davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
The Christmas Dinner Table.

Place the table for the Christmas dinner in the center of the room, under the chande- Her if there is one, and then see that 1t is perfectly level and the leaves well fitted, writes Mrs. s. T. Rorer in the Ladies' Home Journal. From the chandelier hang large spray of mistletoe or holly tied with scarlet ribbon. If there be a mantelpiece in the room, bank it with holly and ferns. Ar range a pretty corner, blending all the greens used in decorating Cover the table first with heavy cotton flannel cloth, and place over it the spotless linen tablecloth. Place in the center of the table a mat of Christmas ferns, in the center of which stand high fruit dish, filled with polished red apples, grapes and such other fruits as may be obtained Cover the base of the dish with sprays of holly; on each side of this place cut-glass or china dishes filled with bonbons, olives and salted almonds. The water bottles and dish or two of celery may occupy the other places.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21

lime fact that the Son of Man is the Son of God. That which is divine in our common nature grasps its kingship with Him whose spirit is the spirit of the Christmas time.
 How potent, how more than human, is this spirit appears best in the universal obedience given to it's sway. All, with un- varying regularity and with hearty appro- val, bow in glad submission to it's estab- lished customs and emulate the example, if they do not indorse the faith of those to whom it is indeed a holy day. Strange mir acles are wrought by this same Christmas spirit. It brings smiles to the face of melan- choly itself. It gives life to a hope that seems dead. It exercises the evils of hatred. malice and envy. To old age it brings the keen, fresh joys of youth and to childhood clearer appreciation of the spirit that pre- sides at their Christmas revels.
 But above all, this spirit which is the di- vine spirit of Christmas, makes it day of loving remembrance, of doing good to oth- CTS, of seeing that all about us have at least one bright and happy memory of the dying year. The admonition of this spirit is not alone for universal rejoicing, but for individual conteDtment and thanksgiving.
 There is an ideal reached when merry chil- dren dance about the symbolic tree glitter ing with remembrances that fill the cup of childhood's joys, when each branch and
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21

twig yields some new triumph of discovery, when the sweet-faced mother and romping father feel not the burden of years, but are warmed with the youthfulness which the spirit of Christmas makes perpetual.
 But the day fails of the fullness of its ob- servance if something of the same bright cheer is not brought to every home and ev- cry person. Those who move in the true spirit of the Christmas time realize upon this day, above all others, that men are the children of one God, one earth and one com mon purpose Good will and self-abnega- tion go hand in hand. They seek the poor and unfortunate as did He whose memory we consecrate. They would give repose to the aching heart. True to the promptings of the Christmas spirit, they would make 1t the brightest, sweetest and best of all the days that make the year. = Detroit Free Press.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT.
It's True Promptings Would Make the Dap
 the Brightest and Best in the Year.

It is the day of all the year best and dearest among the time marks of our recur- ring calendar. It is the day for peace and harmony in every heart and at every hearthstone. We celebrate Gods chiefest gift to man and discordant thoughts or con tentions have no place at the joyous fes- tival. All should ring clear and true and sweet as the Yuletime chimes.
 The spirit of Christmas is that of Him whose birth it commemorates. It softens evil, sorrow and hopelessness with the magic touch of charity, for in charity is the em- bodiment of all the Christian graces. It gives to goodness brighter luster and to re- solve nobler purpose. It is spirit born in every heart that can know its inspiration, without regard to creed or race or station.
 Of all the days to which man has given special observance. Christmas alone has grown in its power, its beauty and its value. It has been stripped of the grandly devised liturgy and dramatic representations that had their root in heathen customs dispelled by the true Christian spirit, but the change has been one of purifcation and marks be- yond cavil a clearer conception of the sub
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
OUR<HOLTDKY~s SUPPLEMENT- -@

child, the New Years day with its good res olutions and big promises and renewed en- ergies, come around, there are those who say: "Let us have done with these trite occurrences" But, if ever there was any thing in the old festival season, it is there still. There are new generations who find no staleness in the antique, but to whom the same regenerative stimulus comes in the anniversary time. We lived because those who went before us helped us to live; let us be a like help to those who are blos- soming into younger life.-S. S. Times.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS.
Gift Making One of the Host Gracious
 Features of the Season.

