davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27
The Christmas Festival

Asa religious feast its introduction IL
attributed to Pope Telesphorus, who died
A. ID. 1873. For many years there was
controversy respecting the actual day upon
which Christ was born, by theologlans oil
the Eastern and Western Churches, the for
mer locating the most important event IN
the worlds history variously in the months
of April and May. After dispute IN
which all the archives of the Church were
explored, the Urgency of St. Cyrils, oil
Jerusalem, obtained, about the fourth
century, an order from Pope Julius l., liking
the date of the nativity of Christ on the 25th
of December, in accordance with the mutual
decision of the Eastern and Roman Churches,
The former, however, was not convinced
that the day set apart for the celebration oil
the feast was the correct one as indicator
by its chronology; and the whole questin
seems still to be involved in that historical
obscurity surrounding 50 many sacred
events. There is tradition that Christ Was
born in the middle of the night, and, there
fore. in the Roman Church the day Is usher
ed in by the performance Of three masses
one at midnight, one at early dawn, ana the
third in the morning. In medieval times
the celebration Of the festiyity was marked
bv curious and interesting features. There
was scenery in the rude outlines of the day,
bulls heads. Eastern magi and ornaments
Of all kinds and in grotesqueiig figures Songs
and carols. even now in vogue, had their
origin these dark days of the Middle Ages.
The Calabrian Ministries descended from the
mountains and filled Naples and Rome with
their sweet melodies and overpowering
harmonies on Christmas Eve, and at tins
remote day England and the Continent con-
tinue a similar custom IN the bels anu
chimes that peal forth on the midnight arr,
10 remind the multiplied and enlightened
people, that the birth Of the saviour gains
rather than. as with most events, loses I'M
portance in the eyes OF men. g.,
The practice of using evergreen with
which to decorate originated with the
Druid-. who had q superstition that the
sylvan spirits could not be irqsthtten IN
such company. From sucha curiOu. custom
came the ad0rnment Of our churche-- In
some countries- holly, rosemary, laurel and
miStletOe are employed and these are not re
moved till Candlemas, on February =.
HOLM and ivy remain still in England the
style of decoration. though laurel Is much
in use
The religious -uper-titiOnS attached 10 the
history Of the festival are numerous. They
come mostly from savage sources, but have
been dcyoulty celebrated by their believers;
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The cable reports heavy snow in the north
of England. In Yorkshire and Derbyshire
the ground was covered TO the depth of one
foot on Tuesday, and railway trains are de-
layed. The rivers in that section are very
much swollen.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

Judge Poland presented in the House, on
Thursday, the petition of Lucretia Coorse,
of Lamoille county, for an increase of pen
SION
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

Speaking of proposition to reduce rates
of life insurance, the New York Nation re
marks " When man inSures his life, he
does not simply contract for the payment OF
4 certain sum to his representatives at has
death, bat for peace of mind on certain
designated matter during the remainder OF
his life. and he is as much entitled to the
one A. the other"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The general executive committee appoint
ed by the Governor ofthe District OF Column
bia. to take charge of the unosh.ial ceremo-
MES on the occasion of the re-inauguration
of President Grant, are hard and constantly
at work arranging details Reduced fare
will be secured on all the miroadS, and
many civic and military organizations from
various States viii be present
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

And now Connecticut must be added TO
those States DESTROYS of effecting constitu-
tional changes, and contemplating con
yention to revise the organic law. The sys-
ten Of town repre>entation-which has no
reference to population-is thought to be
defective, and the question, Of biennial cleo
tons and Of restrictions upon special legis-
lation are being agitated
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

FIRES AT BosIoN. - There were eight
alarms in Boston, Sunday night, caused by
three fires-one in the centre and the others
Al the two extremities of the city. The first
was in Dorchester, new block of three
stores and dwelling-houses in Boston street
being destroyed, involving loss of So
600. Less than an hour afterwards there
was a $3.50 fire at $40 Commercial street /;
and at quarter-past one O'Clock Sunday
morning another fire broke out in the rear
part of store 81 Washington street, occu-
pied BY Mrs Charlotte NJ. Adams, which
was damaged SIS, 900 worth. I. F. Furber,
SO Temple place. loses about 5 900, and
Mrs j. j. Grace, at 81 Temple place, about
ting ssme. The building, which was leased
by JSrle9, Marsh & Co., was damaged
about IS ,OdV.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The "hor,c disease" is by no means a
new thing, a. was at first supposed. 1t
seems. from investigating the history ofthat
useful animal, that between AS and 4l2 b.
c. similar disease ragged in Greece, Italy
and Sicily and numerous periods since
that time are mentioned when horses, dogs.
cat, and oxen have been attacked with this
species of influenza.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

