i WTS RCT a 1 “rude { A Column Thoughts Home | Dedicated As They Cc I | XR Tired Fa ircle | Mothers ‘rom the | | @s They _ditorial Join the ‘en:— | Depart- | Home ’leasant | Circle at ivening | { Evening Jeveries. | ment. Tide. i THE EMPTY STOCKING. It is not your own little loved one,or our neighbor’s darling, or the child of ny of your acquaintances, which ~rouches dead-eyed and hungry-heart- -d before its empty stocking, while all he rest of the world is flooded with «*hristmas gladness. No; it is the child of the very poor, he fatherless, the outcast, the forgot- cen child of the dark alley that joy ever enters, and the heartless hovels hat shut out cheer and hope. Where in all humanity is there great- -r longing, dearer expectation, sweeter ope than in the heart of a child on «Jhristmas morn? In all the earth there is no look so sad, no sob so stabbing as are called forth by the empty stocking. In our Christmas joy let us not for- zet why Christ was born. Let us’ not forget the poor and friendless whom he :ommends to our loving care. Let us not forget that on this day heaven as well as earth should have some share of joy. BE A MAN. Young men and old men, how do you sxpect to spend Christmas? Have you yrdered a jug of whiskey and invited a half dozen of your friends to spend Jhristmas with you in drinking, curs- ing and whooping like a gang of In- tians, or do you aim to get your wife und children some nice little presents and take the little fellows on your knee and tell them about the good old Santa Claus, and about Jesus, whose hirth we celebrate? Men, don’t spend Jhrist’s birthday in drinking and curs- ng. Make this the happiest Christmas hat your wife and children ever spent. Young man, don’t keep your mother in ‘rouble during this Christmas. Make t pleasant for her. When you leave ome tell her where you are going and vhen you are coming back, and then sou will leave her with a smile, instead f eyes red from weeping and uneasi- J@B8, THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS, Of all the year’s festival days, Christ- nas is peculiarly the festival of love. Jaster commemorates the resurrection f Jesus. It is our festival of life, di- sine and immortal ; for the power that ‘aised Christ from the dead has passed .nto the lives of the millions. It comes with peculiar appropriateness at the season of the year when nature is awakening to spring, and everywhere .re waem winds, sunshine, growth and “eauty. Thanksgiving is our festival of divine ‘rovidence, celebrating the loving care f God over all that He has made. It :omes at the time when, in agricultural ~ommunities, the earth’s fruitage has een garnered and the year’s work iraws to a close. It is a good time in Il pursuits to close the books with od, and to bring to him the only pos- ible return for his beneficence, the <ratitude and appreciation of our ~earts. s y But Christmas is the climax of the “‘hristian year. It is our festival of ove, and as such is it not beautifully itting that the day should be celebrat- -d by the bestowment of gifts? Itis as atural for love to give as for birds to -ing and for flowers to grow. The spirit of Christmas is the spirit | i giving. This spirit takes hold upon | t© De in no way affected by the lack of i1 classes of people, carrying into very soul the sweetness and purity of | = | secticides and stop the work of the | wood-borers. we’s ministry. It lavishes gifts in womes of wealth, and it finds a way in he direst poverty. Christmas was the day when God ave His richest gift to man—Jesus the ‘hrist—and that marvelous gift of the ay and given birth to the spirit of ;iving among men. And for this rea- ‘on let us give remembrances to just as xnany people as we can afford to give, o those of our own homes, to our riends and to the poor. It doesn’t ~eed to be much, so that it is a token if friendship. Remember particularly he lives that are cast in hard places. ~ift a mortgage, pay a debt, send a heck to a brave woman who is bravely ighting for her children. Bring the joung man or woman who is away ‘rom home to your own fireside. Send « Christmas dinner where you are sure ‘here would be a scant one if you did not send it. : But this spirit of Christmas which is to find its expression in the gift of lov- ‘ng service, is not the spirit