davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
S7OR7 OF CHRISTMAS EYE
BY PERCY CLARK.

The shop-eariy people had fairly woll finished their purchaser. In many homes the day had been anticipated through eager impatience and also many children grown overwise even at and years of age were prying into secret places to see what papa or mama Cor Santa Claua) had in store for them.
 And now the Hhop-not-at-all army had their afternoon-their hour to receive the gifts of the small Hivers. and few gen. erous ones among the well-to-do, through the baskets given out by the Salvation Army at 2:9o p. m. The rain came drip ping down as though pashing through fine sieve. Women and children of all ages, and conditions below the level Of prosperity stood at the foot of the stairs leading to the Army" headquarters awaiting their turn; there were some men. too. whose blanched cheeks and sunken eyes told their story of fighting against poverty and the "white plague;" or per- haps some were just out from beds of sickness; some were crippled.
 An unsympathetic man said: T won- der what that buxom, healthy-loolsing woman means by accepting charity in- tended for the very poor?" Why. that woman was good angel for poor bed ridden widow with little children.
 The throng with well-hlled baskets moved in groups. as though they were half afraid to be seen with the hall- mark of charity-the easily distinguished basketball the baskets looked alike. One elderly, short-statued fat woman, gasping for breath, cried out to companions of her party to wait for her. As they paused at the corner of Third avenue and Twen- tieth street some one fired a giant bomb in the air and the poor creatures all ducked as though thunder bolt had just missed them. Does poverty make one over-timid? They cried out in fear. mixed with anger.
 And bearing their baskets of loaves and 1uxuries verify the baptism of heaven fell upon them all as they thought of the feast of the morrow Greek. Italian, Syr- ian and Amerfcan-all of one faith now, the brotherhood of man.
 One woman, with her face like alabas- ter, lighted by piercing black eyes, shawl over her head, walked with that fierce look which tells in expression stronger than words the checking of de- spair. It is sometimes seen in the faces
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
SUMTER LEA GUT BY NEGRO JAN|T0R Afray Originated In 9 1rivia'
 Quarrel CAMPBELL ALSO INJURED Charged That Lea Was First to Draw knfe-Negro Arrested While
 Lea Is in the Care of
 Physicians.
CAMPBELL ALSO INJURED

Sumter Lea. Jr., son of Col. Sumter Lea, well known young civil engineer and Walter Campbell, .he negro janitor at the Empire building. engaged in a cutting affray early last night in conse- quence of which both were very badly injured. although tho wounds sustained in the light are not necessarily of & dam gerous nature.
 From all that can be learned of the trouble, MT. Lea went into the base ment of the Empire building where Campbell was sweeping and the two men became involved in difficulty over trivial matter. The negro is said to have demonstrated with MT. Lea for some action of his.
 It was stated at police station last night Lea was the first to draw knife It is alleged that he attscked the ne- gro and cut him quite seriously about the head and neck, almost severing one of his ears It is understood that the negro succeeded in taking MT. Leas knife away from him and began cutting him. Campbell inflicted several bad wounds. cutting the white man about the head and once quite seriously on the knee. Men who were in the base ment separated the two belliserents only after both had been badly cut.
 The negro was taken to police head quarters where he received medical att tention from the city physician. MT. Lea was hurriedly carried in Shaw & Sons ambulance to St. Viucent's hospital where he was attended to. It was stated at the hospital last night that the most serious wound sustained by MT. Lea was long scalp wound. He also suf- fered several bad lacerstions about the face and neck.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
PRISONERS ARE
 GIVEN LIBERTY
MAYOR o'BRlEN IS MERclFUL TO THIRTY INMATES OF CITY JAIL. PRISONERS TO HAVE CHRIST MAS DINNER.

