davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1889-12-19
A NToneyless Christmas.

Christmas without spending money!
Midwinter holidays without dolls or pic
ture books, tops, toy cannon or jumping
jacks, colored candies or any "store
presents of any kind whatsoever!
Christ's nativity celebrated without a
Christmas tree or Christmas carol or a
gathering of the children-no evergreen
shrub sparkling with glass, no Santa
Claus and no pantomime. Could such a
thing be in Christian land?
Yea, verify.
And it is not so very long ago that
just such a Christmas was the rule in
three-fourths of the United States-nay,
it is the rule now in considerable sec
tions where there are no large towns.
So easily do we get accustomed to what
is, and so naturally do children believe
that the system they first noticed has al
ways been the system, that most people
do not know, and even the older ones
are forgetting, that the Christmas of to-
day is comparatively new thing.
But what was the old time Christmas,
and with what sights and sounds was II
ushered in? Well, in the first place, it
was-in al. the rural regions at any rate
"a time when no money could be
'twasted." Children must have their
fun without extra expense. save as each
child had carefully saved his pennies.
As to deliberately handing out . half
dollar to a boy for Christmas-tile aver
| age father would as soon have thought
| of giving him a deed for the farIn. II
was a season for rabbit hunting and sled
| ding if there was snow enough, and fer
| sliding if there was ice, for 2 good din
ner and an extra piece of pie, and then,
perhaps, for some home made presents.
| 4 little later toys began to come in
say about 1850-in the central west, and
such toys! Blocky horses, square cor
nered cows, dogs made of clay and burnt
black in the fire, and SO forth and SC
forth; a collection of them now would
| throw a group of children into convul
sions of laughter. Be it remembered
that less than fifty years ago Cincinnati
| Louisville and ST. Louis were the only
cities really known to the great mass d
people living west of Ohio and north o,
Tennessee, and nine-tenths of the people
under 20 years of age had never seen {
city Of 1O.0o0 Inhabitants. And in those
days rural America celebrated Christina
| literally without money and withou
(cash) price.
Plenty of people who do not like to b
called old can recall the time when, /,
all the book stores of the rural regions
only two or three kinds of tsstory books
could be found, and as to holiday book
and holiday goods as such-well, the,
could be found in the cities, probably
but not one child In hundred, takinl
the country through, ever saw one o
them.
The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1889-12-19

inquire closely for fear of shameful dis
closures. The climax came in a pecu-
iarly painful way. Among the gentle
men who visited at the house was Mr..
Harrison, and it happened that, while the
younger daughter was the one he sought
in marriage, both the girls fell in love
with him. Sarahs passion was none
the less violent because of its lawless
character and its utter hopelessness, and
when she learned that her sister was to
marry the man she herself loved, she left
home finally, after a terrible scene in
which she swore vengeance, defed all
authority, and spIEned the love of her
father, mother and sister.
For three years nothing was heard of
her Her father, old before his time
with sorrow. mourned for her truly, and
would at any time have received her
back with open arms, but no word came,
; and he knew too well the futility of
trying to track her or to lure her home
again. At last one evening she presented
herself and demanded an interview,
which was readily granted.
| 1t was behind closed doors, and no one
but the father ever knew just what
| passed between them. He told his wife
| and daughter, however, the substance OF
! it. Sarah had demanded portion of his
! fortune, and had offered for it to hide
| herself from him forever, to take another
name and lead her own life in her own
way.
81 told her." said the sorrowing man
''that she should always have home
| with me, no matter when she came te
claim it. and that l would never see hel
want for anything if she would come
back to me, but that, if she persisted il
| the life she plainly said she proposed t.
| five. l would do nothing for her before
or after my death. And then she lef
me, saying it was forever, and cursinl
me-cursing me, her father, who evel
now would die for her if need be-"
For time after this nothing was heart
of the prodigal. Then one Christina
eve she wreaked her hate, or vengeance
as she chose to call it, in an awful crime
Mrs. Harrison's only child, boy no
quite three years old, was in one of tn
public parks of the city, in charge of
nurse, when Sarah approached, and, b
pretending violent fancy for the child
threw the careless servant off her guard
Whether she bribed the girl, or reall
succeeded in tricking her, was neve
known, but it was two hours later whe
that frightened individual reported
Mrs. Harrison that her boy had bee
stolen.
1t would be impossible to describe th
! agony of the parents, and useless to d'
tail all the circumstances of the scare
that was made. The servant gave SUI
ficiently accurate description Of til
strange woman, whom she had neve
seen before, for the family to know VIII
The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1889-12-19

