davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

dinner"
 Then a very strange thing happened. The funny little old man touched the window pane and it opened noiselessly, allowing space for Paulie and himself to pass out through. Once out of doors Paulie was helped into a big, cozy sleigh all lined with skins and fur robes. Paulie was soon snugly settled among the warm furs, and the reindeer were off through the air like the very wind, the little old man laughing and crying out to them to fly as they were wont to do with their master. Their turning to Paulie he said: ''You are riding behind Santa's reindeer, and sitting inside his sleigh"
 Of course, Paulie was delighted at this, and felt she was being much honored. But why does Santa Claus send for me?" she asked. ..I am only q little girl, and don't know him personally"
 Il think Santa has a lesson to teach you" was all the little old man would reply. Then he turned his attention to the reindeer and said not a single word more till an hour later, when they ar rived at great ice-glistening gate. which opened rDon their approach. admitting
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

I do not want? And why shouldn't I throw them away If they don't please me? I don't understand why l should take any presents he sends, and feel thankful for them. too, if they aren't Just what I asked for. And I believe I'll drop Santa letter to make sure he'll know just what I want. I'll write It all out plainly-whlch Is better than telling him at night after the light is out and l in bed. Yes, I'll just write him letter, and tell him to be sure and fetch to me the very things l name"
 NO need to trouble about that, little girl, said voice at Paulie's elbow. And Paulie looked up to see beside her very odd looking little old man, wrinkled and funny. His eyes were blinking, and he was smiling merrily. Seeing the look of surprise on Paulie's face he said: ''I am from the realm of Santa Claus, and have come to ask if you would like to go there, on a flying visit. We can make the triy and return before your dinner hour. which, I believe. ' 6 o'clock"
 Yes. sir, we dine at o'clock" hn- swered Paulie. "And l should just love
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

"Now, my little Miss Paulie, I have here some letters from various little folk on earth which l shall place in your hands to be read And after you have finished them I want your opinion of their contents
 Paulie, in her vanity, thought Santa Claus was doing her great honor and that he appreciated the fact that she was quite a superior little girl. So, smiling at him sweetly, she took the letters and prepared to read them. The first she opened ran like this: Dear Santa-I'm just poor. little girl and hope you won't forget me on Christmas. Please bring a little present to my dear twin brother, for he is sick. If you have not enough to go around you need not bother about me. l shall not mind being missed If Brother Billy is remembered. And if you have anything for grownup folk, will you please remember my dear mamma? !? She has to work so hard, and Is 50 lov- ing and good to Billy, papa and me. Your little friend. who thanks you in advance for anything you may bring to our fam fly. Lottie, aged eight"
 Paulie laid the letter down, strange
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20
How the Bears Learned to Coast Christmas Story

in his body. So one of you call out the instructions to the rescuing party at the top"
 The wisest of the wise of Bear City called the orders to those at the top, and upon receiving them the half dozen young bears scampered off through the woods to gather together the grapevines, which were to be used in hauling the victims of the iceslide to place of safety.
 Before the afternoon had waned every bear, old and young, was again on safe footing. and heading toward the place they called home. And as they went along LIghtfoot explained his absence from home. Here is his story
 You see, my friends and neighbors, my dear mother and sister are planning on having great feast on Christmas Day, and mother said yesterday that she wished she could procure enough of those bright red snow berries that grow down the monntainside to decorate our house on the festive day. Well, l conceived the idea of obtaining the berries for her at night and hiding them in a hollow tree till the day for their use arrived and then bringing them to her as little glad sur prise Last night l travelled miles in search of the berries, and at last saw by the light of the moon. what appeared to be what I wanted. Down that icy slope l started to gather them, when lost my footing and slid to the bottom. And there you found me this afternoon, still attempting to get not only the berries, but to the top of the slide. And now that I am on my road toward home again I must tell you that the experiences of last night and a great part of today have been past description. I feared l should perish there. But, laying aside the mem ory of the unpleasant part of it. I think 1 have discovered a most jolly game sliding down an icebank."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

male citizens of Bear City went forth to find the lost. strayed or stolen youth whose disappearance the night before had caused so much stir and anxiety In the town.
 For hours they searched up and down the mountainside, erossIn- canyon after canyon. and fording dangerous streams. But when the noon hour arrived their search had availed them nothing Not single paw-print of a bear had they found.
 Ut will break hls mothers heart if
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

