davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19

Nl1SR1GA pedSdHlS OI western Europe anu
49, England is the cutting and burn
ing OF theYule log, says the Chicago Trib-
unc. They carry the thing much fur
ther, however, even today, than the Sax
ons, the famous lovers of good Christmas
cheer, ever did. In the Black mountain
there is great log for Christmas" and
there are smaller logs for each member of
the family.
The Yule log idea is traced to the fire
worshipers. The wood must be cut be-
fore sunrise Christmas morning. The
head of the house, followed by his fam
ily,> goes to some standing stump and
cuts it down. He then takes off his cap
to the log, turns toward the east, crosses
himself and offers up prayer, Give to
me and to Christmas abundantly, o God"
If log falls the wrong way, another
must be cut, unless the family wishes to
De unlucky for a year. Smaller logs are
then cut for the members of the family.
The wood is drawn to the house and lean
ed against the wall, with the cut ends up
permost. If one by mistake is reversed,
the whole thing must be done over again
or else misfortune will come.
When the fire is lighted, there is great
JOY in the household, but no one on any
account must speak of witches after the
great log is put on the fireplace, for they
are supposed to be flying around Oh
Christmas night as plentiful as sparks -
There is a legend, and in fact a belief,
In the Black mountain, of which research
shows no trace elsewhere. Every fire.
place has hanging in it, directly over the
blaze, a great kettle chain. When a fire
Is started, it takes but few moments
for this chain to become highly heated.
On Christmas night, however, no matter
how briskly burn the great logs, the iron
chain remains cool and pleasant to- the
touch. There is no Montenegro peasant
but will tell you that this is fact, and
he knows it to be so, for he has made a
test of it on many succeeding Christmas
nights. The coolness of the chain is ac
counted for by the statement that a SIM
liar chain hung over the fire built on the
floor of the stable in Bethlehem, and that
at the birth of Christ the Virgin Mother
grasped it for support. 1t became cool
at her touch lest it burn the sanity hand.
and from that day to this there is no fire
hot enough to heat the fireplace chain on
Christmas.
The fire is lighted by means of kindling,
bits of which are placed under the log by
each member of the family.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
An Expelled NJ. P.'s Prayer.


During the first half of the eight
eenth century one OF, the members for a
southern constituency was expelled
from the house of commons for forgery
and indeed endured the purgatory Of
standing in the pillory for a day. He
was a man of unctuous piety, and his
career in many respects resembled that
of Jabez Balfour in later days. After
bis death the following prayer was
found in his own handwriting among
his papers,:
80 Lord, thou knowest that have
nine houses in the city of London and
that have lately purchased an estate
in fee simple in the county Of Essex. i
beseech thee to preserve the two coun-
ties Of MiddIesex and Essex from fire
and earthquake, and as have a mort
gage in Herefordshire l beg of thee to
have an eye of compassion also on that
county, and for the rest Of the counties
thou mayest deal with them as thou art
pleased. Give a prosperous voyage to
the Mermaid, because | have not in
sured her. and enable the bank to meet
their bills."-St. James Gazette.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19

An Englishman In Russia says thai
1--WE may dislike Russia as we wIll anG
perhaps must, but there is no denying
that the men and women of Russia are
good lockers" The men are tall and
well built" The women, especially
those Of the upper classes, have a grace
and fascination that is all their own"
The writer adds: Il am tired of hear.
Ing English people say that this is ali
show and that II knew them better ]
should be greatly disappointed Be.
hind good looks and refined manners
have found the depth and sincerity OF
the Scotch combined with the wit and
humor Of the Irish"
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19

