davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26

Tracy household, which stood good
Il all seasons of the year as well
IS at Yuletidc. and refuse his re-
lIost. Before she could do SO, how
YER, MIS-. Tracy herself came into the
i.ttchen, and, with scant show OF hos
'Lality, Mary allowed the tramp to
0utcr.
She had always secretly Grumbled
hccause Mrs. Tracy would allow no
ne TO be turned away hungry, and to-
day there was no excuse, for the fam
y had just finished breakfast and
here was plenty of food left to give
he man a substantial meal
Coin to come and rob the house
tonight, likes not" was Mary's in
wnrd comment as she put the coffee
rot on the stove, and she watched the
man narrowly TO see if he were maxi
ing q mental plan of the house, but
her suspected burglar did not once
look up from the floor as he sat ner-
yously twirling his hat
Hes young and able to work. 3"
Mary soliloquized, as she hustled to
and fro putting eatables on one end
Il the kitchen table. Might be toll
tranle good lookin', too, if he was
shaved and dressed up-and-washed. -
"There!" she snapped setting a cup
Of coffee down on the table with as
much force as she could without spill
ing Its contents. Your vituals set a."
The man. scarcely raising his eyes,
dropped his hat and hitchsd his chair
near the table.
Just as he eagerly clutched the cup
81 fragrant coffee, a door opened, a
rair OF merry blue eyes peered into the
Ritchen and a shrill little voice piped
out, Hello. man, merry Christmas"
The man" started, shifted uneasily
In his chair, but made no reply. I'm
daunted by his chilling reception. the
door was burst open. and a golden
Aaired little boy burst into the room
With the unquestioning confidence OF
childhood, he walked uc to the
stranger and said gravely, Il said
lserry Christmas"
run into the other room, Donald"
My put in hastily.
The man shot half-defiant glance
at her. but did not look at the child.
II don't want to-" the little fellow
'eplled. He's company, and mamma
MD could tain him. / bringed the
new Mother Doose book dat dot from
santa Claus to show he" and. push
rg a chair close to the table, from
4 he mounted the end of the table
opposite the man, and sat there like a
swcct. rosy cherub observing some
ark spirit.
The tramp. who seemed almost
'amished, paused just long enough to
ook wonderingly at his strange little
companion. and then gave his full at
ention to the meal.
Don't you want to talk" Donald
demanded.
I'm not fit-that is. 'er. don't
NOV how to talk to such little kid"
be man answered.
"AH right. guess you want to eat"
be child observed. graciously. 81
guess I'll read to you." opening the
look he was holding In his arms. "You
Tnow Mother Goose. don't your"
The man shook his head. but some
ihing like smile fitted across his
'uIlen features
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26

As a general thing affectioualc
fathers and mothers rejoice in the hap.
piness Of their children, but tho rule
has its exceptions.
is Mr.. Smart at all given to drink"
inquired merchant, anxiously, OF his
confidential clerk.
mo, indeed" was the decided an
swer HE never touches a drop. But
what put such suspicion into your
mind?"
why. l noticed that he has been
two hours late for the last three
mornings, and he looks for all the
world as II he had been on a regular
spree"
"Oh. that's all right" said the clerk.
He gave his boy drum for Christ.
mas"
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26

