davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
JEWISH FEAST OF LIGHTS
Celebration Begun this Week and Continues Eight Days.
THE ORIGIN VERY ANCIENT
Celebrated Through Long Cycle of Years Out of It Came the Yule Leg and
 the Christmas Tree.

During the present week the Jew celebration of the Festival of Hanu- cah, or the Feast of Lights, the origin of which is related in the Book of Maccabees. Afeter the death of Alexander the Great, 17O B. C.. Antiochus Epfphanes thought to reign over Egypt. He entered it with a large army. and, after subduing that coun- try, turned his victorious troops against Jerusalem, entered proudly into the sanct- uary, took away the golden altar, the can dlestick of light. the precious vessels of service; defiled the sanctuary, slew the priests, forbid worship to be resumed and left the ancient city Gas he supposed) de- stroyed beyond all hope of being rebuilt.
 But one family of the priesthood escaped the general slaughter and fled to Mochin. Mattatiias with his five sons never gave up the hope of seeing the temple restored to it's pristine glory. He harangued. encour aged and persuaded his sons until led by their most valient brother Juda-called Maccabees Cor the Hammer) from the strength of his arm-they, with many fol- lowers, rose in revolt against the usurpers. The officers of the king tried in vain to disarm them by fair words and false prom ises. but the old man stood firm, urging his children to fight for their altar and their God After five weary years of priVations, discouragements and defeats, they were at last successful. Jerusalem was retaken, the altar ceansed from pollution, and the golden candlestick once more relighted But the brave Mattathias died before the struggle over.
 The rejoicing of the nation was as great as their previous sufferings. 'And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days" Moreover. Juda and his brethren, with the whole congregation of Israel, or dained that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their season from year to year for the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of Kisley, with mirth and gladness."
 Thus was instituted the Feast of Lights which is celebrated now after the lapse of more than twenty centuries by Is-
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
BIG FIRM DISSOLVED.
Conyicts Leased to Mir. Worthington For Mining
 Purposes.

Gen. Charles M. Shelley has made bond for the 150 convicts whose lease he ob- tained from the state month or two ago. General Shelley's bond has been approved by Governor Johnston and he has trans- ferred his interests in these convicts to J. w. Worthington. This transfer has not yet been approved by the convict board, but 1t is reasonably certain that it will be con- frmed in few days MT. Worthington intends working them in the numerous mines which he controls in this district. | He Is doing this fin his own interests, the firm of J. W. Worthington Co.,, having been dissolved. w. G. Robertson, the jii- nfor member of the firm, has bought out the interests of J. W. worthington and II. F. DeBardk.eben.
 It Is said that MT. Robertson Is acting as agent in the matter for the Tennessee Coal. Iron and Railroad company
 Several rurnors are afoat that MT. Wor- thinepton has English capital backing him in this deal, that a number of new mines will be opened, new furnaces built and ono or two old ones bought, etc. These rumors have also been flatly denied and the public will have to take their choice or wait for further developments
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
FORTY PRISONERS RELEASED
With the Compliments of the Mayor and a
 Wish For Happy Christmas.

There were forty people in Birmingham yesterday afternoon who received Christ mas presents. There may have been more, but of this forty every one is sure.
 Yesterday afternoon Mayor Evans issued an order for forty prisoners to be liberated from the city prison. The order was exc cuted at o'clock, and the forty marched forth to spend joyous Christmas
 The long list of fortunates is as follows:
 Celia Walker, Lizzie Washington, J. D. West. l.. Zeno. Ed Tunstall, Tom Shackle- ton, Pet Steward. Dan Sloan, Max Smith, Will Stephens, Thomas Spears, Pete Sim mons, Robert Ransom, J. H. Palmer, Geo. Payne, Arthur Esborn. Charlie Martin John McMichael, James Mullen, Julius Me- Kinney, Henry Moys, Arthur Livingston. Bert Lewis, John Lawrence, John Lee. VII. liam Keeson, Peytop Johnson, Will Jacobs. Charles Haggerty, Joe Cant, Frank Foy' Will Evans, Frank Dauning, Ed Cushing J. w. Carton, F. E. Cook, T. B. Bush, J. Ball, Bud Brown, T. b. Brand.
The age-herald., 1897-12-25

