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3-1927

The Northern, March, 1927

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Contents A. G. Hempsetad, Superintendent Social Service, Editor

MARCH, 1927

Ragged Stream in March by A. G. Hempstead...... Cover The Maine Forest Service...... 3 By Stanley Foss Bartlett The Taste of the Times Rapidly Destroying the Spruce Gum Industry ...... 5 A Moosehead Lake Episode of 1835 ...... 7 Comment Page ...... 8 Picture Page...... 9 Northern News ...... 10 Popular Professor Accepts Position with the Great Northern Paper Company...... 14 Cooper Brook Garage Fire...... 15 The Random Shot...... Back Cover The Mottoes at the bottom of the pages are from Will Carleton

THE AUGUSTA PRESS

■ The Northern Published by the Social Service Division GREAT NORTHERN PAPER COMPANY SPRUCE WOOD DEPARTMENT

The Maine Forest Service By STANLEY FOSS BARTLETT

ERHAPS you have seen the work planned for them and super­ duties are largely educational and snarling demon, fire, curl scar­ vise the personnel, which consists preventive, are placed along rail­ P let tongues up through the of lookout-watchmen, patrolmen roads, roads and streams. They sighing boughs of spruce. It is and other deputy wardens. also endeavor to extinguish fires, possible that you have felt the fiery The Service has established a detected by themselves or others, breath of a “crown-fire” on rampage, lookout system consisting of seventy- before they have gained dangerous or have heard its threatening roar five lookout towers equipped with headway. During wet weather, in the distance, or have seen the telephones, fire-finders, etc., where these men are given other work such heavens black with pitch smoke watchmen are stationed during the as constructing and repairing tele­ and starred with sparks. More dry seasons. Patrolmen, whose phone lines, trails, bridges and camps likely, you have looked upon charred also placing fire warning signs and acres of denuded forest land where clearing camp sites. only the long winds came among Public camping places have been the gaunt tree ghosts to lay snow improved in suitable locations and and rain on the barren stones. the Forest Service can now properly Such are the sacrifices of the Maker insist upon campers and tourists to the carelessness of man. using them, thus greatly reducing In an endeavor to prevent waste the fire hazard. Over ten thousand and destruction of Maine’s greatest metal fire warning signs are dis­ natural resource by fire, insects, tributed throughout frequented ter­ disease and careless lumbering, a ritory every year. greater part of the forested land This fire protection includes, as within the state is protected by the well, the enforcement of slash laws, Maine Forest Service. This pro­ control of brush burning, penalties tected area, known as the Maine for leaving unextinguished fires, Forestry District, has a total area screening of smoking-car windows, of nearly 10,000,000 acres. Any use of spark arresters on all locomo­ adjoining town may become a part tives and licensing of portable saw­ of the district if the majority of its mills. Maine’s forestry plan is citizens so desire. The cost of this unique in that no other state has a organized protection is met by similar one and it is apparently levying a tax of 2 1/4 mills on the successful for the average area dollar, on all land within the terri­ burned each year amounts to only tory. 0.35 of 1%. The Maine Forestry District is Permanent improvements are divided into thirty sub-divisions, made to the extent of the part of each in charge of a chief forest fire the yearly appropriations available. warden, who is subject to instruc­ For instance, during the last two tions from the Forest Commissioner One of the seventy-five Fire Lookout seasons the Service purchased 13 at Augusta. These wardens execute Towers of the Maine Forestry Service automobiles, 3 motor-boats, 36

Glory soon tarnishes if not constantly polished by work Page four The Northern March 1927

canoes, and 13 gasoline pumps, eral hundred feet of the trees. Pine So, besides giving legislative sup­ located 34 camp sites and made owners, together with towns and port, let us not forget the Maine other minor additions. The state the state, have made rapid strides Forest Service signs along the way— also bought enough fire fighting tools in control work in the last two years. Woodsmen, Burned Forests Mean to equip 10,000 men. Ninety camps, Because there are insufficient No Work for You; Fishermen, Fires seventy-six lookout stations, fifty- funds for entomology work, little Dry Up Streams; Hunters, Fires five of them steel, and over fourteen can be done in this field other than Drive Out and Kill Game;Motorists, hundred miles of telephone line, attending to the hundreds of in­ Be Careful with Fire. besides much equipment are now quiries which are received from state-owned. The permanent force individuals. The department has of the Maine Forest Service numbers published two bulletins, entitled, about 450 men. “Insects Attacking Forest and Cooperation with towns, rail­ Shade Trees," and “Estimating roads, private land-owners and the Forest Insect Damage.” A field federal government has been highly laboratory was established in the successful and agreeable. Public Rangeley region in 1924, where instruction in forestry is offered at studies were made of the Spruce Use Your Head the University of Maine where Budworm, Larch Sawfly, Larch Case A woodpecker pecks good attendance is registered and Bearer, and Bark Beetles. It is Out a great many specks the instruction is in charge of an highly essential that as much knowl­ Of sawdust efficient faculty. Experiments and edge as possible be immediately When building a hut; research work in relation to insect collected, so that it can be applied and disease control and reforesta­ as soon as outbreaks occur, for little He works like a nigger tion are carried on here. Practical can be done after an outbreak as­ To make the hole bigger, camp courses in Logging Engineer­ sumes epidemic form. He’s sore if his cutter won’t cut. As in the past in other fields, ing, Forest Management, and Cruis­ He doesn’t bother with plans Maine has been a leader in forest ing and Mapping are offered. In­ Of cheap artisans, conservation. In view of the fact cidentally, these courses are made But there’s one thing that the Pine Tree State’s forests are possible by the interest and courtesy Can rightly be said; of the Great Northern Paper Co., of inestimable commercial and aes­ in providing full camp equipment thetic value, and that they are its The whole excavation and facilities on an actual operation. greatest natural resource, citizens of Has this explanation, The State Forest Nursery is operat­ the state and the thousands from He builds it ed as a field laboratory for the other states, who spend a part of By students in silviculture. This nurs­ each year in Maine, should be in­ Using ery has produced and sold to Maine terested in the preservation of the His forest planters over 1,750,000 seed­ forests that cover its hills and shade Head. lings and transplants. Although its its waterways and roads. —Selected. present capacity cannot supply one tenth of the present demand, lack of funds prevents expansion. The presence of injurious insects and diseases in the forests of the state commands immediate and con­ tinuous attention. The lack of sufficient appropriations makes it very difficult to combat these tree enemies. Cooperating with the federal government, the Maine For­ est Service is endeavoring to exter­ minate the deadly White Pine Blister Rust which has gained a dangerous foothold, especially in the southern part of the state. In some sections it was found that as high as 75 to 90% of the trees were diseased. To control this disease it is necessary to destroy all currant and gooseberry bushes within sev­ A public camping site sponsored by the Maine Forest Service

