davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
CHRISTMAS EVE
 IN BETHLEHEM

From Army and Navy Life.
 At last I am come to the market place. at one end of which stands the Church of the Nativity, marking the holy. lowly birthplace. There Is only one entrance from the street, and It IS SO low that in entering one Is forced to bow the head and assume posture of reverence. I am not Romanist- but the need of some bodily preparation or purifcation makes itself left. AL most involuntarily I make the sign or the cross above my heart as prayer trembles across my lips. When once inside raise my eyes, feel the lashes wet.
 The ceiling is lofty. the walls white washed and bare, while the ancient dark beams and rafters add to the air of extreme simplicity There are long rows of marble pillars once adorned with paintings, that are all but faded now; and of the once gilt ering mosaics of the clerestory' only fragments remain. Coming into the choir apse, the scene IS suodehiy changed. There are numerous altars of divers ownership, under constant and jealous guardianship or Latin Greek and Amenian. Over these Varl- ous claims there has been much ana bitter dissension, blood has been snilled more than once. In fact. as all the world knows, the Crimean war be- gan with mob riot in the Church Of the Nativity-sacrilege of sacrtiege'- and here was horn the Prince of Peace
 Down the dark and winding stairs. slippery with the drippings of countless candles. I make my way to that iowly place into which first came the light of the world. The grotto of the nativity is a cavern beneath the church. long. narrow. and low-ceiled, with pendant lamps of precious metal and rare work manship lighting the gloom. The floor is marble and wonderful old tapestries. pictures and silk hangings-cover the walla
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
High School Notes.

The following notes were compiled by the pupils of the Ensley High school:
 After the regular programme on Mon- day, December z, 1908. the Wideawake club held its quarterly election of officers as follows; President, Ruth Chiles; vice president, Miss A. Bloodgood; secretary. Marion Wood; treasurer, Edith McWil- Hams; critic, Carrie Hunt; chaplain, Marian Bowman.
 A club pin of beautiful design was se- lccted and adopted.
 The pupils of the different schools were made glad by the announcement that the schools would suspend from December 24 1908. to January {. 1909, for Christmas holi- days.
 The senior class are now wearing a beautiful gold class pin.
 The Board of Education entertained the teachers of the school Friday evening. December Il, 1908, at the home of Mrs. w. T. Tendon. Avenue G and Twenty second street.
 Tuesday afternoon a large crowd saw the Powell team, for the second time, go down in defeat before the dreaded Ensley squad. The game was rather onesided, but very interesting throughout, the final score being Ensley 19, Powell l.
 A fine Leitz miscroscope has arrived from Germany for the use of the science de- pertinent in the High school.
 Alabama day will be fittingly celebrated at the Ensley High school on Monday, December 14- Dr. Joel .. DuBose, the author of the text book on Alabama his tory, adopted by the state school book commission, and other historical works. and who is also an educator of note, will make an address. MT. DuBose Is a fluent speaker and his knowledge of the history of the state will make his address doubly interesting. Superintendent Baker Is to be congratulated upon having been able to secure MT. DdBose for this occasoin.
 At the teachers meeting this morning Superintendent Stripln of Gadsden made an eloquent and inspiring address. MT Striplr took for his theme The Mission of a Teacher and in well chosen lan- guage pointed out the duties and responsi- biiities of the teacher< n><a calling. His address was thoroughly enjoyed by the large audience and was much applauded
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13

A marble cradle in one corner commem- crates the manager; and in a recess on one side O dozen or more hanging lamps are ranged around in half circle. Be- fore the altar there, all men bend olw and kiss the ground for Christ's sako, for it is here silver star Is set to mark the birthplace of Him who His mother called Jesus" The center of the star Is glass and through it one may see the original rocky floor of the stable. To the north of the grotto under heath the floor one may also see the cave in which St. Jerome spent many peace- full years translating the Bible into Latin.
 The effect of the whole Is impressive, but in an unfamiliar way I am con- scious of feeling that is almost re- sentiment against the lamps and tapes- tries and the marble floor. They seem to level to the cheapness of worldly riches a spot that of all places on earth, should have been allowed to remain tranquily humbly and dimy sacred-true to the character of its holy, transcendent mem- ory.
 close my eyes for a moment while mind and heart rebel against the present, until 1t vanishes; and teh atmosphere of the past. in all its deep and wondrous mystery. returns to envelop my soul 1T am herein Bethlehem"-I whisper 10 myself-and beyond closed lids I seq the Virgin mother, with her gentle face as the old masters loved to picture her, and Tight that never was on land or sea in her beautiful mother eyes; while the glory from low-hanging star touches a babys hair. The fragrant scent of new hay Is in my nostrils, I hear the soft breathing of nearby cattle; and above the murmur of pilgrims prayers. ths voice of the Magi is saying. 'Lo! Wo have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
United Charities to Meet.

