davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24


Our pilgrim origin and hereditary connec-
tions have given to this festival of the old
church less prominence than itholds elsewhere
IN chrslendom. That has been and is to
serious extent season of license; that super
stitions haye>eathered about it and that il
may not~be the true anniversary Of the biz til
of Jesus, all this and much more we are ready
to admit. Had we seen it as it passed
before the eyes Of the lorefathers. their course
might have been ours. so far as their dis
likes were founded on proper regard for Sc
rious things, the "honor of God" and the
"good of men," we revere them; but new
times bring new duties, and we, their descend
ants, in the exercise of the same gospel lib
erty," to them so dear, nth the added light
from two centuries experience, may be re-
quired not to reverse any verdict OF theirs as
to their tme, bu, to judge for ourselves Of our
own.
Now, if our observation and The testimony
of many competent witnesses may be depend
(. ed upon, its observance is nowhere marked
by the excesses of former times. vi course,
here in New England this objection never ap'
piled. The surrounding influences, ii there
had been nothing else, would always have pre-
vented such results
Then, as to superstition" we shall have to
reject more than we have yet thought OF do
ing, if all must be given up which fanatic or
ignorant zeal, or priestly craft have perverted
for their own purposes. And whether 1t was
the winter or the spring season which wit
messed the nativity, the time can have no In
fluence on the event itself. But the belief and
the habits of many generations have halowed
the 25th of December as the commemorative
day and it promises to be kept for all time,
wherever any day is regarded. We come
back then to the reasons for any observance
For our present purpose it is enough to say
that good to each Of us, and good only can
come from reverent meditation on the events
this fact makes prominent. In time of war
like this, we need to ponder its lessons
as we never have before, and reverse
opinions it may see which we can trace back
to our earliest childhood. Yet it is the sane
tfying influence of Christmas time over the
home affections that has made and now makes
it inexpressibly precious to millions OF hearts.
The Christmas fire blazes more brightly than
any other in the year, and the Christmas well
come has greater heartiness and fidelity than
any other. Better than all is that Christmas
charity which warns and feeds the poor and
visits the widow and fatherless in their attic
tions. For all these things We rejoice in the
increas ing observance of the day among us.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

DICKENS CHRISTMAS STORIES, collected
and published in two volumes by James o.
Gregory, New York, may be found at San.
ford's. These volumes come at the right time,
and many will desire to have them. They are
printed and bound in a style uniform with the
volumes of Gregory's illustrated edition of
Dickens works. In the first volume we have
"a Christmas Carol" "The Chimes" and
"'rhe Cricket on the Hearth" begun. In the
second, the latter story is finished, and in ad-
diti0n there are "The Battle of Life" "rhe
Haunted Man." and "The Christmas Tree"
What better or more appropriate volumes
could be issued in anticipation of Christmas
HENRY HoYT, Boston, has published four
excellent little books for juvenile readers =
"Sowing and Reaping, Story for Boys" by
e. A. st. Obyn; Little Ktty's Knitting Nee
dies, ;" by Rev. Philip Bennett Power; "Leon.
ard Dobbin, or the Zone Moss Rose," by Rev
P. b. Dobbin; and "Alice Haven, or The
Discipline of Life" by c. L. K They are
for sale at Mellen's.
"GRANDFATHER's ALPHABETICAL AMusE-
MENT, for Old Folks, Young Folks, and Chill
dren,'' just prepared for the Christmas Hoi.
days by Tyler & Seagrave of the Spy Job
Printing Office, is one of the most useful con-
trivances for the amusement of children that
the season is likely to afford. BY means of it
children will learn to know the letters of the
alphabet and to spell while busily engaged in
play. Those buying Christmas presents
should not overlook it.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

WHAT is GOING OK AT Fort WARREN
On Thursday last every man in the garrison
was furnished with ten rounds OF cartridge,
and all the necessary ammunition for more
thorough defence i'll case of any emergency
The insolence Of the rebels toward the guard
and the officers on duty has excited increas-
ing vigilance. Orders have been issued for
the instruction OF detachment of men in the
use of parapet guns. A force has been al
ready detailed, consisting of men who have
had some previous experience of guunery in
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

