davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
den and UNEXPECTED. Rosy couldn't be-

den and unexpected. Rosy couldn't be-
lieve-she couldn't sense it. saw her
dressed for the party in her pretty white
frock with the Christmas roses in her
hair and on her breast. and saw her
when the news came. She was almost
crazy. She tore off the party finery,
but she put the roses in water, and after
wards she set 'em out and they grew
them's the same roses. l put the red
wrapper on her. and the young doctor
undertook to tell her that her father'd
have to die, for couldn't Though I'm
not one to shirk my duty, and I've
stood by her ever since. Rosy never
meant no harm-she never was bold.
There's not many like Rosy"
The car door opened and the porter
yelled "Centerville." There was stir
among the bandboxes, n flourish of the
umbrella, and the quaint little figure
futtered out before either of the men
could speak or move. And after she
was gone they were quite still until
presently Tom got out his cigars and
went into another car.
The sun shone bright enough Christ
mas morning when Tom and his guest
left the car for the carriage that would
take them home.
"You see. I'll have to see Minnie all to
myself, just at first, that's why she
won't be in the hall. I'll just tumble
you into the parlor for moment until
/ gather my senses. Compensatons,
you see. 1t isn't so bad being travel
ing man-there are so many home-com-
ings!" Tom said, holding the carriage
door open while they were speeding on
That was how it came about that Jack
walked into the bright warm parlor>to
find n little blue-eyed woman with
Christmas roses in her hair sitting alone
in the rudy glow of the yule-tide fire.
His eyes grew bright and soft as the
little woman rose. flushing and con-
fused
"Are you wearing the Christmas roses
for me. dear?" he asked humbly.
'T-you don't care for them. Jack"
Indeed do. want the sweetest of
all the roses for my own. little girl.
May have il, now?"
A mischievous sparkle frightened the
blue eyes. "Iow can I tell which is
sweetest" she asked.
SHAY I take my choicc?"
Then Tom and Minnie came and after
them the "kids," and altogether il was a
very happy Christmas.
"The rosiest sort of rosy time Tom
said, pipching Rose Ellison's pink
check.-Ellen Frizell Wycoff. in Mime
apolis Housekeeper.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
PRESS OPINIONS.

DMr. Bryan says that the free Sill
YER cause will win in 1900 lh.s i sur
prising; we had been informed py MI
Bryan that il really won in l''0'--OA M
cago Times-Herald.
EyIf Mr.. Bryan is open TO proof ms
trip to Mexico will give him chahceto
modify his opinion concerning 'le ep
feet of free coinage on the wages % 'A'
la5oring class.-St. Louis GIone-peniV
crat.
DThe general tone Of common,
abroad on President Mckinney annual
message is that ofapproval. 10 De sut.'
the message is mainly for home Con,
sumption, but every American Is g'au
to know it pleases other foIks'-l'O!
Times.
DThe doleful predictions Of the Tree
traders that the adoption Of pro,ey.
i've tariff would cut off foreign marAe.'
for American products are not nelHs
allied, our expectations having ~
creased since the enactment OF
Dingley tariff law.-Cincinnau va"
mercial Tribune. -,
1--WE believe that if congress wiz
economic, as it can and ought 'h"'
year from now we will be laying uPa
surplus in the treasury with Whlen
reduce the Understanding debt "ni ~,
was increased under the Wilson oi''
This is the end which republican eon
gressmen ought to have in view'--lo"'
State Register.
DNo one can read the discussion. u
currency which forms the concAu',ne
portion of Secretary Gage sNahhuai ~
port without being profoundly :,
pressed by it. 1t is the ripe though
a statesman in finance, and not rue.s
banker in politics. Lyman j. Gage 10,
been close student of finance on DroaI
lines of philosophy and science an
he brings to the discussion OF MONEY :
mind equipped for its consideration on. 81
n national problem.-Chicago nv
Ocean.
UHon. William Jennings Bryan :,
called by the Mexican orators w.
have a genius for compliment "a
great silver friend" His greatness az :.
his friendship for silver need nov
questioned, but why do our MeN' s~d
brethren set forth champagne "ns
cake" when he approaches? Mr. BY
drinks water and presumably he apor
mates cake. Champagne and CAKE 90
distinctly plutocratic, and the admits, nin
of Mr.. Bryan must prefer to see ~
welcomed with food and drink .. .,.t
palmer Sort 1t is understood .n ,h.
money kings and money changer ,ssn.
sist upon champagne and cake WIN ,ss
ever they are tired Of drinking Can,
blood Of the toiling masses.--N' / 0
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
CHRISTMAS OBSERVANCES.
Customs Handed Down to Us from
.------ BNrOnc Ages. !