Swipesy - What did Santer Claus
bring yer, Misery?
Misery-Oh, 1 got brand new warm
overcoat, and a pair o dandy pants, and
a lot o candy and SIN other little things
can't jest remember. Whaju git?
Swipesy-Oh, I got a sealskin cap, an
some warm cloze as goes on under these,
an fourteen dinner tickets, and lots O
candy an things. Now, Misery, straight
-wha'd' yer git?
Misery (voice just little shaky)-Say,
Swipesy, L hunged up my stockin' all
right, and, do yer know, never got a
bloomin thing.
Swipesy (also shaky as to voice)-Nor
me, neither.-Smith, Gray s. Co.'S Illus
trated Monthly.
The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1889-12-19

GEORGE LIVED WITH AUNT bAAL1s
my wife," said Mr.. Harrison, els
painfully, almost morbidly, anxious to
do everything she can for poor children.
especially for orphans. And about
Christmas time she seems especially
nervous about it. There is story about
It, Of course, but it is too long and too
painful to tell now." This to Mr.. Van
Meter, whose earnestness in his chosen
work made him rejoice in every new
found friend, and whose enthusiasm was
contagious.
Before long the story was known.
Mrs. Harrison's father was a wealthy
manufacturer, whose two daughters
were the children of different mothers
and developed as they grew to woman
hood strikingly different characteristics.
The elder one, Sarah, was the daughter
of his first wife, who had deserted him
and her infant child to run away with
one of his clerks. He knew little of her
story after her fight, but in the course
of year and half he learned that she
had been forsaken by her lover and had
plunged into such terrible course OF
dissipation that death had been merci-
fully speedy in overtaking her. A year
later he married the second time:
Again daughter was born to him,
and as the two children grew up they
were treated. as nearly as possible, ex-
actly alike. Everything that money
could buy, or affection dictate, was at
their command. and every influence OF
! refinement and education was exerted to
| fit them for high place In society, but
whether it was some faint In the blood,
| ,r q rvnorhid. brnr,din0 over n mother q
The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1889-12-19


b impossible to realize that only few
years farther back there was such
place in the center of the city as the Five
Points. Nowadays it does not take un-
usual courage for a moderately athletic
man to walk alone in broad daylight
through any public street in the city.
Then it was not safe to do SO, and even
policemen rarely ventured alone after
dark into the region known by the old
name. Now the horse ears run through
the center of it. Broad streets have been
cut through, and old buildings replaced
with new. Factories and stores stand
where were formerly tumble down rook-
cries, that had stood since the last cen-
tury, and that were swarming with the
most degraded poor and the most desper-
ate criminals. When the Rev. w. O. Van
Meter, with a few friends as earnest and
determined as himself, first started .
mission school within the borders Of this
valley of the shadow of crime, he was
repeatedly warned by the police Of the
dangers he incurred, and it was some
time after the work was started before
he dared to take. even under escort, in
the middle of the day, the ladies who
were anxious to aid by teaching In the
school It seems now like . story Of q
foreign land and another age. but saw
In 1854 or 1855 q party Of dozen ladies
and gentlemen mobbed as they started
homeward from the school one Sunday
noon, hustled into the street and assailed
with volleys Of obscene oaths and rotten
vegstabies, and 50 beset by q horde Of
Ill dsunken men and women that they
Were R1ad to escape with Who)o bones
The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1889-12-19
a Wise Bird.

"4Fhy don't y-a ee 5Er. Gogbler:''
Because do;a's wish 10 b2 eaten. my
friend. Are vol not aa-ara tla-1 Christi
mas is coming: Harper Young Peo-
pie.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04

Tie Forum for December has been re
ccivcd from it, publishers in New York
It CO. tents are: Divorce in the United
states, Toy Edward j. Phelps; Can the Race
Problem be solved? 10y Prof Henry a.
~comp; Religious Teaching in Schools, by
b sh 20 b j. McQuaid; The Possibilities OF
Eiyctr city, ty Park Benjamin; Do We
Want Industrial Peace? by Prof w. q
Summer; Is Medicine Science? by DR.
&c re NJ. Gnud; Immigration ana Crime,
by ". NJ. f Round; The Natural History
of "a d 'gua 10y Prot c. c. Everett; Expe-
ri nee, with Spirilul ism. 10y R-y. NJ. j.
Savage; and The Farmers ID leusive Move
mrni, by William y p,fTr.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04
$500.
IKARPlcR'S BAZAAR.
ILLUSTRATED.

