davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Los Angeles herald., 1908-12-27
Santa Disguised

Dear Aunt Laurie:
think If I were Santa Claus would
visit the poor people first on Christmas
eve. 1 would see that they had plenty
no matter if rich people got much or
little. I would go to the hospital and
leave my glad message to all the sick
people, rich and poor, young and old.
I would go to the rich people and
leave stores of nice things for good
children.
Before Christmas / would be sure to
visit homes and schoolrooms. When /
went to the schoolroom l would not
dress in my regular suit, because the
children would all be good, of course,
if they knew L was there. But If they
thought 1 was some child's papa they
would not be any better than as If 1
were someone else. l would see how
many children earned the right marks
in department. If they did not try to
behave I am afraid they would not get
as much as the good children received
1 would find Christmas presents for
everybody. l would see that children
did not get anything that did not be-
long to them. l would be the best
Santa Claus that ever was.
LEONA BENNETT,
$50 South Workman street. Griffin av-
enue school, grade 5. Age IL.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-12-27
Naushtiness Unrewarded

Dear Aunt Laurie:
IL 1 were Santa would keep day
book and have all the names OF chill
dren in it and every time one of them
was naughty / would put down little
check after their name and every time
one was very, very good would just
put mice child" after their name.
When it was time to begin to make
TOYS for Christmas would just make
enough for the poor and good. good
children.
And when it was time to give them
away / would take a big bag OF bad
apples and other fruits to put In the
had childrens stockings, for of course
they would hang up their stockings as
well as the good ones, and just put
some bad fruit in them. And In the
good ones and poor ones would put
my toys.
But of course I would stay around
Los Angeles herald., 1908-12-27
Friendly Readers

Dear Aunt Laurie:
This is my first letter to you. We
have taken The Herald about year.
and l like 1t.
If 1 were Santa Claus would give
nv mother a new dress and my father
a watch and chain. l would give the
moor peopIe new clothes, food and coal
and wood, SO they could have happy
Christmas. L would make everybody
as happy as could be.
WINIFRED GARLICK.
1867 Ocean avenue, Santa Monica, Cal.
10 years old. Grade BIS. Garfield
school.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-12-27

tains, where 1 could begin making
toys for next Christmas, for, of course,
little boys and girls would not want
toys next year that were left over from
this year.
Wishing you a merry Christmas and
happy New Year, am
BERTHA LA ROSSE,
ORANGE Avenue school, Monrovia,
Seventh grade, age 10.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-12-27
Earns Christmas Money
Dear Aunt Laurie:

Dear Aunt Laurie:
If my pape were Santa Claus 1 don't
know what 1 would get. Papa is going
to give me all the money I can make
in picking out walnuts 1 think that is
very kind of him. 1 am trying to get
enough to get one present each for the
family, anyway. l will not mind if I
don't get much for Christmas, because
papa says there are many poor chill
dren in town that won't get many
things. MAY EBNYART.
Age a. Grade 5. Monticello school.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-12-27
THE GENTLEMAN DOLL SPEAKS

Amanda Is the Paris doll,
Belinda came from Berlin;
Amanda's locks are straight and black,
Belinda's brown and curlin'.
Amanda wears the smartest frocks,
Belinda's are too fussy;
Amanda's always smartly gowned,
Belinda's always fnussy.
Amanda has vivacious ways,
Belinda's so retiring.
And yet like Belinda best,
Her gaze is so admiring.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-12-27
Happiness for All

Dear Aunt Laurie:
If l were Santa Claus 1 would give
all the poor children everything that
they wanted. And then l would have a
big Christmas tree, and would try to
make everybody happy.
RUTH GARLICK.
1867 Ocean avenue. Santa Monica, Cal.
Age 8. Grade B4, Jefferson school.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-12-27

and see the grand scene of the morn
ing at the good children's houses.
That's what l would do if 1 were
Santa Claus.
ALICE MAUD JENNINGS,
1929 Pinelly street, Belvedere school
grade 8. age IL.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-12-27
Each Child a Santa Claus

