davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
THE COUNTRY TREE
Without Finery Throws
Modern Tree in the
Shade.
Presents We're Home Made and Fur
nished opportunity for Showing
Love Seldom Expresses With
the Lips.
By ARCHIBALD JOHNSON

To the Editor: ] suppose there will
be more happy hearts tomorrow than
there ever were before on Christmas
day. The world is coming more and
more to see the full meaning of our
Lord when he made SO much of child
rem, and pointed to them as types of
the inhabitants of the heavenly world
/ rejoice that we are coming into the
better day when the rights and claims
of childhood are recognized and re-
spected. And yet / love to look back
to 1.-The tender grace of a day that is
dead" and linger upon the bright
memories of Christmas as it used to be
i'm the long ago. The observance of this
blessed season of mirth and merry
making was not SO general then as
now, nor were the gifts a 1.-THE as cost
~, but in many homes in North Car
olina-country homes at that-there
was delight as real and as radiant,
but less intense and noisy. as there is
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
A BEAUTIFUL DREAM.
The State is to Grow Great and Rich
and Not Lose its Individuality
or Character.

To the Editor:-I had intended
resurrecting an old Christmas Story
for the entertainment of your read
erS, but have been so pressed read
ing proof that it has not been con-
venient for me to find the manuscript.
In lieu thereof / will tell dream:
was sitting by a cheerful fire
in the parlor where there were a
dozen little folks having a merry time.
when it appeared to me that these
children had become men and women
that it was their pictures that
adorned the walls: this one in bridal
costume; that one was with her grey
hair yet a handsome matron;-and
the boys had become "gray-beards"-
venerable Fathers.
Outside the walls, the changes had
been notable. North Carolina had en-
joyed many years of prosperity. Her
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
HE KISSED THE GROUND.
No Place Like North Carolina, And
Our Young Men Should Re-
main Here.

To the Editor: A few years ago a
distinguished citizen of the Old North
state resided for awhile in western
city. There amid new and strange
scenes the Old time love of his native
State came upon him afresh and he
resolved TO embrace the first good OPP
portunity TO return. When the train
brought him across the line and
stopped at the first station he alighted
and fondly kissed the naked earth.
saying, dear old North Carolina, /
will never leave you again. Why
should our young men seek their for
tunes elsewhere? A famous lecturer
OH Geography and Climate once made
the statement that their are sections
of our State unsurpassed on the globe
for healthfulness and salubrity OF CHI
mating influence OF active populations,
North Carolina is a plant-bed from
which young men are drawn who go
to other States TO become famous.
When We remember that Graham,
Morehead. Vance and a score of other
statesmen never left our borders we
conclude it is as near to the SUBMITS
of fame from this as from other
States. When we recall the heroism
of our men at Bethel, Gettysburg and
in the trenches around Richmond we
feel that this is the home of as true
and great men as breathe the atmos-
where of heaven. The men who have
gone away from us have not surpass-
ed. in the watchfulneSs of their in
tiuence and the grasp Of conditions that
make for public good. some of those
who have chosen to remain with us.
With our freedom from the contami-
mating inuence of active populations.
with the conservatism of our business
methods. with the growing power of
our educational system and the
WatchfulneSs of our religious teaching
there can be no more desirable coun-
try in which to live. Here let our
young men remain and develop our
great natural resources. build up our
educational institutions, marry our
fair daughters and erect lovely homes
which shall be on earth the types of
heaven. When our newspapers are
not afraid to denounce bad men and
bad methods and our teachers in our
schools and colleges are among the
braniest and best of our citizenship
and our churches are served by men
who love God and the State, we need
not fear the future for our children.
H. A. BROWN,
Winston Salem. N. c., Dec. %.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24

to Charleston, to see one Major Cen
eral Canby-the satrap commanding
the military district of which North
Carolina was a part, to see somethlng
about the election he was then noid l.
ing in North Carolina; and there
came up in review the evil times OF
those distant years, and how bravely
the North Carolinians had met them !;
and how they had triumphed over
their enemies, and cleared away the
rubbish of Reconstruction, and firmly
built on new foundations and pre-
pared the way for the peace, happl-
ness and prosperity of their children:
1t was work we'll done-worthy of
the soldiers of Lee and Jackson-ot
the followers of Hoke and Pender.
All, true it is that peace hath her
victories, no less removed than war
And at this joyous Christmastide. we
may all be thankful that it is 50.
S. A. ASHE.
Raleigh, N. c., Dec. %.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
THE SCATTERED ABROAD.
North CarOlinians in Baltimore Send
Christmas Cheer to Home Folks.

