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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 22, 1912)
THE OMAHA SUNDAY BEE: SEPTEMBER 22, 1012. 5 A LIVELY WORK" IH MAIL CARS f 6 Sorting Letters "While Going the Speed Limit on Railroads. TASKS SET FOR THE CLERKS Working Hand and Eym, and Bratna , Filled With Postofflce Kaine i Practice Makes for Efficiency. The fast mail flyer is the pet of the railway service. Not even the limited passenger trains, nor the "specials" hired for unusual purposes by million aires can Interfere with or sidetrack the "fast malL" Through the black night it goes scurry ing across the country, marking time be tween cities with clock-like regularity, to deliver our letters at the breakfast table or to hurry to our office business communications that mean so much to us. A mile a minute is practically the standard time for the "fast mails," an average speed that must be maintained Jn spite of stops and slowdowns. Conse quently this often means a much greater speed along certain clear stretches of road where lost minutes must be made up. . The fast mall is the pet of the Post office department also, and only picked men are in charge of it. It is a travel ing postofflce in every sense of the word. The train usually .consists of four cars carrying nothing but mail, amounting sometimes to fifty and more tons. The engine Is one of the biggest moguls of the railroad service, a veritable monster of Iron and Bteel, carrying ten tons ot coal and 6,000 gallons of water. When the bulging sacks of mall 'are thrown aboard and the conductor gives the signal to start exactly on the min ute, the gaunt, angular engine puffs and snorts, and starts forth on its swift jour ney. Besides a picked train crew there are fifteen or more trained clerks riding In the mail cars. Their business begins !the Instant the mail is aboard. . A Hea-nlar Job. Fifty tooB of mall to be sorted and de '; llvered at various points along the routs : while running at sixty miles an hour, i That seems like an almost Incredible achievement, but it is being done every night and day of the year. WhITe most of us are sleeping the railway clerks are tolling. The Inside of a railway postofflce looks for all the world like an ordinary coun-, try postofflce, with its boxes and pigeon- ' holes, with the exception of certain ad ditions which are necessary for the good 'of the service. For one thing, there are sometimes series of racks' which- hold open mall sacks, and into these the clerks dispatch their mail as they fly across the land. One of these sacks must be dropped off perhaps .thirty, or forty miles froni the starting point, and there is always a hurry and bustle to get this particular Back "tied out" in time. ? The work of the railway clerk is' hard and exacting, and he must qualify for the position through, study and applica tion.. It may be said,' that jtjs the .am bition of about, every, clerk in the Post- unite uepanmeni ro gel into me railway postofflce service. It Is- not because the ( fay is so great, but because most youns men like the; novelty of sorting letters ' while traveling' sixty Smiles an hour In , preference' to doing it In stationary . postofflce..' When he' gets Into the railway servl: ,he will, receive a salary of jeOO a year, and in time,, when he gets the full ap pointment, this will be raised To $900. From that time on his promotion is ac cording to merit. Each promotion generally means an in crease, of $100 a year in wages until he may be drawing $1,200 to $1,400. After j that he must wait and work for the posi- uun i tiers: in cnarge ot tne mall cars on which he is working. He is at the head of all the other clerks then and his Jpay is $1,600. Going; Up the. Ladder. . i But the limit of his ambition need not ; stop there. If he qualifies for it, and j there is a vacancy,, he may.be appointed I for merit only to the position of chief j clerk In charge of the lines running j thrqugh his particular part of the coun i try.' For this he receives $1,800, and ho may eventually receive $2,000 a year as ! assistant division superintendent or $3,000 as division superintendent, i According to 'the requirements of the law, an aspirant for a position 'in the railway postofflce service may be any where between 18 and 25 years of age. TJe must take his examinations and pass I with high marks to secure his first foot jhold in the service. After that Ms ad vancement depends upon himself and cir cumstances. ; But , by the time a railway postofflce