davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19
Thieves of the Time of Charles I.

Moll Cutpurse's entrance into gang OF
thieves was beset by no difficulty. The
Bear garden, always her favorite resort,
had made her acquainted with all the
divers and rumpads of the town. The
time, moreover, was favorable to enter
prise, and once again was genius born into
a golden age. The cutting of purses was an
art brought to perfection, and already the
more elegant practice OF picking pockets
was understood. The transition gave scope
for endless ingenuity, and Mon was not
slow in mastering the theory of either craft.
1t was a changing fashion of dress which
forced a new tactic upon the thief; the
pocket was Invented, maybe because the
hanging purse was too easy prey for the
thieyish scissors. But no sooner did the
world conceal its wealth In pockets than
the clyfller was born to extract the booty
with his long, nimble fingers. And the
trick was managed with an admirable
forethought which has been constant
example Of after ages.
The file was always accompanied by a
bulk, whose duty 1t was to jostle and dis
tract the victim while his pockets were
rifled. The bung, or what not, was rapid
ly passed on to the attendant rub, who
scurried off before the cry of Stop theft
could be raised. Thus was the craft Of
thieying practiced when Moll was enrolled
a humble'member of the gang. Yet ma
| ture had not endowed her with the quail.
ties which insure an active triumph. "The
best signs and marks Of happy, indus
trious hand, wrote the hoyden, "is long
| middle finger. equally suited with that
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19
rHe MlsrLEroE soueH.
Origin of the Christmas Tree and DeosrA-
tion With EverKrsena.

Among the votaries of the early Druids
there was a superstition that the houses
should be decorated with evergreens in
December in order thai the sylvan spir-
its might enter them and thus be kept
free from the blast of the cold north
wind and the frost until a milder season
renewed the foliage of their usual
haunts
The Christmas tree is really from
Egypt, where the palm tree puts forth a
branch every month, and where spray
of this tree, with 12 shoots on it, was
used in Egypt at the time of the winter
solstice as a symbol Of the year COM
pleted
Who does not know the poem begin
ming:
The mistletoe hung in the castle hall;
The holly branch shone on the old oak walli
Years ago over every mans door in
England hung a sprig of mistletoe at
this season. There still hovers a mystic
charm about the mistletoe, and many
a girl now, with thrill of expectancy,
places branch of it under the chande-
lier or over the door. According to a
former belief, when girl is caught and
kissed under the mistletoe berry must
be picked off with each kiss, and when
the berries have all been plucked the
privilege ceases.
Among the ancient Britons the mis-
tletoe that grows ON the oak tree was
the kind held in favor. Because of its
heather. origin it is not used often in
church decorations, fact which is re-
ferred to by Washington Irving in his
"Bracebridge Hall, where he has the
learned parson rebuke the unlearned
clerk for this very thing.
In Germany and Scandinavia the holly
or holy tree is called Christ's thorn, be-
cause it puts forth its berries at Christ
mas time, and therefore is especially
fitted for church decorations. With its
glossy, dark leaves and bright, red ber-
ries, it is an attractive decoration for
the house.
The Jews used to decorate at their
feast of tabernacles with evergreens and
flowers
The laurel was used at the earliest
times of the Romans as decoration for
all joyful occasions and is significant Of
peace and victory.
In some places it is customary to
throw branches of laurel on the Christ
mas fire and watch for omens while the
leaves curl and crackle in the heat and
fame.
The evergreen tree is symbol used
as the revival of nature, which, astro-
nomically, signifies the return Of the
sun. Hung with lights and offerings,
the tree has for centuries been one Of
the principal characteristics of Christ
mastide. New York Mercury.
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19

