Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1906-12-23

L Bethlehem, which il abOu, six miles
"A little south of west. from Jerusalem
is one OF the most ancient towns OF
Palestine, having been In existence
sometime prior to the return of Jacob
from Egypt. II first appears under
the name OF ''Ephrath," which is
mentioned In Gen. :i5:l6 II was
hcre, about this time that BENJAMIN
was born, and Rachael died: and near
here, Siill stands Il square dome rooted
building, which is supposed to mark
mortal, of Bcnianin's immortal
mother.
Tho place loses the name Of Eph-
rath. and assumes that OF Bethlehem.
soon after the fall Of Jerusalem and
the conquest of the land by the Israel
ties, though In much later writings.
1t Is still referred to By It's former
name. Hard by this time hoorcd town
the winsomc Ruth met her fate while
In the fields, cleaning grain In fact
tho entire book Of Ruth Is but II de-
llghtful and dramatic page from tho
domestic life OF bethlehem.
Tho town can likewise boast Of be-
ing the birthplace Of David, the sweet
singer OF Israel. That he sometimes
recalled with longing love his native
heath. is recorded In . Sam. 23:15--
And David longcd, and said. Oh that
one would give me water 10 drink
OF the well OF Bethlehem, which Is
by tho gate! AT the time Of the cap
tivity, the Inn of Chinhani, became
famous MS point OF departure, for
travellers bound for lIgypt--Jcr. il:1T
Though honry with age and rich
with history. it's chicrcst charm and
browning glory. is that WITHIN its
borders. Il son was horn. who was to
he the Saviour Of mankind On tho
plains, near by, The shepherds heard
the Hnllcluinh Chorus "Ou Earth
Peace Good VIII to Mcn!" Thithcr
came tho philosophers. travelling from
afar, to behold the cradle of the com.
ing King. Here too came the ON
missarcs Of Hcrod, with hands drip.
ping With the blood of the mocnnls:
in vain attempt to stay the oncoming
tide OF righteousness.
About the only change that tho con-
turtles have made in the town Is in tho
number of the inhabitants. II has Il
present population OF probably tor
thousand, though generally assigned
considerable less by most writer's. 1t
is welsEtffSe however that the ques-
tioass ~ spulation In Palestine is
Observation-Disclosures, owing to the
migratory habits of many of It's pco.
pie, and their Ignorance Of the science
of demonstrating. The character of
the people is much superior to that
Of any other town in Palestine. This
may probably be accounted for. by
their claim, of being descendants of
the Crusaders. Whatever nc the OK
PLANTATION. tho fact romans, that they
Il; A.,
ingly superior. to most people that tho
traveller meets in the Holy Land.
Most OF them earn II livelihood. by the
manufacture aud sale of boxes, shclls,
bends aud ornaments. OF pearl and
olive wood. They arc apparently pros
porous. thrifty and neat Their clean
liness is the more remarkable. as it is
q comparatively unknown art in the
regions round about The citizens
arc almost entirely Christian Greek
Armenian aud Roman Catholic. The
beauty OF their women was a matter
of favorable comment, even upon the
part OF a minister, who is not supros-
ed 10 take notice OF such things
BY far the NEST notable building Of
\ the town. Is the Church of the Nativ-
4 ity. built by tho Empress Helena. in
! SGT, A. d.. and destroyed by the Mos
lens in l236, a. D., and probably re-
[ stored by the Crusaders while they
were In possession of the town. This
building resembles fort about as
much as It does Il church, no distinct
9 type Of architecture being carried out
I in its construction. II is built in the
form of q Cross. the nave of which
is decidedly the finest portion of the
structure, Is supported by forty-eight
beautiful Corintnian columns Of solid
granite, being about two and IL half
feet thick and seventeen feet high.
Within the church Is sculpturcd
marble star, which the Bethichemites
say, is the central spot OF the earth.
( On this star is carved the words,
"Hic De Virginc Maria Jesus ChristuS
Natus Est."--fIcre OF the Virgin Mary
Jesus Christ is horn. From this spot
marked by the star. n long and diff