davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24

Bethlehem TO hold the fodder for the
animals that fed there. 1t became the
cradle OF the infant Saviour when he
was laid within the rough trough by
his mother and came in time to be re-
garded as one of the most sacred
things on earth This broken piece of
the grating was taken from Bethlehem
Mt the time of the Mussulman invasion
in the year G42 and was carried to
Rome, where Pope Theodosius took
charge of it as one of the most precious
of relics
Whether or not the grating now
shown is the true relic, ii is certainly
extremely old and is interesting for
that reason and because of associations
that have gathered about it since ii be-
came one of the mementos cherished in
the Imperial City. 1t is one of the
greatest treasures of the ancient
Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
1t consists of five worn bars. These
are of wood, worm eaten and gray,
that looks as though it might be oak
powdered with -four The bars average
about a yard in length, and the entire
grating is suspended in crystal case
by silver ribbons.
This case is supported on carved gold
and silver feet, and its full length is a
meter, its height half a meter 1t is
surmounted by beautiful enameled
statue of the infant Jesus.
During the year this magnificent re-
liquary is inclosed in golden case and
disposed on one of the affairs of the
church. At Christmas time it is ex-
posed to view, and the festival of the
nativity terminates with an imposing
procession in which the relic is carried,
the solemn occasion being presided
over by a cardinal-New York Trib-
une
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
Christmas Superstitions.

There are many Christmas supersti-
lions long held as articles of faith that
are to be recalled-how that oxen kneel
in their stalls at midnight on Christ
mas eve in adora ton Of the Nativity
and for one hour have the power Of
speech; for that one hour, too, the lost
spirits have rest. Judas sleeps, Herod
ceases to clank his chains, the daugh-
ter or Herodias may pause In the dance
in which she is condemned to spin for
ever, and Pilates ghost ceases its wan
behring's on Mount Pilatus. 1t was be
lieved, too that the sound of church
bells could be heard wherever a church
had stood, though no trace remain. and
that on that pregnant night one sleep
ing in Il manager would see his future
in vision.-Country Life In America.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
Bringing In the Nule Log

The Yule log is n remnant of the
JUL, when the Scandinavians used to
kindle huge fires in honor of their
god Thor. In some parts of old Eng
land bringing in the Yule log was the
principal ceremony of Christmas eve
Part of the log was carefully preserv-
ed to light the Yule log OF the succeed
ing year. 1t was believed that piece
OF the log in the house was security
against fire, and if squirting person
entered the room while it was burning
all sorts of i'll luck would come to
the family.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24

M LIZ
Zone can admire even impudence -
be said, IF 1t amounts to genius This
boy Is certainly a genius of effrontery
lie ought to be encouraged. What do
you say to collection for him for
Christmas?"
BY way of reply l dropped a silver
dollar in my hat and gave it to the
speaker, who duplicated the coin and
sent the hat through the car. the pas
sengers passing it from hand to hand.
When 1t came back il contained $3.50.
L let the child handle it, then took care
Of it for him till his arrival at his des-
tination. When we stopped at a sta
ton on the outskirts of St Louis a
man boarded the car and, coming I'D
to the boy, took him in his arms and
kissed him. But the one who can be-
come familiar on short acquaintance Is
not likely to permit familiarities in
others. The child planted his fist right
between the eyes of his captor.
The man explained to us that he was
the boys father and his child had been
away long enough to forget him.
L took the fathers address and dur
ing the day Christmas went to the
house. l found very nice people in i'm
poverished circumstances. Their boy
had taken home with him the where
wtthal to buy n Christmas dinner.
WALDON WELDRON.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
A Quaint Christmas Custom

The burning of the ashen fagot is n
curious custom observed in Devon and
Somerset on Christmas eve The
fagot consists of green ash sticks cut
lengthways and neatly fastened into
n bundle with witty bands. At 8
O'Clock in the evening this is placed
on the fire with much ceremony. when
the family and invited guests are gath
cred round the hearth. The flames
lick round the bundle. and, when the
first green withe holding the fagots
bursts, glasses are raised and emptied
to "a Merry Ohristmasv' The break
ing of each bond is the signal for a
fresh toast. Legend accounts for this
custom by the story that a fire of ash
wood warmed the stable at Bethlehem,
while local tradition tells of a green
wood fire kindled by Alfred the Great
during his lonely wanderings in Som
erSet
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
QUEER CHRISTMAS GIFTS.
Small Particles OF Radium Presented
by London Women.

