davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09
Getting the Worlds Fur Trade
By Frederic J. Haskin

Greece is another point where
lower priced furs are made up. The
effect of the war on all these coun-
tries was of course temporarily to
paralyze the business.
Hence the American trapper often
found himself in n position where it
did not pay him to kill fur on account
OF the expense for traps and bait, or
for rifle cartridges. Many trappers
laid off entirely, and the fur-bearing
animals, which are also the carnivora,
increased until in some sections they
made serious inroads into the game
animals, such as the deer. Other
trappers sold their furs to local mer-
chants for the fiat bounty money
that is, IL pelt carried $40 State
bounty they would sell for $50, as
though the fur itself were valueless.
The American fur manufacturer
and retailer also felt the pinch, as his
European source of supplies was cut
off. AS the world got used to the idea
of war, and started going about it's
business again, matters eased up,
until to-day they are coming back to-
ward normal; but much of the en-
barrassment in America could have
been avoided if we had had our own
regular markets established in our
own country. Taking this together
with the stimulus that an American
world-market would give TO the whole
industry in the United States, the new
development is clearly of first import
ance.
OF course, London is very firmly es-
tablished in her position. The biggest
New York fur dealers are slow to ad-
NIT the probability of dislodging her
to any great extent for some time
but they opened their New York mar
ket with an organ playing America"
The auction was even more success
full than the men who planned it had
anticipated. They had more orders
than they could fill, and big shipments
of Australian skins are still en- route
that will arrive too late for the sale.
If the second auction to be held in
March, comes up to expectations, a
building will be put up for the spe-
cial purpose of holding these sales
a feature with a satisfying assump-
ton of permanence.
London does not view the proceed
ings over here with any great degree
of equanimity. Her own auction is
going on, and she does not see why
one auction is not enough. Her trade
journals hint at German influence be-
hind the American sales, but New
York and st. Louis continue apparent
ly undisturbed.
On the other hand, the present
trend of affairs chimes in we'll with
the wishes of German fur dealers
and they are among the heaviest buy
ers in the world. Under normal con-
ditions, Germany buys eight times as
much at the annual London sales as
New York and st. Louis together sold
this year. Neither American city
passed the million dollar mark very
far in its auction, and German pur-
chases alone used to run around sew
enteen millions in London. 1t must
be remembered however, that condi-
tions are still far from normal in all
the markets, and that it is quite i'm
possible to ship furs to Germany even
If the empire were in a position to
manufacture them.
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09
THAT QUAKER CITY SCRAP

w alleged merits Of the eISSt faotional nal
Republican row in Philadel-
phia, the leaders responsible for the
everlasting controversy over who's who
in the matter of party control may as
we'll understand now as they are GER
tain to do hereafter that the great
body or Republicans who do not regis
ter from the City of Brotherly Love
heaven save the mark-will crush
the whole outfit, root and branch, be-
meath the heel of a great partys dis
pleasure.
No more senseless effort to disrupt
Il political organization has ever been
put forth in this State. Just when the
national situation demands harmony
and cohesive and energetic labor in
support of the fundamental principles
upon which the party structure rests,
the Philadelphia condition grows more
exasperating and intolerable.
And why all this ruction? Solely
and only because one group of leaders
is determined to measure swords with
another group regardless of the i'm
poTtant and vital interests of the party
in Philadelphia and Republican soli-
darity throughout the State. OF course,
all outside the single big community
in the southeastern corner of the Com
monwealth are expected TO stand on
the sidelincs as in a football scrim-
mage and cheer the ough-and-tumble
contestants. But the cheers are not
forthcoming. Instead of enthusiastic
approval. maledictions arc already be-
ing heaped upon the heads of all en-
gagged in this inexcusable and abso-
lutely indefensible struggle for power.
Republican leaders. the chairmen of
city and county committees and the
party newspapers should unite their
voices in a vigorous protest against
further pickering in the States me-
tropoIis.
AS innocent spectators of the in
ternecine conflict they should abso-
lutely refuse to be drawn into it. If
the Philadelphians still insist on bat
tering each other and they derive any
real satisfaction from this form of ex-
ercise, there is no law to prevent the
game going on, but it is most unrea-
sonable to expect the rest of the family
to become involved in the unseemly
wrangle.
Governor Brumbaugh has frequently
declared that he wants party harmony;
that the issues at stake in the iTnpend-
ing national campaign are so vital in
their character that the great Repub-
lican party, as the best instrumentality
for the expression of the sovereign
will Of the people. must present a
solid and impregnable front. And
nobody dares question the sanity of
that statement. Yet rumors are fyinS
on every breeze that certain factional
Interests are urging the Governor to
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09
THAT ARMoR PLANT BILL


