The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-22

As general proposition. what are known
as ''convenieuces" often usher in a long
train of inconvenience. and all improve
ments are accompanied
The Vanished by dr. w backs. In
Bonfire. short, as for every loss
there is a gain, so for
every gain there is a loss.
Indianapolis is getting wonderfully up
TO date, and all that" remarked citizen
who often says he is fifty or Whereabouts"
but must confess that sadly miss some
of our old-time country-town pleasures.
About this time O. year, in other days
we'll, only about fifteen years ago-bon-
fires made of autumn leaves blazed up and
down all the streets in town. 1 remember
used to walk all the way to my home
In the dusk of evening, nearly twenty
squares, just for the pleasure of the bon
fires on Pennsylvania street, and on all the
cross-streets. They made delightful pic
ture, with the flame leaping high and hap
py youngsters frolicking around, under
parental supervision or with older brothers,
heaping leaves on the bonfires. liked the
smell Of the smoke. too: it was clean and
fragrant, and smacked of Indian summer.
1.-The bonfire. too, has an ancient literary
flavor; 1t is old Welsh, old Scotch and Eng
lish, and runs back TO the time of old Druid
rites, when consecrated bonfires were sup
posed to burn all year. Hardys novels are
full of bonfire atmosphere.
But in these days of asphalt streets, the
bonfire in the heart of town a big out
door celebration in autumn has had its day.
On the outskirts though, and on the brick
paved streets, the people still make bon
fires. Women and children sweep up the
leaves all day, and the whole family gets
out together at night and sets the pile blaz-
ing. The other night 1 saw a big bonfire
having a good time on an asphalt street,
probably made by some unenlightened resi-
dent. No one interfered with it. and for
the sake of old-times Indianapolis, must
confess that 1 wickedly enjoyed It,"
In a general summing up of the worlds
share of contentment these days. it is safe
ness may be found
Mr.. Wigs Of the in what is often
CObbler shop. called ''the lower
walks of life"
On the corner of city street somewhat
off the main highway, stands tiny fiat
rooted frame building Of one room, painted
a bright dark blue, and showing, at the
side of the red door, a huge, old-fashioned
iron boot. On the interior the little old
shop is interesting. In one corner is a high
paneled. short, oad-time wooden counter;
a canary in gilt cage hangs at the front
window; under the other window, on his
low bench, submerged in the tools of his
trade, sits the old cobbler. Behind him
stands a tall cupboard full of boot and shoe
lasts in pigeon-holes, and In front of him
an ancient-patterned soft coal stove. A few
chairs cluster on the other side of the
stove, and @ parrot perch is In another
corner. Near the cobbler's knees, on a pole
fastened to the rafters, a coal oil lamp
hangs low. After a little leather transac-
ton the customer fingered. Geniality is not
such a fragrant quality, and the old cob
bier fairly radiated geniality.
lis your business good now?" the custom
er asked,
Good? Oh, graciousl" said the old man,
81 don't get time to stretch my legs. ]
could mend shoes all day and all night"
Machinery can't hurt your work.
''Well. i guess not; it makes it better.
Machine-made shoes wear out fast I've
got lifelong job" the cobbler answered,
laughing till his eyes were shut.
"You seem to like it, said the customer.
"Why not? I sit all day and work, and
people come in and out to bring my work to
me, and they tell me all the news. In the
evening the boys come in to smoke and
to talk. My canary sings all day, these
windows give me all the light want. my
fire keeps me warm, my lamp lis handy,
this is good paying neighborhood. make
a steady living-what more could a man
| ask? / don't even have to take a news
paper. Yesterdays paper always comes
| In on to-day's old Shoes
do you get any exercise?"
Exercise? Sunday I shut up shop and
walk all day long out In the country That
makes me glad to sit here all week"
where is your parrot?" the customer
asked.
"Oh, she jabbered so 1 had to give her
| away. I'm an old bachelor man, and
/ don't like much girl talk"