davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-03-27

brated in the Holy City with songs and
the waving of palm branches.
The ceremony of the descent of the
Holy Fire in the Church of the holy
Sepulchre is held every year on Holy
Saturday, the day before Easter. At the
appointed hour an lights within the
church are extinguished and the pilgrims
stand praying that the Holy Fire be sent
down into the cathedral from heaven.
The patriarch Of the Greek Church, in
his gorgeous ecclesias teal robes, enters the
church followed by other dignitaries and
encircles the sepnlchre three times. He
is accompanied by the chief potentate
of what is known as the Coptic Church,
which is not of Russia, but of Egypt.
Then these two high priests go down
together into the sacred sepulchre OF
a sudden lights appear down In the tomb
and the priests Immediately hand down
candles which are returned to them light
ed. These candles, lighted with the Holy
Fire that descended into the tomb and
lighted the candles there, are then carried
to the other churches in all Darts Of
the city and from them the pilgrims light
their candles. These in turn are carried
all over Palestine and at times clear
back into Russia, for they have been
lighted from the Holy Fire sent down
from Heaven.
AitciFt lhc tticuiOuy thc pms Sims SUI =
out from Jerusalem for the river Jordan,
travelling by night to avoid the heat Of
the day and to arrive at the river on
Easter morning. On the way they chant
beautiful Russian anthems and wind in
and out through the hills, guarded by
Russians and guided by Bedouins for
even to the present day the road to
Jericho is infested by robbers There
are thousands of pilgrims in line travel
ing in a mighty band. When they
reach the Jordan, at daybreak, the bap-
tismal rites follow.
Candles In Russia.
All over Russia the observance Of Eas-
ter is general, by layman as well as pill
grim. The churches have been crowded
all during Holy Week with worshipers
who confess their sins so conscientiously
that they must crave the pardon Of any
one whom they have offended, however
slightly. before Easter eve. At this time
the most sacred Of all rites and festivals
is held. The churches are crowded with
the rich and poor, all in holiday attire.
each bearing a candle The altars, icons
and shrines are Illuminated with count
less tapers. At midnight, the end Of the
Lenten fast and the dawn Of the joyful
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-03-27

monies. They are a radiantly happy as
semblage and their ecstacy over attaining
what they believe to be the summit OF
earthly bliss is INDISPENSABLE.
They laugh and cry with tears Of Joy
and thanksgfving-fo have they not just
won eternal pardon by this fulfllment of
their long pilgrimage, Their return home
and the rest of their years will be blest
with peace and joy. Before leaving the
sacred stream they climb trees that Dor
der it and cut down branches of the will
lows, which they dip into the water three
times, to coDsecrate them and carry them
off as precious relics of the sacred occa-
sion.
They are utterly oblivious to the river
itself, which, If the truth Is told, Is
most Insignificant stream. Its waters are
dark and muddy and its banks are COW
cred with tangle weeds and bushes. The
valley Of the Jordan itself. however, is
very beautiful with luxuriant trees and
vegetation on all sides. 1t possesses the
richest soil in the world and is hcmmed
In most picturesquely by the mountains
OF Moab The scene just described is
the climax of the long journey of these
pilgrims to the Jordan, and much that
precedes the actual Easter Day bap-
tismal ceremony is Of interest.
The majority Of them are from Russia,
anu ehSy are cDleDy OF the peasant class,
making the pilgrimage for themselves or
as proxies of wealthy people who believe
they can gain eternal life in this manner.
though they themselves remain in their
own luxurious homes. By attending the
baptism in the .ordan and the descent of
the Holy Fire on the tomb of Christ
in Jerusalem-the great Easter ceremonies
in Palestine-the pilgrims believe they
VIII win forgiveness of their sins On.
foot from all over Russia they make the
weary pilgrimage in countless thousands.
They wear long black robes and coarse
cloth boots and they sweat and toll along
the rocky roao to Palestine in their fur
lined coats and heavy beaver hats. un-
mindful of the blazing sun. They could
not be induced to remove or change these
heavy garments, for by keeping them on
from the time they leave their Russian
homes until they return they believe they
become sanctifed.
Just outside the walls of Jerusalem
is hospice for pilgrims 1t Is enclosed
by walls. within which Is a splendid
church, Russian in architecture and the
residence Of the Russian consul. All along
the line Of their pilgrimage. the Russian
government has erected these hospces.
The pilgrims sleep on the stone floors,
without removing their soiled and dusty
clothes and pillow their heads OH their
small bundles of provisions. When the
pilgrims arrive in Jerusalem hey 20 nj
once TO the Convent OF Constantine and
obtain for small gift the privilege of
speciai prayers. Palm Sunday is cele-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-03-27

