I TIIH HKK: OMAHA, 'ITKKDAY. .lANTAKY 'J, 101-:. f Hill ! -HI I llWflIM I ' ' ' t. ' tJ........! ...... l 111,1 . -....I. 1.1. II ' I 1 JV , i --- llL,.,.. , ,. I I Wii . . a a n Mil T O a 6 1 Discount n m Commencing Ullssl I i. a 1 ... JF1 M i VaFj onus ODseoyimlS: Tuesday., Jam Scud The Jhim radflimg SaH:yirday9 Jan. SUh ..F-i A LAa This store stands in deadly opposition to "Sales" as generally conducted. A sale that misleads is not a sale, merely an imposition. Such sales are of almost weekly occurrence, but not in this store. No store can exist by selling goods below cost all the time, as some would have you believe. A sale, to be a benefit to costumers, must have a reason back of it, not an excuse. Our reason is easily ex plained. We start every season with a new stock, when the season is practically over we offer 20 per cent discount on our stock (except contracted goods) and all broken lines and odd lots at Va Price. 20 PER CENT DISCOUNT ON ALL DRAPERIES, LACE CURTAINS AND DISCONTINUED PATTERNS IN RUGS. SPECIAL PRICES ON CARPETS BY THE YARD. ALL FINISHED PIECES AND READY MADE ARTICLES IN OUR ART DEPARTMENT AT l2 REGULAR PRICE. ALL FUR NECK PIECES, MUFFS AND FUR COATS s OFF REGULAR PRICE. 25 & $30 Ladies' Suits at $14.50 $17.50 & $20 Ladies' Suits at 11.5 Lot Ladies' Silk Dresses at $10.00 A great opportunity for the economical housewife to save some money on Silks, Dress Goods, Table and Fancy Linens, Sheets, Pillow Cases, Bedding, etc. Great Savings in Men's and Boys' Clothing and Furnishings 20 to 50 per cent Off on Men's and Boys' Clothing urn 13 OU GWe)g)iW Mail Orders Received During Sale Will Be Filled at Sale Prices ft.WilllU-imMii'l JImMKllHIWBBMPfcfclifriMfftfl HM1mri 1i ' tm .in tit JAPAN'S NEW YEAR CUSTOMS Elaborate Preparations for the Day in Every Household. GREAT TIME FOR NEW CLOTHES t Festivities Unchanged br Chance In the Calendar Occidental Custom of Friendly Greeting. In each household throughout the em pire of Japan, whether the family Is rich or poor, high or low, preparations are made for the welcome to the New Year. The shojl, or sliding doors, are freshly jiapered; the mattings of the floor are re newed; the family shrine Is dusted and the tablets of the ancestors cleansed. Be fore the Bhrine are placed new paper or naments (gohel) and straw hangings (shlme-nawa), while the small articles used In family worship are made clean. At the end of the year the housewife goi'S forth to purcha.se a tiny table, lac quered bowls and porcelain dishes, that a new start In the household may be made. Kach member, of the family must have a new suit of clothing, called the hinnen no haregl or dress of the New Year. Not only Is there a thorough hiuse-cleanlng, but the New Year to the Japanese mind means a renewal of both mind and body. New Year's festivities In Japan corre spond with those of occidental nations, in that It Is a time set aside for greetings to friends and relatives, but in other re spects they are quite different and more eluburate. Although the Uregorlan calen dar has been adopted, and the ancient system of chronology discarded, few changes have been made in the festivities connected with the New Year, and many customs are Mill In existence that have been handed down since the age of myth According to the former Japanese cal endar, the New Year heralded the spring time and was a celebration of the re juvenation of nature after the bleak, cold winter. So - the New Year's festivities meant not only the beginning of new life. but a new heart and mind und fresh pirations. Calculating Ages. The custom of calculating ages In Japan was formerly different from that of west tin countries. In the west the age Is counted by years and the number of months. While In Japan, a person be came one year older with the advent ot the New Year, and a child was t years nf age whether born early or late In the previous year. Thus a youth of 14 at tained his majority at 15 and an old man of 69 became 70. The fact that a year was added to the age was a matter of congratulation on the New Year. liecoratlons play a large part In the New Year's celebratioa, and each article In use has a particular meaning. These articles of decoration axe offsred for sals at the shl no lchl, or street fair at the end of the year, and are to be found in many different parts ot the cities. The most Important of the decorations Is the kadomatsu (gate-pine), the branches of the pine used on either side of the gate or porch of a house. Custom ordains that these shall be kept intact for the first week of the New Year. This period is called Matsu no uchl (within the days of pine). The branches of these ever greens aa sold at the street fairs bear a marked slmillarity to the Tannenbaum on sale in Germany for Christmas decora tions. There are also offered for decorations straw cables (shlmenawa) that are hung to the kadomastsu, or gate pine. This simple straw decoration Is a contrast to the glittering ornamentation of gold and silver paper as seen upon the Christmas trees of Europe and America. Sometimes other ornaments are used, such as the leaves of the urajiro or udurlba, and often pieces of bamboo are combined with the pine branches. Such articles as trays and receptacles for