It is frequently said by candid and careful observers that there is great increase of crime in these days. Not that this year there were more crimes committed than last year, but that the last decade, for instance, or the last half century, is more prolific of crime than the same period preceding.
These statements are sometimes made by social and political reformers, who have special political panaceas to advocate. They are made by religious teachers as evidences of a degenerating age,—of the fulfilment of prophecy. They are made also by sober, thoughtful, observing men, who can not be said to have any theory to support or political platform to carry.
These statements concerning increase of crime are often denied by optimistic teachers, who will not see anything wrong with their land or times, who will not heed danger signals when, in their mind, there is no danger. There are prototypes of these optimists in the history of the decline and ruin of many a nation and people.
Another class that deny the increase of crime, are penological students, statisticians of criminology. But whence do these obtain their statistics? Take homicide, for instance. A Chicago paper endeavors faithfully to collect from year to year the crimes committed in this country, as reported in the newspapers. It gives the number of homicides for a certain year at 6,225. This is presumably under rather than over the exact number; for there were doubtless not a few which never came to light. These have no particular bearing upon the discussion of this question, as the proportion, year in and out, would be about the same ratio to the known crimes. This is one source of information; and for the last few years it shows a falling off of homicides in this country of, in round numbers, from 10,000 to 5,000. This reckoning takes no account of the number who did the killing. What would be the number of the murderers if the participants, aiders, and abettors in the mad, murderous lynchings were counted? Every man who took part in these awful crimes is as guilty of the life of the victim of the mob’s vengeance as tho he, with the same motive, slew the man single-handed and alone.
Another source of information is the courts. But the criminals according to court statistics are those who are proved and adjudged guilty. But all who know aught about it know that many, very many, trials of criminals are the merest farces, and that the known guilty criminal is acquitted on legal technicalities through the shrewdness of some actually “criminal lawyer.” Of what worth are the courts as sources of information in the status of criminology?
Take, for instance, a county in this State as a sample of very many counties, in morals, in the United States. Last spring a mob in that county seized and hanged, without trial, or anything worthy of provocation, it is said, save the hatred of thwarted human hearts, an old man, three other men, and a child. Through the efforts of San Francisco papers, of the attorney-general of the State, and of a fearless judge in the county, some of these men were indicted for murder by the grand jury of the county. They have not been brought to trial to the present, because of the manifest sympathy of the people with them. And yet the court records of this county show it to be remarkably free from crime. A judge recently remarked, as reported in a daily of the 24th ult., “Look at the records, sir; look at ‘the records. Scarcely a criminal case in my court ‘from one year’s end to another.’”
A stage-driver, telling a story of the county, remarked:—
“‘Yes,’ peared like ’twa’n’t any use. They peppered away at each other across the street with Colt forty-fivers, and each of ’em put some lead in his man. They had to go to bed for a spell, and it looked like we might have a funeral or two. But when the case came before the justice of the peace, the district attorney got up and said he reckoned it had better be called off, because anybody could see that both of ’em shot in self-defense.”
“‘See yon’ break?” he asked, pointing to a dislocated bit of roadside fence. “Well, it’s curious how things happen. There was a dispute about some water, and the feller that had the best of it was in the way, ’peared like. One afternoon he was climbin’ that fence; but somethin’ happened, and he never got clear over. They found him next day where that rail is down. Had two bullets in his back somewhere. Those bullets settled the dispute, and things went on kind of smooth after that.”
“Was the murder ever investigated?” he was asked.
“Investigated!” he exclaimed. “Nope; nothin’ wuth while to investigate. ’Peared like he was in the way, you see, so what was the use?”