1t is an interesting fact that nearly
all Of the present observaEces of the
sweet Christmas time which have been
handed down to us from bygone ages
are relics of heathenish barbarism.
The practice of decorating with ever
greens has been ascribed to various
sources. Decorating with flowers and
evergreens was pagan manifesto
ton of rejoicing and worship. This
custom was also observed among ma
tions both Of Gothic and Celtic origin.
A superstition among the votaries of
Druidism was that houses decked with
evergreens in December would be Wis
tied by sylvan spirits and that the in
mates would be unnipped by the frost
and cold winds.
The mistletoe bough was held in ven
Grafton by the pagans, as it was like
wise respected by the Gothic and Celtic
nations. Among Celtic nations it is
known to have been an object Of great
veneration. The ceremony of collect
ing it by the Druids was one of the
highest solemnity 1t is said that the
oaks on which it grewywere sacred to
them. The reverence it inspired was
based upon the wonderful healing pow
ers it was believed to possess.
If hung up in the house it was consId-
cred a guard against evil spirits.
Its introduction into Christmas fes-
tivals might be appropriate as
emblematic Of conquests obtained
over the spirits of evil and dark
ness. The reverence of the mistle-
toe among the ancient Britons APP
pears, however. to have been limited
only to that which grew on an oak,
whereas, the pearly berries. which
bring blush to the cheek of the mod
ern maiden, may be gathered besides
from the hawthorne, lime and old APP
| pie trees as well as the Scotch and sill
yer fir. There existed a tradition that
the maid not kissed under the mistle-
toe at Christmas would not wed within
year.
The Yule log was considered by the
ancient Druids protection against evil
spirits. There were various supersti-
tions mingled with the ceremony of
lighting it. 1t had to be lighted with
clean hands in order to extract its vir-
tues. 1t was deemed an evil omen if the
light went out during the night. The
Iule log is still kindled on Christmas
eve in various parts of England
| Louisville Courier Journal.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25

II love them, every one" Rose said,
setting down fine plant. How is
this one?"
Its a beauty. viii you take this
for it," He threw $40 bill on the
, counter.
That? Oh. not even half so much"
"Shucks! You ought TO deal with
city florist. I'd be lucky to get off
at $25! My conscience will trouble
me, Miss Rose, if pay less than $40.
Habit is strong. You won't spoil my
Christmas and my pleasure in giving
this to the little woman at home. will
you?"
But I, too, have conscience" Rose
laughed.
But mine is so tender, Miss Rose,
and, honor bright, it's a sure thing
they charge awful; so that's all right
Maybe it would be better if you'd throw
in button hole"
Yes, let me. You've been too gen.
erous, | feel that l cannot"
III take violets and sprig of nut
meg"
And your friend. Won't you take
one for him?" She flushed again.
ITO JACKIE" glancing outside. "Yes,
but he's surly old fellow, and doubt
if he'll wear it. It's Jack Allen, you
know. Remember he went west five
years ago, / stumbled upon him at the
hotel-just got back"
Tom noticed how the girls white
hands futtered as she tied up his vio-
let's, and then how she hesitated, and
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25

