davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1908-12-24
c)WZZERL HXO

Then it meant endless work; for months the needles
flashed in the busy housewives hands, as gift then
was almost Invariably handmade.
Preparations for Christmas in anebelum days gener-
ally began early in September, when mlady paid her
semlannual visit to the city there
lad In her supplies. Groceries purchased by
wholesale, staples for the field hands, all
cacies the market afforded for great and the
horde of guests who to invade it.
visit to the dry goods resulted in the pur-
chase of cloths, cotons fannels silks by the bolts
or course materials for fancy We're purchased in
large quantities, fog every southernborn spent
her spare moments at work of this Arriving home
the fall campaign was mapped out. Every plantation
boasted of half dozen and girls among
the slaves who designated themselves by the proud
titles of seamsters." Each day the "seamsers' would
come to the room set apart in the house
ing and under the watchfu eye of the mistress of the
house, the of the garments she herself had
cut out Dresses for the smallest baby plantation
well those for the little pickaninnies hafgrown
girls, young and old women alike made and laid
away for Christmas Bright prints gayly checkered cali
Goes and domestcs were the materials generally en-
ployed the had eye for color Garments
for the women complete, those for and boys were
next taken up, that Christmas morning each negro
who came to the house could be assured returning
to his quarter with laden with good warm clothing
including everything from pair of shoes that "cried" TO
his hearts delight to warm cap, hat, as his
fancy elected. This sewing circle generally extended
its operations period of two months but the work
invariably gotten out of the way before December
for the three weeks just prior to Christmas were busy
and had to with the mysteries the westocked
pantry
Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1908-12-24
C7Zl2cH 0F THE MAHNITy 6EZHZEHxW >:

sled. And the children right For after ALL is it not
a festival that grown-ups participate in with the
thusasm of the little folks?
Long since the shops have been stocked capa
city with toys and the myriad of gewgaws that go
attract the attention of the millions of shoppers
throng the streets, all bent common mission
the making ready fer Christmas visit to the large
cities small towns we'll the little country stores
all bespeak the with which preparations Christ
those of so years ago.
1t might be well to pause awhile in this money-mad
of commercalism when the pursuit of the dollar
paramount to all else, and back half century
and recall Christmas it celebrated in the fair
Southland before the To those who knew south
before its broad green fields crmsoned with the
life blood of invader and defender Christmas then
festival long to be remembered the climax patient
and arduous preparation, the elimination of months
of painstaking care, yet wha labor of love- Those
days of never-ceasing joy, which fairly breahed
the spirit of Peace earth, good will to men,"
christmas gif, mistiss! Christmas Gift marster!"
the wards of the slave holding planters gathered about
the great house front porch Christmas morning was
greeting could forget who beheld the upturned
and black faces of the plantation help as they
came forward to receive the traditional gift
Good old days, We say? Days that gone, but the
memories of which fresh our hearts
to-day the holly and mstletoe engaged in twin
ing into wreaths for the Christmas of to-day.
Christmas Before the had the same Significance
for the children of the south it has for those
day, but how much it the misresses of
those plantations where hundred slaves had
to be remembered than it does to the grand damee
to-day, who have but to their carriages visit the
nearest shop and there purchase whatever their fancy
might dictate To-day is little else than of many
shopping tours dear to the hearts of all womankind
Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1908-12-24