Dear Aunt Laurie:
I thought I would write and tell
you what I'd do IL were Santa Claus.
l would go to all the poor and give
The Colorado statesman., 1908-08-01

leader, no one having made any
complaints or raised any objec-
tions. He evidently was o. X. to
this gentleman, just the proper
man in every respect in the proper
place, man of few words and
fewer ideas, who would say yes or
no whenever those monosyllables
were required of him, without any
relation to their effect, and who
would offer no protest to any de-
nial of the fairly recognized rights
and claims of those he pretended to
represent. Why should not such a
leader be acceptable to the individ-
uals of the other race who appoint
ed himY He served them well, he
fulfilled the terms of his contract,
he executed his mission. But it is
because his service as "our leader"
has been plainly detrimental to the
interests of the race that he is be-
ing opposed by every intelligent
voter, except it MAJ be two or three
The Colorado statesman., 1908-08-01

in that position, which was regard
ed as representative so far as our
race is concerned. AS matter of
fact he made himself very active in
aiding in his way to prevent the re-
turn of the Republican party to
power in this state. When however
after years of defeat which he
helped to make certain the party
showed unmistakable signs of win
ming again "our leader" had the
effrontery to present himself as a
candidate for the legislature. But
that is another story" which will
be touched upon in our next. So
that it would seem that to be recog-
nized by a certain brand of Repub-
lican managers as great leader OF
colored Republicans one must have
had a long training in the Demo-
cratic camp. This is very sug-
gestive and inspiring living object
lesson for colored Republicans in
this presidential year.
The Colorado statesman., 1908-08-01

of his advisory committee. ?" In
another article will be traced some
of the more conspicuous evils of
this leadership.
1t would take more space in this
paper than might be proper and
more time than can be spared at
this writing to follow the evolution
of this straw boss. for after all we
must admit that he is nothing but
a straw boss slavishly executing the
orders of the real bosses. Those
who may have forgotten it must be
reminded of the fact that "our
leader, y although first appointed
by a Republican administration to
the position of janitor at the cap
itol served in the same capacity
under two distinct Democratic adj
ministrations. Now the civil SER
vice rules did not apply to those
positions, so one can figure out un-
der what terms and conditions he
could continue to maintain himself
The Colorado statesman., 1908-08-01

cause.
The writer was at loss to know
why a man of no education what
ever and of such limited general
intelligence should be posing as
"our leader" and claiming to be
recognized as such by the managers
of the Republican machine. But
this was explained a couple of
months ago to his perfect under
standing if not satisfaction. He
was one of a committee who had a
conference with one of these gen
tlemen on matter quite aside
from politics when this question
came up incidentally. We were
frankly told that he had the ear of
this particular gentleman because
he had known him for many years
as janitor at the capitol and had
supposed he was satisfactory as
The Colorado statesman., 1908-08-01

When the problem of leadership
presents itself to our minds in any
of the affairs of life there come
trooping along with the main
thought an association of ideas that
relentlessly demand consideration.
These may be briefly and hurriedly
inventoried in few sentences.
First-Who are to be led? Sec
ond-What are the aims, purposes
and scope of this leadership? Third
Are they in the nature OF things
attainable or measureably so!
Nksrth-What kind of man is best
fitted for such leadership, his ante
cedents, training, temperament,
etc. Fifth Who is to select this
leader? If it is an army that is to
be led in the field of battle or some
part of it has been assigned some
delicate, difficult and dangerous
task common sense and ordinary
prudence will suggest the selection
of soldier of experience, approved
courage, high intelligence and re-
sourceful initiative as leader. Ii
the enterprise happens to be one
of a political character where great
issues are at stake the same watch
full. careful and wise selection Is
exercised. AS far as human fore
sight can pierce into the future and
make forecasts the very best man
considered from every point OF
view is put in command and made
leader. He would have to be a
man who, if not filed with the
knowledge of the schools, must at
least have practical common sense.
He must be man with wide and
deep knowledge of men and hui
man nature, whose knowledge is
gained by close touch and SYM
pathy with the people. He must be
a man whose temperament will at
least permit him to be courteous
and polite to those whom he as
sumes to lead, for politeness is
closely allied with politics. The
term is in fact derived from the
very idea and methods adopted in
politics. Above all, he must be a
man of some native force OF char
-acter-a man of some individual
ity, self-reliance and resolution
one who can with equal firmness
say No or Yes, whenever it becomes
necessary in the pursuit OF the vel
fare of the people he represents
He ought to be a man whose ambl-
ton is at least little higher than
that of the rank and file of his fol
lowers, so that he would disdain tC
contend in the arena with one OF
them for paltry position. He
ought to be a man of lofty ideals
and high-minded purpose, man sc
broad. so certain Of his footing ano
merit and so free from petty jeal
ousy that it would never enter his
mind to backbite, misrepresent ant
The Colorado statesman., 1908-08-01
BISHOPGRANT
Describes Migratory Progress of the Race. Search for
Justice and Education. Many Negroes Coming to
Colorado, California and Washington.