It is not put in just that way generally; but everybody knows that some of the great corporations in this land have ridden ruthlessly and wholesale through and over every hedge of law by which legislatures have sought to safeguard the State and public. Injustice, criminal injustice, of the baldest kind is charged to these great trusts again and again, but the merest tyro knows that the law is powerless to convict. Congressmen are bought, legislators are purchased, jurors are suborned, municipal councils are owned, by some of these mammoth combinations. Pennsylvania has been held for years, confessedly, in the toils of a gang of political criminals. New York City is so held to-day. So is Chicago, in many respects. The majority of the municipal council of one of the best cities on the Pacific Coast voted, the other night, to grant a saloon license to a confessed briber of a city official, who was forced to resign.
But none of these things are mentioned by our statistical criminologists. They are not court cases, or if they are, no one is convicted. Their sentence does not appear in the judicial records. No names are placed upon the prison register; and yet men know the guilt, know it and pass on with a smile, so hardened have become the moral sensibilities under the constant hypnotic spell of sin in high places, open, bold, shameless. The whole commercial world is corrupted by unapprehended, untried, unconvicted criminals, who are never reported by the statisticians. The “more sure word of prophecy” tells us the simple facts in the following predictions of these very times:— “Our transgressions are multiplied before Thee, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; in transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for9truth is fallen in the street, and equity can not enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no judgment.” Isa. 59: 12–15.
The apostle Paul draws a similar picture, as follows:—
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Tim. 3: 1–5.
The fearful peril of these days is that sin and unrighteousness and injustice (after the most approved, red-tape and polite forms, of course) is so prevalent in high places, among those who profess better things, that society in general is becoming poisoned with its deadly miasma. Evil no longer appears evil. God’s straight standard has become crooked, and men do not know and see its perversion. Crime stalks boldly abroad, gives to charity of his unjust gains, and men hail him as a friend.
The world is unregenerate, and the unregenerate heart is corrupt. God placed in this corrupting earth the salt of salvation in His people, to save it from utter corruption. He placed here His light in His church, that men might not walk in the darkness of sin. But when the salt has lost its savor, with what shall it be salted? When the light goes out, how great is the darkness! Wickedness and sin and crime are increasing in the face of the greatest light the world ever knew. It is no just comparison to measure these times by the days of past paganism and ignorance. The only true measure is the light which shines from God’s Word. Men may cry, Peace, but it will not bring it. Only surrender to God, only righteousness, will do that. “When they ‘shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction ‘cometh upon them, . . . and they shall not ‘escape.”
South African and Philippine News
There have been several engagements during the week in South Africa, in one of which the losses on both sides are reported to have been heavy. This engagement occurred in the eastern Transvaal about October 27. The Boers attacked Colonel Benson's rear guard and the fight lasted for two days. The British lost 10 officers and 58 noncommissioned officers and men killed, and 156 men wounded. The Boer loss is placed at between 300 and 400, as they repeatedly charged right up to the British lines. Colonel Benson died of wounds received in this engagement. At Great Marico River, on October 24, an engagement occurred in which the Boers left 40 dead on the field. The British loss is not given. Several Boer commandos have been captured during the week. Correspondents from South Africa are protesting against the idea that the war will soon be over, and are warning the British public that a long, difficult campaign is still before the army. The chancellor of the exchequer has warned the English people that next year he would probably have to ask them to shoulder still greater burdens in the way of war taxes.
The Philippine Commission has drafted an act against treason and sedition. The penalty prescribed for treason is death, and the act is framed to include those persons giving aid and comfort to the insurgents. Persons who utter seditious words or speeches, or who write libels against the United States Government or the insular government, are punishable by the imposition of a fine of $2,000 or two years' imprisonment. For breaking the oath of allegiance a fine of $2,000 or imprisonment for two years is fixed as the penalty. At a public discussion of the act much opposition was manifested to it on the part of Filipinos and Spaniards.
It is reported from Europe that the French squadron has seized three ports on the island of Mitylena, near the port of Smyrna, in order to enforce the payment of her demands on Turkey. Turkey is said to have appealed to England to carry out her pledges given in 1878, in which England guaranteed the integrity of Turkey's Asiatic possessions. Italy is reported to have despatched warships to the Levant to counteract the presence of the French squadron. With the ever-prevalent jealousy of the powers over Turkey, there is in this international tangle the possibility of serious consequences.