We'll, I'll show you the pictures AMI
read you bout EN-. This one aud
Donald .lid along the table as near
- the man as the dishes would al
low, this one is about Blue Boy III
read 'bou. him." and. in chanting
hgh-pitched voice, he repeated the
rhyme OF Little Boy Blue"
Did you ever sleep under : hay
now" he asked. suddenly, al the con-
clusion Of his recitation.
The man frowned slightly at the
childish query, bit his lip and nodded
his head.
was it nice?" went on his inter
rogator. Did your mamma let you?'
The mans lower lip was pressed
cruelty by his teeth at this question,
but 4 surly shake of his head was his
only reply.
oh. was you naughty and ruined
away" the boy asked slowly.
Had Mary been an observing girl.
she would have seen. under the
scrubby beard and CRIME on the bag
/ gard face, a dull red flush spread to
| the roots of his shaggy. neglected hair.
!
| for you?" continued the little tor
/ mentor
she didn't know where | was" the
! tramp answered, in a strange, mutiled
| Voice
Then you hided from her." ex-
! claimed the child, with blue eyqes wide
open.
The man was looking out of the
window now, forgettul OF his good
breakfast.
II was naughty once and ruined
away" Donald prattled on. and when
my mamma found me she was Just
awful glad, but she cried, tOo-wasn'
that funny? And she said mothers
was always glad when they got their
boys back, even when they was big
and ruined awful far off. 'strayed into
the paths'--I forget just what that
part was, but she said | must always
come back to her-an AMI don't
member any more, but | guess If you'd
go back to your mamma she forget
the naughty and be glad, Do you
think she'd cry?"
The man cast one fierce look over
his shabby person. Cry" he eX-
claimed, bitterly. OH" he drew
his breath hard between his teeth as
the sight of the baby face choked lack
the oath that nearly escaped him.
Isn't you goin' to eat any more?"
chirped the little fellow, with awak-
cncd hospitality, noticing that his
guest, sitting with his head on his
hand, seemed to have lost his appe-
lite. The child's voice reused him
from his thoughts, and, seeing that
Mary had paused in her work and was
watching him curiously, he asked
humbly. Can | have some Coffee"
Meanwhile Donald was turning the
pages of his book. Here's a funny
picture" he announced. pointing with
his fat little finger but it's bout a
dreadful naughty boy. I'll read bout
him." and in a very solemn and i'm
prcssive tone he repeated the tale OF
Tom Tom, the Fipers Son"
It's dreadful bad to steal, you
know" he commented, gravely. My
mamma says so, and, of course, she
knows-mammas know most every
thing. don't they? Once-what do you
think?--I stole, | didn't steal a pig
like Tom, but | stole some little cakes,
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26
Christmas In Holland.

In Holland on Christmas Eve, the
children, while INDUCING in various
games, keep casting anxious glances al
the door as if expecting a visitor Al
length their play Is hushed by a loud
knock at the door and st. Nicholas
clad in his episcopal robes, enters II,
evinces a wonderful knowledge Of tn
failings and virtues of each child
scolding and praising each according
to the merits of their family behavior
Finally. however, he bestows his bless
ings on them all and promising tc
give each a present on the next morn.
ing, he disappears. Before retiring I.
rest that night each member OF thu
family places one of his or her shoes
on the table in the parlor. The doc
Is then locked. but the next mornin,
proves the truth OF Santa Claus prom
Use. for in each shoe Is found a presen
for its owner.
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26

quantities and are 80 easily made a rev
recipes for Christmas goodies may be
useful To our readers. Years ago peo-
pie believed that candy was harmful,
but that notion was set aside; and II
is declared really beneiiclal-of course,
when eaten at the proper time, In
proper quantities and made OF pure
materials. Home made candies are al
ways pure, the best materials are used
and the cost is much less than Is paid
for the same grade in the stores. II
Is nice plan to make your own
Christmas candies, and you can send
boxes away to your friends who viii
prize things made for them much more
than anything bought.
To send candies away they should
he made to look as dainty and pretty
as possible. Fancy baskets can be
cheaply bought that will he pretty
after the candy Is used, and lined with
waXed paper over a fringed inner lin
ing or some delicate colored It's
sue paper. In packing place waxed
paper between the layers, and when
the basket is filled wrap the edges OF
the lining paper over tho top SO that
the candies are covered, then gather
the fringed tissue paper into a rosette
and tie with baby ribbon.
In making peanut candy. to every
half pint Of shellcd and blanched pea.
| nuts use one Cupful each OF moasscs
or sugar. Boil together until thu mix
| turc is brittle when dropped into cold
| water: then stir in the half pint OF
! peanuts before taking from the fire
| Pour into buttcrcd pans and mark OF
into squares or lengths before It Cools
Hickory nuts English walnuts or al
momds may be used in place Of pea
nuts.
TO blanch nuts is to remove the fine
| skin which covers the nut under tn,
shell. This will easily rub OFF in pea
nuts, but other nuts require dineren,
| treatment. After removing the shell
cover the nuts with boiling water, ant
| let them stand until the dark Skin
will easily rub off. then put them into
| cold water. Dry between towels.
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26