iclerk has reached the salary of $1,ZC0 a. year he must have developed a somewhat (phenomenal memory. To secure this po sition he must memorize some fi.OOO post- offices on his line. That of itself Is not an easy Job, but it is rendered more dif ficult by the necessity of knowing the different counties and railroads and Junc tion points. He must also keep accurate ;track of all the railroad time-tables and their changes which affect his district. I The railway clerks become so familiav ' I with their route that they can tell 'j; i'the feel of the . road" where they are, i and this helps them to prepare the dit- j ferentsacks In time. Without looking up from their worl: they know by the grades, curves sul crossings Just where they are, and they Judge the speed of the train through the same sixth sense. Consequently one clerk will often make his decision when round ing a curve that he cannot unaided pre pare his sack for the next junction, and he will call upon one of the.otherj to help him. . Arranged In tiers on one side of each car there are more than 140 pigeonholes, tach -hole is reserved for some special town or city on the way, and the dorks shuffle and assort the letters with great rapidity, flipping the letters into their 'respective holes. It seems almost Incredi ble that anyone could become so deft In reading the letters without making errors. - Sorting the Letters. The traveling postofflce clerks do not read names or the streets and numuars -f addresses, but simply the town, and oc casionally the county If there are two towns of the same name in adjoining counties. It is this which makes the sorting so rapid. The towns and cities ,on their route are as familiar to them 'as the names of states may be to the average schoolboy, and the letters go swiftly and dexterously Into their proper places. Occasionally a letter turns up so badly written xnai me nrsi c;erK laiis io ue- j cipher it. Immediately it is passed on to ORKIN BROTHERS ORKIN BROTHERS ORKIN BROTHERS ORKIN BROTHERS ORKIN BROTHERS Our Beautiful New Autumn Styles Invite the MM Careful of All Discriminating Women - A presentation of most authoritative autumn fashions. An exposition of the mas terpieces of design and exclusiveness for Autumn wear. Orkin Brothers recognized style-leadership receives special emphasis in our exquisite Fall fashion display. Consideration The wide variety of correct styles represented is characteristic of Orkin Brothers liberal policy of complete stocks. Not only the best at every price, but the largest selection to choose from at every price.' The infinite care with which we have assembled the season's best styles is reflected on every hand in our new store. The demand of our clientele for'authoritative fashions is ever our first consideration. Every avenue that leads to the fountain-head of Fashion is thrown wide open to us. The choicest productions of Europe and Americaj are at your diposal in our new Department Store. Trained experts in every section are at your command; all, so that you may know us as the store that leads' in style, quality, reliability and satisfaction to all. - Rich New Autumn Suits for Women Individuality the Keynote of Our Styles. Every woman's thoughts are turning to a new Fall Suit. The quality of smart individuality is an Orkin Brother's suit achieve ment, that every woman appreciates. The new models are far more attractive than any ever shown before. Quite naturally the demand grows greater here every day. You'll find your ideal Autumn suit ready here tomorrow. High class Imported hand tailored suits. Garments from the foremost Parisian designers. Zlbellnes, Velvets, Diagonals, Corduroys, fancy Mixtures, Broadcloths. Our direct Importations. Prices from $59.50 to $225. American adaptations of the fine Imported suits. Reproductions of Paris Novelties, duplicated with Infinite attention to detail. , Hand tailored by New York's master craftsmen. Wonderful variety. $19.50 to $55. Beautiful New Autumn Silk Dresses Bewitchingly Attractive in Every Detail. The height of attraction seemingly has been achieved in our beautiful new gowns and dresses. The exquisite style lines and effects produced this season are a revelation to all who behold them. Imported novelties combined with American adaptations form an exposition of silk dresses and gowns that is beyond dupli cation. "We invite inspection of our exclusive display. Evenings gowns, Parisian originals, and American reproductions, exclu sive and extensive exposition. Beautiful