There will be a meeting of the United Charities next Moncay night at the city hall, Ensey. As Christmas tide is draw ing near Mrs. D. A. Echols, the president Is deslrous of having all the members attend this meeting. A number or cases of utter distress have been reported Many cases have been investigated and much can be done by united effort to send a ray of Christmas cheer into many desolate homes.
 Many voluntary contributions have been received but the society is badly in need of funds.
 Contributions of money provisions, or clothing may be sent to Mrs Echois' or to the secretary, Mrs. J. M. Dupuy' All members of the society and those who are in sympathy with the movement are urged to attend. The meeting will he called at 7:30.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
sapphIres and sapphIra.

From the London Chronicle.
 Artificial sapphires. such as those just made in France, remind one, by an inevi- table association of ideas, of Sapphlra- Here is a striking instance of the manner in which a name can be killed once for all by one evil possessor thereof. Cain, Judas. Ananias and Sapphira are intrin- sically just as attractive as other biblical names that have survived; but nobody bears them, although Sapphire might, but for the wife of Ananias, have been as popular a Christian name as Pearl or Ruby If Dorcas and Sapphira had changed names, 'Sapphira societies. would have been the title of many char itable sewing circles today, and Dorcas would have been anathema-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
 CLAYTON DECIDES
 KOT ID RESIGN EnsIey Postmaster Will Retain
 His Position AN INTERESTING SITUATION United Charities of Ensley to Hold Im- portant Meeting Tomorrow-Per- sonal and General News
 of EnsIey.
By c. H. MANDY.

Ensley. December 12.-(Special.) )-Post- nation to President Roosevelt Q few weeks ago, has withdrawn his resignation and in all probability will continue in office un- til his term expires, which will be March 15, 1909. This adds another chapter to the situation in regard to the postmastership. When MT. Clayton resigned several prom inent republicans of Ensley got extremely active as applicants for the position, and many petitions were circulated and caucuses held in favor of one applicant or another.
 About the time the appointment was to have been made a thunderbolt was dropped in the republican camp at Ems ley in the shape of an order from the postoffice department at Washington con- solidating the Ensley and Pratt City of- fices And with 1t came the rumor that J. x. Thomas, the postmaster at Pratt City. was slated for the position. As few people in Ensley or Pratt City were aware that such measure was even con template the people felt they had been ignored on this proposition and the con- sensus of opinion was that the influence sufficient to bring about the consolidation was sufficient to name the man for the postmaster and indications pointed strong ly that Jack Thomas would get the plum.
 As the matter now stands the post office at Pratt City will be abolished on January 1, 1909, and become sub-station of Ensley, MT. Thomas receiving an order to that effect this week. This, 1t seems, will throw him out of job. that is if Clayton's resignation has not been ac- cepted by the department The with drawal of Mr.. Qfaytons resignation cer- tainly puts new light on the situation.
 Neither the citizens of Ensley or Pratt City, as a whole, were in favor of the change A government inspector has been here inspecting the Ensley postoffice and reported the office in first-class condition, and certain charges made against MT. Clayton groundess.
 He will at once install the free delivery at Pratt City and promises as good serv- foe as possible under the circumstances
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
Male Chorus a Success.

Prof. s. Alsop and the officers of the male chorus recently organized are much gratified at the success thus far at tained.
 The chorus has already 50 members ana 1t is expected that by January Will number 70 or 80 members. At'th sev- eral rehearsals that have been held. much latent talent has been discovered and ere long Ensley will be justly proud of this musical organization.
 Last night the chorus Comrades to Arms" was exoellently rendered consid- ering the few rehearsals. It is the in- tention of the organization to give smoker at an early date, also con cert at the city hall. Each event will be popular in music loving circles.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
NEED NO URGING

$2250-Two 4-room houses. size rooms 16x1e, on lots 6Ox140 each. will rent for $12.5O each. On terms of one third cash, balance and years. This is a snap. Near car line and new Jefferson boulevard. They will go at once, first come first served.
 ferson boulevard nice place. Terms s1OO cash, balance $25 per month. Why pay rent?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
Teachers Entertained.