were due some consideration. and made proposition to pay 50O0 in lieu of all taxes to October 1 of the present year. MT. Bad ham agreed to the settlement but it seems that the board of equalization at Mouf- gomery was not disposed to accept the offer. MT. Badham went to Montgomery Wednesday morning and laid the matter before the board. It was agreed that the proposition of President Hull be accepted. MT Badham returned Thursday and yes- tertfay notified Mir Hull, who has returned to New York of the action of the board.
 The state will be richer by 5000 and has been spared the delays and uncertainties of lawsuit, which would have resulted had the matter been carried further.
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
TIE POSTMASTER'S CHRISTMAS.
Dr. Hughes Presented With Silver Set by His
 Subordinates.

Last night the postmaster, Dr. J. w. Hughes. was most pleasantly surprised by the attaches in the postoffce. When he arrived home shortly after o'clock he found messenger had preceded him only a 'vw mlnutes with an elegant carving set.
 pr. Hughes and his estimable wife were entirely surprised with the elegant set of silver. The token of the esteem In which the postmaster is held by his subordinates consists of three pieces of silver and is the finest set in the city.
 When he returned to the office last night pr. Hughes was entirely unable to con- ceal his pleasure. The occasion will long be remembered and the elegant gin prized by the recipients.
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
on many occasions will again be called

on many occasions, will again be called blessed.
 The apparent selfishness of the world is merely thoughtlessness on the part of the more fortunately situated, who willingly respond to the apepals of the charitable women who are sollcitous of the poor and needy These ladies have received many contributions from the merchants and cit izens, and today at the headquarters of the society in the Thompson building, in Twenty-second street. the deserving poor will receive a plentiful supply of everything necessary to a good Christmas dinner.
 Thc Mercy Home
 The Mercy Home was the scene of much happiness yesterday afternoon.
 The little waifs, who are dependent upon the cold cahrity of the world, were not for gotten by the noble women. United Charities The young ladies of the Creche who are always mindful of the needs of the inmates of this institution, had arranged beauti- ful Christmas tree laden with numerous serviceable things, besides @ present for each of the twenty-five children. The little tots were besides themselves ,, with joy and gave vent to their happiness in exclamations of delight as they bounc- ed around the tree clapping their hands. Mrs. Ramsey. the matron of the home, put no restrictions upon their demonstrations. l but allowed them full sway. This morning 1 the children will attend Christmas tree | at the Presbyterian church on Tenth ave- nue, and will enjoy repetition of the pleasures of yesterday. They will also en- joy an excellent Christmas dinner, which will consist of the proverbial turkey and cranberry sauce.
The age-herald., 1897-12-25

raelites all over the world. All join in pay ing honors to the valiant little band that continued to fight against such fearful odds. Every synagogue and temple will take some notice of the feast. In the Sun day and Sabbath schools the children will have lessons appropriate to the occasion, sing hymns of praise where the Hanucah lights are lit, and go home laden with toys and candies.
 In almost every Jewish home throughout the world, whether rich or poor, the lit tie candles are lighted. The Hanucan lights are made in many shapes. Some repre- sent the seven -branched candlestick of the temple; in others the candles are Tn straight row, but in all there are to be seen eight lights together, and one sep arated This one is used to light the oth- CTS
 Thus are we at the close of the nine teenth century brought into direct contact with the customs of nations who existed before the Christian era was established. For not alone the Jews, but the heather teach us to associate light and love with joy and gladness. At this season of the year, when the days grow shorter and the sun shines with diminished light and heat, the Greeks and Romans celebrated a great feast with peculiar songs and ceremonies. hoping to induce the sun (their god ApollO) to return to gladden. them and their fields with his radiance. In all this we trace the beginning of yule logs, Christmas waits Cboys with torches and songs), and the can- dles on the Christmas trees. The Hanucah light with its branching rods blossomed into a real tree. The children dance and sing around it. the parents, particularly the mother light 1t and cover 1t with toys. They draw from 1t many lessons of love, faith, hope and charity and goodwill to all. Even the baby in the cradle claps it's hands
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
FOOT BALL BOYS
En Route From Knoxville to New Orleans to
 Play the Athletics.

