davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25


tons were not extensive it was impera
tive for him to personally fire his own
cars. If none of the potatoes were frozen
before he reached New Orleans. hand
some profit would await him there, for
there was big margin just at this time.
1t was lonesome work 1T the best. not
without an element of danger. and work
which required constant attention in or
der to keep the fires from going out
Seated before the fire in one of the cars
he rested his head on his hands and med
itated about his wife and the two little
ones The fire glowed brightly and his
heart was filled with hope. energy and
ambition as he gazed INTO its rnddy
depths. The train was speeding along at
a normal rate, and the steady rhythmic
sound was resumed upon the rails and
then he fell esleep
How long he rested in his chair he did
not know. Then he came to himself with
a start, being almost thrown from mis-
chair by a jolt as the train again stopped
on a switch. Drawing out his watch he
consulted it, and then gave an exclama-
ton of alarm. He had oversight himself:
the fires were probably out Ly this time:
the frost had entered the potatoes. and
he was ruined. Hastily making his way
to the next car, to his surprise the fire
in the stove was burning brightly, and
the interior, if anything. was too warm.
He hurried to the next car. There it
was even warmer than in the first ear.
He stared at the stove in amazemenr.
'That's funny" he commented, pull
ing at his mustuche.
The next FIVE cars were in like con-
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

fast. Therefore, when Mr.. Piffkins en-
tered the dining-room, Mrs Piffkins was
apparently unconscious that he carried
bulky parcel, while he in turn was quite
unaware that small, queer-shaped pack
age lay beside his wife's plate.
"My DEAR" remarked Mr.. Piffkins, as
he set down his coffe cup and rolled up
his napkin, during our married life there
has been only one serious cause for con-
tention-well, perhaps two-but no mat
ter. intend to remove that cause"
Il have also determined to turn over
new leaf, as you will presently see, y
and she nodded mysteriously toward the
queer-shaped package.
81 have resolved during the coming
year to discontinue the use of tobacco y
And he awaited the burst of delighted
surprise to follow.
Mrs. Piffkins turned pale, doubtless
with joy, replying TREMENDOUSLY: II can
not accept this sacrifice; but have re
solved to yield to your entreaties, aban
don society and devote myself in future t.
my home"
"Say no more, Maria, I have hitherto
preferred to remain at home in order tina
I might smoke, but
mo, Silas, it is / who"
"In token of reformation I have pur
chased with money / would have squan
dered on the weed the silk evening dres
you so desired"
"And L. cried Mrs. Piffkins, 'shay
also prepared surprise for you. Witt
the money had saved to give reception
l have bought you IA meerschaun
pipe"
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
In Austria.

AS early as the 9th of November, vi
emma assumes an air of festivity; her citi-
zens have not forgotten that it is the
anniversary of their patron saint, St.
Nicholas After weeks intermssion,
the public squares are once more cram
med with booths of all dimensions and
description, forming regular avenues,
crowded several weeks before Christmas
with representatives of every social
grade If we take stroll through the
Ringstrasse, Christmas Eve, we shall
find that aristocratic thoroughfare de-
serted, but all the flats or apartments
are Illuminated. Christmas trees, loaded
with presents form the evenings chief
attraction
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
IN ENGLAND.

MONG all the Germanic nations
u Christmas has ever been the most
L \ popular of all church festivals.
In England it was, and is, the one great
national feast, and in the Anglican
church and among the Lutherans of Ger
many the exclusion of many minor festi-
walls from the calendar has only concen-
trated the popular affection upon Christ
mas.
The Puritans made vigorous battle
against what they thought a supersti-
ton, and in 1862 it was ordered by Par
lament ''that no observation shall be had
of the fve-and-twentieth day of Deem
Der. commonly called Christmas Day, nor
any solemnity used or exercised in
churches upon that day in respect there
Of" A little before, in 1647, the town
crier of Canterbury proclaimed that
christmas and all other superstitious
festivals should be put down, and a mar
ket held upon Christmas Day." But none
of these orders had much effect. In
Scotland John Knox did succeed in pretty
effectually suppressing the observance of
Christmas, in the Lowlands, at least, but
he simply transferred the popular Gus
toms and superstitions to New Years
Day. There is an English rhyme of this
period that illustrates the popular feel
ing on the subject:
All plums the prophets sons defy,
And spice-broths are too hot;
Treason's in December pye,
And death within the pot
Christmas, farewell, thy days fear,
And merry days are done;
So they may keep feasts all the year,
Our Saviour shall have none.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
WHEN THE STAR SHONE.
Twas the Signal for Bethlehem's
First Christmas

