IJSfpr.*-.' T, ^w , --if 7'^" , '--? * ' • « * - • ; : i ' n ' * o 1 > ' * t 5 . . i > * \ i * >'"* *-, /'?<> ' V f > h ^ • • • a n - *» > / * v- y > « ' V*4 - ^ v«* > ' . * i s / •. •,. v . • «»*,. ^'i. i mmm ^ffi?a#rrjr ftrA T is a trifle early perhaps you are saying to begin talking about the county fair. Maybe so. If you are looking forward to the autumn event merely from £h« atandpolftl 9i * sold, calm, casually interested spectator. But Just remem ber, please, that there are thousands upon thousands of people all over the coun try for whom the annual neighborhood fair means much more. They are the prospective exhibitors, and no wonder they begin to pliui and speculate and an ticipate almost from the time the wow is off the «round. Indeed, if a person is ambitious for success in the competitions at the county fair, it ia abso lutely necessary to be forehanded in preparation. This applies with equal force whether it is a case of John seeking blue ribbons for his sheep and cattle or Mary seeking the grand prizes for her />air«m and pies and preserves. And of course It is true in yet greater measure of Cousin Sue who ha* a plot to capture the diploma for the handsomest silk quilt or the most b&antlful pillow top--for, be It known no prize-winning piece of fancy work, no more than Rome, was built in & day. It is a matter of congratulation that the old- fashioned county fair has remained unchanged, in its main features, Blnce the days of our grand fathers. It is one of the most cherished memories of every man whose boyhood was spent within lure of its magic--one of the memories that after residence. in the city he half fears to rekindle by renewed association, lest the twentieth century brand won't be the least bit like the old-time event that was awaited with more anticipation than was bestowed even upon the Fourth of July or the annual visit of the "monster and mas- todonlc united shows." Perhaps this cherished idol of youth may not have been a really and truly "county fair," for not all county fairs can enjoy the prestige of location at the county seat, but after all, that is a minor matter in the eyes of the outsider and no man can ever be convinced that the world ever held a more important "agri cultural exposition" than the one at which as ft youngster he exhibited his chickens or peddled peanuts or sold scorecards. That, as has been said, the old-fashioned county fair hasn't been changed beyond recognition, even to this day. is all the morn n. matter of surprise when we take Into account the revolutionary changes that have taken place in other phases of rural life. The introduction of rural free de livery. for Instance, has done away with the necessity and the opportunity for those friendly gatherings at the cross-roads store when the farm ers who drove over for the mail stole a little leisure in which to swap stories. Similarly a phonograph in every farm house has somewhat dulled the appetite for those periodic concerts Bt the little red school house, even as the presence on the roads of those zipping, screeching automo biles has knocked all the romance out of those boggy rides in the moonlight when old Dobbin was allowed to find his own way and set his own pace. Not only has the county fair withstood the ravages of time and the onslaught of modern invention, but in some respects it has benefited a lapse of time. That Is, many a fair of the present day is vastly bigger and better than was, the corresponding event on the same grounds a score or more of years ago. It is not due solely to the natural Increase of population, either, nor yet to that "back-to-the-soil" crusade which has swept over the land. The latter has helped, how ever, because it has added to the population of many a rural district men and women who are engaging in farming for pleasure as well as for profit and who enter their products at the near by fairs as a matter of pride just as a breeder of fine dogs will travel all over the country to dis play his blooded cauiues at the big dog shows, even though the prizes would not pay the express charges on the animals. The automobile, despised though it be in many quarters, has had a big influence in bringing greater prosperity to our latter-day county fairs. The advent of the horseless vehicles and the fad •for touring, taken in conjunction with that im provement of country roads which has been go ing on this past decade or so, has made it possible for farmers to travel greater distances to the fairs. The tiller of the soil who in the old days was content to take hla family to one fair--the one nearest home, may now, if he has one of those automobiles that are constructed especially ^ 5F- for the use of farmers, "take