8 ©lj* &tar-3nb*ji*ttiUrtt ( Ettabhshed in 1876) Published b • THE STAR PRINTING COMPANY, ' /* Star.lndependent Building, M-20-22 South Third Straat, Harris bur*. Pa. ■wary Evening Except Sunday Officer! i Dirtcfr*. BKUAMIK r JOHM L. L. Kchk. President. Wm. W Wallow* it. _ - H ,„„ Vice President. WM - *- " ,iui Wm. K Miters, Secretary and Treasarer. Wm. W Wallowcr. Wm H Warner, V. Hummel Bemobaus. Jr., Business Manager. Editor All communications should be addressed to Star-Indkprndekt, Business, Editorial, Job Printing or Circulation Department, according to tbe subject matter. Entered at the Post Office in Hsrrisburg as second-class matter. Benjamin A Kentnor Company, New York and Chicago Representatives Hew York OBoe, Brunswick Building. 225 Fifth Avenue. Chicago Office, People's Uas Building, Michigan Avenue, Delivered by carriers at 6 cents a week. MaUed to subscriber; for Three Dollars a /est in advance. , THE~STA*7NDEPKNDENT The paper with the largest Home Circulation in Harris burg ana Marby towns. Circulation Examine* by THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN ADVERTISERS. TELEPHONES- SELI/" Private Branoh Exchange. - - No. 3280 CUMBERLAND VALLEY Prlvata Branch Eaohanga, No. I4S-246 Friday, December 11, 1014. '""i " - "in ■■■■ n —a— 1,1 ■ DECEMBER Son. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thur. Fri. Sat. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 MOON'S PHASES— , Full Moon, 2nd; Last Quarter, 10th; New Moon, lfltb; First Quarter, 24th. WEATHER FORECASTS 'if ' 'V Harrisburg and vicinity: Partly •loudy to-night and Saturday. Some- jr what colder to-night, with lowest tem- r V jf&Sy/K. perature slightly below freezing. Ea»tern Pennsylvania: Partly cloudy aßflr* to-night and Saturday, slightly colder * to-night. Light to moderate northwest . J winds. rw YESTERDAY'S TEMPERATURE IN HARRISBURO Highest, 35; lowest, 31; 8 a. m., 32; 8 p. ni., 34. OUR LACK OF PREPAREDNESS DOESN'T MATTER The militarism which some of the people dread is killing itself. It will not survive this war. Thus briefly the New York "World" this morn ing convincingly answers all the arguments of those frightened persons who think this nation should plunge into a campaign of extravagant ex penditure to make United States "prepared for war." It is not unnatural that timid Americans should show some alarm over the fact, as the "World" points out, that they have seen ''national obliga tions, international law and the claims of civiliza tion lightly disregarded" by the nations involved in the great struggle beyond the seas. All these things have tardily impressed on Americans how unprepared we all along have been for war, but the fact is the possibility is past of the United States needing a standing army the size of those of the great European Powers or a naval equip ment equal to theirs. It is past, at least for many years to come. Even admitting a very remote possibility of our becoming involved in the present fight,—on one eide or the other, —there is no need now for us to spend hundreds of millions for new battleships and new armies. No nation involved in the present strife could or would attempt to come in and crush us, —even with our present limited military equip ment, —for all of them have all they can attend to in Europe and will have until this war is over. Again, assuming, as seems altogether probable, that we will succeed in maintaining our neutrality throughout the present conflict, all the nations at present involved will be so impoverished at the close of these hostilities that a revulsion of feeling against militarism is sure to result among their people which will certainly, together with their depleted treasuries, have the effect of preventing them from building up anew the tremendously ex pensive fighting machines that are now so rapidly being reduced to junk. The fact is America has never been prepared for war with any of the great European Powers. It is true many of us probably never realized it. "We have lived in a state of Utopian ignorance of what might have happened to us through the lack of a navy as strong as those of the world Powers and the lack of an army as large as theirs; but the dan ger now is past. At the close of the present war it will be years before the Powers abroad can build up new fighting machines of anything like the size and strength of those their enemies are now de stroying, if popular sentiment in those nations does not eliminate the evil of militarism in a lasting and effective way. We have escaped foreign invasion thus far, — through good luck, perhaps,—but we will escape it in the future through the fact that none of the Powers will have anything left to fight with. Why, then, should we now waste hundreds of millions of dollars to prepare for a war that no one will be able to