Nineteen hundred years ago. less four,
witnessed one of the most remarkable
epOchs known to secular history, and the
| most remarkable period of which spirit
! ual man has ever conceived. 1t was by
| the decree of Augustus, then emperor Of
Rome, that the prophets words were
verified and the Christ born in the town
of David. The circumstances were these:
| By an official order a census of the terri
| tory of Palestine was called for, and to
that end from every part of the province
the inhabitants betook themselves, nc
cordng to the Jewish custom, to the town
from which they claimed their origin.
From Nazareth in the north to Bethle-
hem in the south was a long journey,
eighty miles over wintry roads and up and
down the hills of the rolling country. But
Joseph, who was as good a subject as he
was Hebrew, obeyed the command,
and started for the city Of David at the
bidding. The first stop was probably at
the house of Chimham at Beeroth, which
is fifteen miles from Nazareth, where, a
thousand years before Ruth CLEANED for
Boaz, and where Jesse and David had
rested. The remainder of the journey
was made by easy stages, the humble
couple stopping to rest at such quarters
as their means could afford.
They arrived in Bethlehem in the after
noon and found the little city crowded
with a host of people bound on a mission
similar to their own. Every caravansary
was filled. The streets were thronged
with people seeking accommodation, and
after repeated efforts to obtain quarters
in the city proper, which numbered at
that time only about 5000 inhabitants,
and was, therefore, unprepared for an
emergency of this sort, the footsore wan
| derers struck out into the country. After
travelling about a mile they found the vt
| tie khan, which is now known as the
Chapel of the Nativity" and where a
silver star set in white marble, with six
teen ever-burning lamps, commentaries
| the mightiest fact in the story of the hui
man race.
The little inn which was thus destined
to be famous over the round world was
set in a hollow over which waved the
branches of an olive grove. 1t was built
around a court whose open sides, cut in
| the limestone rock, were designed for the
| stabling of horses and cattle which be-
| longed to the guests who patronized the
| establishment The rooms in that tavern
were all bespoken, and the sole place of
| shelter left to the travellers was one OF
| these cell-Iike apartments, in which there
was neither couch, table nor chair.
| 1t was understood that any guests who
would accept these lowly quarters should
provide their own bit of carpet as pro-
| lection against the damp and would be
content and satisfied with the bundle Of
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
In Servia.

In Serv1as
The Servians have many curious
Christmas customs, half pagan, half
Christian in their origin. There is the
Badnjak, piece of wood, corresponding
somewhat to the yule log, cut down and
brought into the house with great cere-
mony, and then, after being basted with
honey and butter, in the hope that bees
and cattle may be prosperous in the
coming year, is burned; and there is a
sort of Father Christmas or Santa Claus.
in the person of Polazenik, a specially
honored visitor, who is the first person
received into the house on Christmas
morning. Then there is the cooking of
the national Christmas dish. What
turkey is to the American, pork is
to the Servian. Even the poorest fam
lily will save up all the year round
so as to be able to purchase a pig at
Christmas. On Christmas Eve the pig is
killed, and on the following day, after
dinner has been served and the roast
pig duly discussed, toasts are drunk, and
heroic songs sung to the accompaniment
of a one-stringed instrument. The room
is strewn with straw, in memory of the
stable in which our Lord was born.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
WELCOME CHRISTMAS.

