happy to meet it. If it's a fast ball, swing a little quicker. If it's a curve that ducks at the plate, follow it with your eye and hit it just the same. No matter how fast the ball may break, your eye is quicker than the ball, and so is the end of your bat. I won't undertake to explain every step of the process in following a ducking curve and meeting it fair, but I know it can be done, because I do it myself, and so do all the other batters who hit curve pitching.

"In order to meet all kinds of pitching, however, a batter must be a good deal of an arm swinger. The strength that you need for hitting is in your arms and wrists and fingers. Yes, fingers. for a tight grip on the bat and the snap of the wrists in the final second is what drives the ball.

"Of course, there are other things which enter into good hitting. Experience counts. I can hit better now than I could several years ago. I have more knowledge of baseball, I am more familiar with the work of the pitchers. I have more confidence in myself. That is a great thing. To know that you can hit pitching is half the battle. If you know that you can do it, you can do it. The batter who is fearful of his own powers has two strikes on him before he ever goes to the plate.

I

"When I first came into the League my batting was not very conspicuous. hadn't the experience; I hadn't developed confidence. Besides I hadn't the physical strength. When I was in the Minors I weighed only one hundred and thirty-five pounds. I was too slender to get the force behind my blows that I needed to get. Now that I have gained in weight, I am strong enough and heavy enough to drive the ball hard.

"Besides, I am still fairly young. If I do not get crippled by serious injury, I think my work ought to improve in the next two or three years. Other batters have grown better as they grew older. I do not see why I should be an exception."

SAVING A SHIP BY RADIO-Stranded for eight days on an island in the Mediterranean, after an accident in which two sailors were killed, the steamer Manhattan Island was rescued by destroyers, through a distress message sent out by the radio operator, Homer Fitch, formerly a boy amateur of Yankton, South Dakota, and member of the American Radio Relay League. Says The Radio News Bulletin (Hartford, Conn.):

"A report of the accident and the part played by Fitch was received here from Constantinople, to which port the Manhattan Island, a Government Shipping Board vessel, proceeded after having been dredged out of the sand by vessels coming to the rescue. The vessel was on its way to Constantinople from Palermo, Sicily, when it ran aground. Fitch, who is only nineteen years old, was the only operator aboard and it was his skill at the key, gained while an operator at the Yankton College radio station, that brought the desired aid to the ship stranded on the island shore. At one time a student at the college, Fitch will exchange his officer's uniform for a football suit next fall. He made his letter for the last two years as guard and center. He obtained his first position as radio operator through friends in Texas whom he knew only through communicating with them by radio from his local station. When he went to New Orleans in February, he was the only one of a class of seven to pass for a commercial operator's license."

USSWIN products in

RUSSW

clude every accessory in builders hardware that contributes to comfort, luxury and beauty in every style and type of building. Ask your dealer to show you

the Russwin specialties: Door Checks which operate with quiet precision,Garage door sets that enable you to house your car with the minimum of effort -Night latches which give you the maximum of safety and no repair or replacement worries.

All these, of course, in addition to Russwin locks, door pulls, and escutcheons, in beautiful period designs in all finishes-each standing for the Russwin slogan, "The Economy of the Best."

"To Russwin-ize is to Economize"

Russell & Erwin Mfg. Co.

The American Hardware Corporation
Successor

New Britain, Connecticut

New York San Francisco Chicago London

A

FTER a spring during which the country had been importing more goods than it exported, the foreign trade balance swung back to what is traditionally called the "favorable" side for the month of July, according to Department of Commerce figures quoted in the New York Times. The excess of exports for July was $26,000,000, being the first time the exports had exceeded imports for any month since February, when there was the very small balance $3,877,341 on the export side. And this in spite of the existence of a Republican protective tariff which would naturally be expected to restrict importation.