make? SUFFRAGE FOR WASHINGTONIANS Perhaps the residents of Washington, D. C., have been agitated by the fact that United States Sena tors now are elected by popular vote, or perhaps it is merely one of their periodic protests,—the cam paign they are waging for the right to vote. At any rate, they are at it again. They want the District of Columbia converted, by a constitutional HARRISBURG STAR-INDEPENDENT, FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 11, 1914. amendment, into & state of the Union and desire thAt this new state have one United States Senator and Representatives to correspond with popula tion. They further request the power to recall Commissioners appointed for them by the Presi dent, and to pass on fiscal legislation enacted for them by Congress. Then, too, they insist 011 having a voice in the election of the presidents who dwell in their midst. Whatever the disadvantages may be of enfran chising the residents of Washington, and the plan of course has its drawbacks, we must admit that they are peculiarly well qualified to take an active part in the conduct of national affairs, situated as ; they are at the seat of the nation and in constant touch with the affairs of government. As proof of the intelligence 6f Washingtonians, take President Wilson's newsboy! When he deliv ered papers at the White House the other day, he , drew Secretary Tumulty into conversation about the President's message to Congress, subsequently explaining that he had to submit an essay on the subject at school and thought he might as well get his information direct from headquarters. That boy, by keeping his eyes and ears open, will learn a lot about the government of the United States, yet if he continues to be a resident of Wash ington when he reaches legal age, and the laws have not changed, he will have no voice in the conduct of national affairs. "IMPRESSIONS" OF AMERICA This country is about tired of having foreigners visit it and get "impressions" to take back home with them for use in books. The practice has already done too much damage. Impressions of America which Charles Dickens published years ago still have their effect on Englishmen, preventing them from knowing the real America of to-day. The criticisms of other visitors, less eonsi-ientious than Dickens, have done even more harm. We in this country are bored by published im pressions of us, and in some instances disgusted. We realize that no alien can form honest and accu rate opinions of us during a brief visit in a few sectious of our vast country, among the members of but one class of our society. We do not care in the least to know what such a person thinks of us. The Irish novelist, Birmingham, in an interesting book of experiences just off the press, tells how he had sailed for America with carefully prepared comments on this country in readiness for the New York reporters, having expected them to question him first thing regarding his impressions of the United States. But he was disappointed. The re porters asked him about conditions in Ulster. The American press, and hence the great public whose wants it knows, does not care to hear for eigners talk about this country, of which they can know little, but rather about their own native lands, of which they are supposed to know a great deal. We take it the weather man is saving up the sunny days for the Yuletide. Some of those European navies will soon be reduced to a sampan and a ratboat. It has cost Ambassador Herrick $400,000 to represent this country in France, which is probably why country editors are not candidates for jobs in the dimlomatie service. Jiet us spend enough to keep our Navy modern, but don't let us waste money trying to make it as big as the navies of the European Powers that are rapidly being made smaller by the shot and shell of their enemies! The Federation of Labor has declared in favor of a new constitutional convention to draft a constitution to take the place of the antiquated instrument under which this State is now working. It is about time we were getting out of the tallow-candle period into the brighter rays of the electric light. TOLD IN LIGHTER VEIN ALIBI EASY At a social session in Washington reference waß made to the matter of making bad breaks, when Congressman James A. Frear, of Wisconsin, was reminded of an incident along that line. "Some time ago," he said, "a farmer out my way began to miss chickens and in order to better protect them he had the door of the coop fitted with iron bars. Still the fowls disappeared, and finally a party named Rastus was arrested on suspicion. " 'There seems to be no evidence against this man,' said Rastus' lawyer to the judge at the subsequent trial, 'and I ask your honor to discharge liim.' " "I will let him off with a suspended sentence,' answered the judge, 'provided he enn file an alibi. Can you flic an alibi, Rastus!' he continued, turning to the defendant. " 'Yessah, boss. YessahV was tho prompt response of Rastus. 