Lebanon, n. H., is q growing manuiae-
turing town. Although sixty-fve new
houses were built last season, there is still a
deficiency
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

\ sensible rule has just been established
in the Philadelphia courts which torbid-
private conversation between the lawyers
and the judge on the bench. No lawyer
should have the ear Of the judge on matters
in progre,, before the court unless all can
hear what he is saying, and lie should not
be allowed to take up time in conversation
not pertaining to matters in progress before
the court
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

LIFE INsuRANcE.-In all policies Of life in
surance, these. among a host Of other ques-
tons, occur Age of father, if living -
Age Of mother, if living?" \ man in the
country who filled up an application made
his fathers age, ifliVing 100 years, and his
mothers IO2 The agent was amazed at
this showing, and iancied he had got an ez-
cellent subject; but, feeling somewhat.
dubious. remarked that the man came Of 4
very long lived family "Oh You see,
sir. - replied the applicant, my parents
died many years ago, but, If living,
would be aged a there pat down" 'oh 4.
see. 90 said The agent
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

Ablock of marble has been quarried IN
this State and is now on its way to Rich
mond. Virginia, to be worked into memo
rial sarcophagus, with a recumbent statue oil
General Lee. The Cleveland HerGld sug-
gests that this marble will keep alive the
memories of the war. and wants to know
why Senator Sumner doesn't suppress 1t by
resolution
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The Postmaster General has decided that
he will hold Postmasters liable on their
bonds for losses of registered letters traced
to their Offices.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

An impressive scene Pateriamilias goes
home with big bundle under his arm which
arouses the children 70 ag0nies Of curiosity
and when he Is cornered about 1t, he gives
climax to the situation by slowly and ten
DERBY undoing the bundle and giving them
i hasty peep at the anticipated prlze-a
Goldfish for to-mOrrow's dinner.-Iroy
Times.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

ANo1HER "MoRGAN" SToRY.-A new So
luton of the outrage upon Alonzo Reed,
who was nearly murdered at Randolph,
some months ago, has just been started. 1t
seems that he was Mason, and some wise
heads have OWNED that he had been diyulg-
ing Masonic secrets, and the brotherhood
concluded to adopt the Inorganic style of
silencing his tongue forever. Perhaps this
report originated in the feet that the
Masons were very incredulous about the
case and tried to hush the matter up, re-
presenting it to the world as hoax and a
humbug.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

LArE>.-Germany- among other reforms
+, making war upon states. Some of the
objection, urged against their use is that
they are noisy, hurtful to the eyes, and as
-ist in forming a bad chirography, which it
takes years of pen practice to overcome
Their place is to be filed by an elastic,
light paper slate, upon which ink can be
used. and from which it can be removed aS
often a, needful. The total abolition Of
slate, will be a joyful move for teachers as
well as pupils, and the day which witnesses
the sharpening ofthe la-tslate pencil should
be marked with white stone by every
teacher whose teeth have been % set on
edge by the horrid sound.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27