THERE are two very distinct sides
to the armor plant bill now be-
fore Congress.
While on the face OF it the an
nouncement of the armor makers that
they will advance the price of armor
ment goes into the armor-making busi-
ress sounds like a threat, it is really
nothing more than a plain business
proposition. II the government ap-
propriates money for an armor plant,
most of the privately owned plants
must be junked, for the business is
Of such a special nature that the mills
cannot he turned to other uses. The
owners do not propose TO lose this
investment if they can help it, and so
they have told the government that if
it proposes to build its own factory
then they will. between the present
and the time when the government
plant is ready for business, try to col
lect from the government the sum of
their investment. Most men, faced
with the possibility of being put out
of business by the government, would
do the same.
1t is a question, also. whether the
government should wipe out existing
plants and concentrate in one of it's
own. The time may come when we
will need every plant that can be
brought to the service OF the nation.
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09
SAFETY FIRST

TINE astounding statement of John
Price Jackson that the industries
of Pennsylvania, at the present
rate. will MAIN or kill 100000 work
men during the coming year ought to
give every employer, and employe. too,
cause for thought. This is q great
manufacturing State and some of our
occupations are unusually hazardous,
but such figures as the Commissioner
of Labor forecasts are out of all pro-
portion to the number of men at work.
even under the circumstances named.
Safety First" should be the slogan
in every line of work. Doubtless the
operations OF the new workmen's COM
pensation law will have the effect of
making for the protection of workers
and it ought also to apply to the degree
that employers dismiss careless or
reckless workmen.
Three hundred thousand men in
jured or killed in year! Why. the
figures sound like the casualty returns
from European battle front.
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09
FREEING THE HIGHWAYS

CTATE II / G. II W A Y COMMIS-
y SIONER CUNNINGHAM must
have slept we'll last night, if a
good days work counts anything to-
ward a nights rest. Not since the an
nouncement that he has found a way
to procure for the State a proper road
through the Narrows below Millers-
burg has any news so pleasing to Har-
risburgers come out of the State High
way Commissioners Office as that of
yesterday to the effect that negotia-
tons are under way looking toward
the purchase of five pieces of toll road
leading into Philadelphia.
In particular, Harrisburgers are in
terested in the announcement that the
and the Philadelphia city line at Over
brook is to be freed. This is one of
the main arteries into Philadelphia
and is traversed by hundreds of Har-
risburg automobilists yearly The
other highway to be taken over, from
Philadelphia to Allentown, the old
Bethlehem pike, is almost as impor-
tant.
This freeing of toll roads is None of
the most beneficial and popular duties
of the Highway Department and Mr..
Cunningham deserves the commenda-
manner in which he is prosecuting the
work with the slender means at his
command.
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09