"Gift-making is one of the most gracious features of Christmas, and one that pray may survive all other outgrown customs, writes Florence Hull Winterburn, in the Woman's Home Companion. When love and sympathy are close counselors there is little fear that we shall make the mistake of leaving out of our little one's stocking the particular thing he has set his heart upon getting. And if his choice IS beyond us to gratify, let us come as near to 1t as we can, and not convert this season into sort of convenience for ourselves, thrusting upon his reluctant acceptance such prosaic arti- cles as shoes, hats and other essentials of the toilet. Far prettier is the German custom of bestowing gaudy trihes that have no use in themselves, but are part of the glitter and fashion of the holiday. When it is possible nothing is so good to have as the traditional Christmas tree. In after years memory hangs upon it fondly, and we bless in our hearts the kind hands that took so much trouble to give us pleasure.
 "Then the stocking hung up on Christmas eve has a romance all its own. The break. fast table dressed with holly-berries and gifts piled under snowy napkins is graceful custom, and is far nicer than the blunt hand ing out of our gifts. Some trouble should be taken to create the welcome element of surprise. We all like it, but it is one of the greatest delights in a child's experience. He finds out before we would choose to have him that what is looked forward to most eagerly seldom turns out well. It is sad philosophy, yet true, that it is dangerous to set ones heart on anything in this world. But the love that hides its intention until the hour of fulfllment, and then lets out its secret in an outburst of generosity, is the best substitute that is ever offered for the special Providence-Santa Claus, and all other gracious myths.
 "An example of generosity is seldom lost upon children if it is true, not artificial. They are very willing to live up to their lit. tie knowledge, if we allow them the chance, and part of our duty to the day is to en- courage in our young people the same kind- Illness we cultivate in ourselves. It is so much easier to learn in youth to be genial, sympathetic and generous than it is after embittering experiences have hardened our hearts,"
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21

There is one custom always gone through with Christmas eve at the English court the appearance of the great baron of beef. This is cooked at Windsor, for the kitchen at Osborne will not accommodate it. Also there comes a big woodcock pie, boar's head and the queens plum pudding. This pudding is giant, for after part of it has been sent to the queen for her Christmas dinner, enough is left to furnish dessert for all the queens near relatives-and at the Russian court, in Roumania, at Sandring
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21

ham and in Denmark portions of this gi- gantic sweet appear every Christmas day.
 The Christmas dinner is served in the huge Indian dining-room, which presents bril- liant appearance. Gold plate is used and gleams from table and sideboard-a yule log in the fireplace blazes brightly, and the large party of relatives who have been asked to share the Christmas dinner includes many of the younger members of the royal fam fly who on other days of the year are in bed at the dinner time of the grown-ups. There fore they especially enjoy the occasion.- Chicago Daily News.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
Jest Fore Christmas.

For Christmas, with Its lots and lots of candies, cakes and toys, Was made, they say. for proper Kids, an
 not for naughty boys: So wash your face an brush your hair, and
 mind your p's and as, And don't bust out yer pantaloons, and don't wear out your shoes; Say 'Yessum" to the ladies, an "Yessur"
 to the men, An when they's company, don't pass your plate for pie again; But thinkin' of the things yer'd like to see upon that tree, Jest fore Christmas be as good as yer
 kin be! Eugene Field,
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21

WISHES HE TOLD THE TRUTH.
Smiths Trouble Began When He Sold His
 Christmas Present.