A year or two ago Sir John Lubbock
gave a public lecture on his personal and
political "reminiscences. In this discourse
the famous lecturer upon scientific and
historical subjects showed bis versatility
and his sense of humor by telling some
amusing stories. He dwelt in particular
upon the funny things which he had heard
in the house of commons.
One honorable baronet from the south
of Scotland was speaking on the PROPOSE
tion to vote go, 600, 600 toward the expense
of the Afghan war. Wishing to show how
inadequate this sum would be, he desorib-
ed 1t as only "fiea bite in the ocean,"
On the same occasion the same gentle
man was advocating an increase in the
number Of European troops to be en-
ployed in India. In the course OF his ar
gument he said, "You may depend upon
it, Mr.. Speaker, that the pale face of the
British soldier Is the backbone OF the In
dian army"
Sir John does not regard the Irish mem.
bers of the present generation as very
amusing. The examples given above or
what we should call Hibernicisms If we
did not know their origin, it will be re-
membered are instances Of Scotch blum
dering. The Irish drollery may be con-
| scious or unconscious. In either case 1t
is inimitable.
On certain occasion member from
Ireland was arguing against the imposi-
tion Of a gun tax. The ground upon
which he based his argument was this
that, every man had the "divine right TO
carry gun" Youths Companion.
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19


Prom the very earliest times the palm
tree has been recognized as a symbol Of
victory. Among the Greeks and the
Romans palm branches were used to
decorate the buildings and streets of
their cities in honor Of the return Of a
victorious army. This custom appears
to have been taken from the eastern
nations, but from what one in particu-
lar no one now knows.
At a very early age the Hebrews were
accustomed to carry palm branches on all
occasions of rejoicings. This custom
having been observed ON the entry of
Christ into Jerusalem, the tree has come
to bear a special symbolism among
Christians. The primitive church used
it to express the triumphs of the Chris
tian over death through the resurrec-
tion. As early as the second century
A. d. it became the custom to carve
palm branches ON the tombstones Of
those who had died for the faith, and
about the same time all pictures Of mar
tyrs were figures holding representations
of palm branches in their hands. St
Louis Republic.
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19
Hox r,,,.. Ar. p,,,.d Tn England.

What Is there In the Anglo-Saxon ma
ture that makes Anglo-Saxons the prize
snobs Of the worldi Other races have their
weaknesses, but this weakness they do not
share with us. We sneer at foreign titles,
yet in no country are titles so openly sold.
We look with lofty disdain at some italian
or German count, whose ancestors have
been counts for unnumbered generations.
Yet we grovel before any loanmonger or
brewer who has bought a peerage as
though he were little less than an arch
angel. The latest development Of this
craze has been the eagerness which towns
are showing to secure a nobleman for their
mayor. always felt q contempt for the
London county council since 1t elected a
peer as its chairman, entirely unconnected
with the metropolis and utterly unversed
In municipal matters This was the work
Of men calling themselves radicalsl And
now various towns are groveling at the
feet Of some peer resident in its neighbor-
hood and imploring his lordship to do it
the honor Of allowing himself to be nomi-
mated its mayor. WhyY Simply and sole
ly because he is a lord, for were he neigh
boring Jones it would occur to no one to
press the post on him.
Municipalities ought to consist Of men,
not only townsmen, but men who have
shown themselves useful townmen, and il
one man more than another ought to be a
permanent resident in a town 1t is its
mayor In Italy during the middle ages a
town used to invite some baron to be its
patron. This was because he was man
of war and commanded men Of war, and
therefore could defend the burghers against
their enemies. But barons are not needed
in England to defend towns against hos
tile raids, and to select a nobleman as a
decorative chief magistrate Of town Is
the very climax of rampant snobbery.-
London Truth.
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19
Woman and Dog.

At the end Of the silken cord held in he,
gloved hand was q tiny dog. Wrapped
around the pup was a small shawl, the
fringe of which almost touched the pave
ment. This unique overcoat was held in
place by regulation shawl strap, the
handle of which stuck up in the middle Of
the dogs back, so as to be easily gripped.
People smiled as they passed the odd COM
bination, but neither the lady nor the pup
paid any heed to either grins or comments.
At the corner big mastiff suddenly
planted himself squarely in front of the
woman and looked quizzically at the
shawl strapped mite beside her. With a
cry of alarm she stopped, grabbed the han
die, lifted the pup until its muzzle soon
rested against her cheek, and in the most
approved language Of the nursery told it
MOTTO be the least bit frightened. Then
she gave the big brute, which seemed to
size up the ridiculous situation properly,
q look of utter contempt, lowered the pup
to arms length, carrying it as If it were a
shopping satchel and marched on. The
dog days never end here.-New York Cor
Pittsburg Dispatch.
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19
Painting Our House.