supposed to be grown up beyond the de-
sire for the Christmas tree, with its rich
fruit of surprises. One of the jolliest
Christmas celebrations possible, however,
is to have Christmas tree for the grown
up folk.
In no country perhaps does Christmas
wear so strange garb as in the half In
dian and half Spanish cities of the South
American republic. OF these not one
presents so singular and so interesting an
aspect as Lima, the capital of Peru. Its
Moorish architecture, its magnificent reli-
gious festivals, its many colored popula-
ton. its picturesque costumes and its
strange mixture of the customs of old
Spain with those of the ancient empire
of the Incas combine to form picture of
rare attractions.
On Christmas eve-noche buena, the
good night, as the natives call 1.-THE
whole city is alive with preparations for
the approaching festivity. The alemadas,
or public walks outside the walls, are on
Christmas eve crowded with pleasure
seekers, and the great square is filled by
a motley throng, whose faces present ev-
cry shade of human color, from the aris-
tocratic white and slender figure of the
pure Spanish creole through 90 crosses
and grGdatiops to the jetty black and ro-
O0SN IL 0AAC VA bAC G4o0AAy PuAC ACSAOs
Numerous ice stalls, surrounded with
chairs and benches, are scattered over
the square and drive a busy trade, for
to the Limena ice is a necessary of life,
and never is it more welcome than dur
ing the sultry Christmas time. As the
night deepens the crowd increases, and
presently is heard above the hum of
voices the wild chanting of the Peruvian
waits, bands of negroes dressed in flow
ing robes of red, with their black faces
sometimes disguised by ugly and still
blacker masks and carrying in their
bands calabashes filed with pebbles. To
the monotonous music Of the guitar and
Gathering castanets they sing cultural
songs and dance uncouth measures, rat
Ting the pebbles to mark time. After the
negroes come groups of Indian women,
loosely dressed, their long, black hair, un-
bound, falling to their ankles, carrying
long, slender wands futtering with rib
bons. In low, soft tones they sing sweet
melodies and move in circles, performing
the most graceful dances, waving their
light wands in time to the music Of a
flute and harp.-Kansas City Times.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
Ingtncerify.

"Our civilization demands a greater
or less degree Of mendacity," remarked
the abstruse person. I'VE are con-
stantly encountering some empty
phrase, some conventional remark,
which Is absolutely devoid OF SINGER
ity."
That's right" answered the book
agent That's perfectly true. | am
reminded of II every time walk up to
the front step where there is a door
mat with the word welcome ON it,
Washington Star.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
OAK AND MlSTLETOE.
.s,.e and Plant Were Both EeEarde
ms Sacred by the DrGids-


To the Druids the oak was a sacred
,srpe and fire a holy element. In many
English country households at the pres
sent time the Yule log is dragged III on
Christmas eve with song and dancing,
reled into its proper place at the back
IN the great fireplace and fire built in
front Of it, just as the custom has been
from time immemoriaI in the forests of
fCermany and the Scandinavian penin-
5rula.
To the Druidical priests the mistletoe
Fas a sacred plant, vested with many
mystic virtues, and by the English, Ger
mans and Americans today the mistletoe
4 regarded with something akin to su-
eerstitious reverence.
Among the pagan Germans every
aeighborhood. every village, had it's sa-
cred tree, and at the midwinter festival
circle Of fires was kindled round it, and
4 4he people danced about the holy plant
Sometimes torches were fixed to its
branches. and the chief decorated its
limbs with new swords, shields and other
h afms and armOr for his men and bright
garments for the women: hence the
Christmas tree, an institution which ante
saies, probably by thousands of years,
ne date of the Nativity.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19

- HdRlSIMAS is celebrated in
many ways. In this country
k4S1-s all know what is done-the Civ
tEI2xg ing OF presents. the dinners. the
- ehurchgoing and the general joy
olitused in every possible way.
In England Christmas is celebrated
with more boisterous enthusiasm than
anywhere else. Every person who can
read the English language knows the
Christmas Of Dickens, and the old Eng
iish celebration of the feast has been de
scribed in detail by Washington Irving
IN The Sketch-Book." Feasting is char
acterlstc of the English celebration.
Eatlng has become such part of the day
10 England that the Italians have the
following Proverb: "He has more bust
ness than English ovens at Christmas. :"
The English probably do more eating
Christmas than any other people.
In Norway there is a peculiar Christ
mas way of offering lady brooch or a
pair of earrings in a truss of hay. The
house door of the person complimented
is pushed open, and there is thrown into
the house truss of hay or straw, a sheaf
of com or bag of chaff. In some part
of this bottle of hay" envelope there is
needle of present to be hunted for
A favorite way for lover to send a pres
ent to his mistress is to make a large
brown paper bundle, which on being
opened reveals a second parcel, with a
loving motto on the cover, and so on.
parcel within parcel. motto within motto.
until the kernel of this paper husk is ar
rived at. which, opened, contains some
delicate and valuable ornament
One of the prettiest Norwegian Gus
toms at Christmas is the practice of Civ
ing on that day a dinner to the birds.
On Christmas morning every gable, gate
way or barn door is decorated with
sheaf of corn fixed on tall pole, where
from it is intended that the birds shall
make a Christmas dinner. Even the
poorest peasant will contrive to have a
handful set aside for this purpose, and
what the birds do not eat on Christmas
day remains for them to finish at their
leisure through the winter The caroling
of these birds about these poles makes a
Norwegian Christmas CHEEKY
On New Years day friends and ac-
quaintances always call upon each other,
exchanging calls and good wishes In n
corner of each reception room stands a
little table, which is kept furnished all
day with wine. cakes and sweetmeats for
the visitors. who talk. firt, compliment
and sip wine and nibble cake from house
to house with great perseverance,
Christmas brings its cheer and joy year
after year to the little ones of the house
hold. but the time comes when they are
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
The Mexican Passion Play,