The ENGLISH GENTLEMAN.-DanieI De-
Foe, the author of Crusoe, was, for a subject,
on terms OF unusual intimacy with monarch
OF singularly cold and repulsive temper,
William Ill. William brought over from Ho-
land a host OF Dutch men and women, to be
fed, and tostered and an outcry arose, be-
cause these mynheers usurped the posts and
places, which belonged 10 true born English gen.
uemen. To exhibit the real character of the
Anglo Saxon blood, and to CRAFTY the king,
DE Foe wrote his poem. called "Ihe true born
EngL,sh gentleman" whom he thus describes =
The Romans first with Julius Caesar came,
Including all the nations of that name,
Gauls, Greeks, and Lombards, and by computation,
AuAiliaries, or slaves, of every nation.
With Hengist SaXoDs-Danes with Sweno came,
In search Of punder, not in search of tame
Scots, Picts, and irish from the Hibernian shore;
And conq'ring William brought the Normans DER.
All these their barbarous offspring left behind,
The dregs of armies they of all mankind
Blended with Britons, who before were here,
Of whom the Welch have best the character.
From this amphibious ill-born mob, began
That vain inatured thing. an Englishman.
So much for that Anglo Saxon blood, which
is certainly considerably thicker than water,
and of which we are greatly comtorted, to be.
lieve portion is creeping in our veins!-Bos.
ton Transcript.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

Lieut. Col, Hawley of the seventh Connec
ucut regiment, writing from Port Royal, says
me weather Is quite cold in that vicinity. Hos.
pltal accommodations are shamefully deficient.
and there are many on the sick list-about 100
of the seventh regiment alone. The weather
is SO changeable that the light tents and the
exposure on guard at camp and on the ad
vanced guard, affects the troops seriously.
The rebels left in their blankets an unpleasant
egacy-the measles-and it bids fair to take
run through the regiment. The cases are do
ing well. He says, don't fret because this
branch of the army does not make rapid pro-
gress. 1t was wholly composed of green regi-
lnenis, and they have as yet bad little time for
thorough drill. Three Pennsylvania regi-
nlents had arrived, one of them unarmed, and
10 arms there tor them Queer operation =
Hartford Comant
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

GENERAL ScoTT.-The belief that General
important public questions, gains confirmation
by his sudden and unexpected return. His
arrival in Washington is looked for tomorrow
or Thursday at the farthest. AS it is known
Napoleon at Paris, it is naturally inferred that
the information which he brings to the gov.
ernment relates to the part which France de-
slres to play in the event of difficulties be.
tween the United States and England. The
generals release from the heavy burdens of
public duty is reported TO have had favorable
influence upon his health.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

AN ANCIENT SYRIAo TEsrAMENT.-Dr.
Perkins exhibited at the missionary meeting
at Lyndon, last week, a copy of the New Tes-
lament which lie found in Persia, which was
seven hundred years old. 1t was written in
the ancient Syriac language 1.-THE same spoken
by Jesus Christ when on earth upon parch.
ment, with reed Tor a pen. OF course the
volume was bulky, though not as large as we
should suppose Testament made in that way
would be. 1t was not thicker than Webster's
unabridged, and not more than two thirds as
large. Dr. Perkins found three or four copies
OF the Testament in this form in that country
which were, If we understood him, the only
written language that the people had. BY
the aid of these he made language for the
HISTORIANS, and instructed them in it for near
ly thirty years. DIR. Perkins said also that
this New Testament, which had been tran
scribed in this rude manner several times, and
handed down from the time OF Christ, was, in
every important respect, the same as the Word
which we now haye--a remarkable proof of
the authenticity of our Bible ST. Johnsburu
" Caledoaian.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24
Position of the National Forces In Ken.


From the Chicago Tribune, Dec 10.
II is estimated, from statistics that are relia-
bic, that Gen Buell. has to day an army in the
field of not less than 10000 men, to which
the states of Indiana and Ohio are adding
about 2000 daily, aud to which they will add,
by the consolidation and dispatch OF regi-
ments, fully 10000 men between this and the
1st of january. We believe, therefore, that
with the beginning OF the new year, General
Buell. will have an army OF loO,OOO men, or as
large force as Gen. Mcclellan confesses to
have on the Potomac. IL will be the army of
the west, ana upon II VIII depend, IN no slight
degree, lhe issue OF The war Gen. Buell. has
now been 10 command about month, and has
thus far been occupied in "masslng" the
troops, after The Potomac pattern. They have
been organizing INTO Orieades ana divisions,
and so quietly that we are only able TO gather,
from scattered hints ID newspaper correspond
ence, VINO are the division and brigade COM
r'ahders, ana 10 what poruoh oi the grand
army dlnerent regiments nave been assigned.
we oeheVe, howeVtr, mere are seven grand
DIVISIONS, each containing three OrlgAdes, and
the brlgades made up oi from three 10 fVe reg
lments, win artillery ana cavalry attached
Inc prlgades VIII average ooOo men through
out, Inc DIVISION commanders are, as we
nave oeeh aDie 10 ascertain mem =
Ueh' Alex McOo"eIl McCook, al Leba'
non
= zen george IL; homas, al Lebanon.
D. 1eh' Otlhsoy NJ Mltchel, at Eilzaoeth'
'o"h' ,,.
+ zen iiiiaqi Neisou' AZ new raven.
o. zen nos Grit'ehueh' at calhoun
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