hsr you're sorry an see IL she DOM
be glad and love you. most know
she will
The man had ceased eating and sat
motionless with his head bowed on
his breast until Mary approached and
CURLY asked il he were done eatin'."
Yes he answered absently. and.
looking wistfully at the child, he
reached f.; his hat.
lis you goin' to see your mamma ,"
questioned Donald, eagerly.
yes, my little man" came the an
swer. in a clear, ringing voice that
made Mary jump and drop Il basin
That's just whore | am going, But
first. tell me your name"
I'm little Donald Robert Tracy, and
my papa's big Donald Robert"
"Good-Dy, little preacher. You're
the best one I've ever heard" and
just brushing the golden head with
his lips. the tramp passed out OF the
door and went down the street, not
with the slouching, hang-dog air with
which he had approached the house,
but with head erect and shoulders
squared, he swung along with long
easy strides
"Of all the ungrateful wretches!"
/ exclaimed Mary, angrily, to Mrs
Tracy, who had slipped in through the
| half-opcn door. "He never even said
thank you" Her mistress did not
seem to hear. but, with shining eyes
| gathered her little son up in her arms
and, as she pressed him closely to her
she whispered brokenly, And IL little
child shall lead them"
!
A year passed, and little Donald.
tanning the tramp was forgotten
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26

by all save Mrs. Tracy. She often won.
dered what fruit the good seed sowp
by the innocent child last Christmas
morning had borne. That he had been
Gods chosen instrument for working
out some great end, her gentle heart
never doubted.
II was, therefore. great pleasure
and satisfaction to her to receive
long letter from the man" It was
written from his home in far eastern
city and told, in "A simple, straight.
forward manner. the story of his down.
fall and how, moved by Donald's child.
ish prattle, he had worked his way
back home, resolved to begin lit
anew; how kind friends had helped
him and encouraged him and how he
was doing well at his old trade oil
bookbinding
Il was going from bad to worse" the
! letter ran, "and nothing is easier for
a young fellow TO do, and the roaC
down to being a common tramp is {
short one when one gets started. Wher
| came to your house that Christmas
morning | was bitter, hard and des
peratc, No one living could have
touched my heart as did that little
! blue-eyed boy. His little sermon. witt
its text taken from Mother Goose.
snatched this poor brand from the
burning. Tell the little chap that !
found my mamma, and she was glad
as he said"
Accompanying the letter was a pack
| age of Christmas gifts. addressed to
Donald. Among other things it con-
| tanned q book-a copy of Mother
Goose exactly like the one from
which he had read to the man to
tain him." eXqusitely bound in
white yellum. On the cover in gold
letters was Donald's name, and below
| it. From his grateful Blue Boy,
| Christmas-1S9-."
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26
NOW | LAY ME-"

pay for it, too or else there amt goiu
to be no Christmas round here
That's my judgment. too" said the
cattIcman, and the minister agreed.
So they sat down to their task Of Sc.
lection. They spent hours over It in
GREATNESS interest ana when thciI
gifts were ready there arose the Qucs.
ton Of a Christmas trcc. 1t had stop.
ped showing and tramping ont into the
moonlit night they cut down a great
piece of sagc-brush. The mOthc!
adorned it with tlnscl paper and the
gifts were prettily disposed. Christmas
dawned for two of tn" happiost chill
dren under the sun, and happy moth
or, too. for inside the big plush album
selected Tor her the catIloman had
slipped a hundr,d-dpIlar bill
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26

and my mamma talked to me a long
time, and she told me so many things
SO I'd grow to be a good man. Did your
mamma want you to be a good man,
too"
The man choked on a hasty cup OF
coffee. but made no reply. Donald I'D
not seem to expect one. but chatted on.
Il was 'fraid my mamma did not love
me any more when / stole those cakes.
cause she looked so sorry. but" with
a happy little laugh. seemed like she
loved me more'n ever after. But /
don't want to see her look sorry like
that again. Did you ever make your
mamma look sorry-out Of her eyes.
you known"
A smothered groan from the
stranger and. with a child's intuition
of something wrong" Donald sought
to cheer and console. and said. reas-
suringly. well. you Just go an tell
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26
HfE ,-4$s+s=#HIII'N.,l
IusEtoIA /! ~ MIGHT
"ss '. ". i. T.

