davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13

company, and also keep tabs on his own
extravaganza at times. There are also val
liable little lessons a housewife may learn
which would result in as much comfort and
efficiency at economical cost. Take for
instance, the simple matter of boiling water
and keeping it at the boiling point A
strong flame may be turned upon the YES
sci containing the water for four or five
then the flame may be turned down to a
mere flicker while the water remains at the
boiling point.
Gas is measured and charged for per cubic
foot In some cities the price now stands
50 cents for 1000 cubic feet, which is es-
tabllshed positively as the lawful rate.
If the bill is 81 1t means that 5000 cubic
feet have been consumed between the last
and next previous readings of the meter.
1T is very simple matter for one to read
his own meter and calculate to penny s
worth the amount of gas he uses in each
twenty-four hours. Should he wish to keep
score against the readings of the gas COM
pany he must first ascertain what the last
reading of the meter by the company was
then from day to day or week to week he
may take his own readings, subtract the
previous reading from it and multiply the
number of cubic feet by so cents and the re-
suit is the price which should be charged
for the gas. Aside from the more frequent
readings and records, 1t would be well also
to follow the gas company's reader and take
the records the same time he takes them
By this means one would know before the
gasman leaves the house what the bill
Dug hit to be.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13

ingly, and II desired to have a more elats
crate effect the lace can be embroidered II
heavy silk outlining the design. Bands q
this trimming on waist and skirt are moB4
effective on any black gown.
The matinee and tea gowns always pref
sent capital opportunities for lace coats and
jackets, and somehow they do seem to Do
appropriate with that style Of dress. What
can be more attractive than the loose lac61
coat that falls in such graceful and becomt.
ing lines from the shoulders, cut away at
the neck in colarless effect, and extremely,
severe in outline. The all-over laces and
nets with a border of the lace itself ar3
over designs are many and varied Made
up as a matinee, the skirt accordion pleated
silk or chiffon or net, loose coat of this
description worn over a fitted lining or q
pleated one to match the skirt is most be-
coming and graceful. If SO desired ii can,
be fashioned to At rather to define the
figure at the sides and back. there can be-
belt slipped through Sits In the side,
seams and sewn fast across the back. This.
is a fashion that defines sharply and most
becomingly a small. round waist. and at th4'
same time the belt II put on to give the
right line will make a large waist look
much smaller-the belt being shaped and
fitted OF course, this is in direct contradict
ton to the prevailing Empire fashions, but
they are also most clevery introduced In
another manner, and in lie meantime al
has already been said, there are poss lbilitise
among the marked-down lace coats now
that can be taken advantage of in this same
style of gown.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13
For Skating Costumes.

Corduroy makes a most attractive Skating
costume. A color that is peculiarly becom-
ing should be selected, for the dress must
be most simply made, relieved only by the
fur collar at the throat and possibly by
some bright shade in the hat. Red is
most effective and Is always charming for
winter. White corduroy is scarcely prac-
teal, but trimmed with mink or sable it
would be difficult to conceive of more
charming costume. Any rough cloth is
better than one with a smooth finish, and
the bright shades of blue, red, green or
brown are all attractive against the dark
fur. 1t IS better to have the collar and
sleeves directly Enei OF, rather, faces. with
fur, or to have double fur collar attached
to the coat, than to wear separate stole
or boa, which is sure to be continually
slipping off and SO be a constant form of
annoyance. A brilliant red cheviot, trim
med with mink or brown marte1, worn
with a hat of the same kind of fur, does
not make such expensive costume, and
nothing could be more effective.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13
The Fashionable Apron.

