Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1898-12-31
New York Nuggets.

Especial Correspondence from New York;
1t was not until late in the 10Th century
that people agreed to universally accept
January as the first day Of the New
Year. Previous to then, four different
dates had been celebrated with prayers
and fasting. Ringing in the New Year by
to!ling church bells at midnight, is an an
cient custom that awakens much enthusi-
asm in the neighborhood of old Trinity
church where it still exists. The streets
are thronged with people, away down in
Broadway opposite Wall street on New
Years eve, who listen to the melodious
chimes peal forth good bye anthems halt
hour before midnight. A short period OF
silence ensues, and then the magical thread
OF fate unwinds yet another round as the
twelve strokes clang and echo through the
air. Another year has dawned, perhaps a
better and brighter, and heads are barred
while chorus of Happy New Year greet
ings show the hopeful spirit that pervades
the metropolis. Theuriet, the French
philosopher, has said "There is no happy
life there are only happy days." A day
would not be appreciated if it was happy
in the same ratio as the preceding one. 1t
is the unexpected that pleases, and con-
trasts only sharpen the shadows that witty
their golden background of sunshine. How
much peorle look forward to beginning the
New Year Alright, resolving to do all thirgs
that have hitherto been omitted, and VOW
ing to FIJI the little gaps and crevices Of
time with kindly deeds. Let us not resolve
any more. Think of the spotless, un-
marked pages that begin the year, and we
will not waste time inscribing the number
of "new leaves" we intend to turn over.
Instead, each page taken in turn will bring
its thoughtful duties ard loving inspira-
tions that spell happiness in the depths Of
the heart.
The ..Bean-K Kings Festival is celebrat-
ed" chiefly in France, and from there was
conveyed to Germany where it is also OBJ
served. On January 6, Twelfth Night, a
large company assemble to honor Three
Kings Day" as the G-rmans call it, allud-
ing to the legend that the wise men of the
east, who came to worship Christ were
tire kings. An immense cake in which q
bean has been hidden is brought out and
cut. Each person takes piece and tries
to find the lucky bean, for the finder is said
to be king tor the year. All vie in paying
homs ge to the "Be anil King" when finally
selected, and he holds q mock court with
great solemnity. His only penalty for bis
brief enthr onement is that he is compelled
to give an entertainment on the next
Twelfth Night, when another king may be
chosen. The origin Of this ceremony is
thought to have descended from the Ro-
man saturralia. who exploited many feats
OF universal glee and lollity.
Ii any Of the green Christmas wreathi
and decorations are not pulled down on
Twelfth Night the little woodland elve.
that pes . from between the leaves in the
dark hours Of night will escape from their
verdant cages and will work discord and
mischief in the house. Thus does the max.
i'm say that has been handed down from
generation to generation.
The Distinguishing architectural feature
OF the business part of New York is the
tall { flee building that has veritably be.
come . sky scraper. The modern improve.
ments, magnificent domes, splendid views
and interior arrangements have not pre-
vented the casual city vititor from inspect
ing comparatively small building that
still outranks its giant neiehbors in poin
of symmetrical outline. The erection o.
City Hall in 1903 at Q cost OF $500 600
exclusive Of furniture, was looked upon u
a prodigious scheme for it was not ready
for occupancy until 1912.
Alter going through the mayors office
the aliermen's and other rooms, the vi.itol
comes to . long stop in the GOVERNOR
room. The room il n ally suite consist