Smiths Trouble Began When He Sold His
 Christmas Present.
 "It pays to be truthful" said Smith, as he picked up cheap cigar after looking long ingly at the expensive brand he usually smokes.
 Some time before Christmas I chanced to remark to my wife that needed new overcoat but that thought I. would try and get through the winter with my old one, as matters were pretty close with me, and couldn't afford it.
 Christmas day, most to my surprise and consternation, my wife presented me with handsome silklined overcoat that l saw at glance didn't cost less than $50. However, had to grin and bear it and try and figure out some way to pay forit.
 "One day chanced to meet Jones on the street, and as he was admiring the overcoat an inspiration flashed over me.
 "Jones is about my build, and, as he need ed an overcoat, asked him what he would give me for mine. He said $25, and ac- cepted the offer so quick that it made Jones gasp.
 "I figured it out this way: By accepting s25 for the coat could manage to raise the other $25 and thus get out of situation that was keeping me awake nights.
 "I had to tell my wife some sort of fairy tale, so I,went home that night with . long face and a story about a sneak thief having stolen the overcoat out of my office while I chanced to be away. felt like sneak thief myself when my wife burst into tears. But burnt the bridges behind me, so had to carry out my part.
 My wife, while down town one day, chanced to run across Jones wearing the overcoat. She recognized it at once, and, calling policeman, had Jones arrested.
 "There was nothing now for me to do but to confess the whole thing and get Jones re- leased from behind the bars. The result was that had bad hour with my wife and two-days' struggle with Jones to talk him out of suing me for damages.
 "But the worst remains to be told. My wife had bought the overcoat from funds that her father had sent her.
 T never want to see another Christmas again I never want to see Jones again! wouldn't mind if didn't see my wife again until it was warm enough for summer cloth ing!"-Philadelphia Inquirer.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
Keeping the AnniYersaru.

Age disowns novelty. It is true that, the more a wise man learns, the less he finds that he knows. Yet it is also true that, the older we grow, the more we see the world repeating itself. In new music we hear strains that remind us of old melodies; the preachers illustrations, the poets similes, the novelist's plots, all remind us of some thing gone before, and seem like revamp- ing of old stories. And so when the Christ mas anniversary with its tales of the Christ
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
The First Celebration of Christmas.

Christmas was first celebrated in the year 98, but it was 40 years later before it was officially adopted as Christian festival; nor was it until about the fifth century that the day of celebration became perman- ently fixed on the 18th of December. up to that time it had been irregularly observed at various times of the year-in December, in April and in May, but most frequently in January.-Ladies' Home Jour- nal.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21

 We're sometimes nigh dead-broke; But once a year. at Christmas-time, Our hearth is bright to see; The baby's hand just touches heaven When Daddy lights the tree. For weeks and weeks the little ones Have lotted on this hour; And mother. she has planned for 1t Since summers sun and shower. With here a nickel, there a dime, 4E Put by where none should see, A loving hoard against the night When Daddy lights the tree. The tiny tapers glow like stars; They mind us of the flame That rifted once the steel-blue sky The morn the Christ-child came; The blessed angels sang to earth Above that far countree- We think they sing above our hearth When Daddy lights the tree. The weest kid in mothers arms Laughs out and claps her hands. The rest of us on tiptoe walt; The grown-up brother stands Where he can reach the topmost branch, Our Santa Claus to be. In that sweet hour of breathless joy When Daddy lights the tree. Our grandpa says twas just as fine In days when he was young; For every Christmas ages through The happy bells have rung. And Daddy's head is growing gray, But yet a boy is he, As merry as the rest of us
 When Daddy lights the tree. Iris Love that makes the world go round, Iris Love that lightens toll, Iris Love that lays up treasure which Nor moth nor rust can spoil; And Love Is in our humble home, In iargesse full and free. We all are very close to heaven When Daddy lights the tree. Margaret E. Sangster, In Womans Home
 Companion.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
ySI'
A Misunderstanding.

'I notice Jenks doesn't speak to you. What's the matterg"
 'T can't help it. started to talk to him about Christmas decorations the other day and he thought I referred to the black eyes he got in broil with a mutual friend re- gently. Judge.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
70
She Knew Him.

Tom-Did you give Miss Gotrox Christ mas present?
 Jack-I tried to. Offered her myself, you know.
 Tom-And she refused you? Jack-I suppose that's what it amounts to. She said she didn't believe 1t was right for girl to accept very costly gifts.-Brooklyn Life.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
The Festival of Motherhood.

Christmas is the festival of motherhood. It calls our thoughts back to our own be- ginning-to her who gave us birth-to her to whom above every other human being we
 owe all that we are for good-all that we might have been and are not. We recall her gentlepess and patience with usher aspirations and prayer for us. We plan and
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
x0
English Christmas Custom.