a MERICA is out for the worlds
~ fur business. New York just
- closed a successful fur auction;
st. Louis held her big sale a few weeks
ago. Both these sales were unique in
American history. New York will
March. Apparently the United States
is at last to take her rightful place as
q world fur market.
The importance of the worlds fur
trade is not generally realized. Furs
are one of the most valuable of all
commodities, and the demand for
them is steadily increasing. The fur
trade has its branches in every corner
of the globe. Wars have been fought
between nations for it's sake. 1t has
opened up new continents. 1t is as old
as the human race, and its products
have their recognized value, as real
as the value of food-stuffs, in every
society from savagery to the highest
civilization.
London is to-day the worlds fur
market. Before the war broke out
she held that position unchallenged.
The pelts from Canada, the Western
United States, Mexico, South America,
Siberia, China-practically the whole
worlds supply went TO a. few London
brokers. These brokers graded the
furs into convenient lots and sent
catalogs to the worlds fur-buyers and
manufacturers. On this basis the
furs We're bid on. and sold. Small
auctions were held regularly in Rus
sia and Germany, but they were a
drop compared to London's bucket.
Even now, with the fur markets dis
organized by war. London holds the
bulk of what business is being done.
Her auction is running now.
With the entrance of the United
States into the game, affairs take on
new complexion. There are ten
big fur companies in North America
alone. If only the business of the
western hemisphere can be done in
the United States, it should assure
the building up of a profitable in
dustry. Moreover, shipments to the
New York auction show that Aus
tralian furs will be sold here if sales
in the United States become an es-
tabliShed institution.
One great advantage in breaking
up the present Capitalization of the
business would consist in the protec-
ton afforded to American trappers
and fur-growers. When the war
broke out, the fur market was badly
disorganized. Prices dropped like
lead. This was because the manu-
factories were almost all located in
the belligerent countries. London sells
the furs, but Germany and France are
two of the biggest manufacturers.
England's factories in this line de-
pend to a great extent on German
labor, for the German is pre-eminent
in cutting and stitching furs, as the
Frenchman leads in arranging them to
best effect.
Germany's excellent Workmanship
has won her powerful position in
the fur business. Her dying of furs
is recognized as the standard, and
dying n one of the most important
operations in the manufacture. Great
quantities of American furs were an
nually shipped to Germany, where
they were dyed and made up, to be
returned and sold here under a Ger
man trademark.
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09
SINCERITY AND PATRIOTISM
.\HE sincere and patriotic desire
of Republicans and Progressives

4
of Republicans and Progressives
is to rid the country of what
George W. Perkins calls the incubus
at Washington"
This desire is not based so much
upon a craving for power or for the
loaves and fishes of office. 1t is a
genuine belief, we'll fortified with spe-
cifc proof, that the present Demo-
cratic administration has been harm
full to the nations honor and prestige,
disastrous to the nations real pros
perity, and that its continuance will
as Old Glory has never experienced
and such as no one ever thought to
have it experience. This is the pre-
vailing opinion of Republicans and
Progressives. 1t is a real America
first" movement which has been start
ed in the proposed union of Republi-
cans and Progressives upon a single
candidate to oppose President Will
son.
That the movement will be success
full cannot be doubted. In fact, it is
successful already. The disposition
among men in both parties who have
risen to leadership is to meet the prob
lem in a straightforward. man-fashion
spirit-not of compromise, nor of ar
rangement but of union for the bene-
fit of the nation for which the men of
both parties Republican and Progress
Siye have done en- O1ucl
So far as the Republican convention
is concerned, these recent develop
ments do not materially alter the sit
uation. That convention will be an
open and honorable contest for a great
prize-the Presidency of the United
States, no less. Any man, contending
in such an arena, who is competent
to bear away the victory will be en-
tirely worthy of the Progressive party's
endorsement; and he will receive it.
Then the anti-Democratic majority in
this country will again stand together
and the result will be a predetermined
victory.
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09
HUMBUG ECONOMY