in" anywhere from three to half a dozen fairs held within a radius of say twenty or thirty miles. Of course, this •wells the gate receipts and it also results in the exhibit classes being better filled. On the other hand, the motor car has brought to the county fairs a certain patronage from city folk who almost never attended these rural exhibi tions in the old days. Some of the city folks are those who have friends or relatives in the country, with whom they hold a reunion at the fair. Others are one-time rurai residents who, having gone to town and "made their pile," find that they can come back via the automobile when they would not take the trouble if it meant getting up early in the morning to catch an excursion t r a i n A N -- + W « T V » uu«*a/ IUCI c aio iuc Cit/ luia n uu have neither kith nor kin nor the ties of old associations to draw them to the fair, but who motor to the autumn mecca as a sort of "lark" and who find it quite as novel an experience in its way as the rural resident does to Journey to the city to inspect an exposition or a great amuse ment park. This latter portion of the influx from the city may not add to the gaiety of the occa sion, particularly, for the country people at the county fair, but their contributions at the ticket wondow are well worth having and generally ap preciated, for, be it known, the average county fair is conducted by farmers and other members of the community who can't wholly overlook the financial side. Yet another new influence that has helped the county fair in our time Is the suppression of betting and the abandonment of racing at most of the race courses near tht large cities. Racing of one kind or another goes on at almost all our country fairs and whereas it is not supposed to be accompanied by betting there are opportunities for quiet wagers, whereas the mere racing in Itself is sufficient to attract horse owners and others who love the sport for itself. Just here, it may be added, that most fairs throughout the United States are now conducted on a clean, moral basis. Liquor selling on the grounds or nearby has long been prohibited in most localities and out-and-out gambling devices have been barred from many fair grounds these many years, but latterly, In response to the moral awakening that has swept over the country, fair managers are showing a disposition to keep out most of those raffles and games of chance which, perhaps innocent in themselves, might have a bad influence on the youthful mind. This banishment of some of the old-time catch penny schemes has not, however, so altered things that the man who has been out in the world cannot, recognize the county fair of his youth when he comes back to it He will see at the old stand all the weight-testing and lung- testing machines, the old-fashioned merry-go-round and the stands selling peanuts and sandwiches and red lemonade. He can test his skill, as of yore, in tossing rings over canes or trying to hit the venturesome colored boy who pokes his head through a hole In a sheet. The time-honored "side show" or carnival is there with its snake charm ers and giants and dwarfs and the fortune tellers and popcorn venders have the old elusive way of inducing you to part with your coin. Even the fans and badges and tiny flags and "gold" medals of yesteryear look and cost the same as they did as far back as memory can carry you. About the only new things at the county fair, in fact, are the moving picture shows in their somber black tents and the Ice cream cones that have sup planted the one-time "five-cent dish with two spoons." The men who have been conducting county fairs long enough to make comparisons will tell you that, all In all, it costs just about as much to hold a fair nowadays as it did a decade or two ago, presuming, that is, that you "t\ang up" about as much in prizes for the show and speed classes. Some Items have been cut over the expenses in the old days, whereas other outlays have in creased, owing to the increased cost of living or some other new influence. For one thing, the fair managers save some money in heralding the fair. For the sentiment of the thing, they still have to make use of some of those gaudy posters In blue and red and yellow that from time out of mind have filled childish dreams every autumn, but they don't spend money to plaster these posters on every barn and fence and covered bridge in the county, as they were wont to do in the old days. As the number of Country news papers has increased they have provided a better and cheaper way of telling the people of the de lights of the coming fair. On the other hand, the "star attraction," if the fair management wants to be right up to date and have an