brocades, chiffons, silks, Charmeusa, Crepe Meteor, Satins, bead and spanglo trimmed, rarest novelty draped effect. $39.50 to $175. Street dresses. Elegance and individuality are a prime consideration In our style selections. Robespierre collars, long sleeves; pannier effects; Novel ty draperies; also a wide range of hand come excluslvci rich plain dresses $19.50 to $69.50. Fall Silks and Dress Goods Tinge of-Autumn's Richest Shadings Determined to make a most notable display of. newest Fall silks and dress goods, we've gone to great lengths, in assembling this vast collection. Every fashion critic is invited to inspect our hand some Autumn weaves. To' always display the ex isting best is the policy of our silk and dress goods section. Yisit our beautiful daylight departments . tomorrow.. Inspect the new Fall weaves now ready in such' rich abundance. The season's most important fabrics are un doubtedly the new two-tone Diagonals and whip cords for suits, coats, and one-piece jdresses. Plain weaves, and a beautiful range of combination fab rics, $.50 to $3.50. Coatings and cloakings in every imaginable new idea of weave. Double faced cloakings in all combinations, plaids and plain backs. Mackinaws, striped backs and rough finished effects. Priced at $1.50 to $4.50. ' Bichest- Autumn silks; border marquisette; beautiful floral bordered effects on white and col ored grounds. Strictly exclusive patterns, per yard, $2.25, $2,50. Charmeuse, a greatfavorite with fashionable dressers. Admired fofits soft draping qualities, so essential to this season's smart style gowns and dresses. Every conceivable shade 36-inch width at $1.50.. . Plain messalines, best dollar quality. Fifty different beautiful shades. 36 in. width," at $1.00. The Fall Coat Fashions of hi Hour Variety of Styles Never Before so Large We are particularly proud of our handsome display of street and evening coats. Imported weaves are an important feature not to be overlooked. We've garnered a harvest of exclusive novelties. Styles that are not to be duplicated elsewhere. The chill of Fall is in the air. Fancy striped Zibelines; English Diagonals; Boucles; Taupe or imitation mole Bkln; Brocaded cloths; wool Persians; double faced materials; French Montegnac. Corduroy, Vel vet and Velour Coats. Our greatest showing of Evening and Street Coats at all prices from $15 to $150. Splendid Fall Millinery Presentation A Congreis of Authoritative Fall Styles The breadth and scope of our great Millinery Section evidences our de sire to be of thorough service to all our patrons. To present for your inspec tion a most cosmopolitan display, to offer you an opportunity to see the rec ognized best millinery fashions; to bring quality, fashion and cost together in the harmonious unit of your complete satisfaction. We direct your attention to the largest variety of ostrich and Paradise hats ever placed on exhibition anywhere In the middle west. For your special consideration, we ask you to see our offerings at $20, $25, $30, $35. Tailored arid trimmed hata In a remarkable range of smart styles, designed by. our own experts from high 'class imported models. $5, $7.50, $10, $12.50, $15. If The Robespierre collar strikes the dominating style note of the season. This graceful, becoming collar Js here in all the new color combinations, beautifully trim med with the sheerest of lacs Chiffon; marabout boas; coat and dress collars, sets in Ven lse or real lace, white and ecru. Laces, Embroidery, Neckwear, Veiling, Ribbons Your attention is respectfully directed to a most complete display of dress accessories. Newest ideas invite' your consideration. The com pleteness of this section can only be appreciated after a personal visit. Dress trimming section offers a most complete assortment of the new jet, pearl, crystal, tinsel, cut steel, silver and beautiful embroidery bands. Edgings, all over motiffs, and fringe. fVide price range 25c to $15.00 per yard. The New Bohemian, Rosaline, Duchess, Irish, Venetian, cluny, Maltese, shadow laces a bewildering profusion of designs, white, black, ecru, an exquisite collection of rare and Crystal, chiffon robes; practically ready-to-wear. Needs only to be fitted at waist and seamed at back. Some very clever novelty ideas. White, black, light blue and pink, $15.00 to $20.00. staple laces 25c to $15.00 per yard. Some very clever tailored and fancy bows and stocks; also a full line of laundered collars. Choice assortments of the popular and much used pleating white, black, ecru. Plain, net, lace trimmed, shadow lace ribbon and chiffon, 19c to $2.25 per yard. ' Veiling novelties we feature are typical of Orkin style-pre-eminence. Newmesh flesh veiling and Magpie. All novelty and staple shades. 