Do not put on a full head of steam until you have examined the brakes March 1927 The Northern Page five

The Taste of the Times Affects the Market of Spruce, the Original Chewing Gum Alfred Elden interviews Harry Davis, the Spruce Gum King

athering spruce gum and ing and where he finds his markets. aged or elderly New Englanders G marketing it is not what it “Easy enough to answer that,” now living elsewhere but who can’t was twenty years ago.” he smiled. “The younger genera­ forget the good old spruce gum of The speaker was Harry Davis, tion has grown up without any boyhood and girlhood. unchallenged spruce gum king of knowledge of real spruce gum. Our “But you can understand why Maine, former guide and trapper, boys and girls to-day largely chew the demand for spruce is lessening. natural woodsman, raconteur, lover the sweet, manufactured article. The oldsters are passing on and the of the great outdoors and—occa­ Give a lot of them a nice nugget of youngsters don’t know what they sional poet. spruce and set them to work on it are missing. So, where ignorance Because a timber cruiser told me and they would probably spit it out is bliss—well, I’m afraid there isn’t that where there were 100 gum and swear you were trying to poison much chance of educating them up pickers in the Maine woods a them! to spruce gum.” quarter of a century back, there is “How about the financial end of one to-day, I sought Mr. Davis for gum gathering?” I inquired. “Does denial or corroboration. it pay the pickers, and what prices “Your informant came pretty for the different grades can they get?” near a bulls-eye,” Mr. Davis ad­ “Glad you asked that,” answered mitted. “When I started my fac­ the spruce gum king. “Nothing tory here at Monson about twenty secret about it. Professional gum years ago there might have been a pickers will average around $5 a day. dozen concerns doing a good busi­ I pay them $4 a pound for the very ness in spruce gum. One by one best, clear gum, and for extra fine they have dropped out. quality have occasionally gone as “This winter I have from 12 to 15 high as $4.50. Average prices to professional gum pickers gathering the pickers, however, are $2, $2.50, gum in the Maine forests. I buy $3 and $3.50 a pound. Cheaper from any others who can furnish grades go to the artificial gum me the required standard. Woods­ manufacturers who utilize them as men up in Canada are among those a by-product but pay small prices. who send in spruce gum from time “Now, if you go to your drug to time. I also buy from the store to-day to buy spruce gum at amateurs who try the game—when­ retail, what do you pay? If you ever they have anything worth place a silver dollar on the druggist’s buying. scale, all the clear gum it will buy “Annually I handle about a ton, will be twice its own weight. Fifty or perhaps from 2,000 to 2,500 cents an ounce! pounds of the finest quality gum; “I have a retail druggist in Port­ and about 10 tons or from 20,000 to land and another in Bangor who 25,000 pounds of the inferior quali­ After Spruce Gum every year buy approximately 150 ties or by-product as we call it. “The market to-day is chiefly pounds of the finest quality spruce This latter is melted or strained among the older people, those who gum. They pay me around $700 and made up into penny sticks that chewed spruce gum when they were apiece and retail it at 50c per ounce. are still popular in certain sections. youngsters and still hanker for a Considering waste, time in handling, This gum is just as pure as the cud of the real thing. I sell in Maine, paper and twine for wrapping, and prime nuggets, not being adulterated Massachusetts, and the comparatively small demand, in any manner, only softened a bit Vermont. A smaller demand comes their profit is no more than fair. to make it more chewable.” from some sections of the west “I tried to sell a New York drug­ where years ago there were fine gist some best quality gum recently. Where Lies the Market spruce forests. Then, too, from all When I told him $4.50 a pound he I asked Mr. Davis why the de­ parts of the country occasional nearly fainted, and said he ought to mand for spruce gum is ever lessen­ small lots are bought by middle­ have a better price on a large lot.

A man is known by the company he is able to keep Page six The Northern March 1927