one star burned low within the darKcncd
cast,
AID from a stable door an answering
light
Gent faintiy forth, where through full
hours OF night
woman watched. The sounds OF dIy
had ceased,
And save the gentle tread OF restless
bcsIst
rlicIe dwelt a hush profound. The moth
er's sight
So huiden by her Babe took no alright
Wien shadows of the beams. that caught
The teast
If light seemed shapCncd to n lcngthen-
ting cross:
She only saw a crown made Ivy fleece
ps golden hair. Naught presagcd pain or
auss--
rcSher, the pivot of the swinging sphere
!.ay sheltered in her arms SO warm aud
near.
A mothers heart proclaimed Him Prince
OF Peace"
Edna A. Foster
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26

On the eve OF st. Nicholas day. Dec
G, parents in France used to secret'
give presents to their children as Mich.
ents denied that they gave the presen'
and said they had been left by Il
saint, who on this r'eht Travelled II
and down the earth and entering u
seen and unheard through the window
OF the houses reward the good chi
drsa-
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26

In England children hang their
stockings at the foot of their beds. In
America the whole family suspen,
their stockings from the mantelplece OF
the sitting room. TO save Santa Claus
the trouble Of ascending the stairs anC
entering each room to distribute hi
wares
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26
PEOPLE AND
EVENTS
MRS. CLEVELAND POPULAR.

Mrs. Grover Cleveland is tho most
popular woman in Princeton. Her
charming. Unaffected ways captured
the hearts Of the people. Rarely day
walking with her three daughters. She
mods to all the townspeople and has n
pleasant word for most of them. Her
visiting list Is one of the largest in
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26

tired naval officer. The life on
board Il warship Is at best
very confined ana necessarily
strict and severe. There the
suggestion Of II prison In tho steel
walls and narrow quarters and the
regularity OF the hours and meals The
life of the jackics Is made up almost
entirely of work with very little play.
We learn to enjoy our Christmases the
more when at Inst they come r0und
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26
The DAY OF DAYS.

y thousand years have como AMI gone.
And near a thousand more.
Since happier light from heaven shOnC
Than ever Shouc before;
And IN the hearts of old ana Young
\ Joy most joyful stirred,
That sent such news from tongue to
tongue
AS ears had never heard.
And We are glad and we will sing
AS in the days of yure:
'omc all. and hearts made ready bring
To welcome back once more
Tho day when first on wintry earth
4 summer chang" began
Aud dawniuS ul a lonely birth,
CproSc the Light of man.
II. r. INn,h
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26
KEEPING
~s(f1El J |. }
&lRssEs:,

TIT II our travellers who were
II bound in a Western
H. passenger train on Christ
- mas Eve speedily became
acquainted with each other, and sat
about the stove at the end of the car to
talk it over" One of the men was IA
drummer, another cowboy, the third
big cattieman, and the last the minis
er who tells the story, They finally
ell into conversation with poor wo-
man and her two children, the only re-
naming passengers, and found that
he mother who had tried to maintain
herself by sewing since her husbands
leath, was giving up the unequal strug-
gle and going home to live with
grandma"
Tho little threadbare children had
beer promised joyous Christmas
here, and when they found that III
blockade would prevent their getting
'arther for the present, they cried
bitterly until sleep quoted them, Just
| 5cfOre they dropped off the drummer
emarked
say, parson, we've got to give these
children some Christmas"
That's what" said the cowboy.
I'm agreed" added the cattleman.
The children were told to hang up
their stockings
I'VE amt got none" quavered the
title girl, "'ceptin' those we've got
IN. and ma says it's too cold to take
EN- Off"
I've got two pairs OF new wooden
ocks," said the cattleman, eagerly. Il
int never wore 'em. and you're well
| ome to EN-"
The children clapped their hands
nut their faces fell when the elder re-
| narked:
But Santa Claus will know they're
OF our stockings. He'll put In all the
hings for you"
Lord love you" roared the burly
attleman. He won't bring me moth
\. One OF usil sit up. anyhow, and
ell him it's for you
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26

Poverty with contentment Is betts'
than wealth without happiness.
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26
CANDY, FOR 1.-THE
s.:,LleLIDKlf

gift OF n fancy bcdeCkcd
box of candies Is at all times
u most welcome gift, and as
honbOn candies are very ex-
n,ngtNn IN nurthoGp I'm large
Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1901-12-26

Pennsylvania still retains a poll tar
Of 60 cents as a condition OF suffrage,
The age-herald., 1901-08-01
sternfeId is Still Receiver.