Every woman who wishes to do quite the
up-to-date thing must be very particular
nowadays to put on her apron when she sits
down to sew or helps with the church fair
or has chafing-dsh supper. The apron Is
very fashionable again, and nearly every
woman received at least one for a Christ
mas gift. If she didn't she should set out
forthwith to make herself one
very attractive apron for sewing, made
of fine white lawn, had pocket all along
the bottom of the front, with a central piece
extending up the front to the belt The
central piece kept the pocket from sagging
which it would have done when work was
put inside it, If it were not for this support
Another most attractive apron noticed at a
French shop was in princess effect. the
apron being tucked down the front from be.
low the bust line to the hips. This apron
was, of course, in one piece. It was made
quite long and had suspenders over the
shoulders. 1t was most becoming to the
figure.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13
HATS AND SUNSHADES FOR
WINTER IN THE SOUTH

white, and Of course black and white in any
number of designs and styles are shown.
Then there are the very dashing mixtures
in dark colors, vivid and fairly big plaid
or stripe of blue or a very dark blue or
black ground, red and blue mingled in
the same daring fashion, tan and blue,
golden brown and red, gray and green, all
drapery. Some of them are all in different
shades of the same color and others have
rich, vivid tones, such as one looks at
longingly and admiringly but is half afraid
to buy because they seem SO aWfully DASH
ing. But they are being shown at one of
the best places and are no doubt quite
proper. No doubt also when the spring ar
rives we will have lost much of our timidity
and Will be clamoring not only for the pres
ent vivtdness of color and design in the
rajahs, but for worse and more Of it.
There Is also to be had glimpse of the
new spring hat. 1t is creation in vivid
tints and most charming style. At one
place there was a most stunning black one,
of thin black straw braid. having a very
high crown, narrow and sloping toward the
top, fairly wide brim turned up very
abruptly on one side and slightly on the
other. A broad band of MORE ribbon en-
circled the crown and was fastened in a
sort of ruche effect on the turned-up side
with big steel buckle. The browning or
nament Of the hat was a long-very long
black ostrich feather, which extended from
this buckle down the side of the hat and
fell to the shoulder. The feather was curled
"a Their tightly.
This might have given rise to the suspi-
cion that the uncurled ostrich plume was a
thing of the past and that the spring styles
would go gladly back to the curled feathers
If it had not been that in the same shop
was brand-new hat whose feathers were
as guiltless Of curl as the red man's back
hair. This hat was of leghorn, fiat, in
verified bowl affair. with crushed cream roses
and pale pink tulle under the brim and on
top three uncurled canarycolored ostrich
plumes fastened in the middle Of the crown,
extending across one-half of the hat and
dropping gracefully over one side. Another
new hat was a small, squat turban of deep
buttercup straw, with three vivid pink roses
hattened against the left side of the brim,
or rather border, of the turban. The only
other trimming was shirred green velvet
facing and a bow of green velvet ribbon, the
ends of which hung down the back of the
hat.
Another new feature of these midwinter
springtime outpourings Is the parasol. The
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13
Learn to Read
Your Gas Meter
BY ARTHUR FRANCIS GILES.

" HE gas bill varies sometimes in con-
siderable sums. from month to
month, and it not infrequently hap
pens that it is larger than it is believed 1t
should be.
gas range may be going at full blast for
hours, and one. two or three jets in each of
several rooms at the same time. and while
the householder settles down for long
evenings reading and perchance doze he
becomes oblivous of the fact that there is
a small motor shaft, Just about one fly
power" set in jeweled bearings, spinning
around with almost lightning like rapidity
in meter case hidden away In some closet
or dark corner. measuring off, by a series of
little wheels and hands, the yards and yards
of ribbons of light or heat thrown out. At
a late hour of the night the lights are put
out, the tiny motor stops, and while one re-
tires to his slumber he has little idea Of the
quantities of light consumed-thrown per-
haps upon empty walls, and used for need
less purposes; but the hands of the meter
have not been so remiss. for they have crept
around their circle, registering every cubic
inch OF gas
When the bill comes in on the first of the
month it seems that the gas company found
out somehow or other of the nights illumi-
nation. While the bill may seem larger
than IL should be, il is wise not to protest
IL unless one is absolutely sure of his
ground; and TO be sure, he must get on
familiar terms with his meter, for, after ALL
the meter is the telltale or go between"
between the householder and the illuminat-
ing company whose product has been con-
sumed and which has presented a bill COW
ering the amount of consumption at the
rate which now stands at 80 cents per / 900
cubic feet of gas.
In getting on familiar terms with the
meter, however, one is very apt TO discover
how he becomes extravaganza and forgetful
at times, and the result of this acquaintance
lt,nnS sr,ta -t.,
mating bills, and. incidentally, in less com
plants at the counters of the illuminating
company.
With little trouble in collecting infor-
nation concerning the gas meter, a house
holder may learn the little trick of reading
his own meter from day to day, week to
week or month to month, as he pleases.
ana thus keep tabs on the illuminating
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13