Through the executive clemency of Mayor Frank P. OBrien, over 30 city prisoners were given their freedom yester- day as Christmas gifts from the city. Some of the prisoners had quite lengthy sentences to serve and some of them had been penal servants of the city for 0 year or more.
 Mayor O'Brien made arrangements yes- terday whereby the inmates of both of the city prisons will be provided with a bountiful Christmas dinner today. At the county jail sheriff Higdon will also pro- vide a special Christmas dinner for the prisoners.
 Following is a list of the prisoners par doned by the mayor yestercay morning; Harvey Beverly, a negro trusty, who was convicted of petit larceny and who has already served 357 days and who had 40 days yet to serve.
 Herbert Edge, who has served 254 days and who had 4s days yer to serve.
 Nathan Robinson. who has served S47 days and who had days to serve.
 George Pollard. who has served s47 days and who had Il days to serve.
 Jim Clay, who has served 31 days and who had 15 to serve.
 Tom Jones, who has served S3O days and who had 30 days to serve.
 Sam Jones, who has served 2S6 days and who had more to serve.
 Simon Murphy. who has served 1s1 days and who had 10s to serve.
 Charles Walker who has served 15S days and who had 25 more to serve.
 Eugene Walker, who has served 116 days and who had 42 more to serve.
 John Wallace, who has served 1ss days and who had II more to serve.
 John Guy, who had served E days and who had 75 more days to serve.
 James Hall. who had served IS days and who had Is more days.
 Henry Allen. who has served 13 days and who had to serve.
 Lonnie Glider, who has served 45 days and had 400 more to serve.
 Jim Matten, who has served 10 days and who had sto serv e.
 Miles Blackman, who has served II days and who had 1o,more to serve.
 Will Toliver, who has served 80 days and who had 10 to serve.
 Jessie Coleman, who has served 32 days and who had IS to serve.
 Cora Jackson, who had served 30 days and who had 20 more to serve.
 Massells Reed, who has served g days and who had IS more to serve.
 Thomas Mosey (white). who has served F days and who had Il more to serve.
 T days and who had 10 days to serve.
 Jake Jackson, who has served 210 days and who had 200 more to serve.
 Five prisoners whose terms expire to- day were given their releases yesterday.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
pIsAGREEABLE WEATHER MARS CHRISTMAS EVE, BUT GREAT CROWDS THRoN0ED STREETS. NoIsE-MAkERs ABROAD LAST NIGHT.

Old Boreas will play a return engage ment in Birmingham according to the bulletins put out by the weather bu- reau yesterday and within the coming 24 hours the temperature will drop to stage as low as that experienced several days ago. The cold rain which fell dur ing the greater part Of last night will cease this morning. according to the of- ficial forecast, and following this dem onstration of Jupiter Pluvius, old Boreas is expected to blow into Birmingham from the northwest to remain here for several days.
 Weather Observer Lehman stated last night that the change in weather con- ditions would in all probability be a very decided one. Last night at o'clock the mercury had crowded down to 36 degrees and before midnight it had touched the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
HO! MERRY COPS
 TO WEAR SOCKS
CHIEF BoDEkER REMEMBERS OF. FIcERs-sHERiFF HIGDoN 6AN- DUETS HIS DEPUTlEs-PEAcE PREsERvERs REMEMBERED.

The preservers of the peace in Jeffer- son county were not forgotten by their superiors this Christmas.
 AS an appreciation of their service dur ing the past year Sheriff Higdon ten dered a banquet to his deputies at the Hotel H,liman on Wednesday night and the occasion was most enjoyable one in every respect.
 Chief of Police George H. Bodeker has remembered each member of the police department with a present in the shape of a box of hose. The following note, addressed to the police department. was placed on file at police headquarters early yesterday afternoon:
 Please accept small Christmas pres ent from me as a token of my love and respect for you all Please call at my office and get same.
 Hoping each and every one of you and your families will enjoy a Merry Christ mas and Happy New Year. am, yours very respectfully.
 GEORGE H. BODEKER."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
SENATORS AT HOME.
Congressman Underwood Will Spend
 Christmas In East.

Alabama's senators, John Hollis Bank head and R. F. Johnston. are at their homes, spending a quiet Christmas with their families Senator Johnston is in good hea th and highly satisfied with the progress of things at the capital. Senator Bankhead went through immediately to his home in Jasper, but will spend sew eral days in Birmingham on his way back to Washington.
 Congressman Oscar W. Underwood of the Ninth district did not return to Bir- minsham, but will spend Christmas in the east.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
MERCHANTS, RAILROADS, PosToF- FlcE AND EXPRESS COMPANY HAVE HAD HANDS FULL-GREAT QUANTITY OF WHISKY RE CEivED.

