davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27
ALWAYS Remember Santa

Dear Aunt Laurie-If / were Santa
Claus 1 would try to find all the poor
children 1 could and bring them each
some good warm clothes to wear, some
good things to eat and then each of
them a nice toy of some kind. 1t would
be great fun to see how pleased the
children would be whose parents can
not afford to buy them these things. 1
think they would appreciate their
gifts more than the children who pa
rents can buy them anything they ask
for at any time of the year. Then 1
would see what 1 could do for the
other children.
L hope there will be enough of the
Herald Christmas dinner for all the
children of the poor, and I am sure
these little ones will never forget The
Heralds Santa Claus.
And now 1 am going to wish you all
a very merry Christmas.
AGNES e. KRINGEL,-
Twenty-fourth street school, BIG
grade, age 10 years.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27
Surprised by a Mouse

Dear Aunt Laurie:
If l were Santa Claus I would try to
make everybody happy. 1 will tell you
about some of the visits I would make.
| would go down the chimney of a rich
mans house. Everything would be still
when 1 got down. When I started to
fill the stockings something jumped out
of one of the stockings. 1t was a mouse
l jumped and ran. When I got half
way up the chimney | happened to
think 1 had forgotten my sack of toys
I went down after it, but l did not
stop to fill the rest of the stockings
l hurried up the chimney and started
my RENDERS and drove away very fast
I then went down the chimney of a
poor mans house. I didn't find any
stockings. I found a letter instead
which l read. 1 gave to the little girl
a new coat, new shoes, stockings and a
nice doll. I went up the chimney and
drove away.
went down the chimney of another
rich mans house. They were having a
party, and 1 said: 81 though you would
be in bed fast asleep" 1 gave the pres
ents to all the children and left. 1 went
to many other places.
1 went to the house of some more
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27
Thoughts of Parents

Dear Aunt Laurie:
1 know what would like to do if I
was Santa Claus. l would get in my
sled and drive them to my RENDERS
through the streets and first stop at
the orphans homes, all of them, and
leave nice large Christmas trees, all
lighted up with candles, and a nice
dollie for all the little girls and wagon
for the little boys. and marbles and nice
books for them, and candy and oranges.
The old ladies' home, something nice
for all OF them; then / would get a nice
dinner for all the poor people and nice
warm clothes, and I'd give to the play
grounds swings; to my nice teacher, for
she is the incest, sweetest teacher that
ever was a great big hug and nice
picture. To my mamma / would give
myself, my sister horse and buggy,-to
my brother an automobile, to my dear
papa I'd give lots and lots of nice kisses
and a great big nice fur coat; to my
dear old grandma nice warm pair of
slippers and a big, big chair to sleep in.
PEARLY ROSE,
$50 East Thirty-eighth street, age
years; AS Mckinley avenue school.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27

poor people. I went down the chimney
and heard some one crying. 1t sounded
like a little girl And when got down
sure enough it was little girl. I went
up to her and asked her why she
was crying. She said, II want Santa
Claus to bring me something to eat,
and a new dress" 81 have something
for you in my bag" I then looked in
my bag and pulled out a new dress ,ss
and a nice big doll. The little girl
said. THANK you very much" And
went to the chimney and went home
for my bag was very near empty. |
went 10 so mary places / could not tell
all. I will close. TRESSIE PORTER,
Age u years, B5 grade, Grimm
avenue school, 2S17 Darwin avenue.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27
Remembered Wee MOusle