II N the very midst of wintry weather it is
startling to find the shops filled with
fascina ting, fresh spring and summer
fabrics, costumes. hats and toilet acces-
series. The passion for wintering south or
for at least taking flying trip in that direc-
ton is responsible for this piquant blossom
ing forth of warm-wea Their frocks right in
the very teeth of wintry gales. Somehow
the new things always seem more enticing
at this season of the year than in the
spring, probably because the warm weather
brings a touch of ennui over feminine fin
cry which one doesn't so much suffer from
during the strenuous season of the year.
The most alluringly attractive of the new
things are the new pongees and rajah cloths
and summer silks. if you please, crisp and
cool and light weight and clean-in fact,
possessing every virtue demanded of a sum-
mer fabric. But the new part of 1t is their
designs, for they are in the most fascinat-
ing, wonderful stripes and plaids and big
checks, pongees, rajahs and silks all being
shown in this new development
Such lavish expenditure Of design is GER
tainly rare in any fabric. The new rajahs,
for instance shown in scores and scores
of new patterns and color combinations.
Some of them are of the QuietneSs Of
Quakerdom itself. Some of them seem too
giddy for anything but Turkish room,
contrasting hues of the most daring vivid
ness. There are designs which depend on
the color for their beauty and others which
carry out almost all needed variety in the
arrangement of bars stripes, blocks &C.
On the whole, however, If these new fabrics
may be taken a forerunner of the next
springs fashions in general 1t may be said
that more and more will plaids and stripes
and checks of every hue, every arrange
ment rule the realm of fashion, more and
more will the perfectly plain fabric find
itself out of date.
First of all, because most prominently dis
played as most desirable are the white and
brown, white and yellow and white with
yellow. brown. &c, in the rajahs The
grounds are white and the plaids of brown
are very large, made of several shades of
brown-a fresh and Snowy design and a
most exquisite fabric. Pale green and
white red and white in an old-fashioned
shade Of red blue and white, gray and
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13
Becoming
Motor Novelties

I NoR motor touring II is very fashionable
just at present to don a velvet hood
In place OF the motor hat and veil.
Indeed, the new velvet hoods are much moro
comfortable than any other form of head
gear, besides which they are infinitely more
becoming. They have some beauty of shape
and are devoid of that distorted lumpy ap.
pearance which usually distinguishes motor
headgear, making it resemble nothing 50
much as the sort of thing which one looks
on with horror and pity in shop where de.
formed persons are fitted out.
The new velvet hood is "A simple affair,
gathering close around the face in shall.
low closely pleated rufIle which is held in
with good stout rubber. The hood is faced
with white and buttons in tightly over the
chin. I
Another new motor hood considered desir-
able. although it is quite a monstrosity IN
appearance, is made of brown leather. Tho
leather is pleated in at the top in box pleats.
1t has deep cape and buttons over the
chin. The distinguishing feature of this
heed is its second-story effect, which is far
from beautiful and which is produced by
making a sort of little loft or lumber room
up in the crown, where the hat of the per-
son wearing the hood may go. A velvet
ribbon is through holes in the leather
just beneath the second-story part of the
hood and this ribbon may be drawn up SO
that the hood will fit tight to hat and head,
no matter how oddly either or both may BIO
shaped.
Matching this brown leather hood was
very handsome coat of brown leather made
more deliberately than the usual leather
coat. 1t had yoke from which the leather
fell in pleats. The sleeves were full pleated
in at the armhole. and again at the wrists,
where they were finished by sort of leath-
er rufie or frill. The heavy leather in such
an arrangement could not help but give rise
to the thought of an elephant at play. - !
For the men there are bear coats. with
turnback fox collars and hat of fox, seal
skin, sable and mink. Beaver is immensely
fashionable for hats and also for collars
and cuffs for leather garments, both for
men and women Motor gloves for mem
are now seen In the most vivid yellow fur
with palms Of channels. =
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13