'I kin if dey ain't no harder dan do -iiahs of Mistah Johnsing's chicken coop.' " —Philadelphia Tele graph. VALUABLE DISCOVERY Charles H. Britting, proprietor of the New York Actors' restaurant known as the Little Hall of Fame, took a keen interest in popular trends and movements of all kinds. Mr. Britting thought little of scientific management and efficiency engineering. He said one day of an efficiency engineer: "Blank is a fool and I thought he'd go broke. But, by jingo, the fellow has deceived me. He has discovered a labor-saving device and his address will be Easy street from now on." "Good boy, Blank," said an actor, "and what labor saving device has ho discovered!" "An elderly widow," Mr. Britting answered —"an elderly widow with a million who has consented to marry him."— New York Tribune. PRODIGAL Nurse—"Why, Bobby, you selfish little boy? Why didn't you give your sister a piece of your apple!" Bobby—"l gave her the seeds. She can plant 'em and have a whole orchard." —Judge. PEACE AT ANY PRICE "What is the shape of the earth!" asked the teacher. "Round." "How do you know it's round!" "All right, it's square, then; I don't want to start any argument."—Columbia Jester. THE GLOBE Open Evenings Until Christmas, Beginning Monday, Dec. 14th A Lucky Business <4 /~*OME at once," was the message of one of our best suit and overcoat makers. Within twelve hours we were "on the job." The result —a big purchase of clothing of excep tional style—merit and quality. An opportunity that comes very seldom—but just in time for Christmas and the right time for YOU. f Snappy Balmacaans, worth sls & $lB, at § .75 We would have purchased double the quantity of these ■ B ■ serviceable overcoats, if they were available. Donebal |0 m ■ Tweeds in plaid effects—Scotchy Homespuns and Silesian $5 Beaver Cloths—in the real Balmacaan style. ® Chesterfield Overcoats, worth S2O, at ||||F JJQ Dressy overcoats for the more conservatively inclined £| man —the business man—the professional man—the mid- M _ fl| die-aged or elderly man. Beautiful Oxford ( i ray and Black || §1 Melton Cloths —superbly finished and hand-tailored. P Men's & Young Men's Suits, worth s2l, at gi IP QQ There is a difference in GLOBE CLOTHES—a dif- 8$ " ference in tone and character that makes them distinctive. i| If These are fancy Blue Serges, neat Silk Mixed Worsteds ffiMn and Tartan Plaid Cheviots. Suits for all occasions—sizes |g| Suits of the Better Sort, worth $25 to 539, at g|| sq Dressy suits that have an air of refinement —that em body every "ear mark" of the finest tailor-made. No man if need "stand back" because of these clothes —he'll doubt- m B less be asked by his admiring fellowmen, "What store m>m Unaa sells such unusual clothing?" Buy That Boy a Right-Posture Suit $/C.85 At These Unusuai Savings, 57.50 & $8.50 Suits at v- A rare variety of sturdy suits that will make both boy and parents happy. The boy will appreciate the gift, the parents the unusual wear. < < Cheviots, Serges and Tweeds, in every wanted style. Boys' "Nifty" Balmacaans at $7.50 and $lO Balmacaans —those loose-fitting, swagger overcoats, all the well BRING you Xmas dressed boys are wearing. They combine service and utility with snap- Savin £S Fund Checks py ' style—the proper coats for every purpose. Made of cravenetted rough , ® , . , Scottish Tweeds in beautiful colorings—raglan shoulders and convertible collar, nere to be casnea. Originally priced at slo.oo' and $12.50. THEGLOBE ■I ill I n I I ti rmiwn hi ■■■■■■■ * | Tongue-End Topics v He Didn't Crack a Smile The solemn man selected a cigar from the box set before him and then, j by way of conversation, remarked: "That's a terrible war they're hav ing in the Old Country, George." "Yes," replied George Harry, as he replaced the box in the case, "it cer tainly is. I hear the Dutch have taken Holland." "That may be," said the solemn man, "but you can't always believe these censored dispatches." And the traffic cop on tie eornar stopped the frightened team just as it was about to make a wild dash. • * ' Told the Wrong Man It was at a meeting of the Board of Pardons. Among the lawyers assem bled to argue cases were John H. Fow, i the familiar "fog horn," who is known to everybody for his bluntness of | speech, and Senator "Sam" Salus, both lof Philadelphia. During the proceed j ings Senator Salus was observed to be : convulsed with laughter and it excited , the curosity of Secretary McAfee, who | was sitting in solemn judgment. Mc- Afee sent a note to Salus inquiring the ; cause of his mirth. For answer Salus 1 wrote the following: "A Philadelphia attorney has three ; cases on the argument