It is further noted in the Times summary that for the seven months of 1923, ending with July, we exported only $2,255,929,696 worth, while the imports are valued at $2,371,920,079. This made an adverse total for the period of $115,990,383, as against a favorable balance for the corresponding period of 1922 of $450,509,779. Certain figures further explaining the situation are quoted as follows from the summary in the financial section of the New York paper:

AND NOW WE ARE TO HAVE SILK FROM CALIFORNIA

THE

HE silkworm thrives in California, where, as we are informed, the climate is "ideal for the production of raw silk in commercial quantities, with only one locality, the northern part of Italy, able to compete in this respect," and a San Francisco dispatch to The Daily News Record (New York) announces the beginning of the actual ruling of raw silk produced by the Seriterre Co. on its plantation near Oroville, California. As the correspondent of this textile trade paper informs us,

Guy Wilkinson, president of the company, who began his experimental work in cocoon raising over ten years ago in Napa County, working in partnership with Mrs. E. M. Cheesborough, declares that silk production in California can be made an eminently successful industry, independent of outside competition and without tariff protection. His views are the result of six years' time devoted wholly to production of cocoons and raw silk on a small scale. Mr. Wilkinson asserts that he can make silk under $5 per pound, and believes, exclusive of overhead, production costs will not exceed $3.50.

Early experiments prove, it is claimed, that the best silk in the world can be produced in California, qualities of the grade technically known as Extra Classical Italian, which comes from France and Italy, from which sources original stocks of silk eggs were imported by the Seriterre Company to its plantations in Butte County. Here Mr. Wilkinson first began his activities in 1917, when he incorporated his company and acquired 800 acres of land, on which he began planting mulberry trees, 150,000 of which now average four years old. Recent improvements of importance on the plantations include a complete refrigerating plant, a lighting installation and a new cocoonery, 50 by 150 feet in size, where in excess of 1,000,000 cocoons are in stock.

Impeded in quantity production early in 1923, through lack of sufficient funds to proceed in a large way, Mr. Wilkinson carried his ambitions and requirements to the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, in the hope of more substantial financing for his enterprise than was possible through his own resources and those of his company. The industrial department of that commercial body, sensing a new wealth-producing

Excess imports

115,990,383

450,509,779 1,361,023,804

Some estimate of the unlimited opportunities for the inauguration of raw silk production in this State may be gleaned from the fact that, according to Chamber of Commerce statistics gathered for the purpose, more than 500,000 acres of land suitable for cocoon culture are now available in the Golden State. Figures on raw silk used in the United States in 1922 reveal American demand as 50,711,825 pounds of raw silk imported into this country, at a value of $365,787,406, about 75 per cent. of which came from the Orient (figures from the Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco).

WE ARE NOT SO UNTHRIFTY

"AMERICAN thrift is keeping pace

with American prosperity in an accelerated movement," says the New York World, commenting on recently published figures showing totals of savings hanks deposits and new life insurance:

According to the report of the Savings Bank Division of the American Bankers Association, savings deposits on June 30, 1922, amounted to $17,300,000,000, with a gain of $680,000,000 for the year. By the report of the Association of Life Insurance Presidents, during the first six months of the current year, new paid-up life insurance to an aggregate of $3,922,361,890 was issued by forty leading companies, the gain for the period amounting to $760,000,000. If the gain continues at the same rate for the year, the total new business for these companies for 1923 will exceed $7,844,000,000.

But the actual figures both of savings deposits and life insurance are sufficiently impressive without indulging in estimates. They disclose an unprecedented substance of national wealth in the hands of the people. And no doubt the significant fact about it is that it has been accumulated under the adverse conditions of post-war price inflation, high rents and tendencies to personal extravagance induced by a wartime scale of living, and this, too, in what has passed as a period of depression.

Apparently there has been an ample margin of income for the exercise of thrift. If these colossal sums can be stored up by wage-earners and other workers under industrial limitations, what may the total be when prosperity returns in full volume?

"KNOCKING" BAD FOR OUR FOREIGN TRADE

A

LITTLE essay on the limits which should be set to freedom of speech in certain places and under certain circumstances is written by the editor of Commerce Reports, the weekly survey of foreign trade published by the Department of Commerce. It seems that "a number of American business men generally those going abroad for the first time-have been inclined to diseuss and criticize the legislative, administrative and business methods of our country." Now this sort of talk is harmful, we are told, because:

Such criticism disseminated among foreigners has a tendency to discredit America in the foreign field, and, also, it gives competitors the very ammunition that they are seeking for an attack on foreign-trade efforts of this country.

Again and again reports are received in Washington showing conclusively that casual remarks made by Americans abroad have been called to the attention of foreign government officials and foreign business executives for the purpose of discrediting American goods and American service.

Constructive criticism at home is immensely valuable. On the other hand, nothing will more rapidly undermine American prestige abroad than criticism of American methods to foreign nationals. The same comment which, directed in the proper channels here, would accomplish real results in effecting changes of unfavorable practises and methods will be used abroad for the purpose of undermining national business prestige.