Amateurs are Disappointed and the looking is good. They spot “What was the biggest nugget of likely territory and suitable loca­ gum you ever saw?” I asked. “How “It is the amateur woodsmen who tions for shelter. Sometimes they much did it weigh and what would think they are going to get rich at arrange to occupy the office of an it bring?” the spruce gum game. Generally unused lumber camp. A few have “I have seen some stories written they run across some professional camps of their own at points where about the Maine woods,” Mr. Davis picker. Maybe he will show them they know there is good gum within smiled, “that would make you a sack of fine, first quality gum— fairly easy travel. think chunks of pure gum as big as possibly there will be 10 pounds of it. “The professionals carry a light, croquet balls were common. I’ve When they are told that I pay $3 a sharp hatchet, a long pole with a never run across any that size. pound or more for that sort they sharp chisel fastened to one end and Largest ones I ever knew anything begin to figure. Equipment doesn’t just under it an open-mouthed about were as big as hen’s eggs and cost much so they strike out. canvas bag. When they spot the would be worth maybe a dollar “Now, what they don’t know is little gum nugget or tit, they snip it apiece. That size was quite com­ that no more than one per cent of off with the chisel and it falls into mon a quarter of a century back but all the spruce gum picked is of high, the bag. Nearer the ground within not many of them come in to-day. first quality. The kind of gum that hand reach they use the hatchet. brings the real money must be just “Of course the little bag is fre­ What Spruce Gum Is right. Some is too light in color, some quently emptied into a pouch the “Do you know what gum is? I too dark; some pitchy, some crumbly. picker carries slung from his belt. believe the dictionary calls it some­ Prime nuggets are none too plenti­ In camp the gum pickers have a thing like The hardened resinous ful—then, too, it takes an expert set of creepers in case they come exudation from the spruce,’ but it gum gatherer to know where they across a tree with what looks like a doesn’t say what causes it. Wher­ are hidden. promising pocket of gum up too ever you find spruce gum you may “The amateurs don’t take those high for their chisel. But this sel­ be sure there was a bruise on the things into consideration, but go dom happens—not often enough to tree; a bruise that went through the ahead on their own hook. A very warrant packing the heavy climbers outside bark to the cambria layer little first quality and a great sack­ around. which is where the gum oozes from. ful of the inferior grades are what “These chaps work systemati­ It is nature’s healing balm for its they bring in. They have asked cally, where the amateur rambles wounded trees. few questions and reason that if the hap-hazard. The professional will “I’ve had a gum picker swear finest is worth say $3 or $3.50 a go up a mountain side on snow­ that he had picked gum off of per­ pound, poorer grades ought to be shoes to the summit. Then he will fectly sound bark, but investigation worth at least half that. Besides, it’s work down covering a strip of forest showed differently. He had a lot so much easier to get the poor several feet wide. Maybe he will be of beautifully clear, round pieces a gum! a day doing this and he will have little larger than a good sized pea. “If they come to me I generally established his camp near the start­ Upon careful examination of the find they have two or three hand­ ing point at the foot of the mountain. tree where he got it we found that fuls of very good gum for which I Next day he goes up his original some sort of borers had worked pay the best price, and a big lot of trail and works back through tiny punctures through the outer the other kind. When I tell them another strip of spruce timber. At bark to the cambria layer. Through it is worth no more than 25 to 35 the base of the mountain it is an these gum oozed out and hardened. cents a pound, and that only as a easy walk to camp. When the picker chiseled it off by-product for the manufacturers of “The next ascent over the now smooth to the bark no wound artificial gums, they soon lose all well-defined path is comparatively showed, but we found there was a interest in gumming as a get-rich- easy and the descent takes in still very small hole into which you could quick game.” another belt of forest having gum push a knitting needle or a match It is a Man’s Game possibilities. And so on until the once the gum was cleared from it. gum picker has covered the entire “No, sir; no bruise, no gum! “Pretty strenuous game, this going mountain. What gum he misses Sometimes a tree in falling will rasp after it,” I suggested. “The woods won’t be worth much. This simply down along the trunk of another, in winter are no place for a tender­ illustrates a difference in the meth­ breaking through the outer bark to foot.” ods of the professionals and the the cambria layer. That is likely “Yes, it is a man’s game,” con­ amateurs. The latter wandering to make a lot of good gum when ceded Mr. Davis. “The experts here and there without a regular nature tries to heal the wound. But usually work together, two or three system use up a lot of time, miss a lot if in its course the tree tears through of them. The real gummers look of gum and frequently cover the the outer bark and the cambria their field over carefully in summer same ground two or three times. layer too, destroying that, there’ll when they can get around easily Not so with the experts.” be no gum.”

Men’s gifts are no credit to them; only their acquirements are commendable March 1927 The Northern Page seven

A Moosehead Lake Episode of 1835 An old letter in the possession of Fred Bigney of Greenville

ILLIAM CUMMINGS, the before I discovered the danger I men, think for a moment how you writer of the following letter, was in. As the weather was un­ would feel in this situation. I Wcame to Greenville about 1828 fromcommonly tedious and dark for the spent the chief part of the night in Parkman. He had formerly lived time of day, I turned about and traveling from one end of the hovel in Greene. He cleared what is now made for the other side of the Is­ to the other to keep myself from known as the Walden Farm and land. I pursued until I got a con­ perishing. A long night it was to lived there until the discovery of siderable distance down the other me. When daylight appeared I gold in California. Several men side of the Island but to my surprise still found myself lost but as the left Greenville for California in ’49 I soon found I could not discover storm had come to a close, I could or a little later,—Edmund Scam­ land in any direction. It being the ascertain a south course which soon mon, John H. Eveleth, Josiah Hinck­ most tedious storm I ever expe­ brought me in sight of Mr. Scam­ ley, B. S. Tyler, Thomas Young rienced on the Lake, the wind so mon’s opening. The new snow and perhaps others. Mr. Cum­ hard to face my horse wheeled being about one foot deep and the mings started on the journey but around a number of times. I traveling hard, when I got to Sandy was taken ill in Biddeford and died found myself lost and knew not Bay I was almost exhausted. Gentle­ there. where to start. My horse beginning men, I do not consider you under His brother Silas afterwards oc­ to be some fatigued beating against any obligation to recompense, yet cupied the farm, later owned by his the wind, I gave her some hay I had I would hardly ask a deed of charity. nephew Edwin O. Walden, whose left in my pung, thinking to travel As I have lost a horse that was in son Harold now carries it on. So far a little distance and see whether I good order to perform labor on my as can be discovered, the money was going to or from home. I farm this spring and am left with asked for in this letter was not traveled from my horse further only a yoke of steers to do my work. granted. than I was aware and lost sight of We all have the promise of a reward Messrs. Gentlemen of the Corpora­ her. Neither could I follow my if we help the needy in their distress.” tion of Moosehead Lake: own tracks back. I continued to Yours with respect, “To the gentlemen who are own­ travel until I came to a small island WM. CUMMINGS ers in the corporation at the outlet but where I was I knew not, al­ of Moosehead Lake. I would wish though I had traveled up and down We, the undersigners, can testify to make known the risk that I have many a time. I traveled in pursuit that Mr. Cummings returned from undergone of my own life and the of my horse a number of hours till I the lake on Wednesday, the 29th of loss that I have met with this week got so fatigued that I found I must April after being on the Lake and while employed by one of your men make for some camp or perish my­ employed in carrying supplies to the from the outlet in carrying supplies self. About sunset I found one with outlet was overtaken with a violent across the lake. I started with my the roof broken in, no firewood to be and tedious storm. When we saw horse and pung on Tuesday morning, found. I went at once to the hovel him coming he appeared to be ex­ the 28th of April, 1835, with one of and found it a poor habitation for a hausted. We met him and led him your men and a load of supplies to cold and stormy night. I traveled on to the house and went immediately carry to the outlet. We arrived to some further but could find no in search of his horse and found her the outlet about 9 o’clock in the other camp. I turned back to the dead on the ice, covered with the morning. It immediately began to desolate hovel, it being about dark. snow that had fallen.” snow very fast. I thought it not My clothes wet to my back, no fire, J. EDMUND SCAMMON expedient to tarry long as I had but no supper, and a cold hovel with the BARNABAS T. RICH little fodder with me and no shelter floor covered with snow. Gentle­ EDMUND SCAMMON for the horse. I eat a bit of victuals and started for home between 9 and 10, not taking any food with me as I expected to arrive home in a few hours. The storm increased so that the wind blew. I could not see but a little distance. I missed my way and went down the west side of Deer Island where it was open and got within a few rods of the water