greens, and everywhere the Christ
mas spirit prevails In the great open halls
roc in proportion to permit of four-inhand being
therein turned is the huge Christmas tree fairly
groaning it's burden of presents for here dis
played gifts each member of the household guests
and house alike The trees of those days how
ever Illuminated by myrads of varcolored talow
dips, since electric lights far in the dim, dim
future many of the other predictions of that wonder
full old prophecies, Mother Shipton.
Promptly at six o'clock on Christmas the peace
and quiet of the great hall disturbed by the
of the house they staggered in beneath the
burden of the yue log in reality tk massive trunk of
welseasoned hickory. This upon the carefully
polished andirons and served back log" for the
cheerful fire of Christmas Christmas day. Sup
per over, members of the household gathered around
Chestnuts popcorn brought forth the evening
spent in roasting chesnuts popping spin
ming Christmas yarns for the little folks, who lowered
AS the grandfather clock chimed out the hour
of nine hush would fall upon the family group and
every strained to catch the plaintive melody
that foaed in from without The Christmas serenaders
had arrived. The servants of the plantation grouped
about the front porch the accompaniment of banjo
would sing the old plantation melodies until invited into
the Kitchen where liberal potaons of "a little drap
them up served, and each asked to drink
to the health of ole mstiss ole the little folks and
the household guests. This closed the ceremonies
Christmas Candles passed around and warm
beds sought there to dream of Santa Claus and the
and what to be found in the of stock
ings left hanging about the great open fireplace.
Christmas morning breaks clear and cold The house
hold bestirs itself early awakened by entrance of the
house servants. who rush from room to room calling
Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1908-12-24

masters plate placed the piece resistance suck
ling pig, roasted whole, glowing red apple gripped
tightly between its gstenng teeth In the center of the
table burned the stately candles surrounded by bank
of holly, cleaning with its the side
tables stood the bowl of wassa the big pitchers of
and cider plates of nuts and fruits and plat
tes of Christmas cakes of every description not forget
ting the yule dough- those plain but we'll spice thin cook
les, made the ancient cakes In the form of
human body, with Sits for the and mouth and
rants for the Other evidences that the feasting
was to be continued throughout the day contained
in the two large baskets either side the open fire.
place. one filled with chestnuts, the other with apples,
these to be roasted at will the glowing Goals while
in the the irons with which to null the port
and cider.
custom of beauty rarely revived nowadays.
While the afternoon festivities their height
the hotmulled beverages passed around toass
were freely given The guest of honor with glass aof
would the front hall door and from tbs shelter of
the piazza he toasted the fields and orchards that the
harvest Returning to the hail. wellpitched voice would
burst forth into that delightful old carol:
God rest you, merry gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay;
For Jesus Christ, Saviour
Was born upon this day.
This carol usually closed the afternoons diversions.
Chambers sought and siestas snatched that eyes
might be bright for the crownng event of the day. the
Christmas ball!
The huge hallway cleared its furniture the
glstening floor waxed until its surface shone like mir
The fdders took their position in the corner of
young folk from the countryside for miles around.
Round dances and square Dances reels and quadries
followed in quick order until the faint streaks of dawn
lined the horizon; then the Virginia reel in which
old and young participated, and the Christmas day had
faded into the past round of gayetes are crowded u
to the week. each replica of the that went before
Feasting and merry making goes unabated until New
Years day has been ushered in then guests depart and
the household takes up its routine.
Where there is general observance of the Christmas
holiday, there are sure to find Christmas spirit and
consequence general goodfellowshp. For while the
day has developed into purely occasion for the delv
of gifts of less cost good feeling prevails
because of these gifts and as consequence enemies
often made friends
Not only is this in America but It every
country where celebrations of the sort held Even
police annals point to that fact for then crimes at
minimum
Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1908-12-24

Christmas all
Gathering
bim with the Christmas
beginning of the cheer
the within
the sma hours the
that which
the front gifts
Then household
followed
pudding, months
And what they
soins a
Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1908-12-24
RLCeS/H

The succeeding days were ones of
never ceasing delight to the housewife
and her corps of well-trained cooks and
helpers. Cakes by the dozen were
mixed, baked and set away; cakes the
recipes for which are priceless to-day;
pastry of every description, and invari-
ably these were made in sufficient guam
titles to carry the family and their
score of guests through the holiday
season, for Christmas always extended
over the New Years day. With prep
arations for Christmas complete, the
house is set in order for it's influx of
guests. The choicest linen, spiced and
snowy in it's cleanliness, is brought forth
from the great linen presses, and all
the spare beds in the house made up.
Then follows the decoration. In each
room, living-rooms as well as bed cham
bers, blazing logs crackle upon the
hearth; windows are festooned with
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-02
FAVOR LOCAL BIDDERS
FOR PUMPING PLANT
San Francisco Firms Anxious to
Construct Salt Water
Svstem

