davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-24
The Day Of the Nativity.

One OF the most remarkable facts with
regard to the festival of the Nativity of
Christ is, that not only is nothing au-
thentic known, but there are absolutely
no historic data on which dependence
may be placed as to the time of year in
which it occurred. The earliest records
of the Church tell us that some commu-
mites of Christians observe the festival
on the first of January, while others cele-
brated the 25th of December. Others
again adhered to the Goth of March, the
Jewish Passover, while others kept the
festival on the Goth of September, the
Jewish Feast of the Tabernacles. Many
writer's and chronologists are inclined to
accept the latter date as the true ami
versary of the Nativity, on the ground
that the shepherds were watching their
flocks at night, which they were not like
ly to do in winter-time, and because it
was in autumn that the assessments took
place under which the Jewish people
were taxed. But the 25th of December
and the 9th of January have been almost
invariably the laws on which the Eastern
and Western Churches have respectively
observed Christmas. In connection
with this dispute as to the exact
date of Christmas there is a curious and
interesting incident recorded in connec-
ton with the old legend of the Glaston
bury Thorn, which, till late day, was
supposed by the Somersetshire peasantry
to bud on Christmas Eve, and bloom on
Christmas Day. In the year 1853, there
had been considerable discussion con-
corning the date, or, as it was called, the
81 Oh 81 Nl,riok,,oo I'm,
Christmas Eve new style) vast con-
course of people" says a sheet OF that
day, "attended the noted Thorn, but, to
their great disappointment, there was no
appearance of its blowing, which made
them watch it closely till the 9th of JAN
uary, Christmas Day (old style), when it
bowed as usual" But, in the fourth
century, the Eastern Church especially
began u more strict and elaborate observ-
ance of Christian festivals, an example
which was soon followed by the Western
Church and in time the midnight mass
was introduced in order to fifty and
religiously usher in the Christmas morn.
An old translation from the Latin of
Naogeorgius thus alludes to the midnight
mass :
Then comes the day wherein the Lord
Did bridge his berthe to passe;
Whereas at midnighte up they rise,
And every man in masse
This time so hole counted il,
That divers earnestlie
Do thinks the waters all to wine
Are changed sodainlie."
A searching investigation as to the
correct date of the Nativity was eventu-
ally ordered by Pope julius the First,
and the twenty day of December,
the day originally decreed as the ami
versary of the birth of Christ by Pope
Telesphorus, in the year 1873, was accept
ed by all the Christian churches, with
the exception of the Armenians, who
continued, so late as the thirteenth cen
fury, to observe the feasts of Christmas
and the Epiphany together on the 9th Of
January.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-24
An Indianian HOnored Abroad.

Gen. George b. Williams, who has
been appointed by the japanese Govern
ment Commissioner of the Imperial Gov
eminent to Europa post of high
honor-is an Indiana man, who first at
tanned prominence during the war in the
Federal army, and after the war held
several positions successfully in the
Revenue Department. While Second
Deputy Comptroller of Internal Revenue
at Washington in 1872, he was engaged
by the japanese Minister, Mr.. Mori, To
go to Japan and organize an internal
revenue system similar to that in this
country. After satisfactorily completing
his engagement he was made japanese
Commissioner of Agriculture, with 8
salary of $1,000 per annum. His pres
ent office is one of the most important
in the Japanese service. Gen. Williams
career is an evidence of the popularity Of
Americans in Japan.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-24

to the priest (whom he told to make it
public), stated that he was one of the
crew that ran down the boat containing
Shelley and Williams, which was done
under the impression that the rich
Milford Byron was on board, with lots
of money. They did not intend to sink
the boat, but to board her and murder
Byron. She sank, he said, as soon as
she was struck. This account was sent
to my friends, the Ks, by person
they are intimate with, and who lives at
Spezia, and l believe knows the priest. !"
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-24
Climate anu Appetite.