and 1 can't recollect hearing Minnie
speak of her, but I'll send her word.
That little woman shall have good
time. Why, Jack, old fellow?'
Jacks hand was on his friends shout
der. Don't Tom. It's going to be
pretty tough for me, old boy. Can't
you let me off 2"
LET you off, with Minnie expecting
you? Not if l know it," and Tom looked
very grave and earnest. you are not n
coward, are you, Jack? What's the
matter?"
'Im afraid I am, Tom. but if must
go, help me all you can"
ITO keep out of the poor little crea-
lures way? She looks harmless enough.
I'd be more afraid of Minnie's town
friends"
you don't understand, Tom"
"Thcn suppose you enlighten me?"
I'll used to know her in the old
days. She was everything to me. !
reckon l was n fool, but i couldn't tell
her So
"That you were fool? Don't blame
you"
"No; that I--that-she-tha We"
Exactly" Tom nodded.
$50 I sent her n bunch of Christmas
roses like these" He touched one of
the nodding white flowers tendcrly.
Like that in your buttonholc?"
"Yes. I sent them on Christmas eve
five years ago tonight. And there
was foolish note with them asking her
IL she loved me to wear them to the
Dwight's party"
"And she didn't wear them?"
'She didn't even go, and /, fool that
was, went to see why. Her aunt was to
go with her-I had ordered carriage
There were lights all about the house
A dim one was in the parlor. used
often to go to the French window that
opened on the veranda and save wait
ing at the hall door. That night the lace
curtains were drawn across the win
dow, but the blinds were open. was
about to push the window open when
/ saw Rose seated on sofa across the
room. She wore bright loose-looking
dress, and her face was pale and earnest
Beside her" He stopped moment
and loosened his collar Then he went
on: BESIDE her on the sofa sat Rex
Hill--you recollect young doctor who
used to be with old DR.. Bellamy?"
Tom nodded. He had forgotten Rex
Hill, but that didn't matter.
swell, he sat there talking to her and
holding her hand, and presently she
burst out crying and-and-my eyes
burned so l couldn't see very well, but
her head went down on his breast, and
i reckon was wild, mad. The next
/ knew was on train that was speed
ing westward, and the Christmas sur
was rising"
Tom blew his nose; Jack covered hi
face with his hands. There was little
stir among the bandboxes behind them
and hand in gray cotton glove wa,
laid on jacks shoulder.
"Oh. sir" squeaked a small, mouse
like voice, "thatwas the night her father
died. DIR. Bellamy was sick and he sen
for the young man. Twas there, spend
ing Christmas. 1t waaa stroke-so sud
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
A FORECAST OF CONGRESS.
The Legislative Outlook for the
Present session.

The position of Hon. Nelson Dingley,
Jr., as the floor leader of the house of
representatives, gives unusual interest
lished, in which he gives his ideas of
the legislative outlook.
Mr.. Dingley concurs with other con-
gressional leaders in the belief that
currency legislation will not be accom-
plished, owing to the radical disagree
ment between the house and the silver
senate. lie points out, however, that
the need of such legislation is not so
great, now that rational meausres for
securing revenue have been inau-
gurated, as when chronic deficiency in
government receipts left the treasury
unprotected and forced the disquieting
issues of bonds. In other words, the
country, like an individual, is in better
shape to care for its obligations be-
cause it is carrying on it's business in'
business-like manner.
Congressman Dingley takes the sensi
BILE position that Cuban agitation in the
legislative chambers would be mis-
placed and untimely, now that admin
istrative negotiations have done so
much for American interests in Cuba
and have liberalized the personality
and the methods of Spanish rule in
that island. Mr.. Dingley's attitude will
he in itself substantial deterrent of
basty action. --
The ways and means committee
chairman is one of the prophets of
Hawaiian annexation, and Us he comes
from seafaring state the prospectdoes
not seem to disturb him. Other sub
jects that must come under the lcgisla-
tive purview are the relations of bank
rupts, the conditions of immigration
and the internal affairs Of Alaska.
But che most Illuminating and au-
thoritative congressional forecast will
be President McKinley's annual mes
sage. The friendliness of the presi
dents political relations to congress
and of his personal relations to con-
gressmen assure for his recommends
lions hospitable reception. He has
none of the harsh suddenness of the
Cleveland regime, and the hostile claims
of legislative and of executive prece-
dence will be minimized. The outlook
for the legislative winter at Washing
ton is for moderation, and moderation
COMFORTS with national dignity, moral
progress and commercial prosperity
Troy Times.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25