Small Particles OF Radium Presented
by London Women.
There is this to be said of the latest
fad of London society women-the Civ
ing of small particles of radium as
Christmas presents-that none Of the
recipients can complain of having re-
ceived cheap gift. To give radium in
this way costs from $40 to $50, the out
fit necessary therefor consisting of a
"spinthariscope" and a speck of the
new metal hardly big enough to be
seen with the naked eye.
Sir William Crookes, the English sci
enlist, invented the spinthariscope.
which is kind Of microscope through
which small quantities of the precious
stuff can be examined to better ad-
vantage. The spinthariscope sold by
London chemist who has the radium
monopoly is about the size of a finger
ring case and has an opening for the
eye something like that in n child's
Kaleidoscope. BY taking the apparatus
into darkened room and squirting
through the eyehole one can see flashes
of constantly varying light shooting in
all directions, like miniature fireworks.
The idea of making Christmas gifts
of radium has proved uncommonly in
fictitious, and the run on the chemists
stock necessitated hasty communion
ton with the firms in Bavaria and Aus
tria who supply most of the radium
that reaches England. - Washington
Post
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
The Teachers Present.

The old schoolmaster was deeply af-
fected. His scholars, noticing the di-
lapidated appearance of his chair, had
presented him with a new one for
Christmas. my dear boys" said the
kindly old man. with tears In his eyes,
Il can never hope to tell you how you
have made me feel by this token Of
your love for me. All 1 can do is to
thank you for the sacrifices you have
made of your little purses for the sake
of my comfort. II you have found me
severe at times trust you realize that
1T has always been for your own good"
AS the old schoolmaster prepared to
sit down in his new chair he uncon-
sciously ran his hand over the seat In
search Of bent pins.-Philadelphi
Ledger.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24


GOLD.
who he was, for he died centuries ago?
I know that some little girls and boys
are longing to say now:
"Oh, we're too old for that sort of
thing. We know there is no such
person as Santa Claus. Our presents
are given us by our fathers and moth
ers. We know all about 1t"
So far as the presents are concerned,
perhaps they are right, hut when they
push dear old Santa Ci out of the
way as a myth they ar quite wrong,
for Santa Claus was q as much
alive as any little % Z boy who
reads this.
St Nicholas lived about the year 300
A. D.. and he was a bishop of the early
Christian church In Asia Minor. The
name Santa Claus is merely a different
form of his real name, Just as Carl and
Carlos are varying forms OF the name
Charles, and Maria ard Marie are of
Mary.
During his holy and useful life st.
Nicholas was very good to all the little
children he met, giving them presents
and making them happy in every pos
sible way. He is, therefore, to be re-
membered at this season because it is
especially the children's feast day, and
his memory should be lept more green
in our hearts than the greenest leaves
OF the mistletoe that decorate our
homes.
One story told Of s.. Nicholas re-
lates how he found three lovely maid
ems who were very unhappy because
there was no one to take care OF them.
and they were so poor they feared they
might starve to death. The good old
saint, hearing of their grief, went and
tapped softly on the window of their
home. When 1t was opened he threw
three purses filled with gold into the
window and hid before the girls could
see who it was that sent this unexpect-
ed gift
The next night he did not go, but the
night following he tapped softly again
and threw three more purses into the
window. He waited like time and
then threw them n third present, but
did not hide quickly enough, for they
saw who il was-the kind old bishop
who loved children so tenderly or
course, they were very grateful for
helping them out of their trouble this
way. Some people think that the Gus
tom of giving presents originated from
this old legend.
In Germany they keep the feast of
st. Nicholas on Dec. G. At this time
some one dresses in the traditional
costume worn by Santa Claus, gives
presents to the children who have been
good and sorrowfully says Il have
nothing for you" to the naughty ones.
Philadelphia Ledger
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
SEABOARD
AIR LINE RAILWAY
Short Line to Principal Cities of the
South and SouthW est, Florida,
Cuba, Texas and Mexico