Long before the holy night the Mexican
prepares for his Christmas season. First
come the rehearsals for the "Pastores,' y,
sometimes called THE Mexican Passion
Play" The "Pastores" follow, night
after night, passing into the climax of
the solemn midnight mass of the cathe-
dral. The "Posadas" next claims the
attention of the people-a home observ-
ance akin to the Christmas tree of the
German people. And then comes the
week of worldly enjoyment-the revelry
in the saloons, the uneven contests over
the gaming tables, and the brutal sports
day and night in the bloody little arenas
where valiant gamecocks are pitted
against one another with gaffs and
slashes
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19

Ma..s get dod dsrned thing i wanted. not q
toy,
bout boy
r.. ,uays was 50 very good the whole yeal
round, by gee'
s... knOwed the printed card they sent wa'
never meant fer me-
a. 40 much on Christmas. though, the doctor
had to take
Y r.,o,e measures With me; had such belly
ache;
4 thought I'd die, but then knew about ies'
where stood
/, vas sure Of bliss above. fes 1 had been SC
good.
-. ,eu I'm feelin better, an life's again 10Y,
4, With Christmas safely over, I'm once again
ies boy.
Edwin d. Park
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19

Once when Mrs. Kendall was taking
the role Of Galatea in Dublin she had
an amusing experience. Pygmalion, It
will be remembered. had a jealous
wife. During the temporary absence
OF that lady Galatea was about to
throw herself into the arms Of Pygma-
lion when an old dame in the audience
cried warningly: "Don't do it. darlint!
His wife's just gone out, and shure itll
be like her to be listenin at the key
hole"
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
ets About Christmas.

I4a Out NnE1@tmA@.
vas born in 4 B. G.
es means Christs mass.
k ~ church celebrates Christ
III r,s,s e. .. old style. which is Jan.
on Jan. 1e.
h O.. isiand was discovered by
~ ~ on Christmas day in 1777.
s'ates and territories Christ
NJ. ODserved as legal holiday.
rhtr.. ., giving Christmas gifts
IA nss;,y uay is general among all
sd 1. pplnes Christmas day is
frbt |. mass in the morning and
r reE n ... .ae afternoon, both ser7-
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
seriou. COMPLAINT

Askit-Whatever became Of that pa
tient OF yours you were telling me
about some time ago?
DR.. Sokum-Oh. he's got q complaint
now that's giving me a great deal of
trouble
Askit--Indeedl What is ftf
DR.. Sokum-It's about the amount Of
my bill-Phlladelphia Press.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
Praying to KRIS. Krinr1e.

selne parts Of Germany, Scandinavia
noLand the custom is for all chill
y say prayer at the chimney cor
y earistmas eve to Kriss Kringle,
49, nm to fill their stockings for
mas morning. and many hopes and
s's eonhded to him. Kriss Kringle
mHuption OF Christ-Kindlein, who
l0sed to descend the chimney with
.W Gil good children, and has in
10y quite superseded st. Nicholas
- Claus, the patron saint of
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
Bad Form.

Mrs. Highblower-Don't forget, my
dear, that In conversation the interest
must not be allowed to nag.
Clara-But Pm sure l do my best,
mamma
Maybe SO, but while the pianist was
playing / thought once or twice that /
detected you listening to him."-Life.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19

pOodlng is purely English dish.
sas the dish was plum porridge.
s- J ! story that King Henry ~ Of
nee' wishing to do special honor
nsiish ambassador. ordered plum
lor dinner on Christmas day.
IN M.s1eiy the cook forgot the cloth,
aisn was served as a soup.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
The Other Way.