An appeal has been made in behalf
OF the local bidders to have the con-.
tract for the salt. water pumping
plants awarded to San Francisco
firm. 1t appears that many OF the
eastern bids exceeded the tender. OF the
local concerns. but that the lowest
bidder was an eastern concern. which
offered to do the work for $1,000 less
than the lowest local bidder. II Is
pointed out. on behalf Of the San Fran
cisco firms that $1,000 is only per
cent of the full cost of the contract
1t is stated further that il will be
necessary for the city: to expend lar. >.
sums to send its representative. east to
inspect the machinery OF the. lowest
bidder and to make the necessary tests.
Special stress is placed upon the
policy OF encouraging home manufac-
turing. 1t is further argued that &c
is the part of wisdom to keep. the city
money In San Francisco to assist IN
the work OF reconstruction. -.....
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-02
HAL CHASE CANNOT PLAY
Especial Dispatch to The Call

NEW YORK. Dec. HAL Chase viii
not play with the Yankees next year
There are several SOUND reasons for
this announcement. In the. first place;
it is very questionable IL. either chases
suppIications or any influence; OF the
New York club, or the American .leagus
might bring TO bear: on the national
commission would assuage the wrath.
OF that body from making a stern ex-
ample OF the recalcitrant .arst base
man.
Furthermore: President Frank Far
rell of the New York Americans stated
empha tically when Hal Chase deserted
that he had washed his' hands OF the
Californian and that. with his permis-.
sion. Chase would never again be tOl-
Grated In the big leagues.
In speaking OF the Chase Incident
Harry c. Pulliam. presidents OF the Ma
tional league and member OF the ma
tionsl commission. intiuated very
strongly that Hal would have. the hard@'
est time Of his life TO get back into
the good graces OF baseball protection
even should he wish so to do. :.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-02
POLICE BOAT PATROL
SEARCHES FOR BODY
OF BIGGY IN THE BAY

From the Golden gate to Hunters
point the bay was covered yesterday
by the police boat Patrol. which
searched in vain for some trace of
Chief Biggy.
Beginning at o'clock in the morn
ing Policeman La Rue went on watch.
He first ran the boat south, for he
thought the tide might have taken
Biggy up toward Mission flats.
Returning to dock for new supply
Of oil La Rue headed the Patrol for
the Golden gate, carefully scrutinizing
every point and looking under all the
docks along the point.
At o'clock the Patrol returned to
its dock and then Policeman O'Donnell
took charge. going out in search of the
missing chief. The boat steamed slowly
and ran over the same course that it
had done in the early morning. 1t re-
turned to its dock at midnight, and
then with new crew put out into the
bay again to renew the search.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-02
POSTMASTERS PLACED
IN CLASSIFIED. SERVICE
More Than. $4,000. Heads of
Fourth Class Offices Affected
by New. Order

WASHINGTON. Dec. 1.-Alf fourth
clazs postmasters in the states. east
Of. the: Mississippi river and north
Of the Ohio river were to-day placed in
the classified service by an executive
order OF The president. Hereafter ali
fhe .appointees to fourth class post
Inasterships in those states must un-
dergo civil service examinations
POsfmasters now holding. Office will
not need to take the examinations
More than 900 fourth class post
Another executive order of the presi-
dent signed at the same time. author
izes the postoffice department to fill
,acarcfes in fourth class. posfnoaster-
ships without civil service examination
until the civil service commission shall
certify to the department that it is able
10 hold examinations and make certif-
cations TO such positions. This was
necessary because time is required be-
fore any position can be filed by ex-
animation and certification from the
commission.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-02
PLAN TOCONSTRUCT
LARGE COLISEUM
Negotiations Under Way to
Lease Block at Fillmore and
Eddy Streets

