Evening star., 1924-10-14

Now that Washingtonians are re-
covering from the nervous prostra-
tion and excess of joy induced by the
world series base ball games they
may turn their attention to the an
nua1 Winter series played in the base
ment.
Starting the furnace is an annual
Fall classic in thousands of homes.
The base ball diamond gives place
to the lower chambers of the dwell
ing, with the famous iron monster
occupying center field.
Instead of base balls, Jumps of an
thracite coal come into play. This
conflict may not be as spectacular as
the other, but Of truth lit doth come
home to the bosoms and hearts of
men"
There will be but few spectators at
this series. and the cheering will be
little enough, but upon the ability of
the team will depend all the cheer Of
Winter.
Unless the old man gets just the
right curve on his shovels of coal the
house will be transformed into a sort
of bleaChers, where the fans" hud-
die close together in their overcoats.
Unless tho furnace is fed plenty Of
hot ones" thero is going to be
great slump in the attendance. This
is one league in which the teams
play forever on the home grounds.
n
When the first real Autumn winds
begin to blow then the thoughts of
Washington householders turn base
mentward.
Already some hardy souls have start
ed their furnaces. They did not wait
for the cooling house to compel them
to do it. They did not hesitate until
tl,A ~f 1. a -
frozen, but buckled to it like men.
and surely they have their reward
They are to be congratulated.
But most of us are craven souls.
when it comes to starting the furnace
in the fall. 1t is not so much the
thought of the coal, expensive but
necessary article that it is, but rather
a shrinking from the inevitable.
1t was with a sense of relief. about
a month ago, we gave up sprinkling
the lawn and cutting the @grass.
Guess it can get along by itself
now," we said, glad to give up a
task that was becoming somewhat
tiresome. after a spring and summer
of faithful duty.
No sooner do we get rid of the
yard, than here comes the furnacei
Its demands are even moro imperious
than those of the lawn. Whereas
tne grass needed moving put once Il
week, and sprinkling only every other
day, tho furnace insists upon being
fed at least two times every day.
A furnace needs shaking at least
once / day, and for best results ashes
ought to be taken out once every day
at least. There is no escaping these
duties.
= = x
Hence we hate to begin, for, once
started. there is no let up, unless bad
coal calls a halt on its own account
by allowing the furnace to "go out"
The house becomes chilly. No one
realizes that more than the head of
the house. He endures it heroically,
however, Murmurs arise from the
rest of the family, but he does not
pay any attention to them.
When the announcement is made
however, that it is necessary 80 go
TO bed to keep warm" nothing is left
but to go down into the basement TO
start the furnace.
Where are some old papers,"
The papers are produced joyfulIy.
Anything to get some heat. Service
is willingly performed.
Nov where is the kindlingr"
The wood is indicated with Eusto.
Already prospects of warmth thrill
the chilled frames of the remainder
of the household. The Old Man, too,
if the truth be known, is nothing
loath. now that he is down to it.