Thrice welcome, day of days! The skies
Ope wide their gates at thy command
And Heavens sublimest symphonies
Roll grandly over sea and land.
The dews of charity diStill
Their incense everywhere, and comes
A universal joy to fill
The highest and the humblest homes.
Thy son doth bless with holier kiss!
Thy breath a grander these doth hymn!
Thy wings do close the black abyss
OF evil and no longer dim
Are valleys of eternal peace,
Or land where its own restores,
But skies uncurtained show increase
OF glory on thy crystal shores!
And thou dost light for me again
The yule-log on the homestead hearth.
The graves where long the dead have lain
Do open, as vernal garth,
And bloom for me once more the loves
That roseate made my youthful days;
Within thy freight lives and moves
My mother, haloed with the rays
OF Paradise. and as her twin
Lips with the Olden fondlings part,
And /. onraptured, cuddle in
The velvet haven Of her heart,
see the pail Of doubt unfold,
And on the pathway Of the sun
Gods finger writes in lines of gold
The words, ''For Home and Heaven are
One!'
Then, too, thy chimney glow reveals
My fathers face; the old armchair
Is his again, and Lulu kneels
Beside him with her Christmas prayer;
The sweet-voiced pleadings uttered are,
And grandpa's lips do part to say,
''Thank God the gates are all ajar
fTwixt Home and Heaven on Christmas
Day!'
Then welcome, day of days! Thy dawn
Is vibrant with familiar tones,
The veil that dims our sight is drawn,
The farther shore thy sunlight zones.
No growth of skeptic fancy now
Our faith in glad reunion leavens,
For tits engraven on thy brow
That Heaven is Homes. and Home Is
Heavens!
Century.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
Goodbye. think I'll light out before

Goodbye. THINK LII ngnt out DeIore
we git to town."
Then he turned to the other and hand
ed him an envelope. Before McKeena
could answer he was gone. The former
mechanically handled the envelope and
gazed doubtfully at the new, crisp $40
bill and the following message:
"You Did me a good Turn. Ri a
Christmas present fur de Kids. wuz
Hard pressed Wen cum to de train an
WI Took stranger in an Nourished Him.
Civ mi Regards to de little wife; Like
wise de Kids an Bi Drum fer de Boy.
at first thought id Bore you, But i'm
glad diddent Now. Had de gun on
you wen yu com in, but yu were Kerte-
GUS an i diddent Shoot wuz thinkin'
to Lay w out an Amt sorry diddent.
with Kind Regards, From yur ole Pal,
believe me, very Faithfully yourn, Bill
McGinnissy."
Bill McGinnissy was the name of the
train-robber whose misdeeds had made
him the terror of the South He was
wanted for about fifty crimes. The
young merchant shuddered and then
gazed doubtfully at the new, crisp $50
hill
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
The OLD YEAR.

II all the old years days could snaot
wonder what they'd say
The snowy days, the blowy DAYS
The fowery days Of Nav:
The summer days when Shady wavs
We're made for childrens feet.
vacation days, when for their nIavs
Inc country was so sweet,
II all the old years days could sneak
Just think of it awhile
would their report bring bitter tears
VI the sunshine Of smile?
An! could they speak from week 70 wool
" honest work well done.
VI well-uSed powers In study hours
Of fairness in the fun?
Of thankful thought for kindness wroucbt
Where homes are rich and glad;
" tender care to give or share
Wnere homes are poor and sad;
y! pleasant ways in dark, dull days;
Of little, gentle deeds;
Of earnest hours among hearts flowers
In plucking hurtful weeds?
Can the year speak Of patience meek
Where grief has stopped awhile.
OF courage bold, for the weak and old
loving word or smile?
Methinks the year must seem most dear
II thus its speech can be;
O'erfull Of joys for girls and boys
A year Of jubilee
The COngregatiOnalist.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

sorts and are imbued with a religious
spirit of almost another age. In each
house, where the residence can afford it,
a little nacimiento (altar) is raised in par
lor, drawing-room OF library, which is
supposed to typify the birth of the Holy
Child. Wealthy people go to great
lengths at times, having manager and
a barn constructed, and hire men to
play the parts of the wise men of the
East and st. Joseph.
Another curious custom consists in
friends going from house to house, tap
ping on the door, and on being asked:
WHO is there?" replying: ''The Holy
Virgin and Saint Joseph ask lodgings in
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