The Christmas tree found its way into England through Prince Albert, soon after his betrothal to Queen Victoria. A peculiar English custom is that of passing a small tree round the table after the Christmas dinner, from which each person plucks the gift previously placed there for him or her.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21

think of what We might have been had she been other than she was. We would to God that we were more nearly what she would have us be. We say: Would that all chil- dren might be so blessedi"
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
Twas Ever Thus.

Ted-Ive been trying to catch Dolly un- der the mistletoe, but Miss Autumn seems to be the only one I can find there.
 Ned-It seems to be an instance of the wrong girl in the right place.-Judge.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
An Enthusiast.

Ted-Tom is great observer of the Christ mas customs.
 Ned-I should say SO. He'll kiss an ugly girl just because he happens to catch her under the mistletoe.-Judge.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
A Profitable Combination.

'Talk about luck! That man Denslow has it in triple-plated chunks"
 How do you figure it outY
 Why, his wife was born on Christmas, and Christmas is also the anniversary of their marriage. You see, the rest of the year is pure velvet for him. Cleveland Leader.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
One Cause of Trouble.

She-I wish Christmas really was a sea son of general peace and good will
 He-Well, it might be if somebody hadn't introduced the custom of giving Christmas presents.-Puck.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
Made Him Wait.

Mrs. Hopkins, where is that Christmas present you said you had bought for me-"
 "Well, Mir. Hopkins, you talked so much about hard times that put it away until your birthday."-Chicago Record.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
WHfN DADDNSr
 i5;ll!laHFS TIE Ras, g

E HAVE our share of
 ups and downs, Our res like other folk;
 The pocketbook Is
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21


 And papa says at she Is beautiful and good and kind And says she hopes at Will like her awful much and learn To love her by and by. My papa's often seen her. and He says her eyes Is blue, The same as mine Is, and her cheeks Has dimples in them, too, And she ain't more an half as old's My other mamma was, And papa says I ought to thank Dear, kind old Santa Claus. But ain't glad, and don't want No other mamma here; I'd rather have him bring me back My own sweet mamma dear My nice, good mamma that is gone So far-so far away I'll write to Santa Claus to bring Her back to me to stay.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
THE LETTER.

THE LETTER. Dear Santa Claus: My papa says You're gnin. to bring to me Another p4mma, Christmas times Ats as sweet as she can be; But don't want no other one. Don't put her in your pack But please, good Santa, won't you bring My own dear mamma back? She said before she went away, At she would take my hand And lead me out of here, some day, Into happier land, So don't bring no new mamma here Ats younger than she was To take the place we've kept for her, Dear, kind old Santa Claus. If you can bring new mammas round Why can't you find some way To bring boys own mamma home And give her to him, say? don't want no new mamma here, Ats as sweet as she can be- But bring my old one, Santa, dear, To papa and to me. -S. E. Riser. in Cleveland Leader.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21

Do you hang your stocking up, Miss Stout?"
 T shall hang up four of them, Mir. Cos ling"
 Good gwacious! And what do you ex. pect to receive"
 "A piano, MT. Gosling. Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Connecticut western news., 1899-12-21
Christmas at the English Court.

%e
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-03-09
Globe Year Book
A Valuable Reference Work.

The Year Book and Almanac issued
by The G o b Company. of st. Paul,
is the best work of the kind which has
come TO our notice. Complete in every
particular, it combines history and
facts, statistics and general Informal
ton, properly classed and indeXed in
manner which permits of instant refer
ence. The statistics are most complete
and admirably arranged for intelligent
understanding. Sixty pages of the 500
which this wonderful book contains are
devoted to Minnesota, and the political
information is the most comprehensive
and valuable ever published in the
state. We bespeak for this work the
consideration of every intelligent per-
son in the state, and we can say with
out hesitancy that it is valuable alike
to Merchant, Farmer, Mechanic,
Sportsman or Politician.
The price of the book is 25 cents,
mailed anywhere, and, considering the
amount of information it contains, it
is worth fully three times that
amount.-West Concord Enterprise.
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-03-09
SOME OTHER TURK.
IL Was Not Hall AdaIi Who WrestIad
RDeber ia BOSTON