Not all the sour grapes are by any means out of reach Page eight The Northern March 1927

to us. Whether or not we make posed by circumstances such as fortunes or overlook opportunities family responsibilities and health. for the making of fortunes, there is Any one who has been to a fortune a point common to both tales that teller or who has had his handwriting we should bear in mind—success lies analyzed has been told of his latent near at hand and real opportunities possibilities that have not been are not a long way off. The best developed. This is a safe remark to place to prove the stuff that is in us make about almost anybody. Rel­ is right where we are. atively few people are accomplishing All communications for The Northern Even in an organization as large all they are capable of doing; these should be sent to the Editor of as the Great Northern Paper Com­ are successes wherever they are and The Northern, Greenville, Maine. pany every clerk, mechanic, driver whatever they are doing. Booker T. or other worker has established Washington claimed that his chance The Measure of Success within a short time of his coming to in life came because he swept a floor the company a reputation that will thoroughly. He was applying with­ Inhislecture, "Acres of Diamonds”, largely tell how far he will go. Those out funds for admission to a school Dr. Russell H. Conwell told of a who work with him and know him and was told to sweep a floor while man in California who, when gold can characterize him as dependable, his cass was being considered. He was discovered in southern Califor­ accurate, faithful, ambitious, and did a thorough piece of work and was nia, sold his ranch to Colonel Sutter willing to work, or as careless, for­ given the opportunity to attend and went to the southern part of getful, lazy, quarrelsome, and school. He did not continue sweep­ the state in search of gold. In ’49, troublesome. Talk of what he has ing floors the rest of his life but what­ two years later, gold was discovered done or will do does not change this ever task he had to perform was done on Colonel Sutter’s ranch. In all, reputation. Generally speaking, with the same thoroughness and thirty-eight millions of dollars have making the allowance for some mis­ faithfulness. Faithfulness to the since been taken from the land that fits, the person who is always look­ task at hand is the measure of this would-be prospector sold. It ing for success in a distant field sel­ success. is natural to look for success some­ dom finds it wherever he may be. where else. Success is relative. What is Don’t Fall Overboard Many fortunes were made by success for one person is failure for people who listened to Dr. Conwell’s another. There is no standard that Ships ornament everything from famous lecture. For the most part, can be set arbitrarily, for the goal door-stops to Christmas cards. The they were not of the nature of gold depends on the capabilities of the square rigged ship and the clipper mines on a ranch. His real message person and certain limitations im- ship have come into their own, senti­ was that, wherever there is a human mentally. Even safety posters have need, there is a fortune for the per­ turned to ships. While the ships son who can satisfy it. One woman hold the attention of all as they who listened to his lecture was so rest becalmed on the library table impressed by it that she began or on the mantel over the fire-place, looking for a way to make her for­ let us read again Elbert Hubbard’s tune by meeting some human need. lesson from ships: Her husband made light of her A big business is a steamship bound for a port called Success. It takes a large force hopes and as he unhooked her dress of men to operate this boat. Eternal vigi­ on the night of the lecture in their lance is not only the price of liberty, but it is home town, he sarcastically re­ the price of every other good thing, includ­ ing steamboating. marked that she would make a To keep this steamship moving, the cap­ fortune if she could make it un­ tain requires the assistance of hundreds of people who have a singleness of aim—one necessary for a man to unhook his purpose—a desire to do the right thing and wife’s dress. That woman invented the best thing in order that the ship shall snaps which have so largely replaced move steadily, surely, and safely on her course. hooks on women’s clothes; she satis­ Curiously enough, there are men con­ fied a real need and made a fortune. stantly falling overboard. These folks who hooks on dresses fall overboard are always cautioned to keep The had vexed away from dangerous places; still, there are many men and women to whom it those who delight in taking risks. These in­ had never occurred that there was a dividuals who fall off, and cling to floating spars, or are picked up by passing craft, fortune in overcoming this little usually declare that they were “discharged.” annoyance. They say the Captain or the Mate or their These two illustrations soem far comrades had it in for them. removed from the possibilities open American Mutual Liability Ins. Co. (Continued on Page 15)

A hundred tell you what to do for every one that tells you how March 1927 The Northern Page nine

If you really want to please a friend, let him furnish all the originality Page ten The Northern March 1927