of mere senevolence. Kindness that is not in- spired by comradeship is not beautiful at all. It may be pity from a proud heart, but that is not the deep brother- ly love of Christianity. Men need friends more than they need alms. - We all need each other’s friendships. We are inseparable, bound together as men of one race and men of all races. The powerful need the sympathy and rec- ognition of the humble, the rich of the poor, the cultured of the unrefined, and for this reason the life which finds its ~xpression in unaffected and universal iriendship is the life which has most nearly caught the spirit of Christ and of Christmas. Let us give gifts, and among them that larger gift of living service. Thus will the spirit of Christ- mas be shed abroad and make the world brighter and better. FAMILY GATHERINGS. As far as possible let there be family gatherings and reunions during the ap- proaching holidays. Bringthe children and grandchildren and other loved ones together. Let them assemble once more around the family board to partake of the joyful feast, after which let there be pleasant and innocent rec- reation and enjoyment. Tell the little ones of Bethlehemn’s manger and its illustrious occupant—why it occurred and in what way they can be benefited by it. Such scenes and experiences will help to smooth away many of your cares and refresh your memories with incidents of other days now long past. Some will not be with you at this gath- ering who were with you a year ago. Some are far from home, in distant lands, perhaps, and among strangers, but they will think of you and the old home and its happy Christmas gather- ings and greetings, and you will think of them and miss them, while some have passed to their reward. Above all, let it be a season of peace and good will. If there be any difference, and misunderstandings, any estrange- ments existing, or any unkind feelings, or harsh thoughts, now is the time to make up. PROLONGING THE LIFE OF MINE PROPS. An Enormous Saving in the Cost of Coal Mining Can Be Effected by the Use of Preservative Treatments. One of the biggest expenses connect- ed with coal mining is found in the mine timbers used to support the va- rious gangways. Their destruction by decay and breaking costs many hune dreds of thousands of dollars annually, and in some cases the loss of human life. Mine operators are fully familiar with these losses. They know also that the seasoning and the preservative treatment of timber add to ite life in service in the mine. But it has only recently been established by experi- ment that effective seasoning and treat- ing with creosote, carbolinium, and zine chlorid as Wood preservatives can be secured at a cost so slight in pro- portion to the greatly increased life of the props as to effect a material saying. The experiment carried on during the past few months by the Philadelphia and Reading Coai and Iron Company, at its collieries near Pottsville, Pa., under the direction of a member of the Forest Service, has resulted in an economy which demonstrates that the preservation of mine props can be put on a firm commercial basis. In the loss of mine timbers at least 60 per cent. are destroyed by decay, and the remainder by crush. The par- centage charged to decay should be even higher, because many of the tim- bers which break have already been weakened by decay. Decay is probably the cause of 75 per cent. of all failures in mine timbers. Insects play a very considerable part in the destruction of mine timber. Many forms are found, including bark borers, ants, and timber worms. Their presence may be due to allowing loge to lie unpeeled for a considerable time after felling. Insect-infested timber is frequently overlooked by the inspee- tors and allowed to go inside the mines. Ants and cerambycid borers may at- tack props after they go in the mine. : There decay spreads rapidly, and the destructive work of the insects appears light or by presence of gases. Creo- sote and carbolinium are effective in- Various materials and mothods for preservative treatment have been tried, and vp to the present time all have proved efficient. Only time will show which are the most satisfactory from the practical point of view. Applied with a brush, creosote and cdrbolinium give an excellent penetration in