offerings to the gods, and departed spirits, are made ot pure unornamented wood, and can be secured at the street fairs. . Household Decorations. The room Into which the guests are invited on New Year's day is especially decorated. On the walls of the elevated dais, or tokonoma, of the parlor is'hung a kakemono appropriate to New Year, either representing pine, bamboo and plum, called sho chlku bal, a picture of TenJIn Sama, the patron saint of Japanese literature; or an artistic rendering of the subject given forth by the Imperial court for the composition of a New Year's poem. On this dais is also placed a tray made of pure white wood on whlrh is placed circular pieces of mochi. or rice dump lings, one upon the other, forming tiers, not unlike the western Christmas or wed ding cake. These lire dumplings are called kagamt mochi or mirror dumplings, from their fancied resemblance to a mirror. The Bizes of these dumplings are, of course, not uniform, but differ ac cording to the household. I'nderneath the dumpling It Is also customary to place leaves of urajiro and yudsuriba, mematsu or pine, and yoro kombu or sea weed, while It Is adorned on top with a lobster and daidai or bitter orange. There Is also a special arrangement of flowers in the vases, and pine, bumboo and plum branches, or the plant, fukujuso, are the most used, all having the signifi cance ot lung life and happiness. The pine and bamboo are held in great esteem in Japan, since they are perpetually green. The bitter orange, daidai, signifies from generation to generation. I'rajlo means succession, or Inheritance. The lobster, used as an ornament for the pieces of dumplings, implies that the membeis may live to the age when they are bent as it is. Kachlgurl, or dried I chestnuts, mean victory, while nlmame and gomane, kinds of boiled beans, refer I to god beaUa; the Japanese phrase, "ma- mede kurase," meaning, "May you have good health." In every household a quantity of the rice dumplings, or mochi, is prepared, al-' though the quality and quantity may vary according to the social status of the family. These dumplings are eaten the first three days of the new year Instead of the ordinary rlco diet of the people. When the dumpling Is boiled in soup and mixed with vegetables and poultry, it Is called aonl, a very popular New Year's dish. Dressed In Their Beat. On New Year'a day the family rises ear lier than usual, and clad In their best gar ments, assemble together and offer a prayer to the spirits of their departed ancestors, after which they partake of breakfast. The food Is previously pre pared because It is not customary to pur form any cooking during the first days of the holiday season. Another custom is the exchange ot sake mixed with a fragrant condiment, called toso, a kind of spice, the flavor resem bling vermouth. The master of the house goes out for a round of calls on his friends, while the lady stays at home to receive callers, and the younger members of the family attend their respective schools, where exercises are held before the portrait, of his Imperial majesty. Whenever a relative or friend comes on a congratulatory call, the Invariable greeting exchanged Is, "I beg to thank you for your kindness during the lust year, and ask for a continuance of the same In the future." Spiced ..oso Is of fered first, and later ordinary sake. There are many New Year's games, and one ot the most popular in vogue in all parts of the country is utakarutakal, or card playing, which forms a favorite pastime In- the holidays. lioth young men and women are Invited to take part in the utakarutakal, or card playing party. The cards consist of 100 pieces, and on them are printed short classical poems'. There Is also another 100 cards neld In the hand of a reader. The cards are distributed lo the players and as the reader shuffl and reads the poems, the corresponding ones are taken from the piles in fron". of the players. Aa soon as a player has laid aside all his cards he becomes the wl.inr of the game. Kite flying Is popular at New Year's time, and over the roofs of the rltb-s many gaily ornamented ones, ot various designs anil sizes, are to be seen. The shops am full of them during the I oil days, and they make suitable lfis to boys. One of the most characteristic game of the holiday season Is that of batthlore and shuttlecock. Although It Is a western game, it has received a special adaptation In Japan. The battledores are decorated with representations of mythological or historical characters, and some of them are rich and costly. The most prlrel gift to a young lady or girl is one of these battledores. The young people In their bright kimonos, may be seen along the streets playing this graceful :,s.n. The first ssven days of the New Ytar are known as matsu no uchl, and from the Sth work at the school begins. On the morning of the Tth It Is the custom to have for breakfast, nanakusa no gal, boiled rice with seven vegetables. On the 15th boiled rice called komame no kat, small beans mixed with rice, are eaten. All these customs have a significance that connects them with health and hap piness. After January 7 the ladles go out for their congratulatory visit. Jan uary 16 Is the day reserved as a