Nicaragua has renounced the treaty with the United States which permitted the latter country to build a canal across her territory. It is understood that this is done in order to make way for another treaty covering the same ground. The treaty now renounced would expire by limitation next year. Lord Pauncefote, Great Britain's ambassador to the United States, has returned to this country with the draft of another canal treaty which it is thought will be acceptable to both England and the United States.
An effort is being made by Belgian longshoremen to induce German longshoremen to unite with them in a boycott on British vessels. They would refuse to load or unload vessels flying the British flag as a protest against the war in South Africa. The German longshoremen show a disposition to join in the boycott, but are being urged by the German press not to do so for fear of its effect upon German commerce.
Secretary Hitchcock has announced his intention of revoking the decree of the former Indian commissioner, which required that Indian children be sent to the government schools until those institutions had been supplied, and that the remainder might then be sent to the sectarian schools. This decision of the new commissioner is a concession in the interests of the Catholic schools.
The Government of Argentina has requested the Government of Chile to cease building roads in the Cordilleras, and has demanded an official declaration that the road-making already accomplished does not constitute a claim by Chile to the territory in dispute. If this assurance is not given, and the demand is not acceded to, Argentina will break off diplomatic relations with Chile.
A large captive balloon broke away from its controlling apparatus at San Francisco on November 2, carrying away on a wild ride through the air eight men and one woman. Part of the time they were sailing over San Francisco Bay and part of the time they were out over the ocean; but the whole party finally landed safely about 50 miles south of San Francisco.
It is officially reported that the government has opened direct communications with the captors of Miss Ellen M. Stone, and that she will soon be released. The one who is conducting the negotiations with the brigands reports that Miss Stone is alive and well. Turkey refuses to hold herself responsible for the repayment of the ransom which the brigands demand.
General Greely, chief signal officer, reports that the signal corps has constructed 336 miles of telegraph line in Alaska and 4,851 miles in the Philippine Islands. Much of the work in the islands has had to be done over again, as hostile natives have destroyed or carried away the wire and cut down the poles in many places.
A real estate trust is reported to have been organized in New York with a capital of $4,000,000, to carry on extensive operations in the manufacture of building materials, in the erection of buildings, and the sale of lands.
On account of a “corner in corn” at Purunandiro, Mexico, a bread riot occurred on October 30, in which a large number of persons were seriously injured. A corn famine had existed there for months, and when speculators cornered the market and doubled the price, the warehouses were attacked by the angry populace.
The preliminary trials on the German military electrical railway from Berlin to Zossen are reported to be perfectly satisfactory. The speed of the train has been gradually increased until it now runs 85 miles an hour comfortably and smoothly. It is expected that a speed of 125 miles an hour will be developed on this road.
On account of the present industrial depression in Germany, there is a remarkable increase in the convictions for lèse majesté, or insults to the ruler. One man was convicted and sentenced to three months' imprisonment because he kept his seat in a meeting when someone had called for a “hoch” (hurrah) for the kaiser.
Yaqui Indians continue their depredations in the vicinity of Guaymas, Mexico, and have destroyed many homes of the settlers, driving off their stock and carrying away provisions. A Mexican cavalry troop surprised the Indians in La Tuna cañon on October 30, and a number were killed on both sides. The Indians were routed.
General Bartolomo Masso has announced himself as a candidate for the presidency of the Republic of Cuba. He declares that he has been induced to enter the presidential candidacy in order to preserve the nationalism and patriotism of the country, and makes a strong bid for the autonomist, Spanish, and negro vote.
A conspiracy against the Government of Colombia was discovered on October 30, in which the minister of war was implicated. The object of the conspiracy was to overthrow the acting vice-president. The participants fled immediately on the discovery of the plot, and only a portion of them were captured.