Par- Hqnrv a dividend Of ; per cent was
declared, payable ON and after Jan. l..
l7'5-
Inc EoI7e ana trt17-lli'' M riiia-
inehl OIL VIZ. lo'ii l e'A vi ~ vl1na -
I'ilo neir Duiieu On e.. ~
i'ec' lltu- lne luIHl'uIe "liU II" ~ NV n
haseu 10 q ulle an amount IT '. n. ,
daughter, SICK with me Drain lever vas
saved py the eH9rl9 oi some Ir'el"' WIN
suffered lnu'h ny "eins DurH''-
The Senate has confirmed Andrew D..
theritree OF 6lens Fails, ColectOroi Inter
nal Revenue for the 10Th District oil Ne"
lorA, wee " m w rockwell oil 'Ae 7''lAe
'Hlase resigned
Since Andrew Williams bought out the
lr'nni.ey property al what mas Deeh I nere-
.''''o A'io"n ~ az ~ On .Iis -
- u'-.- 5'-s 80. li.---'i
.''V.' anu ,.iS name '' 'i7 i-'''
II p.,,.-i p-......r r.t. ..,-.
-. IL, '-'.
ni'h ill=li 'yHooI' ma 4eeh presented y
w. ~ .-li- ~. 7'iie i''i.l'!le ie"S pre-
- - t-..7-,:iI.
--
me SINAI. P'- Is pfe''l'ins ih "e''PoI'-
NORTHERN NEw loRk.-ln relation 20 the
business of iro. u,iuinr. the Pnt-laru Con-
mrs saws.
az '-.-.t... .... ..t......- d..
=. w. ~. .'..l's E,'', 81 '',, =; ..
,'--," ia ''-..7 'fo. 49,
MI, mr. ~ .' Tfi ;rcl,5. 10 III. t5a,
have been opened and abandoned on account
of the expense and difficulty in working
them. a., wei "a. some new beds that have
never been worked before It is reported
thar English capitalists are investing some
money In iron ore in this section.
VIM T Amsleu. recently deceased left
his property. from 50 900 To- so. O0O. TO -
Mark, Fni..oDal Church of Malone He
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

Tell it not in Gath '' The y. Y Worifs
Washington correspondent states aS the
reason why ffty-fse Democratic members
Of Congress voted against Mr.. Ilale'~ reSo-
luton declaring the sense of the body
against erasing tha names Of battles of the
late war from the battle flags and the army
register, wa- because the - resolution was,
in fact. an arrogant assumption that the
regular regiments achieved all the victories
in the late war, whereas, in fact, they were
mostly won by the volunteers. This is too
thin, as these ffty-fye men Will learn when
next they ask the votes of Union soldiers.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

Senator SIMMER was not IN h;> seat Thurs
day morning after the reading of the jour
nal. and Senator ElmuudS gave notice that
iu consequence of the in health of the Sen
aror from Massachusetts, he should not call
mp the House resolution on the regImental
tags until after the recess. Subsequently,
Mr. SIMMER came in looking very III.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27
Grand Army Of the Republic.
The following general order has just been

The following general order has just been
issued:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT VT,
G. A. r. Rutland, Dec. II, ls72->
GENERAL ORDER NO. IA.
The sixth annual encampment OF TINS
Department will be held at St. Adams, on
Thursday, January 30th, 1873, headquaI
tiers at the Weldon House. The command,
inc officer of Badly Smith Post No. 20, Will
have charge of the local arrangements
Posts should not fail to elect delegates
and alternates as provided in the rules ana
regulations, each Post not in arrears Tor
reports of dues being entitled to at least one
representative, besides the Post Commader:
As it is intended to make this meeting mot !.
only one of business, but also reunion Oh
soldiers from all parts of the State, regard
les of former regiment or rank in service,
it is hoped as many comrades as possible
will attend.
r O. Ter of
" a. IFAZFY
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The marriage epidemic, which, ike the
horse disease, has spread all over the eountry
RACES even in the departments at Washing
ION. Nearly every room in the state treasu-
~, and other departments has several pros
pectiye briass.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The short of the recent transactions be
tween Mr.. Jay Gould and the Erie r. X.
company is that Mr. Gould hands over
property worth seven million dollars to pay
a debt ofnine million dollars, which was in
Cured bv the good Mr. Gould's borrowing
the money some years ago of the company
when he was president of the road, with
out interest. Satisfaction is acknowledged,
and Mr.. Gould Is endorsed by the company
which i still short two million dollars with
interest on nine millions, a. an honest and
reputable man, and the best railroad mana
ger in the country, worthy to be consulted
in the future direction Of the Erie corpora
ton
Mr.. Gould ha, hi, cheese too. He made
the trihe of two hundred thousand shares OF
Erie at the market rate of Il few days since,
and a, before the price advanced when he
wa, driven out with his pockets filled with
the property of the company, 50 now it flies
up eight per cent. and puts more than nil
lion and half dollars into his pockets when
he ma Ike, restitution cf that which did not
belong to him
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The mercury Friday morning, at Law
renee, Kansas, was eighteen degrees below
zero. The lowest for the past five years.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27
Tlukering the Constitution.

