Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 54, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 March 1920 — Page 2

SYMPATHY

By R. RAY BAKER

• by McCtar* Nawwpaper ayadjcal*.) Alphonse MacGregor Smith was a Queer mortal. Although his combination of French. Scotch and plain American names was part of his queerness, that was not what worried the young men and women of the social set of which he was a member. The thing that made them look askance at Alphonse was his ambition. He wanted to do something In the world, and, of course, such an Idea was all nonsense, because Alphonse's father could write a check In one figure and six ciphers if he wanted to. Although the idea that he should work grew on Alphonse, he began keeping his own counsel in the matter, for whenever he had mentioned a job the young men of his acquaintance had always sneered and the young ladies had laughed outright and told him be was a good joker. One of these girls played a big part in Alphonse's visions of the future. Her name was Clara Lennox and her family was quite as well fixed financially as the Smiths. Although he had never broached the subject to her, it was pretty well understood that some day a matrimonial partnership would ensue from their associations. Their parents encouraged this idea, for it was considered a good match. And yet Clara would not sympathize with Alphonse’s ambition. “If you want to work,” she contended, “why don’t you get a position as manager in one of your father’s factories? If you feel that you ought to gratify your whim, pick out something soft, and if you fall you won’t land so hard." This might have been practical advice, but what Alphonse wanted was to climb the success ladder with his own ability and not an Influential father as his support Now, Alphonse had a secret He nourished a conviction that he could paint pictures. For years he had practiced It on the sly, and an old artist with whom he had a clandestine acquaintance told him he was a naturalborn painter. All he needs was the proper environment said this authority, and the urge of necessity and he was bound to make good. In talking of a job Alphonse never had dared broach the subject of art for fear It would land him in an asylum for the insane.

Finally he could stand it no longer. He told his parents he needed a change of atmosphere. His father offered him a trip West, but Alphonse said it was a different kind of atmosphere be desired. “Give me S2OO and three months and don’t try to find me. Til write to you,” he said. To his friends he offered various excuses, and then took himself to a quarter of the eity where artists and authors held sway. He rented a studio, bought what equipment he did not already have and went to work. During his first month with art he hired a number of different professional models and painted several pictures which he placed on sale at stores devoted to the products of the easel, but none of them sold. He knew there was something lacking in his pictu res, but there was no one to tell him what it was. At the beginning of his wrestle with work Alphonse tried to find his old artist friend, but the latter was abroad, although he was expected home soon. At the end of his first month of unsuccessful effort he went once more in quest of the artist The little bouse he had occupied in the colony showed signs of life this time, and a rather diminutive, young girl with curly yellow hair, deep, serious pools of blue eyes and an olive complexion answered his knock. '

“Mr. Smith?” she said, raising her eyebrows. “Yes, I’ve heard of you—from father. But father—father died a month ago in Italy.” Alphonse expressed his sympathy and started away. She called: "Perhaps I could help you, if it’s something about painting. Father used to say I was his best critic. Pll be frank and tell you I’m out of funds. If you need a model—•* Alphonse liked the suggestion, but he was low on funds himself. He could get more from home, but he had resolved to go it alone. He explained that he was meeting no sue-* cess whatever, and that he was in no position to offer the girl much remuneration, but she said she was willing to risk. lt and agreed to go to his studio the next morning. On his way back to his workshop, his mind occupied with thoughts of his new acquaintance, he stopped in a 4 store which had his goods on display. To his surprise none of his pictures -were in sight . “I sold every one of them and can get rid of more,"’ cried the storekeeper, rubbing his hands. “You have a thousand dollars coming and I’ll hand It to you now.” Filled with elation. Alphonse hurried on his way, and In the studio he wrapped up two pictures he had finished the day before. With these under an arm he started back to the store. At the comer he paused, for he had seen a familiar figure enter the establishment It was Clara Lennox, and Alphonse understood, . aiovrty he retraced his Bteps,eat«rtfi the studio