In Russia, Sweden and Norway, where
prolonged and biting winters necessi-
tate action and large supplies of animal
heat, meals are frequent and OF great
duration. Five hearty repasts per diem,
among which dinner is the chief one, are
the common allowance in those North
ern localities. This principal meal is
heralded by cold collation., partaken
EN- route for the dining-room. In n
small ante-room the guests pause before
small table spread with articles crea-
tive of appetite and thirst, such as red
herring, sardines, caviare, cheese, sharp
pickles and arrack, the native whisky.
Thus stimulated, much larger repast is
made than would otherwise be possible.
When this custom, however, is intro
duced regardless of climatic require
ments, it is prone to conduce to slug
gishness, as in some parts of Germany.
Again, the glowing mother earth and
ardent skies of Italy furnish her chill
dren with their best preservatives
against their combined intensity of heat.
Fruits and salads, succulent, refreshing,
cooling, form the national breakfast and
the chief staple of other meals, being
freely partaken of with results which
might be much less favorable under a
cooler sky. Nature, amidst these Won
drous adaptations, is not neglectful of
the needs of animals, as may be briefly
instanced by a Norwegian custom.
Within the Arctic circle, where the
winters are a long twilight, and the
highlands so barren that people subsist
upon bread made from the tender bark
of the birch-tree, the cattle are fed upon
dried fish caught in those storied fiords,
whose waters, the Fortunatus purse OF
Norway, stretch far inland by dusky for
ests of pine. Magazine.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-24
what Came to wIlIie's House New Years
Day.

Something al cuddled up in mammals bed,
Something with such round little head,
Something with two little eyes that are blue
(They look very much like mamma's eyes, too);
Something whose mouth is n queer little mite,
Not halt big enough, either, 10 bite;
Something that has the tiniest toes
W;llies, I'm SURE are larger than those
Something whose arms and whose hands are 80
small,
They never could play with bat or ball
Something that must be alive, know,
Or it wouldn't be squrming and kicking so.
What in the world can this something be
That Willie is called up stairs to see?
Only baby dropped down from the skies
To peep at this world with its bright little eyes;
Only new little mortal on earth,
Welcomed and loved from the hour of its birth;
A comfort, nuisance, plague, and treasure,
Bringing anxiety, trouble and pleasure;
Only dear littl0 bundle of love,
Straight from tho wonderful mansion above;
Something Tor mamma to pray for each day,
something for Willie TO teach how to play;
darling wee blossom hitherward sent,
A bud that the Savior or garden has lent;
Ana this 10 The gift that to Wiilies house came
ON the glad New Years Day-a dear baby 10 name.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-24
Che Grue 9orthsrner
PAW PAW. MICHIGAN.
THE LITTLE FOLKS.

The Little Brown Stocking.
Here N q little brown stocking,
Paced by many years,
Hidden among my treasures,
Stained with many tears;
II hung in q chimney corner,
ON q Christmas long ago,
Loaded with precious goodies,
Fun from the top TO toe.
Two chubby hands unloaded
The gifts OF Santa Claus;
oh. how his black eyes sparkled -
And surely there was cause.
You zee that little hole there2
There y where q horse vas tied
so heavy that IL tore 1t,
And biz enough to ride.
No soldier was ever proudsr
With war-norse most superb,
Than he ON his rocking pony,
With saddle, whip. and curb.
Oh. thai was the merriest Christmas,
And be the joll.est boy,
Aau his il the sweetest memory
ever shall enjoy!
The red leaves of the autumn
Lie dead above him now;
The prattling lips are silent,
HIS hands are cold IA snow.
Naught but the little stocking
IL left of that glad day;
The stocking and the memory
Are mine TO keep Away.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-24
ShpIlpy.S Death.

Fresh details of the painful death of
Shelley have been received by Mr.. w.
Nj. Rossetti from the daughter of a
friend, who writes as follows from Rome
ga little while ago there died at Spezia
an old sailor, who, in his last confessions
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-24

A MAN in Chicago having been lately
indicted for having ten barrels of un-
stamped whisky in his possession, proved
that pet woodchuck had scratched the
stamps off, and he was discharged,
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-24
The following table shows the amount
paid by Mr.. Robert Bonner for the fly

When to this amount is added the es
timated value of the stock on the farm,
the sum invested in horse-fesh by Mr..
Bonner will not be far from $3.50, 900.
Mr.. II. n. Smith, the owner of the Fash
ion Stud Farm, is the only man in the
country who has more capital represent
ed in similar manner.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-24

THE latest Americanism has been re-
ceived by critical review into the En-
glish language. The London Spectator
speaks of the Spanish "carpet baggers"
IN Cuba.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-24
Public instruction.