airship flight each day, will cost more than in the old days. A parachute Jumper or an acrobat who did the thrilling "slide for life" did not demand half as much money, usually, as the expert aero- plaiiieii whu wants a fee of $600 and upward. A feature of the county fair that hasn't changed with the lapse of time is the season for holding the event. The conclusion of the harvest, which leaves the farmer comparatively care-free and, let UB hope, with money in his pocket, dictates the date' of this annual festival. In some parts of the country September Is the favorite month for fairs, but elsewhere October has the call and quite a few of these agricultural shows and trot ting meets are held in early November. Active preparations at the fair grounds begin a month or six weeks earlier for the up-to-date fair asso ciation repaints its buildings each summer and has everything spick and span for the three or four day attraction. ;'*r HAVE AUTO EVENTS BOARD OF AGRICULTURE URGED TO APPROVE CONTRACT FOR RACE8. AMATEURS WILL BE BARRED Manager of Bob Burman and Other Eastern Drivers to Arrange Com plete Program--New Hog and 8heep Pavilion Planned. The Old Order Changeth A critic declared that twentieth century people tell their private affairs much more readily than used to be the custom. If marriages turn out un fortunately the world learns it from the parties chiefly concerned, and what the old-fashioned woman would have called the secrets of her in ner life, not to be confessed even to herself, ths new woman tells boldly in order to surround her personality with a halo of interest, for it seems certain, if you do not say you have troubles, no body will notice them. The instinct of family loyalty is diminishing, that clannish sentiment which caused relatives to hide their internal dis sensions from others as carefully as they would bodily infirmities; children criticise their parents and vice versa; brothers and sisters quarrel In the street; the black sheep is openly discussed by his relations. No toleration Is granted on th< score of blood, and as all of us require as much toleration as we can get, it seems a pltjr so fruit ful a means of supply is cut off. Yet, ff a man has a brother a blackguard, why should he not say so. Just as much as If he were a stranger? There seems no real reason, except that It does not sound nice, and public opinion long age decided that a family disgrace must be sbared by all the members. Springfield.--If concurrence of the state board of agriculture is Becured, patrons of the Illinois state fair this year will witness a complete program of automobile events on the last day, Secretary J. K. Dickirson of the board and J. Alex Sloane, formerly with Barney Oldfleld, but now with Bob Burman and representing others of the eastern men have agreed upon a contract for the events, which needs but the sanction of the board. The board several weeks ago voted against the races, at least on the plan on which they were conducted last year, but their action, it is said, will be reconsidered tinder the new agreement. No amateurs will run with the pro fessionals, as was the case last year, and a different plan of financing, It is understood, has been agreed upon. Secretary Dickirson has written each board member a personal letter asking for concurrence in the con tract with Sloane. The construction committee of the board at a meeting voted to put into the hands of C. M. Lewis, Danville architect, the matter of drawing plans for the new hog. and sheep pavilion and the horse barns. Two plans for the pig and sheep pavilion were received and rejected. Bids for the construction of the additional toilet facilities will be asked for at once and plans made to begin the work of construction upon the new buildings at an early date. As a special feature in connection with the proposed automobile events it Is probable the machine which won the 500-mile Indianapolis race will be on exhibition throughout the fair. Labor Unionists May Form Party. Will the labor unionists of Illinois form a new political party in the state? This question will be settled by a referendum which has been sub mitted to the various unions through out the state. The movement had its start at the last convention of the Illinois Federa tion of Labor, held at Rockford. .The formation of the party was urged by James F. Morris of this city, secre tary-treasurer of the state organiza tion, and John H. Walker, president or the Illinois miners' organization. H the laboring men of the state favor divorcing themselves from other po litical parties, a meeting will be held in this city in Oatober for the pur pose of launching the new party. Voting blanks were mailed out by Secretary