Paulie asked of her mother one morning just before Christmas. 'I do hope he'll bring me just what I ask for; and if he doesn't--well, I'll just throw the toys away and play with my old ones"
 "Oh, that's a naughty threat dear.'' ex- plained Paulies mother. You must take whatever gifts the good Santa Claus sees fit to bring you, and be grateful for them
 Then the doorbell rang. and Paulie's mamma hud to go to the parlor to re- ceive a caller. Paulie went into the library, where 1t was nice and warm, and, sitting In q big cushioned chair in front of the open grate she began to soliloquize But why should I be grate fl to Santa Claus if he brings me toys
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

we do not find him. said one old bear. And upon my life l can't understand the youths conduct. He has been happy in his home; has the best mother and sister in the world; and since his fathers death a year ago be has seemed to real ize the responsibility devolying upon him as head of the family"
 "Ah, what's that?" And one of the younger searchers pointed to the side of the mountain about half a mile distant. And there, creeping slowly up the icy ascent, to slip suddenly down again. could be seen a dark object much re- sembling bear.
 Its Lightfoot Bruno, as sure as we're here," declared one of t old bears
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

fathers of Bear City.
 And on Christmas Day, after the great holiday feast, which was partaken of at the home of Lightfoot Bruno the bears, one and all, repaired to a pretty little slope, which had been prepared by the youth of the town as a coasting ground, and there they enjoyed the sport of coasting down hill till the stars came out. And the fun of sliding down was so great that the participants did not mind walking up again. Its quite diff ferent to being drawn up by grape vine, isn't it7" asked one of the wisest of the wise.
 ''Yes, and the coasting down Is some what more enjoyable here than on that icy slope where to get up by one's self Is out of the question: declared Lightfoot.
 And that is how the bears learned to coast in winter time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

them to the most beautiful grounds.
 To Paulies astonishment she was met by Santa Claus himself, and assisted by him to alight. Then he led her to the reception-room of his wonderful abode a great temple built of candy bricks, gin gerbread columns. taffy roof and ice cream steps.
 Once inside Paulie was shown about the factory, a great toy workshop, where thousands of workers were busy making toys and preparing delicious sweetmeats. Paulie was overcome with the immensity of the place and kept giving vent to little exclamations of surprise. Then, after she had been shown about to her content, Santa Claus led her into his own private apartment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

~HERE was much excitement in Bear
 City. One of its youthful citizens a had gone off in the night, no one knew where. And as 1t was nearing Christmas Day the wise fathers of Bear City were fearful that some cannibalistic people had coaxed the venturesome fel- low from his home that they might slay him and devour him for a Christmas feast.
 Iris the first time my son ever went away from home without asking my con sent" wept the mother bear, alluding 10
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

the departed one And I'm sore afraid he has met with foul play. And if he doesn't return before Christmas Eve l shall be too unhappy to complete my preparations for the Christmas Day din ner l had anticipated with so much pleasure.
 Never mind. never mind, good friend and neighbor." said another mother bear. putting her arms about her diseonsolate friend. All our fathers. husbands and sons are going forth to search for your missing one, and we shall hope for the best till the worst is assured. Come, cheer up until other news has been re- ceived.'
 Then. with a furry of trumpets. the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

Yes, it will be grand sport" cried half a dozen of the youthful bears. And since you have escaped safely -"
 "You mean since I have been rescued" corrected Lightfoot.
 Well. since you have been rescued, and are not the worse for the trying ex- periences, we shall have you help us plan the ground for the new sport. And what shall we call itf'
 ."Coasting would be quite an appro- priate name" suggested one of the wise
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20
What Teddy Wanted
 Most.