Baltimore. Md, Dec. 22.-To the
Editor:-As Wilbur d. Nesbit recently
remarked on another occasion. we
left North Carolina some years ago,
and there have since been other I'M
proVements in the state" you never
know how to appreciate nome untll
YOU leave it. and some of the most
ardent CarolinianS are those VINO i've
in other States.
Baltimore is North Carolina'S great
est trading port and the people OF
10 city are more interested in North
Carolina and its prosperity This city
is growing and prospecting as never
before in its history AT least a nun,
dred millions of dollars is being spent
i'm rebuilding and in new enterprises
here. The city is building 5000, 900
system Of docks; is spending $i3,OOO,-
coo on streets and sewers. and is CON"
structing one of the largest and most
beautiful lark systems in the world.
Splendid new school and college build
ings, churches and apartment houses
are going up all over the city as the
stores are springing up in the "busl-
ness district" $500 private residences
are being built: ten new SuberbS are
being developed; new statutes are be-
ing erected. new theatres q superb
new marble Maryland Institute, and
Mr.. Henry Walters is building an inn
posing art gallery to house his mag
nificent collection. which he will pre-
sent to the city.
North Cdrolinians are sharing in this
wonderful prosperity of Baltimore,
and the great Southern City was new
er so close to the great Southern State
as it is at this hour.
North Carollina's sons in other
States and countries who watch with
SO much pride the growth and devel-
opment of North Carolina. lift the cup
of Christmas cheer in q thousand Cit
les, and give the toast: THE old
North State forever"
JOHN WILBUR JENKINS.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
MOUNTAIN '|NFARE'
Christmas Before EIectri-
city Had Ended Ro-
nance.
Now Christmas is Observed in the
Mountains as in Wake and Spike
Coats are in Evidence at Christ
mas Dances.
Ry w. w. SCOTT,

To the Editor:--I am to say few
words about the manner of"Keeping
Christmas" in the mountains. This l
understand to refer to the Santa Claus
part of the festivities, distinct from
any reference to the religious celebra-
ton of the great event.
Santa Claus is a creature of senti-
ment, of romance, Of mystery. Sir
Walter Scott, himself a wizard says in
one of his delightful prefaces that the
battle-ground between the high
mountains and the plains is the home
OF the fairies. the land of mystery, and
we are under the spell of his necrom-
ancy when we read the romances he
woVe round this domain of his In
Scotland. But the spirit of romance
has shifted its sphere. The railroads
have invaded the sacred precincts OF
Queen Mab's kingdom and summer
tourists tramp over the heath where
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24

cities had grown. Her urban popu-
iation was larger than the entire pop
ulation Of the State is today; while
the total of her people numbered more
than five millions. And they We're all
North Carolinians! There had been no
great stream of immigrants into the
State, and although the population
had thickened, we were not so
crowded as further nOrthWard, and
our people had still some elbow room
and some breathing places in the coun-
try. They were the children and
grandchildren of the old Confederate
soldiers, who themselves cleared the
forests of these happy regions. Wealth
had accumulated; industries diversi-
fed, magnificent residences adorned
the suburbs of the cities, and the
farms were as market gardens. where
fruits and flowers also had their place.
The A. and M. College, with noble
structures and spacious grounds
boosted it's five thousand students.
The University, Wake Forest. Trinity
Davidson and other great institutions
also were training their thousands
while ST. Mary's, The Baptist Univer-
sity for Women. Peace-venerable in
their age-were still famous seats of
learning.
Half a dozen towns in the State
could each boast q hundred thousand
inhabitants; While Durham and Raj
eigh had well nigh touched, and cleo
trio cars piled between them and
throughout their suburbs. Towns now
unborn had grown to important cities,
and electric lines gave quick transpor-
tation everywhere. AS marvellous as
were the material changes, the So
cial condition of the people had made
equal progress. The money laid out
! in public education had proved q good
! investment. There We're no illiterateS.
| The humblest families enjoyed the ad-
vantage of substantial education. In
| their homes were light and sweetness,
and religion and high morality were
still the characteristics of North Caro-
| linians.
The prospect before my vision was
| indeed entrancing-and then my mind
reverted to a strange visit l once made
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24