They were not Indians. they were not medicine men, fakrs nor "wild and wooly' poets; it was only tribe of foot ball play CTS that the guests saw at the Florence yesterday.
 The foot ball team of the University of Tennessee. located at Knoxville, passed through the city en route to New Orleans where they will play the Athletics this af- ternoon. The roster of the team was as follows:
 Wm w Haynes, rAanager; Jas. A Baird, captain; s. s. Nicklin, D. O. Chapman, Charles Newman, "Marjoville' Smith, Fairfield; N. N. Edwards, Robert Baird, Clarence A Templeton, Watkins Rice, Charles B. K ogan, Jr.
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
THE PIG IRON TAX
 CASE WAS SETTLED
AN ADJUSTMENT BY COMPROMISE
 FOR $5,0O0.
Back-Tax Collector Badham Against the American Pig Iron Storage Warranty
 Company of New York.

The difference betweeh Bac': Tax Col lector Henry L. Badham and the Ameri- oan Pig Iron Storage Warranty company of New York, on fine question of taxes due to the state on iron stored in the yards of thS company during the past five years has been settaedl
 When the demand was first made by MT. Badham President Hull of the Warranty company came to the city for the purpose of settling the matter. It was agreed that each side eppoint a representative to visit the yards Of the company together and to report the amount of iron subiect to tsya- sson. which wds accordingly done.
 BIT. Hull took the position thas fin view of the fact that no previous demands had been made on his company for taxes they
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
the Birmingham Mineral Railroad com-

the Birmingham Mineral Railroad com- pany for s4O,0O0 damages Martin was passenger on the ill-fated train and was killed.
 This is the second suit growing out of the Cahaba wreck that has been filed in the past few days, making a total of thirty one suits growing out of the disaster, about twenty of which have been settled out Of the courts and dismissed.
 The aggregate amount of damages claimed of the company as a result of the accident is oyer a million dollars. It IS said that the cases that have been dis missed were settled on the basis Of 2'Seo each.
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
EpiscopaI Church Services

Services will be held at St. Mary on the- Highlands this morning at Il o'clock. The holy communion will be administered at this service. The musical programme is as folows
 Processional Hymn.
 Gloria Dudley Buck-Mendelssohn). Te Deum Festival Dudley Buck.) Jubilate (Buck.)
 Kyrie, chanted.
 Gloria Tibi (Pleyel.)
 Offertory-Mrs. B. Guckenberger. There will be divine services at the Church of the Advent this morning at Il o'clock.
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
One of the Finest.

Captain Paul Gilardoni desires to inform his numerous friends and patrons that he will serve a first-class Christmas dinner to- day. and everything will be thoroughly American. If you miss this you will lose the opportunity of a lifetime to get the finest dinner ever served in the city.
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
Holiday at the Postoffioe

The postofice was busy place yester- day, and the attaches will take most of to- day off. The stamp window will be open from to 10 a. m., and the register depart ment will remain open until p. m. for the delivery of packages None will be re- ceved The carriers will deliver mail up until F o clock.
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
THE GOVERNOR IN BIRMINGHAM.
He Will Spend Christmas at Home-Many
 Callers.

Governor Johnston win spend Christmas in Birmingham. He spent the entire day here yesterday and received many callers.
 It is understood that he was again the recipient of visits from friends of men men tioned in connection with the vacancies which will occur on the police commission.
 Some of the city officials also called on him on a very important matter
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
JOYOUS DAY OF THE YEAR It Is Christmas, and All Are
 Making Merry. THE CR0UDS ARE ORDERLY Gifts Will Be Distributed by the Limited Char ities"- Mercy Home Children Happy
 Dinner at the Prisons.