He-Bertha, | am going to ask you n
question, a question which viii have q
lasting effect upon my life as you an
swer it Bertha, dear, viii you be .
sister to me?
She-Charley. can't do that, but I
will be your wife.-Boston Transcript.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
schoIastic Acutene,..

professor, bow did you come to
pose to me IN the face Of my continued
indifferenceT
81 proceeded on the general PROPOSE
ton that whatever a woman seer1s to
be she isn't"-Chicago Record.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19

Ebony was esteemed as an article Of
luxury by the ancients. In India II
was employed by kings for scepters
and images and as 1t was supposed to
annul the power OF poisons was often
made into drinking cupa
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
IS, PAST CHHIsTMx

z. fA,istrnas. IN, By TarAv.T
tesa paas s,...e natural seems like ! csud ny.
m pm an proper f.s long .1;s time me- .p,s.' ,,
eei - i o me, BY iinks twas anus so'e 70 ia'''
20 Sunday school. reg'lar. oncs week;
Hsd g l !, ne on other days to be a'aetlike an
2 a'efa. fis.d Of ssyia yes'sa. polite an with q
s1i,I ,s,kia back to toits-say. 'tETas wOrse'r
<ork-
.s nv mother; tad TO mfrsa my dad;
eSnlan "a lick a kid, an. oh. but it was badl
pidnt ~ that I'd get some skates a. fur cap an .
.-ss 80 on a tippet With hariag ends of red
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
An ETperf.

"Blowhard is always boasting OF his
driving abilities"
at comes natural to him. He has
been handling the ribbons behind the
counter at Gunamaker's for six years
or more."-Rider and Driver.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
a Grecian Custom.

wreck island Of Chios on Christ
= tenant farmer takes q pole,
NJ !. riln s fruit and flowers, as a
y MS landlord. The Offering is
80 oi good will and typical of
sps Tor the coming wear
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19

Now thrice welcome, ChristmAA
Which brings US good cheer,
Aince pies and plum porridgss
Good ale and strong beer;
With holly and ivy,
So green and 50 gay,
We deck up our houses
An fresh mn tho day.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
: Not ON Christmas.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
Does itf Really, oft we ponder
II at Christmas 'twould be pleasant
Were there absence Of the present =
Baltimore American.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
More Approprfate.

Barber observation-disclosures sirf
Customer with shining bald pate)--
No; shine.-Puck.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
IN THE NDRSELAND.
'cHRisTMAs CUSTOMS OF THE LAND
OF Tt-E MIDNIGHT SUN.

Feeding the Birds on tae Anniverua-
ry of she SnriOur's Birth-Throvv-
ing the Straw 'Truss-Engiish CeIe-
brations-In South America,
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19
TINE
J ylyILIEl TlIDIE LOG.
"A RELIC OF THE FIRE
W0RSHIPERS.

BOUT the only Christmas prac-
tiee which these easterners seem
to have in common with the
peasants of western Europe and
England is the cutting and burn
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1900-12-19

HRISTMAS is celebrated in
many ways. In this country
all know what is done-the Civ.
ing of presents. the dinners, the
ehurchgoing and the general joy
Marietta daily leader. (Marietta, Ohio) 1895-1906, 1900-08-19

A rumOr, not credited by the great
majority OF people, was circulated on
the streets yesterday to the effect that
DR.. ]. X. F. Ferguson had suddenly
died at Sardis early Saturday morning.
BY most OF DR.. Ferguson's acqualnt-
ances in the city this report was re-
ceived with exclamations of unbeliet
and surprise. Just one week ago to-
lay DR.. Ferguson returned from Allan
.ic City, where he had been taking a
couple of weeks outing in company
with several of his Marietta friends.
While at the New Jersey resort it was
aoticed that DR.. Ferguson was careful
not to go too far into the surf while
bathing, for he had Eeen warned by his
physician not to take any violent exer-
Else. as his heart action was weak.
To all outward appearances DR.. Fer
guson was in perfect condition physl-
cally, when he arrived here from At
.antc City last Sunday, but the vital
organ of life had almost tired of its
essential labor and was soon to rest
forever.
noise was heard in his room early
Saturday morning and upon entering
he room the proprietor of the hote!
'ound DR.. Ferguson lying in stupor
from which he never recovered Death :
summons, unattended by any physical
,ontortions or conscious pain, came to
him at a. m. Satul day morning and
without a struggle Dr.. Ferguson passed
the great divide.
DR.. Ferguson was 81 years old and
was born and raised near New Mata-
moras. Besides his perants four sisters
survive him.
The remains were shipped to New
Matamoras Saturday and the funeral
will be held from that place at 2:90 p
m, eastern time, today
DR.. Ferguson owned dental office
at Caldwell but did not devote any time
to the practice of his profession during
the last two years, as his extensive oil
business exclusively occupied his at
tention. Together with other parties
he owned large ranch in Kansas, He
was member of the X. of P. lodge
this city, Masonic order at New Mata-
moras, and the |, o. o. F. at Claring-
ton.
DR.. Ferguson was a genial whole
souled man, and was universally pop
ular with all who ever formed his ac-
quaintance.
Marietta daily leader. (Marietta, Ohio) 1895-1906, 1900-08-19
THE GREATEST
WONDER Of the
10TH CENTURY.
Gregg's Light Line
SHOR THAND ~

