davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1905-12-20
CHRISTMAS EVE IN BETHLEHEM.
Observances in the Christian Town Set
in the Heart of Moham m danism.

Observnnces in the Christian Town Set
in the Heart of Moham I'm ed auism.
Bethlehem, the central spot of interest
in the Holy Land at Christmastide, Is
Christian town set in the heart of Mo-
hammedanism, where once a year the
Greek church grants the use Of the grot.
to Of the Nativity to the Latin church,
says London Sphere. The ceremonies be.
gin on Dec. "a by the image of the
youthful Christ being carried from the
basilica Of st. Helena to the sacred
grotto of the Nativity, where the tradi-
tional spot of Christ's birth is marked by
a silver star set in the rocky pavement.
The service begins at 10 o'clock In the
evening. 1t opens with the chanting Of
psalms without any musical accompani-
ment. The patriarch of Jerusalem usu-
ally ofiiciates in the grotto, but on this
occasion he is represented by the Latin
bishop. The interior Of the church ID
most picturesque, for there are only
few chairs provided for foreign visitors,
while the bulk of the congregation ID
made up of the Bethlemite women In
their blue dresses with red frontlets,
wearing peaked caps when married and
fat caps covered by white wells when
single.
As they enter the church they at first
kneel down and then sit upon the ground
in true oriental fashion. ''In the dimly
lighted church." says one who has seen
the service, 'these squatting varicolored
figures, with their beautiful faces lit up
by fits and starts by flashes of the cam
dies, intent on devotion, seem like SO
many modern Madonnas come to cele-
brate the glory Of the first Madonna"
Precisely at midnight the pontifcal
high mass Is celebrated, the figure Of
Christ is brought in basket and depos-
tied upon the high altar, and the process
sion forms to accompany it to the crypt.
AS the long, chanting procession winds
through the dimly lighted church there
Is something weirdly solemn about the
ceremony, and as the sacred image
passes various acts of worship are per-
formed by the devout attendants. On
the procession moves through the rough
hewn, dimly lit passages from the Latin
church to the grotto of the Nativity.
When the procession Of richly ROBBED
ecclesiastics reaches the silver star set
in the pavement the priests pause and
stand in a group about the basket, which
Is deposited upon the star. Around this
star is the inscription, "Hic de virgins
natus est" ("Here he was born Of a
virgin'J, for this is the spot upon which
tradition places the actual birth Of Je,
sus. There the impressive narrative OF
the birth of Jesus as found in the gospels
is slowly recited, and when the pas
sage duke H., y, "And she brought
forth her frstborn Son and wrapped
him in swaddling clothes and laid him In
a manger, because there was no room
for them in the inn," is read the figure
Is reverently picked up from the star and
carried over to the opposite side of thu
grotto, where it Is put into a rock cut
manger. This concludes the service.
The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1905-12-20
MAKING CHRISTMAS TOYS.
Thriving Industry in Germany, France
and Switzerland.

and Switzerland.
In parts of Germany, France and
Switzerland every humble householder
takes more interest in Christmas than
the average American boy. This seems
like strong statement, for Christmas is
pretty thoroughly appreciated by the
young of America. But, great as the
festival is to them, it is not essential TO
their existence. They could get along
without Christmas, but the toymakers
in Switzerland, the Tyrol and south Ger
many would starve without this midwin-
ter holiday which makes market for
their goods. There are wood carvers,
doll dressers and toymakers in every
hamlet and home of the Tyrol. They
depend upon the small wages they make
from these toys to put bread and butter
in their mouths.
All through the winter season every
boy and man carves out wood animals
and toys for the factories. Everything
is handmade. A Noahs ark of twenty
or thirty wooden animals that retails
for a quarter in this country does not
pay the carver more than few pennies.
The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1905-12-20

There is hardly any reason for any child
to believe that he will not come. A
good many things change in this world,
but on Christmas Eve merry old Santa
Claus is always heard of-his hair as
white, his nose as red, as ever; his bag
of toys just as full; his cry down the
chimney of "Any good children here?"
just as loud.
Kris Kringle is another name for
Santa Claus, and very good name,
too; and stockings are not the only things
that hold toys. Little German peasant
children often set their wooden shoes
on the hearth on Christmas eve, pretty
sure of cake and a toy; for children,
however poor their parents may be, are
made much of in Germany. And in some
places in Europe a curious thing hap
pens. The mother, the father and the
rest Of the family sit about the fire to-
gether on Christmas eve.
All the room is tidy. The children,
half hopeful, half terrified, draw close
to mother, father, or grandmothers, as
The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1905-12-20
New Year,s in France.