II negotiations now under way for
long term lease of the block bounded
by Fillmore and Webster, Eddy and
Turk streets, are successful San Fran
cisco will have a coliseum that Will
rival the great auditorium at Denver
and Will bring many of the big con-
ventions to the city.
Arrangements have been pending for
many months and the incorporation of
million dollar company to manage
the enterprise now rests on the ability
of the financiers to obtain a lease that
will warrant the erection of a $500, 900
structure capable of seating 5000 per-
sons.
Although it has been rumored for
some time that negotiations for a huge
enterprise were being carried on. the
personnel of the embryo corporation
was not known until yesterday when
it leaked out that Irving c. Ackerman,
vice president of the Chutes company
was identified with the movement 1t
is now learned that other stock holders
of the Chutes company are interested
although 1t is denied that that corpora
tion as it stands will handle the. deal.
STRUCTURE TO BE CIRCULAR
The structure will be circular and it
is possible that hippodromes and cir
cuses viii be held there at certain sea-
sons. 1t also will be used as an i'm
mense dancing pavilion and skating
rink. 1t is the opinion of businessmen
that such an enterprise will prove
highly profitable investment.
Irving c. Ackerman would not dis
close the personnel of the proposed
corporation last night, but admitted
that he had been negotiating for
long lease of the block which, he said,
was held for three years by the Ar
cade amusement company, with an op-
tion OF a second three years.
The. owner holds that the lease has
been invalidated." said Ackerman, "and
It is probable that there will be diff
Guilty in making the arrangements.
Will admit that / intended to organize
a corporation to erect an immense audi
torium similar to the one at Denver
But of course only a long lease would
warrant the erection of such a struc-
turer which would cost about $500, 900
To- buiid"
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-02
LEAGUE
ADOPTS NEW BYLAW
Parent Body Must Not Segre-
gate Minor Organizations
in Future

The executive committee of the Aca-
demic league met last night in the
Oakland manual high school and added
an important chapter to its bylaws rel
ative to the segregating OF subIeagues
by the board OF managers. After a
long and spirited discussion it was
agreed that the board shall not in the
future have power TO segregate these
leagues. This rule. it is hoped will
put an end to many. involved discus
sions that have arisen over various
meets in the past.
Each OF the subleagues must pre-
sent its own constitution and bylaws
to the parent body in the future. These
will be passed upon by that body and
must be officially approved before the
minor leagues will be allowed to con-
duct any athletic events or games.
This was done at the suggestion OF
President Cloude.
The members also decided to give
their attention to the expansion of the
league and 10 this end a committee was
appointed to meet the teachers at their
next convention in San Jose and seek
their aid in bringing In the high
schools of Sacramento. HealdsburS and
other cities which are not represented
at the present time.
The committee decided that the re-
ceipts of the Llck-Alameda high school
football game. to be played on Decem-
ber IL. shall be divided One-third TO
the league and one-third to each OF
The committee gave its sanction to
the Alameda eleven 10 play the Los
Angeles high school eleven for the high
school football championship of the
state in Los Angeles on Saturday af-
ternoon. The Alameda lads viii leave
for the south tomorrow evening
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-02
CUTLER is WILLING
TO BECOME CHIEF, BUT
THERE ARE OTHERS