An Invisible Tax

Purchasing agents who buy coal without assurance that it is clean coal pay an invisible tax. This takes the form of freight rates and tonnage price on slate and other waste substances found in inferior fuel.

In some sections of the country, the transportation cost of coal is greater than the mine cost. A favorable variation of five per cent in extraneous ash saves the manufacturer many thousands of dollars per year in freight rates alone.

Operating 98 bituminous mines in the six great coal producing districts, The Consolidation Coal Company provides quality fuel service to many of America's greatest industrial concerns.

DIXON "TI-CON-DER-OGA

CURRENT EVENTS

Its rounded-edges make it pleasing to the fingers.

FORT TICONDEROGA AS IT STOOD IN 1776 (HOW IN COURSE OF RECONSTATION ALARCIPREM

A Fine American Name for A Fine American Pencil

Write us

a post cardAddress Dept. 22R

and we will send you free this 52 page catalogue of radio sets and parts. It also contains explanation of radio terms, map and list of broadcasting stations and much radio information, including an explanation of successful hook-ups and circuits.

You will be amazed at the low prices Ward's quote. "A complete tube set having a range of 500 miles and more, including tubes, head set, batteries, and antenna equipment, as low as $23.50."

This catalogue contains everything for the expert and amateur. Complete sets and every improved part for building sets, all the most up-to-date devices at the lowest possible prices.

Headquarters for Radio

Montgomery Ward & Co. is headquarters for Radio, selling everything direct by mail without the usual "Radio-profits." Why pay higher prices? Ward quality is the best and the prices will often save you one-third. Everything sold under our Fifty Year Old Guarantee,-Your Money Back If You Are Not Satisfied. Write today for your copy of this complete 52-page Radio Book. Write to our house nearest you. Address Dept. 22-R Chicago Kansas City St. Paul Portland, Ore. Ft. Worth

Montgomery Ward & C

The Oldest Mail Order House is Today the Most Progressive=

FOREIGN

August 15.-Records of the Conference between representatives of the United States and Mexico, embodying an agree ment to make possible the resumption of diplomatic relations, are signed in Mexico City.

Eamon de Valera is arrested by Free State troops, reports Dublin, while addressing a political meeting at Ennis, County Clare.

August 16.-Germany, announces a dispatch from Berlin, will accept any form of civil control in the Ruhr by a commission, including English representatives.

August 17.-The treaties drafted by the Arms Conference to end naval competition, and terminate the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, are signed in Washington.

Eight Communists are killed and fifty wounded, in a clash with police at Altdorf.

August 18.-Two hundred lives are lost, reports Hongkong, and huge property damages suffered in a typhoon that sweeps the vicinity.

August 19.-The World's Congress of Women Workers in session at Vienna goes on record in favor of a revision of the Versailles Treaty.

August 20.-Five Americans, according to reports from Nice, are killed and fifteen injured, when an auto bus plunges over an Alpine precipice.

August 21.-Premier Poincaré, reports Paris, has submitted a note to the British Government upholding the legality of the Ruhr occupation, and opposing international commission to fix Germany's capacity for payment.

an

August 18.-Steubenville, Ohio, citizens, says a dispatch from that city, appeal to Governor Donahey to suppress di-orders resulting from anti-Klan riots in that city.

August 19.-Sharp increases in imports from Europe, reports Washington, reflect improved business conditions here. The conference of anthracite operators and mine workers is resumed in Atlantic City.

August 20.-The miners and operators in conference in Atlantic City are reported to be far apart after the first day discussion.

Leaders of the United States Chamber of Commerce, reports Washington, lay their suggestions, which include World Court, before the President.

a

August 21.-President Coolidge, says report from Washington, has rejected the plea of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States and other organizations to interfere in the existing troubles in Europe.

The Atlantic City Conference between the Anthracite Coal Operators and the United Mine Workers is reported to be still at a deadlock.

"GOOD TO THE LAST DROP"

REG US PAT OFF

Putting on the Brakes.-A negro preacher was preaching a rousing sermon or the purpose of getting a big collection. In his remarks he cried, "Bruddern, dis thurch am got to walk."

"Let 'er walk, brudder; let 'er walk," ame in unctuous tones from the amen

orner.

Warmed by this encouragement the reacher yelled, "Dis church am got to un."

"Let 'er run, let 'er run," was the en. husiastic assent from the front seat.