Teacher was asking the little ones of the B" class what they very much wished to get on Christmas. In turn the question was asked of Teddy, a bright faced, red-haired little Irishman. years old. 'Now, Teddy, tell us what you wish to get on Christmas?" said Teacher.
 Teddy squirmed about for moment. then repeated the question:: What would l like to gitT''
 'Yes, what would you like to get?'
 Sure, an I'd loik to git even with Pat Ryan fer smashin me nose," re- piled Teddy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20
LETTER ENIGMA.

My first Is In tack. but not in nail My second Is in boat but not in sail; My third is in yeast, but not in bread; My fourth Is in simple but not in head.
 My whole spells name
 That all children love:
 And you'll know what 1t is
 When you solve the above.
 CONUNDRUMs. When Is a blow from a stranger ac- ceptable?
 When he strikes you dOreedbly. What small animal is turned into large one by being beheaded? FoT-og.
 At what age should young man marry ? At the parsonage. When is q sheep like ink? When taken into the pen ANSWERS TO PUZZLE CORNERS. LETTER ENIGMA-Sdntd Cldus. HIDDEN PROVERB-H is better to OiUe than to receiGe. BEHEADINGS-U) Strdir-trdtn. (2) Crook-rook. (3) Donkev-key. CURTAILINGS-G) Tomato Tom. (2) Counter-cOunt f3) Cr0fobdr- -crolc.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20
CURTAILINGS.

1) Triply curtai a carcature drawing and leave small wheeled vehicle. (2) Doubly curtail an opening in the side of house and leave strong breeze. (3) Cur tail to creep about in a stealthy, sly manner and leave the forepart of a shin
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20
BEHEADINGS.

CD Behead a place where goods are sold and leave dance.
 (2) Behead the language of an infant and leave a baby's plaything.
 t8) Behead the condition of knife blade and leave a musical instrument.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

Joanny in the parlor peeped.
 To see what he might see: And there he saw to his surprise A bear up in a tree. And maybe you will be surprised A little more to hear That little John was not afraid,
 But smiled from ear to ear. For, truth to tell, that awful bear Was just Teddy, gay. And Santa Claus had brought him there With little John to play.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

that he should remember all the poor chil. dren first on Christmas. and if anything was left after their needs and wishes had been supplied, she would be grateful for any little gift he might see it to send her.
 ''Yes, Mamma, I'll come Immediately she said, getting out of the chair. And let's talk over giving some presents to the poor children, for Santa Claus may not have enough to go round"
 Well, that's a dear, thoughtful little daughter" said mamma, looking some what surprised at what she heard. 'Tm sure, my little Paulie is going to become very kind and thoughtful of her little friends who are less fortunate than her. self''
 ''It was Lottie's letter to Santa that has caused the change in me-" explained Paule Then her mother, thinking the Lottie she alluded to was some little school acquaintance, only laughed and said:
 Nov hurry, dear, for papa and the dinner are waiting"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20
Pat. Visible Mean. of Support.

It Is very sharp emergency that can catch the witty Irishman, even though he be ignorant and ragged. Pat, whose gar ments were in tatters, was brought be- fore a magistrate on the charge of being vagrant, with no visible means of sup port Pat drew forth from his pocket huge hunk of bread, the half of dried cod fish, and several cold potatoes, and spread them on the judges stand. ''Shure, yer honor, what do you call that but visible names of supportf' he asked. coolly.
 ! And with smile the magistrate dis- missed him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

I love my boys and girls down
 there,
 And when on Christmas Day I harness up my sleigh and deer, And like the wind away,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

Now I'm off to Earth again;
 I go there once each year, And carry toys to cheer the hearts
 Of little children dear.
The San Francisco call., 1908-05-07
H[RRIN MACHINE
LOSES IN SOUTH
Continued From Page 1s, Column