All Birmingham has holiday. It Is Christmas and the children. on the qui vive of expectancy for weeks, have at last been statistical Old Santa Claus has come.
 The day yesterday was typical Christi mas eve. The sun was hid behind grey clouds the larger portion of the day and the air was cold and crisp. The streets were crowded all day. and far into the night the people were purchasing goods for Christ mas. There will be many feast in Bir- mingham today The market house was open all day yesterday and the sales were enormous.
 The explosion of fireworks continued and there was a merry time last night. Crowds were out making a night of 1t, but the ar rests were few. for Christmas eve night. Today nearly all the stores will be closed and the work around the public buildings will cease.
 The poor have not been forgotten and the incidents of charitable persons have made merry Christmas possible for help less ones are numerous.
 At the Prisons
 Even the prison walls not proof against the permeating influence of the ''Christrnas spirit" Sheriff O'Brien will provide the prisoners of the county jail with Christmas dinner. which will consist of a bountiful supply of turkey and cranberry sauce pies, cakes and coffee. When an Age-Herald reporter made his regular call at the jail yesterday afternoon there was alarge wagon unloading barrels of dressed turkeys which were taken to the oomanissary department to be cooked for the feast
 About 146 prisoners are confined in the jail and "what they will do to the dinner will be a plenty" in prison parance. The inmates of the city jail will likewise be given an extra dinner.
 Tn the rush and turmoil incident to the Christmas preparations, the poor of the city have not been forgotten The noble and self-sacrifcing women of the United Charities who have brought joy and hap piness to the hearts of the povertystricken
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
ANOTHER CAHABA
 WRECK SUIT FOR $40,O00 ON THE LIFE OF s. ". MARTIN.
This Runs the Total of Cases Up to Thirty One and About Twenty Were Set
 tied Out of Court.

The monotony of the dullness that has settled over the court house since the ad- journment of the courts for the Christmas holidays was broken yesterday by the tii- ing of another Cahaba wreck case in the city court.
 Wiley G. Langston, administrator of the estate of l.. w. Martin, filed suit against
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
SHE RECEIVED 29,982 VOTES
A Grand Total of Oyer 7i,OOO Votes
 Were Cast in the Contest.
MUCH ENTHUSIASM MANIFESTED
The Friends of Miss Hunley Had Saved Up and Cast Large Numbers of Votes for Her Yes- terday, as Did the Friends of Other
 Candidates Delivered Today.

The Age-Herald's Christmas piano con- test came to a close at 12 o'clock last night. The piano is awarded to Miss Kathleen Huney who received 2s 1882 votes. The sec- ond in the contest was Miss Bess c. Shy der, who received 22, 1892 votes, and the third in the contest was Mrs. E. K. Austin, who received 11,Go6 votes
 The contest has been one of intense in- terest. The friends of the various ladies have been enthusiastic in their support ceeded the expectations of The Age-Herald.
 For two months past many people in Birmingham and in the state who received copies of The AgeHerald cut from them the ballots, wrote on it name and sent 1t to The Age Herald. In the city of Bir- mingham particularly, the contest has been a warm one. The friends of the various gathered up every stray copy of The Age Herald that could be found. The votes have been daily received and counted In The Age-Herald office. Only those votes which have been cast as votes are cast in a regular political election have been re- ceved and counted. Offers have been made to hand certain amounts of money over the counter and have so many votes cast. Such offers have invariably been declined. Every ballot cast is now in The Age-Her- aid office and is here to be counted by any one who so desires. No person connected with The Age-Herald has been allowed to cast any number of votes Each member of the editorial and reportorial staff of the paper receives a copy at his home or DCdlulpS liOuoS. OOiiiS Ol lic5t Lidy hdFc been cast, but they could have amounted to but little in deciding this contest.
 Unfortunate Error
 But one error has occurred in the entire contest, and that was in the fact that a large package of papers-about one thous- and-were stolen from The Age-Herald off, flee a few weeks ago. Every effort has been made to discover the thief It is just possible that this thief may have sold the papers he stole to some friend of one of the contestants. The entire Age-Herald force as well as the police force, have made every effort to discover the perpetrator of this theft, but they have failed. The pa- pers were stolen between and clock in the morning several weeks ago.
 The contest has been an interesting one. It is possible that some wounds might have been left but The Age-Herald congratu- lates the winner and applauds those who made such good race. It has been a popular contest and it is to be regretted that it has terminated.
 The Jesse French piano, which was of- fered to the successful contestant will be delivered to Miss Hunley's residence by the Jesse French Piano company at 10 o'clock this morning.
 Votes Came in Fast
 The interesting part of the contest be- gan yesterday at noon, when 13,20O votes were sent to The Age-Herald office in a great basket. All of them were for Miss Huney. A few minutes thereafter 100 more
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
Payment Postponed