"Dis church am got to fly, brudders; lis ehurch am got to fly."

This eloquence brought from the seat of onor the hilarious response, "Let 'er fly." "And," continued the preacher, "it am wine ter take money to make dis church y."

Then from the amen corner came the ow, mournful words, "Jest let 'er walk, rudder; jest let 'er walk."-Christian Advocate.

Rapid Work.-Residents of Eastern ities may find it difficult to understand the mazement of a Main Streeter, accusomed to a single-track railroad meandering off over the rolling prairie, when he advenures between New York and Washington, or instance, accompanied all the way by hree spare tracks. Not long ago I sat next uch a citizen, bound for Washington. The ocomotive of our train broke down and left is standing somewhere in the vicinity of Baltimore. Suddenly there was a roar and A brilliantly lighted express train shot past 18 through the dark, going North. Some en seconds later there was another roar and another express train went by like a ocket on the other side, going South. "Here it comes back already," remarked ny neighbor, his eyes and mouth wide open with wonder.- New York Evening Post.

The Modest Armenian. Here is a Turkish story: An angel came upon a Christian, a Jew, and an Armenian (the classification is Turkish), and offered each a boon. The Christian asked for power, and received it. The Jew asked for money, and received it. The Armenian said: "All I ask for is a little information: which one has the money?"-Argonaut.

Just So. "Well, I came down with fying colors, anyhow," remarked the painter who had just fallen off the scaffolding with a pot of paint in each hand.-California Cub.

Commoner than Weeds.—It is no longer necessary to mow the weeds in the vacant lots. They are all occupied by filling rations.- Boston American.

GEO. MCCARTER

MAXWELL HOUSE

COFFEE

Also Maxwell House Tea
CHEEK-NEAL COFFEE CO.
NASHVILLE, HOUSTON, JACKSONVILLE, RICHMOND, NEW YORK

"I Made $6300 Yesterday, $23200 Last Week.

Business is Growing Bigger All the Time."

George McCarter found it to his advantage to leave his position, which he held for 25 years as clothing and furnishing goods buyer for one of the finest stores in Kansas, to take up the work of selling J. B. Simpson made to measure suits and overcoats. He writes: "That was the best move I ever made. Now I am no longer dependent on a salary. My time is my own: the more I work, the more I earn. My business is growing steadily and my earnings getting bigger and bigger. I made $63.00 yesterday, $32.50 so far today, $232.00 last week. How's that?" And in another letter he wrote, "Thanks to you, Simpson, and the marvelous values you give, I'll have $4.000 saved this year over and above my living. I don't understand how you give such big values, but as long as you do I'm satisfied. The best part of all is that you're getting better all the time."

The opportunity to get into the big money class is open to every sincere, earnest man who is industrious and willing to put in as much time working for himself as he would put in when working for others. J. B. Simpson suits and overcoats are such wonderful values and give such universal satisfaction that big money can be made right from the start. Irving Bolde made $793.00 the first six weeks; and now, nearly a year later, is going bigger than ever. E. Schmitz, a former retail clothing salesman, made $475.00 the first four weeks. Wm. Garden had no trouble in making $946.00 the first two months, and now nearly two years later is more enthusiastic than ever. Scores of men are making big money with Simpson, for Simpson's all wool suits and overcoats tailored to order for $31.50 are without a doubt the greatest values ever known. In many cases just to show the cloth and mention the price is enough to get the order.

Your Simpson business is one that will grow and grow, for our clothes give satisfaction; they keep their shape and color; they are all wool thru and thru: they are tailored to order and fit perfectly; they are honestly made and give long wear. Our customers repeat: they order again and again. A famous architect in Kansas City writes: "Send your representative. I want three or four more suits." One of the most famous surgeons in Chicago has just ordered his 27th Simpson suit. Rich men who can pay big prices are proud to wear Simpson suits and overcoats, for the quality satisfies.

-Geo. McCarter

If you want to get into the big money class, mail the attached coupon for full information and application blank. No selling or tailoring experience is needed. If you are a man of good character, honest and industrious, we will teach you. We furnish full selling equipment of 6x9 cloth samples of fine all wool serges, worsteds, tweeds, cassimeres, whipcords, etc., in weights up to 18 oz. and a wonderful assortment of overcoatings. If you have an average education, we can teach you to take perfect measures; we guarantee perfect fits. Mail coupon, or if located in any of the following cities, call