East Millinocket Mill steam pipe, coming off a bad second. Levi Cyr is the foreman in charge L. R. Groves, Correspondent At this writing his hand is greatly of the wood that is being hauled. improved. Archie Slocum is still incapaci­ Mr. Spearin reports that he is Many have been afflicted more much pleased with the work of the tated as the result of injuries sus­ or less with the prevailing cold, or tained at the Grinder Room some Fordson Tractors. At the present mild form of flu. time ago. His many friends hope they are hauling as high as 100 cords WANTED—Some one who can for a rapid recovery. a day with the two tractors. Frank run fast to act as Judge at a pro­ Burdette Nicholson has been Brown wants to know where the posed baby show, for babies one taken to Bangor for medical treat­ power comes from. year old and under. Positively no ment; he has been unable to work Greenlaw and Thomas are hauling recourse to Management. their wood very fast with both for some months. Clarence Stevens is the happy Canada Falls Dam tractors and teams. Two sets of father of a fine boy, born at Bryant’s sleds with about ten cords make up L. E. Desmond, Correspondent a load. Hospital some time ago. Everything is serene along the The friends of Fred Michaud, who George Burke has his family with South Branch of the Penobscot him at Squa Pan Lake. has been in Bangor for treatment, River. Deep snow is somewhat of a are glad to hear of his improved Addison Greenlaw is the foreman handicap to the crew cutting timber. at Nowlands Siding and Sam Oakes health. Fred is seventy-seven years Billy Cantwell with his four of age, and until recently has been is at Walker Siding. trusty steeds makes four turns a Thomas Pinkham is going ahead able to do a good day’s work. His day on a three mile road. side partner on the tote team, Al fast with his hauling. He is at Howard Bennett, of Haddenfield, Portage and Eagle Lakes. Severance, is but seventy-eight, and N. J., has joined the cook room can still step out with the best of force. Howard gives us some Chesuncook-Chamberlain ’em. This Northern air is sure pointers on how to act in a large city. great stuff. Lake R. R. Leonard Cormier is back in the S. W. Morin, Correspondent Ivan Ames has taken the posi­ harness after having enjoyed a much tion made vacant by the transfer of deserved vacation. He visited John Emmett Mea, head clerk of A. R. Caspar to Millinocket Mill. friends and relatives in Fitchburg, this operation, having been steadily On January 29th, a farewell banquet Leominster and Boston. on this job a year, (367 days, to be was tendered Mr. Caspar by his Mr. and Mrs. Roland Foster made correct) leaves with his familiar associates and friends. The menu a trip to Rockwood this month. winning smile for parts unknown to was varied and tasty, the toasts On the way back Roland shoveled spend his well-earned vacation. and speeches were excellent and the a lot of snow. Have a good time, Johnny, but Fitzgerald Classic, “Sweet Adeline,” Angus Commeau spent a few days don’t stay away too long because was never more harmoniously down river this month. we all miss you. rendered. The round house for the Plymouth The sympathy of the community Ashland Branch Operation locomotive is now completed and is tendered Mr. Benjamin Files and E. M. Sawyer, Correspondent also the temporary covering for the family in the loss of a loving wife and A. J. Spearin is doing good work Deisel Shovel. Foreman Robert mother. The many floral tributes this winter with his tractors, hauling Kearse and his crew have been attested the esteem in which the three and four sets of sleds to a load transferred to a new job. deceased was held. May she rest in with about six cords of pulpwood peace, awaiting the dawn of a to the set. The roads are the best, 10 Mile Plant brighter day. about five miles long and iced to A. B. Chaplin, Correspondent The Garrett Schenck Jr. Memo­ make hauling good. Fewer people have travelled on rial High School is now functioning Ernest Tozier is cook at Shorey the road in the past month than any in all Departments. This building Siding and W. L. Spearin is clerking month since the Chaplins have been is a wonderful asset to the town, and the job. He has a fine radio which at the Ten Mile. All the jobbers reflects great credit on the Commit­ entertains a great many especially seem to have their toting about done tee in charge of its construction. Roland Brown the blacksmith. He and the weather has not been such Lewis Gray mingled up with a knows how to tune in. as to invite riding for pleasure. In

If you get anything below cost, don’t buy too much of anything else at the same place March 1987 The Northern Page eleven the month we have had two good William Harris, of the Boundary horse. He reports traveling very snowstorms and have had snow Cottage, is enjoying a vacation good this winter. flurries about every day, so, taken all down river. His place is being filled Chief Fire Warden Errold Hilton in all, the weather has not been very by Mr. Heald of the United States and two assistants passed through inviting. Immigration Office. here enroute to Russel Mountain. Our ice which was cut at Moose­ Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Sargent re­ head Lake by J. E. Lamb and hauled Rockwood cently made a trip to Bangor. by the K. P. Toting was from fifteen Angus Morey, Correspondent Mr. and Mrs. George McPherson to seventeen inches thick, solid blue Mrs. John Hatch, wife of our and Mr. Bruce McDonald have been ice of the best quality. paymaster, has returned to Old on this side of the lake visiting com­ A fine evening’s entertainment of Town after visiting her husband pany operations. moving pictures was presented by here. Don Pearson of the Social Service We have all enjoyed a good winter Bangor Office Department. so far. Everybody and everything Daniel J. Leen, Correspondent has been just right. Frank O’Neal, for a number of Sias Hill Mrs. A. R. Cochrane has gone to years elevator man in the Eastern L. E. Tewksbury, Correspondent Boston and vicinity for a visit of a Trust Building, died at his home Call Murray and Maurice Hall few weeks. 47 Silk St., Brewer, Maine, on Jan. have installed new batteries for the Sterling Dymond was obliged to 22nd. Frank was always kind and lighting plant during the month. go to Bangor to have his eyes tested courteous. We miss him. Charles Tweedie who has been and to get treatment for fallen Joe Murch, the clerk of Kineo hauling wood has now gone to arches. He returned much im­ Storehouse, was a caller at Bangor Cooper Brook. proved. Office recently. Everyone will be sorry to learn of Gerald Averill has accepted a the sickness of Alvah Gilman. He position in the Accounting Depart­ is confined to his home in Greenville ment. and at last reports is doing well. Prof. Archie L. Grover, for a Albert Holmes and Dave Austin number of years professor of Engi­ have gone to Lily Bay to cut ice. neering Drawing at the University of Maine, has taken a position with 40-Mile the company in the Department of Forest Engineering. Miss Vera Hatch, Correspondent Following is the score of a very The picture “Skinner’s Dress closely contested match rolled Feb. Suit” was shown to a fine audience 14th between the Great Northern and was appreciated by all. Bowling Team and the team from Mr. and Mrs. George McPherson the Bangor & Aroostook R. R. of the Bangor Office spent a few days office. The Great Northern Team at the Forty Mile recently. We won by seven pins. enjoyed their visit very much and hope they may come again. When Ray Cripps and his Ford at Joe Mary Great Northern Paper Company they left, Mr. Lane drove them to Willey 82 66 91 90 100 429 Rockwood in his Chrysler Roadster. Charles Mooers is the latest addi­ Brown 89 75 79 87 106 436 John Morrison spent some time tion to the storehouse office force. Thompson 91 101 79 81 93 445 with us this month fixing up the Ida Mae Goldrup is now working Pratt 94 94 69 98 97 452 Glidden 76 107 82 books. at the Boarding House. 82 76 423 Total 432 443 400 438 472 2185 D. P. Dunton, who has been We all greatly enjoyed the moving clerking here for the past few picture, “Skinner’s Dress Suit.” It The Bangor and Aroostook R. R. months, has returned to his home in drew a big crowd. Reggie Denney Field 90 85 98 84 88 445 Skowhegan. is a big favorite here and we hope he Kiah 110 79 75 81 99 444 This winter’s snow makes regular will come often. Kelley 103 89 87 86 74 439 Saulsbury 90 visitors of the men on the snow The sympathy of all is extended 103 76 74 88 431 Alexander 85 72 72 96 94 419 plow. to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hellyer in Total 478 428 408 421 443 2178 Miss Vera Hatch is helping Mrs. the loss of their baby boy, born Lane at present. Miss Hatch is the February 11, in the hospital at Mr. and Mrs. Leonard A. O’Con­ daughter of Fremont Hatch, well Bingham. nell are receiving congratulations known scaler and overseer of Proj­ Jack Hodgins recently made a on the birth on February 17 at ect No. 40, Spruce Wood Depart­ trip over the ice from North East Ranney Private Hospital, of a ment. Carry to Kineo with his driving 7 1/2 pound Baby Boy, Leonard Jr.