An informal reception was rendered the teachers of the Ensley public schools and their friends at the handsome residence of Dr. and Mrs. W. T. Hendon by the wives of the members of the board of education. The house was tastefully dec- orated with mistletoe, Christmas bells, holly and ferns Games and music were the features. Refreshments were served. Those present were: Superintendent and Mrs. N. R. Baker, MT. and Mrs. c. P. Bowman, Mrs. Wilson. Miss Champion, Miss Reed. Mss Kyser. Miss Jessie Wells. Mss Kitte Averyt, Miss Haliie Scruggs. Miss Thomasson, Miss Cecile Kron, Miss Sabine Dupont, Miss M M Brown, Miss Babbitte, Miss Clark. Miss Ruth liar beck, Miss L. Hudson, Miss Bertha Cow an, Miss Bentley. Miss Keith, Messrs. J. c. Blackwell, Smith. Elmore. Sellers. Quarles, Snider, Knowles, Harris, Totten, Kelly, Cutter Shannon Smith, Irvine, Hiebe, board of education. MT. and Mrs. T. F. West, MT. and Msr. J. H. Sheldon, Mrs. J. H. Perkins, Mrs N. W. Scott, MT. and Mrs. W. B. Bridge, pr. and Mrs. w. T. Tendon.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
eome spltefui Wllls.

From T1d BitR
 Quite . number of wills have been proved recently which have contained strange bsQuests, evidently prompted by spite. Strangely enough. most of these vindicitive wills arc directed against women. A St. Louis citizen left 5000 to . certain party on the ground that he never forgot favor." Ten years ago. 1t appears, tho 1egatee ran away with the testators wifel
 Another will was proved of q man who left his wife one farthing and directed that 1t should be sent her by post in an unstamped snvelope.i His will was made two years before his death and he gave as tho reason for his action that his wife had called his an "old pig and other names.
 The other day man died and left his property to his daughter on condition that she paid to a certain person the sum of sh pence for the purchase of a hempen cord or halter for the use of the dear wife of that person, expressing the hope that she would make use of the same without delay.
 There is at least one case, however, in which man Is concerned. One of the uniformed officials of a popular railway
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
Mrs. Sholi EntertaIns.

At her home on Twenty-second street, Mrs Joe Sholl entertained informally yesterday afternoon in honor of her moth CT, Mrs. House. The house was beau tifully decorated fin palms, ferns and cut flowers. Mrs. Sholl was assisted in receiving ny her mother, Mrs. House. A two-course luncheon was served and a pleasant afternoon was spent by all. Those who enjoyed Mrs. sholl's hospital ity were Mrs. ". N. Wood. Mrs. John sholl, Mrs Crville Marstellar, Mrs Henry Ohl, Mrs. Van E. Ohl, Mrs. Louis Bizena, Mrs. John Fink, Mrs. John B. Sullivan Mrs. John H. Jones, Mrs Conrad Wahl, Mrs. F. B. Dodge and the guest of honor, Mrs House,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13

this morning but was continued until Monday owing to absent witnesses. Chiet Merriman and his efficient force of po- licemen have been vigilant in suppressing the illegal trfflc in liquor and many ol fendors have been brought to the bar of Justice.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13

$1175-$35O cash, balance one, two and three years; two lots facing the car line at Hill Top station; this is no feet on the corner. $525O-s1OOO cash, balance $40 month, g. room. 2-story house; close in, on Ave nue H. bath, lights and gas, bath on both floors. $1OOc-sSOO cash and good terms, corner lot on Avenue D, 571kx150 feet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13

line, who died recently, left an estate valued for probate at ss17. Tn his will he made some unlxind remarks against a certain person of whom he states that My estate would have been considerably larger if 1t had not been for my associa- ton with this perambulating human vine- gar cruet and the cleverest known legal daylight robber." These associations he estimated to have cost him considerably over R400.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
-E N LEY DEP "A R T M E N IT.
AN OPPORTUNE TIME TO BUY-SHREVVD BUYERS

sl25o-A Groom house on pike near Shady Side. Easy payments. s2SOO-Nice residence lot, Avene E, be- tween 2Sd and 24th streets. Can make terms.
 s15,OOO-For all 3S lots and broom house. nice orchard. at crewes, blocks of car line, can make terms.
 We have special prices on about 20 lots at Ensley Highlands. Will be glad to go over property with you.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13

