Mower County transcript., 1904-12-28
9 good thing that the country was so
big, for every one Of the 400, ,00O, 600 are

~ W.
have thought many a time that those
spirits must have bad time of it during
the dawn of the Chinese New Year. If
the Chinese had been present at the time
that Admiral Sampson's guns had their
bad coughing spell before the hills of
Santiago on a certain day in July, they
would have clapped their hands, and
cried: Good, good! just like our New
Year's!"
Yet, notwithstanding the noise, 1 al
ways liked the New Years in China, for
after the first Gay the noise stops, and
the shops are all closed for one or two
weeks, for it is unlucky to do business
during the birth of the new year Except
at the back d0or-but don't say any
thing about this).
Then, too, we Americans could walk
along the streets for once in the year
feeling sure that nobody would curse
us, or call as "foreign dsvils," for it IS
unlueky to use that bad word at such q
happy time. Dear me, how l wish that
New Years would last IL months!
But the first day has come, and the lie-
tie Chinese children get ready to enjoy
1t foc all IT is worth. They are dressed
in their best and gaudiest clothes, which
are only worR On this occasion. Tbs
father has get from the pawn shop hfs
finest silk gowns, which that ebligins
relative has taken good care Of during
the past II months, and, thus sp1e1didly
attired, the proud father and his little
boys start out on little visiting trip
to his relatives and friends. to *'Kung
Hi, Fab Tsoi, "-w,sA them happy new
year and many riches.
what you say, Den the little girls
80. too?'
No; they must stay at homo. because
the littl le girl is not 40 important as ksr
brother. and. besides, she would have
difficulty in walking far in ker tiny
"goden lily shoes, which do Hst meas
ure more than three inches in length.
But what day it is for the little boy!
He has already got his FIRST present
when Santa Claus, that is to say, the
boys father (same thing, you see. as in
this country. gave him little string OF
copper cash tied on red cord: for it is
unlucky to start the New Year without
any money in your pocket, and that is
something both you and agree with
isn't it?
But our little Chinese boy could never
eerry home all the money that is given
to him, for it is the cHstom for every one
when he visfts to give him presents OF
money, as we'll as candy and cakes. OF
course, the father takes charge of this
Il mean the money-and l have often
wondered it his little son ever sees his
money presents again. I really think
that little Chimes hoy must be good
Investment for his father on New Year 4
Day in China.
But the visiting is soon over, and then
the little Chinaman is Off, sometimes
with his sister, to see the sights in the
streets. Fhey lsek at the peep shows
and the Punch-aRd-Judy shows--which
by the way. is Chinese invention, They
spin their teRs and fly their kites, until
. the sound Of g0n 81 and drums tells them
that tkHe is theater or Juggling show
somewhere near ami off they go, and
soon are to be found in the front row
c1apNi7" their hands in childish c:te
at the fua"\ antics Of The performers,
until the man come: rc"nh with the hat
and then there is iat'ci Of small feet
2s the YOUNGSTERS s urry away, for the
Chinese boys have 70 use for the la,
like sN!ne other l,uvs know,
But twilight finGE I'll tired little felix's
at home. 70: they are afraid 20 be OUT
al dark: and little John China;lan closes
the day in eatino. swpptmeat:;, or in talk :
ing his turn at hea, ing he unmusical
gong. CT in diving 2m0ng the mass of
red paper in tie courtyard. where the
fireworks were let cyt by his father and
DIG brothers. in search for uncyploded
single crackers. which he at once Duts
to their proper use. until. tired out with
his days eNeretiors he is put to bed
and is soon sound asleep. dreaming Of
cakes and candy, copper cash, and
Punch-and-Judy shows. and "Cr-cr-cr-
crack - bing - bang-boom!" m!"-Sundav
School Times.