The Navy Department is laying plans for the immediate construction of three first-class battle-ships of 16,000 tons displacement, and two armored cruisers of about 14,500 tons displacement. The construction board also recommends the building of 35 other vessels from gunboats down to tugs.
Malvar has issued a proclamation to the Filipinos declaring himself the present leader of the Filipino forces. He proposes a reorganization of the Filipinos under two lieutenant-generals and four generals of divisions. He proposes to put to death all Filipinos acting as guides to the Americans.
About the 30th of October, while the members of the Chinese court were preparing to cross a river near Honan, an attempt was made to take the life of the dowager empress. One of her attendants was killed, but the would-be assassin was quickly despatched by the bodyguard.
The War Department has announced its intention, according to a report from Washington, of maintaining a force of 30,000 men in the Philippines. To do this it will be necessary to supply the places of about 10,000 men whose terms of enlistment will expire in June.
The distress caused in the eastern provinces of Russia by the failure of the crops is so severe that the authorities have forbidden the newspapers to publish any save official statements in regard to it.
The entire crew of a schooner was kidnapped by union men at Hoquiam, Wash., on October 30, and marooned on a small island. The captain procured a gasoline launch and rescued his men.
Admiral Schley has finished his testimony before the court of inquiry, and the attorneys for the government have begun their argument to substantiate the charges brought against him.
A detachment of negro troops recently sent out by the Government of the Kongo Free State to suppress an insurrection was overpowered by the rebels, and all the troops were roasted and eaten.
General Hughes reports from Manila that the insurrection forces in the Island of Cebu have taken the oath of allegiance in good faith. Sixty officers and 400 men have surrendered arms.
A party of Swazis recently surprised a party of about seventy Boers and massacred them all. Since that the Boers have threatened to shoot all natives found aiding the British.
General Gillespie, chief of engineers, is asking the government for an appropriation of $4,000,000 to be used in fortifying the coast cities which are not already provided for.
The Turkish ambassador at St. Petersburg has informed the sultan that the annexation of Crete to Greece is imminent and inevitable.
A fire occurred in Chicago on October 30 which destroyed the homes of 75 families, the property loss all told amounting to $750,000.
A circus train was wrecked near Lexington, North Carolina, on October 29, and 110 of the horses were killed.
President Roosevelt has fixed Thursday, November 28, as a day of national thanksgiving.
The Church of Man.
By S.
According to Watchword and Truth, a new church has been started in Chicago. It styles itself the Church of Man, and states that its purpose is “for the uplifting and glorification of man,” and “to preach, teach, and practise the doctrine of monology instead of theology.” It invites all men and women to become members, and “work for the uplifting and betterment of humanity.” Its creed “contains only the word ‘justice,’ which can be appealed to for the proper regulation of the human family. Persons of all beliefs will be admitted, but no one can hold office who manifests a belief in a personal or supernatural God.”
This is but another manifestation of Satan’s continued effort to rule God out of the universe and out of the minds and hearts of men. Man’s forgetting of God is responsible for all the idolatry that has come into the world. Forgetting Him and working for the glorification of the creature rather than the Creator, men have wandered into all forms of sin. Here is a record of that very thing brought down to us from the times of pagan idolatry: “When they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man,” etc. Rom. 1:21-23. Thus they “changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator.” Verse 25. Having forsaken God, they were given over to their own ways, which led them into all the infamous practices with which they disgraced humanity and dishonored God. This new church will probably not worship images; but in the place of the Creator they are putting the creature, glorifying and exalting man; and the result is bound to be as disastrous to the souls of men as was the idolatry of heathendom. The world to-day is fast approaching the condition where the Lord will say of it, “Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone.” And when God let Ephraim alone, he was lost. So will the world be, when, given over to the glorification of self, God shall say of it, Let it alone. S.
