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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1948-2-25, Page 4He Found Gold In The "Dogpatch" By Peter Ronald He receives an income of some- thing 'around $230,000.00 a year— which would nearly be enough to ;satisfy most of us—yet he's suing the people who pay it to him for the almost unbelievable suns of fourteen and a half million dollars, revenue whieh, he contends, they've prevcn+c, hint from getting in the past four •en years or so. Creating one of the most popul- ar daily and weekly comic strips of all time—the sort of job which keeps most cartoonists continually scra"shling furiously to keep even with ever -recurring 'dead-lines'— he still finds time to plot and write the story for another very suc- cessful strip, which he owns and takes half the revenue from. 1'i".o is he? Alfred Gerald Caplin, of course; and if you don't r. ognise him by that name, yo- probably will as "Al Capp" who directs the doings of the "okum family, Daisy Mae, Moonbeam McSwine and all the rest of the queer but somehow loveable folks whose doings count less millions follow in the comic strip LI'L ABNER. Just which is the most widely - read comic feature in the world depends, pretty much, on who you happen to be talking to—BLOND- IE — DICK TRACY — JOE PALOOKA and LITTLE OR- PHAN ANNIE all having their adherents. But nobody who knows anything regarding such things de- nies that LPL ABNER belongs right up in the front ranks — in - Al Capp deed, the general feeling is that it tops them all. It is published in eighteen countries—and five different lan- guages—in papers claimed to have a circulation of more than thirty million daily. When a prize of $500 was offered for the hest drawing of "Lena th Hyena"—a creature, according to Capp, too repulsive for human eyes to see—more than a million entries came in. And as you probably know Sadie Hawk- ins Day—the occasion when Dog - patch spinsters have the privilege of capturing eligible males too slow to escape—has come to be annually observed on most of the College campuses of the Contin- ent. * * a .M Capp is a dark-haired, heavy- set man of 38, who wears a seven and seven -eighths hat—a full size larger than average—and who suf- fer-., the los of s leg, at the age of nine, in a street accident. This latter handicap doesn't prevent him from getting around very nimbly, either afoot by means of an artificial leg, or by means of one of his two brightly -colored Cat illac convertibles • - with "AL CAPP" painted in big letters on the doors, just in case anybody should be in doubt as to the ident- ity of the driver. Born in Connecticut in 1909 Capp — when old enough — stud- ied art for four years at Philadel- phia and Boston. In this connec- tion' continent is worthy of note by all boys and girls who believe, because their drawings get laughs from their families and friends, they should be able to move right Ho highly -pail jobs as comic -strip artists, "You cannot do humorous drawing until you've learned to do straight drawing." Capp worked for a while as an illustrator on the Boston Post; and his first experience with humorous art was in connection with a 'single-panel'—which means one picture—feature know as "Mr. Gilfeather." Just who is actually responsible for the invention of LI'L ABNER is a matter for doubt, even contro- versy. There was a time when Capp worked for Ham Fisher in producing the "JOE PALOOKA" colored Sunday strips; and in these there appeared a character "Big Leviticus," not unlike "Li'l Abner" as well as other hillbilly folk of the Dogpatch type. * * r Nowadays Ham Fisher claims that he created these hillbillies, and that Capp merely carried out his ideas. Capp, on the other hand, says that the inspiration was his alone, done while Fisher was away on a lengthy holiday. However, as both are in the class which wor- ries more about size of income-tax than of groce -bill, perhaps we needn't waste too much time fret- ting over the rights and wrongs of tl-e matter. LPL ABNER — in person — made his first public appearance in 1934, and for the first couple of years failed to create any great sensation. However the Syndicate promoting the strip kept it on un- til today, it is one of the most val- uable properties of its kind in the world. Capp gets 65% of the re- turns—most conic strippers re- ceive only 50% — besides around $2,000 each for six pictures a year he draws of LI'L ABNER for a well-known cereal. His suit against the Syndicate— for fourteen and a half million — is for revenue which Capp claims he has been deprived of getting since 1934. His present contract runs till 1954, and what will happen is anybody's guess. As for the suit, it is liable 'r drag on in the courts for two or three years, un- less settled by mutual consent. Capp's powers of invention are terrific and in addition to carry- ing on LI'L ABNER — with the aid of two well-paid assistants— he owns, writes and takes half the revenue from 'ABBIE AND SLATS" the actual drawing being done by Raeburn Van Buren. His following is sensational, and on more than one occasion different Governmental organizations have asked his aid in putting over some idea or zantpaign, such as that of the "Freedom Train"—and it is said that Einstein, not long ago, solicited his h_ip in warning peo- ple of the dangers of the atomic wa e. Just what Professor Einstein thinks of the "atomic effects" on Dogpatch hasn't, as yet, been