The thirty-eighth annual report Of the SUI
perintendent OF Public Instruction, with ac-
companying documents, for the year 1874, is
just issued from the press. 1t is AL exhaustive
exhibit of the workings Of our educational sys-
tenn, containing comparative statistics for the
past eleven years. From the table Of compare
alive statistics we extract the following figure
for 1874.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-24

THERE is baby in Nash lille that was
born in a private box at the theater there
the other night during the performance
of the play.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-06-04
80 wouIa havs ID oratlon and celebralIOn On

cord would have an Grafton and celebration on
the previous ie,h q Apu ~ not.
igApf>g rAarrEEs ~ THr pEaossrRArIoS.
The cvie1raunn was in every respect one worthy
cf tnc eVsut which ~ COMMUNICATED. the day
vas enc ~ ~ choicest 81 the ; ason and the at
tendance lroiu Al sections Or the country showed
tnAt Il wAs In 10 wise = simple local aralr Presl-
aeut Tyler ane nj CABINET ana tue Governors OF
various states we're among me guests VINO par
uclpated. There were also prssenE thirteen sur
vfvlng - diofs or he bafGie ~ Banker mn. and
nlnety-nts Others vac were IN some OF the battles
~ the Kevoiaton. TIE exercise. took place
within TIE enclosure of Monument square. and
we're participates n by nor less than 10000
people. TIE scene was brilliant ana gorgeous be-
yond dssCrpuoa lev incidents, however.
were ncKlng a. this occAal0n wnieh marked that
of fszS especially TIE presence OF lafayette
ana ne comp tfauvo freshness Or the theme. on
tss other hana. thefe was the completed moHu.
meat ne sairoa o. an expectation long delayed.
tie c0nsumsnAtlon o. tna peoples pride IN The
aalshe1 SOFA. The audience TO-, vas more than
tour times ~ great Then, again. the iurther the
battle cl baAker nin receaes int the distant past
the greater tne evcnt appears. ~ consequences
afe more fsog ungolded IN me lapse o. time and
- tBe arowGn Aad spread OF our coansry. Web
sisr ksnalsd wlta enthusiasm a. standing 10 oed
icafs tAs monumant erected ~ eommemoration
o. ear uational ludepenaencs ~ proceeded %
sBow nov eaf AtheFs broaxhG VITA them tue
pihls. nc niesafare ans ne nee Institutions o.
ths Oid word. escaping from local customs and
fetlsrA asa nsfs planses 10 to virgin sol u
me new Coutlnens tae principles Of
repressutAsfye government A. ~ conuassed
she prime pies % which our government vas
tonnded wllA those % which the epnemeral gov.
efnmengs ~ S0uth America we're set %. Ne said.
u woeld that tne 60o 90 voices present could pro-
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-06-04

influence toward progression, by the example Of
the character OF Washington and BY the success
or our Republic. As an Illustration Of the effect
which this address produced II y related that Dr
John Q. warren, who took the greatest
interest IN everything which concerned
BUNKER Gin. stated 10 his associates on the com
mittee. as ne rode over IN the procession, that
Mr.. Webster, however great, could not possibly
come up 10 bis address in 1s25, for then, sad the
Doctor, he was In his prime. on the return, how
ever. ne declared, with great delight that Web
ster had surpassed himself
SPONTANEOUS COMPLIMENT TO THE ORATOR
Mr.. webster did not appear Ia the procession In
the morning, remarkin0 that he preferred that al
the honors OF escort should be paid 70 the Presi-
dent. But, as he appeared IN his place IN the re-
turn, there was one loud continuous cheering Tor
him oil the way from Bunker Hill 70 the state
House. II was a remarkable instance or The great
popular applause being bestowed upon pro-emi.
nent ability over high ofIicial position.
4 BANQUET At PAINFUL HALL
Late In the afternoon there was banquet IN
Faneun Hall IN honor OF the invited guests. In
Guided In the number were distinguished repre-
sentatives from virginia, Kentucky, south Caro-
Ina, Louisiana, New YORK and the western ana
new England states, all Of whom sat down with
Massachusetts In commemoration ofthat glorloua
Union which all agreed sne was
THE FIRST TO DEFEND AID THE LAST TO DEsKRr.
All the sentiments we're wen received, but not
one with more rapturous applause than the fol-
loving, proposed py President Buckingham. Of
the Monument Association -
The orator OF the Day-u we would ind bis
equal In eloquence and patriotism we must DO
permitted 70 exercise noerally the right winch no
mas refused TO the most pOwerful narons on
earth-5ne right or search.
This alluded, Of course, TO the celebrated letter
to Lord Ashburton, which Mr.. Webster wrote after
the completion OF the Ashburton Treaty aud wine
no remained IN the Cabinet under unmerireo cen.
sure.
AN EVENING RECEPTION.
In the latter part OF tne eyc NJ there was q
brilliant reception at tho residence Of Mr.. Page,
on Summer street. Boston, to which was ADDED
The adjoining house OF Colonel BENJAMIN LorinR.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-06-04