HOME INFLUENCE.
By Charles Howard Welch
IN the great kaleidoscope of worldly activities, there is nothing more essential to the right development and edification of men than the influence which they receive from their first abode in life—home. There is nothing, perhaps, in the journey from the cradle to the grave, that does more to mold a man's character than the inspiration received at his mother's knee. Nothing in a man's earthly career can be more profoundly and indelibly11impressed upon his mind than the doctrines gained by the side of the “old arm chair.” Home is the first school. Home influences fit and mold the child for the activities of life, its cares, its duties, and its sorrows. What we are taught in childhood, we shall remember through life. Everything else may be obliterated from memory, but the instructions of a good home will never pass into oblivion. What we learn during childhood, while our brains are plastic, will to a great extent be retained; and if molded rightly and ineffaceably impressed, will carry us beyond the eccentricities of the average being into the realms of greatest success.
Home! What is it? To some it is love and exhilaration, to others absolute damnation. What will be the influence upon a child bred in a home of wickedness and evil? He is an imitator, and will illustrate the conditions of his heinous environment; you can detect upon his countenance and movements in life the character of his home training. Reputation is only the shadow of character; hence a man's character can never be improved by his reputation. Some men display affability and courtesy in public life, reserving impetuosity and petulance for the domestic circle. Such men are cowards and smooth deceivers. A home influence of this kind can never be forgotten by a child who is bred in its atmosphere; and it will probably prepare him for the gallows, or still worse—his eternal doom.
Home, not the street, is evidently the place to train the child. Home is the place to prepare a child for his future, and to adapt him to meet the requirements of life. Its training and influence either inspire him with such an intrepidity and zeal as will carry him far beyond earthly rewards, or it may mean his future annihilation.
Fathers, mothers, beware of the influences that surround your children. Train them to confront the obligations of this era. Bring them up in the proper way; make obvious to their minds the right and virtuous methods of living. Let not the influence of a good and moral home be abated, but let its goodness, its sublime precautions, and its magnificent ways of life be kept before the young, and impressed upon their minds; and instead of an earthly and eternal doom, they will be heirs to everlasting glory. CHARLES HOWARD WELCH.
Mount Union, Penn.
SOME STUDIES IN PHYSICS.
By Frederick Griggs
It is the purpose of this series of science studies to cover in an exceedingly brief way the field of science, and to offer a few suggestions as to nature studies in the home. I do not know but I should say that I am not writing these articles directly for the children, but for them through the parents, tho I hope some things that I may say at times may be of direct interest to them. Many mothers and, for that matter, teachers, feel themselves incompetent to teach nature studies. Such should remember that the basis of all learning is observation—seeing. Memorizing is far too often considered the highest form of learning, when, as a matter of fact, it is quite the lowest. Observation leads to comparison, which is thinking; and all original thinking is learning. Now, one who has eyes can see. I grant that eyes which have been trained see more than those that are yet untrained. But the way to train the eyes to see is to see, to look closely.
So no matter what may have been the previous training and education of parents, or how old they may be, the eye may yet be trained to see and the mind to think—and keenly and intelligently, too—about the works of God, or nature. Let such parents begin with their children, asking and answering questions. The children can ask questions which will make the wisest of men search for the true answer. A little child shall lead them—such parents—into fields of thought far above the sordid cares of life. I well know that nearly every father and mother who will follow these studies is very busy. They are anxious to help their children, and to be helped, to a better understanding of the works—wonderful works—of God. I am very anxious to say something to assist these busy parents in this very work. But the field of science is so very broad that no one could cover it fully, did he live ten lives. So, in the brief space of these articles, all I can hope to do is to impress the necessity of using one's own eyes and brains. To this end I can call attention to only a few facts in each branch or science, which may serve to illustrate something of the nature of the study in that particular field. Not that I regard these which I use as the most important, for it would be exceedingly difficult to say what were the most important. I have been asked by some of my readers to give an outline of studies in nature. But this has been done by others far better, undoubtedly, than I could do. However, I do not think that what is most needed is outlines, but the habit of observation. So this is what I have confined myself to emphasizing. I believe in reading books on nature, but they should be made secondary to seeing. I do want to enforce the idea, however, of the use of the Book. There are but few things in nature that are not mentioned in the Word of God. By aid of the concordance these words can be found, and they throw great light upon the works. So upon busy parents I can only urge the necessity of a systematic study of the Word and works with the children, even if but for a few minutes each day. This study will lighten the day's duties and brighten its hours.