holi day for workmen and domestic servants so that they may enjoy themselves and visit their relatives or friends. On Jan uary 20 the New Year's festivities end, and It is called hatsuka shogaisu. Old Customs Linger, With the introduction of west urn civili zation Into Japan many of the quaint customs of former days have gone out of use. Yet there are many old ores that ore still popular among the people. An In teresting custom Is hatsu yume, or first dream. A picture, takarabune, or treasure ship, in which is seen personifications of happiness and long life. Is placed under tho pillow on the night of January 2, as It Is thought to bring a good dream. It Is sold by vendors In the streets who call out ''Otakara! Otakara!" "liny our treas ure boats!" This Is done more often for fun than for profit. Husiness begins on January 2. And on this duy Is seen the ceremony of hatxunl. when mercantile firms transport their goods through the streets in ornamcu'al cars, attended by men clud In g.iy aulic. At the Imperial court them are special New Year ceremonies. That of Shlhohal Is un offering to the gods of heaven and earth for the peace of the universe rnd the safety ot the people. ills majesty personally takes part in tills ceremony, rising long before sunrise, and praying to the four quarters of the globe. Kor the fit Ht threu days of thu New Year their majesties receive congratula tions of officials, both civil and mllll.uy, members of the aristocracy, and orps diplomatique. On the Mil the mpi ror gives a New Year dinner, to which hii-'h officials are Invited. Among other cere monies at the Imperial court there Is the Oenjlsal on January B, when the emperor makes offerings to his ancestors. On January 4 state officials and mender it the cabinet are summoned to Lie ciurt, first reporting the sttfety of the imperial shrines at ise, and then the various af fairs of state, tin January 7 Is hell the ceremony of the KoehohaJIme, when the court lectureis are given the first nu dlenco ot the New Year, ami on Januury H a report on military matters is made. In the middle of January the O-uta ha Jline, or poet ceremony, is held ut the court. On this occasion poems by their majesties are read first, follow d by those of the people. Tho subject for the poem Is given fortli by the Imperli.l court, and compositions are submitted b;,' th p.il lie. Sometimes there are 'more than i'loijo of these poems presented, but only a half dozen or so sis chosen as the bet, so that It Is considered a great honor to be numbered anung those selected. I'rof. I Yalchl liaga In Japan Magazins, GOOD YEAR IS LOOKED FOR Rains Late in Year and Heavy Snows Will Bring Fine Crops. DROUTH WROUGHT SOME DAMAGE In Ksatrrs Part of Ktate ltalna Come In Time to Save Corn, l'otatoes, and Flax Outlook la Good. 8IOLX VAIAH, 8. L., Jan. l.-(8pe( laJ.) Husiness men and other residents of Houth Dakota are looking forward to a return to normal conditions during the new year, and It Is the general expecta tion that this year will be one of the most prosrous In the history of the state, and that the state, at lurge .and Its cities und towns will make wonderful strldca during the course of the year. Conditions are vastly different from a year ago. During the fall of 1010 there were no regular fall rains and winter set in with the ground absolutely without moisture, a condition which hud not pre vailed for years. During the winter there wus very little snow, and when spring opened there was scarcely any spring rainfall, having tho ground with out sufficient moisture to give crops the proper kind ot a start. Then camu the excessively hot weather, commencing the latter part of lat May and continuing with scarcely any Inter mission until about July 8, the rulnfull during this period hardly being sufficient ut any time to lay tho dust. For several weeks during this hot and dry period there were a number of days when tho temperature registered above 100 degrees in tlie shade. In some parts of the statu hot winds added to the unfavorable conditions, and crops generally were given a backset, from which some did not recover to any appreciable extent. rSmall grain especially was b.ully dam aged during this period, but com, pota toes and flax in particular stood the i-traln remurkubly well. After a hot and dry spell such as the slate hail not ex perienced slnct the early '!, about July h or 9. rain commenced to fall, and con tinued at Intervals during tho remaiiideer of tho growing season, saving the corn, potato and flax crops ami making a fair yield ill many localities of many fields of small grain. liecause of the opportunt rains tho corn and potato crops were among the largest ever raised In Houth Dakota. The saving of the corn, potat'j und flax crops changed conditions very materially, and left the farmers of the statt In much better londlticn that those of other states which the year beorfe suf fered from a lack of moisture. Ylie rainfall from the time the rains commenced about July 8 or up to the tune winter set In aggregated In the eastern part of the state about tweiitV four Inches. Western Hoiith Dakota, uliich had fell ti effect of the lack of rainfall morn severely than the eastern half, because the country Is newer, also