In the United States Court today Judge Bruce overruled the motion for the ap- pointment of a new receiver for the Mon ticello Coal and Railroad Company. MT. Julius Sternfield ST., is the present re- ceiver and was appointed by Judge Bruce some time ago.
 District Attorney Julius Davidson and l.. J. Haley of Birmingham argued before the judge for the appointment of new receiver. Their contention was that the receiver was in the northern district out side of where the property Is located Also on the ground that Judge Bruce did not have Jurisdiction.
 Both contentious were overruled and the present receiver will remain.
 The arguments of the application for permission to issue $10,00O in order to operate the company's properties for five years, and other propositions for the creditors, which opposes the first that the properties be sold and the money used for paying creditors and distribution among stockholders were continued until Septem- Der.
The age-herald., 1901-08-01
HUNT SMILE.
Annus' Meeting of Tennessee Improve
 ment Company Called.

Huntsville, July s1.-tspecial)-The Ten nessee River Improvement Association will hold its annual meeting in this c'ty in the early part of October and it will probably be the largest meeting yet held. In view of the fact that Major Knight, army engineer who Is In charge of the river works below Chattanooga, has rec commended an appropriation of nearly million dollars for the removal of ob- structions at Colbert Shoals, great effort will be made to have Congress give this roint in the river the appropriation which is demanded by its importance When the Instructions are removed from these shoals the river will be navigable to large steamboats as far up as Chattanooga ten months each year. This Is the opinion of expert engineers
 Congressman Bankhead, who Is an infiu- ential member of the Congressional rivers and harbors committee. has signified his intention to attend the meeting in this city if possible.
The age-herald., 1901-08-01
ALABAMA COTTON CROP IS EXCELLENT Farmers Say the Yield Will be
 Very Large CORN CROP IS A FAILURE Official Weather Bulletin lssued-There Is a Spirited Race on for the Col onelcy of the Second Alabama
 Reglment-other News.
CORN CROP IS A FAILURE

Montgomery, July 31-(Special) ing to the regular bulletin issued today by the United States Department of Agri- culture, the crop conditions in Alabama have greatly improved. Farmers from different sections of the State in Mont gomery this week say tl:at the cotton crop though about three weeks late, is very promising and an unusually large yield is predicted, provided weather conditions continue.
 The corn crop does not promise much. In this immediate section rain has been badly needed, but good showers have fall en today.
 Director Chaffee's Bulletin. The following is the bulletin issued by Director Chaffee:
 Conditions were generally favorable ex- cept in northern counties, where hot and dry weather prevailed. In the middle and southern counties showers fell on several days. being copious in some places and rather excessive in extreme southwestern counties, particularly so at Mobile. A general rain would be beneficial Cotton Is clean and generally healthy; and, while small, Is now making good growth and 1 fruiting satisfactorily. There arc a few scattered reports of rust, mostly in south ern counties. Some cotton continues to die from black root or root rot in southeast 1 portions of the State, but damage from i these causes Is of a local nature as yet. Early corn Is maturing but will make a | light and inferior yield. Late corn Is | l, c ing. Pulling of early fodder has com menced in a few fields and will soon be- | come general. Sorghum Is beginning to head and promises fair yield. Cane, pea nuts, field peas and sweet potatoes are generally doing well. Garden and Irish potatoes continue generally poor. Melons and canteloupes are being marketed In in- creasing quantities, but both will make less than the average yield Pastures are generally poor but are improving. Late peaches are being marketed in fairly good condition. Pears are doing fairly well and grapes continue very promising Preparations for fall gardens have com- menced in some localities.
 Contest for Colonel. The contest for colonel of the Second Regiment, Alabama National Guard. to succeed Colonel Henry B. Foster, resign ed, is becoming spirited. The aspirants for the position are Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Wiley of Montgomery and Major b H. Graves of Eufaular The line officers have been carefully canvassed. with the result that both candidates are claiming the election. When the vacancy first oc- 1 raA fhof GnlnnRi Wiley would have serious opposition. and his friends were inactive. In the mean time the Graves advocates were hustling, and they now claim twenty out of a total of thirty-f1ve votes This caused the Wiley faction to arouse themselves and the result of the contest now seems | in doubt,