The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-29

days. For truly it is said: ''It is more blessed
10 give than to receive" With much love l
hereby afiiX my hand and seal
SANTA CLAUS.
1t was done, and the children, rich
and poor, flocked from all quarters of
the city into the brilliantly-Iighted,
beautifully-decorated churches. The
little church around the corner was
filled to overlooking. Ladies in costly
garments mingled with women in faded
calico dresses and ragged shawls. Chill
dren clad in silks, velvet and rich furs
sat beside pale little ones who had
shivered in their thin dresses as they
came through the streets. But the
blessed influence of the holy Christmas
time was over them all.
A prayer from the good minister, and
then sweet-faced, sweet-voiced lady
arose and said
"Little strangers-but from this
time, we hope, strangers no more-you
have been invited here, tonight, by
Santa Claus. The children of this
church, grateful for the many things he
has bestowed upon them in the years
gone by, have, this day, sent him many
gifts in return. But he, not having any
boys or girls of his own, wishes his
Christmas presents should be given to
you, Here are candies, apples, cakes
and oranges enough for you alr'-how
their eyes sparkled!-'' and books, dolls,
shoes, hats and many other things, to
be divided among you. Come for
ward, a few at time, and whisper to
me, or one of my friends, what most
you wish for"
Shyly they came, with wondering,
half-doubting faces, but to return to
their seats with bright eyes and smiles
hands, pockets and aprons filled with
treasures, until all had partaken of the
bounty of Santa Claus.
But one beautiful little girl, with
heavenly blue eyes, and golden hair
ripping to her waist, never moved, but
sat upon her mothers knee, looking
wonderingly about her. The children
who had to pass her to reach their seats
threw candies and nuts and cake into
her lap as they passed, and she gave
them in return the sweetest of smiles.
At last nothing remained of the pres
ents to Santa Claus but the little pair of
crutches.
"No one wanth Them" whispered
the small boy, who, with a nice, warm
Jacket upon his arm, and an orange in
one hand and box of figs in the other,
sat beside his mother. I'm tho thor
ry-no! I'm tho extremely glad no
other poor child it'll lame"
But just then the sweet-voiced lady
said, in still, soft voice: "And here is
a pair of little crutches.
The woman who was holding the
pretty wee girl arose, and, carrying the
child in her arms, came modestly for
ward.
Oh! what a lovely, lovely face that
child had! Wan and thin, but lit up by
eyes large, bright and blue, and her
hair shone and glistened in the brilliant
light like mass of the purest gold.
Her mother stood upon the floor, and,
taking the crutches, placed them under
her arms. 81 thank Santa Claus very
much" said the child, in clear, mu-
steal voice. mamma couldn't afford
to buy me pair and | had to sit in my
chair all day long"
Mother, she lookth like an angel! I
muth kith her." said the small boy; and
forgetful of the large crowd-of every
thing but the beautiful child-he limped
toward her. "Will you kith me, dear
little girl?'' he said.
YES" said the child, with frank
smile, for Think looking straight
into his serious, dark eyes, "you are
my Santa Claus"
And then a great shout went up for
Santa Claus.
"We'll give him present every
Christmas" cried all the children.
"Three cheers for the dear old fell
lown'
And didn't they cheer!
"Hurrah! Hurrah!! Hurrah!!r' and
one for good measure Hurrah!!r'-
Nudge Elliott.