FESTIVAL AT MECHANICS HALL. - The
members of the high school announce their
annual Christmas festival at Mechanics Hail.
on Wednesday evening. A parlor concert
will be added to the usual festivities, in which
the school will sing under the direction of Mr.
Stocking, and other musicians resident in the
city, who have kindly volunteered their ser
vices, will take part. The entertainment will
be arranged and conducted with care, and we
a chance of spending happy Christmas even.
ing,
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

OLD SoUTH TEA PARTY.-It will he seen
by an advertisement in another place that the
ladies of the Old South Society give tea
party, this evening, at Horticultural Hail.
There has been careful preparation to make it
one of the pleasantest social gathering of the
season. The supper will be served at six
o'clock They will have, on this occasion, a
well loaded Christmas Tree, which will very
largely contribute to the pleasure of the social
entertainment 1t will be well worth while to
disregard the weather and accept the invita-.
tiJn TO attend.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

CHRISTMAS EyE.-Ihe approach of the
most interesting festival Ct ehristendom has
been awaited with joyful impatience by the
little people on whom life is showering its rose
colors with profusion. They have already
heard the footsteps OF ST. Nicholas in the dis.
tanee, and will have grand frolics with him to-
night IN their baby dreams. And many
young hearts will thrill with new delight when
they see in the early dawn of Christmas
morning how generously the dear saint re.
membered them while they slept.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

RARE EPITAPH.-The following genuine ep
itaph was transcribed from an ancient tomb
stone in Vernon, VT, by gentleman of this
city. The inscription, which was very OBJ
scure, was rendered discernible by brushing
flour over the face of the stone =
Here lies cut down like unripe fruit
The son Of Mr.. Amos Jute,
And Mrs Jemima Tute, his wife.
Called Jonathan, of whose frail life.
The days all summed, though short tn account
Scarcely TO fourteen years amount.
Born on the twelVeth Of May was he
In seventy hundred and sixty. three;
10 death he iell a helpless prey,
April the hYe and & twentieth day,
In seventeen hundred and seyenty-seyen,
Quitting this world we hope for Heaven.
Bat tho his spirit fled ON high
Ills body mouldering here must lie
Behold the amazing alteration
Effected by incubation.
The means improved his life to save
Hurried him headong to the grave
Full III the bloom of youth he fell
Alas. what human tongue can tell
The mothers grief, her anguish show
Or paint the fathers heavier woe
Who now no natural offspring has
His ample fortune to possess
To fill his place stand in his stead
Or bear his name when he is dead.
SO COD ordered, his ways are just,
Tho empires erumble III the dust,
Life and the world mere bubbles are
Let loose TO those for Heaven prepare.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

WAR FEELING IN CANADA.-The exhibi.
tions of excited and unreasoning hostility in
Canada against the United States government
is one of the striking spectacles of the season.
In the cities, the "Fighting Fourth" the
"Prince of Wales Own" the 'fSnow Shoe
Club Rifles, the cavalry and artillery compa-
nies of all sorts, are holding nightly meetings.
as if they expected an avalanche of enemies
upon them before the new year sets in. The
same Canada which has furnished an inviting
asy lum to fugitives from slavery, for at leas
two generations, is now burning with impat
tent zeal to help on rebellion of which slave
ry is the corner stone. She has run the un
derground railroad Tor more than half CEN
tury, with admirable success, which, whatever
befalls. the rebels will never forgive nor for
get. The friends of genuine republican gov
ernment, founded upon the inalienable rights
of mankind, can afford to calmly await the
result
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24
THE TRENT AFFAIR.