To provide the United States with
an adequate army and navy is going
to cost a lot of money" 1t is going
to be "wrung from the people" in
the form of taxes such as the people
of Europe are now staggering un-
der"
This language of craftsmanship will
be recognized as that now being used
by Congressman who are opposing
the Presidents preparedness pro-
gram. They are the same statesmen
who are proposing to pay blackmail
to Colombia and to provide a pork
the States under the pretense that il
is to encourage the building of roads
The tribute to Colombia, the main
purpose of which is to write into a
treaty political indictment of Theo-
dore Roosevelt for building the
Panama Canal, will cost the taxpay-
ers % million dollars, but presumably
ii is to be extracted from them by
some other process than ''wringing."
The largest to be tossed to local State
politicians under the Shackleford pork
bill is 25 million. The scramble for
1t doubtless will raise considerable
dust in the States, but it will not be
from the roads.
Forty million dollars expended for
political spite and State patronage is
craftsmanship. The same amount eX-
pended for defensive preparations as
an insurance against war is extrava-
gance. The people must be pro
tected" against it. and when it comes
to this kind of protection" congress
sional politicians differ i'm nowise from
the city hall politicians in Kansas
City.
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09

enter upon a Statewide contest 10
wrest from Senator Penrose the lead
ership on the eve of the most momen-
tous national campaign since the birth
of the Republican party.
His real friends are just as earnestly
advising the Governor TO refuse to en-
broil his administration in a factional
controversy that can only result in
weakening the forces that are deeply
interested in working out his con-
structive policies for the welfare of
the people.
Similar reports also persist that Sem
ator Penrose is likewise besieged by
belligerent lieutenants demanding a
war upon the State administration.
The Telegraph believes it correctly
interprets Republican sentiment in
this matter. Differences among leaders
are unavoidable, but it does not follow
that these should be permitted to dis
turb the spirit and efficiency of the
party as a whole.
1t may be properly maintained that
in a primary contest there is no ground
for criticism as between the various
entries. But admitting this conten-
ton, the nature of the contest and the
party interests involved do not Justify
such factional activities without regard
to the principals as may disturb the
party alignment far beyond the sector
Immediately affected.
In short, the Philadelphia rivalries
must not be allowed to project them
selves beyond the limits of the me-
tropolis at the risk of party harmony.
We again submit that the differences
between the Wares and the McNichols
and their aiders and abettors should
be decently composed; but il they
can't be truly happy without a rough
and-tumble fight, the party in the
other siXty-siX counties of the Com
should declare a perfect
neutrality and remain we'll outside the
arena until one. or both, of the COM
batants yells enough"
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09
DOSE OF THEIR OWN
Pittsburgh Times.

We shall be treated to fine dis
play of proper indignation by the
Pennsylvania liquor interests because
Judge Corbet OF Jefferson county has
rejected all applications for licenses.
His action will be denounced as arbi-
trary, as an abuse of judicial dis
cretion and as generally offensive to
the principles OF fair dealing. The
fact is that the learned court pro-
ceeded within the letter of the law
and the powers conferred upon it by
the Brooks act as interpreted by the
Supreme Court. Is it any worse for
a court to disregard the spirit of the
law, as Judge Corbet may have done
in this case by refusing all applica-
tons, than for other judges, in coun-
ties that might be specified, to grant
all applications, or nearly all, regard
less of conditions and under the pres
sure of brewery and whisky influences
and that of importunate counsel?
Judge Corbet has given the liquor
people a dose of their own medicine.
They go down to Harrisburg and pre-
vent the General Assembly from legis-
lating on the question of license so
that the people of an indicated terri
tory may determine for themselves
whether Intoxicating beverages shall
be sold within their civil jurisdiction.
They halt every effort at better regu-
lation and closer restriction. They
threaten and defeat temperance can
didates for the Legislature and coun-
ty offices. At all points and in every
possible way they seek to deny to the
public an effective voice in the mat
ter of this grave moral and economic
issue. What is more natural, there
fore. than that people in counties
should undertake to secure relief
through the election of judges who
have the moral courage to do what
the Legislature has not dared to do
because. forsooth, that would be de-
structive of personal liberty and of
legalized business long recognized
among the institutions of the world
In such sweeping decisions as that
of Judge Corbet the liquor men are
getting precisely what is coming to
them, what they have invited. and
what they must continue to expect
until they change their tactics.
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09
TWO DREAMERS
kansas City Star.l