It has been, in a business sense. a great Christmas.
 The merchants have done exceedingly well--better. in fact, than in several pre- ceding seasons. In spite of the disagree able weather yesterday large crowds thronged the streets.
 The trains have carried more people to and from Birmingham than in several preceding Christmases. Passenger traf- fic has been unusually heavy on all lines. Crowds of people at all hours, day and night have been seen at each of the stations, either entering the city or pre- pairing to leave.
 The business of the postoffice has been enormous As usual, an extra force of men has been employed to handle the ex-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
CITY ITEMS.

\. T.. 0. sm0ker-The A. T. O. chap ter of the University of Alabama will give a smoker at the Florence hotel on Tuesday night at 7:80 o'clock. Every A. T. o. in the district is urged to be present.
 Regarding Fireworks-Chiefo of Police George II Bodeker has Issued instruc- tions to his mon to be especially watch full for violations of the Mayors proc lamation regarding the shooting of fireworks. The Mayor has put a ban on fireworks in the fire limits, and vio- lators of his proclamation, if caught, will be punished.
 ' Martin Resting Welt was reported at the Copeland Solomon infirmary last night that H. l.. Martin, the young man who was shot Thursday by Luther Smith, was resting well. and unless complications set in it Is stated that he will recover. The trouble between Martin and Smith. 1t will be recalled, was the result of dispute over a pool game. Martin was shot three times.
 Christian Science Services-Regular services will be held Sunday at II o'clock a. m. at the First Church of Christ. Scientist, South Eleventh ave- nue and Highland Circle. The subject for the lesson will be Christian Science" Testimonial services will be held Wednesday evening at o'clock The reading rooms of the church, BrownMarx building, are open daily except Sunday from 10 a. m. to 1 p. m. The public is cordially invited to all services.
 Rabbi Schenkop Here - Rabbi S. Schenkop of New York, an eminent speaker in the Yiddish language. is in town and will deliver an address be- fore the Congregation Knesseth-rs- rael, at the synagogue on Seventh avenue and Seventeenth street, Sun day, December 2s, at o'clock in the afternoon. In his address it is ex- pected he will dwell on the recent de- velopments in Turkey and the pros poets for the Jewish people to resettle in the land of their forefathers. Rabbi Loeb will introduce the speaker.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
CHURCH OF THE ADVENT.
Full Musical Programme for the 1
 O'Clock Service.

The order of service at the Church of the Advent at Il o'clock today will be as follows: Proc. Hymn 4s, "Oh, Come All Ye Faith full
 Venite in A, Lansing.
 Gloria Patri 8, Tallis.
 Te Deum b flat, Stamford. Jubilate, b flat, Standford.
 Introit hymn 5s, 70 Little Town of Bethlehem
 Glori Tibi Chant 1855. N Hymn 59 Tt Came Upon the Midnight Clear"
 Sermon by Dr. w. E. Evans. Doxolosy, 192.
 Offertory solo, -6tar of the Orient" aria and recitative (Shelly), Mrs. Marie Kern Mullen.
 Orertory sentence, pr. w. E. Evans. Rec hymn E, Shout the Glad Tid- ings."
 Fred L. Grambs, choirmaster and or ganist.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
Get ornheum Seats.

While in tho netghborhood today, 1t would be well to secure seats for the formal opening of the Or2heum theatre, Monday night The box office Is open to- day from g a. m. to 9 p. m.. and seats may be engaged for Monday night or any other performance next week. Gen eral Manager Martin Beck has secured for the opening bill one of the most evenly balanced vaudeville offerings ever seen in Birmingham. including clever comedy. music. acrobatic stunts and dancing. The box office is open every day and the advance sale of seats for the sopening week progresses nicely
 There will be a matinee daily and & performance nightly after the opening.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
CARPENTER STILL
 IN A HARD ROW
follows B. F. Carpenter.

Trouble follows B. F. Carpenter.
 Friday night burglars entered his shoe shop, so2 North Nineteenth street, and made off with shoes and tools valued at about s10o.
 Friday night week, as was published, higf7waymen assaulted MT. Carpenter, seriously injuring him by blow over the head and robbing him of hat, an over coat and a small sum of money.
 Neither the highwaymen nor the bur glars have been apprehended- MT. Car penter. however. states thai he will make the best of the trouble and get his share of pleasure out the Christmas season
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
Christmas Matinee.

There will be a special Christmas mat inee at the Bijou theatre this afternoon where Ward and vokes are playing the big musical comedy success. "The Pro- moters" The final performance is to- night. Next week, commencing Monday night, comes the only and original pro- duction of Checkers" This company comes heralded as the best that has ever played the great race horse com. edy drama. several of the parts having been greatly strengthened since last sea- son
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
Elk.' Tree.