Rumor seated and unseated many
new chiefs of police yesterday. Most
of the names which were passed in
review previous to the appointment of
Biggy were again mentioned and sew
eral new ones were added.
That acting Chief of Police Cutler
VIII be an active candidate for the
position became a certainty when he
conf1ded this ambition to some Of his
intimate friends.
Cutler believes that he IS amply
qualified to administer the police de-
partment, and would like to annex the
generous salary which goes with the
position of chief. His present stipend
of 500 a month he regards with dis
favor as wholly Inadequate to COM
pensate him for his services to the
city.
Former Captain of Police John Mar
tin was also mentioned as possibility.
Martin has declared on more than one
occasion that he would not accept the
position. So has John Seymour former
captain of detectives, who is also being
discussed as an eligible candidate.
Seymour is averse to accepting the
place on account of his pleasant con-
nection with the Wells Fargo express
company. As chief of the staff of de-
tectives for that corporation he is re-
moved from the turmoil and stress of
public police duty.
Detective Ed L. Gibson, one of the
experienced men of the upper Office,
also has been mentioned as a possible
successor to Biggy. Detective Ser
geant Robert Hogan. at present de-
tailed for duty in the office of the
district attorney, has been spoken of
in some quarters.
James OConnell. the postal inspector,
is known to have ambitions that look
toward the star of a police chief Rich
ard l. Whelan, who sang his way into
the shrievalty has confided to friends
his willingness to accept the response
bility. General Charles A. Woodruff,
retired from the regular army, is
looked upon by many as the sort of
man who would fill the position with
satisfaction. 1t has been said that If
Cutler could not get the place. he
and Keil would favor Woodruff, while
Leggett and Sweigert lean to whelan.
In connection with this discussion it
was freely commented upon by the
superstitious that the only two chiefs
of police taken from the ranks of citi-
zens both died in harness after a brief
tenure of office.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-02
PINE BLUFF THREATENED .
BY RAGING ARKANSAS
Citizens Ask RooseveIt's Per-
! mission TO Turn Course of
~ Mighty Flood =.

= -'9AE. BLUFF. Ark, Dec 1.--While
l. o sg as last recourse TO Presi-
:. 'eseTeTt that permission be
to cut. through government
= and change the course of the
4 rkasnsas7 river leaving Pine Biufr high
and drS-, but safe. every available man
in, this city viii be put to work
siren gthenipg: already cruThbling banks
until the crest of a. rs foot. rise PASSES
this potat prQba bly, Wednesday night,
In. an effort :to prevent an overflow,
w lich would mean destruction of prop
.eEty. valued at hundreds OF thousands
OF dollars and possibly loss of :life:.
The .-pfan suggested yesterday was
sthat a strip Of lSnd' several miles north
of the cify. where the river starts a
horseshoe bend. be cut through, but
federal permission through the war
depa rtlneh5 could not be- obtained. Late
today message appealing TO President
Roosevelt was sent, but even should
the neces ssary althority now be granted
4he water is rising too rapidly TO per
Ini-t. the successful carrying out of the
:gozag2t the. river has passed the Is
foot stage. and at its crest stage OF
IS. feet. IS expected. The food stage is
Tonight. a large. section of land. 80
feet sof. the walls .of the county court
House and JEFFERSON. hotel; each valued
at 800 600, is slowly. disappearing into
the river. Should the water break
through the bank it seems certain sex5
ersl streets lined with business houses
and a mife- long would be destroyed.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-02
NEW LAWS ASKED
BY SEAM[N'S union
Resolution Adopted at Annual
Convention Demands Free
dom of Contract

NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 1.-The most
important subject considered today by
the seamens union of America in an
nual convention was a petition ad-
dressed to the rulers of the world ask
ing for freedom for the sailors in ref
erence TO contracts. A resolution was
ADOPTED demanding these changes in
the maritime law:
Flrst-Abolish all imprisonment for
leaVlng a vessel in any safe harbor.
Second-Abolish all imprfsonment for
refusing to obey commands while lying
In safe harbors, substituting therefor
the payment of such money as has
been paid to any one who has been
engaged to do the work refused.
Third-Abolish all continuous dis
cnarge certificates which are kept by
the master; establish in its place a GER
tficate of efficiency to be kept by the
seaman himself
Fourth-Abolish all payment of ad-
vance wages, directly or indirectly.
Flfth-Abolish allotment of wages.
except to near and dependent rela-
tives.
Sixth--Adoption of a standard of eff
hciency for sailors, providing for at
least three years service at sea on
deck
Seventh-Adoption of stand of eff
cheney for firemen, providing for at
least six months service as trimmer.
Eighth-Adoption of rule under
which rs per cent of deck crew. ex-
elusive of officers, must be able sea
men and understand enough of the Ian
guage OF the officers to obey their com
mands.