Dear Aunt Laurie:
This is my first letter so I thought
I would try my luck. If l were
Santa Claus would go up
north and drop few things
Then l would come back to sunny call
fornia where the sun most always
shines against the azure skies. might
happen to come down chimney and
find the children tucked snugly in their
beds I would fill wee baby's stocking
then the middle sized md lastly the
larger sizes. 1 would go in one of the
department stores and have few
words with the children who would
probably say, Mamma, OATS Santa
Claus" 1 might happen to go down a
chimney and find a table nicely set,
with cracker crumbs and rich wine.
There might happen to be two or three
mice in the corner who may get my
crumbs for their baby's Christmas.
May be their need would be greater
than mine. 1 will have to close with
regards. RAMONA WHITE,
Eagle Rock school, AS grade, box 279
r. F. D. No. l, age IL.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27

of the poor. I would fill their stockings
with toys and leave them some warm
clothing. l would leave my teacher a
nice, comfortable chair to sit in while
she is busy at her desk, and also
fountain pen. There are a good many
things that 1 would like to get mamma.
but 1 think l would like best of all to
get her a fur AS my brother wants
a tool box fitted out with tools, 1 would
give him that but if we lived where
it showed 1 would give him a sled. l
think that the parks ought to have
some swings and other things for the
amusement of the children, and so l
would go to some of the parks and put
up some swings. I would also put
drinking fountain for people and at the
bottom of the fountain L would have
a place for the dogs to drink from, as
they get thirsty as well as human
beings. AS 1 know how much l enjoy
the tree at church on Christmas, 1
would leave tree at the church and
load it down with presents for the
children and their parents. These are
a few of the many things that I
would do if were Santa Claus, and
l am sure that l would make a good
many people happy.
GRACE FROLICH.
Sawtelle. Age 10. Grade z.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27
For All Children

Dear Aunt Laurie:
For a great many years have longed
to be the jolly old Santa that all little
boys and girls love.
If were Santa would visit each
little boy and girl from the north pole
to the south and from sea to sea.
would start out on the eve of Christ
mas day with my sleigh just packed
with toys for my long journey over the
continent. / would stop at the houses
of the poor and make them happy by
leaving them not only things they need
but to the children I would leave
great many toys.
To the rich would leave a Christ
mas tree and some toys, but 1 would
not leave the rich any more than the
poor, for ] think that one good little
boy or girl deserves as much as an
other.
Then, having finished my journey, I
would return to my cave in the noun
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27
Loves Eugene Field

Dear Aunt Laurie:
If papa were Santa Claus, I would
like to have a copy of Eugene Fields
books and since my papa knew Nj
Field personally think he would get
a great many copies, and give them to
the children, for papa says Mr. Field
was the children's friend. Then I would
want some eyeglasses, for my eyes
are very weak. I would like to have
one hundred dollars in money, for
money was made to spend or be given
away, and presents are not. Then 7
would give the money to some children
I know of who will not receive many
presents Then they could buy that
which they need most, or liked the best.
Most times when presents are given
there is one returned, and perhaps the
person making the return gift can't
afford to do So Now, with a money
present such thing could not happen.
I enjoyed all of the stories in the
Junior of December 10, and think Fawn
Veiar and Gertrude Morris are very
generous girls, and their Thanksgiving
stories were just splendid. Wishing
you a merry Christmas. I remain
MAUDE EDWARDS.
Age IL. Fifth grade, Hobart school,
1927 West Tenth street.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27
A Lesson in Giving


Dear Aunt Laurie:
Two little children were sitting
around a bright, warm fire on Christ
mas night. A little hoy about years
old had just opened the door and come
running up to his sisters side Il
know what 1 would do if l were Santa
Claus" he said. What would you
do?" asked the little girl, quite inter-
ested in her little brother. "Now
dear, sit right down here on sisters
lap and tell her what you would do"
TIL just tell you what I'd do. I'd
make all of those store mans give me
all of their candy and cookies and
wouldn't give anybody any but you"
There was silence for a moment, and
then the little boy said: What would
you do if you were Santa CLAUSE" The
little girl was silent and then said:
1.-THE first thing 1 would do would
be to see that everybody had a nice
Christmas dinner and give the poor
people supplies to last for long time.
Next l would see that everybody had
clothes to wear and then to give every
body sugar plums and then a nice lot
of toys. Now, wouldn't you do that if
YOU were Santa CLAUSE" Yes" said
the little boy, land if'ever 1 am Santa
Claus I'll know just what to do" And
I think if L were ever Santa Claus 1
would do the same.
FRANCIS WIGHTMAN,
Age II, Pine Avenue school, A6. 739
East First street, Long Beach.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27
WRITER'S CONTEST

