Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-09-12
Ehrntng Chat

rive years ago such thing as SELL
ing produce. fruit and the like by
weight was unknown and the average
person did not trouble to ask the con-
tents of the basket or other container.
AS a result good many otherwise
thrifty housewives were losers. Incl
oentaiiy' some sales people were gain
ers not only in the retail sales but in
the greater quantities. Now the man
who does not know what his baskets
contain either by weight or measure
stands a chance of not only losing
saies' out OF having a call for police.
IL all comes out of the movement in 4
augurated a few years ago for the
definite statement of how much was
pelng sold. When the State began to
require supervision Of weights and
measures a few years ago there was
an outcry that 1t was not needed but
the way crooked weights and meas
ures began to accumulate was evil
dence to the contrary. Then came the
law requiring that all containers be
honest and the movement for sales by
weight. The result has been that peo-
pie who for years had been buying
haphazard began to make inquiries of
those from whom they had been buy
ing and as result there were some
surprises Now it is safe to say that
more people know what they are buy
ing than ever before. The huckster
or peddler who does not sell by the
mark has time to explain. 1t is only
a question Of time until sales by weight
are general throughout the State and
the experience offthe sealers of weights
and measures which will be given at
in, he 10 fo1
will be most interesting to the man
who talks about the high cost of liv-
ing.
The Stroller, in the Scranton Re-
publican. writes the following about
something which may come here: IT
am told that before the close of an
other year an ordinance will be intro
duced in the local council requiring the
licensing of all cats in Scranton. I'm
licensed felines, under the provisions
OF the ordinance, if it is adopted, will
be slaughtered. The reason for this
movement is the allegation that the
"vagrant cat" is most destructive to
bird life. 1t is charged that the scar
city of song birds in and about Scran-
ton is due to these cats. In the out
skirts of the city cats are apt to be-
come little wild and to wander
through the brush, preying upon song
slaughter rabbits and pheasants, so
1T is claimed. The bird, in nesting
season, very easily becomes the VIC
tim of cat. Almost everyone, these
days. has become aware of the value
OF the birds as nseot-destroyers. The
city would have finer lawns, according
to those who have studied the subject,
II there We're more birds to destroy the
insects that gnaw at the grass and kill
much of it,
When Desk Officer Charles T. Fleck
learned that council had approved the
appointment of Lieutenant of Police J.
EdWard Wetzel as chief of police, the
desk officer decided on little surprise
for the promoted official Chief Wet
zel had just walked into his office
In the afternoon, when Desk Officer
F'leck appeared, extended his right
hand for hearty congratulations, but
Kept the left hand carefully conceal
cd, After the handshake, Charlie"
as he is known by the force placed a
large vase of. roses and asters on the
TOP OF Chief WetZel's desk. Here's a
little present for you with best Wishes"
Desk Officer Fleck said as he gave
his little gift to the new chief.
1t is interesting to note that ].
Frank Page, appointed lieutenant of
police, and Fred c. Essig, new police
sergeant. have had military training.
Both were members of the Governors
Troop and both were sergeants They
served at different times. Essig was a
member of the old City Grays and
was one of the original mem bers of
the troop. Several other members of
the force have served in the Nation
al Guard. Pop" Spangler, now on the
force is color sergeant of the Eighth
infantry of the Pennsylvania Guard.
Mayor Meals is taking a big interest
IN the Governors tour of the farm
ing regions The mayor confesses that
he was farmer boy himself and that
ne still likes to go back to the soil.
He is specially interested in the tour
that is to go through the apple belt'
the latter part of this month The
mayor comes from that part of Adams
county where they raise the apples
that London pays bigs prices for.
County Commissioner Ad Gumbert.
who was here yesterday looking after
Allegheny county matters, used to be
connected with the Public Service Com
mission. Years ago he was one of the
famous Pittsburgh baseball team.
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