IIarpers Bazaar is a journal for the home
Giving the latest information with r'gard 10
the Fashions lis numerous illustrations fash
templates. and paitern-sheet supplements are
Indispensable alike 90 The home dress-makrr
aud the professional modiste. No expense is
spared in making is artistic attraciiyeness Of
the highest order It's clever short stories par
Tor plays, aud thoughtful essays satisfy all
tastes. and it, last page is famous as budget
of wit and humor In its weekly issues every
thing is included which is Of interest Ia wo-
men. During 100 olive Thorne Miller. Chris
tine Terhunc llerrick. and Mary Lowe Dickin-
son will respectively furnish a series Of papers
on The Daughter at Home. Three Meals
bay. aud The Woman Of the Period" The
serial novels will be written by Walter Besani
and +. W. Robinson
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04
500.
Harper's Magazine.
ILLUSTRATED.

A new Shakespeare the shak~peareof FL
win A. Abbey-will be pr sri'icd 10 Harper
Magazine for 1880. with cOirmeni- hy Andrew
Lang. llarpcr's Magazine ha- alsp made rpr-
cial arrangements with Alphon-e ptrdei. Tie
greatest Of living French nDvrli-f- f,r the *
elusive publication. in serial form. II hum"r-
Gus story. to be entitled - be rolpniNs n
Trascon. the Last Adventure ~ the Fam"us
Tariarin." The story will be- translated by
Henry James, and illustrated by liOs,i and
Nv bach.
W D. ITowells will contribute n novelette, In
two parts entitled Youma' handsomely d.
lustraied
IN illustrated papers. touching subjects u
current Interest. and IN is short stories poems,
aud timely articles: the Magazide will main
tain its well-kEOwu standard.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04
From the Stanton VALLEY Vrgi lan'
4 Memorial Service.

On Friday, the 22d inst, Joseph IT, 200.
gers. son of Rev. Sam'l Rodgers, D. D., died
at his fathers residence in this place, after
a few DAYS Illness, in the 10th year OF his
age. Although in delicate health. he daily
attended to his school duties until the Tues
day previous TO his demise, when he was
taken quite in and continued to grow worse
until the curtain of death closed over all
that was mortal of this most estimabls
youth.
The deceased was favorite with all who
knew him. His gentle, manly bearing, his
kindly face and courteous manners attracted
attention in whatever circle he moved. HIS
christian character WAS so symmelrlcally
formed. his daily life so illustrative OF the
profession he made, his winsome face so ex-
pressive of the pulsatiug heart within, that
10 meet him seemed almost "A benedcllon.
and to touch and stir the kindeSt emotions
of the soul. His was beautiful character
indeed, and better fitted for the realms
above than theIugged contacts of this world
His remains were conveyed to Baltimore
ON Saturday last accompanied by his father.
sister and other m, mbers of the family, 10
be laid by the side Of his sainted mother,
and ON Sunday the usual morning obsery-
ance in the church of which DR.. Rodgers l.
pastor. was converted into a memorial serv
ice to the departed youth. DR.. Harris Off
,ia;ed, reading appropriate selections from
the scriptures, aud irelingy and touching'!
improving The occasion by enlarging upn"
the virtues of the deprrttd, AMI drawing
lessons of instruction for the living. lie
w., followed by MIR Dldman. Prot Robin
sun. Mr. Reeves Gait, Rev Chn- Potter, an.
Mr. lie Knowles in tender tri utes To tn
mem lry of joe" all of whom had breu
associated with him in the Sunday Schoo.
and in daily intercourse The church Choir
intelsper,,d the services with suitable
hymns >wcelly and ieeliugly sung. Mrs
Yu.t. of W. + Institute, rendering sacred
solo. with Mrs. Hicks at the organ, and the
whole cougrcg lion WIS moved to tearlu
sympathy BINDER the sad di-pcu~atiou.
The deceased wa, rounded christian
characlcr-a close student Of thr scripture.
tor one of his asc-a SINCERE follower al
Christ. Artle,s. unaffected, moie,t, genil'
and loving. the summons came in liz bu j.
ding mainland 10 escape from the "evil t.
come. and pa,s To that abode above where
dl /, Eight an I love and - And while it l.
natural tor thosr oi Kindred tie, 20 mour
at the sud ten taking Of Of one SO promising
il w,, for wise purpose, which may not be
Interpreted here. but will be in the great
hereafter Christian philosophy teache'
flrtitude, christian hope reaches to an'
gra~ps and appropriates the fruiliou' o
christian life, and death is but the dark por
tal to a radiant, blissful immortality.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04