square and scatters it broadcast for
these birds so dear to the Venetian
heart They are quite tame and will
frequently feed from the hand. In doing
so they are perfectly safe, for no one
would think of harming them.
There is a legend among the Venetians
to the effect that long ago the great
Doge made a visit to the Piazza San
Marco on a Palm Sunday and brought
with him his officials. He was given a
royal welcome by the populace, who
turned out in thousands. The Doge was
impressed, and In order to show his ap-
probation, had large number of
pigeons, each one with weight attach
ed to Its leg, released from the gallery
of st. Marks. The crowd quickly saw
his purpose and rushed upon the pigeons
to secure them for their tables. Ham
pered by the weights on their legs, the
pigeons were caught in large numbers,
but some of them escaped and found
refuge high up in the dome of the ca
thedral.
The Venetian populace superstitlous In
the extreme, was impressed by the fact
that the escaping birds found shelter in
st. Marks and they concluded that this
was token from the saint that he
would shelter the little feathered folks
himself From that day to this they
ed, and are now feature Of Venetian
life, of which the populace is proud
Mexico and Judas Iscariot.
Easter in Mexico Is day of VEN
geance- not upon the living, but upon
the countless images of Judas Iscariot,
the betrayer Of Christ, which may be
seen hanging on the trees everywhere.
All over Mexico numberless Judases are
fashioned in efiigy. generally in the
clothes Of the peasant class, and ropes
are fastened around their necks. Then,
amid the boots and Jeers OF the crowds,
the figures are swung aloft and hung.
Trees and telegraph poles-and in some
places uprights erected for that purpose
are used for this ceremony that, in
spirit ut least, resembles an American
lynching. Out In the provinces the sway
ing figure Is riddled with bullets, but In
the cities this 10 prohibited, and knives
are hurled at IT until It is literally cut
to ribbons. (, "
In the large cities, after the efigy has
been hung and knitted, 1t Is lowered and
stufred with CONNECTIONS, cigarettes and.
odd trfnkets. heavy charge Of pow
der Ii also inserted with several fuses
long enough 70 reach TO the ground
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-03-27
lap l92Z Car9gaNa

8 s -
"a NE day an angel came to Mary
4 and said: Fear not Mary for
W Behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a son and
shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be
great and shall be called the Son of the
Highest. and the Lord shall give unto
him the throne OF his father David. He
shall reign over the house of jacob for
ever" Mary and Joseph went away into
a city of Judea. into the city called
Bethlehem. because they belonged to the
house of David. When the child was
born there were many shepherds watch
Ing. their fiocks. When they heard or
Ghrist's nativity many were afraid, and
the angel said unto them: Fear not.
for behold l bring you good tidings of
great joy, which shall be TO all people.
For unto you is born this day In the
city of David n Saviour, which is Christ
the Lord When the shepherds came
to the manger they found the babe wrap
ped in swaddling clothes There were
angels and n multitude of the heavenly
host praising God and saying: 'Glory
he 10 God in the Highest, and on Earth
Peace and Good VIII Toward Men," The
shepherds fell down before Christ and
worshipped Him. They then made known
abroad what they had heard. Then came
wise men from the East, guided by
star which stood over the young child.
They opened their treasures and presented
him gifts Of gold, frankineense and
myrrh. Forty days after Jesus birth
his parents carried him 10 the temple at
Jerusalem There was one Simeon. who
had long been expecting the coming of
n Saviour to the Jews. He took the
child up in his arms and exclaimed:
lord now lettest thy servant depart In
peace according to thy words, for mine
eyes have seen Thy salvation
Joseph and Mary remained but short
time with their child in Egypt. The
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-03-27
olate. are to be found in every home,
with nest Of colored eggs.
Cuafovna NJ ITALY.