Treasurer Morris of this city. The letter accompanying the blanks explaining the movement fol lows: "To the Officers and Members Illinois State Federation of Labor. "Ladles and Gentlemen: "Resolution No. 16, adopted at the twenty-eighth annual convention of the Illinois State Federation of Labor, Instructed the secretary to take a poll of the trade unions of the state that their wishes might be ascer tained on the question of forming a new political party. The question to be voted upon follows: "Shall the trade unionists take steps looking to the formation of a new political n«rty controlled by organ ized labor in the state of Illinois? "The resolution does not contem plate co-operating with any party fac tion or society now in existence, and any vote complicated by any amend ment to the main question will not be counted. VIOLINS WORTH MUCH MONEY Some of the Most Famous Range In Value From $8,000 to (22,000 Apiece. Stradivarlus fashioned his best In struments between the years 1700 and 1790, while the choicest were made between 1709 and 1715. Vlotti's vio lin Is from 1704 and is valued at 916,000. The violin owned by the virtuoso II. W. Ernst but now the property of Wilma Neruda Halle cost Charles Halle $10,000. Frans Ries had one from 1710 which cost $16,700. One in the posses,iffijm of Sarasate is dated 1713 aud Ts owned by the Spanish crown, which has loaned it to Sarasate for life. This is the one he usually plays upon. The other he owns himself and is from the year 1724 and ia a gift from Queen Isabel la of Spain. The value is not less than $22,000. Joseph Joachim has three. The most famous is the one called "Pes- tergelge," which the master uses most frequently It Is from 1714 and cost $20,000. Another one from the sarao year was given to Joachim by friends In England, who paid $15,000. The third is played by Carl Hallr. It is from the seventeenth century and has a small but brilliant tone. Joa chim has loaned it to Hallr for an in definite time. E. Kneisel's violin was formerly owned by Professor Grun of Vienna and is also from 1714. The famous Rudolph Kreutzer*s now belonging to J. Winkler in Vienna Is from 1714 and is worth upward of $14,000. The Strad owned by the French virtuoso Alard is from 1715 and is offered for sale by his family in Glasgow. The violin owned by Vleuxtemps was sold from Hamma's In Stuttgart for |10,- 000. John Lauterbach's from 1719 was sold to Vuillaume, the famous violin maker of Paris, for 99,000. Those owned by Hugo Heermann of Frankfort on the Main and August Wllhelmj are both dated 1720 and are worth from $8,000 to 110,000. Nine Examiners Qualify. Four Springfield men have qualified for positions *p hoisting engineer and mine examiner* before the etate min ing board. They were Joseph E. Beeby, hoisting engineer; M. F. Cum- mings, John B. Byron and William J. Cummings, for mine examiners. Others who passed are: Hoisting Engineer--Fred Sexton, Benton; Lawrence Seets, Herrin; John J. Redman, Witt; Leonard Pease, Wyoming; Leonard Keay, Sea- ton ville; Desire Arnold, Seatonville; Vance MacDonald, O. W. Walker, Staunton. Mine Manager, First Class--Joseph Wood, Benton; Benjamin Firth, Gil lespie; Alex. Adams, Cartervllle; Claude Little, West Frankfort; George Dickinson, Eldorado; Henry Adams Kane, Farmingtoh; Alexander Jones, La Salle; James Love, Benton; William Medill, West Frankfort; M. J. Carraher, Benton; James McMil lan, Lincoln; John J. Jeremiah, Chris topher; Robert Crofts, Cardiff; James TowaJ, Benton; W. B. Miller, Cartervllle; Joseph Farrimond, Wil liamson; G. W. Shanahan, Gillespie. Mine Manager, Second Class--John Kucera, Dorsey; R. A. Brackett, Exeter; R. L. Wilson, Catlin; E. E. Rining, Arenzvllle; M. J. Morton, Milan; George Northrop, Alsey; James Conn, Ipava; L. P. Brown, Marion. Mine Examiner--Eugene Maule, Shiloh; Albert Goodman, Harrisburg; John Catlin, Elmwood; John Camp bell, Benton; Thomas L. Wood, Pinckneyvllle; John Frazer, Gillespie; Mike Priddy, Herrin; Joseph W. Johnson, Murphysboro; John C. Wil son, Lockport; M. F. Pittman, Carter vllle; John Day, Gillespie; Frank Fullerton, Girard; Benson King, West Frankfort; John W. Benson, Benton; George Stille, Staunton; George N. Luke, Benton; John Taylor, Lincoln; Charles Roth, Virden; Thomas Eddy, Dorrisville; Thomas Ferguson, Saw- yerville; Richard Davis, Harrisburg; Peter Kasavage, Johnston City; Pearl T. Wilbur, Hillsboro; Edmund Huns- inger, Staunton; Walter Eddy, Dorris ville. Program for State Fair 8choo! Out. Announcement of the second annual state fair boys' school was made from the office of State Superintendent F. G. Blair. The announcement em bodies a booklet in which terms of admission and other details are listed. The school