davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
A CHRISTMAS CONCLUSION.


Twas the day before Christmas, and an
through the land,
Rang the cry Of the children that none can
withstand,
old Santa Is coming. rare treasures he
brings,
A pack loaded down with most wonderful
things :"
But old Santa, alas, like a mere mortal
To fret and to fume at his duties began
For he had been roaming about in dis
guise,
And the state Of affairs had caused him
surprise.
For what do you think was the first thing
he learned?
Why all the bad children to good ones had
turned;
Gone all the i'll tempers and cross, angry
looks,
Devoted each child to his work and his
books.
And he groaned as he said, Il plainly can
see
On this Christmas Eve there's no sinking
for me.
Not one naughty child In the whole merry
flock,
7 plain | must work until five by the
clock
But. my dear" said his wife. "you ought
10 be glad
That at last there's not left a child who
Said the saint. with smile and a look that
was queer,
They ought to expect me each day In Il
year"
-Waverley Magazine
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
A Hnx,aIinn,. Chrt.tm...

Before the missionaries and the Amer
lean settlers went to Hawaii the natives
knew nothing about Christmas, but now
they all celebrate the day and do it, Il
course, in the same way as the Ameri
cans who live there. The main differ
ence between Christmas in Honolulu and
Christmas in New York is that in Hon.
olulu in December the weather is like
June in New York. Birds are warbling
in the leafy trees; gardens are overflow.
ing with roses and carnations; fields and
mountain slopes are ablaze with color,
and a sunny sky smiles dreamily upon
the glories of a summer day. In the
morning people go to church, and during
the day there are sports and games and
merrymaking of all sorts. The Christ
mas dinner is eaten out of doors in the
shade Of the veranda, and everybody IL
happy and contsnted.-St- Nicholas.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
Inc ,,r,.. during Christmas nigbt

ing lights during Christmas night. The
English yule log is faint survival of this
festival. But it is beyond these that 1
wish to draw your attention, back further
even than the Druid mysteries of the Gal
lie forests. 1t is to China, that home of
all wonders and Of all history. 1t has
been shown that as long ago as 247 B. c.
a tree with hundred lamps and flowers
was placed on the steps of the audience
hall. This appears again in the records
of Princess Yang. who lived 713 10 A.
D., and who caused hundred-lamp tree
eighty feet high TO be erected on a noun
tain. 1t was lighted during New Years
night, and the illumination was seen for
hundreds of miles. eclipsing the light of
the moon. This candle tree is no longer
lighted in China, being replaced by an
unusual number of lanterns, which are
hung everywhere. A suggestion of the
tree, however, still survives in Japan. At
the New Year two evergreen trees are
placed without, on either side of the door.
Their tops are tied together with the
sacred band of straw, and various objects,
dried Holsters and oranges. are fastened to
their bra nches.-Woman's Home Com
panion
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

She held up the fat little red leather
book for her friend TO see.
"No-not a diary. l kept one once,
hut / burned if long ago. My father
gave me this when was Is, and snow
ed me how to keep it.
TT is my list Of books | have read.
1 call 1t nay book Of books. Here is
the first entry: Westward Ho.' by
Charles Kingsley-double-sta be-
cause l have read it three times; a
star means rereading. Underlined, too,
because when / looked the list over at
the end Of the year Ii was one OF ny
favorites. A little circle after the title
that's because ii was work of fic-
ton that set me hunting fact, In his
tory AMI biography.
Not all the marks in my CODE were
marks of honor, though. Look at the
cross after number nine; that means
trash. And there, after number eleven
the Frederick Bremen noyef-the
black dash; that means simply that
didn't like it. Father enjoined me to
be honest with my black marks. He
said / should find them an antidote
to literary pretentiousness."- Louis
Republic.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

When Miss Haverly was invited by
Mrs. Simons. the mother OF her two
new music pupils, to stay and have
dinner with the family, she accepted
with no anticipation of what was be-
fore her. Mr.. Simons hung far over his
plate, and seemed engaged in race
against time and labor as he lifted
knife-loads of viands to his mouth. His
wife and children were not much out
done.
The music teacher was not one to
keep her thoughts from her face, and
Mrs. Simons looked at her first with
distress and then with growing wrath
as she felt the need of coming to her
sman's" defense.
Finally she leaned across the table
toward her guest, and pounded heavi-
IN with the handle of fork.
81 tell you vat 1t lss," she said, en-
phatically. Manners is holdings.
Eatings muss be-
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
Some Christmas History.

