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When the receiver is handled in a certain
way, the alarm is automatically energized
by the breaking of an electric circuit
containing one or more fusible links,
and at the same time the automatic
throwing into circuit of the telephone
completes the alarm and transmits it to
the central station with which the telephone
is connected.
St
HOW CONGRESS COULD SAVE
MONEY
HINTS FOR PRACTICAL PEOPLE 907
pONGRESS could have saved fifty-six
days at its last session if it had dispensed
with roll calls—so estimates an
enterprising member of that body, who
has a clear idea of efficiency, and a head
for figures.
Well, in place of the roll call, this congressman
would install a method of voting
by electricity. Upon a big board
visible to all, would be placed the names
of all the members together with one
red bulb and one white bulb for each
name. At each seat there would be two
electric buttons controlling the lights in
the bulbs. Thus, a forty minute roll
could be recorded mechanically in
34 seconds. Seventy miles of copper
would be required. This method of voting
is not altogether new, but the figures
afe very illuminating". A saving of
$50,000 in light, heat, and telegraph service
would be a sufficient result. Furthermore,
there is to be added the time of
the Congressmen, wdiich is presumed to
be of some value.
Si
"SAFETY FIRST" FOR NUT
CRACKERS
VY7HEN the nut cracker cannot be
found, fingers and hammer are
usually substituted, frequently with baneful
results to the former.
Without any cost whatever, a very
simple substitute may be made within a
few minutes' time. Take a piece of wood
from eight to twelve inches long, and of
a size that may be easily held in the
hand, for a handle, and whittle it down
at one end until it is of a diameter of
about one-half inch. Bore a hole in this
end. Take a stout wire, or an extra large
hairpin, if it is heavy, will do. Bend the
hairpin to a loop in the middle, twist the
two ends together up to the loop, and
then drive it into the hole, up to the loop.
The loop will then fit very nicely over the
nut, care being taken to construct this
little holder with reference to the general
size of nut you wish to crack. A hammer
and a flat iron for an anvil complete the
nut-cracking outfit.
Si
A BABY COOP THAT SWINGS
THE baby nowadays has his porch
swing also, but it must be a special
contrivance. This one is enclosed in
screening, and the framework is of the
best white enamel. When not to be used
as a swing, the coop may be lifted easily
down from the frame, set on its casters,
and wheeled about the house or porch.
Baby Loves the Gentle Oscillation; It's Just Like
Being Soothed in Mother's Arms