I was informed by every one in our vii
lage that our Landlord was man of his
word and would do just. what he agreed
to, so when got him to agree to paint
our house and surroundings thought I
had pretty good bargain. "I'll paint ev-
erything around the place that you want
me to-" said he, with suave smile that
was only slightly marred by his prodigious
chew of tobacco. That was where I got
left. I should have made him agree to
paint the colors that desired. Unfortu-
nately our tastes do not agree, and that
house looks like chromatic alteration
Of nocturne by Whistler. When argued
with him, he merely said that he was
painting it the color that it ought to be.
Finally asked him what color the leaves
of the trees around the place ought to be.
"Green," /" said he, las matter of course y
I have him now painting the autumn
leaves green as fast as they turn. I aw
ahead Of one landlord anyway. Truth.
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19
HilIer ON Schubert.

Killers impression of Schubert is sum-
med up rather mysteriously in his diary,
where he is ourtly alluded to as "quiet
man" the truth being that he was the
soul of joviality with his few intimate
friends and dumb as a fish to outsiders.
They met at musical soiree, when Schu-
bert, "a poor hand at the piano." and his
friend Vogl with small voice" fairly
entranced Hummel, who, with 80 years
experience of art behind him, had never
until then heard the inspired songs which
were slowly making their way to Beethoven
himself. The visit to Schubert was rather
Disappointing for the lad was received
with too much respect and ceremony to
feel at ease in the presence of such a
genius. "Do you write much?" I asked.
He answered, IT compose every morning,
and when have finished one piece begin
another" There the conversation seems to
have nded.-Temple Bar.
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19
How the Greek Celebrates Christmas.

1t is more than likely that many OF
our Christmas customs were born IN
Greece, more particularly the decora-
tions, lights and games. Here ghosts
and hobgoblins are rampant between
Christmas day and Epiphany, and chill
dren are often frightened into unwilling
obedience by the tales. AS the pious
Greek fasts for month before Christ
mas the feast of that day is very wei
come to him, though it consists princi'
pally of macaroni and strong cheese.
On the island of Chios there is in use
a strange sort of Christmas tree, which
is sometimes simply pole adorned
with fruits and flowers, carried by a
tenant farmer to his landlord as pres
ent that typifies the good will and
wishes for an abundant harvest. lex.
change.
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19
GROWING A CzAR.
The Cost of the Next Coronation Is Esti-
mated at More Than %, 100000.

The Cost of the Next Coronation Is Esti-
mated at More Than $5,OOO,OOO.
The imperial coronation shortly to take
place in Moscow will doubtless be one of
the grandest state displays ever witnessed
in Europe. Russian coronations are not
numerous. An occasion of this kind comes
but once In lifetime, and the policy Of the
Russian imperial family has always been
to dazzle the eyes of their subjects by mag
niflcent court dramas, in which the czar
s really a czar. To this end Russian
coronations have been made as splendid as
the resources of the empire permitted.
The coronation of the late emperor cost
over 81, 600, 900; that of his predecessor con-
siderable over $5, 600, 900, but in each case
show was provided for the people of Rus
sia that was vividly remembered until
supplanted in the popular mind by the
splendors of the next. The coronation Is
regarded as much more than the simple
act of placing bauble on the head of the
first man of the state. 1t is series OF
gorgeous ceremonials, and the people OF
every nation that forms part OF the great
est empire on the earth are required,
through their representatives, to assist
while the spectacle is made still more bril-
liant by the presence Of the ambassadors OF
every power on the globe and Of large
numbers of princes Of the reigning houses,
for ROYALTY always assemblies to congratu-
late the newly crowned monarch.
The preparations for Russian corona
tion are very elaborate, and comprise,
among other things the laying up OF great
stores of provisions in Moscow, for the
houses of that venerable city are compelled
on coronation occasions to entertain from
500, 900 to 600, 900 strangers who journey
to witness the ceremonies Every prov
ince In the empire sends a deputation; ev-
cry tribe in the faraway districts OF 81
IBERIA, on the steppes Of central Asia, from
the Khiyans to the Eskimos along the
shores Of Boring strait, sends one or more
representatives to present the homage OF
the tribe to the great White Gear. Poles,
Finlanders Laplanders, Cossaoks, Rus'
SLAMS of dozen names, Circasslans, Geor'
gians, Bashkirs, Turks-for the Russian
empire contains millions of Mohamme
dams, Tcherkesses, Abassians, Calmucks
Tartars, Karapapaks, Daghistanis, Arme
mans, Kurds, Chinese from the districts
conquered by Russia from China, Mon
gols, deputies from dozens OF wandering
nations in the heart Of Asia, for over 5'
languages and double that numbsR OF ata
lects are spoken in the Russian domin1ons
and the people of every language mus
present their homage to the cZar in thei
own tongue. The imperial coronations al
ways take place in the cathedral OF tn
Assumption one of the many In the krem
lin.-Boston Transcript.
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19
Southern Negroes.