list, all from different counties, and none of them from Philadelphia. Fow saw the list and reading it over turned to the man sitting at his side, and pointing to the three cases represented by the Phila delphian, said 'Gee, that fellow must |be a regular jail chaser-' The man j didn't answer. He was thb fellow who j had the three#ases." j. And Secretary McAfee joined in the j laugh. ** * * Tried to Fool Stroup From the office of District Attorney M. E. St roup and through bounty do tectives the newspapers this week were informed of the invasion of Har risburg by a so-called "humbug" who was endeavoring to "sting" the wom en of the city with a $5 set of furs which he offered to sell "for the small sum of $25." As tho story came out of the office of the District Attorney, where many complaints are lodged, no question was raised as to its authen ticity nor was it even suspected that the District Attorney had information concerning the alleged crook except what hail been told to him. The story was a good "tip," both to tho news papers and to the women, and it now develops that the District Attorney himself was a subject upon whom tho flim-flammer tried to work his game of swindle, —but all in vain. Mr. Stroup said the visitor was a "slippery, loose- tongued individual." Undoubtedly he! was, for he got away with about half an hour of the County Prosecutor's j time. The man had a real line of j "gab," telling how impossible it would j be to duplicate the "valuable" furs he 1 is selling "for only $25" and wind- j ing up with a hard luck tale of how his firm is "going under' because of the war, and the unseasonable fall. It: sounded good to the D. A. In fact, it; was too good. * • " Got an-Expert's Opinion "Mike" Stroup has heard too many | Where Quality Counts! Special Xmas offerings and suggestions as to what to buy for liim. A visit to our store will help you greatly in selecting appropriate gifts of quality at low prices. On account of limited space we only mention a few items to give you an idea of our vast stock of Men's Furnishings. Everything Guaranteed or Y. M. B, 0, D. If Not Satisfied »;ic to 50c Handkerchiefs, Linen and Silk 5c to 50c Hosiery. 10c to ."SOc Tie ' Hose and Handkerchief Combination^,^ Ga S rters der . 8 :V. 50c Belt and Garter Sets in single box, ... .50cand7Bc A __ Hip tn Shirts, oUC to f3.00 ah •' ' "J ' VLViV 'I Underwear, 2 piece and Union Suits, SOc to $3.00 All conic in ample Holiday boxes. X ,V ? t i n t UaijLi, Kav «i tn ( ollars, Arrow, Lion and Royal. slrf Pins ' ' 25r to 812 00 Men's Sweater Coats, all colors and styles, ins rZ \° n SI.OO to $5.00 l in rel a-s, •> iiT'o,, Special—Children's Sweater Coats, grey and blue, £> ov ? s ' ' • \ 1° *- 50c grade, our Christmas price, . 10c s Shaving Sets SI.OO to . . .#I.OO to $8.00; Stetsons, s:s.so to $5.00 Smoking Sets 50c to $2.00 f i, - n Toilet Sets. Comb, Brush & Mirror, #I.OO to SO.OO , a,ls ' " '. t« aiann r , ~ * _ <2- 4>K a.- -ux Rain Coats, H.oO to $12.00 Pn «r b™, *1 00 and Balmacaan O'Coats $12.00 to f 15.00 S r ®X.. » ™ Suit Cases #I.OO to $7.50 .Neck Tie Boxes, ••..••<..«•«».. ••.... .™l .'io .. , « pc#\ f« §< $ Bath Robes, $3.50 to $7.50 (also slippers to match) TrJ^ka at ooa't" price. READY-MADE SUITS All wool, well made $6.50 to $8.50 Better grades, SIO.OO to $15.00 Overcoats, $12.50 to $15.00 Trousers, SI.OO to sß.^o We represent the ROYAL TAILORS. Suits and Overcoats made to order, a perfect fitting garment guaranteed, for $16.00 to $35.00. All orders placed before or on the 16th wiil be delivered before Xmas. By visiting our store and looking over our line of Men's Furnishings you will at once be convinced that we can save you a good margin of your Xmas money. ' Watch our window displays. ALL PURCHASES EXCHANGED AFTER XMAS THE QUALITY SHOP MEN'S FURNISHER AND HATTER Front and Locust Streets ° pen Svenlngs Steelton, Penna. > —■ * I persons endeavoring to "got away j with" that same line of "dope" and \ho called his visitor 's hand. He im | pressed the man as being a prospective ! purchaser and even induced him to leave Jiis wares in the office until the ! salesman got his dinner. While the man i | was absent a furrier, —called 'in by) j Stroup,—examined the furs. "Nothing doing," said the furrier, j j "Not good enough to fasten on a dog.! | Can't say they 're worth a dollar, al- j | though it might not be a violation of j the law to charge $5 for them." The furrier departed and into ' the office tripped the salesman, after lunch. A moment later he tripped out while "Mike" was saying: "Beat, it, boy, and don't let me catch you around here agaiu! Your junk isn't worth examining. Got out." The man promised to leave the city on the next train. People are posting themselves on the ma.p of Kurope just at a time when the map is about to be changwl.