New Years in France is greater
day for exchanging gifts than Christmas.
The custom Of New Years calls, once
almost into disuse, is still supreme in
Paris. Great family dinners, in which
the orange figures most prominently, add
to the gayety of the day. SO crowded
are the pavements on the boulevards
that pedestrians sometimes have to take
the middle Of the street.
The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1905-12-20
The Message
of the Bells
% SGS:Sa ~ =



Sh the sky, hiding the peaceful face
of the moon, whose radiance
touched the edges of her somber
veil with fringe of silver. The
great gray tower lifted its head far
aloft in the midnight stiffness, and the
wind moaned around its rough-hewn COR
ners a requiem for the dying year. With
in the tower sat the old bell-ringer, wait
ing for the stroke of twelve from the
clock, and, as he waited, his thoughts
drifted back to the years long buried
in the dimness of the past-the years
when his floating white hair had been
crisp and black, when his long, slender
fingers were strong and supple, and
struck from the midnight chimes music
of enhancing beauty.
Oh, happy memory! Oh, long ago! 1t
was on another night like that that Ru-
precht was born; and the joy which
beamed from the pale young mothers
face was reflected in his own, as he left
her with her baby on her bosom and
rushed to the beethoven to make of his
chimes a pean of praise to the Father
who had filed his life with blessing.
How they loved him-that baby--their
only one-their all! How he and Els
peth had watched each new develop
ment-how proudly guided the first tot
tering step; how carefully repeated the
first lisping word.
The boy studied-improving every op-
portunity with untiring zeal, until at
last the great organ in the Cathedral
below Numbered it's glorious music re-
eponsive to the touch of the boyish fin
gers. People thronged to hear. Ru-
precht's services were demanded else
where-brilliant prospects opened be-
fore him, and the inevitable separation
drew near.
New Years Eve! How many ami
versaries this shadowy hour heidi The
boy babe them good-by while Elspeth
chung to him and sobbed, and her hus-
band rushed away to tell the chimes his
agony as he had poured into them his
10Y. AS he sat waiting, even as now,
q step came up the stair, and some one
entered the belfry chamber. and the voice
he loved said tenderiy ",Mein Water, let
me play the chimes tonight. | will leave
with them q message to comfort you
when you are sad-a message for you
and the mother, too. When hear it in
the far-off land it will be my mothers
voice that sings to me, and when you
play it, mein water, it will say to you,
'Ruprecht loves me- Then you will
pray God watch over my boy and keep
him safe for me- and the All-Father
will hear"
When Ruprecht struck the massive
keys it was the simple old pleyel's hymn
ne played, but he lent his beautiful voice
to the clangor Of the bells and sang his
mothers favorite words:
Children OF the Heavenly King
As We journey sweetly sing,
Sing your Sayiour's worthy praise
Glorious in his works and ways.
A moment later he was gone. The
years had been many and long since
then, but no tidings ever came, and Els
peth's hair grew white before the look OF
expectancy in her dear eyes changed to
the calmness Of resignation. He was
dead, of course. They had heard of the
wrecked ship. They aai moved 10 a ncE
The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1905-12-20
Indiridnality i'm Gifts.

The personality of the giver expressed
in the wrappngs about the Christmas
gift adds value to the simplest offering.
After all, it is the spirit of the giver
rather than the gift itself which gives
the greatest pleasure The fayorite rib
bon, the slip of mistletoe, the color of
the tissue paper covering the card which
-haaEszz TIC Giristinas greeting, sii express
love and well-wishing.
The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1905-12-20

The boys are taught to handle the
knife early, and they learn to cut out
wooden ducks, hens, horses, cows and
other toys before they have reached their
teens. Working all through the early
winter days and nights In their little
homes, they make the wooden toys that
delight so many children throughout the
world.-New York Mail and EXPRESS.
The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1905-12-20
Devonshire's YuIe Log.