reported. * * * Married—with a wife and three children—Capp has a farm in New Hampshire. a studio apartment in Boston where he does most of his work; but still finds time to spend ten days or two weeps every month "relaxing" in New York City. Some say that LI'L ABNER bears a strong resemblance to his creat- or. Others claim that, as LI'L ABNER has grown in popularity, Capp's speech and demeanor has tended to copy it more and more —such expressions as 'slobbering' —'revolting'—'gulp' and 'sob' being constantly on th; artist's lips. FUNNY BUSINESS Re•i By Hershberger 04' '11 ;1 botkil rr y /%i J ,J Bt:1sYi6 h "muter. moo, u.s. pAr. or "'1'to architect put in a touch of St. Valentine's Day for the benefit of my daughter!" Anti Steel Trap Campaign of the Association For the Protection of Fur -Bearing .Aniunals Very few people have ever thought about the cruelty involved in trapping fur -bearing animals, and when it is first brought to their attention, they arc deeply shocked. It is a fact that the vast majority of animals caught in steel traps do not die at once, but are held by a wounded or broken paw until death conies, sometimes days later. The best death such an animal can hope for is death by drowning, if the trap is set under water, and even this is rot a quick death, since the animals for which this is designed can exist for comparatively long periods under water. Otherwise death comes from freezing, which also is slow, as these animals are equipped by nature to live in very cold climates, or by starvation, thirst or gangrene, or by the hand of the trapper who may not visit his traps often, "Grey Owl" writes in "Pilgrims of the Wild" (page 49) that frequently birds will pick out the eyes before the animal is dead. In the meantime the trapped ani- mal suffers the terror of a wild creature captured, and the agoniz- ing pressure on the wounded paw. Is it any wonder that such animals sometimes escape by chewing or twisting off their own paw, and that animals have been caught by their one remaining foot? Works Against Cruelty The majority arc appalled when first they Iearn of the cruelty involved in t r a p p i n g, and the A.P.F.A., Th- Association for the Protection of Fur -Bearing Animals, is an organization founded to work against this cruelty. The Associa- tion, though not yet as large as it must become to be truly effective, is growing, and has now been in ex- istenece for thirteer years. It is a humane society which aims to protect the wild, fur -bearing animals of Canada from a lingering death in a steel trap. The Association is endorsed by the leading Humane Societies across Canada. In addi- tion to •he parent body in Toronto there is a well established branch of the Association in Vancouver, We are willing to attack this enorniouproblem from any and all angles. The American Humane Society offered money prizes for the invention of humane traps. Scores have been tried, but so far, none has been entirely satisfactory, Most of the cost more, and those of the box -type are more difficult to transport, while still others take longer to set up than the old cruel STUFF AND THINGS trap. We have not given up hope however, of finding something as cheap and as effective, and more humane; a type of trap which would kill instantly would seem to most of us to be the ideal, something that would do away with the terror and agony now suffered. Don'ts for Trappers If you are a trapper in your spare time, we suggest that you follow these four DON'TS'drawn up specifically for- the spare -time trapper. 1. If snaring is still per- mitted in your county and you make a practice of killing predators and fur -bearers in this manner, DON'T in mercy's name use the hay -wire, home-made snare. Write us for particulars of a humane snare. 2. DON'T use snares of steel pinch traps where the box type will do. 3. DON'T neglect to visit every trap at least once in twenty-four hours. 4. NEVER under any con- sideration be guilty of using a "spring -pole" set. To all trappers, vendors and purchasers of fur, and to the public at large we say, "Every sentient creature which contributes to the production of the things we use or enjoy deserves, at the very least, humane consideration." The fur trade is the oldest estab- lished industry in this country: some historians claim that Canada was built upon it, but that is no reason why its appalling cruelty should be permitted to continue. Norway, Sweden, Finland and even Ger- many, have all i bolished the steel trap. Why is North America so backward in this one particular? Servicemen Supplied With Tools of Trade The Australian repatriation cont - mission supplied servicemen with tools of trade when they returned to civilian life. A drover got a cattle dog (with pedigree). An entertainer got a pair of rol- ler skates. A minister got a cassock and sur plice. A racing commentator and a stipendiary steward put in for bin oculars. A museum scientist asked for a .303 rifle to shoot crocodiles. Insurance agents and time -pay- ment collectors have asked for bicycles. A ventriloquist asked for heads and bodies of dolls. A waiter sought a salver. Sixty thousand men have been supplied with their trade needs for 460 occupations. Miss Letty Retires By JANET M. RINZ Let y Howard paused hesitantly be- fore the warped oak door. When it closed, it would he for the last time —putting finis to the best years of her life. Yet she hadn't grieved too much. When one was the