$775-$400 cash, balance to suit, alley corner, 5ox15O feet, on the shady side of the street, Avenue I and 18th street $3000-$1000 cash, balance one and two years, business lot on 18th street. $9750-$500 cash, balance $40 month, swell. broom cottage on the corner of 2Sd street and Avenue H, bath, lights and gas; this property is in first-class con- dition; let us show you this.
 $10O0-A swell residence lot on Ensley Highlands, fronts the car line.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13

se50-Lot Il, block 4, Brmingham-Ens- ley.
 $60O-Each, 8 lots in block 8, Helena Heights. $350-Nce lot Oseola station, all cash. s1100-Nice 4-room cottage on corner lot 6Sx16s. Terms $20O cash, balance $25 per month. $1600-Nice 4-room cottage at Oseola sta- tion, less than block of car line, easy terms; has gas, electric lights and city water.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
Prohibition Violation.

At a late hour last evening Officer Henry White arrested white man named Joe Meanza on charge of vio- lating the prohibition law. Meanza runs A soft drink establishment on Seventeenth street and is charged with selling whisky. The case came before Mayor D. F. Sugg
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13

held at the Cumberland Presbyterian church in Ensley Tuesday evening.
 The Ladies Aid society of the Metho- dist church realized quite neat sum from their recent bazaar and supper, and desire to thank the people for their pa- tronage.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
Wanted a Taste.

From Illustrated Bits.
 The Kid-Please, mister, gimme . tough sirloin steak?
 The Butcher-Tough?
 The Kid--Yes: cause, if it's tendon dad eats i'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
Cosmos Club Meets.

The Cosmos club met with Mrs. W. O. Garrett yesterday afternoon. All the members were present and enjoyed the evening Refreshments were served. The following programme was rendered.:
 Quotations from Riley Paper, Witch craft in Great Britain." Mrs. F. A. Flu bank.
 Reading, Act III. Macbeth, discussion led by Mrs. James Dupuy.
 Sketch of James Whitcomb Riley, Mrs. F. H. Fuller Jr.
 That Old Sweetheart of Mine." Mrs. H. E. Goldsmith
 The nex. meeting of the club will be with Mrs. B. B. Glasgow on January l.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13

to decide and we know that a visit to our store will be helpful. Our show cases are teeming with suggestions and in our magnificent assortment of Dia- monds, watches, solid Silver, Rings, Cut Glass, Brooches, Scarf Pins, Bracelets, and hum dreds of articles little and. big. You'll find something to suit your needs and your purse. Be sure and come into our store. Goods moderately priced.
 All ~fs~lac Ep orS,x,e
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
Buy Ensley Real Estate Now

s2500-Terms, a swell corner lot, close in on Avenue H. s675-A nice lot on Avenue and 30th street; terms; this is just one block from the new school site. $s25-A nice lot, 27th and D. s4oo cash, bal ance easy $615-Easy terms; a swell lot on c and 32d street. Give us a trial. We want your business. Let us know your wants.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
psrsotnal and General.

Miss Essie Horton of Troy, Miss, Ia wis., ting Mrs. J. M Dupuy on Avenue H.
 Miss Emma Anderson of Gadsden Is the guest of Mrs. J. J. walker.
 Tho Rev. c. c. Tstherow win occupy the pulpit at the Central Park Methodist church on Sunday morning.
 Enc Birmingham presbytery will be
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13

<15o-For quick sale, all cash, lot 3, block 26, Blrmingham- -Ensley $125O-Nice little cottage on hill Terms $500 cash balance $2O per month. ss750--A swell broom cottage on corner 2sd street and Avenue H, all modern im- provements.
 $275O-A new broom cottage on corner 24th street and Avenue l. Terms $500 cash, balance easy.
 y550-Each lots, Helena Heights, near car line. The cheapest lots left out that way.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-13
Xmas Shopping

Is upon us, and many are pug zled to know what to give. We want to make 1t easier for you
The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1908-08-01
Mississippi Central