Schedule in Effect April 18th, 1904.
TRAINS LEAVE RICHMOND-MAIN ST.
sTATION-DAILY
2:20 D. m.-"SEABOARD MAIL" composed
of latest improved day coaches, Pullman
Sleeper, Pullman ParIor Car and Cafe
Car. to Henderson, Raleigh, Southern
Pines, Hamlet Pinehurst, Atlanta Cam
den, Columbia, Savannah. Jacksonville
st. Augustine and Tampa,
10 :35 p. m. -'SEABOARD EXPRESS" COM
posed OF day coaches. Pullman Cars to
Atlanta. Jacksonville and Tampa. Cafe
Cars South of Hamlet. To Henderson
Raleigh, Southern Pines. Hamlet, Pine
hurst, Atlanta, Camden, Columbia
Savannah, Jacksonville. st. Augustine,
Tampa, and New Orleans.
9:l0 a. m.--Local for Norlina, Hamlet and
Charlotte.
TRAINS ARRIVE ECONOMICALLY.
8:35 a.. m.-No. 81. from Florida Atlanta and
the Southwest.
1855 p. m.-No SO, from Florida, Atlanta and
the Southwest.
80 p. m.-No. 80. from Norlina and Local
Points.
w. M TAYLOR
City Ticket Agent.
II. 8. LIZARD, Dis. Pass. Agt..
No. $50 E Main St., Richmond, Va
Phone 405
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
Raising
CbrfSfm as
DIS

" WAS going home to spend Christ
mas. AS L had no children-in-
deed, was not Observation-Disclosures.
especially Christmas, bored me.
j wished the season were over and the
new year begun. The train pulled out
of the station, and 1 took up a news
paper.
Suddenly my paper was crushed back
on my face, a pair of small arms were
thrown around my neck and the round
face of a boy about four years old was
thrust within AN inch of my nose. By
what right he assumed to treat a per-
feet stranger in this demonstrative
fashion L could not conceive.
you little scamp, what do you
mean?"
Pm goin' home to spend Christmas"
at that moment the conductor came
along for tickets and told me that the
boy had been put In his charge. He
was to meet his father at st. Louis.
The little imp unclasped his hands as
suddenly as he had clasped them and
made a dash for the door. l dashed
after him, reviling the parent who
would put a child his age in the care
of conductor, and dragged him back.
This l did a dozen times during the
day. When not trying to get on the
platform he was trying to sell an old
knife mo blades) to the passengers to
raise Christmas money. At first they
put him away, some Of them impa-
tently, others gently, but he was so
persistent and got up such remarkable
financial schemes that at last every
one in the car was laughing at him.
There was something in this ire
sponsible naturalness that won my
heart. At nightfall, since there was no
one to pay any attention to him, 1
called the porter, fed him and told
him to make up the child's berth,
which happened to be directly opposite
my own. Then the boy got sleepy, and
L told him the sandman was com
ing around to weight his lids, and il
he didn't keep awake till he was un-
dressed he wouldn't see the old fellow.
1 wished to keep him awake till the
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
Christmna In Canada.

Far away in Canada the Christmas
is very like our own. The turkey. well
stuffed with savory herbs, occupies the
place of honor on the dining table, only
there are hot pumpkin pies, prepared
and served with great deal of cream
to keep 1t company. 1t is the Christ
Child himself who is supposed to
come down the wide chimneys to bring
toys to good little children who are
really asleep, not shamming. The gifts
are generally wrapped up with huge
packets OF maple candy, and "doughnut
dolls" are as usual as gingerbread fig
ures used to be in old English fairs
Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
Four Facts About Christmas.

Christmas. They think it is the
three wise men of the east who bring
them their gifts.
1t is said TO be unlucky TO leave
Christmas decorations up after
Twelfth Night
There is an island called Christmas
island in the Pacific ocean, so called
because Captain Cook discovered it on
Christmas day, 1777.
Plum pudding was originally plum
porridge and eaten for breakfast, not
for dinner.-Philadelphi Ledger.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24

porter could undress him. Neverthe-
less he fell asleep In my arms, and as
the porter was busy concluded to I'M
dress him myself.
Wake up"' / said, shaking him.
He opened his eyes. HAS the sand
man been around?" was his first ques-
ton.
II should think so: long ago. It's bed
time"
1t was a hard hunt I had all over
his little body for buttons, but found
them. His shoe laces were in a knot,
but l united them and put him to bed
In his undergarments. Giving me
mug like bear cub he fell back on the
pillow and was asleep before 1 could
cover him up.
Before turning in myself | took a
look at him to assure myself he was
all right Drawing the curtains. the
lamplght fell on his face What a
picture of innocence. Where was he
going? He didn't know. Who took
care Of him? He didn't care. Perhaps
the parent who had sent for him was
mt that moment anxious about him
and regretted letting him come in such
way. | had dread that he would
wake up in the middle of the night
with collie. But if his parent worried.
II l worried, there was one who was
not in the least troubled about him. 1t
was himself
In the night | dreamed that I was be-
Ing garroted. l awoke and found my
self tightly clasped around the neck.
1 put my hand up to discover what
was choking me and felt tiny arm
with hand on 1t no bigger than my
watch and five soft little fingers \
stream OF lamplight came in where
the curtains hung loose. 1t revealed
the boy sound asleep. How he got
there | didn't know, and doubt if he
knew himself
The next morning he resumed his
negotiations with the passengers to
raise Christmas money, but the most
impudent thing he did was to ask me
II he had not lent me cents the night
before. This to me, who had spent
money for him and had taken such care
of him.
| felt touch on my shoulder and
turned my head. y gentleman in the
seat behind me, with benevolent face
and a twinkle in his eve. was looking
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
MfstIetoc.