Beverly" the lovely home of Mr.. John
Burus, near Wheatlaud, WAS the scene on
Thanksgiving Day Of Il large and enjoyable
gathering of relatives and friends. Among
those present were Mr. Chas. G.. Skinner
aud wife, Mrs Mary Anderson, Mr. Joseph
II yesterday and wife, Mr. Caleb Burns,
Mr.. Luther Huyett and family, Mr. c. d.
Eby and f;mi v the Misses Ely, Vaen-
tine Dust, lof Tippecanoe, City, Ohio Mrs
Virginia Miller aud ,on Harry Locke, MIR
Thomas Frazier aud wife Mr.. Warren Ely.
Jr., Mr. Wm. Burns and family and Nj.
Thomas Locke The entertainment was
sumpluous, and the -uests Of the occasion
are load in their praises of their genial hos
and hostess Spirit
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04
The Century Magazine in 1890 Joseph JEFF
fersuns Aut )biography- Novels by
Frank II. Stockton. Amelia
u III = WIT'I '''''' ~
A Capital Programme.

f. Bar and Others.
A Capital Programme.
During 1890 The Century Magazine Whose re-
cent successes have included the famous "Nai
Pupets" The Lincoln History and George Ken
mans series on siberia aud The Exile system
will rubbish ,hr long lOukcd-ior Aut"hngrd'
rl,y of Joseph Jefirr-un. whose Rip van Win.
kle" has made his name a household word -
Nn more interesting record of a life upon the
Stage could he laid before the public. Mr.Jel
trr>on Is The fourth in generation OF ACTOR
and. with hif children and grandchildren. are
Fix generations uf actOrs among tie Jeii' rSnts
IIls story uf the early days of 'he American
stage. when. as a hoy. travelling IN his father
company, they would settle down i"r season
in Western town. PLAYING in their own eN-
tempoTized theatcr-the particulars of the
creation of his famous Rip van Wrinkle, how
he acted Ticket-Of-ieaye Man before M au-
dience OF that class ia Australia. etc all this
enriched with illustrations aud portraits oi
coutemporarv actors aud actresses. and with
anecdotes will form one of the most delightful
serials The Century has ever printed.
Amelia T.. Barr. Frank X stockton. Marx
Twain. II. II. Bnyesen. and many other we'll
known writers will furnish the fiction for the
new volume. which i {" he unusually strong,
inclu il several novels illustrated NOVELTIES
and short stories. The Women Of the French
Salons are ID he described in a brilliant re-
ries Of illustrated papers The important dis
coveres mrde with the great Lick Telescope
at San Francisco (the largest telescope in the
wnrld) and the latest explorations relating TO
prehistoric America Including the famous Ser
pent Mound, of ohio are to be chrOnicled in
The Ccaf.Ty
Prof George p. Fisher of Yale University is
10 write a series on The Nature and Method
of Revelation" which will attract every Bible
student. Bishop Potter Of New York will be
one nf several prominent writers who are to
contribute a series OF Present-dhy Papers on
living topics. and there will be art papers time
~ articles. etc etc and the chpi"est pictures
that the greatest artists and cnsrdycrs can pro-
ducc.
Every bookseller. postmaster and sub-crp
ton agent takes subscriptions tn The Cept"rg
$500 YEAR. or remittance may Ice made di.
rectly to the publishers THE CENTURY Co.. at
New York Begin new subscriptions with M
vemhcr tthe first issue of the yulumr) aud get
Mara Twan's story, 4 Connecticut Yankee
in King Arthurs Court in that number
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04

Cannot ga hand in band if We look on tn,
dirk side cot every little obstacle. Nolhnl
viii 81 darkrn HE and make 10 burden -.
Dyspepsia. Acker'> Dyspepsia Tablets will
cure the worst form "i dyspepsia, ConS,i
patton and Indigestion, aud ma hie 4"
harpipr,, and pleasure. Sold at p ana 81
cent, bv &. Frank Jones Il Co.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04

The Baltimore Sun ha. added g. column
to each peg, BY IFS admirable methods %
can give all the worlds news worth having
Il is the cleanr>t and least sensational daily
newspaper thatcomes uuderour observation.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04

Ex Senator Camden is going 20 present
Parker-burg with handsome public i'un
tain Il is good thing tor "a town c" have
a citizen with big purse and hbera.ity To-
match il. Too often Is /, thar they don, go
together.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04
HAD BEEN WORRIED E1GurEEN YEARS