The bee that had no sting would soon be robbed of its honey Page twelve The Northern March 1927

Grant Farm Mr. Bickford, who wrote the news, Sandy R. Brayden, assisted by Raymond O. Young, Correspondent has been busy W. R. Kenney’s Gideon Pooler, does the repair work The last of January our store­ sparing partner. on the sleds and keeps the horse­ house outfitted a number of horses Cutting operations have been shoes sharpened. going through to the operations suspended and the buzz, buzz of N. A. Smith recently paid us a above here. saws is no longer heard, but the visit. The January thaw settled the creaking and groaning of the heavily Earl Vickery from Chamberlain snow just enough to make the best loaded sleds remind us of the fact Lake inspects the works on this end sledding we have had this winter. that the wood is on its first lap of of the line. The “Galloping Goose” took ad­ the journey toward the Millinocket No change has been made in the vantage of this good traveling and Mill. clerical staff since the early fall ex­ cleaned up most of the in-going At present there are 45 double cept for the loss of Arthur Baron freight in short order. On one of the teams on the operation, and as the who left for parts unknown when return trips a gentle, brown-eyed greater part of these teams are Joe Bouchard took up housekeeping. cow took passage on her way “down hauling on the same road, it gives Dr. Pritham has made two special river.” The men didn’t appreciate a stranger the feeling that Buffalo trips up here. We hear that he was her company but she seemed to en­ Bill’s Wild West Show is arriving. absent from Greenville only twenty joy the trip nevertheless. In The hauling roads at all the camps hours on one of these trips. emergencies Phil manages to bring are long; two turns per day is the his load through somehow. After best they can do. Eight cords has Joe Mary Conveyer his trip in on February 9 he turned been the largest load so far. L. H. Lowe, Correspondent at Chesuncook to bring several Joe Bouchard has turned his W. A. Erskine with a crew of sick men out, leaving there just living apartments into a stable and twenty men has cleared a place and before dark and getting to the is hauling his wood from Tom Mc­ started laying mud sills for a new Grant Farm shortly after midnight. Lean’s camp. Conveyer similar to the ones now in The “Creeping Goofus” is anew C. P. Roberts and Ernest Beach use at Dolby Flowage. acquisition at Deer Pond Camp. are scaling the wood on the landing. The Landing Camp for wood be­ They are using it to handle fire-wood. No radical changes have been ing hauled by Cooper Brook Opera­ Max Hilton’s crew has repaired made in the culinary department tion is here and the Conveyer crew the Ragged Lake Dam bridge. The at any of the camps since the last is boarding with them. teams for Chesuncook are using that writing. The sawmill has been moved road again. Jack McPhee is stable manager from Cooper Brook Operation and We all take our hats off to Johny at McLean’s camp, Bill Edwards is sawing lumber for the Conveyer. Mortell when it comes to tackling a shakes up the hay at Boudreau and Mel Ellis is the sawyer. hard walk. Ilvonen Camp, Tommy Quine looks The moving pictures shown here Messrs. Page, Harkness, Wright, after the horses’ appetites at Mc­ during the month were greatly McCormick and Bowe enjoyed a Donald’s, while William Graves appreciated by everyone. steak dinner party here a short time officiates around the stables for Ray Cripps recently drove the ago. Don Brean. Telephone Ford in here to Joe Others to visit us during the month were: A. V. McNeil, Geo. Mc­ Guire, L. S. Cook, Fred Gilbert, H. J. Bruce McDonald, N. A. Smith, C. H. Glaster, P. E. Whalen, L. E. Houghton, R. H. Robertson, C. M. Hilton, Wm. Mills, Geo. Longley, J. A. Ferguson, H. I. Rollins, A. G. Hempstead, C. R. Bailey, C. W. Crossman, T. O. Murray, A. D. Heald, Dr. Pritham and Dr. Hutchinson. Ellis Brook Operation H. J. Dudley, Correspondent Though Ellis Brook Operation has not had much news in The

Northern of late, there is plenty PHOTO BY D. MAHER going on in this neck of the woods. A. B. Smith (Uncle Anse) of Chesuncook Village carefully examined the first The probable explanation is that aeroplane he ever saw on his trip down river this winter.

Perfect freedom to everybody would mean perfect confusion in everything March 1927 The Northern Page thirteen