This afternoon at o'clock 800 children. who were omitted by santa Claus in his hurry trip last
 night, will be the guests of the Eiks at their hall. Santa Claus has agreed to return and not only the children of the Mercy Home, but large number of the needy from the city will be loaded with fruit, apples, candy and nuts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25

Of women who are would-be suicides. Thoro was no mistake in Interpreting that look. Twas like unto tigress carrying nourishment to her famished young. That faco brought a dollar into the hands of tho Salvation Army man at the foot of the stairs, from one who brushed a tear aside, and turned a gift from 6 fortunate little babe, to those who had not yet been provided for this most blessed Christmas for most of great Birmingham's very poor
 And the city seemed happy, every one. even if 1t did rain to very slop in the streets. There were throngs Of beiated shoppers. The dealers along the curb, at improvised stands, sheltered by make shifts of coverings, were exhibiting novel, ties in toys. crying their wares. There was a brisk business and much eompeti- ton in fireworks by these sidewalk mer- chants
 As the evening showers, like soaking wet curtains. fell everywhere could be seen well-filled baskets in the hands of the homeward bound. Hundreds were carrying light bundles of gifts, the post office was crowded up to the closing hour.
 And with nightfall boys were marching in companies or groups bioging horns; every once in a while there would be sounds of mimic musketry as street cars passed over small mines of cartridges laid on the tracks; then again the win dow-shawing boom would be exploded in defiance of police watchfulness. Automo- piles, with screaming sirens, scared timid pedestrians before reaching them.
 And the night was filled with noise Noisel The din Is indescribable. Groups of men and boys pushed their ways like football teams, often too rough and rowdy. few men were intoxicated and walked with unsteady steps, not always bearing basket or bundles.
 Behold, this was Christmas eve in a Christian land--a land that sends mission aries to heather lands and millions of money to tell them of Christ and him crucifed."
 In some places there was gentleness and peace-kneeling at altars; in some hearts there was sadness which could not be dispeiied: but there came bene- diction of tears to even these; while out side the heavens were weeping, in the fall ing, falling rain, here In good and great Birmingham Christmas eve!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
PICKPOCKET IN
 LU jK AT STATION

A A. Amerson. a white man. whose home is at Virginia mines, near Bessemer, reported to the police yesterday morning that his pocket had been picked at the Terminal station and that he was the loser of saoo thereby.
 The loss yesterday was one of the heav- isst '1ifts' made. by pickpockets In Bir- mingham In . long time. Amereon. 1t seems. got into . crowd. and when he lsft the station he found that his pockstbook was missing ana his money gone.
 The viottm states that tho money was x1l h 4so sold certificates. The police arc Werktng on the case.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
ST. PAUL's CHURCH.
Christmas Services Include Five
 Masses-coIlection for Orphans.

Following is the order of services for Christmas Day:
 6:3O a. m, low mass.
 7:3O a. m., low mass. S:80 a. m., low mass.
 9:S0 a. ni., low mass.
 10:30 a. ni. solemn high mass. The last mass will be followed by ben ediction of the blessed sacrament and the Te Deum. Confessions between all masses.
 The collection at the door will be for the orphans.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25

Turkey Dinner today and Sunday at Cmfs's Place, 1926 list Ave. Turkey with cranber- ries S5c. Wanted, lady cashier for daytime.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25

Half peck sweet potatoes
 Half peck Irish potatoes.
 Head of cabbage.
 One can of corn.
 One pound sugar.
 One pound coffee.
 One half-pound butter.
 One bunch celery.
 One box soda crackers.
 Two loaves bread.
 One dozen apples.
 The funds for the dinners were procured through cash. donations. The boiling pots" stationed on the various street cor ners have been well filled with coins, and substantial gifts have been received by the army from individuals.
 A Christmas tree entertainment for the children of the poor will be given at the Salvation army hall next Wednesday aft ernoon at 8 o'clock. Field Officer Har- vey states that he Is depending for the success of the event entirely upon the lib- erality of the public In donating the stockings. which have been requested, and 1t is hoped that the call will be read fly responded to-
 Only gifts of substantial nature are
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
Cornell Musical Clubs.