What the forces of nature are doing now in the Frigid Zones.
But to come to the direct study of this article. There are but two great forces in nature,—physical and chemical. We speak of the study of the physical forces as physics, and of the chemical forces as chemistry. Chemical forces are seen in the changes in the composition of an object, as, for instance, when, by fermentation, alcohol enters cider; or when common salt or sugar dissolves in water.
Physical changes or forces are illustrated by the action of frost, heat, light, snow, dew, etc. The most important conception for a child to gain of these forces is that under God they have a direct relation to his existence. So close is this relation that his life is, to a great measure, conditioned by them. By many the idea is often entertained that the child is not interested in a study of these forces, but prefers animals or plants. This is a mistaken idea.
Quite a little of the study of these forces involves experiments. This will take the time of busy parents, but the long evenings of winter can be most profitably spent in this way. Expensive apparatus for these experiments is not necessary. In fact, it often hinders more than it helps; for the mind of the child is taken from the experiment to the apparatus, and the lesson is quite lost. It does not take much ingenuity readily to construct the apparatus necessary for nearly all experiments.
To illustrate what I have been saying about the study of the forces of nature, and the apparatus often necessary for their study, I wish to speak of the study of light, and the making of a prism for its study. A prism is usually a transparent body with three rectangular sides. It is not always necessarily this, however, but for the study of light, should be. To make a prism, take three pieces of window-glass of equal size, say one inch wide by four long. Take a triangular piece of tin larger than the prism formed by the three pieces of glass; bend up the sides so that a bottom for the prism will be formed, into which the three pieces of glass will just fit. Seal up all seams with common sealing-wax, fill with clear water, and a prism is made. This is a far better one than one of solid glass, which has been bought—not in itself, but because our hands made it. The lesson of learning to make for ourselves is most valuable.
In a window, where the direct sunlight will strike it, place the prism. Between the prism and the sun place a piece of cardboard, in which there has been cut a small slit. Let the sunlight pass through this opening and strike the prism. Note the changes which the prism makes in the sunlight. How many changes can be seen? Put a piece of white paper in the different rays. What color does it appear to be? Are the colored rays in a straight line with the sunlight that enters the prism? Which rays are nearest and which farthest from a straight line with the sunlight? Many ideas will be observed other than these I have suggested.
Light is, perhaps, the greatest of physical forces. A study of the first chapter of the Bible will reveal that the Spirit of God was the light that was in the earth before the sun was created. The light of the sun can be but one manifestation of the Spirit of God. God's Spirit is life. This is how the light of the sun can give life. This idea of the connection of light and life follows throughout the Bible. For instance, we find John saying of Christ, in the opening of his Gospel, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” The light of the sun is as much the life of God as is the life which comes at the second or spiritual birth, and continues throughout the life of the “new man.” It is, however, an entirely different manifestation of His life, and in a different degree; but it is all the Spirit of our heavenly Father—the Spirit of life—no matter in what form manifested.
FREDERICK GRIGGS.
South Lancaster, Mass.
SUBMISSION
By S. W. Carter
SINCE the Father's arm sustains thee,
Peaceful be;
When a chastening hand restrains thee,
It is He;
Know His love in full completeness,
Feel the measure of thy weakness;
If He wound thy spirit sore,
Trust Him more.