Immigration of Negroes from the
south to Colorado, California and
Washington is now steadily in pro-
gress and promises to continue, ac-
cording to Bishop Abraham Grant
of the Western diocese of the Afri-
can Methodist Episcopal church,
one of the most prominent leaders
among the colored people in Amer
lea. He is a member of the board
of trustees of the Anna L. Jeans
Foundation fund which amounts
10 $1,O00,0oO ant4 which il being
devoted to the education of the Ne
groes in the ex-slave states. Among
the other trustees are William I'll.
Taft, Andrew Carnegie and Booker
T. Washington. AS bishop of the
eleven states which are included in
the territory between st. Louis, San
Francisco, and Puget Sound, the
Rev. Grant is particularly convers-
ant with the flow of Negro immi-
grafton to the West.
COME WEST For SAKE OF EDUCA-
TroNAL ADVANTAGES.
Three principal reasons are as
signed by him as the causes of it
and they all bear directly upon the
most fundamental questions of the
NEGRO problem. Many of those
who can afford to do so come to the
new sections simply to enable them
to secure a better education for
their children and in doing so are
working in the most efficient way
for the improvement OF their race.
In the southern states the educa-
tional facilities are so poor that
many of those who desire to cannot
send their children to good schools.
A second cause of their coming as
ascribed by the bishop, is the ex-
pectation of securing the actual
privilege of exercising their right
of franchise.
Voting in the south is a difficult
proposition for the majority of the
Negroes, for strict qualifications
are required and enforced. This
alone may prompt much of the mi
grafton but the hope of obtaining
absolute Justice in the courts. if
they are unfortunate enough to
have to appear before the bench,
dealt impartially to both whites
and colored people induces many
of the latter to search for different
homes. At the same time, it is the
higher class of the southern Ne
groes who are travelling westward,
for only those with some money and
considerable ambition can do so.
Undoubtedly" the bishop said
yesterday, feeling against our
race has been increasing during the
last ten years in the south. We are
able only, however, to teach our
people to live straightforward lives,
be industrious, honest and persev-
The Colorado statesman., 1908-08-01
LEADERSHIP
What It Consists Of Some Salient Points by Forcible
Writer, the Hon. Joseph H. Stuart

"knock against" possible rivals to
his superiors and employers.
The writer apologies to his read
ers for stating at such length those
elementary qualities so necessary to
leadership in politics and so plain
ly evident to the most obtuse mind.
But it was necessary to do so IN
order to show by contrast and in
proper perspective the picture OF
your leader, "our leader" the
Colored Folks Leader" ;" who is the
incarnation of the exact negative
of all the qualifications I have just
pointed out. But if these qualities
are necessary in a political leader
under normal conditions much
more essential are they when it is
race to be led politically.
In country where racial pre-
.judice is recognized and fixed
principle, operating in politics as
well as in other avenues, the race
which feels its disadvantages and
injurious effects must necessarily
be distrustful and suspicious when
the dominant race or perhaps it
is more accurate to say some IN
dividual or individual of that race)
assumes to select leader for it. 1t
looks at first blush like a mild form
of "the Greeks bringing gifts, or
in the language Of the street, like
a gold brick. 1t might be, however,
that the white politician or politi-
clans who selected "our leader"
for us were controlled by altruistic
motives of the most benevolent
kind. Of course they know better
than we what is best for us in pol
itics and are ever running after US
to hand us some of the very best
prizes. Well anyway some of these
amiable gentlemen who have such
a tender regard for the political in
terests of our race selected "our
leader for us four years ago, and
he has been in the saddle ever
since. Some say that he selected
himself, because, they say, he is al
ways declaring that he is "our
leader, much like the small school
boy who having drawn on his slate
very crude picture of horse
writes under it, "This is horse, "
for fear one might not recognize it
to be such. But am inclined to
think that is deliberate slander
on the gentleman. One thing how
ever | am sure of He was not
chosen by the colored race, who
ought to have something to say
about who should represent or lead
them. They were not consulted on
|, the subject, nor has this leadership
been at any time acquisced in by
} the intelligent workers or the rank
and file of the voters. 1t has caused
more dissatisfaction and has made
J and is making more colored demo-
cratic voters than any one other
The Colorado statesman., 1908-08-01