In 1905 the terms of peace between
France and Austria were argued and
agreed to on Christmas. In these Aus.
tria was forced to make several large
gifts sof territory to France, and Italy
to acknowledge Napoleon as king OF
Italy.
The United States forces began their
withdrawal from Charleston, S. c., to
Fort Sumter on Christmas, 1860.
Uader duress from the powers, Tur-
key, on Christmas, 1876, gave out a
new constitution for the whole Ottoman
empire, which granted Christians equal
rights with Mohammedans- decree, by
the way, which the Sultan began cheer
fully to disobey as soon as the iuress
was removed.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

A Quaint Custom the Survival of
Slavery Days


In some parts of the South, notably
Alabama, the observance of Christmas is
kept up after the manner of slavery days.
Two weeks before the festival brawny
colored men in the employ of the planta-
tion owner search out timber tract, fell
the tree of greatest size, cut off the trunk
where the circumference is greatest, big
enough to admit of it filling the space of
the open hearth, fasten heavy chains TO it
by driving in spikes, haul it to the near
est river or pond, sink it and anchor it
we'll below the surface. On Christmas eve
it is drawn up. taken to the owners man.
sion and in the presence of his family,
relatives and friends the dripping log is
placed on a rearing FIRE in the hearth. To
reduce the water-soaked wood to ashes
is a slow process and sometimes week
elapses before this is accomplished. In
the meantime the plantation darkies do
not work while the incineration Is in pro-
gress. On Christmas eve the hostess
serves the company with eggnog and she
supplies them with eatables while the log
sizzles In the fire place. The banjo and
guitar are brought into play and the old
melodies are sung and jigs and other
dances are gone through with zest. The
white folks take hand in the fun max
ing, too, and with song and story make
the colored folks happy. At some of these
gatherings 300 persons take part, the old,
capacious mansion giving ample room for
all
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20


It's the week before Christmas, and all
through the place
Each woman goes shopping, with worn,
weary face;
And held In her hand Is a long, fearsome
OF names that could simply by no means
So shopping, and shoppirg. and shopping
Bumped, showed. pushed, and tangled In
squad and In row.
This the week before Christi > and father
Is sad
Though mother and sisters al Of them
glad.
Poor father reflects on tie st, e of his
wealth
And broods on expenses that tell on i
health
But once In the year come the glad Christ
mas Day;
The rest of the years for poor father to
pay.
IT'S the week before Christmas-and now
Puts on her glad garments. adjusts her
And sends for the lover with whom she has
fused,
To tell him she knows he's the one she
should trust,
And he-he forgives her. The gas Is turned
And-thIs is the week before Christmas.
you know.
IT'S the week before Christmas, and
through the home
The children are watched as they aimless-
ly roam,
And when they approach any wardrobe
or chest
They are told they must stop-and
the behest;
And o, the sweet childreni So fail
are they
At Sunday school-Santa will come Christ
mas Day.
It's the week before Christmas, and all
through the land
Each poet is toiling with pen In his hand
At work on the parody based on the
rhyme
That somebody jingled out once on a time
But where Is the prophet who wishes to
sing
The row that the week after Christmas
will bring7
w. d. Nesbit, In Chicago Tribune.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

Chere's going to be railroad up in Ice
land,
In Iceland.
And what a funny railroad 1t will be,
| would never think Of Iceland as a nice
land,
nice land.
Tor week ends at cottage by the sea-
FOR the trains will very likely go on run
ners like a sleigh.
And they'll harness up the engine In
jingle bells array.
1t least, | can't imagine it in any other
way,
In Iceland,
Sou won't need your thermometers in Ice
land.
e end you Won't have any fretful Wis Wis
But spice land,
Che cars are always cold as they can ~.
Oh. they'll have to dig the sleepers out
dozen times a day,
DR. perhaps they'll tunnel through the great
big icebergs In the bay,
and that will be just bully till tee ice
berss move away,
In Iceland,
journey viii be jolly up in Iceland.
In Iceland,
The scencry's so wonderful 10 see;
1t will seem like nothing short OF para
disc land.
Paradise land,
As the open cars go whirling Ger the lea.
they won't have any schedule so there il
never be delay,
The rates will be so low that almost any
one can pay,
For In that curious climate 1t Is Christmas
every day,
In Iceland
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