Keena, endeavoring to look as though
he believed the others narration.
Pom honor"
Again there was silence, which was
finally broken by the tramp.
"Any vittels?'
eyes,"
McKeena produced his lunch-basket
and his visitor ate ravenously, as though
he had not touched food for twenty-four
hours.
"You turn in, pard," remarked the
tramp. "Tll keep up the fires"
The other hesitated, but finally laid
down and took nap. All the way to
New Orleans this programme was fol-
lowed. Early one morning as the train
stopped, the tramp said:
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
A Melancholy Sight.

One of the most melancholy sights in
nature is man trying to buy a Christ
mas present for woman. He knows in
vague way that the present must not be
pair of suspenders or shaving set, but
when he comes to particularize the poor
man lapses into perfect imbecility, and
gives his sister the money and tells her to
buy the present.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

In Paris Christmas Day is kept as a
religious festival, and many who would
not dream of going to church on Sun
days make a point of attending mass on
lie Jour de Noel, and the blaze of the
tapers falls on crowded congregations,
men, women and children, kneeling,
standing and sitting on the wide area
of the Madeleine and Notre Dame. OF
late years it has become chic to attend
midnight mass on Christmas Eve, and
so, pouring down along the boulevards,
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

In Norway
One of the prettiest of Christmas Gus
toms is the Norwegian practice of giving
on Christmas Day dinner to the birds.
On Christmas morning every gable, gate
way, or barn-door is decorated with a
sheaf of corn, fixed on the top of a tall
pole, wherefrom it is intended that the
birds shall make their Christmas dinner.
Even the peasant will contrive to have
handful set for this purpose; and what
the birds do not eat on Christmas Day
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
In Germany.

At home around the tree, is the cul
minating point of Teutonic revelry in
Yuletide. The enthusiasm and the senti
ment of youth and age have then at
tanned their pitch, and they are permitted
to give full vent to it for the evening
The tree is Illuminated at the appointed
hour; 'Still night, holy night" is sung
in the domestic circle; sweet vapor OF
domestic unity is inhaled amid smiles and
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

The devout of Mexico go to early mass
on Christmas morning. The minority de-
vote themselves to a toothsome break
fast, in which tortillas, chile con carne
(boiled beef and red peppers), tomalis
(corn husks stuffed with force meat, are
the leading features. After breakfast
come the festivities These are of all
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

stranger, he is now prosperous mer-
chant in New York. He lives on Fifth
avenue, he does, and has an English
coachman''
"You don't tell me?'. commented Nc
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
FELLOW TRAVELLERS.

HRISTMAS eve
away from home
and the loved ones
is a dreary period Of
the year. At least
so thought Charles
McKeena, as be ira
versed the top of his
nine cars OF pota-
toes en- route for
the Southern mar
ket. He Was one of
the young dealers,
aud aC &c nnnro
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

HIS is the first New
Years Day in ten
years that Maria
b a s n , t quarreled
with me about CIV
ing up tobacco, and
now I've done it of
my own a cor d .
How pleased and
how surprised Maria
will he" Tins Mr.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

dition and he was immensely relieved
and more puzzled than ever. Who in
the world could have fired his stoves for
him? He entered, the last car, and was
surprised to see tramp seated near
the stove, toasting his toes to his hearts
content.
Hello" said McKeena.
Hello" responded the tramp TO Ne
Keena's exclamation.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

Pine Street, New York. When writ.
ing the Doctor, please mention this
FOR SALE-Cheap and on easy terms
the 10 acre improved farm: fonr niles
from Shelton, formerly owed nv W.,
Potts. Particulars will ba -. :" -
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
At 11:3O p. M.

George-W Well, the old year will soon De
going out. ..
Ethel-Yes; splendid custom, isn't
it? Why don't you follow the example!
Truth
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
SURPRISE WAS MUTUAL.