ering, and leave the final analysis
to God. Prejudices cannot be ex-
planned away; they exist and all we
can do is to work in our own way.
That is what we are trying to ac-
complish with the Jeans fund, edu-
cate the Negroes in the rural dis
tricts, especially in an industrial
manner"
LARGEST ENTERPRISE OF ITs KIND
EVER INSTITUTED.
This fund has only been devoted
actively to tn. work for little over
year since the death of the dona-
tor in Philadelphia. Prof. billiard
of Tulane university in Louisiana
has been put in charge of the oper-
ations of the fund by the board of
trustees and has been engaged in
the labor for six months. 1t is the
largest undertaking of the kind
that has ever been instituted and
the report of the first years results
will be anxiously awaited as num-
erous prominent wealthy persons
throughout the country have ex-
pressed the intention of contribut-
ing sums to further the movement
if the foundation fund proves sue
cessful.
1t was Bishop Grant who con-
ferred with President Roosevelt
concerning the appointment of Dr.
w. 7. Vernon as registrar of the
United States treasury. The latter
was president of the school for col
ored students known as Western
university at Quindaro, Kas., of
which the bishop is president of the
board of trustees. The last legisla-
ture of Kansas appropriated $780,
800 to the institution.
Bishop Grant has had wide ex-
perience in his service of the A. NJ.
E. church. Although sixty years
old he is still energetic in his labors
and never tires in doing something
toward benefting not only those
Negroes who come under the juris-
diction of his diocese but others as
well. He has held a bishopric for
twenty years and has been active
in the church for thirty-fve In
1900 he conducted the conferences
in Liberia and the Honduras Is
lands while during the course OF
his activities in the United States
he has presided over one-third of
the country.-Denver Republican.
The Colorado statesman., 1908-08-01

Thomas johnson, as Afro Amer
lean and window-washer, of the
new Amsterdam Theatre, New
York, in conjunction with |. Flue-
geiman, has invented an automatic
window washer which can be oper-
ated by hand or electricity. 1t
does away with the danger attend
ant on washing windows on the
outside by hand.
Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1908-12-07
NINE DISASTER PROBLEMS.

The Mining Congress at Pittsburg
is developing some problems OF
great interest, not alone to miners
and operators, but The public gen
orally.
Prominent men from every part
OF the country have been present
and partic pateI and West Virginia
has supplied two speakers in former
Governor A. b. Fleming and DR.. /.
c. White, state geologist
One of The subjects discussed has
been the proposition to lay a tax
on coal TO pension those families
who are deprived o. support by
mine fatalit es 1t has not taken
the recent disaster N Pennsylvani la
20 emphasize the fact that the chief
problem in mining coal is how to
prevent a repetition of these fright
full catastrophes. But 1t IS ques-
tionable in the extr me, If this is
the way 20 get at the heart of the
trouble, laying aside the question
whether or lot it is the best policy
to levy a public tax 20 provide for
njur es arising from one form of
private Industry.
Neither can these disasters be
prevented by legal enactment until
science has solved some OF the
problems that are now being reach
ed by elaborate and intelligent tests
The congress has had the benefit
OF some gas and dust tests in the
government station at Pittsburg.
The Fairmont Coal and other OPP
Grating concerns have been making
private experiments in this state
and the secretary OF the interior
in his speech at Pittsburg, pledged
the government to enlarge the sta
ton into the worlds greatest labor
atory for experiments OF this sort.
The operator and m ner have
10 ned hands in trying 20 bring to
an end mining disasters.
the meantime let he states ful-
fill their part by providing the most
efficient inspection possible.
Then If all these agencies and
efforts are unable to p 'oduce results
1t will be tine in realization of the
fruitlessness in trying to preven;
great loss OF life to turn to the mat
ter OF providing pensf Jns as the best
obta'nable compensation. ers-
burg Dispatch-News.
Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1908-12-07