The eastern mistletoe is parasitic on
deciduous trees as far north as New
Jersey. 1t grows in great punches
from one to three feet across aud soon
disfgures tree. The people Of Allan
tn, Ga, have free mistletoe. The city
authorities cut it out OF the shade
trees that line the streets, and any one
may take 1t away by the wagon load.
The plant IL in no danger of extermina-
ton, as we are satisfied with compar-
atively small amount, despite it's
unique associations, which ought to
make 1t in universal demand. The
trade is supposed to handle about TO-
600 pounds.-Country Life In America
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
TIE
MiSflefOe'S
Story

" AM only a sprig of old mistletoe.
My leaves are quite shriveled and
And my sap all dried up such a long
time ago
That my berries they never get fed.
But I'll tell you tale of a trick that I
played
That lovesick young man and a wealthy
young maid
Should contrive to get happily wed.
1t was Christmas eve. and from where
1 hung.
Tied up with piece OF string.
i caught many couple. both old and
young.
Kissing like anything.
But fairest of all the young people saw
Was pretty Miss Eveline Marjory Daw,
Who was fit for the bride OF a king.
Now. Marjory Daw. as you'll readily
guess.
Each of whom for kiss Of the hem OF
her dress
Would have given much treasure ga
lore.
But the only young man she pretended to
see
(To whose offer her father would never
agree)
Was a penniess fellow named Shaw.
Now. Shaw tipped the butler-I saw the
coin pass
To turn down the gas in the hall
q was hung from a bracket quite close
to a glass
Not more than yard from the walD
Then he waited beneath me, his senses
alert
Till he heard the swish swish" of a rus
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
Ferns and Autumn Leaves.

Ferns and autumn leaves as Christ
mas decorations add greatly to the eff
fectveneSs of the conventional holly,
mistletoe and evergreens. Ferns grown
in hothouSeS are easily obtained at the
holiday season, but are rather expen-
sive. Autumn leaves are ut the COM
mand of whoever has the time to
be preserved in all their pristine glory
with little trouble. Autumn leaves
pressed in books, while retaining their
glorious colors, lose some of their live
illness and their natural shape, but
whole branches of them may be kept
intact by placing them in dry sand in
any cellar where there is no dampness
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24

ting Six SKIRT
They were having Christmas eve ball.
In a moment his arms were about the
fair waist.
What cared he for the wrath of papa7
And he covered her cheek with his kisses
in haste
To the strains of the piano afar.
But she, with a cry, reached and turned
up the gas,
When he saw. to his horror, alas and alas.
He'd been kissing his sweetheart 8
mammal
Then up came the guests In response to
her call,
While papa was quite purple with rage,
And that Shaw was a cad they agreed.
one and all.
Not to show more respect for old age
But the dame. with her vanity utterly
twisted
And quite unaware of the error. insisted
That the maid should be gallantry' 8
wage.
-T.Ou Clxetch
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
4. t. d I. ieksbufs, and Pcto-
mac Railroad

Trains Leave Observation-Disclosures
4:l5 a. m daily, Byrd t. Through
6;49 a. m, daily, Maip st. Through.
7:IO a. m, week days, Elba. Ashland accom-
mediation.
$40 a. M, daily Byrd st. Through.
Local stops.
IL :05 noon, week days. Byrd st. Through
400 p m, week days. Byrd st. Fredericks-
burg accommodation.
sos p. mtdsily, Main ST. Through.
6;SO p, M, week days. Elba. Ashland accom-.
mediation.
sos p. m, daily, Byrd ST. Through
Trains Arrive Observation-Disclosures
6;S3 a. m, week days. Eliza Ashland accom-
mediation.
500 a m, week days, Byrd st. Fredericks-
burg accommodation.
S:35,a- m, daily, Byrd st. Through
III 80 a. m, week days, Byrd st. Through.
Local stops.
2:14 p, m, daily Main ST. Through.
5;52 p. m week days Elba Ashland accom-
modations.
7:l5 p. m, daily, Byrd St,..Through.
900 p. m, daily, Byrd St. Through, Loca
stops.
80 p. m. daily, MainSt Through
NOTE---Pullman Sleeping or Parlor Cars on
all above aims except train arriving Rich
mond IL 80 a. m week days and local accom-
modations.
Time of arrivals and departures and con
nections not guaranteed.
w. ID. DUKE, e. w. CULP, w. p. TAYLOR
Genl Man'r. Asst Genr Man. Traf Man
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
Old Ideas About Cbrtstma.