Two prizes will be given in this contest each week.
One dollar for the best original paper submitted by Los
Angeles girl boy and dollar for the best paper submitted
by the girl boy living outside the city limits of Los Angeles
Papers be from $50 to 800 words in length written
side of the paper only N margins and side of
each paper
Ali contributions be signed with and address and
of school and grade.
Papers for this competition must be addressed Aunt Laurie
Herald Junior The Herald Los Angeles Call and must
reach the office later than Saturday afternoon January
Topic: New Resolutions Would Like to Keep.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27
Christmas North and South
Dear Aunt Laurie:

Dear Aunt Laurie:
AS each Christmas draws near I wish
1 could be Santa Claus.
If 1 were Santa Claus I would visit
the poor children like those for whom
The Herald is giving a Christmas din
ner.
1 would go to Alaska to the little
Eskimo children. I would like to see
them happy over the presents I have
given them. That would be the best
reward any Santa Claus could have.
I would go to Africa to the little chill
dren, and all around the world leaving
joy and happiness behind me-
After distributing all my presents
would return to my home in the north
pole and begin Christmas presents for
another year. There are so many little
children it would keep me and all my
elves busy making Christmas presents.
Wishing success for the coming year
to Herald Junior, l am,
JEAN STELSON.
Orange Avenue school, Monrovia,
grade T.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27

money to send it to the little heather
children that know nothing about
Christmas. 1 know that they would be
very happy. Then I would try to get
a nice dinner for the poor children of
the United States.
Another thing l would like to do
would be to give every child that I
knew a happy Christmas time. would
like to make a great large sled to take
them for a good sleigh ride.
BEULAH FOUST,
Age II years, Orange Avenue school,
Monrovia, Seventh grade.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27

day was Thanksgiving, indeed, as we
were then reunited after ten years
separation.
The dust was so bad coming from
Ell Paso to Fort Worth it settled in
our threats and mamma lost her voice
so she could scarcely talk for several
days, but it is all right now.
To those who have never seen cotton
grow l wilt take a look for you as
that is all l can do. 1 am surely hav-
ing a splendid time.
MARGUERITE r. STANLEY,
Age Is.
p. S.-Notice I've had birthday.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27

ding I'd pile right up in heap and let
the people have what they wanted to
eat.
I'd let the candy and nuts fall out
of the auto. What's the use of being
stingy when you are Santa. Oh, well,
couldn't begin to tell you all the
things 1 would do if 1 were Santa.
But / Know one thing I'd do and that
would be to send The Herald to all
the boys and girls that 1 knew of. Be-
cause my mamma said it was the fin
est paper to keep the boys off the
street. Wishing you all a merry Christ
mas, good by. l am not Santa, but
HOLLISTER LANE.
Age II, grade ga, San Pedro, Cal.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27
Christmas Sleigh Ride

Dear Aunt Laurie:
I have read the book that you sent
to Hazel as a prize. I am almost as
grateful for it as Hazel is, 1 am sure,
for I find it very interesting.
I do not know just what I would do
if I were Santa Claus, but. if 1 could
run down every chimney each Christ
mas and fill the stockings, both little
and big, 1 am sure I would feel very
happy.
If [ were a grown-up person and
would feel as if I could afford it I
think 1 would gather the well-to-do
children together and try to get enough
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27
Remember Prisoners