Mary Lake. This was the first car very popular this winter with both ing this month culling equipment here. the younger and the older people. and small tools. Len Smith is driving the Holt Credit is due the Chamber of Com­ Leo Desmond is a busy man Tractor which is used in hauling the merce for supervising the snow re­ checking through shipments nowa­ sleds out on the ice after they are moval. A Whist Party, given by the days, 1,500 boom chains on their brought down by the Steam Log- K. of C., and a dance, given by the way to Chesuncook Dam for West Haulers. I.O.O.F., have helped to swell the Branch Drive, hay for Blair Farm There is a crew of 58 men at this Rink Fund. and Lily Bay, besides way freight, Camp now on both the Conveyer and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hume at­ gasoline and oil, going to all points hauling Cooper Brook wood opera­ tended the Governor’s Ball in north. tions. Augusta. A tank car of kerosene oil has N. A. Smith, O. A. Harkness, H. just been received and emptied into A. Bowe, R. W. Johnson, and L. G. Weather Report the tank. White were here during the month. F. W. Allen, Observer Greenville, Jan. 15 to Feb. 15 Seboomook Millinocket Mill Snow fall for the month 27.50" Paul Paquet, Correspondent A. P. Hume, Correspondent Snow fall for season 82.50" Mr. and Miss Trombly spent a The B. of E. has added to its Maximum temperature few days in Bangor during February. force F. T. Marden, H. L. Thomp­ January 20 and 29 40 ° During their absence John Morrison son, F. E. McKiel, and Gilbert Burr. Minimum temperature took charge of the farm. Mr. F. T. Dolbeare and Mr. A. P. January 26 and 27 -18° Lane visited the plant during the Snow on level February 14 29" Mud Brook Operation month. Thickness of ice on Moosehead P. B. Pinette, Correspondent The following ladies attended the Lake, February 14 31" The landing of the wood is pro­ recent performance of The Much cloudiness; only 6 clear days gressing rapidly with two 10 ton Opera Co. in Boston, Mrs. Nevins, during period. Holt tractors. Henry Dufour is at Mrs. Hinton, Mrs. Hume, Mrs. Prevailing wind NW; greatest veloc­ the wheel on No. 7 with Lee Boulier Richards, Mrs. Stockwell, and Mrs. ity recorded, 30 miles per hour, as striker. Bertram Bryce is driving Seaver. at 8 A. M. Jan. 31 and Feb. 5. No.8 assisted by his brother Frank. The Millinocket Boy Scouts under Bertram made a flying trip to Grind­ the direction of their new scout­ Greenville Machine Shop stone recently. master, Mr. Hugh Feer, gave a very J. B. Pratt, Correspondent Mose Gorman, who has been cook­ fine exhibition. It is pleasing to The Twin Tractor has been com­ ing for Jack Allen, has been trans­ note the new interest and we wish pleted and has been doing some ferred to the Depot camp. Mose is the new scoutmaster and scouts work around the shop. It hauled assisted in the Cook Room by Mal­ success during the year. several loads to Kokadjo and has colm Applebee. Among the crew George Cressy was in town last now gone into Cooper Brook. at the Depot we notice: Chas. Mc­ week. Work has been started towards Clure, James Chessey, Chas. Hol­ Mr. and Mrs. James Wilson getting the trucks and cars ready land and Ben Melanson. celebrated their first wedding anni­ for spring. G. W. Nason has finished cutting versary on Feb. 4, 1927. A shower Movies were again shown in the on Whetstone Mountain a total cut was given Mrs. Wilson at the home Shop’s Paint room. This time the of about 4,500 cords. 2,400 cords of Mrs. Bernard Ward. Refresh­ feature picture was “Skinner’s Dress has already been landed on the Log ments were served and a delightful Suit.” A large crowd attended. Hauler Road. Wilmont will use a time was enjoyed by all present. The Shop crew wish to extend “Cle-Trac” tractor to We report with regret the depar­ congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. break out branch roads. ture of J. C. Monty to Norfolk, H. G. Hoyt on the arrival of a bounc­ J. W. Pickett has also finished cut­ New York, where he will enter the ing boy, Mack Hoyt, on Jan. 30th. ting at Camp No. 2 with a total cut employ of the St. Regis Paper Co. Cy Porter had the misfortune of of 3,300 cords. Ivan Hogan of Mon­ He has been succeeded by A. R. getting his hand caught in the fan ticello has moved in with Jack Casper. We welcome Dick back to belt of the Twin Tractor. He re­ Pickett with a crew of nineteen men Millinocket. ceived severe cuts on three fingers. to haul this wood to Mud Brook Mr. O. M. Nickerson, E. E., was We understand that the wounds are flowage. in East Millinocket on company healing in good shape and he will Marvin Allen, of Dolby fame, has business this month. soon be able to return to work. returned from a short trip down river William Russell, who has been It is reported that Hiram Hartford and is in charge of the culinary dept. confined to his home for a few days, has started a new fad,—collecting for Jack Allen. is back with us once again. dolls. Recent visitors include: L. G. The Skating Rink has proved Norman Smith was with us dur­ White, Phil Murdock, R.V. Ganders.

Don’t expect very much achievement from any one who is perfectly contented Page fourteen The Northern March 1927

Pittston Farm plete and the slope piling is coming Harry Hellyer, and last but not Henry Ordway, Correspondent along fast under Jack Welch’s super­ least Bill Harrington, the great Mr. F. A. Gilbert and son Fred vision. trapper adviser. were with us for two days this The crib work is nearly up to the month. height required except around the Cooper Brook Mr. and Mrs. Ordway made a gate sections where a great deal of Louis N. Murphy, Correspondent trip to Greenville where Mrs. Ord­ fitting is required. In our forestry engineering staff way had some dentistry done. A feat seldom seen in the Maine we have Lloyd Houghton, El Ho­ Mr. and Mrs. Charles Russell woods was the moving of an eighty- bart, Joseph Ferguson and A. L. are back at the farm. Mrs. Russell three foot derrick standing upright. Grover, former professor of Engi­ is doing the cooking and Charlie is The derrick was moved a distance of neering at the University of Maine. engineer. seventy-five feet to its new position. We all join in expressing our The wood pile looks good. We Pat Purcell and his rock and sympathy to Mr. Ferguson, who was have 110 cords prepared for use. gravel crews are making rapid prog­ suddenly called home on account of ress; nearly half of the checks are the death of his mother. Seboomook Dam filled with rock and the gravel is Ray Smith spent the week end of E. E. Ricker, Correspondent being spread rapidly. February 12 with his wife at Cari­ Under the supervision of J. E. Charlie Crossman had a crew here bou; Smithy snowshoed from the Sargent and the watchful eye of Joe last week putting in a new pump. Landing Camp to West Seboise, a McLean, our foreman in charge of the Medrick Michaud spent a few distance of about nine miles, leaving wood work, the dam is progressing days down river and came back a the landing Friday night at 9 P.M. rapidly. About 800,000 feet of tim­ different man. He did not forget to and arriving at Caribou Saturday ber has been laid up to date. bring back the “Bristols.” 10.30 A. M. The timber cut by Joe Paquet Sr. We understand that some of the Sunday, February 13, Mr. and Contract along the Burbank Road boys are going to take out a patent Mrs. Hobart, Lloyd Houghton, Joe has all been landed here. The tim­ on a self oiler. Marceau and Louis Murphy snow­ ber cut at Nigger Brook is now being Fred Stait has taken up cartoon­ shoed to “B” pond to spend the hauled. ing in his spare moments. evening with Mr. and Mrs. Carr. Although we have been handi­ Joe McPhee and Phil Bradeen We first enjoyed the supper which capped by more or less disagreeable have left several of their blue marks was a dream in itself, chicken, weather, up to date we have not lost around here the last few days. mashed potatoes, ice cream, cake any time, but have been compelled James McLeary is with us once etc. The remainder of the evening to handle a considerable amount of again and has taken a few men to was divided between bridge and snow on account of the weather Forty Mile to do some repair work radio. Joe exhibited his ability at man’s choice. on Dole Pond Dam. the bridge table. By the size of the timber coming Visitors during the month were A. G. Faulkner spent the week­ from Nigger Brook, it is evident Mr. F. A. Gilbert and son Fred, end in Greenville with his family. that all the big timber is not grown Mr. R. H. Robertson, O. A. Hark­ Jimmy Malone returned after a in the far west. The Nigger Brook ness, N. A. Smith, L. G. White, two weeks vacation. Camp finished cutting and has been closed. The hauling crew is stopping at the dam. Edwin Rand, the time Popular Professor Accepts Position with keeper who was at Nigger Brook, has gone to his home in Salem for a the Great Northern Paper Company short while. He writes back telling HE following article, reprinted vacancy which will be hard to fill us that he is having a hard time to from the Bangor Daily News in the regard of his fellow-profes­ accustom himself to city life after Tof February 11, will acquaint oursors and students. having spent four months in the people with the past record of Professor Grover, known to thou­ Maine woods; he also tells us that Professor Grover: sands of Maine alumni in all parts styles have not changed any in When the University reopened for of the country as “Archie,” has ac­ Boston. He writes that they got the spring semester this week, it cepted a position with the Great quite a kick out of his Tom Mix hat was with a pang of regret that stu­ Northern Paper Company and has and sweet Genevieve. dents marked the passing from the entered on his new duties this week. The six deep water gates are be­ institution of one of the most popu­ His work will take him to the head­ ing constructed by Frank Sirois and lar professors ever to conduct a waters of Pleasant river, where Joe Ayotte. They are built of hard class at Maine. After nearly 30 lumbering operations are being car­ pine and weigh about three tons years’ service to the college, Pro­ ried on over a large tract of land. each. fessor Archer L. Grover had passed Mr. Grover is engineer in charge of The toe piling is practically com­ into business life, and had left a the work, and will scout and lay out