received abundant rainfall and th ground was thoroughly soaked. Every drop ot this two feet of water went Into the ground, and placed it In the best possible condition for the opening of spring. The snowfall thus far this winter also has been heavier than during the correspond ing period last winter. Even should there not be a drop of rain during April which is very unlikely there now Is ample mois ture In tho grounu to carry crops well into the growing season, Notwithstanding the unfavorable condi tions during the department of his tory, in a report made public a day or two ago, places the production of new wealth In .South Dakota during the year hill at IKO.liM.MO. Houth Iakota enters the new year In the expectation that the production of, new wealth this year will reach the magnificent total of 1300,000,000, und It Is generally believed this mark will be reached. Final Awards aMde in St. Mary's Land Cases fiP.ANn RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 1-In L'niled Htates court Judge Arthur S. Den- ison has made the final awards In the cuso of the federal government brought to condemn fur lock and canal purposes all the land and the rapids at ftuult ftc. Marie, north of the present canal to the International boundary. The result of this case deprives all of the power companies of ownership In St. Mary's river at tho fulls and places the I'nlted States In full control to regulate navigation and use i the water for power as it sees fit. The total award Is $:73,312. Ot this the Chandler-Dunbar company gets J.VJO.OflO for its water power and $102,312 for Its shore lands and islands.N'o. I and No. 2, part of vulue conceded by tho govern ment. The Edison Eault Hte. Mario Electric company gets fciOO.OiiO fur Its power plunt ami electrical accessoiies north of the cana, value conceded by the government. The award for water power of :M.M probably will he appealed by both the government and the power companies, the former contending It does not have to pay anything for water power and that the river Is a public highway of Interstate and International commerce at this point. on July 4, and only recently learned that the fellow was alive and well. Following is the mortgage report for Gage county for the month of Decem ber: Number of farm mortgages filed, Irt; nmourU, $16,277; number of farm mortgages released. S3; amount. $37,921; number of city mortgages filed. 22; amount, $25,798.89; number of city mort- " releasee,, l; amount, $10,171). Edward C. Wllle, living north of the city, reports that wolves are plentiful In his neighborhood. Two came to his barn yesterday In search of food. RAILROAD WORK TO ARNOLD " IS PROGRESSING RAPIDLY CALLAWAY, Jan. 1. fSpecial.)-Not-wlthstandlng the severe cold weather tho bridge gang which Is working on the extension of the railroad from this place to near Gandy In Logan county con tlnues steadlhy at work. The bridge work Is now almost completed to Arnold, a town twenty miles northwest of Calls I way, and it Is reported that as aoon as the bridge work Is completed to that point the work on the laying of the steel will begin. The cltlxens of Arnold are making great preparations for a barbecue and big rally on the day the first train reaches that point, and have extended Invitations all over the coun try to people to be thero and help them celehrute the event. Xotw From Table Hock. TABLE HOCK, Neb.. Jan. l.-(Bpeclal ) Mrs. E. 8. Kinney, who resided for many years on ;tlBsIon Creek in this county, and later moved to a farm some six miles southwest of here, died at the family home near Eldorado, Kan., after an Illness of two weeks, and the body was brought to the old home at Mission Creek, and funeral services were con ducted by the Hev. Calhoun of Bummer- field, Kan., and the Interment was at the Mission Creek cemutury. A deal has recently been closed by which Will S. I'otts comes Into the nns. session of the Svhenek Johnson ele vator, located on the Huols Island tracks at l'awnee City. Many farmers In tlds vicinity are ex periencing heavy lo.ss.ja of stock, tlo cause being supposedly due to the poison ous effects of corn stalks by overeating the same. The los have been both of cattle and horses. NEWS NOTES FROM BEATRICE Harry llaudley, W ho Dlaupueared In July, Is at Home of Brother In Ktrele 1 Ity. liE.YTHK'E. Neb., Jan. 1 -(Special.) Harry Hamlley, who disappeared from his home at Da Hon, Neb., on July 5. has turned up at the home ot his brother, Noah J. Hundley at Steele City, safe and sound, lie explains his disappear ance by saying that he thought he had killed a nan with whom he had a fight Dcpiiuw Otti Gift From Joliu. I. flKEEN CA8TIJ3, Ind.. Jan. l.-Sub-srriptlons to the endowment fund ut Depauw university exceed the $4u0.iii stipulated by John IX Rockefeller in his offer of $100,UUJ, It was announced today. Most of the mousy was raised anionic the seven hundred Methodist churches of Indiana. Churcli llurned at Witch Service. HOT SPRINGS, Ark., Jan. 1 -On, thorn-and persons aecuped with difficulty from the tint Presbyterian church of this city early today when the church a burned. The congregation had as sembled to hold special watch services, when the flames burst forth. Key to the BltuaOon-Bee AdverUsia.