/, The Boston journal says that no less than
twenty-four amendments to the Constitu-
ton of the United States are pending before
Congress and adds
That body will soon be as striking a mon
ument of the ingenuity of our peopleas the
Patent Office And what Is very singular,
about one-half of these propositions of
change come from Democrats, who used to
talk Of the Constitution u something as
sacred a. the laws of the Modes and Per
slams Nov they want to have it twisted
about 50 as to mako il unconstitutional for
whites to marry negroes or TO get their edu-
cation with them, TO re establish State
rights. to prohibit United States Judges,
senator's or Representatives from becoming
candidates for the Presidency, and to make
foreigners eligible to that Office. Besides
these are Mr. Summers amendment in favor
Of the one term principle and the election
of president by the people Mr.. Upton ;,
to allow the veto to be overcome by ma
lority vote and Garrett Dayis's, TO provide
for a constitutional tribunal, TO try points
Of sovereignty in dispute between States and
and the nation. General Banks PROPOSE
ton is well known, and there are Others,
about reserying the public lands for home
steads. about national education, etc.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

A Western paper itemizes pr.esy ;thns
"Mrs. John Bags Of Omaha has left Mr.
John Baggs, taking the money bags and
lsaying John to hold the little empty Baggs,"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

Large quantities Of apples have been
sbipped this season from Windsor depot To
stations in the northern part of the State.
Nearly $1,000 have been subscribed
toward the amount required by the Build
ing Association TO erect boot factory at
Chester, which shall hayea capacity for leA
hands.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The Hon. Mr.. Snapp of Illinois is trying
TO make himself famous, or otherwise, by
the pertinacity with which he assails the
civil service reform. He claims to speak. as
he told the House last Saturday, for the
great Northwest, the Northwest that had
given the country and the world "a Logan,
a Sherman, Grant" and. modesty forbade
him to say it, "a Snapp." With equal mod
esty he claims to have dealt the first blow
at the humbug;" that Mr.. Bingham
meekly followed in his footsteps and
:" nailed the huge SANDER to the mast in a
matehless SPEECH" dealt the disgraceful
proposition such blow with his battle axe
that made it stagger and fall. to rise NO
more, it is to be presumed, in this day and
age of liberty"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The robbery of mail bags from tho Acw
York post office, reported by telegraph.
turns out to have been not a robbery ofmail
bags. still les, of mail matter. and not a
robbery of anything from the New York
post Office. \ quantity of canvas sacks,
furnished by the post Office 70 publishers and
news agents to make up their mails, found
their way to a junk shop with q lQt of waste
paper, and We're offered for sale That was
oil
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The subject of transportation and inter
communication between the States is prop
erly attracting great attention. We need
better accommodations and cheaper rates.
Mr. Shellabarger. of Ohio, has introduced
bill in Congress intended to exercise a con-
troll over railroads as common carriers from
one State to another, and to prevent extor-
tionate charges. That such authority should
come within the scope of Congress may be
regarded as questionable by many, but Mr..
Shellabarger is one Of the soundest and most
cautious lawyers in the House, and his
judgment always carries great weight.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The Massachusetts, House of Representa-
tives held a mock session Tuesday afternoon
We understand that cheese did not supply
the inspiration for the occaSion.-.H. Adams
Messenger.
We see no call for the Messengers slurrish
remarks relative to the adjournment malady.
The cheese sickness, it is but fair to state, was
not confined to the non-abstemious members
of the General Assembly of Vermont. Three
fourths Of the sufferers were among the
prominent temperance men of the Legisla-
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The house of Lewis L. Tucker, at
Worcester, Washington County, was des-
troyed by fire few days ago.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