at last broke off white rose bud and a
on his flowers, and waited while she
deftly wrapped up the pot that held
the Christmas rose.
you hardly miss it from your pretty
window" he said.
I'D hoped to sell all these" she re-
piled, a little break in her voice, but
it's getting late now. Tomorrow is
Christmas day"
$50 ii is. Rose, come spend it with
us. Minnie is always so glad to see old
friends. It's only two-hour run.
Can't you Gomez"
"Why, I'd like to. Christmas is so
sad, nowadays; so sad and dull"
YES. Well, you see, Minnie has the
kids, and she's at home nearly always.
I'm on the road, you know. 1t would
help her, and she'd be glad thought
of it. Let's see" lie took a slim black
book from his pocket. I've just the
number of miles here on this ticket.
ltwon't be any good next year." tearing
out bit of paper. You just use it,
and I'll go and send telegram to Min
ME" And before Rose could collect
her wits he had snatched up the flowers
and was gone, and there on the counter
lay the crisp $40 bill and a railroad
| ticket!
ITS like fairy visit" Rose laughed
| peering between the roses at the men as
they walked off. "And he wouldn't
| I'll 7 To I. T.,
has the rose in his coat! My littl,
| Christmas rose. l wonder if he remem
bers?"
The men were out of sight, and Rost
turned from her flowery window, and
snatching up the money and ticket hur
rned into the little room at the back o
the store.
"Tve found that recipe, Rosy. TIL,
cheap fruit cake, you know" squeakec
a little voice.
sob, aunty, you can't do it. 70,
needn't to. Three eggs and not shrec
Of citron! Burn the recipe. You ar
going TO spend Christmas with Cousin
Serena, after ALI"
"Rose Ellison!"
| iCSs Il VIC DCCh 81 III BOlht
to the city, and Butyour train leaves
in an hour. Let's hurry aunty, els,
you'll have to wait until tomorrow
afternoon!n
"Rosy, dear, l don't understand"
Rose caught the quaint little figure il
her arms. and kissed the puzzled face
"You needn't. Just get ready. You arr
going In an hour. In the morning Tn
going to see Minnie Brown. I've had m
invitation. She's married, you know, Il
Tom Wilkins-such a-there's the bell
Do get yourself together, aunty."
Presently aunty entered the store
with big green veil over her queer bon
net and bandbox on each arm, while
in one hand she carried blue silk baS
and the other grasped an immense UNI
brella. Into the bag Rose dropped ,
handful of coin, and kissing aunty'
flushed. withered old face hurried he
on. It'll bs fine treat to me ant
Scrcny. ROSY. But what'll you do to
night?"
!. "Me? oh. I'll stay with the minister
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25

less elms that lined the street of the
little southern town.
IF the sun would come out, or even
If it would rain! One likes TO see some
thing going on, even if the something
come to a sort of standstill. l wish we
were at home with Minnie and the kids.
She's the sort of person to keep you
from missing the sunshine, and that"
Jack Allen laughed. you are in
love with your wife, Tom, that's all"
IL shouldn't be surprised. You'll un-
derstand why, when you see her. l
wrote her that you were coming. Why,
hello, here's a bright spot at last!
Look at those Christmas roses! How
white they are! My mother used to
love them so, and Minnie does. Come
in, Jack. and I'll get pot for Minnie.
Whose place is it?" glancing up at the
name above the howeT-filled window.
-Rose Ellison. Why, let's see. We
used to know ner, Jack. Don't you
recollect? She was one of the school
girls graduated with Minnie-pretty
girl, too. Come in"
Thank you, I'll wait here. Want a
cigar Flowers and old friends are not
in my liIe," Jack said.
Tom glanced at his friend. who began
to fn4nble with cigar case, his back
to enc beautiful window. "Surly old
bachelor, Ell? More's the pity" he said
rs he opened the door and went in.
A trim little lady stood behind the
counter. Her cheeks were good deal
flushed, and a curious, wistful light
shone in her pretty blue eyes. She
was trying 10 compose herself.
why, Miss Rose, I'm glad to stumble
upon an old friend. How do you do ?
Minnie'll be glad TO hear from you.
stopped to get pot of your pretty
Christmas roses for her" Tom talked
on, and all the time his bright eyes
were taking in the details Of the little
shop. Presently sort of pain began
10 grow in his big, kind heart. Pretty
Rose had come to this-to the wearing
of faded, mended gowns and the selling
of needles and pins and flowers. "They
are the prettiest roses ! ever saw" he
went on. "and wnnt the very biggest
and sweetest for Minnie's Christmas
gift"
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
Signs of Chrisfmns