solid wood. frequently averaging from one- fourth to one-half an inch. Little dif- ference in penetration has as yet been noted between creosote and carbolin- ium, though the latter seems better on absolutely green timber. All brush treatments were applied hot and in two coats. The second coat absorbed prac- tically as much oil as the first. Open-tank treatment has succeeded beyond all expectations. This consists of an immersion of the timbers for sev- eral hours in preservative and then al- lowing them to cool to atmospheric temperature. While the feasibility of the open-tank treatment has been dem- onstrated, there is much yet to be learned. The cost may be reduced by shortening the immersion and thus consuming less fluid. A very heavy treatment is not necessary. The best preservatives approximately double the serviceable life of railway ties, and may be counted on to do the same or better for mine props. Seasqned and treated props, which were put in alongside of the old-style props, unseasoned and un- peeled, are as sound as ever, while the others are already showing signs of fungous growth and decay. a H@ WEDDING Invitations at THE STAR office. A nics new stock justre- ceived. tf. PENNSYLVANIA SERPENTS. Department of Agriculture Issues Interesting Volume. A book of over 200 pages on the snakes of Pennsylvania has been is- sued by the state department of agri- culture, the author being, Prof. H. A. Surface. A part of the Bulletin treats of the myths, fallacies, and folklore of serpents, current in the state. Follow- ing are some of the editor’s observa- tions: Snakes are not blind once a month, nor regularly during “dog days.” Snakes do not moult or shed their skin each month. Serpents cannot blgw out or spit poison. Snakes do not chase and attack peo- ple without provacation. ” Serpents and other reptiles are not slimy. No certain kinds of snakes milk or suck cows. 1t isn’t true that when snakes are killed their tails do not die until the sun goes down or until it thunders. To kill a snake and turn it over will not bring rain. Snakes do not tongues. Snakes do not charm birds and peo- ple. . The green serpents are not venomous There is no such creature as a hoop snake, which rolls like a hoop. There is no horned snake with a ven- omous horn at the end of its tail. During the past year the following from Bedford and Somerset counties have sent specimens to the state de- partment: Common garter snake—J. E Suhrie, Crumb; W. H. Hunter, Bed- ford; R. B. Walls, Saxton. Pilot snake —8. W. Williams, Everett. Grass snake —J. E. Subrie. Black snake—J. E. Suhrie. Ring necked snake—Frank Beemiller, Bedford; J. E. Suhrie. House snake—L. 8. Williams, Everett; J. E. Suhrie. Viper—R.B. Walls. Cop- perhead—Rev. W. E. Kams, Hopewell. The state economic zoologist desires other specimens and notes of observa- tions. sting with their DR. DAVIS’ PRESCRIPTION FOR HEADACHES. When we recommend and guarantee Ake-In-The-Head tablets for headaches and neuralgia it is because we know you must obtain relief or we stand ready to pay your ten cents back. Safe, sure, and always cure. E. H. Miller. 1-1 et ree LARGEST 0X EVER KNOWN. Somerset County, Pa., Has the Hon- or of Leading the World in Big Cattle. The “Centennial ox,” bred by Samuel Barclay, of Somerset county, Pa., was the largest specimen of the bovine the world has ever seen. He weighed 4900 pounds the day he arrived in Philadelphia. This mountain of beef was of mixed stock, being Short-Horn, “Native Scrub” and Ayrshire, the Short-Horn predominating. After the Centennial exhibition was ended, the giant ox was butchered and exhibited as “show beef” in Philadelphia during the Holidays of 1876. A Short-Horn steer weighing 4,100 pounds was slaughtered at Detroit, Mich., in 1874. A. N. Meal, of Moberly, Mo., formerly owned the largest cow in the world. Mr. Meal disposed of her in 1883, the Cole Circus Company being the pur- chasers. She weighed, on the day of sale, 3,206 pounds. John Pratt, of Chase county, Kan.-| of a cow | was formerly the owner weighing 3,200 pounds. She was of the common ‘*‘Serub” stock, and stood nineteen hands high. These facts are contained in the Little Giant Cyclopedia of Ready Rel- erence, by B. L. Armstrong, and are thoroughly reliable. ret eee ee ANNOUNCEMENT. We call your attention to the fact that Dermakola ointment is a positive cure for Eczema, ulcers, wounds, piles, and every kind of skin or scalp trouble. It costs 25 cents if it cures. If it don’t we return your money. E. H. Miller. 