In Devonshire the Yule log is known
as the Ashton fagot- The fagot is COM
posed of bundle of ash sticks bound
with nine bands of the same wood.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-27
SCARCITY OF MEAT.
German Municipal Authorities Ad.
dress Imperial Chancellor.

Special Cabiegram to The Star
BERLIN, November 27.-Prince Bulow
has just received deputation of repre-
sentatives of the majority of the larger
municipalities of Germany, who desire %
urge upon the government the necessity for
taking steps to mitigate the scarcity or
meat which has been prevalent throughout
the country since the summer The cher
burgomaster of Berlin, Herr Kirschner. who
acted as spokesman, declared that the proc
lem threatened grave danger to the eco
nomic development of the empire, while
the manner in which it has been treated
by the Prussian ministry OF agriculture was
calculated to create political discomfort.
The situation, with its high prices, was one
which seriously impaired the efficiency OF
the industrial classes and as q national
question 1t demanded redress.
Prince Bulow in his reply pointed ont
that in his capacity of imperial chancellor
ne had not the right to interfere with the
dispositions of the various states. The
frontier regulations were necessary In the
interests of German agriculture, and ne de-
clined to incur by opening the frontiers 10
the importation of foreign stock. Apart
from these considerations he was not pre-
pared to agree that scarcity of meat was
at the root of the evil. AS for the increase
In price, which he admitted, the question
of middlemen's profits must be taken INTO
account as well as the proportion borne by
the farmers to the dealers price. The inn
perial chancellor promised to give the mat
ter his earnest and his immediate attention.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-27
THEIR LOYALTY DOUBTED.
Consequently Russian Soldiers to Come
Home by Seea.

Special Cabiegram to The Star.
ST PETERSBURG, November 21.-Rus-
sian authorities have decided that tie
greater Eumber of troops shall be brought
to Europe from Manchura by sea. The
first contingent of the troops has just en-
barked from Vladvostok. They will be sent
in transports, some to Odessa, but the ma
jority to Baltic ports.
Several factors have contributed to the
decision to bring the soldiers back from
Manchuria by way OF the sea. In the first
place the Siberian railway is incapable of
Transporting the army home in anything
like reasonable time In the second place
the present strike on the Russian railways
has rendered any such attempt uncertain
and IN addition has rendered the task of
provisioning such huge body of men one
of the greatest difficulty.
One thing is certain, the work OF sending
the troops back to Russia would have been
commenced within week or two of the
conclusion of peace had 1t not been that the
car and his advisers entertained doubts as
to the loyalty of the army. For this rea-
son q remarkable arrangement was made
Whole regiments are not to be placed on
their return in any one tistrict-in fact not
more than 1900 of the Manchurian troops
will be allowed to be quartered in the same
place. If subsequently the men show no
signs of disaffection other drafts will he
sent to the same destination-the first ar
rivals to keep watchful eye on their new
comrades.
AS regards the carrying of this great body
of troops the Russian government has en-
tered into a provisional arrangement with
the North German Lloyd Company that ii
shall have the major portion of the work,
the contract price agreed upon being 500
per head. This action was taken in spite
of the fact that some eight or nine of the
largest British shipping firms were first in
the field with their tenders. What work
there may be that cannot be undertaken by
the North German Lloyd Company will be
entrusted to other German shipping firms
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-27
KAIsER's NOVEL SCHEME.
Corsica, Madagascar and China
Territory for Alscace-Loraine.