and dumped the two pictures In a corner. “It’s fine of Clara!” he said. "She's trying to help me, but she doesn’t understand. It’s like pampering a spoiled child. Hl take no more pictures to that store, and TH not use a cent of the thousand. I want to make good on merit." ; , - The next morning the new model appeared, and then and there Alphonse started on a career of hard work that exceeded his most ambitious dreams. The model became the boss. When he suggested a pose she took matters into her own bands and improved ft. ———— o . “Don’t put all the color on the robes,” was the way she went on. “Make them harmonize with the surroundings. That line is too straight; It doesn't look natural. Take out some of the contrast like this,” and she took the brush from him and demonstrated. Thus things continued for a month, and Alphonse's funds became exhausted. Nevertheless the girl did not desert him. He pawned various articles and she Insisted on adding some rings to the collection. So she labored with him and shared his frugal repasts in the studio, while every evening he walked home with hw. All this time hewoftef~on one picture, and when it finally was finished her verdict was: “It will be a success. I will get it on exhibition In the library display next week. My father’s name will help.” A week passed. Alphonse was working on a new picture and bls model had gone to the library to see how the picture was “taking.” He sat and smoked and thought—just thought A rap on the door interrupted his cogitations, and when he opened it Clara Lennox stepped in. “Have you had enough of It?” she Inquired, and her lip curled as she surveyed his surroundings. “Ara you ready to give up?”

“No.” he replied. ‘Tm just getting started. I’m going to be a success.” “Very well.” She shrugged her shoulders. ’Tve done what I can. But If you Insist on remaining In this hole, let it be understood that it’s all over with us. It’s a matter of choice between your art” —she gave the word unnecessary emphasis—“and me.” The door was pushed open and a radiant face, framed with yellow curls, peeped In. Clara took the roll of bills from Alphonse and stalked majestically to the door. “I understand,” she said coldly and significantly, and was gone. The little model looked after her and her eyes snapped. Then she turned to Alphonse. “You win!” she exclaimed. “ ‘The Girl of the Sands’ takes the prize. It brought $2,000 —from old Jacob Geerllng, the famous art collector.” She seated herself on a three-legged stool and sighed. _4..j want to seemlhqulsitive," she said, “but is that the girl you’re going to marry?" _ Alphonse went to her and with, an arm around her drew her head to his breast. “No,” he told her. “The girl I am going to marry is right here in this room now. That is, I’m going to marry her, if she—”

EVEN JEFFERSON COULD ERR

Great Statesman on Record as Having Pulled “Boner** In Matter of Natural History. It is related that when Thomaa Jefferson journeyed from Monticello t 0 Philadelphia, on his way to take the oath of office as vice-president, carried a lot of bones in his baggage. The bones, alleged to be. those of a mammoth, had been found in Greenbrier county, Va., and sent to Monticello, where they were set up by ferson, who, it appears, entertained a somewhat exaggerated notion of his attainments in natural history, and who stood sponsor for the bones as those of “a carnivorous-clawed animal entirely unknown to science.” It was not until after Jefferson reached Philadelphia that he was undeceived, for at a glance the learned Dr. Wistar saw that they were the bones of the common sloth, several specimens of which he showed the Virginian. It has been pointed out that, indirectly, no less a naturalist than the great Buffon may have been responsible for Jefferson’s error. It was the Virginian's practice "to send Buffon specimens and information, and with the subtle flattery of a courtier the French naturalist wrote: “I should have consulted you, sir, before publishing my natural history, and then I should have been sure of the facts.”

Romance of Childhood.

The little boy who hunts Indians is every little boy in America. Along the. alley warpaths of the congested city and out on the rolling prairies of the back pasture the relentless pursuit goes on day after day. Each night millions of little hearts are uplifted in thanksgiving that the redskinned savages lurk about the world to be hunted. An occasional greenapple nightmare in which the hunter is scalped and tied to the stake only serves to enhance the thrill of fob lowing the trail next afternoon as soon as school Is out. The eye of the six-year-old which makes a piece of barrel hoop look like a tomahawk Is the romantic spirit. The form of this spirit of romance persists beyond the alloted three score and ten. Because st ft no theater is fittingly equipped unless it has sundry coats ofmail and backdrop castles,

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IND.

