Adventure Magazine Cover — page 194: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

188 Internal Revenue and placed a heavy tax on spirits, beer and tobacco. Thirteen different acts were passed during the next five years, prescribing the various taxes to be collected; and an Internal Rev- enue force was organized to enforce the laws made and provided. The mountaineer resented such taxation. He raised a little corn for his own consumption. Being far from a market, he turned his surplus into whisky. He sold that whisky when he had a chance. Not having to pay the tax, he could undersell the legiti- mate distiller; and he did it. According to his code he acted within his rights. When those rights were questioned he backed his opinions with a different sort of argument. He was naiurally a fighting man; and be it said he fought. He is still fighting; although his field of operations has undoubtedly broadened since the passage of the eighteenth amendment. Still intolerant of restrictions, he resents what he considers unjust interference with his health and happiness. Easily led into a fight, he has been used by schemers since the beginning. In 1891-92 the mountaineers revolted against the working of convict labor in the coal-mines of Ten- nessee. The fights at Briceville and Tracy City resulted. Convict labor went out of existence in those sections. The same class became involved in the Goebel- Taylor trouble in Kentucky. Recently they were involved in the West Virginia mince riots. And so it goes. The so called “‘hill billies” are darned good people to leave alone if you are not out looking for Old Man Trouble. Once you gain their friendship, they make. the most dependable friends you can acquire. ‘They are primitive in their likes and dislikes. They are uncouth and unlettered in many cases, but the fire of American loyalty is strong within their hearts, and deep down under their hides they are intensely patriotic. The mountain men have written history with their rifles on every field where’ our Flag has floated; and with all their faults they are real HI-MEN, and they have earned my ad- miration for their many sterling qualities. So be it! I hope I have made myself clear. Glad to answer further questions. What the Wiper’s Job Can Lead To ERE’S a chance to become an officer in two to three years: Ouestion:—“I wish to take advantage of your gocd nature by asking you some questions about the opportunities a young railroad machinist would have in out merchant marine. How far down in rank would I have to start to become an engineer officer? Do any of the large steamship lines take on young men as special apprentices in the engine-room? Also which is the best coast to ship from in case I should decide to go in the merchant marine? I have had a high-school education and have worked mostly around machinery and am serving my time in the machinist trade at the present time. having about eighteen months yet to serve; but have the Wanderlust in my blood.and would like to go to sea, although I suppese you think I am foolish todoso. Lamabout twenty years old so you know Adventure I am still very young?’—CHARLES C, JONES, Halloway, Ohio. — Answer, by Mr. B. Brown:—Personally I think the best billet for a young man without sea experi- ence to try fcr, is as wiper. After one round trip as wiper you could ship as fireman; after that as oiler, or water-tender. After two years altogether you can go up for examination as third engineer. You can take an intensive course after your sea service in schools operated in connection with the Shipping Board which would put you in good shape to pass the examination. Your work as a machinist would be of considerable advantage to you, and would be an aid toward getting you a ship in the first place. ; There is practically no: choice between the coasts at the present time. On both, shipping is laid up in great numbers; and hundreds of men are on the beach, looking for a chance to ship. If you can get a ship, you are not foolish by any means in trying to become a marine engineer. It is a well-paid job, and in ordinary times there is little difficulty in getting a ship. These are not ordinary times just now. History of Gunpowder | ee as you get a glimpse into the spirit of the collector who loves an- cient firearms for their own sake: Question: —““As a matter of introduction I am a collector of old firearms in a modest way, for my | own amusement, and my chief pleasure from them is to display them to advantage, and I'am looking for information along that line. Mr. Wiggins of Salem tells me you are the best posted man on antique arms in America, if not the world, or words to that effect, and that a letter to you would be kindly met. What I would most like to get hold of, if there is such a thing, or ever was, is a publication treating on firearms and ammunition from the very beginning. Any suggestion or information you might give will be very acceptable. My knowledge is vague. I understand gunpowder was made by the Chinese 5000 years before Christ, and that the Moors introduced firearms into Europe; and I also remember seeing a wood-cut showing the first gun mounted on wheels, attacking a catapult. While I made my collection some twenty-five years ago, I haven’t anything ancient, and nearly © all pieces are American. And from pistols and revolvers. I did not see it for twenty years, it being in Illinois; and J find it badly depleted, some of my best specimens missing, Dates range from 1834 to 1870; but am going to start over again.”’—JACK Henry, Calobasas, Calif. Answer, by Mr. Barker:—Your letter of recent date was very welcome. I am always glad to make new acquaintances among arms collectors. I know them all over the country, having met many of the larger ones at auctions of firearms. I fear that Mr. Wiggins is too extravagant in his praises. How- ever, I am greatly interested in arms of all kinds, particularly in pistols, write about them a bit,*and have some few hundreds. In regard to displaying them, it all depends on COPNIE OOO KS co