Continued From Page 13, Column =
suit in the August primaries, when
members of the legislature will be
nominated, will be even more favorable
for the anti machine forces than has
been the result this time.
There will undoubtedly be~a great
inpouring of support to the league
from republicans who have heretofore
held aloof because they have doubted
that we could accomplish the over
throw of machine that had taken
25 years in the building. There will
also be a great rush to get. on the
band wagon and we must now guard
against machinists attempting to un-
dermine our organization by coming
into it. There is room for all decent
republicans, but none for the take
order" kind.
If we keep our organization intact
and improve it, as we purpose to do,
the victory means that California will
from now on have good government
through the dominant republican
party. IT means also a solid and loyal
delegation for Taft to the national
convention, delegation that will not
program with the reactionaries. but
will be for the Roosevelt policies and,
think. for Roosevelt himself If it
should appear that Taft could not be
nominated.
The victory also means encourage
ment to decent republicanism all over
the country. 1t is manifestation of
the spirit of the times and of a civic
awakening. Taken together with sim
liar movements in other states. think
1T means the political death of the
oligarchy and the eventual restoration
of our national government to the
people
The unofficial primaries for show
ing the choice of the voters for pres
ident were an absolute fizzle in Los
Angeles county.
Practically no attention was paid
to them. This demonstrates the lack
of capacity. the inefficiency and double
dealing of the present state central
committee.
The San Francisco call., 1908-05-07
The
General Demand

OF the Well-Informed OF the World has
always been for a simple, pleasant
and efficient liquid laxative remedy OF
known value; a laxative which physi-
clans could sanction for family use
because its component parts are
known to them to be wholesome and
truly beneficial in effect, acceptable
to the system and gentle. yet prompt,
in action.
In supplying that demand with its
excellent combination of Syrup Of
Figs and Elixir of Senna. the Calf
fornia Fig Syrup Co. proceeds along
ethical lines and relies on the merits
of the laxative for its remarkable
success.
That is one of many reasons why
Syrup Of Figs and Elixir of SIENNA Is
given the preference by the Well
Informed. To get its beneficial effects
always buy the genuine-manufac
tured by the California Fig Syrup Co
only, and for sale by all leading
&uggists. Price fifty cents per bottIa
The San Francisco call., 1908-05-07
FOR FREE LEGISLATURE
Fight for Free Mind Wins
Against Free Pass
Rv W;TIia1, d Davis

OAKLAND. May 6.-Personally. I do
not prophesy often. The fight just
made has been one of principle, not
persons. II It had been personal the
present result would have been i'm
possible. It was the principle Of free
elbow room and a free conscience for
every individual member of the repub-
lican party.
Every active man in the movement
has paid his own expenses and been
his own master. That is the signifi-
canoe OF it No one of us has ridden
on 8 free pass. free mind has beaten
the free pass.
This victory means that we expect
to control the state convention. The
result signifies a legislature such as
we have not had for 25 years. Watch
the Lincoln Roosevelt league and see
1t attend to the machine manipulation
and the interloper alike. Independent
republicans wanted demagogues and
camp followers not; we demand what
is right and no more and concede what
is right and no more
The San Francisco call., 1908-05-07
SAYS LEAGUE WILL
RULE CONVENTION

; Continued From Page 13, Column 4
OF the republican party by the railroad
machine
The league was unable in the few
months it has been in existence to
perfect organization In every county
that will come later, however--but this
does not mean that the same sentiment
which hasyoiced in San Francisco. Sac
ramento, Los Angeles, Oakland and
elsewhere, does not exist in those ooun-
ties.
Only today was assured that a ma
jority of the delegates in one of the
counties which the league had con-
ceded to the machine. would work with
the league in the convention.
Many delegates who. in the absence
of organized opposition to the railroad
machine in the state convention. would
have voted with the so called organ
izaticn without protest. because they
would recognize the futility of opposi-
ton, will in the coming convention
stand with the league to redeem the
party from the influences that have for
so many years controlled it.
Another most important factor is, as
the primary vote has demonstrated.
that the republicans of the state are
aroused as they have never been
aroused before.
The coming convention will attract
greater attention than any state con-
vention has in the past. The issue will
be clean cut and impersonal There are
no candidates to nominate, but prin-
ciple to fight for. Delegates who In
the past may have gone to the state
conventions and voted the railroad pro-
gram without exciting any criticism at
home, in the coming convention will be
followed by their constituencies, and
those who still cling to the remains of
the machine will do it reluctantly,
whereas the large percentage of such
delegates will abandon the machine en-
tirely
The result of the eight months work
of the league is most gratifying, as
demonstrated at the primary, and the
magnificent victory for the league
forces spells the certain and speedy
crushing of the Southern Pacific con-
troll in the republican party in this
state
The San Francisco call., 1908-05-07
SOCIETY CLEARING HOUSE