The fashion of making drawers SO
full that they really serve the purpose
of a short under-petticoat Is an excel
lent one. but they must fit well around
the waist. as any irregularities there
throw out The set OF the outer gar
ments- This model is u most satisfac-
tory one. the upper part Of the drawers
fitting the form snugly aud the legs
falling In full folds. 4 wide fiounce of
embroidery, at the head of which is Il
group of narrow tucks. finishes the bot
tom of each leg. The drawers are
closed with buttons and buttonholes.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
ORIGIN of GIFT Giving.

The practice of making presents OIL
Christmas day undoubtedly owes its
origin to a general idea to carry into
practice the Biblical mandate: "Peace
on earth; good will to men," At first
the great lords made presents to thell
retainers, and the season was marked
by universal charity. By degrees tho
practice of Christmas giving spread
until now everybody yives friends
presents. -Dstroit Free Press.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
The Old Year.

The white dawn glimmered and he said
Its day.
The east was reddening and he sighed,
Farewell"
The herald sun came forth and he was
dead
Life was all ir his veins, but yestermorn.
And rudy health seemed laughing on his
lips;
Now he is dust, and will not breathe again,
Give him a place to lay his regal head,
Give him a tomb beside his brothers gone,
Give him a tablet for his deeds and name.
Hear the new voice that claims the vacant
throne,
Take the new hand outstretched to meet
thy kiss.
But give the past-'tis all thou canst-thy
tears
james T. Fields.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

which are often found in punches of
three. were to them a divine symbol. The
carrying about of 'the wren BUSH in
Ireland may be traced to the same
sources, as the wren was a sacred bird
with the Druids. Most remarkable of
all is the fact that the time of their
chief celebration was at the winter SOL
stice, which is practically identical with
Dec. %, our Christmas day.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
Order Coupon,


Indfa's area is a little more than
Ohe-half that of the United States.
The greatest ranching country OF
the Canadian Northwest is Alberta
The wholesale price of cocoanuts in
Cuba is only from $40 to SIS thou
sand.
The largest gold mine I'm Central
America. the Rosario. produced 81 .0oo.-
900 last year.
France has standing offer OF $12.-
500 for the invention of a satisfactory
substitute for phosphorus.
SO strong is Bank of England note
paper that single sheet will lift
weight of 100 pounds
For wrapping up meat In Z news
paper for d customer a Vienna butcher
has been fined 10 shillings.
The secret Of making carbon paper
and typewriter ribbons Is known TO
scarcely two dozen people.
BY dissolving little gelatin in milk
the milk can be carried in solid blocks,
end would gain rather than lose uutri-
ent value.
A storage elevator just completed In
Montreal is the largest and best
equipped one in the world.
Plans are being considered in Rus
STA for a canal to connect the inland
sea of Azof and the Caspian.
New Zealand has an Ivy tree which
has thick. short trunk and heavy
branches. Ii is not climbing plant
At Edinburgh, Scotland. lady has
been found insane who left 5000 to
provide fund for the rescue Of sane
persons improperly placed in Innate
2sylums.
Coolies In China are giving up their
long and cumbersome pipe. and taking
to cigarettes.
A copy of Dante's Divine Comedy"
printed at Florence in 1881, was sold
in London few days ago for f1,O0c.
The Russian navy has been using al
cohol boat motors up to 800 horse
power with highly satisfactory results.
The new harness which the kaedise
Of Egypt ordered In England some
months ago Is the most costly ever
made for four horses 1t Is valued at
$4,000.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
Easy 10 BE Happy.