this year will open Sep tember 30 and clost October 6 and will be held on the state fair grounds. The school will be formed- Into groups for the observation and study of the various classes of live stock, farm products, machinery and other displays on exhibition. The follow ing course of study is offered: Animal Husbandry--Address by John "tv. Moore, president of Live Stock Exchange, Chicago; address by Dr. Joseph Hughes, veterinary sur geon, lectures by Profs. H. P. Rusk, William Dietrich, W. C. Coffey and J. L. Edmonds. Poultry--Lectures by Prof. D. O. Barto. Dairy Products--Lectures by Profs. C. C. Hayden and W. L. Gaines. Agriculture--Lectures by Profs. L. H. Smith and E. M. McDonald Farm Machinery--Address by a rep resentative of the International Har vester company Road Making--Address by A. N. Johnson, state highway engineer. CURED SORES WHEN ALL ELSE FAILED Woman Aots as Benefactress to Chll« dren Mrs. W. Llnsky, of Salejr^ Mass., writes, telling of the wonderful results from the use of Resinol. In her own words the letter reads: "I have used your Resinol Ointment for five years, as two different doctors recommended it. I have given it to ft number of children with sores that they could not find a cure for, and it was always sure to cure them. I would not be without it." Resinol is the indispensable stand ard remedy for all skin troubles, from the common pimple, cut, scald, boil or sore, to carbuncles, felons, eczema erythema, h#rpesr barber's itch, psort asis and every abrasion of the «IHTI from any eause. Resinol Ointment can be Instantly applied and its effect is instantaneous. It is put up in screw- top opal containers, selling at fifty cents or a dollar, according to size. It has the approval and recommendation of thousands of our best physicians, and hundreds of thousands of families are never without it. Another indis pensable necessity Is Resinol Soap, one of the finest, most soothing and refreshing toilet soaps In the world. It is a preventive of most of the Bkln troubles, including blackheads, pim ples and chapped hands. It is espe cially adapted to the tender skin of infants and children. Nothing is bet ter for shampooing and cleaning the scalp and for the prevention of falling hair. The ointment and soap are sold by all druggists. Resinol Chemical Co., Baltimore, Md. Lagging Behind. "Why are you loitering around here?" demanded the policeman. "You seem to have no object in view." "I'm out walking with my wife, of ficer. She's about 30 yards behind In a hobble skirt." Stop the Pain. The hurt of a burn or a cut stojss when Cole's Carbolisalve is applied. heals aulckly and prevents scara. 25c and 50c by druggists. For free sample write to J. W. Cole &'Co., Black River Falls, Wis. A good name being better than riches, it behooves us to take better care of our reputations. Mrs. Wfnslow's Bootblng Syrup for Children teething-, softens the gums, reduces Inflamma tion, allays pain, cures wind colic, 26c a. bottle. The man who thinks he knows It all never gets much of a chance to tell it. Lewis' Singls Binder, straight 6c--man) •mokern prefer them to 10c cigars. It's the land of the free--for spins ters and bachelors. Chew and smofce untaxed tobacco, cheap ana ojadoped. MerlwAhar & Edward », Clarkirllla.Teim. Girl chums are almost as thick as a fat man. Naval Reserve ta Take Instruction. Adjt. Gen. Frank S. Dickson an nounced the dates on which the vari ous divisions of the Illinois naval re serves will take their annual cruise of instruction. All divisions will re port on board the ship Dubuque, now in Chicago harbor. The divisions will cruise as follows: Seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth detail of the Fifth, July 17 to July 24. Third, fourth and tenth detail of the Sixth division, July 31 to Au gust 7. First and second, a detail of the Fifth and Sixth, August 14 to Au gust 23. The field artillery of the Illinois National Guard will be on instruc tional duty at Sparta, Wis., Septem ber 11 to 20. Dates of encampment for the various regiments and the places, follow: Meeting of Mine Powder Commission The joint powder commission of the United Mftie Workers and the Illinois Coal Operators" association held its first meeting in the offices of the United Mine Workers in Springfield and organized by electing Enoch Mar tin of Niantic president and Elmer Lettsone of Chicago secretary. The commission left for Green Ridge for the purpose of making an investiga tion of the powder dispute between the miners and operators of that place. New 8tate Corporations. Secretary of State Rose issued cer tificates of Incorporation to the fol lowing: The Western Hair Goods company, Chicago; capital, |10,000. Incorpora tors--Charles