The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-26

It drew tears to the eyes of Elizabeth, but that was all for soon the official headsman was dispatched to Scotland to do his bloody office. It is the anniversary of Marys letter, and the time for Eng lands Queen 10 follow into eternity the spirit of Mary of Scotland. Elizabeth is 70 years old and direful deeds rise before her as she looks to the years of the long ago. From Christmas tide until Easter memories haunt the poor hagged Queen, then death mercifully comes to her relief
 In Our Own Land.
 The black cloud of war heavily hung over our country. The cities of New York Trenton, Philadelphia and Balti- more were either occupied by the British or in easy reach. The American cause seemed doomed to defeat. Even the brave men who had followed the fortunes of Washington with such heroic patriotism until now, at last seemed to have lost heart. Yet. the great commander said: "If necessary we will retreat over every river of cur country and then over every mountain. when l shall make my last stand against the enemy" These words gave courage to his hungry, footsore men.
 At Trenton, on the Delaware river, an army of Hessians were encamped in win ter quarters, for the weather was in tensely bitter and such quarters were necessary. These Hesslans were a rough, brutal body of men whom the British had employed to come over here to fight for them.
 It was Christmas Eve, cold and stormy The Hessians within their warm quar- ters were carousing and drinking to drunkenness. But not far away from the boisterous camp, out in the freezing night, Washington's army was crossing the Delaware. The night was black, the stinging hail seemed to be shot out of the clouds and the river was made peril ous by floating ice. Some of the soldiers froze to death in the enterprise, but when morning dawned washington's army was on the Jersey side of the Dela- ware and marching toward Trenton. The Hessians were awakened by the American flies and drums and cried out gro arms;" but 1t was too late. Their resistance was not united and their minds were in q fog from their debauch of yesternight, and they were helpless Their muskets and cannons were captured and turned against them, and 1000 of their men were forced to surrender themselves and their arms.
 The effect of this Christmas victory upon the whole American army was most inspiring and gave swing of triumph to their tread.
 A Christian Arn1istice.
 At the time of the Nativity of Christ at Bethlehem the world was at peace The nations had stacked arms, and it WAT fitting that the angels should sing of peace on earth. Among the nations that are familiar with Christianity there has been disposition to suspend all war1ike operations on Christmas Day. We sec this tendency manifested as we look down the ages. call attention to two illus trations. one ancient and the other mod ern.
 In 142S the seige of Orleans was a con- spicuous fact in the fortunes of the French, whose King, Charles the vfctorf- ous. had been reduced to comparative poverty. The King was about to sur render the city to the English. when Joan of Arc offered her services to her sover- eign Before her the English fled
 At the seige of Orleans no day was too holy for the slaughter of men. until the approach of Christmas; then the English officers and the French commanders came together in council and agreed that during the solemnities and festivities of the Chrfstmastide no weapon of war should be raised by any man against human brother for whom the Christ child was born on Christmas day. Therefore among the French and the English there was a suspension of hostflities until after Christi mastide.
 In our own times we have had a similar armistice. It was during the English Boer war. fin Africa No cannons boon, was heard, nor rifie's rattle. on Christ mas day; arms were stacked and ona common interest filled the hearts of the English and the hearts of the Boers. and both sides to that brief but bitter wal spent the time in celebrating the annfver- sary of the birthday of the Prince of Peace.
 I have thus given several instances Of historic Chrfstmaees. Without labor tha enumeration could be multiplied. I might have given the detafis of the last Christ mas of Thomas a Beckett, or called at tention to the Christmas morning that James II landed upon the friendly shores of France: or could have reminded the reader that 1t was on Christmas day. 17ss. that Napoleon was made first consul of France; brand yet. if go on the editor will ''blue-pencil" my article, and SO stop hero