In his lecture Booker T. Washington
told some amusing and at the same time
pathetic anecdotes, illustrating the lamen-
table ignorance Of his race in the south.
The religious negroes, he said, were al
ways dwelling on beautiful mansions in
heaven, with golden slippers, in which to
climb the golden stairs, while they were
perfectly contented to live in log cabins
and go barefoot on earth. He said he had
himself visited log cabin home and seen
an elegant $14 clock on the mantelpiece,
which amounted to- more than the COM
bined value of all the rest of the furniture,
and not one member of the family could
tell 9 O'Clock from IL. The head Of the
family had been induced by white man
to purchase the clock on the installment
plan.-New York Tribune.
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19
CHRISTMAS EVE IN SWEDEN.
A Fanny Verse With Each Gift-The Gta-
gerbread Yule Buck.

A Fanny Verse With Each Gift-The GIs.
gerbread Yule Buck.
Christmas presents in Sweden are al
ways distributed on Christmas eve, the
festival beginning with 6 O'Clock tea,
with cakes, says Anna Cronhjelm Wall
bsrg The lighted Christmas tree is the
next attraction. Some one plays merry
polka, and young and old form ring,
dancing around the tree. ON table.
lighted with numerous candles, are ap-
pies, nuts, raisins, oranges, cakes, can
dies, etc., in abundance, and, lording
the whole, stands a huge Yule buck OF
gingerbread and Adams and Ewes arm
in arm. These delicacies having receiv-
ed proper attention and the lights in
the Christmas tree having been extin-
euished, all gather around the biggest
table in the house, where the head OF
the family presides with basketful OF
Christmas presents. This is the supreme
moment for which young hearts have
been longing for months, thewell lsealed
presents having gradually been accumu'
lated in mothers closet, where no curl
'ous eyes were allowed to penetrate.
Tt is customary to write some funny
verse on every parcel, which is now read
,aloud. The opening Of the presents ii
watched by all with the greatest inter
est, as paper after paper is torn of il
]feverish hurry to find out what tn
parcel may contain.
But the basket is not 'bottomless, an'
the excitementh has an end. Santa Claus
'wholplays such an important part il
America and England, is not known t
the Swedish children. However, som
one dresses up as the cold Christina
man" for the amusement OF the Chill
en.-Selected.
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19
r nRMoREST'S SEe iRFsS1 Is | MAGAZINE FREE

And what a N magazine Ii isl For 1886 1t Will De
more brilliant than ever before. New manage
ment. new methods, new ideas. Each copy con-
tains an exquisite reproduction in colors OF some
celebrated picture by q famous artist, worthy to
adorn the walls of the most refined home. Ils al
armed that DEMOREST'S is the only complete
Family Magazine published combining all OF the
most exceiept points Of it's contemporaries, De-
aides having inimitable features OF It's own. DE-
MOREST'S is actually dozen Magazines IN one.
It is a Digest of Current Events and Ideas for
the busy man or woman, Review and Store
house OF Interest for ALI Wives, mothers, sisters
and daughters can find exactly what they need to
amuse and instruct them, also practical helps In
every department of domestic ard social life. In
cudinR the furnishing and ornamenting OF the
homc embroidery, brio a. brac, artistic and fancy
Work of oil kinds, etc., etc. ana Suggestions anu
advice regarding the well-being and dressing OF
their own persons. .ooc III
cover the whole country and its varied interests,
and the articles will be profusely Illustrated with
the finest engravings, and, in addition 1t Will pub
lsh the best and purest felton, 1t treats at length
Out of-door sport, Home Amusements and enter
tainments 1t gives great deal Of attention to the
Children's department, and "Our Girls, y and has
a monthly symposium by Celebrated People, In
hour ofinterest to the older readers.
Let us have your subscription at once. You get
more value for your money than 1t is possible to
secure In any other magazine.
The Magazine one year for " 90.
Or six months for LOO.
lover $50 different garments arc shown each year
patterns Of all of which are obtaina6le by suoscrb
ers at 4c. each Sample copy (with pattern oou
p'A' DEMoREsTs PUBLISHING CO.,
10 Fifth Avenue, New York
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19
THE UNIVERSAL HOLIDAY.
Christmas Bells Ring Joyful Tidings to All
the Earth.