There have been various reports, both here
and in Europe, purporting 10 give the "sub-
stance" or ''main points" of the dispatches of
the British government to Lord Lyons. We
suspect, however, that not one of the reporters
who speak so confidently knows anything
whatever about the matter. Nevertheless this
does not lessen the general desire to hear and
discuss whatever is said on the subject by
those who are believed to have means for
guessing with considerable shrewdness The
New York Tribme's Washington correspond
ent has the following -
"WAsHINGroN, Dec. o. lS5l.-Lord Lyons
yesterday made his first official communica
ton to the secretary OF state, VINO at once set
about the preparation OF a reply. The contents
! of tie dispatches are known to no one except
these two, the president aud proDaoly
General Mcclellan But the general opin-
ion among outsiders near the official barrier
that guards the inner circle OF diplomacy
is that they do not present an uimatum, ous
leave room for negotiation, as we have mere
totore intimated. AS regards the statement
that the cabinet is determined to yield TO
England even to The point Of surrendering
Mason and Slidell, rather than fight her,
it is utterly and mischcvously false.
The truth is that, as we have excellent au
thority Tor saying, there is no principle laid
down or intimated in my standard work on
International law, by which a nation can be
required to give up its own property or cti-
zens, 10 matter how the last possession was
acquired, to another nation. Ii man jump
over a neighborS fence to recover his hat, he
may apologize and make reparation for injury
done to fence or grounds, but can hardly be
expected to return the hat. Great Britain not
having yet recognized he jeff. Davis govern
ment, cannot consider its emisSaries as other
than our c tizens. Plain as this point is, it
has not been taken, so far as noticed, III the
numerous newspaper discussions of the sub
ject. 1t has, however, been brought to the at
tention of the secretary OF state"
This, of course, must be taken as but little
more than guess work and speculation. We
presume Lord Lyons has presented his dis
patches, although a Washington despatch in
Philadelphia paper states that he will not pre-
sent them until "admiral- Milne acts upon his
Instructions to proceed to Boston harbor."
Another New York paper has the following
from Washington:
WASHINGTON, Dec % The government
to-day received intelligence brought by the
last steamer from Europe from Gen. Scott
stating that he intended to take passage in The
next steamer for the United States. The gen
eral does not state the object of his return,
but he undoubtedly brings information to our
government oi important movements abroad.
1t must be a serious matter, or General Scott
would not return so speedily, Tor il is well
known that he had made arrangements to be
absent long time"
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

CHILDREN's ToYs.-The custom of pre.
senting toys to children on a certain feast day
is as old as recorded time. gentle practice
prevailed among the Romans OF burying these
gifts with children early claimed by the gods
Tor another and better world So, too, all
time is nulIified, all history domestcated into
the little golden ring OF the family circle, when
from out the frescoes of the yawning pyra.
mids of Egypt we draw the fact that before
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

Cnt This Out and Remember th,. Foct-
Inat viii sell Tor month"; for the following nriccs
at the Poetcai Exchange :-Common Brooms Ii cents
an9 heavier ones At II and 20 cents good heavy
Al wool Carpets at 50 cents per yard former price IS
Also cheap Carpets at II cents 90 25 30 as 90 ana
40 cents per yard, which think cheaper than Was ever
sold before IN Worcester; the above prices to be cash
also Will sell my CrOckery and Kitchen Goods cheana,
than ever offered before Please cali and see the prices
at the Poetical Exchange, Bay State Block ''
$50 diff ORS0N n. HEATH. Proprietor
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

WELL SAID The Washington correspond.
ent of the Providence Press likens england
if the tone Of her press is any criterion, to a
grasping, arrogant, bullying, supercilious, hyp.
ocritical old Pumblechook
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

The THEATER was opened by the Myers
dramatic troupe of Providence, last night,
who played the "Three Fast Men" to a salts.
factory audience, Notwithstanding the storm.
The same piece will be repeated thi, evening.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

Moses was exposed to the crocodies, little
girls played with dolls and lullabies and were
chanted by ecstatic maternity.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

CHRISTMAS EvE.-There will be services
appropriate to the time, at the First Unitarian
church (Rev. DIR. HilTs) and All Saints
church (Episcopalian), this evening, at u
o'clock. Both churches have been decorated
with evergreen
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

MILLBuRY.-Alexauder Parker contractor
in Greene's gun shop in Millbury, disappear.
ed on Monday, leaving several employees
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

SLKps.--Ihe crougM iron sled, advertised in an.
other column, is of the most acceptable holiday
presents that can be selected They are light, hand
some, and perfectly indestructible
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

"a feast of reason and flow of SOUL said the woman,
when she took herpan of biscuit the oven, and
threw away four kinds villanous compounds that
she had purchased and which they called saldratus
The same lady keepson talking, and says after trial
of Ileriek Aliens Gold Medal Saaratus if any one is
not then satisfied that there nothing like il their un
belief viii be their ruin At retail everywhere and at
wholesale by most of the Wholesale grocers Depot l2
Liberty street, New York.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