Inc impression was given yesterday that
the terrible Turk who was defeated in
wrestling match with Ernest Roeber at Bos
ton Tuesday night was Hall Adal who ia
matched to wrestle Duncan Mcmillan and D.
u. Mcintyre at the Exposition building. Min
heapo.s, Tuesday night. Later it was learned
ttat TINS was not the case and that the ter
rlDle TURK mentioned in the telegram was
another Turk. ""'
"A telegram was sent yesterday to L. NJ.
QcsemaH, sporting editor of the Chicago
1l2er ocean yesterday. asking him in regard
us follows: 10
Not Hall Adah. He is in Chicago at tba
Revere house. The Boston Turk is fake
See press telegram in the morning.
L. NJ. Houseman"
Later telephone conversation was held
win Mr. Hcuseman in Chicago Mr.. House
man stated that the Boston Turk was
emphatically fake. and that he has posted
S1oe forfeit money and would bet any part
OF all OF that amount that Hall Adali could
throw the Turk defeated by Roeber four
times IN sixty minutes. He stated also that
Ran Addli had been at the Revere house IN
Cticago. every day for the past three weeks
and that the latter would arrive in Minne-
afohs Saturday morning
Duncan Mcmillan who. with MCINTYRE the
LEGAL giant. will attempt to keep Hail Adlai
from gaining four falls in ninety minutes
next Tuesday night arrived in Minneapolis
from Duluth yesterday Mr. Mcmillan is in
condition. 49,
The nrenag 4ment of the wrestling match
wishes TO announce that ladies' will be ad-
mftted Tuesday evening and that every pro-
vision will be made for their comfort
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-03-09
CHANCE FOR ROEBER.
Mcleod Repeats His Willingness to
Take on the Cincinnati Man.

Dan Mcleod, the catch -catch-can wres-
tier, says of Roeber, who defeated the Sui
tan's Lion" Tuesday night:
Il am willing to wrestle Rceber in a
match. catch -as-catch-can.
Il am also. willing 20 wresue Roeber in a
mixed match--one bout catch as-catch- can,
oce bout Graeco- Roman, and one bout to be
decided On The toss OF coin.
Il am also willing to wrestle him in his
own style, Graeco-Roman.
4 will make at match with him for all
the money he can put up-from $1,000 to
$1,000. have got the money and it's no
bluff. L will put up $500 as a forfeit at any
time. l will meet him in st. Paul, Chicago,
New York. Philadelphia, Boston or any place
that he may DESIRE What 1 want is a
match.
:tRoeber, when cornered. always claims that
his show business prevents him from ac-
ceptins challenges-that match will inter
fere with his engagements. There is but
six or seven more weeks of the theatrical
season. and I will make this further propo-
sltion: l will meet Roeber at any time,
IN April. in May, IN June or in midsummer,
if he so desires.
Il want match. If Roeber is the wrestler
he claims himself to be he cannot overlook
this challenge. Let him accept his own time,
only he must put up a forfeit of $500 to bind
his acceptance"
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-03-09
TO CHALLENGE EUROPE.
Fitz VIII Make Journey to Paris
and Meet All Corners

CHICAGO, March S.-Bob Fitzsmmons and
his manager. Martin Julian. are going to
Paris for the big international exhibition next
year
Il guess the public has known for some
time that Bob and l are going to Paris" de-
cared Julian. But till now l have not
d!vulged our plans or limited at what we in
ter@d to ctf. In the first place. as soon
We set foot on the other side going
to issue a challenge behalf CT Bob to
fight all corners in the middle and heavy
weight divisions. Americans pay but little
heed 10 the foreign fighters. and it wouldn't
surprise me at all if there were big bunch
of unkr0wns all the continent, well
in Great Britain. who would be only too
glad to get a chance to face the pride of the
United States or course, this challenge
would be framed In the regulation sort Of
way, and l imagine that clubs would pop up
here and there offering big purses. Natural
ly it would be aim to arrange matters
so that the fight could be pulled off right
near Paris. Imagine the immense crowd
we should surely have. Thousands of visi-
tors would be at the exposition with lots
of money. and they wculd pay we'll to see
great fight. If some big affair like this can
not be arranged. intend to make a trip
across some of the countries and match Fitz
against the best men wherever we may go.
That would be novelty in itself.