1t has produced a wonderful revolu-
tion in the last year. Its simplicity
brevity and leglbility is the talk of the
shorthand world. 1t can be mastered
in one-half the time 1t takes TO learn
any of the old systems.
The Marietta Commercial College
has adopted it AMI will give 10 per
cent. discount on ali scholarships pur-
chased before September 4th, 1900.
The school is right up-to-date in ev-
cry department. The demand for stem
ographers and bookkeepers is far
greater than the supply, We have re-
ceived eight calls for help within a
week. Two of them first-class posi-
tions. Teachers who cannot attend
school should take the Mail Course in
Gregg Shorthand. Write or call for
further particulars.
BENIN J. FERGUSON, Mgr.
No. 15l Front Street Telephone $40.
Aug, 14-15t
Marietta daily leader. (Marietta, Ohio) 1895-1906, 1900-08-19

A close observer tells the Leader that
more conveyances have come into Ma
rita during the past week than during
any former ordinary week in the
city's history. This place is growing
in Importance as a business center, and
more and more are People of the out
side learning to apr eciate this fact
Not only do the farmers of Washing
ton county come here in large num-
bers, but the citizens of other sections
and towns also find in Marietta super
ior business attractions and opportun-
tiles.
Marietta daily leader. (Marietta, Ohio) 1895-1906, 1900-08-19
A Wise Policy.

Now that that the eastern situation
has been greatly simplified by the en-
trance of the allied forces into Peking
without any particular resistance, it
seems to be in place to consider for
moment or two the attitude of our gov
ernment from the beginning until now
as to the right solution of this com
plicated question.
At the very outset, when the Box
ers" first showed a disposition to be
hostile, cry went up from the radical
class that our government should at
once go in and anuihilate rhe entire
Chinese Empire, without quarter. But
this bloodthirsty cry was unheeded by
the Mckinley administration, which,ln
keeping with its wise, conservative
and patriotic policy, went about the
solution of the difficulty in way thai
would be conducive of the best results
to all parties concerned. 1t now looks
very much as though the end Is in
sight. and that peace will soon reign
again without any gieat loss OF life OF
large destruction of property
Ii is fair to assume that no one will.
attempt to dispute the statement that
the stand taken by the United States
had more to do with the settlement Of
this complex dlfficulty than did the eff
forts or influence of any other nation,
Our country's policy has been digni-
fed, yet firm. from the very first and
results are most gratifying, even 10
those who were DISPOSED to be con-
trary and to criticise. American dip
lomacy takes second place to that of no
nation-the successful solution OF the
grave problems with which we nave
had to deal during the past thfee
years demonstrates American aDlllly
both at arms and in statecraft'
Marietta daily leader. (Marietta, Ohio) 1895-1906, 1900-08-19

The Farlow and Scott fight, which
was TO have been pulled off at Zanes-
vile on the oath OF August, has ben
declared on. 1t will be remembered
that the winner in this contest was to
accept Chas. Wheatley's challenge, is
sued by him over a week ago.
Now that the contest will not mater
ialize, Thos. NARROW has signifed his
Willingness to meet Wheatley and dis
pute the right to supremacy in the
ring. Arrangements were perfected
Saturday and the two men will meet
in the ring at GAINESVILLE on Aug. q.
The purse is 800 and a percentage OF
the gate receipts.
The men will fight at weight of 1876
pounds and are billed for Is round
contest, The fight promises to be an
interesting one and will undoubtedly
attract many of the sporting frater-
nifty from this city.