sum OF money might De entrusted
% COmmisL on or able mrn. 20
AK in an advisory capacity W tn Ia
county court. as was done 10y the
city in the eXpenj.tlre OF the las,
boul issue. The people OF the cOun
y We feel sure. would be willing o
entIust the matter 20 a commi son
OF this kind. ami We suggest the
roLow ng names
Samuel Walton. Isaac 4. Mann.
ID. H. Bsrger John Lily Il. G..
Meador, F a. Boil n. l. l. Hearn. A
w Reynolds. w II Conman. J W.
Run c. r. McNutt. John Neal and
p J. Kelly. These names are mere
ly sugges ed 20 show that a com
mission could be chosen in which
he people would have absolute
confidence Many other names would
be equally satisfactory. and such a
commission agreed upon in advance
would assure the success of bond
election
Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1908-12-07
THE UNITED STATES AND HAYTI

d.spatcl fsom ',.y.,h. en-
amazing from tho state department.
Is at great pains to say that the
news OF the establishment OF a pro-
v sional government in Hayti caused
.i;t!e or no surprise The policy"
o! the United Sa;ates, the dispach
went on TO say, covering a long
period OF years, has been to pro-
coed very slowly in the recognition
Of provisional governments. as p.
hes been wise to wat until IT could
be seen that such governments haze
the support OF the people and are
able TO perform all nee ssary GOV
ornamental functions during a sufd-
Client period 20 give confidence i'm
their stability" In accordance win
this alleged policy it argued thai
the United States VIII not be in a
hurry 20 recognize the government
OF Gen. Legltime.
Such a policy, it must be admit
ted, 10 thoroughly sound and one
that, indeed, ought to be observed
However, the author y for the dis
patch Is at fault in saying that the
policy OF the United states has al
ways been 20 proceed sIo9ly in rec.
ognizing provisional governments
following sudden revolutions. There
is monumental instance of con
,taiy proceed ng in the Panama d.
Isolde The United States govern
mem. headed by the present pres
ident could hardly wait for tae So.
called revolution to BEGIN before
u recognized the Republic of PAN
anna and scOrned the claims of the
United States Of Columbia To- the
territory involved Thy do say .u
fact, that certain persons more or
less connected with the TnfnI
states government started She y-
o.utiOn and carried 10 through. with
the precipitate rccORu. ton OF indie
pendence fgur ng as one on Che pre-
arranged features Of Tie programme
Our government does well to Doe
sure OF the situation before 70 acts
definitely on the Hayden revolution
II !; had syinced tho same doIi5cr-
ateness and sense OF fair play az DO.
time OF the Panama plot 10 would
have won a little more credit for
tseii and for It's chief executive
CourIer-JOurnal
Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1908-12-07
!. !. AZ 4 H0f0Ik HNeStprT
OCTOBER Do. 1DOa.


Leave $3.50 a. m. for Roanoke.
norfolk and all points on the shen-
audOah division. pullman Sleeper
Roanoke 70 New York, via Hagers-
own pullman Psrlor Car Roanoke
TO Norfolk.
$3.50 a. m for Roanoke, Rich
mond, Norfolk. Pullman sleepey
dining Car to Roanoke. Parlor Car
Roanoke 70 Norfolk.
2:55 D. m. for Roanoke. Lynch
burg and intermediate stations and
me shenandoah Valley. Philade .phia
ma New York. Sleeper to PhfIadel-
phla. Cafe Car Gary and Roanoke.
S.25 D. m. for ROANOKE, Lynch
burg, Richmond. Norfolk. Pullman
sleeper TO Norfolk.
Leave Bluefeld 500 .. m. for Ken
ova, Columbus and all points West
ana Northwest. Pullman Sleeper for
ooiu mbus and Cincinnati. Cafe Cars.
70 9.i5 a m Pullman Sleeper for
columbus. Cafe Dining Car.
Leave o.z5 q. m. and 2:25 D. m.
iaily FOR Tazewell, Norton and al
'tations on ClInch valley division.
Arrive from Norton and points or
me Ci,nch valley division at 2:4O p.
m. and 7.l0 p. m.
Leave 6:1O a. m. for Welch and
intermediate stations.
Leave 1885 a m. for william
son and Intermediate stations.
Leave 2:4O p. m. for welch and
Intermediate stations.
Call on agent Norfolk and West.
2rn Railway for tickets. maps 1nd
additional information
W. y. BEVUJ S.P.H
noaHoka Va