last of the family, and when one's income had ceased to exist, the inevitabe had to be accepted. But it had been unbearably hard to say farewell to the old rosewood piano. The piano had been the last of her things to go. The sale of the piano had removed her sole means of live- lihood—music teaching. However, it had brought a small measure of com- fort. too. The money added to her small, painfully accumulated savings, would enable her to enter "Sunset Home -Haven for the Aged.' with her head up—beholden to no one. Old Sam Warner, waiting patient- ly at the curb with his rig. climbed down. "Better let me handle that, Miss Lefty," he smiled. "Pretty big bag for a little lady." Letty relinquished the bag grate- fully. "Time was," she answered, "When 1 could carry twice that weight," She paused, recalling. "Why, I moved my piano around without any trouble. Nobody ever touched it. Not even at house-clean- ing time." "Set great store by that pianny, eh, Miss Letty? Long's 1 can re- member, you were playing it every time I went by." "Sam, 1 loved that piano more than 1 should love an inanimate thing," she answered. "it teas everything 1 wanted. it was n wonderful friend." Sam helped her into the rig, climbed in himself, lifted the reins and clucked gently to his horse. "Bet there ain't a grown-up in Mill - port but what don't remember that pianny," he chuckled. "How many young-uns do you figger you taught music to, Miss Letty?" "Oh, dozens, Sam, 1 guess. And you know, I dont think there was one who didn't like music, deep down." The two rode silently for a while. Occasionally Sam pointed out a clump of flowers, or a familiar tree, lifting its shy, green buds to the spring sun. "I like flowers," he confided pres- ently. "Anything that grows. I like earth. Seems like just feeling soil strengthens me. I can make any- thing nything grow." She smiled. "Before the new folks move in the old place, why don't yon go and get some slips from Lucy's roses." "Why, thanks, Miss Lefty. I'll do that" "Well" he said, looking ahead. dime -Spoils Sleep Tonight! A few drops of Vicks Va-tro-nal in each nos- tril works right where trouble 1s to open nose, relieve stuffy, tran- slent congestfon,Brings- quick relief from annoy, sneezy head cold dis-/// .vJt,t`� tress. Try itt Follow � J directions 1n package. i DO THIS to make breathing easier— invite restful sleep! VIGKS 11A -TRO -NOL "seems like there's a party at the Home 1" MISS LETTY'S hand flew to her quivering mouth. "Oh, Sam,, sin breathed, "fake me around to the back 1 I c•can't face people, 1 just can't go in the front . " "Now. Miss Lefty;" Sam said kindly, "ft's not like you're going in f ree. Your way's paid ... everyone knows that! You got a right to go in the front door!" She hesitated, then opened the door. Moving timidly, she crossed the threshold. Immediately, delighted voices greeted her as she paused, blinking and bewildered. Friendly. faces swan before her blurred vision; kindly voices spoke affectionately. Then came the miracle! It stole through her consciousness . the lilting strains of a beloved Chopin Waltz, With trembling steps, she walked down the hall, into a small roost ... a rosewood piano ... her rosewood piano, polished to its full 'vuty — every dear outline beauti- fully visible to her half -believing eyes. The girl at the keyboard rose swiftly, as Miss Lefty bent to read the inscription nn the carved music rack: "To the reunion of two inseparable companions whose presence and teach- ings have forever enriched the lives of all of Its . Your Grateful Pupils." Don't Worry "I suppose this will be a danger- ous operation, doctor?" "Don't talk nonsense. Von can't buy a dangerous operation for two guineas!" `Ar ITCI'I CHECKED in a Jiffy -or Money Back. For quick relief Irons itching caned by eczema, ethlete'efooq ecabia, tiltnpleo and other ltehinp condidoaat tan pure cooling, medicated, liquid D. D. D. .0Ri$CRIPTION. Grenaeles° an etalal,ae. Soothes, comforts end quickly calm intense itching. Don't nutter. Aek your dread today log D. D. D. PNESCRIPTION. ] MILK0FMAGIiL`STA> TABLETS Quickly Relieve STOMACU NEUTRALIZE ERCESS ACID if /AIN WE FOUGHT TWO WARS - AGAINST INHUMANITY . . Steel traps Inflict needless torture on their helpless captives. Olen an animal Will gnaw oft his tool to escape. You can lessen the suffer- ing of these creatures et the wild by wearing only Ranch Raised furs, and fore - the the use at MORE IIUMANE TRAPS. JOIN OUR ASSO. CIATION NOW! T write or phone the Secretary, 25 Spadlna Rd.. Toronto. KI. Quos 'ATION FOjt , R BEARING`A.NIMALS. "An important part of my diet ever since my first bottle has been Crown Brand Corn Syrup. Now, that may be all right for a little character like myself, but let inc tell you, these grown-ups sure are lucky what with Mom serving them Crown Brand Corn Syrup with so many of their dishes. And she uses it in herbaking, too, as a sweetener. I can hardly wait until I'm old enough to have some hot waffles or pancakes smothered with delicious Crown Brand. If it's as good as it is in my cereal— mmmmm l" For years doctors have recom- mended the use of Crown Brand Cora Syrup as a satisfactory carbo- hydrate acting as a milk modifier for bottle-fed infants. CROWN RR, ,ND CORN SYRUP THE CANADA STARCH COMPANY LTD. MONTREAL . TORONTO Also Manufacturers of Canada Corn Starch ess By Arbor Pointer Ott 1117p OJ A.AO ,o "Junior, stop trying to whistle! You're not that kind of wolf I"