Fashion Sponsors Ginghams

welcomes the return to high favor of all the old, familiar cotton materials —the ginghams, organdies, voiles — that have a flavor of other days and the simple life about them. Blouses, simply designed, with every stitch of their making put* In by hand, underthings carefully made and daintily trimmed, with pretty stitchery for decoration, and frocks for Indoor and outdoor wear, of staple, familiar cotton goods, find themselves more highly regarded just now than for many a year. It Is a reaction away from ostentatious dressing and reckless spending and is sponsored by the best people in the land. For morning wear, in or out of town, there are such altogether delightful gingham dresses as that appearing

Destined for Easter Parade

IT takes a practlcea eye to discern, at first glance, the points that make the new spring suits different from many of those which preceded them. The most apparent change appears In the shortening of coats. These are more or less abbreviated, some of them having no skirt at the front. The eton jacket bears them company and is a candidate for honors that seems to be finding favor in the larger cities. Two of the new models for spring that merit consideration, are shown above. An early Easter promises to bring them out in force and compels a selection very soon. One of these suits, of wool gabardine in plain blue. Is interesting because it demonstrates two of the most Important of the new sMo features, . ths arrangemsat **

here In a yellow, black and white crossbar. Insets of white cotton poplin at the front, on the sleeves and belt, with wmte pearl buttons, give a crisp, fresh touch that looks cooL The hat is made of the same materials with white poplin crown, gingham brim and band, and the flat button on the crown is covered with poplin. Finally a white parasol with wood handle softens the summer sunshine that filters through it. Either white or black footwear may be chosen for wear with a morning dress like this and the choice depends upon the demands the road to be traversed will make upon it Plain chambrays and ginghams, with a little white organdy combined with them, make the prettiest house-dresses, while heavier white cottons are used with dresses for out of doors.

fullness at the front of the coat, and the Introduction of an embroidered band, separate from the coat and set on at the bottom. Plain skirts, shoetop length, almost go without saying. A few large, hone buttons, a narrow belt and a new style collar commend this suit to the seeker for novelties. The other suit, in a polret check, is another example in which the skirt of the coat is full at the front and ripples all around. These checked suits are at their best when they are plain and this one has only a few buttons, by way of ornament.

INTERESTING ITEMS FROM THE CITIES

Gossip Drives Family Away From a Missouri City ST. JOSEPH, MO.—From gossip, which for nearly four has hounded him, Oscar D. McDaniel has fled. With his wife and two children this man, the most talked-of in the city, has vanished utterly. Detectives now

torney for Buchanan county, was pitied by the entire community—until the gossip began. Gossip was ugly, and presently a warrant was Issued for McDaniel, and be was tried on the charge of killing his wife. Not once did he flinch, and his complete composure convinced-his little circle of loyal friends that he was guiltless. He was acquitted. As he was struggling to reinstate himself, gossip was given ammunition for another terrific assault on McDaniel. Gossip had associated his name for some time with that of Mrs. Dagmar Krucker. Her husband killed her, then turned the gun on himself and died. McDaniel withstood that storm of gossip, and started another when he married the daughter of O. A. Cook, who had been one of the principal witnesses for the defense In his trial. The bride and bridegroom, with two children by the former marriage, went to live in the McDaniel home where the first Mrs. McDaniel had been slain. One night the dwelling burned, and McDaniel lowered his wife and children from an upper window, saving their lives by a narrow margin. Gossip again! and superstition added Its whisper to the hissing torrent of bitter words. Then the McDaniel children became old enough to feel the cruelty of the boys and girls who taunted them in the schoolyard and the streets. They came home every day in tears. One day they were absent from school. Other days passed, and they did not appear. Questions were asked. Gossip gasped for breath, and resumed. Darwin Not in It With This Theory of Evolution BIEW YORK. —While a corps of reporters took voluminous notes and a squad Fl of photographers posed their subjects enthusiastically In a hundred assorted and curveful poses seven young women cavorted around the red room

In a big hotel in demonstration of Marlon Morgan’s theory of evolution, made articulate through the medium at Greek dancing. The young women were clad In abbreviated bathing trunks and sleeveless jerseys, and nothing else except occasional strips .of courtplaster applied to protect tender pink toes from bruising contact with a rude and inartistic world. Miss Morgan personally superintended the demonstration.