In the mountains of Colorado some
thirty years ago freight train
waited on a siding for another train
to come and pass, and, as it waited
the locomotive engineer leaned out of
his cab window gazing at the far-off
mountain tops and dreaming. The
fireman sat upon the tender. gazing
into the purple haze and he, too, was
dreaming.
what are you dreaming about,
John?" asked the fireman.
I'm dreaming that I'm going to
have a million dollars some day; and
what's your dream, Cy?"
THAT I'll write real book some
day and have it printed" answered
the fireman.
Cy Warman. the fireman of the loco
motive. became a poet and author, a
writer of many books and a singer of
songs that touched the hearts of a
whole continent. He died two years
ago.
His love for pure, sweet and beauti-
full things was shown in the last lines
of his song, Sweet Marie" which he
wrote as a marriage proposal to the
woman he loved, and which the whole
world sang for time.
Not the sunlight in your hair. sweet
Marie,
Not because your face is fair, love,
to see:
But your soul so pure and sweet
Makes my happiness complete,
Makes me falter at your feet, sweet
Marie.
John A. Hill. the engineer. made
his million as founder and publisher
of the trade papers: Power, the AM
erican Machinist, Locomotive En-
gineer. Engineering and Mining
Journal, Engineering News and the
Coal Age. He put up a great build
ing in New York and was one of Am
erica's captains of industry. He died
last week.
The dreams of both came true.
Each saw the fulfillment of his wish.
Each served in his own way the needs
of his age.
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09
HOW TO LIVE LONGER

AIR-RuIe I-Open all windows wide
before you use the room in which you
live or work. Let fresh air in all the
time. The best temperature is between
6S degrees and 20 degrees Fahrenheit
open one Wlhdow at the top anu one
one window and the bad air goes out
the other. If you feel the air blowing
on you. place a board in front OF the
window board" should always be
used in winter.
People who are used to fresh air al
most never have colds.
Try to keep the air in your house as
pure as the air outdoors. Do not let
dust and smoke stay in the house.
Let in all the sunshine YOU can. Sun
shine and fresh air kill germs and
thereby help to keep out sickness
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09
WELL KNOWN PEOPLE

Prof. C. N. McCune, of Union
town, has been put at the head of the
High School athletic union in Fayette
county cities.
A. r. Hamilton, Pittsburgher,
well-known here, has been reelected
president of the Pittsburgh Athletic
Association.
-Francis Feehan, one of the State
factory inspectors, has been carrying
on inspections in western counties to
determine safety of school buildings.
The Rev. DIR. John Mockridge,
prominent Philadelphia clergyman,
will edit the Episcopal Church News.
Robert c. Wright, formerly of
this city, was elected a member of
the Philadelphia Chamber of Com
merce committee on foreign trade.
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09
EDITORIAL COMMENT

II the Filipinos have studied the case
of Belgium they will show little enthu-
siasm over Senator stones proposal to
neutralize the islands.-St. Louis Globe
Democrat.
y Berlin professor is quoted as saying
Germany loves the other nations, and
is Furnishing them for their own good
We suppose it hurts her as much as it
does them.-Wan Street Journal
No longer can there be any doubt about
the horrors of war Garet Garrett, cor
respondent of The Times. writes that
the cost of living in Berlin is as high
as II Is New York.-New York Morning
Telegraph.
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-02-09
POPULAR SELECTION
[From the Halifax Gazette.


When the County Commissioners ap-
pointed Harry NJ. Fairchilds a member
of the Prison Board, they made a selec-
tion so good that they could not have
made a better. From his earliest boy
hood he has been true. trustworthy and
efficient Whatsoever he has under
taken has been well done and success
has followed earnest and well directed
endeavor. He is a good example of
what a boy can do If he sets his mind
and neart to do ii. Without influential
friends he has reached place of honor
among those who have known him since
early manhood. A prominent and sue
cessful business man in Millersburg,
standing high in the opinion of its citi-
and devotion to best interest of the
municipality, he deserves this recogni-
tion. Mr.. Fairchilds is a Republican,
true and tried, welding a great power
over the thinking men in the Upper
End.