Satchel"r's Hair Dye, THE BEST IN THE WORLD
w. Bachelors Splendid nair DYE is the Oyfgiqol ana
only Reliable aud Harmless Hair Dive known Inst.n
tantaneons nits effects does stain the skin and invi
CRATES the hair life Be careful and use none other
than the genuine, signed on each side Of every hoy
WILLIAM A. BACHELOR. Sold by all respectable Drug
gists and Fancy Goods Stores everywhere Manufac
tory NO. 81 barclay street. date l6 Bond street. and 232
i'l'"'""S' NC" i"Ih u&Wly aus
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

CARD.-At a meeting Of Zion NJ. E. Church, called
by the Rev Joseph Hicks the pastor and agent, the fol-
lowing resolution was passed Resolved That we, the
members of Zion A E. Society do hereby tender
auks to to the members of the Old South Society
for the liberal donation of s25 for the support our
pastor; also, to Mr.. T. W. wellington for donation of
half of coal for which he will please accept our
sincere thanks. E. b. GfMBY, Sec'y
Worcester, Dec. y, 1851.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

HORSE BLANKETS AT WAoLEsALG PRICES Those in
want should call on j. NJ FOLaANSBEE, No.3 Wash
ingon Square if they wish avail themselves of the
low prices he is now selling for DIST p2l
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

Messrs. Ellis, Britton, and Eaton, Spring
field, VT, submitted a proposition to the gov,
ernment to employ liberated negroes. They
say that if the government will contiScate tue
improved estates of rebel planters near Port
Royal S. c., 10 the extent of twenty thousand
acres. they will lease the lands and employ
five thousand liberated negroes to cultivate
them on terms favorable 10 the government,
and to the men employed.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

q. +. lHnrris, Dentist. 1853 Main street. opposite
the new Mechanics Hall Building. o5
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

OYSTERS, oYsTERs.-J. LUDINGroN Il Co, No. Foster
street. keeps constantly hand, Wholesale and retail
the best New Haven oysters As they constantly
ceiving them fresh and in large quantities they able
to meet the wants of their customers. All orders left
their place will I've prompty attended 10.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24
Ueu advertisements,

EMBROIDERIES & HANDKERCHIEFS
Isnow open especially orthe Holidays consisting of
LINEN and CAMBRIA SETS.
CAMBRIC COLLARS. New Designs
EMBROIDERED HANDKERCuIEFs, very cheap
HEMsTITCHED HANDKERCHIEFs. for Ladies and
Misses.
Ladies and Gcntlemen's LINEN CAMBRIA HAND
KERCHIEFS.
Childrcns HANDKERCHIEFs, from &c up.
Also, a full assortment of
A l. Il X A N ID r " IDS.
WINTER HOSIERY 81 GLOVES.
M1TTENs, HOODS, soNTAGs, scARFs, NECK
TIES, CRAvATs, &C.
Ladies Gentlemen looking for Presents will be
find some useful and appropriate article in stock
at very low price.
BARNARD. SUMNER, a. co.
d24 DIFF
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

lfvou wish Tor splendid picture your child call
CtdFfn'S ISS Main street. His arrangements
pete for producing keness nstantaneouslY. diff dis
CIsfin is making splendid Photographs, colored OF
PLAIN Iom small Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes, lSs
Main street. DIFF 81
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

CIahin is making Card Photographs uneqnaIed in
tnis country Give MN call dtf my2
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

"GREAT EXPECTATION" will be realized by the
use of HILLS MINT SPECIFIC, for Badness and
Falling on of the Hair.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS will be realized by the
use of WAX FLOSS for dressing the Hair.
'GREAT EXPECTATIONS - will be realized by the
nse of PREPARED TUFAr for cleansing and beautify
ins the Teeth.
"GREAT EXPECTATIONS " will be realized By the
use of the WAYERLY PERFUME for the Handker-
chief
"GREAT EXPECTATION will be realized by the
use of HILLS LIQUID AMANDINE, for Chappcd
Hands, Rouehness Of the Skin, &c.
Prepared and sold by
JOHN Q. HILL, Apothecary,
d5 dam Me 3hanics Hall.
Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-24

FURNISHIN NG ERTAKER.
His Coffin WareroOms at 50 Front street. where cal
always be found large assortment of Cofns of all an
fcren kinds Of patterns Mentac and Walnut Casketf
of all sizes Coffin Plates and Robes of the best pattern
and material Residence SO Front street. diff aul4