port in the storm, and they may be of
velvet, cloth or silk, either plain, elabo-
rately trimmed with braid or done in hand
embroidery. In fact. anything that brings
the skirt and waist into partnership is ac-
popular the long shoulder being quite as
much feature of the separate waist as
Of the all-in-one costume. Tiny chemisettes
of lace and lawn are seen on many of the
prettiest waists, adding a dressy and be-
coming touch The lingerie blouse has been
replaced to a certain extent by that of soft
silk, which is better adapted to winter
wear. The old-time Garbaldi waist was
the progenitor of the present blouse but
how the old red shirt of the Italian patriot
has been glorified. 1t may sound con-
ceited, but at the same time it is difficult
to disguise the fact that everything modern
Is better than the old.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13
The Blouse Waist.

Feline longevity is as nothing when COM
pared with the wonderful vitality Of the
blouse. The doom Of this ubiquitous gar
ment has been sealed supposedly dozens
of times, but 1t bohs up more attractive
than ever at the beginning of each season.
Its prolonged life is but another instance
of the survival of the fittest. for what else
can be worn so comfortably with a coat
and skirt suit? While woman no longer
dons handsome lace or chiffon blouse with
tne serene assurance of being well dressed,
there are ways of making such blouse
tone in and become part Of costume
that is approved of modistically. The most
attractive means to this end Is to wear
over the bodice a harness-like device made
Of the skirt material. Bretelles are another
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13
WAIST OF KSKLAcE WITK VELvEr GOWN

found themselves face to face with a most
difficult problem of how to use 1t. lace
gown coat that Is badly designed or made
is hopelessly dowdy and in no way COM
pares with one of so ne cheap material that
is perfectly made ard fitted
The three-quarter-length lace coat, fitted
in at the back and with loose front. is ex-
tremely smart worn over a gown of some
thin material, while the long coat has both
back and front shaped to the lines of the
figure and Is immensely attractive and
fashionable at the moment, and can be
worn with tea gown. reception gown or as
an evening wrap. With the tea gown 1t Is
perhaps the most effective and yet a lace
being lined with white silk satin under
the lace and the lining itself of soft white
fur is a superb garment
The fashion of the moment is the heavy
lace, and when made up with silk cloth
the lace is often dyed to match the gown.
White lawn coats cannot, for instance, be
worn with dark gowns, and white lace is
only permissible at the neck, sleeves and in
the front of the waists. The evening coats
are either white or black Irish point, Cluny
or Chantily lace being the most fashion
able. The Chantily is. however not so suit
able this time of the year, although 1t must
be admitted that it seems to make little diff
ference now regards the time of year,
and suitable materials for the same are
worn all the year round
Lace boero Jackets and the street pony
jackets in lace cannot be classed among
the novelties and yet they to be seen
on the newest of gowns and are apparently
starting in for a new lease of life The
lace boleros are extremely elaborate. for
fad of the moment is to embroider them or
to combine embroidery and lace In such
wise that most novel and effective result
is obtained. Hand embroidery on batiste OF
net, medallions of exquisite shape and de-
sign are most cleverly and beautifully COM
bined with lace to form the most becoming
of short jackets These are separate gar
ments to be worn with any gown, and yet
are originally part and parcel of some one
especial costume. The cost of a lace or
embroidered jacket is never trI1ing, and yet
the most economically minded admits that
the fashion appeals to the woman Of linn
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13