Without murmur, uncomplaining,
In His hand
Leave whatever things thou canst not
Understand;
Tho the world thy folly spurneth,
From thy faith in pity turneth,
Peace thy utmost soul shall fill,
Lying still.
Like an infant, if thou thinkest
Thou canst stand,
Childlike, proudly pushing back
The proffered hand,
Courage soon is changed to fear,
Strength doth feebleness appear;
In His love if thou abide,
He will guide.
Fearest sometimes that thy Father
Hath forgot?
Tho the clouds around thee gather,
Doubt Him not.
Always hath the daylight broken,
Always hath He comfort spoken,
Better hath He been for years
Than thy fears.
Therefore, whatsoe'er betideth,
Night or day,
Know His love for thee provideth
Good alway.
Crown of sorrows gladly take,
Grateful wear it, for His sake,
Sweetly bending to His will,
Lying still.
To His own thy Saviour giveth
Daily strength,
To each troubled soul that liveth
Peace at length;
Weakest lambs have largest share
Of the tender Shepherd's care;
Ask Him not, then, when or how,
Only bow.
—S. W. Carter.
HOMELY HINTS FOR THE KITCHEN.
By Annie Balcomb Wheeler
[Annie Balcomb Wheeler, in Christian Work.]
INSTEAD of holders, try using small towels, large enough to hold both sides of a hot pie or pudding, and made of denim, ticking, or very coarse, thick crash. A holder needs to be two holders in removing hot things from the oven, and the towel is more convenient.
The habit of having the stove towel fastened to the cook is an important one, for towels and holders have the fault of hiding when they are most needed. Safety-pin to a tape fastened to the belt or apron, and besides being by you in every emergency, it saves one's house gown and apron. Personally I have a habit of tucking it into the binding of my apron when working about the sink or tubs; it catches the spatters and saves the dress or apron. It is handy, too, to wipe one's hands upon, if you happen to be the other side of the kitchen from the towel rack.
The habit of using newspapers about the kitchen saves much labor. Keep them in a pile near the sink and stove, and when cleaning lamps, silver, scouring pans, taking up ashes, etc., spread them down to catch all dirt, and when through the task roll them up and put into the fire. Use pieces of them to rub grease and smut off the pots, pans, and sink before washing them—saving just so much work of washing a grimy, greasy dish-cloth.
The paper bag, or “sack” as it is called in many places, is equally as useful as the newspaper. Slip the hand into one before taking up the stove brush or cloth, and it saves griming the fingers. It makes an excellent dust cover for lamps and fruit jars, not only keeping the latter clean, but protecting strawberries and similar fruit from fading from the light. The variety of fruit and date of canning is easily written upon the bag, saving pasting and writing labels.
One can not be too careful regarding jars and rubbers. Jars should be sterilized, and the rubbers a close fit, especially if jars are used for milk, vinegar, etc.; when not needed for fruit, it is more important that they should be boiled out; then, too, if put away empty and sealed tight, there is always a close, musty smell when opened, even if they had been immaculate when put away; the easiest way to get them absolutely clean is to put them (jars and tops, but not rubbers) into a wash boiler which has sufficient water to cover them (cold water only), using a tablespoonful of pearline to every pailful of water needed, then cover them closely and let all come to a boil, and boil ten minutes; rinse them in clear hot water, or wait until they have cooled considerably and use cold rinse water; this method of cleansing will leave them perfectly sweet, clean, and germ proof.
Always fill the jars as full as possible, and after putting on the covers, turn them upside down to see if any of the liquid oozes out. If even a drop appears, the fruit will spoil. It is not always the rubbers that cause the trouble; sometimes the glass above the top is uneven, and a very little difference will throw the rubber out and let in the air. Rubbers that do not snap back in place upon being pulled are not safe to use, and since they are so inexpensive it is better to use fresh ones each year rather than risk the loss of the fruit.