almost TO the letter but IN having opportunity
on the nth OF June. 1925. In interview with the
General 70 remind him Of their meeting on
Bunker Hin that day the year before, and to pre-
sent 20 him at that time o diploma OF membership
OF the Bunker Eil Monument Association. Cen
eral Lafayette set his heart upon being present on
that occasion, and made all his arrangements OF
travel through the country with that view, as IS
shown by the accompanying fac-simile OF letter
written by him 10 Mr.. Everett.
on his return 10 Boston General Lafayette said
"In all my travels through the country ! have
made Bunker Hill my polar star" how true TO
MS adopted country did his nozzle heart beati
REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS PRESENT.
Every possible effort was made TO procure the at
tendance OF the Revolutionary soldiers, and one
hundred were gathered together, or whom forty
were in the battle OF Bunker Hill. Rev. Joseph
Thaxter, who was chaplain OF Colonel Prescott's
regiment was present, and was chaplain OF the
day The regimental drummer was also here
and in marching up the hin he beat the drum 70
she tune OF " Yankee Doode,n exciting the cheers
or the vast concourse OF people
GREAT MULTITUDE ASSEMBLED.
Although the means or conveyance by land in
those days we're limited 20 the stage coach and 10
private vehicles or all kinds yet there lack
OF the attendance OF the people Everything
seemed 10 pc put In requisition TO bring them
here and 10 accommodate them and their horses
during their stay. they hooked here from every
part or the State. Other States sent large delega-
tons, and notably New York, South Carolina and
the New England states. The'procession was ad-
mitted at Inc time TO have been
THE FINEST PAGEANT EVER SEEN IN THIS COUNTRY.
The day was perfect June day. Not cloud
was visible and the showers OF the preceding day
gave freshness to the Greensward Of the many
vacant fields, and In the pure atmosphere and
clear sky the bright uniforms OF the soldiers and
the rich regatta OF the Masons formed scene OF
dazzling splendor. The route OF the procession
was rather Snort for the association and many OF
the Revolutionary soldiers were on foot. As the
head OF the column reached Charlestown square
the rear, on Boston Common. had not commenced
20 move. All the church bells In Boston ana
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-06-04
This act was greeted VITA proiouna applause

This act was greeted VITA proiound applause.
Many "stlli livsn who heard that
MASTERPIECES og cKSUlSE ELDQrKscx
and 10 them II i proud remembrance. The -.
ordium alluded 20 the time ana place o. meeting
OF the great assembly. the bali century annlvsf.
sarV OF the nrst great battle Of the American Rev.
oluuou, and this the very spot among the 'seDui-
cnres OF our iatneran He compared that event
with the discovery OF America ~ CO
lumnus tof which ne gave q graphic pc.
turel ana 70 the landing OF the Pilgrims
at Plymouth. But the American Rey0luuon
was the DoxoIogy 20 the great prodigy Of events
and the GROWING triumph and blessing of the
world. He announced that TOE oolect " TIE a..
ISOLATION In erecting . national monument % fhe
memory OF the early friends of American :nde.
pendence. on that memorable sp0t-to be preferred
20 all others-not, indeed, 20 pefpetuafe national
hostility nor to cherish j purely military spirit,
but 20 promote peace ana progress. . love u
country and q pure patriotism. both 10 time -
prosperity and disaster. aud. nnder the blessing
OF God, he babe the monument 20 rise until u
met the sun m It's coming. lie addressed
THE SURVIVORS OF the BArTLM fnKN nMroRH MS
with a touching allusion 20 the msmory ~ the
FIRST great martyrs. Then ne addressed The other
surviving soldiers the veterans 81 haf 4 century.
and. after brief description OF toe battle. 10 a.
dressed Lafayette VINO had come over from d.
rope 70 nelp Us Win Ms Aie ana fortune Ahm
great changes which the half century had pro-
duced In the direction OF human progress ans "a.
prove ment then became his theme. and IN hla
peroration he exhorted MS countymen 10
preserve ana improve upon what their fathers
achieved, and by perfect parody ne announced
the duty OF an American clrizen 10 nis country 10
De fully as obligatory that Of q witness undeF
oath TO the cause OF truth and justice % that fne
country itself should become q monument great.
powerful and permanent OF which the structure
about 10 be erected should be everlasting rype.
Tue conception OF the whole address was magnia.
cent, ana, being Grandly sustained 40 al ~
parts It's effect upon tho immense audltory-car.
ried away By his LOFTY sentiments mingled lnto
one mass and wrought mp AZ one man 20 tne high
est pitch OF enthusiasm-was really sublime.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-06-04