Exchange of New Years. Gifts in
the Piffkins Household.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

your household" This custom continues
for nine days before Christmas to illus
trate the journey of Mary and Joseph to
Bethlehem
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

Piffkins chuckled on the morning of
Jan. 1.
1t was customary with the Pifkinses to
exchange New Years gifts ami not to
make the presentation until after break
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

SECTION /. That Section 4 of Ordinance No
~ an ordinance imposing a Street Poll Tax
an1 pr1Yldlng for the collection thereofA m
SEC. That this ordinance shall r.
force and effect from and after it's pass.
testatlon, approval and publication in
SON COUNTY JOURNAL ACCORDING RI law
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

all the world and his wife try to find a
place in one or other of the fashionable
churches, and, after the service is over,
all go round to see and criticise the
Creche
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
A Timely Question.

81 can understand how Santa Claus
comes down the chimney" remarssu
Edgar, s'but I wonder how he goes up.
Harper's Young People.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
In France.

remains for them to finish at their leisure
through the winter
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

In Norway.

tears, and the feast of the Nativity i.
thus initiated.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
MAS
70 AL

lille n
IS az
and I
/ anlO
5 of tn
(eld in
Cover
+. L. \
Fargra'
ed. ]
! a Ca
ositiol
n one
passi
!, whit
|, by e.,
United
read al
h or sc
the {
clean
ntains
bis nui
Eeedin
which
[e fine
h this
|eedine
Il free
ilOuSai
le cleo
+ of pre-
Ind ha
rknen
bn of I.
grace
.sions..
intro
Veet hi;
ling +
ANTS to
subject
bet a
rdent
kers tn
re hel
|less,
Ethans
was II
to letu
axes al
Nugget
1nigral
lodge b
lid hav
bf the
Lain, I
Scand
B from
i and i
Ill per
} inlni
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

and the
leading
at begi
Tsten oil
be chs
lave tn
!, each t.
,,,,h;oh :.
eors aoS
,of ~.
| : AZ =
Tho
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25

MS annu
ances, s
'rnnlentl
$4O9,47s
$4S4,678
for the !
$25,2O4,2
Rry revenl
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-04-09

The subcommittee of the City Char
ter Commission met last evening at the
Office of Simpson & Hazlett, DR.. Haz-
lett being with the body for the first
time, he having been in Florida when
the preliminary sessions were held.
Chairman Miller presided, and Clerk
Hennig was on hands.
After the notes of the session Of two
weeks ago had been read, they setting
forth the roughly-blocked out ideas OF
the members regarding the more i'm
portant changes contemplated in the
charter, the body proceeded to the
choice of an attorney, and Hon. Will
liam Erskine was selected. A sub-com-
mittee consisting of Messrs. LutZ and
Hamilton, was appointed to notify Mr..
Erskine of the fact and consult with
him regarding some little matters. The
question of a clerk to take down the
ideas evolved and put them in shape for
future reference was deferred until al
ter there had been a consultation with
Mr.. Erskine.
DR.. Hazett introdced the subject of
holding what were termed private
meetings for the perfecting OF the work
cut out for the subcommittee, it being
his idea, asit was caught, that the sub
committee would. perhaps, be subjected
to some embarrassment or criticism if
reports of what was said or done at the
meetings were to be published in the
newspapers. One or two other mem
bers appeared to favor this secret ses-
sion, while others were silent upon the
subject No definite or formal action
was taken, but il was left to be under
stood by the reporters present that
they would save some embarrassment
if they did not come around any more.
This is a considerable change of
front from the original suggestions, in
the full committee, several times re-
peated in as many forms, that citizens
having ideas as to city govern
mental matters were expected to
present them, to the end that the Com
mission might have all the information
possible, and be in touch with the pub
lie. 1t is scarcely probable that any
one will send anything to be considered
at a meeting held with closed doors.
The members INDUCED in a brief in
terchange of ideas regarding certain
work to be done but the discussion was
upon very broad lines, and about the
only tangible expression was to the eff
feet that there was practical unanimity
Of opinion regarding the rough outlines
OF new government blocked out at the
meeting two weeks ago.
The next meeting will be held at the
City Hall, and will probably be private