Some people have so much dignity to support, that they possess strength to carry very little else March 1927 The Northern Page fifteen

new roads in that region and super­ vise their construction. Graduating from Maine in ’99, “Archie” as an undergraduate was an outstanding athlete and student. He played on class and varsity track and football teams, established the New England discus record in his junior year, and was individual dis­ cus and shot-put champion. In 1899 Mr. Grover became as­ sistant in electrical engineering. He was in succession physical director, instructor in drawing, and later as­ sistant associate and then full pro­ fessor of engineering drawing, which post he was holding at the time of his resignation. One of the three steam log haulers destroyed in the Garage fire February 16 Mr. Grover always maintained his interest in athletics and has been a prominent figure at track meets in Cooper Brook Garage Fire the state for many years. He has By Louis Murphy served for a long time as chairman On Wednesday night, February front of the log haulers and in a few of the University athletic board, and 16, at 9:45, the crew of the depot seconds the entire building was has for some years been chairman camp was awakened by wild cries of filled with fire. Vain attempts were of this committee, which formulates “Fire”; a few seconds later a group made by the watchmen and engi­ all University athletic policies. of a hundred men stood helplessly neers to rescue their machines. The As a last token of appreciation gazing at the garage wrapped in most probable cause of the fire was for his long services, Professor flames. Burning oil, gasoline, grease, the light plant, as Harry Gunn saw Grover has been the recipient of a log haulers, tractors and the building the flames come from that direction. distinct honor during the past two itself, which was a mass of flame, The loss included the building, weeks, when the souvenir program illuminated the camp yard as if it three steam log haulers, two Holt for the Maine winter carnival was were noon day. The air was filled tractors, a Kohler electric light plant, dedicated to him by the student with flying sparks but due to a a stationary boiler and a valuable body. The dedication spoke of him favorable wind the other buildings stock of tools and equipment. One as “a former athlete while a student were unharmed. At eleven o’clock steam log hauler and one Holt at the University, member of the all was in ruins. tractor escaped destruction as they varsity football and track teams, a The cause of the fire and its rapid were out on the road at the time of record holder in several events, and spread is a mystery. Harry Gunn the fire. For a number of nights a member of the athletic board for and Robert Beach were working on previous to this all of the machines a long period of years, a man whose the machines when a stream of had been on the road at this hour. interest in the advancement of flames leaped across the building in This loss is a real catastrophe, athletics has never waned,” and coming in the midst of the hauling closed by saying, “the winter car­ he falls into the yeasty deep. There is no season. In order to make the best one to blame but himself, yet probably you nival program is affectionately will have hard work to make him understand possible use of the equipment while dedicated.” this little point. the weather was favorable, a new The best wishes of every pro­ When a man is told to do a certain thing, crew had been hired so that night and there leaps to his lips, or even to his fessor, student and alumnus of the heart, the formula, “I wasn’t hired to do hauling could be done. About the University of Maine go to “Archie” that,” he is standing on a greased plank that largest loads are to be hauled at this Grover in his new line of work. inclines toward the sea. When the plank is tilted to a proper angle, he goes to Davy time and only half of the wood has Jones’ locker, and nobody tilts the fatal been landed so far. Don’t Fall Overboard plank but the man himself. Mr. Burr rose to the occasion in (Continued from Page 8) And the way the plank is tilted is this: I am inclined to think that no man was the man takes more interest in passing characteristic manner. The next ever “discharged” from a successful con­ craft, and what is going on on land, than in morning he set the saw imll going to cern—he discharges himself. doing his work on board ship. prepare the lumber for the new When a man quits his work—say, oiling So I repeat: no man employed by a success­ the engine or scrubbing the deck—and leans ful concern was ever discharged. Those who garage; he lost no time in locating over the side calling to outsiders, explaining fall overboard get on the greased plank and new machinery. It is expected that what a “bum” boat he is aboard of, how bad then give it a tilt to the starboard. within a week the operation will be the food is, and what a fool there is for a If you are on a greased plank, you had Captain, he gradually loosens his hold until better get off from it, and quickly, too. running as formerly.

The more speed you acquire, the longer it may take you to get back The Random Shot

I shot an arrow into the air It fell in the distance, I know not where, Till a neighbor said it had killed his calf And I had to pay him six and a half.

I bought some poison to slay some rats, And a neighbor swore it killed his cats, And rather than argue across the fence, I paid him four dollars and fifty cents.

One night I set sailing a toy balloon, And hoped it would soar until it reached the moon, But the candle fell on a farmer’s straw, And he said I must settle or go to law.

And that is the way with the random shot— It never hits in the proper spot, And the joke you spring, that you think so smart May leave a wound in some fellow’s heart.

—Hamline Oracle