Dear Aunt Laurie:
When / see so interesting a subject
as What 1 would do if I were Santa
Claus" 1 feel 1 must tell you how 1
would dispose of my pack First L
would remember my old father and
mother, brothers and sisters and other
dear ones. Then 1 would search the
country over for the sick and suffer-
ing children whose parents were I'M
able to provide them delicacies, fruits
and flowers. 1 would leave them good
books to cheer their lonely hours. See
ing their needs supplied, 1 would go to
the most destitute homes with a boun-
tiful supply of warm clothing, fruits
and candies, as no child could enjoy
Xmas without candies and fruits. l
would leave each child some suitable
toys. Besides these l would leave the
aged mothers a low, comfortable chair,
also warm wooden shaWls for these
cold mornings My joy of giving would
be incomplete without extending good
cheer to the unfortunates confined be-
hind the prison bars deprived of Gods
bright sunshine and remind them that
the world is not altogether bad.
libereally. HAZEL LISTER,
Logan street school. 1411 Alessandre.
Is years of age.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27
A Weeks Rejoicing
Dear Aunt Laurie:

Dear Aunt Laurie:
have just cut out a picture of
Santa Claus, so thought I would tell
you what l would do if I were Santa
Claus. You know that there are a
great many poor people in this coun-
try. The first thing 1 would do is to
buy a lot of candy, toys and nuts. At
ter 1 had enough nuts, candy and toys
1 would get large sleigh to put them
in. On Christmas eve / would go out
and give the poor their presents. At
ter 1 had gone to each house and had
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27

given them all their presents I would
then get enough money and buy them
a large dinner on New Years day. The
next day after Neaw Year 1 would
take them all to a park for good
time. Don't you think they would
have good time and enjoy it very
much? ANTONIO HOEHLER,
Date avenue, Dolgeville, Marengo
Avenue school. A6 grade. Age II.
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27
Drinking Fountains

Dear Aunt Laurie:
This is the first letter have written
for The Herald Junior. 1 thought I
would write this week and tell you
what l would do if I were Santa Claus.
1 am 10 years of age and am in the
seventh grade.
If 1 were in Santa Claus place
think I would first go to the houses
Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-27
Piles of Plum Pudding

Dear Aunt Laurie:
OF course, being Santa Claus, I'd
have all kinds of money, so 1 would
begin my work hunting up all the poor.
And as The Herald said that Santa
was going to use a big auto here in
sunny California, I'd get the biggest
one 1 could get. 1 expect I'd have to
have a couple Gee whiz, but I'd come
honking into Los Angeles and get Aunt
Laurie and take her for a ride.
We would visit all poor. I'd give
them all the things that they need and
some goodies too. In every package
I'd put some tree and flower seeds to
make the country look fine. don't be-
lieve I'd get any Christmas trees, be-
cause I'd leave so much money around
1 wouldn't think of trees. I'd turn the
turkeys loose on the streets. Plum pud-
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-01-28
The countess Of Yarmouth's Charges.


London, Jan. 2S.-That the Earl Of
Yarmouth was already married when he
welded her, besides being physically un-
fit for matriTouy, will be charged, 1t Is
whispered, 10 the Countess Of Ysrmouth's
suit to be heard 10 camera next month
for anhulment OF her marriage to the
Earl
While the statement of the grounds
on which The suit is to be based can be
attributed 20 more than rumor at pres
enf, there is nevertheless no doubt that
the current reports are correct. In
English legal circles it is the general
opinion that the countess's chance OF
making out her case is very small one.
The first accusation will be based on
evidence which the countess's attorneys
think will show that the Earl eloped with
an actress to Scotland decade ago and
exchanged declarations with her before
two witnesses that they we're husband
and wife, q legal marriage according to
the Scotch law.
The ceremony is said by the countess's
advisors TO have been shortly followed
by separation by mutual consent. but
without divorce. 1t will be asserted
that the woman received snm of money
10 mSke separation permanent. took up
her residence In Paris end died there
some time sgo.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-01-28
DEATH OF NORMAN GAIT.