She meets me at the door
Each evening with smile that's sweet
and mellow:
Your supper's waiting; comp right in. you
poor,
Dear, tired fellow"
But know just what this means.
For we've struck the Christmas scenes:
A new red hat,
And the likes o. that
That's just what the dear one means)
She marks my frowning brow
CTS sweet to have a woman to adore
YOU'D
And says: II know your head must ache
and now
I'm going to rub It for your
(But / know Just what that means,
For we've struck the Christmas scenes;
A dress. hat,
And the likes o. that
That's Just what the dear one meansD
ATLANTA Constitution.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25

iii and-Oh. yes. 1
inal, still it'll go.
IT'S Just what wanted to say, you'll admit
And it's easier far than to write one to NJ.
-Twas the night before Christmas and DICK
was In bed 9
When he heard light step on the root
overhead .......
And a rattle Of boots in the chimney, and
It was Santa. 80 down the front stairway
he flew .....
And pccped In the parlor and there, sure
enough, .. .
Was that little old gentleman. rudy and
bluff ...... ..
With his thick bushy whiskers and jolly red
nose,
And the pack that he carries wherever he
goes.
But his dress, well. what student OF story
book lore ~...... ..
Saw Santa Claus dressed In sweater be-
fore? .....-
Or In trousers OF plaid. while the stockings
he ysported ....
Were the kind Anglomaniacs lately We
imported.
Called golfers" In short. his attire was
Dicks gasp Of surprise reached the old
fellows ear. .......
Come in." said he. kindly, II really would
like
To have some one to talk to. Say, how do
i strike
Your critical eye? Aren't these golf stock
ings nice?
fancy that they cut considerable ice.
What! Surprised at my slang? l don't
know why you should be,
IT'S strange how the people have misunder-
stood me. d..
Tn not the old fossil the story books state;
I'll have you to know that I'm right up-to-
date.
My reindeer? you ask My dear boy. they're
too slow
For this wide-awake age, they've been sold
to a show.
I'm riding a wheel and fancy myself
j could put few racers away on the shelf
If | ever started to beat 'em. Let's see,
My cyclometer tells me I've ridden just
three
Hundred thousand and twenty-five miles
since ! started,
And-My! that reminds me, it's time de-
parted.
So long-See you later" He stepped to the
hue
And giving a jump quickly vanished from
view.
And Dick reached the window in season to
spy
The flash Of his lamp as his cycle whizzed
by.
a glimpse In the road where the bright
moonlight shone.
A speck in the distance. and Santa was
gone. ~
And said Dick. as he slo WHY went back to
the fire: ~ .......
Say, what would he do If he punctured a
tire?"
Joe Lincoln. in L. A. W. Bulletin.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25

wife and help her fill the wee bit stock
ings. Get a real good time, aunty, dear"
II will, child, but feel all a-hutter,
with the sadness of it. Kinter Off my
feet, you know" Then she trotted on
down the street with the great band
boxes bouncing like life preservers, I'M
der her arms. She was just in time for
the train. A little out of breath and n
good deal excited, she settled her be-
longings in the end of her seat, and be-
gan to take comfort.
Two gentlemen in the seat before her
glanced back at the quaint little figure,
and one of them smiled. Look here,
Jack" one said, don't let me forget at
the next station to wire Minnie. That
poor little girl is going down to-mor-
row to spend day or so. It's great
nuisance, our having to go to Brightville
instead of straight on home. She'll get
there first. in the morning. Wen get in
at 12."
'What girl is it?" Jack pulled his cap
down over his curly hair.
''Why, Rose Ellison. of course. / was
so sorry for her, Jack, asked her"
"The dickens you did" Jacks brown
eyes flashed.
why, Jack, are you a regular woman
hater? The poor little woman is worked
to death, and warrant she never has n
good time. If I'd thought moment
but / was sorry for her. It's such
poor little place. She's pretty and the
roses are, but there's-it's stuffy little
store. I'm afraid Minnie's forgotten her
it's been so long since they were girls,
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
A Related 10y.

at may seem queer, but get the most Of
my holiday. joy the day after Christmas"
Flows that%
I'm so glad to be alive after eating 20
much dinner the day befoe."-Chicago
Record.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
A Mlafake.

"Hit am er mistake" said Uncle Eben.
"ter hab yoh merry Christmas in sech 4
way dat yoh can't hab er happy New Year,
case OBJ de worry bout de bills."-Washing
ton Star.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25

UDemocrats might compromise and
give the nomination in 1000 to the can
didate who bags the most ducks--Chi.
cage Inter Ocean.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25

WAS the night be-
fore Christmas"
and-Oh. yes. l
know
That's scarcely orig
I'm L.Lll L.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25

I HAD been a dull,
gray day, sunless,
rainless, cherries,
and ii was Christ
mas eve. n sob
bling breeze that
was not even cold
sighed among the
pines and the leaf