Special Cablcgram to The Star.
PARIS, November 27.-The kaiser is be-
lieved to be disappointed because France
has not responded to his advances. Alsace-
Lorraine is, he perceives, barrier to a
close entente. All sorts of suggestions have
been made by way of solving the thorny
problem, but the latest, which emanates, as
usual from Teutonic source, is SO very &C.
centric that 1t really deserves mention.
The emperor would, If this idea were really
adopted, put the following proposition be-
fore the two peoples: Lorraine to be
stored to France who would in return hand
over to Germany Corsica, the southern por-
ton of Madagascar, and Cambodia, it being
further stipulated that neither power should
keep garrison within twenty-five miles of
its frontier.
The notion that the French would give
up Corsica to the Germans, having them
for southeastern as well as eastern neigh
bors, and allowing them to get the thin
edge Of the wedge in Madagascar and their
1ndo-China territory is regarded as too I'M
practical here in Paris to deserve serious
attention. After all that has recently &C.
Cured in Morocco the suggestion that such
delicate question should be submitted to a
referendum of the two nations-a step
which would be bound to increase agitation
to fever heat-stands self condemned
AS matter OF fact. numbers of thought
full French and German people who have
oSNoACu SOHSiOefdtlOu 10 TIE sui VeXeQ
question Of the lost provinces have had to
confess themselves baffied by its magnitude
"Vive PAlsace-Lorraine Franchise" are
words that figure prominently on the adj
dress just issued, in which the League of
Patriots invites lovers Of their country to
Join in welcoming M. Paul Deroulede on his
arrival in Paris. and its president, who is
returning after his long exile, will certain
~ do his utmost to prevent any of his fell
low-citizens from supporting any movement
Tor the conclusion of close entente with
Germany.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-27
FRANCo-GERMAN EMBRoGLIo.
Partisan Writers Tell What Will
Happen to Kaiser

Special Cablegram to The Star
PARIS, November 27.-If the agita ton
over the Moroccan question has no other
effect 1t certainly viii rouse the French peo-
pie to the necessity of thoroughness in
preparation for defense against all attacks.
Even the socialists, Notwithstanding their
unquestionable devotion to peace, are be-
ginning to denounce the German methods.
For instance the socialist organ, the Petit
Republique under the caption Are We
Ready?'' dwells on the excellence of the
French rife and the superiority of the
French artillery and declares that the sui
more important factor, the French soldier
has no reason to fear comparison with
those of other countries. while in defending
his own country he will have the advantage
of defending the republic and his own rights
man and a citizen.
The moderate republican Senat tor, Nicomte
De Montford, retired officer of great prac-
teal experience. writing in the Figaro on
the question of a war with Germany, eX-
presses the conviction that with a little
patriotic energy our eventual success is still
possible" In the Gil Bias Nj. Louis D. Her
court says: I'm estimating the chances of
Germany and the coalition against her, one
qEestion-namely. that of money-has been
studiously ignored by the alarmists, al
though it has certain Importance"
Germany, he contends. would be the first
to suffer from financial exhaustion, owing
~ 'io SpcSi"i iotoie VI lie coiihIct- oh
the very day of the declaration of war no
German ship could show her nag on any
sea without being captured or sunk. There
will be no difficulty in admitting that state
ment which appears to be infinitely more
probable than the seizure of France as a
hostage within a week. Therefore at one
blow German commerce and industry would
DO practically reduced to insignificance.
During the war in the far east Russia bor-
rowed in Paris, while Japan borrowed in
London and New York. But where would
Germany, fighting against France and the
Anglo-Saxon world. find banker? The
upshot would be the impossib.iity to earn
money and the fmpossibility to borrow it.
1t will be admitted that from an economic
standpoint at least the allies could fatter
themselves with having a crushing supe-
riority. the combined ina neial resources
and credit of France and England being al
most inexhaustible while their commerce
would be free from all obstacles over nine
tenths of the globe"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-27
Brokers' Liability Defined.
egrsm tc The Star.

Special Cablegrsm tC Inc StsE'
LONDON, November 21.--An interesting
opinion regarding the legality OF STOCK ex-
change transactions has just been denver
ed by Lord McLaren In the Edinburgh
court of sessions. The case before the court
was one in which stock broker sued ell
ent for the balance of his account, the client
having pleaded the gaming act.
There may be different views of the mo-
rautv of buying and selling shares on the
stock exchange, for the purpose Of making
profit" said the judge. but whatever views
are held, they are not applicable TO bro
ker. When a broker accepts client ne is
hound to carry out the instructions, and Is
table in an action for damages If he fails
to do So 1t would paralyze all business ON
the stock exchange II the brokers were TO
be held to have duty to inquire into the
legitimacy of their clients object in giving
an order before they ventured to carry 1t
out"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-27

opinion there is a serious shortage in GER
tain OF the American tobacco crops, which
VIII inevitably lead to an advance in prices.
The classes of tobacco which will be chiefly
affected in Ireland, he says. are Irish roll,
cut Cavendish and kindred tobaccos-
The effects of this situation will. in the
opinion of Mr.. Gallaher, be felt equally by
the combine and by the independent man
ufactureTs. In conclusion he said that q
was an open question, however. whether
there would be any change in the retail
prices, in view of the fight in the tobacco
trade which. he said. is still being waSed
as fiercely as ever -
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-27
Souvenir for Queen Alexandra.
Special Cablegram to The Star