The occasion served to demonstrate not only Miss Morgan’s theory of evolution, which is superior to Da* win’s because It is more comprehensive (not to say more interesting to study), but also singular devotion to duty by the reporters. * Not a single newshound was late and not a photographer dodged his arduous task. Not a man left the room until he was shooed out by Miss Morgan with a remark that the demonstration had been over for some (ime. The theory, as explained by Miss Morgan, who was kind enough to spell the herd words. Is that since evolved from the cosmic atom, or the one cell omega, through the amphibian age to the simian and thence through the stone age to his present standing In the community, when he walks erect (unless afflicted'by round shoulders), it. is reasonable to suppose that there is further evolution ahead. Other poses were assumed to prove that a young woman can walk on her hands if she is wearing a bathing suit. Wife Gets a Divorce From a Too-Loving Husband SAN FRANCISCO. —Because her husband loved her too much, Mrs. Amy M. Stewart, was granted'divorce from Commander Leigh M. Stewart, U. S. N. “His love was overpowering,”

was hopeless. “If played cards, every time I put out my hand for a card he would grab It and press jt to his lips. If I tried to read he murmured so much love In my ear that I could not keep track of the nice things the hero was saying to the heroine. “Romance is wonderful in books. Too much of it ha actual life is horrible." * “And if you repulsed him when you became wearied of his love what would he do?” queried the court “He would fly into a rage and insist that I loved someone else and then he would choke me until I permitted him to kiss me some more,” said Mrs. Stewart. Mrs. Stewart was awarded $l5O a month.

Not Ancient Mariner’s Albatross, but Black Cat 1 1..-.4.-. — y-. —■ CHICAGO.— A black cat played; the role of the Ancient Mariner’s Albatross V in the ill fortune of the United States transport Powhatan, members of the crew believe, according to Herbert S. Foreman of this city, who was

■many 271 passengers from off the Powhatan, who were landed at Hoboken the o*her day by the transport Northern Pacific. * Foreman, formerly a lieutenant In Battery C of the 149th Field Artillery, sailed on the Powhatan in charge of 75 men assigned to the work of returnlng American dead to this country. “The cat, with its mate, a large tabby,” he said, "kept everyone awake Friday nbrht with its howling. Sat-

rxJUaj 6 ttxu* v onlay night it was knocked to a watery grave with a belaying pin soon after it started its serenade. Sunday morning the engines stopped and our trouble/began. And the old sailors thought of the black cat’s death and shook their heads. It set a lot of the passengers to thinking, although all treated It as a joke once we were safe aboard the Northern Pacific.” Thursday evening the Northern Pacific lifeboats and three whale boats from the Powhatan succeeded in transferring the passengers lb three hours, while the searchlights of the destroyers lighted up the storm-swept sea. ■ i AH reports indicated the morale of those aboard the Powhatan was ah arfhmt the death of th* Mack cat • ~ '

report that he has been traced to a South American city. The McDaniel family were connected with an appalling series of crimes and catastrophes. McDaniel kept his nerve until he saw his children tortured by the gossip which their playmates freely repeated, but which no adult dared voice in McDaniel’s presence. It was in 1916 that the first Mrs. McDaniel was found murdered in her home. McDaniel, then prosecuting at-

said Mrs. Stewart “It was all pervading, overwhelming. It suffocated me. From the moment he came into my presence he never took his eye off my face. He must hold my hand all of the time and gaze at me. And he must have a kiss every few minutes, tried to interest him in books and in games. Anything to take his mind off, his love for me, so that he * would give me a moment’s peace. It