today in any city or country on land
or sea.
The old fashioned family
Christmas tree-Ah, me whit a
tide of joy it rolled over our
young hearts! 1t was on elab
crate affair-this country Christ
mas tree We had no little candles to
set the beard OF Santa Claus on fire.
there were no glittering ornaments
depending from the limbs and bril-
liant in their gorgeous coloringS. and
there was usually not a preSen- hang
ing from the ample boughS that cost
as much as q quarter OF a dollar! But
that old tree got there just the same
and scattered every cloud from our
sky
We knew nothing in our settlement
about Sunday school Christmas trees,
they had not come in fashion then. but
the members of the family, with
maybe a friend or two among the
neighbors, composed the group that
made the Christmas tree so glorious.
Such joy as this could not be SO rlch
and deep if it spread out over the
whole neighborhood. It was strictly
a family affair and furnished us the
sweet opportunity of showing the love
we rarely expressed with our lips.
For days and weeks ahead loving
hands made careful preparation. OF
course it was all a dead secret. Slyly
and steadily We Whitfield and sawed
and hammered. for instead of going to
the store and buying our jumping
jacks, and wagons, and fiddles. we
made them with own hands. Crude
and clumsy they were, to be sure. but
they served the purpose as Weir as the
polished TOYS of the ten cent store!
The girls and the women made their
knitting needles fly in the dark. maxi
Continued on Page Three.)
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Professor FRANCIS GREENWOOD PEABODY, D. D.
ladies Home Journal0

My God, who hast mercfully and patiently led me
~ through this busy year. giving more than have
deserved or desired, give me at this Christmas
time the grace of JESUS CHRIST Let the gracious spirit
of JESUSthe spirit of the little chld-as it knocks to-
day the hearts of men, enter my life and bless it. Let
duty become touched with beauty and justice be forgotten
in love. At other times ask that may do my duty To-
day ask for that obligation may be changed OPP
portunty and duty done with joy At other times ask
that may walk uprghtly Today pray for grace to bow
myself to others needs Let my hear the cry of the
needy and my heart feel the love of the unovey Give
NV hands strength do great things but to do small
things gracousy. Let my gifts today be not sacrifice
but a privilege. Let accept kindness with humility.
Heal the wounds of misunderstanding jealousy regret
that scar my heart and let the gener air OF the Christmas
spirit touch my fe the cold of winter touched by the
genter days spring AS the old year ends and the
wear begins grant peace with the world and peace in
nv own heart, that those love and those whom may
help may have sweet joy and rest Amen
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24

McGregOr first saw the light. Distance
of view as to the view. There was Il
time not so many years ago when it
required the space Of at least a week
to make the journey from Raleigh to
the summit of Mount Mitchell. Now
you may leave the capital citv tonight
and take your luncheon on the sum-
init of the mountain tomorrow. 1t is
not the same Mount Mitchell There
are people who contend that the
Blowing Rock of today is not to be
mentioned on the same day with the
Blowing Rock of Amos Green and
Billy Morris. There is a spot near the
corner of the Caldwell, Watauga and
Mitchell lines. where two years ago
five-pound trout could have been lift
ed from nearby brook and where
the wild cat and the wolf were safe
at home. Now a railroad has thrust
itself forward and a village of several
hundred inhabitants, with ELECTRIC
lights and summer hotel, has quilt
itself up. Science, steam, electricity,
modern progress have protaned the
haunts of the wood-nymph and set
down" saw-mills in the groves OF the
Druids. AS no man except Or. John-
son was ever a hero to his own valet,
SO you must view your romance
through a field-glass instead of mi
croscope. This applies to ordinary
people; with scientists it is different.
And so it comes about that in these
days we have none of the old roman
tic and sentimental deceits associa-
ted with localities for there are no
longer any corners of the mountains
that have not been chopped over for
lumber or surveyed for railroads
The trout have lost their spots and
have changed to suckers Santa
Claus, too, has been smoked out, for
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
SENTIMENTS OF
CHRISTMAS
With the North Carolina Flavor From Few Choice
Spirits Who Love the State and its
Traditions.