Even as late as 1853 there was some
doubt as to the exact date of Christ
mas. the old count bringing it to the
9TH of January, the new count giving
us the 18th Of December, which is ''the
day we celebrate" In Devonshire,
England, it is believed that if the sun
shines ut noon on Christmas day a
plentiful apple crop may be looked for
in the following year.-National Illus
trated Magazine.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
Gay Yuletide.

All hail the genial time OF year
When every heart is kind.
When far and near there is good cheer.
And care is left behind.
Old feudS forgot, old hates aside.
Now hearty clasps of hand.
While far and wide at Christmastide
Love reigns throughout the land
Forgive. forget. a truce to pride:
Healed are all friendships riffs.
At gay Yuletide on every side
Were worked for Christmas gifts.
New York Journal.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24

dent Grants COOK. but IN these days
he dusts the offices of the White House
and keeps things tidy there as the ira
ditional pin.
The presidents and their advisers are
usually men of advanced years, and it
is to be second generation from them
that the White House looks for the frol-
les OF childhood on Christmas day
Woman'S Home Companion.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
A Confession That Failed.

$50 you concluded to diSpel the Santa
Claus myth from the mind of your
youngest son?'
YES" said the thoughtful citizen.
you see. thought that it would be
better to hurt his feelings than to
countenance deception in any form"
"And were his feelings hurt?"
Not at all. He looked at me pity
ingly and said he guessed | had been
one of the bad boys to whom Santa
Claus did not pay any attention. -
Washington Star.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
Taking Time by the ForeIocI<.

Magazine Editor-It is time to ar
range for our Christmas stories.
Assistant have seen to that.
"Are the authors at work?'
YES; they dubbed together, hired n
room in an icehouse. and l send the
office boy round twice n day to jingle
sleighbells under the window"
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
Indiyid nlity In Gifts.

The personality of the giver express
ed In the wrappings about the Christ
mas gift adds value to the simplest Of
fering. After all, 1t is the spirit of
the giver rather than the gift itself
which gives the greatest pleasure.
The favorite ribbon, the slip of mistle-
toe. the color OF the tissue paper COW
ering, the card which bears the Christ
mas greeting, all express love and we'll
MtshiN2
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24

The Little Ladybug (dejectedly)-I
do hope Santa Claus will be able to
distinguish between hogs and ordinary
bugs,
Mamma Ladybug Why, Gladys!
What strange remark, What is
troubling you, oearl
The Little L&dybug-Why, Cissie
Centiped told me she was going to
hang up one whole set of her stock
ings!-Town Topics.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-24
Norfolk and Western r. r.
LEAVE RICHMOND DAILY, BYRD
STREET STATION


600 a. m NORFOLK LIMITED arr,ra. -.
Morfolk IL 20 A, M. Stops only at Petersburg.
WY m CHICAGO EXPRESS Buffet Parlox
Car Petersburg to Lynchturg AMI Rosrsk.
PniIman S!ecrer Roanoke so Colr mbus and
Biuot III " Ctnttnnati: also Roaoke to
H SnoSyiiie' and Knoxville to Chattanooga and
ynchburg. and Roanone.
500 m, Ocean Shor.L enited Arrives Nor
toik o. ~ Z. NJ. Stops oalr Petersburg Way-
erly and Suffolk. Cor7eou with Steamers 90
BOSTON. Providence. a,-v york. Baltimore and
$3.50 P. M, for Nora'bs ID all stations east
OF Petersburg.
s:SS I. M NEW ORLEANS SHORT LINE. Pull
man Sleeper Richmond to Lynchburg. Peters
burg TO Roanoke; Lynchburg TO Oh attanooga
memphis and New Orleans. Cafe Dining Car
Trains arrives from the west 7:35 a. M 3
P; m and $3.50 p. m, from Norfolk II 10 a. m.
II :32 a M a. m. and 80 d, m.
Office Ng 1873 East Main Street.
w b. BENlLI. g. II. BOSLEY
den. fass- Agt Div. Pass Agent.