1-1 Railway News. The latest from Cumberland via Con- nellsville is—the B. & O. R. R. will carry freight only over the lower-grade, short-route line via Frostburg. All passengers will be carried, a now, over the longer and more dan- gerous route, via Sand Patch—this in order tnat all can stop and see what a tremendous town Cumberland is going to be. This “differential” will give freight the safer as well as shorter haul at freight rates. Passengers will get not only the longer but the more dangerous haul at rates much higher than freight. Other news not so roundabout af- fords assurance that the Wabash will carry both freight and passengers via Frostburg. The B. & O. engineers drove stakes, Wednesday, across the upper end of the C. and P. R.’s covered walk.—Frost- burg Mining Journal. nt WHEN A MAN TELLS YOU it does not pay to advertise, he is simply ad- mitting that he is conducting a busi- poss that is not worth advertising, a Aisiness conducted by a man unfit to wn 0 business, and a business which | should be advertised for sale. tf KILL. vw COUCH favo CURE THE LUNGS «= Dr, King’s New Discovery ONSUMPTION Price FOR | ouGHs ané 50c & $1.00 OLDS Free Trial. Surest and Quicicest Cure for all THROAT and LUNG TROUB- LES, or MONEY BACK. oo AND LIVERY. ™~ C. W. STATLER, - - Proprietor. H@-Two hacks daily, except Sunday, be- tween Salisbury and Meyersdale, connect- ing with trains east and west. Schedule: Hack No.1 leaves Salisbury at........ 8A. M Hack No. 2 leaves Salisbury at........ 1P.M Returning, No 1 leaves Meyersdaleat] P.M No.2leaves Meyersdaleat............. 6 P.M H@F-First class rigs for all kinds of trav- el,at reasonable prices. Murphy Bros. RESTAURANT! ZAIN Headquarters for best Oysters, Ice Cream, Lunches, Soft Drinks, ete. Try our Short-Order Meals—Beef- steak, Ham and Eggs, Sausage, Hot Coffee, etc. Meals to Order at All Ame. Hours! eam We also handle a line of Groceries, Confectionery, Tobacco, Cigars, ete. We try to please our patrons, and we would thank you for a share of your buying. MURPHY BROTHERS, McKINLEY BLOCK, SALISBURY, PA, THE SALISBURY HACK LINE Balsam. S Our White Pine Cough Balsam with tar touches the tickle. i Cough It is very unwise to let it run on. Many times a cough is nothing more than a slight cold, and can be stopped by the use of our Pine This is just the season of the year when tke cool, blustering wind and nipping air are making coughs and colds pretty fast. If you are ’ one of the victims, you need something, and we have that something. We are pretty positive about that. City Drug Store, £ Paul H. Gross, Deutsche Apotheke, & Meyersdale, Pa. ID&F Use Beachy’s Tonic Powder for horses and cattle. For sale at Lichliter’s store. keep you i awake? where LAZIER Gas and Gasoline ENGINES Are adapted for every purpose power Is required. fectly Safe. Strictly High Grade. Vertical Type 2 to 12 H. P. Peor- known the world over an First Awards were secured at all engines 2 to 40 H. P, for manufacturin and portable work, pumping, etc., bof types. All the St i ey Every formation sent 192 Main Street, We operate a lant and every en direct from the fac ry to Pan at tory Prices full in free. LAZIER ENCINE CO., Buffalo, N. Y. Horizontal Type 5 to 100 H. P. Give more power, last longer and < cost less to operate. They are in alo alone over 500 are in use. As Proofef thelr simplicity, scopomy and durability Gold Medals| an large expositons in this ceun- try and Europe. We build gas engines 2 to 100 H. P., g e , electric lighting, horizontal and vertical TT A TOO SAT ATLAS HASTA ITT NF APPOYY fi) = TEVENS 2 >= PA “a “WHEN YOU SHOOT You want to HIT what you are aiming at | —be it bird, beast or target. Make your ! shots count by shooting the STEVENS, For 41 years STEVENS ARMS have carried off PREMIER HONORS for AC- CURACY. Our line: Rifles, Shotguns, Pistols Ask vour Deaier—in- sist on the STEVENS, 1f you cannot obtain, we ship direct, ex- Press prepaid, upon receiptofcatalogprice Send 4 cts, in stamps for 140-page Catalog of compiete output. A vaiuable book of refer. ence for present and prospective shooters. Beautiful