mountain-dew, not always moon
shine") AT AleXander's at six
O'Clock breakfast the old lady lifted
her specs and cried: ''Lor sakes,
faint you! Shall / call you Gineral
or Gov'nor?" He stopped and kissed
her forehead and patted her shoulder
and said: THE same old boy, your
Zeb.' AT Asheville, a plain village
then, but glorious in its surround
ngs he stood in the court house in
his shirt sleeves, holding his little
boys hand. and spoke to the admiring
company, laughing and crying With
them over the war and about his am
bition to serve them.
He was the peoples man. the natur-
al Democrat.
THOMAS HUME,
Chapel Hill N. c.. Dec. 23
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24

To the Editor: When l consider
the happy and prosperous condi-
ton or our country and of other
countries whose people are follow
ers Of Him who came into the
world nineteen hundred and five
years ago proclaiming the glad
udingS of Peace on earth, good will
toward men," and when / compare this
with the wretched, moral and intel
lectuai state of things existing in coun-
tries dominated by other systems Of
religion and especially that promul-
gated by the Arabian prophet who ap-
peared six centuries later and whose
cardinal doctrine was: "Slay the inf
DEL" then 1t is that 1 am constra ined
to raise my hands to heaven in holy
alteration and eXclaim: Bless the
Lord for the inestimable gift of His
Son, BLESS the Lord, my soul and
all that is within me. bless His holy
name"
M. S. DAVIS,
President Loaisburg College.
I.OuiSburG, n. c. Dec. 30
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
DEFINITION AND MOTTO.
For the New Year and the New
Century.

To the Editor:-For the New Year
and the new century L would suggest
the following as a definition and a
motto in our educational campaign:
Education is systematic preparation
for more effective service
The heartfelt acceptance of this
definition would give genuine inspira-
ton to both teacher and student,
would. make all culture and training a
blessing to the world. and would make
all educational effort a department of
applied Christianity.
HENRY LOUIS SMITH,
President Davidson College.
Davidson, n. c., Dec. "a.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
A REAL CHRISTMAS DINNER.
How u Presbyterian Minister Found
Artaban's Gift in Doing Good.

To the Editor: The entrance to the
cathedral of Milan has a triple door
way Over one door there is the
inscription "All that which pleases
is but for moment" Another carries
the comforting assurance that All
that which troubles is but for mo-
ment." On the splendid cathedral
arch there are the words. THAT alone
is important which is eternal"
Is that too solemn a thought for
the ChriStmaStide? Surely not II we
look backward through nineteen hum
Continued on Page IL. Sec. p.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
THE NATURAL DEMOCRAT.
A Pen picture of Vance in 1862
Among the Mountain People.

To the Editor: AS a young chap
lain i'm the Confederate army 1 took
my flrlough in the mountains of North
Carolina. In the stage coach by my
side was an unconventional strong
man full of homely philosophy and
racv anecdote. 1t was Vance coming
home to take the governorship to
which he had just been elected. At
the Hot Springs they caressed and raj
lied him well. Bill. whom he greet
ed. replied in mellow bass. that JIM
was waiting to "tage courage with
him and Zeke." Courage is also
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
A Riddle.

The Christmas gift she gave me
You cannot see at all.
1t ne'er before existed,
Twas neither large or small
She gave it and she took it;
There's nothing left to show;
And yet it made me happy
Beneath the mistletoe.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
HOME AND ABROAD
Wherever They Wander Their Hearts
Turn Back to the Old Home at Christ
mas. Pleasant Memories Of the
Youthful Toys, Which Christmas
Brings, Crowd in Upon Us as We
Grow Old. Some Beautiful Senti-
ments.