PARIS, November PIN Plankie, pre-
feet of Constantine, in Algeria. has pre-
pared for Queen Alexandra an album con-
tanning complete collection of photo
graphs of the most picturesque sights in
the country. Her majesty during her visit
there last spring, had 1t Is said, expressed
the wish to possess some memento of her
sojourn in the French colony. The album
has been sent by the project with some
fine specimens of Arab embroidery to
lady now in MarseiIle. who will transmit
the present to the queen.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-27
americans in Arrears to Mexico.

The United States consul at Vera Cruz
Mexico has informed the State Department
that the state tax collector has issued
notice to a number OF American owners OF
lands in the counties of Minititl2n and
Acayucan that they are In arrears tor
taxes and their properties will be sold
within 123 days after September q last II
the arrears are not paid AS most of the
parties are in the United States and are
unaware of the fact that they are In ar
rears the consul requests the State Depart
ment to publish the Information
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-27
POLITICS IN ENGLAND.
Believed Chamberlain's Domination is
on the Wane.
Special Cablegrsm to The Star.

Special Cablegrsm TO The Star.
LONDON. November 21.-Many there are
who believe that Mr.. Chamberlain's domi-
nation is on the wane in Birmingham. Ore
reason for this conclusion is found in the
fact that in West Birmingham Mr. Cham
berlain's liberal opponent has held a long
succession of not only large but uninter-
rupted meetings. The day is evidently
passed in Birmingham when ii was regard
ed impudent intrusion for any one
differing from the local idol to express an
opinion there.
The liberal candidate on the other hand
has had numerous letters from working
men describing themselves as ex-Chamber-
lanites, thanking him for coming forward
and promising to vote for him. The claim
is made that the results OF the war have
served to greatly disguest the people OF
Birmingham.
Mr.. Chamberlain recommended IL as a
commercial undertaking and economic
proposition and they accepted # on that
ground. That Mr. Chamberlain can be
beaten in the general election is believed
to be beyond the grounds OF possibility.
for instance Mr.. Jesse Collins, are in
means secure.
Meanwhile If Mr.. Chamberlain appears TO
be losing ground locally he certainly con-
tnues to maintain that marvellous hold
upon the British general public which has
been his for many years His recent
speech dealing with the general election
has been received with expressions Of APP
proval in all parts of the British empire.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-27
FEAR SHORTAGE OF CROP.
Irish Tobacconist States American
Supply is Small.

Special CabegfAm 10 TIE otdf.
DUBLIN, November 27.-Mr. Thomas Gal
laher, head of the great Independent firm
OF tobacco manufacturers, Messrs. Gallafer,
Limited. who has just returned to Belfast
after Iis half-yearly visit to his tobacco
plantations In AmerieA. says thak il his
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-27
By Associated Press

LONDON, November 27.-Speaking at
Bodman. Cornwall, Saturday night. Lord
Roseberry repudiated the lead taken by Sir
Henry Campbell Bannerman, leader OF the
liberal party, in favor OF home rule for
Ireland during his speech at Stirling
Thursday night, thus emphasizing the split
in the liberal party. Speaking deliber-
ately, Lord Roseberry said he objected 10
raising the banner of home rule, not only
on account of high constitutional objections
and also on account of the welfare OF the
Irish people but mainly because IL I'M
paired the unity of the free trade party
and indefinitely postponed tasks of social
and educa tional reform.
Il state emphatically and explicitly, he
concluded that ! cannot serve under that
banner
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-27

Millers of Mexico are speaking of the me-
cessity of beginning to import American
wheat in large quantities. This means that
they expect the present rates of import
duty on wheat to be extended Into next
yoa9. -.i- --.----i
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-27

William Brown. night Waterman of Sea-
bright, N. j., was found drowned in the,
Shrewsbury river yesterday. The man. it
Is believed, was murdered. When Brown
left home Saturday night he had money, but
when his body was recovered his pocket
book was empty.