Leaves 'Hattiesburg, Sis a. m.
Arrives Rrookhaven 11:45 am.
Leaves Brookhaven $500 p. m.
Arrives Natchez $50 p. m.
No a.
Leaves Natchez $50 a. m.
Arrives Brookhaven 12:40 p. m.
Leaves Brookhaven $500 p. m.
Arrives Hattissburg $3.50 p. m.
No. 81
Leaves Hattiesburg $3.50 D. m.
Arrives Brookhaven 700 p. m.
No. p
Leaves Rrookhayen sos a. m.
Arrives Hattiesburg 1855 a. m.
The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1908-08-01

lllclie <z'<-s<
the strains s. a. 81 4rGAn a.
will have l16f - f1efe szsyex Szis'z
| l shall say: Little one. tell mamma
| that an old friend would like to see
her. And she'll come down looking
as If she's just about all in and with
only a pathetic suggestion of her for
mer beauty. After awhile she will
say: And you never married?"
Never once" l shall say. There
was only one woman in the world for
me-" Then she'll blush and
| l guess do not know what that is,
| too. Thoy seem to be whooping it up
down there. wonder If I'd be con-
| sidered fresh If kicked in2 l was to
have the privileges of the parlor with
the other boarders, so don't see why
not. Those. drug store cigars are
pretty bum.
Wonder If that Miss Kessick isn't
In the bunch She isn't real horrid to
look at, anyway.
1t doesn't cut any ice with me, of
course. but she certainly is the real
Michigan specially, sun-ripened and
just as good with the red mosquito bar
off as with 1t on. If had only met
her about six months ago there's no
telling. But. I'm spoiled for anything
elise now The dull ache has set in.
and unless I'm thinking or something
else, It stays right with me. Just like
Miss Libby says.
+ Kessick! Funny thing never took
any pafticular notice Of her until last
week. i guess must have been toll
cradle busy since l came here. She
certainly isn't like the factory made
article, isn't little Margaret. There's
something to her. She's a mixer. all
right, and she'll stand for joshing
and not linger at the come back.
And, while you're talking that girl
has got eyes that somebody ought to
put smoked glass over In the interests
Of the public safety. I've seen eyes
before, butt, don't suppose / ought
to buy her candy on short acquatnt-
ance, but the candy money I've been
saving the last week or two certainly
ought to have an outlet somewhere
After short while. when the bunch
gets together, | must spring myself
for ice cream at the drug store as
kind of starter. I've got to do some
thing evenings.
That drug clerk is wise boy. He's
ON to his job, all right. mo, we
haven't any Of that in stock We don't
carry 1t anymore, anyway. Here's
something that doesn't cost as much
and it's every bit as good. think
myself it's little better. 1t won't
hurt to try It, anyway, People get
IN the habit OF taking some onesthing
and they think there isn't anything
else win do. and that's where they're
wrong. You try this, 1t won't be but
q little while, till you just swear by
it,
Z wonder,
I'm little leary Of 'em, but don't
The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1908-08-01
TTIEsBCKG s
WAS flS|
One Girl

There isn't much In life for me aEy.|
more. There might have been. ] am
pretty sure that II she had lofed me
1t would have been Different She
would have given a rose5colored tint
to the universe.
A -four room fiat with her would
have been equal to palace Of jas
per and sard-whateyer that is--and
brown stone. A canary In the front
bay window would have been equal to-
4 grove of nightingales. Twenty dol
lars down to an instalment house
would have given me all the luxurious
velvet piled rugs, pictures, statuary.
bric-a-brac, tapesteries and hangings
that-I needed. A half pound Of cold
ham, dimes worth Of Saratoga
chips and a bottle Of milk in the ice
box on the porch would have been a
worthy equivalent of the larders, eel
lars and $4,000 chefs of the rich and
great. ~But now!
She strung me. She did 1t to the
queens taste. She made me think /
was all the table condiments and
the after lunch mints. She did this
for months. Then the little gong on
the top of the clock breaks loose, and
wake up and rub my eyes.
1t wasn't me. Not at all. was re-
J garded in the light of very dear
friend-who was willing to fa'' for the
4 price most any old evenin
Chandler was the real bales
merchandise. Billyi
4 1t was her eyes and her
hers-her laugh and the
moved that got me razzls
There's somewhere in the NJ
hood of 'steen billion girls
around loose, but there isn't anything
Just exactly like her. That's what's the
trouble with me.
4 Well, I've got to buck up and bear
it. Guess I'll go around to the drug
store and get a cigar and then stroll
down to the sad lake waves and think
some more large thoughts. fellow
can't think with ragtime playing IL
the room below. Not the kind Of
thinks I'm having.
Three days gone by. I'm still alive
but I didn't expect to do the frog ac
anyway It's going to simmer dow
to dull ache after little. I'll have
a feeling like the parquet at five-thir
ty ON a matinee afternoon, according
to the best authorities, and that will
stay with me for the rest of my days
- .vender what that Is they're play