The North Carolina people have not
outgrown Christmas or the old-time
observance of it. Some of US observe
Thanksgiving, some of US shoot fire
crackers on the Fourth of July, and
some of us take a holiday on Labor
Day. But as a rule Christmas is THE
day in North Carolina. 1t is the only
day universally observed from Muir
phy to Manteo, and the only day when
we have what is known in North
Carolina as "a hog killing time" put
the big pot in the little one, feast
and make merry. and put the child in
the midst of all the joy and merry
making.
There is a peculiar flavor to the
North Carolina Christmas flavor
that recalls the simple tastes of men
and the saner recreations. AS rule.
TIE excuses of expenditure known
elsewhere and that takes joy from the
old-time celebration have not come
into our Christmas celebrations.
though they are beginning to intrude
and burden the thought of Christmas
with the reflection. "How shall l pay
the bills?" But generally. as known
elsewhere, extravaganza is not COM
mon among us. and we still take our
Christmas, with only the necessary
modern changes. as our fathers did
afore-time.
A few days ago the editor of this
paper addressed the following note
to a few North Carolinians:
Raleigh, n. c., Dec. Is. 1905.
Dear Sir:-In our Sundays paper
December 24th) we wish TO print a
brief article-a sentiment an incident
an illustration--that has the North
Carolina flavor, and I am writing to
request you to furnish an article for
this symposium.
please send as early as convenient
and greatly oblige.
Every truly yours,
"JOSEPHUS DANIELS"
Below we publish the answers re-
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
The Day That Makes Us Better. Hap
pier. HoliCr, That Recalls the
FatherhOOd OF God and the
brotherhood of Man.

TO the Editor:-Hail! merry Christ
mas, hail! The day of days that makes
us better, happier, holier, that re-
calls the FatherhOod of God and the
brotherhood of man, the day that
makes warm the ties of kindred. and
stronger the ties of friendship; that
blots out enmities of life, invigorates
its friendships. and makes US better
men and citizens.
r. b. CREEPY.
Elizabeth City. n. c., Dec. "a.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
HAIL MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Below we publish the answers +
ceiVed:
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-24
The Contrast Calls for Alteration.

f1oMAS II u NJ T.,
Chapel Hill, N. c.. Dec. %.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1905-03-23
Rouou.ts for MIR. Eugle.

]. H. Engle lectured on Jerusalem
in Manhattan Sunday night and inc
Republic says: "Mr. Engle is an Inn
pressive and forcible speaker, ano
held his audience Of upwards OF siz
hundred for one hour and twenty
minutes, with marked attention. ano
appreciation OF his trip to Palestine
His lecture is instructive and exceed
ingly entertaining, and the people
went away feeling that they had been
well repaid for their attendance.
The Hiawatha World does better
than that and says: "He comes bach
from Jerusalem refreshed, rebaPtized
with enthusiasm and will go to WORK
more gloriously than ever. Engle il
q great man, one OF the greatest Kan
sas has ever produced"
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1905-03-23
BEEF TRUST HEARING
Trial In the United States Court to
Commence at Once.
EVIDENCE FROM INDEPENDENTS.
Jurymen Being Secured and WITT
nesseG subpOenied-Aliege VlO-
latiOn of the Antitrust Law
the Charge.

Chicago, March Achievement in
vestigation of the Beef trust" began
Monday. Judge J. Otis Humphrey OF
Springfield, administered the oath to
the yeniremen, whose names have
been kept a profound secret for three
weeks by the officials of the United
States district attorneys ofice. the
government is represented by Assistant
District Attorney G. B. Morrison and
Assistant Attorney General Oliver H.
Pagin. Much information bearing on
specific instances of alleged violation
of the Sherman antitrust law Is said
TO be in the hands of the federal pros
ecutor. The independent packers h 'ad-
ed by Schwarzschild & Sulzberger, have
arranged to submit evidence to the
government tending to show the man
ner In which the smaller packer has
been forced to follow the dict lion OF
the so-called big Five"
Witnesses from Kansas City have
been assigned dates for their appear
ance at the grand jury session. Several
have reported to the district attorneys
Office. OF the 200 subpoenas issued
Chief Clerk Mcmillan Of the district
court reported that all except four have
been properly served. Attorney John
8. Miller, appearing in the case for all
the packers, denies that any witnesses
for the government have been spirited
away and are on vacations" as has
been reported.
Because of the failure to secure ID
men who are in the opinion OF Judge
Humphrey, suficlently removed In
business affairs from the packing IN
dustry, the swearing in Of the jury
was delayed until Tuesday. Only 10 out
Of the % summoned were accepted Tor
fury service. Sixteen being required
to constitute a quorum, additional
summons were issued. Eight Witness
es have been subpOenaed to appear
before the investigators Tuesday.