Norman Gait, forty-fonr years old,
proprietor of ore of the Oldest and one
of the lrgsst jeWelry stores in Wash
iugton, died last night at his residence
in that city.
Mr.. Gait was born 10 Washington,
April 80, 1853. His father was the late
Matthew W. F. Gait, in business in
that city for many years. The store
which descended to Mr.. Norman Gait
from his father was one Of the historic
enterprises Of Washington, snd was
established in the days when Jefferson
occupied the White House.
10 1895 Mr.. Gait married Miss Edith
Boiling, daughter OF the late Judge W.
Il. Boiling, of Wytbeville.
Mr.. Gait was widely known through
out Washington. he was regsFded not
only BY his friends, but by all who had
occasion to meet him 10 business or in
social life, as a man OF great intelligence
and pleasing personality.
lie Is survived by his wife, Mrs.
Edith Boiling Gait; one sister, Mrs.
Reginald FendAll, aud brother, sPer-
ling Gait.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-01-28
Death Of Cardinal Richard.

Paris, Jan. 28.-Cardinal Richard,
Archbishop of Paris, Que Of the beat
known Catholic clergymen in Europe,
ia desd of congestion of the lungs.
Cardinal Richard was SO years old.
he was strong and vigorous alr"ost until
The last, however, and the illness which
cost him bis life was of bat few days
duration. His age wss recognized as
counting heavily against him, and ex.
irene u0action was administered early
today. The Pope telegraphed his bles-
sing from Rome, but not before the eyed
Cardinal bresthed bis last.
Cardinal Richard died just az the at
tendant priests hsd concluded the cele-
bration Of mas 10 the chapel adjoining
his bed chamber.
BE bad passed a comparatively COM
Portable night, but grew rspidly weaker
toward dawn, and, calling the priests
about him, asked the prayers for the
dying.
Listening sttenlively to the service
he seemed TO gain strength, and even
sat propped in bed that he might watch
through the open door the celebration Of
mass which followed. As bis coadjutor
pronounced the beuediction the Cardi-
nal fell back desd.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-01-28
Saved by a Dog.

Great Darlington, Msss., Jan. 2S.--
A dogs barking saved six lives early TO-
day when FIRE destroyed the beautiful
residence of John Pell. Pell, his three
year-old son Everett, Robert Clarke, q
New York artist, who vas q guest at
the house, and three servant girls were
in the building. All were sound asleep
when the houss dogs furious barking
aroused Mr.. Pell. He left bis bed to
see what the trouble was and found the
house filed with smoke. Selling his
little son be aroused the others. The
family was on an upper floor, and in
trying to escape down the stairway they
found their way cut of by flames. Pell
led them to balcony and they lesped
to the ground, escaping unhurt. The
loss amounts to s23, 900.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-01-28
Sixtieth Congress.
Washington, Jan. Is.
SENATE.


The Senate today agreed to resolu-
ton extending the privileges of the floor
to Benito Legards and Pablo Ocamo,
resident commissioners appointed by the
Philippine assembly.
Senator Perkins presented memorial
from over $500 representative citizens
and 654 volunteer soldiers OF the civil
war, all Of OalifOrLis, asking Congress
to provide q volunteer retired list The
! memorials were bound 10 two cloth
volumes.
The Senate passed bill creating a
medical corps and medical reserve
corps in the army, headed by 8 surgeon
general, with rank of brigsdier general.
Senator Warren, 10 charge of the
measure. was out OF the chamber whsu
it was taken up. When he came ID,
follow d by clerk who carried SisoE
of documentary ammunition with which
to meet expected opposition, he heard
that the bill had gone through rs slieE
as whistle. he lAughingly sent The
books back.
HOUSE.
Mr. Fitzgerald unlosded all responsi'
billy for the recent panic AID the
threatening 800, 900 deficiency 10 the
Treasury. he called this an unscrupu-
lous administration aud one that tns
voters would put few crimps into next
November.
Glow have you republicans handled
this panic?" asked Mr.. johnson (dem.
8. o.. "By violating the law" he
thundered in reply. "Your Secretary
of the Treasury Issued certificates of To-
debtedness without authority of law and
increased the interest bearing debt. This
Washington government is long ways
fro 10 the people and not member OF
this body would approve his home town
borrowing OF money while it had plenty
of fnnds in ifs treasuFY,V