the Earth.
There is no holiday in all the long
calendar of the months that is so uni
versally and so enthusiastically cele-
brated as Christmas. All men every
where take heart of grace and smile a
cheerier smile as the music Of the
Christmas bells falls upon their ears.
Whoever will look back to his young
days cannot help remembering what a
strange, mystic time Christmas was.
There was something almost awe inspir-
ing in the music of the Christmas carols
sung at midnight in the open, frosty air.
And these Christmas "waits" who sung,
who were they? Unseen and unknown,
wo almost deemed them beings of a
fairer world sent down to make Christ
mas delightful. If we had known in
those days that these men who broke tie
silence Of the starry night to tell us
what "the herald angels sang were
mortals given to the smoking of tobacco
and the drinking Of porter, all our ro-
mantle dreams would have ended there
and then. AS we grow older we grow
wiser, and therefore little sadder. We
know, of course, that there is no real
Santa Claus but, oh, how we wish there
were!
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19
PESSiMlSTlC LABOUCHERE.
Hs Thinks the Principle Of Perversity
Governs All Departments of Life.

Hs Thinks the Principle Of Perversity
Governs All Departments of Life.
It has been observed from time i'm
memorial that curious perversity OF
climate-so we have been accustomed
to consider it-generally provides one
sort of weather to match precisely op-
posite sort of clothing. Thus walking
stick will generally attract rain and an
umbrella will produce sunshine.
Indeed the principle Of perversity
governs every department of life.
Should sunshine be necessary it will be
wet. Documents of no Importance are
never mislaid. We invariably meet the
people whom we are anxious to avoid
and miss those we especially wish to
meet. A woman generally loses her
heart to the wrong man; a man gener-
ally marries the wrong woman. Every
one will be able to add to these exam
pies almost indefinitely from personal
experience.
There are no accidents whatever in
life. Modern science has established
that every incident is governed by an in.
variable law. Careful observation and
the study of statistics prove beyond the
possibility of doubt that clothes do very
materially influence weather, discov
ery which should be invaluable not only
to the farmer, but to every member o1
the community.
Recent science, moreover, has erro
neously adopted the theory Of the surviv
al of the fittest. The primal law whicl
governs every circumstance Of life Ii
the survival Of the unfttest For in
stance, if a man is to inherit fortun
from a relative, the latter will surviv
to extreme old age. In literature and il
art the man of talent fails, the charlatal
attains fame. In finance and in com
merce the swindler makes fortune an
becomes fashionable, the honest man
driven into bankruptcy. An enemy
sure to flourish. The pattern Sunda
school boy is cut off in his youth; th
truant grows to manhood, marries haI
lpily and dies respected and regretted b
all. The worthy youth never marie
the woman he loves; she narries hi
] utterly worthless rival. London Trutl
Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1895-12-19

II an Abilene paper correctly reports the
testimony given last week in whisky
trial before District Judge Humphrey, q
new drink has Seen born in Kansas. A
witness upon the stand gave testimony as
contained in the following cross examina-
tion:
"What did you drink" was asked.
"Hop tea."
"What was 1t hkef"
"Hop tea."
Ibid you ever drink beerP"
"No, SIR"
"Don't you know what it is likeH"
"No, sir"
"Haye you drunk anything that resem'
bles hop tear"
eyes"
"What was itP"
"Pilliwink.
"Well," went on the county attorney,
"what is pilliwink like9"
''It is like hop tea," was the answer.
And all the attorney could further get
out of that witness was the statement that
pilliwink tasted like hop tea, and hop tea
tasted like pilliwink, k,-Kansas City Jour