The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1897-12-25

Soldiers from Khartoun, England,
Spain, Germany and

AS early as last June the toy maIufac-
turers began to get out their designs for
Christmas soldiers. The Spanish and
Cuban armies We're already in the field,
and their glowing uniforms had been
painted as models for the trade. Then
came the threatened Japan Hawaii trou-
bic, and new legiOns were added to the
stock Later the war in India broke out,
and it became necessary to prepare Eng
lsh artillery to fight the Indian troops
then, when the Gordon Highlanders held
the passes and We're moved down by the
native cavalry, a fresh set of designs
were prepared, and more soldiers turned
out.
1t is truly remarkable how many guns
and warriors now stand in the shop win
dows pleading TO be taken into your
home. The boy who signs for cannon
and a fort can ask Santa Claus for them
freely, for they are very easy to obtain.
West Point soldiers have also been made
in great numbers. and they can be seen
firing big guns from the Palisades and
along the Hudson.
In great pasteboard boxes there lie
troops of artillery all mounted on horses.
ready to be set 10 in battle array. ThGy
are made of lead and are heavy enough
to hold their own against attask. Seen
cry also comes for them. and you can
buy boxes of green trees, lead rocks and
very fair sized paper mountains and
clouds These the boy stands up. In
front of them, going at brea knock pace,
he stands the artillery. Facing them he
places the opposing forces. lie can get
the British troops facing the Indians at
Khyber Pass. He can exactly initiate
the pass with his leaden scenery, and by
using a little artistic taste he can get up
battle as fine as any bird Seye view OF
Il battlefield.
Now comes the action. Little toy can
non come-the like of which We're never
seen in the days when big folks were
little-for storming the forts. These toy
cannon are made i'll tin and iron. The
cannon, which is of tin. is mounted on
an iron standard. and it is heavy enough
to "kick" well. The cannon is discharged
by pulling a little Wire loop which pulls
back Il spring. The spring on beng re
leased sends the cannOn-ball into the
ranks. The ball consists of a roll of pa
per, very round and hard and, if the boy
is Il true warrior. chewed into a compact
mass This is stuffed into the end of the
cannon and fired at the troops. The real
game of war is to send the balls into the
armies in reckless prOfuSion, and the vic
tOrious army is the one that stands the
longest under TIE rapid fire.
The fashion in Christmas toys is also
for animals. These come in endless va
riety and geological profusion. Many of
them emit the familiar sound, and
squeak, bark, meaow and cry according
to their natural wont
While there are some very expensive
toys in the toy shops, the general trend
is toward the cheaper article. 1t has
been noticed, however, that even the
cheap toys are very durable and the little
carts with wabbly wheels, and the toy
dogs with uncertain tails, are replaced
by stout little carts and true animals that
hold their own well. Toy manufacturers
say that great advances have been made
| in toy machinery, and as fine an article
| is now turned out for 10 cents as used to
be sold for 30 cents.
Santa Claus has packed his knapsack
with many interesting things. and the
Christmas stocking will be running over
with toys. the like Of which in interest
and variety have never been equaled.
IJaryny | iupIlD