THe State oF Norta Dakota reports concerning 
the value of absentee voting: “From every source we 
have received indications that the law has been very suc- 
cessful in its working, and the approval of the press has 
been general.” Now Masachusetts is to consider the 
problem. It has been a fact that because of business and 
other exigencies many men have practically been dis- 
franchised. Secretary Langtry will present in the new 
legislature a‘ bill providing for absentee voting. The new 
provision has many advantages and some disadvantages. 
For advantages, many men will be able to cast a ballot 
who for years have been deprived of it. The new amend- 
ment will necessitate placing the day for election at least 
fifteen days earlier, with a probable similar change at the 
primary elections. The proposition should be given 
careful consideration by the legislature, and then passed. 
Miss MaseL BOARDMAN continues her efficient work 
in the interests of the Red Cross Society. ‘The war has 
entailed great burdens, but Miss Boardman has been alert 
and keen. The despatch and efficiency of the work of 
the society is the one great satisfaction that lovers of 
peace have in these war days. The society ought not to 
be crippled for funds these days of need; the American 
purse should and doubtless will be opened for this 
worthy work. Retrenchment is not a valuable policy 
tliese hard days. Who can estimate the amount of good 
that the one and a half millions of dollars have done in the 
relief work of the Red Cross societies. 
MANCHESTER'S GRAND O1p MEN gathered at Tuck’s 
Point for their annual outing Tuesday. There are but 
few towns that have such a pleasant organization of men. 
One may well say that it is one of the distinctive institu- 
tions of the township. |As the distinctive requisite for 
membership is that those attending have attained the age 
of fifty, it might truly be said that they are renewing their 
youth. For thirty-seven years this gathering has been 
held and sons of Manchester from far and near join in 
the festive occasion. 
THe MANCHESTER BASEBALL TEAM continues to play 
ii good form. It is within the truth to say that they are 
easily in a class with the teams of the New England 
league. Last season the team met some of the strongest 
clubs in this part of the state and met defeat only once. 
This year, with practically the same lineup, the team has 
won every game it has played, and it has met some fast 
clubs. 
Ark THE Victims of the Chicago River sacrifices to 
the God of Greed? Will the inspector be able to obtain 
a clean bill of health because he was on duty? Ought not 
inspection to begin with the laying of the keel of a pleas- 
ure craft? 
THe FINAncrat, Reports of the Naval Festival at 
Reverly Farms, last week, have not been completed, but it 
y well be asserted that the affair was a social and 
financial success. 
naw 
Way 
Tur An'tr’s Have Starred a crusade all their own 
and have offered a prize of $50 for the best answers to a 
series of questions. One of the posers is: ‘What 
states have defeated woman suffrage since 1912? Name 
nineteen states that have rejected it in their legislatures 
since last November.” What bearing does the vote of 
even fifty states have upon the merits of the case if 
nineteen states did vote it down? That does not mean 
that woman suffrage is wrong, neither would the vote of 
nineteen states make it right. Woman suffrage, ethically, 
is a right which should be afforded the women of our land. 
There are those that do not deny the justice and fairness 
of woman suffrage, who do, however, question its ex- 
pediency. ‘This becomes merely a matter of opinion. If 
Massachusetts rejects woman suffrage at the polls in 
November, the “righteousness” of the cause will not be 
decided. 
Now Tuar tHe Brps have been opened it appears 
that Beverly Farms is really to have a new library build- 
ing. It will be located on Vine street and will be easily 
accessible to all the residents of that part of Beverly. 
The commission has been at work and the plans that have 
been drawn are the results of careful research work. 
This need has long been felt by the permanent and sutm- 
mer residents of Beverly Farms. Magnolia and Manches- 
ter have long enjoyed the advantages of a good library, 
now Beverly Farms is to be equally well equipped. 
THe Cnicaco River AccrpEN’ drove the war news 
to the back sheets of the newspapers, so terrible was the 
disaster. Such tragedies have become altogether too 
common, and while some inspector may have to suffer 
for the accident the cause must be found farther back. 
Even a landsman would know that a canoe-shaped: craft 
such as the Eastman was unsafe. ‘How the management 
of the corporation could have built or owned such a craft 
is almost incomprehensible. 
ONE OF THE ENTERPRISING institutions of the social 
life at Beverly Farms is the band. Some years ago a 
group of young men formed a band organization and have 
with patience and hard work continued the movement. 
Last Saturday evening the band made its first appearance 
upon the streets of Beverly in the employ of the 
merchants. The band is to be commended for its perse- 
verance and good appearance. Such organizations are a 
distinct social benefit to any town. 
Tuts TELLING SENTENCE appears in one of the 
papers of Great Britain and reveals the English mind 
quite clearly: “It is needless to say that we in no wise 
are anxious that America should be dragged into the war, 
but only that as the most powerful neutral nation she 
should underake the defense of the principles of inter- 
national law.” 
Ir Our Activities pleased any one side in this con- 
test it would in itself be evident that the obligations of 
neutrality had been violated. 