The school teachers who will be due money from the state Jan. 1 win not be paid until Jan. 20. A notice to this effect has been sent out by State Superintendent Turner to all the county superintendents of education.
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
Christmas Services

Rev. Dr. Beattie will occupy Rev. J. A. Bryans pulpit today at the Third Presby- terian church, corner Twenty-second street and Avenue F. He will preach Q Christ mas sermon at Il o'clock.
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
BRANCH OFFICE Queen City Stock & Grain Go. t4 HEWLETT BLOCK
T. c. HEWLETT, = Agent.

Private Wires to New York, Chicago and new Orleans.
 Confirmation by wire or letter to suit cus- toners.
The age-herald., 1897-12-25
FOUND-SURGICAL IN.
 STRUMENTS.

Ihave a pocket case of phy- sicians' surgical instruments. Owner can secure property by paying for this advertise ment. BEN WISE,
 2ll Nineteenth St.
The age-herald., 1897-12-25

votes were cast for Miss Hunley. and $50 came in through the mails for Miss Hun ley.
 At D. m. 1.67s votes were cast for Mrs. Austin. At 10 D. m. 2,i47 more were cast for Mrs. Austin. During the day 42 votes came in through the mails for Mrs. Austin.
 At Il p. m. batch of 1S,7SS votes were cast for Miss Snyder. The mails during the day brought in S52 votes for Mss Snyder.
 At 11:SO p. m. a crowd of young people came into the office and cast batch of 6,961 votes for Miss Hunley. This batch de- cided the contest. No more votes came in. Promptly at midnight the vote was an- nounced, and the big crowd in The Age Herald office sent up a shout of joy for Miss Hunley.
 Up to yesterday S2261 votes had been cast in the contest. Yesterday S9.729 votes were cast, making total ballot of 71,99O votes cast in the contest.
 Votes Received by Each Candidate
 Below is the list of the contestants and the number of votes each received:
Evening star., 1897-03-04
of labor people, but

which any people,
to their employment.
depression OF the has fallen with especial
great body toe of country
holders of small farms Agriculture has anguhed and
labor The revival of manufacturing will be relief BOTH
No of population devoted to the CT tree
government loyal their support while bears
cheeruy fully proper share the of the
men and protection
Legislation helpful producers beneficial ALL The depressed
don of industry the and in the and factory has ened
the ability Of the people the demands upon em and they
that will the with the burden but that
will be taken decrease rather than public
pendtures conditions the promising 1t will
take the prosperity of prompt
y direction and aid its
by friendly legislation. However troublesome the situation
appear Congress will found lacking disposition
ability relieve far legislation do The restoration of
confidence and the revival of business which of much
DESIRE depend largely the energetic and intelligent
inspiring great emergency
hundred eight years of eventfu
been with wisdom and courage American
people, best
honor of the American These of glorious history have
ated mankind advanced the of freedom throughout the world
md measuaby strengthened the precious free institutions which
The people love and will sustain these institutions The
happiness and prosperity that adhere
cples upon which the established and upon
faithful observance Equality Of rights prevail and
respected and obeyed We
discharge full duty citizens the great republic
consong encouraging realize Speech press
thought free Schools the free and unmoested right religious liberty
worship free and fair elections
before These
wisely strengthened The
cheerfuy vigorously upheld Lynhngs
great country like the United States
the penalties of the law The of public
DER the of discussion the integrity of and the orderly
justice the safety upon
/ which government securely rests.
d Lessons Of the Election.
One taught by the election which rejoice
II Papel