Mrs. Nexdoor-Aren't you always
worried half to death when it comes to
buying Christmas present for your
husband?
Mrs. Sunshine-Mr, no! l buy my
husband something 1 want for myself,
and he buys me something he wants for
himself, and then we trade.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
The strenuou. Life

There can be no question that the
prevalence of certain diseases has in
creased during the last half century.
Conspicuous among these are diabetes
and insomnia, both of which are large
" due to the mental stress of a harder
struggle for existence.-Practition
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

fitfully, but the silence of the vigil was
unbroken. John Thorne raised his head
and looked at Margaret as she lay with
closed eyes. Her white, suffering face
touched his heart. How much older she
looked. IL was only four years since she
had stood bride of nineteen and given
herself to him. Why. could it be only
four years? 1t seemed like an eternity.
The breath comes slowly. The little
hands are very still. and yet, o baby
fingers, through the solemn watches of
this night, thou'rt gathering up the tan
gled broken threads of these two lives,
and with touch no other hand might
use. art weaving them together, deftly,
surely. with heaven-sent skill!
There was a slight stir. The mother
and father felt a CULVER pass through the
little form. With startled faces they bent
over her. There was a gasp, a sudden
throwing up of the little hands-then all
was still.
In an instant his arms were around her,
her head on his breast.
Margaret. my wife '"
20 John. John ~ she said
The clock struck twelve. A New Year
had dawned.
In the twilight of a summer day man
and woman stand beside a little grave.
There is an air of subdued sadness about
them that tells to whom the little mound
belongs. and yet when they speak it is
hopefully and cheerfully. 1t is d tiny
graye-"only a baby" a stranger would
say-but we who have stood beside such
know that love and grief are not measured
by feet and inches.
The glory of the setting sun fills the
place. 1t lights up the faces of father
and mother as they lay, with loving
hands. forget-me-nots upon the green turf,
and then, hand in hand. go forth. 4 stray
sunbeam falls across the white stone. We
stoop to read the inscription. 1t is very
simple one:
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
LET'S KEEP SANTA CLAUS.
Memory OF Happy Days of Long Ago
Protects st. Nick.

HE memory of
happy days long
ago should ever
protect s a n t a
Claus. When your
boy looks you
squarely in the
eye and says :
Papa. Clarence
McGufy sal d
there isn't any
Santa Claus and
l punched him,
for | know there
is" what are you
going to do? For
give the blow and
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

the night before. In the morning be-
fore pv ting it in the cloth stir two TIA
blespoonfuls of wheat -four. beat the
cloth and sprinkle with -four. Tie tight
ly and boil four hours. Put plate turn
ed on the under part in the pot under
the pudding. add cinnamon and nutmeg
if liked.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20


Most of us know that the Christmas
tree comes to us direct from Germany.
And we know of the tree worship of the
Druids which obtained in England and
France, and which probably had some in
fuence on the later use of the tree in the
Christian festival. But we do not all
know that similar festival with the tree
as a crowning feature is observed among
many heather nations, and that it comes
from sun worship, which is older than his
tory. The revival of the sun after the
winter solstice has ever been the subject
of rejoicing and Of celebration by cere-
monies which represent the new light
brought back to the world. Our tree,
with its small candies, its gilded knick-
nacks and toys for the children, is d.
rect descendant of this old festival in
honor Of the sun.
Traces of it exist in Iceland, where the
"ssrvice tree" IL found adorned with burn
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

1t is not generally known how many
Of our Christmas customs are almost
identical with those of the Druids in
early England. For example, the Yule
log is said to have come from the wheel
log, symbolizing the march of the sun.
Then the mistletoe was a sacred bush
among the Druids. They had trinity
of their own, and the white berries,
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
>~~
Pattern Department
UP-TO-DATE DESIGNS FOR
THE HOME DRESSMAKER
-
Kimono for a Young Girl.

For the many hours that a girl
spends over her books. at her music,
and in her own room, when loose. COM
Portable garments can and should be
worn. there is nothing more suitable
than pretty kimono- 1t combines the
elements of grace and comfort to very
satisfactory degree, and it is not be-
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

DR.. Price Price-Go home and 90 to
bed. You've got a fever
My! Is 1t what you'd call high
fever, doctor?'
Dr. Price-Price-Well, it may be.
Five dollars, please.
Patient-Er-is the feve.c as-er-
high as the fee, would sou say Phil
adelphfa Press.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

II don't believe you love me any
more" pouted the favorite wife of the
,rnconverted cannibal king.
ION the contrary, my dear" he re-
torted, smacking his lips, ominously, II
think you are sweet enough to eat
Raltimore American
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
If. Finish.