both houses communicating with each other pY
doors TO be opened on sucn occasions. very
distinguished company was present, and the So
clal festivities were kept up untll Sunday morn
Ing. To look for those Iouses now, or for those or
Webster and Everett, on rhe same street. would
be In vain. In fact, 1t seems almost impossible
that they ever lived there.
THE sEvENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY or THE BATTLE
was also observed in most appropriate ana ex-
tsnsive manner. There was not tnat attendance
or national dlgnitaries which graced the occasion
twenty-five years before, but the exercises were,
nevertheless. OF q choice and patriotic order, and
were mingled in by thousands from the imme
date and more distant sections OF the country.
Judge Warren then, as now was President or the
association, and the orator OF the day was che
accomplished and eloquent Edward Everett
HIS Grafton and all the other speeches
were delivered In one OF the Navy Yard ship
houses on the very site where the British landed
on tue morning OF the Bunker Hill battle. lie
said that When lie considered how much OF what
we witness and experience Is, in the great con-
nection OF cause and effect que TO the men and
deeds which we commemorate, he could not but
call 70 mind the epitaph OF the architect or ST.
Pauls. at London:-
ZIP yoU SEEK PoR MONUMENT LOOK AROUND
YoU.n
A goodly portion or the grafton was devoted 10
an eloquent and graphic description OF the battle
and the orator claimed that not more decisively
Ola the contest OF Marathon affect the fortunes OF
Greece than the character or our Revolutionary
war was affected by the fortunes OF the battle OF
Bunker Hin. Victory or defeat. at was the final
loss or the British Empire" The conclusion OF
Mr.. Eyerett's Grafton dazzed with eloquence.
.we nave erected q noble monument TO the
memory OF our fathers" he said. "but we shall
nwrnw afll l,tru
selves eaten some portion OF their spirit. oh, tnat
the contemplation OF their bright example and
pure lame might elevate our minds above the sell
ISM passions, The nerce contentious and
the dark foreoodings OF the day We
need the spirit OF l775 TO guide MS safely
against tho dizzy activities OF the times. while
our own numbers are increasing In unexampled
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-06-04

charlestown were ringing while the procession
was in motion, and the troops strlkingly sug.
gested 20 the multitude the wonderful contrast
between that joyous, spectacle and the stirring
scenes OF the nth OF June, l7T6, when their
fathers gazec In silent suspense upon the great
opening contest In which the new Republic was
baptized In the flames OF burning Cnarlestown.
THE CORNER STONE LAID III GENERAL LAFAYETTE
As the procession came upon the grounds a
hollow square was formed. enclosing the site OF
the proposed monument, and the Masonic cere-
monies were commenced. General Lafayette re-
celyed the trowe from the Grand Master and
spread the cement over the stone. He was him
SELF q Freemason and wore Masonic apron
curing this ceremony and the other exercises on
the nin, ana when he laid it aside Mr.. Francis O.
WINSTON, one OF the marsnals took It at once into
his possession and mas kept IL until this day.
THE OTHER ExERcIsKs.
the Masonic services over, the large assemblaRe
repaired to the northern decivity OF the hill
where O spacious amphitheatre was arranged.
AT the lower part was a stage. surrounded BY q
canopy and golden eagle. Upon the stage we're
the orator, the chief guests and the Revolutionary
patriots. when Rev. Mr.. Tnaxter stepped for
ward 10 oner prayer the whole air was hushed to
o profound stiffness and there was o sea OF IN
covered heads before him, Hair century before
he stood on that same mill ana
PRAYED ron COLONEL PRESCOTT
and his men, and for blessing on the American
cause. During the battle he was urging the men
to their duty, and paid the last oeccs to some or
those who then contaminated their service to the
country with their life Offering. lie was then IN
middle life. and now, AZ tue age OF ninety. as with
clear, but ALTERING voice, and without
emotion, ne uttered bis prayer OF thapkmlness
and praise, his attenuated form appeared ike
that OF a mortal then about to put on immortality.
An ode by John Pierpoint was then sung. after
wAicn came the GRAFTON BY Daniei Webster As
the orator stepped forward
LAFAYETTE BEcKoNED TO HIN
to stand back In place which was shaded. But
webster declined ana persisted in facing the sun
with his cock.eye, even advancing AZ near as no
could 20 the uncountsd multitude before MIN.