The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1869-01-14
CaRTsTMAs I'm mOLLAND.

Hague 1t was. Christmas Eve, IS
she we'll remembered, because it WIS
upon Star of Bethlehem night. Myn-
heer Gratland, Of the Judens Stras e,
at Amsterdam, had gone to the Hague
to look after a debt; and that good
man having promised his one child a
sumDtuous treat. she was taken TO the
Hague with him that the promise
might be fulfilled.
New. it Is cheap travelling 10 Win
ter in Holland, for half the land is
iee-if we may be allowed that extra
ordinary contradiction In terms-and
people get along very rapidly and
chea9ly on skates. No Dutch child
knoweth when he or she first learnt
how to skate: and, therefore, it cost
Mynheer Gratland very little to reach
the Hague; and as Gratland not only
found his debtor, who could not have
possibly expected his creditor on
Christmas Eve, but obtained his
money, he was IN good tempeT-for
Mynheer Gratland - and promised
Katrine she should see the Star of
Bethlehem.
Now, the Star of Bethlehem, as
seen in Holland, IL a pretty, but a
cheap sight. fer it costs nothing. It's
the harbinger Of Christmas huge
illuminated star which is carried
through the silent. dark, Dutch
streets, shining upon the crowding
people, and typical of the star which
once guided the wise men of the East.
The young men of a Dutch town
who go to the expense of this star,
which, carried through the streets, is
the signal that Christmas has come
once again. are swayed by the full in
tentien of turning the Stas of Bethle-
hem to account. They gather money
for the poor from the crowds who
come out to welcome the symbol of
peace, and have done this for the good
of those whom fortune has not be-
friended, they betake them to the
head burgomaster of the town, who is
bound to set down the youths who
form the Star company to very COM
Portable meal. tbs a great institu-
ton. the Star of Bethlehem, in many
Dutch towns, and cities; and may it
never die out, for it does harm to no
man, and good to many.
With many a smile and pleasant
word, the young Hollanders held out
the bag for the donations of the
crowd. And it was at these points
that Mynheer Gratland grayely told
his daughter that he thought it would
have been better to have stayed at the
gasthaus-the inn at which they were
to stop, and whence they were to re-
turn to Amsterdam on Christmas Day;
for Gratlaud had no idea of holidays,
and, therefore, he had agreed with the
only person with whom he was ever
known to be apon good terms, that he
would spend the day wisely in reach
ing home from the Hague.
-Four times did he very deftly man
age to slip from the searching eyes of
the very practical young man who car
ried the bag; but the maneuvre having
been watched. the collector stole upon
him from behind, and Mynheer Graf
land could not evade the bag, except
by direct refusal.
Himmell" he cries, | am a poor
MANI
Father" whispers Katrine, give
little. Let US each give two silver
groscIenl"
Yiowlein," cries the young col
lector a student, evidently; let the
burgc master give four silver gros-
chen for the glance of your eyes is
treasure enough for the bag"
Mol" cries the Amsterdam mer-
chant " have my poor at home"
AID, no doubt, you keep them
POOR says the student, mockipgly;
Tor your young man hateth avarce.
: Go In peace, says Gratland, hold
log a pocket tightly, as though he
feared that at the Hague they might
levy contributions to the Christmas
star by sheer force.
Then" says the bagman, fair
maiden, you shall give to the poor of
the city"
20 my heart" she says, in low
voice" | have never any need OF
money, and therefore l have not a
kreutzer." Tatfs
Then give me blessing, maiden, y
replies the student; for twill be
something"
Father" she says, you have a
little money of mine that my mother
left me; L pray you, give the poor at
Christmas time piece of silver from
that which some day will be mine."
Nay-that thy husband shall rail
at me when he claims it. No, no, /
know what is right, and know what
is wrong. and | will have no tamper-
ing with thy forms"
would your husband were here.
vrowlein, says the student, for
then we'll do / know that he would
give u heavy silver piece"
For the young vrow herel" said
a voice, and the next moment there
was faint elink In the money bag.
It's well, said the student
banker" tbs we'll, my orphan"
The burgomaster turned, as did
Katrine, to see a lad, dark of hair,
aud possessed of great earnest eyes,
who was standing modestly behind
the father and daughter.
Why, tbs an orphan of the Or
phan Housep said the burgomaster
The yeuagsteF was dressed in suit
of brown cloth, fastened with leather
buttons. He wore a round hat, and
common leather gloves.
Yes, said the student, ''and the
bit of silver, man of Amsterdam, is
the better that an orphan has given it
Do we'll would you to remember the
widows mite"
And how shall an orphan of the
Orphan House have piece OF silver
20 give to the poor?p asked Gratland
lis no question y u have a right
to put. said the student.
Boy, how name you yourselfI
/ am Klaas Steen," said he,
And an apprentiee?9
les, TO a carpenter"
But we must explain little about
Kiaas Steen. At the Hague is an
asylum called Orphan House. To il
are taken all poor children deserted
in the streets, add, oaee received
everything that could identify the
child is DESTROYED: for the Dractieal