Nell-Isn't your new gown finished
yet?
Belle-Gracious The dressmaker's
work on it was only completed last
Saturday.
Nell-But If the dressmaker's
through, what else?
Belle-Oh, all my friends have to
criticise it yet-Philadelphia Ledger.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

These loose drawers of nainsook or
cambria are very cool and comfortable
for summer. and Ike all custom-msde
garments are far more satisfactory
than ready-made ones, which never fit
exactly right. and never seem really
made for one.
The above pattern win be mailed to
your address on receipt Of TO cents.
Send all orders to the Pattern Depart
ment of this paper. Be sure TO give
both the number and size Of pattern
wanted. anu write very plainly For
convenience, write your order on the
following coupon:
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

Crimson Rambler-Are you burning
gasoline in dat automobile, mister?
Sparks-No, my friend; I'm trying
alcohol just for an experiment.
Crimson Rambler thought so.
Would you mind me hangin' on behind
fer mile or so, jest fer de sEiell?-
puck
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
cur,ou. Custom of oxford-hir~.

In some places in Oxfordshire, Eng
land, it was the right of every maid SER
want to ask the hired man for bit of
ivy 70 trim the house. If he turned a
deaf ear to her opportunities or forgot
her request she would steal pair of his
breeches and nail them 70 the gate in the
yard or on the highway This was sup
posed to debar him from all privileges of
the nisflefoa
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

One pound of grated bread. one and
quarter pounds of grated suet. one
pound of -aisins. one pound of brown
sugar, twelve eggs. we'll beaten: two
wineglassfuls of brandy. one-quarter
pound of ciron. cut fine. Mix all these
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
Tommy Got One.

Tommy (on Christmas morning)-
Where does Santa Claus get all his stuff,
mamma?
Mamma-Oh, he buys 1t.
Tommy-Well, he must be Jay to let
anyone palm of a tin watch on him =
Town Topics.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

"what makes your father look so blue
to-nightT
"S-sHsa. Somebody thoughtlessly
mentioned the fact that Christmas II COM
ing."-Chicago Post
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

Gunner-I am going to try to sell my
automobile.
Guyer3To whom?
Gunner-Oh, some politician.
Guyer-But why politician?
Guyer-Because it is such good
mud thrower.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

Patieuce-But has she any fitness for
the stage7
Patrice-Why, she has magnificent
wardrobe !-Yonkers Statesman.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

That alone can be called true refine
ment which elevates the roul Of man.
purifying the manners by improving
the intellect-Co leridge.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

yond the skill of any girl to make such
4 garment for herself. The bright crepes
and gaudily figured japanese silks are
used largely. while French or outing
aanEels. and eiderdown make warm
and comfortable Jackets With the
plain cloths. trimming bard Of fig
ured silk is used. and vice versa. the
figured materials being trimmed with
plain bands. Our sketch gives charm
ing suggestion for such a model
The above pattern will be mailed to
your address on receipt of 10 cents
Send all orders TO the Pattern Depart
ment OF this paper. Be sure to give
both the number and size Of pattern
wanted. and write very plainly. For
convenience, write your order on the
following coupon:
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

"You must remember that ours was
summer engagement
THAT means If you see anyone you
like better you'll break ito
"Yes."
"And If 1 see anyone l like better
81 shall probably sue you for breach
Of promise. --Milwaukee Sentinel
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

The Presidents message does not men
ton Hearst and Bryan by name, but
the demagogue politics he denounces is
easily identified with those partners
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

The Christmas cynic's here again
To irritate the soul.
He says that he gets neckties when
He needs a ton OF coal.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

Liked the Old Way Best.
"Pa, I've wrote Sanity Claus a mother
letter."
''What about, GeorgieT
Il tole him ne mustn't come in auto
mobile; I want him to come in a sleigh"
Detroit Free Press.
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20

1T is not wise," says the President
In the message, that the nation should
ALLEVIATE It's remaining coal lands" The
trusts so eager to complete their mo-
nopoly have struck a snag in this new
form of government reservation
The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-12-20
The Week BEFORE.

with the children, at those who would de-
stroy him.-Cincinnati Post.