Carl Schurz is to deliver course OF tee
lures at Dartmouth College, during the
next fortnight.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The COMMUNISTS conservative Eng
fish paper thus growls ont an answer to the
question, " What were the Communists
who destroyed PARISH . Nine were shoe
makers. six were condemned thieves, four
unfrocked priests, four working jewellers,
four hundred and three loafers,
two liberated conyicts, two assassins, two
forgers, two actors, two aerobats, two keep
ers- of disreputable houses, two one-eyed
men, one stable boy, a concierge, a rabbit
skin merchant, n cooper, staymaker, and
FIVE madmen!'' What a respectable gov
erning body
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

PATRONS OF HUsBANDRY.-T The State
Grange of Patrons ofHusbandry, met at St.
Johnsbnry last week, and elected the follow
ing officers for the year ensuing
f. P. Cotton, Master.
+. l.. Hovey. Secretary.
W. II. Bartlett, Overseer.
II. c. Woodward, Lecturer.
j. Dow, Steward.
4. VI. Foster, Assistant Steward.
8. II. Rowell, Chaplain.
CD. Ball. Treasurer.
C. II. Newton, Gate Keeper.
Mrs. Il. f. jameson, Ceres.
+. b Dwinnell, Pomona.
" p. f. Grout, Flora.
" F. V. Powers, l. \. ).
f. P. Cotton, f. l.. Hoyey, ). II. Rowell;
A. IT. Foster, Z. f. Jameson and II. c.
Woodward. Executive Committee.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

Several cases Of small p0N have occurred
at Wilder Il Hopkins steam mill, Bellows
Falls among some French families there, bus
no deaths are reported,
Horace Beignolds' barn and cider mill in
Putney, were burned on the 9TH inst Loss.
: 800 no insurance
George II. Newman, formerly of Brattle-
horo. has been elected president OF the
Adams National Bank, a North Topeka,
Kansas.
Eli Briggs. formerly Of jacksonville, but
If late residing in Conway. Mass, hung
himself in his barn a week ago last saturday
lie leaves wife and two children
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

or NJ, JOINT Committee IF The General As
s.7a5lg appointed under Joint Resolution
10 hlresfigaf. fbs Proceedings Of The Board
~ Etacanou.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The new education is thought 20 be
gaining grounda Harvard, and experiments
are to be made with the present senior class
with a view to the abolition ofcompulsory at
tendance upon Rotations, the test of scholar
ship to be the examinations. With this
change will come Reconsideration oflccturc~
fore recitatious. The abolition Of morning
PRAYERS j. alss contemplated.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

FRElcnts q THE HUDsoS RIVER RAIL
RoAD.-The Poughkaspsie Eagle of Monday
morning says
There is an immense quantity Of freight
passing over the Hudson River Railroad
nowadays. Last week seyenty-iiye trains
passed South, averaging thirty-hye ears to
The train. or two thousand six hundred and
TWENTY-FIVE car loads in all During the
same time forty trains passed North, aver
aging thirtv-fve cars To train, or one
thousand six hundred and eighty ear loads
in all. Grand total, .305 car loads in all.
4 pretty good showing for one week.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

The syndicate of bankers. which took the
first 5000 900 600 five per cent United States
loan. /, willing to take the remaining $500
600 900 ON the same terms. No hiShercom-
mission T. asked, and confidence Is expressed
that four and halfper cent. bonds may be
successfully disposed Of in the same manner.
Mr. Boutwell, gives his unqualifclapprovaL
but asks advice Of the finance committee.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

On the 9th inst. ". y Bachelor I-t
Ca>tleton. for his home In Colorado. with
ore hundred and fifty Spanish meriuo sheep
They were selected from ~omeof the choices.
h0cks in western Vermont. namely from
those of ! ; Benedict Of Ca~t.et1n. i
Gleason of Benson. W e. SANFORD and
BaScomb of Orwell One hundred more
choice blood~ will De- added 90 this number
on his way IN Michigan Mr. Bachelor has
already large number Of superior sheep I'D
Li~ranchr iu Colorado
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-12-27

samuel Langley. employed in Brown
mills at Maidstone. was caught in the ma
chinery and crushed to death. las, week.
4 few days since fire was discovered 10
the upper story Of the Congregational par
~lnage at LuuenbGrg. but was ext'ngui-lei
before doing much damage