three-color Aluminum Hanger will be forwarded for 10 cents in stamps. J, Stevens Arms & Tool Co., P. 0. Box 4096 CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS. U.S. A. URE HOME GROUND GHOP! That’s what we are making a specialty of. pure and fresh—the very best grades of corn and oats that can be obtained. We always keep our chop clean and fresh. One sack will convince you that no Western feed equals our own home-ground feeds. Our prices are cheap, considering the quality of grain that we use. Great Shirt Bargains! We have on hand about 500 nice Dress Shirts that we are offering at sacrifice prices, some for less than cost. One-dollar Shirts, 76c. Fifty-cent Shirts, 40c. Purest (Groceries! Our Groceries are ofgthe purest and best, and we are sole agents for the fa- mous Laurel Flour, ongwhich we have built up a large trade. best meets the demand of the people. We also handle a good line of Every-Day Working Trousers and Gloves. We solicit your patronage and invite you to our store. stay, and we solicit a liberal share of your patronage. West Salisbury Feed Co. We grind grain that is always It is the flour that Once tried, always used. We have come to’ Heart Strength Heart Strength, or Heart Weakness, means Nerve | Btrength, or Nerve Weakness—nothing more. Pos- | itively, not one weak heart in a hundred is, in it- | self, actually diseased. It is almost always a |‘ hidden tiny little. nerve that really is all at fault. : ¥his obscure nerve—the Cardiac, or Heart Nerve | =simply needs, gnd must have, more power, more stability, more “controlling, more governing | strength. Without that the Heart must continue | to fail, and the stomach and kidneys also have | ¢hese same controlling nerves. | This clearly explains why, as a medicine, Dr. | Bhoop's Restorative has in the past done so much | for weak and ailing Hearts. Dr. Shoop first sought { the cause of all this painful, palpitating, suffocat- | ing heart distress. Dr. S8hoop's Restorative—this | popular prescription—is alone directed to these weak and wasting nerve centers. It builds; | it strengthens; it offers real, genuine heart help. If you would have strong Hearts, strong di- | gestion, strengthen these nerves — re-establish them as needed, with Dr. Shoop’s Restorative ELK LICK PHARMACY. JCHN SCHRAMM. FRANK WAGNER. The Quick-Trip HACK .. LINE SCHRAMM & WAGNER, Proprs. Two hacks daily between Salisbury and Meyersdale. Leave Salisbury at 8 A. M. and 2 P. M. Leave Meyersdale in forenoon im- mediately after arrival of all passenger trains, and in the afternoon at 5 o’clock. No mails to bother with. Quick and com- fortable trips guaranteed. Somerset Co. tel- ephone. P.O. Address, ELK LICK, PA. IT IS BAD BUSINESS to allow peo- ple to look in vain through the col- umns of Tee Star for an advertise- use by man or Planters, and Paris beautiful and uniform spread of the fertili ‘We make all fos of Horse Fertilizer Distribute Green Dusters. Send for Illustr: Catalog p 5 the hundred yards of ro P two feet, without removing or siding any or loosening a bolt, and in any quantity from a i pounds up to forty or more pounds to parts Ww. 7 The fertilizer can be instantly divided into twa or more streams, and thus be applied beside or on two more-rows of plants at the same time. TOP-DRESSING STRAWBERRIES. For this work it is the ideal thing, making a zer on any row or bed of strawberries up to two and one-half feet wide. The distributer is light, yet rigid and strong, and easy and pleasant also Potato Planters, Bean and Peanut McWHORTER MFG. COMPANY, Riverton, N. J. The | ment of your business. tf SEG of all GIFTS Articles not alone beautiful, but useful and durable, make the most sensible gift. These good features, together with a moderate price, make the genuine “1847 Rogers Bros.” SPOONS, KNIVES, FORKS, ETC. an ideal Holiday gift. They are made in a great variety of shapes, sizes and designs, handsomely packed in lined cases, and vary in price from 25c. to $3.50. Your dealer can supply you. Write us for our handsome catalogue No. 6 to aid you in making selections. INTERNATIONAL SILVER CO., Successor to RIDEN BRITANNIA 0O0., Meriden, Conn, 5 V4 IRN Rogers Bros. "Silver Plate. That We a Columbia Salad Spoca an TA coh nl pg 5 £ E as.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers