davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1897-02-13
MON TESTAMENT.

MON TESTAMENT.
Puis lie laissa sur la table, bien en-
rue. Alors Il sonna Tn domestiaue
Sc presenta.
Madame est chez ellie ?
-Oui, monsieur, madame est
rentree quelques minutes ayant
monsieur.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
Christmas.
(For the Dispatch.)

(fOr the DlSpatcn.)
1t is not a little remarkable how one
day in the year can be made to glow
and shine among all other days, and
have life of it's own. When we think
of it, or are spending it, our pulse beats
at an unusual rate; our hearts throb
more quickly; our imagination is excited;
our brain is heated. We are, to all in.
tents and purposes, delightfully."- feverish.
the countenance suffused with happy
smiles. However, 1t may be on Thanks.
giving-Day elsewhere. we know what a
peculiarly beautiful life Is that of the
merry Christmastide with us. IN Vir-
ginla household Christmas-Day is the
focus on which all the rays of domestic
love and light centre; TO. which all other
days refer, and why should it not be bril-.
liant and shine with intense light and
heat?
Horns and popcrackers are very bar
barous" hut they are exciting, stirring.
and In tune with our feelings. Choruses
of welcome TO the Babe OF Bethlehem
bring back and awaken the songs of the
angels. Songs Of triumph and exultation
wen give glory TO the newborn King.
But all sorts must give utterance TO their
joyful feelings. such as they are-some in
one way some In another. Yet, however
II be- whatever be the noise, IL means
Joy and gladness and good cheer and the
whole community Is possessed with its
influence. The sounds are eloquent. and
tell OF full and happy and rejoicing
hearts And all are obeying the prophe-
tic order OF near 1900 years ago: CRY
out and shout thou inhabitant OF Zion;
for great is the Holy One that is with
In shee.' And can It be that the ex-
u,ting enraptured, joyous Christmastide
Is only an old custom from time imme-
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
WEBBING IN HALIFAX.
Baldvin-Pretty Dec"1"
tions-A Popular Example.

CHARLESTON, VA. December z--'Spe-
ciaI)-On the 22d OF December Of
Thomas church. Charleston, Hahla&
county. was the scene OF a very attrac-
tive wedding. Mrs. T. fB. Clark. assisted
by Mrs. Haley and others. had dressed
the chancei beautifully with evergreens.
T.ar,ns we're placed In suitable locations
and swung from the ceiling. The church
was darkened. Mrs. Clark presided at
the organ. and played the wedding march
The bride, Miss Fannie Lee Baldwin,
came ID the middle aisle on the arm OF
her brother, Mr.. John Baldwin, preceded
by her maid of honor. Miss Carrie Bald
win. and two ushers, Mr.. Frank BALDWIN
and Mr.. West.
The groom. Mr.. John T. Quarles. and
his best man, Mr.. Edward Baldwin, en-
tered the church from the vestry-room'
and Joined the others of the wedding
party in front Of the chancel.
Rev. j. G.. Shackelford, or 81. Johh ,
church. Houston, officiated In his usual
impressive and happy manner.
The choir sang n marriage hymn WIN
sweet effect A large number of friends
OF the contracting parties were present
and at 1.-THE close of the benediction gave
their hearty CONGRATULATIONS. The pro-
cession OF carriages and buggteS was
then driven to the home or the groom
mother, Mrs. Cornella Quarles, where a
wedding Christmas dinner was served.
A joyful omen was displayed from. the
skies while the wedding service was be-
ing read. From the clouds that lowered
over the church the sun burst out with
glad brightness. as If to promise that
any possible winter OF discomfort
should surely be made to them GLORIOUS
summer"
This. the first marriage held in the
church. promises to be popular example
for when the clergyman came to the
front of the church after the ceremony
and asked i'm pleasantly. who VIII be
the next one?" several young men ac-
knowedged the suggestion, ana one
boldly stated: II will call on you, sir,
when my time comes"
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
THE RICHMOND DISPATCH
nY rHE pIspATcH ooMpANY.

The DAILY DISPATCH is delivered 70
..,sor,nors a. FIFTY CENTS per
month. payable to the carrier weekly or n
monthly, Mailed at ss per annum a,,, -
Cor AK months: $50 for three months
10 cents for one month. Price per copy
The WEEKLY DISPATCH at 81 per
annUn. =, "a ,sor
The SUNDAY DISPATCH at si'S0 per
a,num or as cents for six months
SUBSCRIPTIONS In all cases payable IN
advance. and no paper continued si'e, ,
,ns expiration OF the time paid for seha
nost-of,ce money order. check or regis,
tered letter. Currency sent by man wiz
be a, the risk of the sender. Subscribers Subscribers
wishing their post-ofIiee changed mus
s,vo sheir old as well as their new posi-
office. Sample copies free
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
The Wondrous Advent.

BY Rev James Il. Taylor. ID. ID.
For the Dispatch.)
Twas a blessed night in the long ago,
When angels came TO this world OF woe
And sang their glorious song;
Twas peace on earth. good will toward
man,
Recause of Heavens wondrous plan
no save a ruined race.
Twas then to lowly manger bed.
The astonished shepherds gladly sped'
no see the Prince of Peace;
And 10 their wondering eyes displayed
In stable manger meanly laid.
Was found the heavenly babe.
All, thus the incarnate God came down
Who laid aside His kingly crown
To live and die for man.
He lived life of grief and pain.
And then went back TO Heaven again,
From bloody cross and grave.
In glorious state He reigns on high,
And looks on earth with gracious eye,
To succor and to save.
And now as far as man Is found.
we should the glorious Gospel sound,
Which tells us. God Is love-"
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
rur prxsIox rRAups.

A specia, from washington says that
Sin view of the disclosures OF pension
frauds az nracticed In New York, IL IL
not improbable that Congress VIII iooN
into the action OF the administration J"
refusing TO make public the names oh
the pension roll, and legislation may De
enacted directing the Secretary OF tne
Treasury and the Commissioner OF Pen
sIons to make the pension roll accesS'oie
to the public" -
Pension-Commlssioner Evans. In MS
annual report. recommended strongly 'he
publication of the pension rolls ana the
posting of them in public places but TINS
recommendation, we are told, was an
tagonized by the Secretary OF the Interior
and other powers that be at Washington
The carving out of the Commissioner
recommendation would be most pract-
cal step in the matter OF waking up INV
people 10 a realization Of the extent Oh
the pension frauds. and OF the imposltioha
upon the taxpayers the present pension
svstem involves. 1t would afford them
evidence on NnltU W bto' IN
radical reform that could not be resisted
Rut will Congress, when 1t comes 10
the pinch, consent to the exposeE we
doubt IT. Publication of the pension rohs
would show up too many politicians as
particeps criminIs to fragrant frauds ana
weaken too many political fences.
None the less. there is hope of reform.
AS we have pointed out on several occa-
sions recently, many of the leading pa
pers of the North and West are ringing
the changes upon the enormous amount
of money appropriated for pensions ana
the number Of unworthy and frauduient
pensioners on the list. and there Is evi-
dence that the taxpayers are getting
very FESTIVE under this double imposition
There is evidence, indeed, that sooner or
later the question of reforming the whole
business will become a burning one.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
The Angels Carols.

written for the Dispatch)
Something i'm the air to-day makes our
hearts feel light; -.
Something in our hearts to-day mahes
our faces bright;
And once more we're backwards turning,
See each century's watch-fres burning,
Hear again the angels chime
ON that blessed Christmas time
"Peace on earth, good will towards
mem
CIessage of Gods love-.
Hear the angels sing again
From the Throne above;
Love. the watch-word Of salvation;
Love. the key Of all creation;
Love. the light by which we see
only bondage of the free.
And we see beam through the dark,
Unobscured by years,
Star of Bethlehem, blessed spark,
Quelling all our fears;
Star of love, that kncgs no ceasing;
Light of love. fore'er increasing
Guide and compass, lead US on,
From the darkness into morn.
AS the wise men did OF old,
,Journeying from afar,
We would find Thy humble fold,
Guided by Thy star.
Jovfully would we kneel before Thee,
HOLY Saviour to adore Thee!
AS the wise men did of old.
Searching out Thy humble fold: go,
JAMES S. WILSON.
Smithfeld, Va.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25

Tho nupils OF West-End school had ar
ranged to have their annual Chrls'ihas
assembly on Christmas-eve, but were
presented by Santa Claus with NON
day" which they appreciate most hearu-
lv The following programme was rem
dered AT the Thursday assembly:
chorus. Merry, Merry Ginning Beiis'
school.
Lords Prayer and sd Psalm. concert.
Chorus. "Chime, Chime, christmas
Bells" school.
recitation "Herbert's Xmas Dream,
Kate Wren.
"snowfiake Song" pupils Of Third Pri-
mary ,,,.,, Of,
Annie Carlton.
chorus Sweet and Low" school.
Recitation. ~"Alice's Christmas GIT
Louise Loving ~ ~
Sextette. Garry Me Back TO oid NiI-
einia" Wilmer Allen. Hugh Calder. Brad
ley Ewell, Ralph Midyette, and Herbert
Delaney. d,
Recitation. How We Spent Xmas"
May Gaskins
"Santa Claus is Coming. Hurrah! hur-
rahr' by pupils of Fifth Primary.
Choruses-''Tse Gwlne Back to Dixie
MARYLAND" virginia" Give Three
Cheers for the Star-Spangled Banner
"My Country, IT'S of Thee
Recitation, 1.-TWO Little Stockings
Kate Wren.
Chorus. Portuguese Hymn
A friend of the school has very kindly
offered to give the children treat early
in January by lending his gramophone Tor
an assembly. In large letters on the
front board OF the assembly-room could
be seen this touching appeal:
Dear Santa Claus,-Please bring an
organ stool to West-End school; we are
tired of sitting in chair piled up with
hooks"
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25


mortal sprung from n myth; relic vi
heathenIsm? In the story of Bethlehem
all a fable? Who is prepared sullenly 10
charge that upon n Christian community
upon an enlightened world? The hres'
the Joys. the delights. the true loves, the
high humanifIes OF Christmas make the
sceptic ashamed Of himself. He charges
the hypocrisles, the vices, the crimes
and all the still continuing works OF the
devil upon the Church OF Christ ana as
cribes the patience, the forbearance, tne
long suffering OF the Almighty 10 ms
weakness and goes Off TO hide himse'i
from its triumphs. Away with his foiiy
to the place OF weeping and gnashins Oh
teethl
" the joys Of the nativity are all fancy
work-what beautiful work are they
How wonderfully delightful. II they are
only true! What a splendid story; no"
charming the account Of the birth Oh
Christ, How full OF glory! Can the worm
conceive Of anything better or more ue
sirablc than the Christian covenant
new birth and childhood for disgusten
humanity! But just suppose that All tnat
is told Of Christ. OF His gifts 10 the
world. OF His promise OF HcaVeh-Ju''
suppose all TO he authentic. true, ana real
and how shall we measure the pless-
inc and value of II, Surely. the Church
Is the house of God: Surely II Is the CAV
Of Heayeni It IL well for us. in this
season. that is peculiarly Christ's: When
as babe He appeals to us. IL Is wen
now instinctiveiy, with all the world
like happy children. to give and receive
kindnesses and to be joyful. But IL II
as the new beginning Of life. with re-
newed youth. as newborn babes, win
single pure hearts. IN the sweetest
surest hope of the general resurrection
at the last day and the life of the wor'u
to come. that we can best. most truly
and most profoundly enjoy A Merry
Christmas,
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
Mother Love.
(Pall Mall Gazette.)

Pall Mall Gazette)
II might build palace fair
With every JOY Of soul and sense
And set my heart as sentry there
To guard your happy innocence;
II / might plant a hedge too strong
Fer creeping sorrows to writhe through,
And find my whole life not too long
To give, to make your hedge Tor you
If could teach the laden air
To bear no sounds that were not sweet,
Could teach the earth that only FAIR,
Untrodden flowers deserve your feet'
Would / not tear the secret scroll
Where all your griefs lie closely CURED
And give you little hand control
OF all the joys of all the world?
But ah. have no skill TO raise
The palace. teach the hedge 10 grow,
The common airs blow through your days,
BY common paths your dear feet go;
And YOU must Irvine, OF common mowers
The wreath that happy women wear,
And bear i'm desolate darkened hours.
The common griefs that all men bear.
The pinions of my love / fold,
Your little shoulders close about;
All could my love keep out the cold,
or shut the creeping sorrows out!
Rough paths will tire your darling teet,
GRAY skies will weep your tears above
While round you life. in torment beat,
The impotent wings OF mother love!
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
The yJistIefOe.

To the Editor of the Dispatch:
VIII you kindly state the origin and
history. of the mistletoe"? and greatly
oblige, SAMBo'
The mIstletoe Is a small shrub that
grows parasiticaly on trees. 1t has
dainty leaves and yellowish green flowers,
the whole forming a pendent bush. which
is covered in winter with white berries.
1t is found on a great variety OF trees,
especially the apple-tree, but seldom on
the oak.
The mistletoe was consecrated to re-
lgious purposes by the ancient Celtic ma
lions of Europe. and was held in peculiar
generation by the Druids, especially when
found growing upon the oak. Traces
of this old superstitious regard for the
mistletoe still survive in European coun-
tries. as is the custom of kissing under
1t at Christmas.
The mistletoe figures also in Scandina-
Wan legend as having furnished the mate
rial of the arrow with which Baldur the
sun-god) was slain by the blind god, Ho-
der. Most probably this story had its
origin in a particular theory as to the
meaning of the word mistletoe.
1.-THE mistletoe hung in the castle hall,
The holly branch shone on the old oak
wall
are well-known lines by T. H. Bayly
showing the antiquity of the custom OF
hanging the mistletoe bough in dwell
ings at Christmas, and the vogue of the
olden time, observed to some extent to
this day, was that the man who caught
a woman standing under the bough might
kiss her. This is a relic of feudal days
the significance OF which has been lost
though a variety Of more or less proba.
BILE explanations have been offered.
The American mistletoe is quite differ
ent from that OF Europe The plant has
the same manner Of growth. and is SINH.
lar in appearance to the European, but
the leaves and stems are of more yellow
ish green. 1t grows from New Jersey
| and Illinois to Texas and Mexico. Ir
Texas 1t grows upon the mesquite so
abundantly as to hide the proper foliage
| of the tree.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25

Foreign advices describe a remarkable
and significant demonstration which took
place recently in the National Theatre
at Lemberg on the occasion of the TWEEN
ty-ffth performance Of Smetana's Czech
opera, 'Die Verkaufte Braut." The
whole Polish opera company assembled
on the stage, and the orchestra played
the Czech national hymn amid enthusiast
tic cheering. The following Geographic
message was received from the Burgo-
master Of Prague: Hearty fraternal
greetings to our Polish brothers. May
Smetana's music contribute to strengthen
the bonds that unite the Polish nation
with the Czechs. The solidarity of the
Slavs will lead us to victory. Persevere!'
When this dispatch had been read, the
orchestra played the Polish anthem,
THE Cause of Poland is Not Yet Lost.
whereupon cries of Long live Poland?'
and "Hurrahs for the Czechs" were
raised by the audience.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25

The Great Salt Lake, or utah' Is
seventy miles long and fifty miles wide
in its widest part, with present maxi
mum depth of 40 feet, though much of its
area does not exceed from twelve to
twenty. Its water is said not to be so
salt as formerly The theory is sup
ported by an examination Of the waters
Of numberless springs. which used to
pour pure brine into the lake. the out
flow of many Of them being now quite
fresh, as If they had exhausted the un-
derground deposits of salt, of which they
were formerly the solvent and carrying
vehicle.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
Text Didn't Apply.
Pittsburg Chronicle Telegra

(Pittsburg Chronicle IeIeSrHPIhJ
Mrs. Northside was telling about the
trouble Mrs. Manchester was having with
her maids, and was apparently taking
much pleasure out of her difficulties.
"You should not be glad because Mrs.
Manchester is in trouble" said Mrs.
Northside "You should remember that
the Bible says, Rejoice not when thine
enemy falleth.'
"Oh. that's all right" replied Mrs.
Northside briskly. Mrs. Manchester
isn't an enemy at all. She Is my dearest
friend"
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25

viii never rise very high in Thought or
work Let u.s. therefore. think Oh VIVA.
Christmas ought TO be--what IL might
be-if we were really true disciples OF
Him for whoni the day is celebrated. lie.
us mend all that is bad and cultivate all
that is good In our observance OF the
season. and may the Merry Christmas
that We wish all 10 have be Followed ny
none but pleasant recollections.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
To tho Editor of the New York Tribune:

To the Editor OF the New 1oTh liiouhe'
Sir.-As I am in hearty sympathy with
those of your contemporaries ana cor
respondents who are lifting their voices
against the uncut leaf nuisance In DOCKS
and magazines, allow me TO express the
hone that the agitation will be Kept up
until a sensible reform Is accomplished.
Uncut leaves are ever an evaporation
and the cause of unneeded expenditure OF
time and can conceive of no valid rea-
son why they are thrust upon the read
ing public. Let the Tribune make Sc
rious effort to obtain the sentiment or
its readers. and / think ii would get
such a flood of protests against this FASH
ion that some good might result.
Chicago. W. IL IN
The uncut leaf nuisance is thing that
ninety-nine people out of a hundred have
TO submit to for the sake Of one person
who means to have his numbers bound.
but who usually neglects to have 1T done.
The aforesaid persons and a few faddists
impose upon the rest OF their fellow
citizens an annoyance that is often ex-
pressed in words more emphatic than
elegant.
If this IS a case where the majority is
entitled to rule, publishers Of magazines
will hereafter cut the pages of their
publications even il the work hereby re-
ouired does postpone the date of issue
day or two.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25

they seem anxious in Europe to make
us take part in that smashing of China,
but they will have their labor for their
pains. We are still avoiding entangling
alliances. If we know what is best for
ourselves, but at the same time ii is
gratifying to observe that our real i'm
portance in the world is at last begin
ming to dawn on the consciousness of our
censorious elder brethren beyond the At
lantic.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
Cause for Regret.
(Chicago Record.l

Singerly Ito friend recently marrieO:
Why, old man. you look sad and defect
ed Have you met with disappoint-
ment in your matrimonial venture?
Wederly: Alas! yes. My wife cannot
sing.
Singerly: Can't sing! Why. man. that
ought to cause you to rejoice. l think you
are to be congratulated.
Wederly: But the trouble is that she
thinks she can.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
pag- OLAY-STREET METHODIST

EPISCOPAL CHURCH corner Adams and Clay
gtreets)-Rev. e. II. RAwLn;Gs. Pastor.-sabbstn
school 9:t5 A. NJ. Preaching / a. NJ aud
p NJ, by the Pastor. sornne subject; ~Ine
Seasons Next Greatest Thsme-1he Greatest
Thing In the World" Evening The fourth OF
the series OF sermons on christian steadfast-
ness" Subject: allow Shall ] Real NY BIT
Bile 2" Official meetino MONDAY. Z +. M cinss
service WEDNESDAY, 3 p. NJ. FRIDAY Eve,
ENG, 10 o'clock, Epworth League devotional
meeting. followed by Watch-Night service az IL
O'Clock, conducted by Kew. DR.. A. u. BROWN
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25

The late Dr. Thomas w. Evans. OF
Paris. left sS.OOO,Oo ii appears, to dental
institute which he proposed to establish
in Philadelphia, but which he did not es-
tablish, and which, therefore has no ex-
istence. The question is, therefore, what
will become Of the 100000? The law
yers win probably be best able to answer.
In the end. 4
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
Not Sure About the Hurrah.

tCulCdSO IOSl.J
"Whoopeew yelled the boy.
whats the matter?" asked the other
boy.
Snow cried the first boy. why dent
you yell?"
I'm waiting" returned the second boy.
"to see whether l have to clean off the
sidewalk I'm not just sure yet about
this snow being a good thing"
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25

Although Great Britain and Russia ap-
near 20 be seeking to form opposing
combinations for dealing with the latest
phase Of the far East question. they con-
cur in criticising Germany's seizure Oh
Ixiao- Chau bay as grab game. ana IN
endeavoring to place upon Germany the
responsibility for the alleged necessity
for commencing a partition OF the
Flowery Kingdom. That the German
performance at Kiao-Chau bay was de-
cidedly. on the grab order Is not TO De
denied. but OF all the European Powers
Great Britain and Russia, especially the
former. ought to be the most modest III
making inyidous remarks about such
a policy.
For generations Russian and British
history has been the history of grabbing
Under the euphemistic Characterization
OF Expansion" or extending sphere OF
influence" Russia has been systematically
grabbing in Southeastern Europe and Cen
trail Asia. and Great Britain has, In an
equally systematic manner, been graphing
pretty much all over the world. AS 10
the particular matter of their CRITICISM
ID Germany's grab in China, 1T is very
suggestive of the VOLTS charge against
the lamb. in that little matter OF mud
dying the stream.
when we come down TO the real facts
in the case Hong Kong, where the Bri-
fish have been planted ever since 1911
represents British grab, pure ana
simple. and the occupation OF Port
Arthur by the Russians is in the same
category. seeing that the latter means
the closing of an enforced option. so
far from Germany's having created
necessity for the partition Of China, II,
indeed. such a necessity has really been
created. the boot is on the other leg.
If the taking by Germany of little slice
OF the Celestial Empire shall necessitate
the dividing up of that empire, the re-
sponsibility for the division will run back
10 Great Britain and Russia. In raising
her flag over Chinese territory. Germany
has only followed the example of these
two Powers. She has only taken a step
It has been foreseen for some time Rus
sian and British policy in the far East
would. sooner or later in view OF her ex-
banding trade, force her to take.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25

And now Mrs. Rorer, the alleged cook,
who first lectured in the South recently.
and then went to her home in the North
and lectured the South. now comes 10 the
front, and says oysters should not be
eaten. We wonder what in the world
she thinks they were made for?
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25

II Is announced that In the opinion of
New York fnanciers, the Morgan plan OF
combining the coal interests will insure
the prosperity OF all the anthracite roads.
But how about the prosperity OF coal
consumers?