HAD BEEN WORRIED EIGHTEEN YEARS
Il should have read married. but the
proof reader observed that it amounted L"
about the sam. timing. AMI - did MT draw
his blue pencil through the error Unlor
tunaey there WAS Considerable truth IN hi
observation. Thousands OF husbands ar
constantly worried almost To despair by the
III health that afilic,S their wives and often
robs life of comfort and happiness. Their
j. but one safe and sure way to change al
this for The better. The ladies should uSt
DR. Pierce's Fayorite Prescription.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04

wait a year or two an. see the Harri-
sou administration was the response 20 an
EagIishman's j-ering remark that the Uni
ted states couldn't boast of ruin.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04

Specimen Copy sent on receipt Of two-cenr
'tanp
Single Numbers, Five Cents each.
Remitances should be made 10y Post.oiiicc
Money Order or Draft, to avoid chance OF loss.
Newspaper are not to copy this advertise
mcnt without the express order Of Harper x
Brothers.
Address: HARPER & BROTHERS.
New Work
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04

COL Romeo II Freer has become The edi-
tor Of the RsrsiHe. Of Harrisviile. Brother
Morris you will have TO get up before The
break of day. now.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04

The editor of d newspaper 90 G.rmtny l.
on trial iu Jhat country t'rsa'ins that l."
peror William role In a,ecnltch'ss cab -
An American editor would have given HI
Royal High-Nigi iness "a better puff
than that-he would have located him in @
smoking car.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04

FINELY Bly,, the New York Worlds cor
respondent, makes her trip round The world
in seventy-fyc days will she win applause
for being a fast girl?
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04

In the lottery on Monday congressman
Wilson drew back seat. When important
questions are presented he will come to the
front.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04

Mr. Val Wilson, of Gerardstown, has had
a painful time Of it for the past six months
Last My De had an arm broken by the kick
oft horse. since then he has been compelled
Oh have 10 broken over and reset several
times. aud fears are now entertained that he
win yet De- ueccsSitated 70 have it amputa-
ted.-Iartiasjrg Independent.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04
nARPERs PERIODICALS.

The Volumes Of the Magazine begin with the
Numbers for June aud December of each year.
When no time j. specified subscriptions will
begin with the Number current at time Of re-
ceipt OF order.
Bound Volumes OF Harper's Magazine for
three years back in neat cloth binding. will be
sent by mail. postpaid. on receipt Of g. % per
volume. Cloth Cases for binding 50cents each
by mail, post paid.
Index 10 Iarper's Magazine. Alphabetical.
Anal, teal and c as-ifed for Volumes TO 20,
inclusive. from June, 1850, 10 June. lss5 one
vol. $40. Cloth. - %.
Renitiances should be made by Post-office
Money OrderOr Draft. TO avoid chance Of loss.
Newspapers are not To copy this advertise
meni without the express order Of Harper &
Brothers. Address:
HARPER & BROTHERS, New York.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04

Tn the big railroad case, The Fidelity
trust Company aud II Il. Crumlish', Ad-
miuf..ra,or VS.. The shenandoah Valley
Railroad Company, Judge Duckwal' yes
,-rlay afternoon delivered his opinion
granting decree ia che sum OF $4,000,
without interest or costs As the claim of
the plaintiffs Was "a million and eight thous-
and dollar, tine decree indicates 81 right
,mar, shriukage In favor of the defendant.
Immediately upon the conclusion of the de-
livery Of Judge Duckwoil', opinion, Col.
o. Blyce asked leave 20 file Petition
flr tbe application of the funds resultant
upon the decree 60 the payment of the debts
..ue tne creditors of the Central Improve
meul Company, and 10 was granted. The
counsel 100 this case and each one of whom
81, the late special term argued i. ia its Va
riel phase, and interest, were Ne,,rs. Geo.
b Caldwell, Ssm1 Dickson and William J..
Robertson oa che part of the Fidelity Trust
Company. trustee Charles l.. Lambertou,
.ar tle first mortgage boudho'der>; +. T..
Clarke on che part of the general mortgage
uoulbol-g>; W. II Tuyer> for the Sheu-
udoah Valley Railroad Company; and
Mcdonald and Moore d. b Lucas, and
L +. VI, Commas ou The hcbaIfcf he Stock
holders and Receiver of The Central lu.
proyemcat Company. Col Caldwell, Capt.
Clarke. Maj McD'nald, anl M'>,r- Lucas
and Moore were present when Judge Duck
wall rendered hi, decision
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-12-04

Congressman Allen, who has back seat
said the Presidents messrge was very long but
no. loud enough 20 be heard on the rear row.