25c to $1.50. Motor veils all shades and the very new Ombre effects. $1.00 to $4.50. ) Our chiffon and robe section. Exclusive style ideas; best values obtainable 42 inch silk chiffon costume cloth in plain and crepe effects. All newest as well as the staple shades. 89c to $1.95 per yard. v Talented Ribbon Novelty Designer The Novelty Ribbon section offers expert assistance in collar, bead band and sash design ing. ?.liss Hazel Reams In charge. Our many .cus tomers are invited to accept this opportunity. Miss Ream's well known talent is at your com mand. ; In All the World, No Store Will Strive to Serve You Better. J Formerly The Bennett Company New Fall Gldve Attractions Famous Renters, Ceutemicr, Fownes. The most reputable glove makers in the world are represented in tur glove section. The most authoritative styles, shades and lengths of the season are here'. The widest possible range for sat isfactory selection.. The most painstak ing glove service awaits you.. : Women's 12, 16, 20 B. L. Kid Gloves, white black, colors, $,2.50 to 4.50. Women s 2-clasp Imported kid gloves all colors and evening shades $1.50, $2.00. Stylish street gloves Cape and Mocha all prices 89c to $1.50 per pair. Women's two-clasp good kid , gloves, tan, brown, gray, navy, black, white; very special at $1.00-. scrawl which somebody intended for the name ot a town or city. Finally, after running the battery of sharp eyes, the letter Is chucked in a hole marked "Nixies," which Jn plain language means "illegibles." Before it finally ; goes to the dead letter office at Washington the clerks In their more leisure moments may give another try at the address. . The railway clerks are so" efficient in their work that, according to statistics, not more than one out of About every 12,000 pieces handled by them goes wrong, and probably not more than one out of every 100,000 letters handled by the clerks fails to find Its destination eventually. A point not always appreciated by an. outsider is that the railway clerks sort their mail with the idea ot making It reach Its destination jn the shortes. possible time, and this often means a great amount of quick mental calcula tion. Yet, after all, it is practice and ex perience that make the clerks efficient and reliable. Day after day and night after night they read over the same towns, cities and villages, and their minds with almost automatic precision respond to the Impressions made on the i-yi s No man could stop and think of 'the next, and so on down the line until all the towns and hope to finish his day very on has failed to decpher the J work In time, That subconscious self of ours comes to the assistance of the mem ory and enables us to do, marvelous things without conscious thought. The railway pos toffice clerks must work at high pressure when on duty." But when the mail is finally sorted and the last bag tied out, they relax and forget all the difficulties of their Job. They may enjoy the railroad ride then as the train in the early dawn steams into the last city on - the route. Christian En deavor World. ' JEWELRY SHOPS OF DESERT Relics of the Time When Precious Stones Were Left Out-of-Doora at 'lght. . Once men were so honest that the Jewelers worked in the open air and left their precious stones out-of-doors at night. No one disturbed their stocks. These men were the Aztecs. They cared little for gold, but they knew the value and understood the art of cutting tur quoise. They mined only the most per fect stones. They fashioned them with rude Instruments, but no modern lapl tlarist finishes his gems with greater care or more highly than did these work men of a bygone age. In the southwest men search today forJthrough the. long, hot summer months. those ancient Jewelry-shops of the desert. They are still tq be found and they yield riches. Sometimes men will work for weeks finding one. Then again they will stumble across a dozen or more In the same day. For evidently there were Jewelry districts in the , old pueblos, where the lapldarlsts of long ago carried on their trade. The sites of these ancient towns are now marked only by broken pottery indi cating the sites of the old houses built of adobe and sand brick. North of El Paso on the Sacramento desert, lying between Sacramento and the urgan mountains, there