vHERE are certain fabrics which
apparently can never be cheap
ened and although there may be
u a smaller quantity used at one
time than another they never go
out of fashion entirely. Lace, for instance,
Is as essential to feminine well-being as
cloth, but there are seasons when more OF
1t is used than at others. AS trimming,
for instance, it occasionally is driven to the
background by net chiffon or some of the
many materials that find favor as trim
mings, and yet SO inherent is the love for
beautiful lace that at all times there Is
found an excuse for bow, tie, collar or
ruffies of 1t.
In the present era of luxury lace is used
much more casually, as 1t were, than was
ever known. Entire gowns of real lace are
worn in the day or evening, while fabulous
prices are paid for such pieces as are used
In berthas or for trimming in collars and
sleeve ruffles. while odd-shaped bits are
most cleverly. combined with pleated chif-
fon OF net and made up into the most fas-
cinating Of gowns. waists and wraps.
~
Coats, Jackets and wraps of lace are ex-
tremely fashionable at the moment, and 1t
would seem as though Dame Fashion had
striven her hardest to have new styles
evolved which would permit OF some new
arrangement of the exquisite fabric. The
big lace coat can be a most graceful and
becoming garment-incidentally 1t can be a
most unbecoming one If It's lines are not
studied and the coat properly cut and fit
ted, the fact that lace In itself is beautiful
not being sufficient, by any means. Many
women have had this disappointment to
face. Having been told from early youth
that lace was some hing to own and to be
proud OF, they have invested in it and then
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13
A Jumper Girdle.

For jumper girdle without the stream
ers four yards of pompadour ribbon and
three and a half yards of velvet ribbon
are required. The girdle-a wide one-is
more effective If made in folds or pIaits.
though plain one. If desired, will be en-
tirely in keeping. The ribbon that forms
the shoulder straps is left It's full width
over the shoulders, being plated closely
where 1t joins the girdle. From the bnst
line to the waist the shoulder straps are
held in place by narrow horizontal strips
of black velvet ribbon. fastened with tiny
gold buttons.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13

used for chemisettes. Jokes and collars. In
the olden days. when the high, clumsy col
lar of cloth or velvet lined with silk was re-
Quired by fashion, the cloth waist was a
thing to be dreaded. Now the triumphant
collar and yoke make even the heaviest OF
materials in the rest of the waist perfectly
possible and at the same time the white
about the throat Is infinitely more becom-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13
LACE coAI .OvK CHIFFON CosrunxE-

prices than later on, and real bargains are
to be found by the experienced shopper,
who has learned to take advantage of stock
taking times.
versally satisfactory and it cannot be de-
MED that cloth gowns are far more COM
Portable to wear now that so much lace is
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-13

tied income for the jacket, being separate
and consequently possible with other gowns,
provides variety of styles and change
without added expense. These all are de-
tails worth considering when it is an object
to secure the best results with the smallest
outlay. and in the end 1t always does pay
to buy something that in itself is worth the
price asked. Just at this season it Is pos
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1907-03-09

France insher system OF finance ard
In her whole scheme Of economy aids
and encourages saving among the peo-
pie. The government conducts vast
banking institution whereby every
postonice- has its savings bank depart
ment-its Ncaisse Tepsrgne-" Here
any one may make deposit as low as
franc GO cents}. which deposit is re-
corded in ones ''lfvret de la caisse
d'epargne" tsavings bank book. A
convenient feature OF this system tend
ing to make saving easy Is that one
may make his deposits In any post
Office anywhere in France and may
withdraw any part or all his savings
at any postof6ee. without regard to
where the deposits have been made.
have never had a servant In France
who had not her 'liyret de 10 caisse
d'epargne." and yet the girl or woman.
II she had no family Of her own to
support, almost invariably contributed
to the support OF her fathers family.
j have had one middle aged femme
de chambre" on whose face each day
could read pretty well how the bourse
was going.-Flora Mcdonald Thomp-
son In Harper's Bazaar.