stone “bunding” or with solid retaining walls. These well-built and well-maintained roads and canals, with occasional heat.. police stations and clean settlements, unusual in China, were the first Indication of a guiding hand and the new spirit which has been working among the people. Chang Chien's Scheme.

Our farmer-scholar-statesman host outlined the scheme of industrial development of Nan-tung Chow, which is centered in six land development companies. It is in this industrial pioneering that Mr. Chang takes keenest interest. The first of the companies he started about 19 years ago. Capital was subscribed liberally by his acquaintances and other investors who had implicit confidence in his integrity. A tract of about 119,000 mow (or 20,000 acres) of wild land —salt marshes along the seashore —was diked to keep out the ocean storms, and ditched to drain off the salt water. Much of the land was then brought under cultivation, and the rest used for producing salt by the evaporation of sea .water. .Our host exhibited special pride in this enterprise, because success was won in the face of extreme difficulties. Government aid could not be secured. The project instead met obstruction. It was a fight against the government; nevertheless Mr. Chang carried through his plans. His weapon was his pen and his pen was backed by right. But the project had also to contend with nature; for when the company was only four years old a great typhoon played havoc with the dikes, and the company was nearly bankrupt. From this lesson of experience, however, and by dint of perseverance, the dikes were rebuilt according to a -stronger plan, the losses were retrieved and the company was again placed on a basis of success.

After 11 years a second land company was started. During the last five years four additional companies of the same sort have been launched. These six companies are now engaged in reclaiming and cultivating a total of &000.000 mow (about 1,300,000 acres) of land. Mr. Chang estimates that these enterprises will provide work and subsistence for 3,000,000 Chinese families, who are purchasing small farms or renting them on shares. That the various companies were not launched until the first one had proven itself successful Is evidence of the caution of this wise developer. The men who'are now managing the more recently established companies had their training In the original one. “What is your- personal motto and

A Well-Kept Corner of Nan-tung Chow.

the secret of success of your joint stock companies?” I asked Mr. Chang Chien. “It is contained in three words,” he replied. “Tell no lies; be not lazy; be ever frugal.” ' Schools of Nan-tung Chow. The ideals st its leader are stamped upon the conduct of the schools of Nan-tung Chow. They are in evidence in the mottoes of his own composition written in Chinese characters of gold and crimson and'adorning gateways and assembly rooms. In classic phrases these mottoes Impress upon the studerits the importance of his “three words.” But other means are employed more impressive than merfe mottoes. An artistic little pavilion has been erected over the spot where an honest youth happened to find an article of great value, which he promptly carried to his teacher so that Ifs rightful'owner might be found. A stone tablet placed in the pavilion tells the story and honors the youth for his integrity. A unity of plan is a notable part of Mr. Chang’s educational system. His scheme provided practical industrial opportunities for those young men and women who have already been given special training in the colleges of commerce, agriculture, medicine and textiles. Their training prepares them for subsequent usefulness in the many enterprises under Mr. Chang’s direction—the transportation companies, land development organizations, hospitals, cotton and flour mills. This logical program of special training' and immediate opportunity for ticipatlon in the work of the communi, ty is far in advance of. the vision and plan of educators in many western centers.

Landscape Is Beautiful.

The location for his schools, many of them the rambling buildings of old temples slightly remodeled, is one of the. attractive features of Mr. Chang’s educational plan. With characteristic care he has selected a site so as to include the essentials of a beautiful landscape, according to Chinese ideas of art, such as lakes and dry land, trees and fertile fields with a pagoda, a camel’s-back bridge or some other artistic structure in the background. A visitor sees in the vicinity of the agricultural college experimental fields bearing heavy crops of sea island cotton, sugar cane from America, selected wheat for specific kinds of soil, attractive orchards of apples, pears, figs, and groves of bamboo and mulberry. These is a school of embroidery with 100 young women who are studying under the instruction df a Chinese lady of renown, the most skilled artist in embroidery in China. The course of training Includes drawing’ and painting as well as needle work. In another school an antique art Is being preserved by the teaching of tapestry weaving. A public library has been built and equipped with 113,000 volumes. This library is housed in a charming group of buildings, well lighted, and set amid gardens which are fragrant with roses and bright with the red glow of the berries of the “heavenly bamboo.” The social institutions were equally representative of a spirit of progressive enterprise; among them the home for destitute old people, a distinct novelty in China.

Machine for “Setting" Bricks.

Long-st Anding difficulty in obtaining labor for “setting” bricks during their manufacture has led to the development of a new machine for doing this work, which is understood to have considerable flexibility. Thia machine, which is lllustratecT in Popular Mechanics Magazine operates in conjunction with an overhead crane. The lifting mechanism is provided with a series of long fingers, each of which is shfped like an inverted “T.” These members are thrust between the bottoms of courses, when, for instance, a stack is to be transferred from a dryer car to a kiln. .?

Betrayed by His Wife.

A Salina man, who has been boasting that heemployed girls in order to release the city** man power for military service, forgot to instruct his wife in the art of patrloteering. She carelessly let it out at a women’s meeting last week. The Journal says* that “John is hiring girls now. Ha says he get them cheaper."—Kansas City Star. e>