Krlssmen, Bernard A. Sterling, Lawrence A. Cohen. The Lyda Garage company, Chi cago; capital, $5,000. Incorporators-- G. R. Whomes, A. Hennlng, L. W. Whomes, R. G. Whomes. The Woman's City club, Chicago. Incorporators--Mary H. Wilmarth, Rope L. R. Martey, Anna K. Nichols. Governor's Day at Camp Announced. Governor's day for the encamp ments of the various Illinois National Guard organizations this summer have been designated by the adjutant general's department. On these days Governor Deneen personally will be present at each camp and will in spect the drill work of the guards men. Following the usual custom, receptions probably will be given for him and Mrs. Deneen in the event she accompanies the governor. The various days, as announced, are: August 3, First infantry. CamD El gin. August 10, Second, Elgin. August 15, Sixth, Camp Dixon. August 16, Seventh, Elgin. August 17, Fourth, Camp Lincoln, Springfield. August 22, Third, Dixon. August 23, First cavalry. Dixon. August 24, Fifth, Camp Lincoln. August 31, Eighth, Camp Lincoln. OTTUMWA Bis, if I fif !3 '!§> Militia Camp Dates Fixed. Adjutant General Dickson has Is sued the order for the annual encamp ment of the Illinois National Guard. The places and dates for the various commands to go into camp are as follows: First Infantry, Elgin, July 29 to August 6. Second Infantry and signal corps, at Elgin, August 6 to August 12. Seventh infantry and field hospital corps, at Elgin, August 12 to 19. First cavalry, at Elgin, August 19 to August 26. Fourth Infantry, at Springfield, Au gust 12 to August 19. Fifth Infantry, at Springfield, Au gust 19 to August 26. Eighth Infantry, at Springfield, Au gust 26 to September^. Brookins Not to Fly at State Fair. Springfieldians and other visitors to the next state fair are not likely to see Walter Brookins fly. The Wright Brothers have the contract for the aeroplane exhibitions, but Brookins, once one of their fayorlte aviators, it Is reported, has been released and is now doing Independent aerial work. It tiad been the wish of the state board of agriculture that Brookins fly at the oomlng fair, if he had remained with the Wrights, but his release will make this impossible. By Lydla E. Plnkham's Vegetable Compound Ottumwa, Iowa.--'Tor vears I was almost a constant sufferer from female pi trouble in all its Itireadful forms: , shooting pains all lover my body, sick i h e a d a c h e , s p i n a l weakness, dizziness, d e p r e s s i o n , a n d everything that was horrid. I tried many doctors in different >arts of the United states, but Lydia B. jpinkham's vegeta- ihle Compound has done more for me than all the doctors. I feel it my duty to tell you these facts. My heart is full of gratitude to "'--Mrs. HARRIET E. S. Ransom Street, Initiative and Referendum League. The Initiative and Referendum league of Illinois was issued a license to Incorporate by Secretary of State Rose. The object of the Incorpora tion, as stated in the application for a charter, is to secure enactment of laws by popular initiative and refer endum. The principal office is to be maintained In Springfield. The incor porators are Charles E. Merrlam of the University of Chicago, George E. Cole, Howard S. Taylor and Raymond Robins of Chicago, and George B. Lee of Springfield. you for Day cure."--Mrs HARRIET B. W AMPLER, 624 ~ Ottumwa, Iowa. Consider This Advice. No woman should submit to a surgi cal operation, which may mean death, until she has given Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound a fair trial. This famous medicine, made only from roots and herbs, has for thirty years proved to be the most valuable tonic and invigorator of the female organism. Women residing in almost every city and town in the United States bear willing testimony to the wonderful virtue of Lydia E. Pink- ham's Vegetable Compound. Mrs. Pinkham, at Lynn, Mass., Invites all nick women to write her for advice. Her advice is free, confidential, and always helpful. Constipation Vanishes Forever Pronsjprt Relief--Perm*iuent Cure CARTER'S LITTLE LIVER PILLS never fail. Purely vegeta ble -- act sur* but gently on the liver. Stop ai. dinner cite tress--cuvc indigestion," improve the complexion, brighten the eyea. SMALL PILL, SMALL DOSE, SMALL PRICE* Genuine must bear Signature CARTERS STTLfc IVER PILLS CMS!' JIV Mm trftfits aad fcUla »AJ , liiefe.. Neat, deal* ^rvieuU), coavea* tent,cheap. Lasts ill Can'tspiiior tip c vc:will not toil mju', e anything. ar-Liitecd effect* O* nil d«*)«r*4r Isent prepaid lor 20c. i Harold BOB EH* ISO L> Ealb AT*. jUroukiya, a.t. PAfcKEITS HAIR BALSAM ClM&ief fje&uufses the hiir. PruiiiOUri ft Iojiuiiunt growth. IWii to (iny Hair tu itfe Youthful Color. Cui'e® diseawa &