are a number of these deserted villages. When Coronado passed through the country the villages were occupied. He conquered them and they paid taxes to Spain for years. Then for some mysterious reason the towns were obliterated. At any rate, the houses have crumbled. Mounds mark the spot where formerly they stood, and the broken pottery with colors burned in so perfectly that they have withstood the action of the weather for nearly three centuries tell of the civilization that existed. The towns were located at the mouths of canons, where reservoirs were con structed to impound the . water to last Some were located In the center of the desert of today. Evidently the ancients used wells, for good water is obtainable at a depth of about two hundred feet. Once in a while the searcher will come across stones, such as porphyry, flint granite, and lime, slotted with grooves arranged in a circle. This Is or was a Jewelry-shop. The workers sat around In a circle, and the stones mentioned wer used to polish the turquoise. Reaching into the center of the circle, one may feel about with the fingers and at a depth of three to six inches find Hhe crude tur quoise. Sometimes It has been uncovered by the winds and lies exposed. More fre quently, however, the treasure Is covered and Is in as good condition today as when It was first placed In the center of the circle, where it was evidently left every night when the workmen went home. The workmen polished the gems by rub bing them In the Alots In the stones ana thus wore them down to the shape de sired. The process was evidently finished by rubbing on leather, much as Is don': by the modern lapidarlst. These ancient jewelers worked with tht crudest instruments, and wrought num artistic designs. They mined only the best turquoise the clear, sky-blue stont that will withstand the test of sunlight gem with rough stonos In some manner not known to moderns, they managed to bore a hole through them In order to string them. How these holes, small enough to prevent .the passage of -a darning-needle, were made is a mystery. Harper's Weekly. " Dyspeptic Philosophy. Much feeding also maketh a full man. It Isn't everybody who knows enough not to know too much. Many a man's head has to work over time correcting the mistakes of his heart. The only way you can draw some men out is with a corkscrew. The fellow who has money to burn nat urally makes light of it. There Is no fool like the fool who is old enough to know better. Even a woman can't fish for compli ments unless she brilts her own hook. Probably one-half the world is happier for not knowing how the other half lives. Don't Judge by . appearance. Many a man whose shoes are all run down Is well heeled. Ten chances to one the man who is clothed In his own righteousness has swiped the cloak from some other fellow. Now York Times. Stutterer Holds Vp Court. When Hugo Greysmuhl was arraigned in the Milwaukee district court on the charge of having stolen $0 from a com panion in a saloon, the first question, and albeit the only question, propounded . V I . V.. .C . . -t . LI. Without fadin. While they polished the ,r 11." : to reply. Finally, when the patience of the court was well nigh exhausted, he managed to articulate: "I-l-I st-st-u-t-t-er, j-J-Judge, and c-c c-a-a-an hard-hardly- ev-ev-v-v-er t-t-t-t-ell how old I am, b-b-be-be-be-c-c-c-a-use I'm g-g-g-rowlng wh-wh-wh-lle I t-t-t-alk." Five minutes later, while the attorneys were arguing, Hugo Interrupted their flood of oratory with ' the remark: "T-t-t-t-t-wen-t-t-ty t-t-t-t-h-ree. J-J-Judge." - " . "That's a hard age to have, my boy." replied the court. "I think about six months in the house of correction will do for you." 5 "R-b-b-bu-t. J-J-J-Judge " , "You can finish that remark when you get out," snapped the court. "Call the next case." New York Telegram. His Exclnnlre Costume. The costumer came forward to attend to the nervous old beau , who was mop ping his bald and shining poll-- with a b'g silk handkerchief. "And what can I do for your' ' he asked. "I want a little help in the way of a suggestion," said the old fellow. "I In tend going to the French students' mas querade ball tonight, and I want a distinctly original costume something I may be sure no one else will wear. What would you suggest V - The costumer looked him over atten tively, bestowing special notice on the gleaming knob. "Well, I II tell you," he said then, thoughtfully; "why don't you sugar your head and go as a plU?" Llpplncott'a Magazine, . f ' ,