The 1909 Cornell Giee club. which comes to the Jefferson theatre Weonesday night is reported as being an extraordinary or gantsa<tsn and Is said to be regarded by Prof. Honis ID. Damn of Cornell as the nost evenly basanced and accomplished aggfegz&iaa of singers he has so far developed It fs understood that the 30 vocalists wers selected from . uSt of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25

more than 600 applicants. The club has been in constant rehearsal for several months and has reached marked stage of perfection according to the Ithaca critics.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25

BARRIERS HOLIDAY.
 The white and colored bar Der shops will remain open Christmas Eve till 10 o'clock and open Christmas Day till 1 o'clock P. m.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
THE WEATHER.

Washington, December 24.-Forecast for Alabama: Rain Saturday, colder in ex treme south portion; Sunday. generally fair; moderate, variable winds, becoming northwest
 Mississippi Rain and somewhat colder Saturday: Sunday, generally fair; moder- ate west to northwest winds.
 The following Is the local report of the United States weather bureau at Birming ham for A hours ending at p. m., De- cember 24, 1909:
 Maximum temperature .................. 38 Minimum temperature ......-............ 33 Mean temperature .............-........ 35 Normal temperature ..................... 46 Excess since January 1.................. S9 Precipitation ......................... Il Total precipitation since Jan. .54 7S Excess since Jan. 1...................... 5.33
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
Mail Dsnvsz

In the businAes section of the city there wifi be two deliveries of man today; in the residence section ono.
 At the postoffSes regular Sunday hours will be observed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
ADJUSTMENTS.
~The Red MSlv' Today.

The Red Mih,'' the much discussed comic opera by Henry Blossom and Vic- tor Herbert, presented by Martin & Bm- cry Co.'S splendid orssnasation, will be given at the Jefferson today matinee and night in the same complete manner as during it's ali-ysar run at the KHick- erbocker theatre, New York cityI three months, Grand opera house. Chicago, and three months at the Colonial the atre, Boston, where the inuumerable fea- tures of the escape from the mill. the Dutch kiddies the Broadway soHbfettes, the Fifth avenue girls, the boxing dance, the motor beauties, the Bowery belles and the no end of Victor Herbert bril- liant and popular music, will all form an entertainment of refreshing refine ment and good cheer with all the requi- sites of an unusually clever perform ance. The company arrives early this morning in seasonable time so as to be in excellent spirits for capable and rapid performances.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
"Isie of Spice"

Seats are now selling for B. c. Whit ney's delightful musical comedy, the ''Isle of Spice," which comes to the Jef- ferson theatre Monday matinee and night It is a dream of scintillatins color that has never been passed in the his- tory of elaborate stage settings. The piece itself, while 1t has an interesting story to tell, is full of music that is calculated to tickle the ears and the comedians are given ample opportunity to disport themselves to unbounded de- light of tho audiences. There are no less than 20 songs of the most catchy va riety, that will be whistled and hummed on the streets long after the engage ment here- As on example of modern stage management it is full Of all kinds of pleasant surprises. This is partic- ularly noticeable in the work of the chorus, which is the youngest, prettiest and best singing and dancing group of young ladies entertaining the amuse- ment loving public today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25

Get Merfta Chocolates at Clarke's
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25

Get Merita Chocolates at HvI0m&1ntu ---
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-08-10
Lincoln Pennies
 Are Now Exhausted

Washington. Aug. 10.-The supply of the new Lincoln pennies, bearing the three initials of the designer, has been exhausted so far as distribution at the Treasury Department is concerned. The word that they were "al gone" was issued before the Treasury build ing was closed yesterday.
 Immediately the bulls of the Juvenile curb market outside ran up the price. From three for nickel the figure jumped to two for a nickel, a nickel apiece, four for a quarter and a dime apiece. Some asked as much as twen- ty-five cents each and refused to take less.
 Since Secretary Macveagh directed on last Thursday that V. D. Brenner, the designer of the new penny, had given too much prominence to his in- itials and ordered that the coinage should cease until the die could be re- cut, the newsboys have swarmed about the building. securing as many pennies as they could get money to have changed. They had a lively trade outside and every day saw more and more young brokers engaged in the business.
 Nearly a hundred messengers and newsboys were in line when the last ''V. D. B." was paid out yesterday. As the word went down the line the boys could hardly realize what had befallen them. Some were crestfallen.