In an address Right Rev. Charles D.
Williams. Episcopal bishop of Michi-
gan. suggested society clearing house.
"In Washington it is now correct for
the society woman to send her footman
around with cards to the homes of
those who have called on her." said the
bishop. why not have a social clear
ing house, strike a balance every month
and send cards where cards are due
1t would save time and worry" 1ne
bishop was striking at the sense of OBJ
ligation and duty which actuates the
modern world in its actions. I'VE
make calls because 1t is our duty; we
send presents at Christmas because we
had presents given to US the Christmas
before; We work just eight hours a day
because we are paid for working just
that many hours, said the bishop. Do
Ing things because we are obliged to
and doing nothing from the love and
Joy OF doing it is running our social
and industrial life.'
The San Francisco call., 1908-05-07
DENTISTRY PRACTICED
FOR SEVENTY CENTURIES
Set of False Teeth Made About
5000 B. G. Found i'm a
Tomb

Cicero, in his treatise de Natura
Deorum,' ascribes @the invention OF
tooth drawing TO Aesculapius, third of
the name. The first mention of dem
tfstry is found in Hippocrates, who in
several parts of his writings has a
good deal to say about toothache.
Long before the dawn of Greek civili-
cation, however, dentistry seems to
have reached a high degree of per-
lection From the Phoenicians the art
found its way to the Etruscans At
the international congress held in
Rome in 1900 Professor Guerini ex-
hibited several specimens of dental art
which proved that something very
much akin to bridge work was prac-
ticed in ancient Italy so efficiently thar
it has lasted 80 centuries. Artificial
crowns have also been found In Etrus-
can tombs. Artificial dentures go back
to remote antiquity. DR.. Deneffe
states that In the museum of the Uni
versity of Ghent there is a set of arti-
fetal teeth found in tomb at Orvieto
with jewels and Etruscan vases he
gives Its date as from 5000 to 5000
years before Christ. In a collection of
antique surgical apparatus made by
DR.. Lambros there is an artificial dem
ture found in a tomb at Tanagra, near
Thebes, which is believed to belong to
the third or fourth century before the
Christian era. Teeth stopped with gold
| have been found in Greek tombs. In
the temple of Apollo at Delphi there
was, according to Erasistratus, a
nephew of Aristotle. and physician to
Seleucus Nicator. king of Syria, 354
B. c., a leaden instrument which was
used in the extraction of teeth; obyi-
ously an instrument of lead could have
been used only for loose teeth. - =
\ In the laws of the Twelve TabIas
made by the Roman Decemvirs in $50
B. c. it was expressly forbidden to bury
or burn gold with dead bodies, except
when used for wiring the teeth. In
the construction of false teeth re-
course was had by the ancients TO
teeth were employed. Benzoni found
In some mummies artificial teeth made
of sycamore. In the first century of
our era false teeth were very common
among the Romans. The name OF a
fashionable dentist is enshrined in a
line of Martial:
'Eximit aut dentem Crescentius
aegrum.''
Elsewhere he .ungallantly twits a
lady with removing her teeth as she
takes off her clothes at night. He
says rude things of the teeth of two
other ladies:
'erhais habet nigros. niveos Licania
denies,
Quae ratio est? Emptos haec habet,
lila suos."
Dentistry shared in the decay of the
arts during the middle ages, and we
read that when ST. Louis died in 1870,
although he was only So, he had but
one tooth in the upper jaw. French sur
geons, notably Ambrose Pare, took a
leading part in the revival of dentistry.
Louis XIv's dentist used only instru-
ments of gold in operating on the teeth
of his august patient. From the time
of Pare onward the highest dentistry
was in the hands of surgeons, extrac-
tion being left to BARRIERS and quacks.