olate. are to be found in every home,
with nest of colored eggs.
Customs of Italy.
Easter in Italy is quite the most i'm
portant religious festival of the entire
year. 1t is time of public and private
rejoicing, each family making it a festi-
val occasion for its members. At Rome
on Easter Day and for several days AFTER
ward religious professions are In order.
A unique ceremony called 1.-The blowing
up of the car is held at Florence.
sort of box or car nearly as big as
small frame house Is wheeled before the
cathedral and filled with fireworks and
decorated with flowers. Running from the
car to the altar in the cathedral Is wire.
A wooden device travelling over the wire.
on wheel and bearing slow fuse IS
lighted at the proper time from the sacred
fire on the altar. Released, 1t PUSHES
down the wire to the car Allied with COM
bustibles. The explosions that follow
shake the city.
EGG Rolling I'm Washington.
A review of the curious Easter customs
could scarcely be complete without brief
description Of Easter in Washington. D.
c., when the children assemble on the
lawn Of the White House on Easter Mon
day and roll eggs: It Is supposed to have
originated with Dolly Madison. who In
vlted number Of her little friends to
the White House and gave them colored
eggs to play with on the lawn.
All juvenile Washington, rich and poor,
meets in democratic fashion before the
home of the Nations Executive on East
err Monday. All the children bring bas-
kets of brightly colored Easter eggs
Grown-ups are admitted only when they
accompany children, and the police are
at hand to enforce this rule and protect
the little tots. Soon the spacious green
lawns are mass of laughing, happy
children rolling their eggs on ia soft
grass with the eggs common propeft xhnd
no division between the rich and; the poor. y
The inevitable small boy II - HING
and he wanders here and thef4 thtoug
the crowd, seeking whom he tnnys d
Your In contest known as .pid "a
butts" This consists of two boy6s l<1r
Ing the ends Of their respective egfa ~
contact with each other: the egg tn
breaks first being declared the loser III
passing over into the possession of 4
victor. Usually the President OF 4
United States and the various members
his family appear toward the end Of II
festivities on the back porch of the q
ecutive Mansion. The children, cr6,
round the huge veranda and the Pie
dent addresses them 1t Is o great Y
for the little shavers and peculiar
Washington. They 80 home proud, e
smeared, happy lot, rejoicing IN Il
unique celebration OF Easter.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-03-27

HH q HEN the dawn breaks this Eas-
n ter over all the world. many and
a u H varied customs of celebrating
N0 one Of the greatest days on the
Christian calendar will be re-
vealed. To accept the fact that sword
dance by the Servian peasants, the hang
ing of Judas Iscariot in efflgy in Mexico,
the self-emersion of Russian pilgrims in
the River Jordan and our own Easter SER
mon in a fower-bedecked church before a
congregation attired in the latest of Eas-
ter splendor-to accept the fact that such
widely diverse methods of celebration are
commemorative Of the same religious
event Is surprising, to say the least But
they are, and the more one learns Of the
ways In which Easter is celebrated in
various parts Of the world, the more apt
he is to be thankful that the custom Of
his own land calls for conservative cele-
bration.
The River Jordan.
Because of its prominence in the life of
Christ, the River Jordan should be of
especial interest at Easter, for in the
Belf-same murky, muddy stream the Mas
ter Himself was baptized As the rays Of
the rising sun this Easter morning gild the
tops Of the Mountains of Moab, which rise
abruptly from the waters edge Of the
spectacular of Easter Day celebrations
will be seen. Massed on the banks of the
stream are thousands upon thousands Of
pilgrims who have 1ourneyed from all por-
tions of the Eastern Hemisphere to battle
In the same river in which the Christ
was baptized. The vast throng Is silent
q moment, overcome by its emotion and
meditation; then, as with one accord,
from every throat bursts forth a mighty
shout of ''Hosanna' followed by the ryth-
mic cadence of sweet and solemn song.
Preparations, are at once made for the
great baptismal ceremony. Absolutely in
different to the presence of any specta-
tors, they don their baptismal robes, white
shrouds which they have brought with
them 10 be consecrated by this ceremony
IN the sacred waters of the Jordan They
win take these shrouds back with them
TO be kept for burial shroudsf They en-
ter the water laughing. screaming and
talking. One might almost Imagine they
were n crowd Of pleasure seekers.
\ But they are not, for once In the water
they suppress their hilarity and immense
themselves three times In commemoration
Of The Holy Trinity. Then they kneel
IN the water aud stretch out their arms
and in the cupped palms Of their hands
draw some OF the holy water to their
lips and drink 1t In utter disregard of its
turbid appearance. Next they fill certain
vessels. brought to the river for the pur-
bose of carrying portion of the precious
water back with them for baptismal cere-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-03-27
Flowers for venice.

Flowers for Venice.
The Easter ceremonial In Venice Is as
interesting as it is picturesque. The
beautiful service in st. Marks. the great
cathedral, is attended by every one who
can possibly gain entrance. They come
in gondolas, pausing en- route to make
obeisance before the fower-bedecked
shrines that are to be met at every turn
Of the canals The whole scene is riot
OF flowers and everybody, both rich and
poor, buys literally Of the beautiful
blooms. The gondolas are covered with
them and they are carried not In an or
binary bouquet, but by the armful. The
service itself is marvellous display OF
raiment, ceremonial and music.
In the afternoon Is held the queerest
Of Easter customs in yenice-the feeding
Of the pigeons that fly about st. Marks.
Everybody bears supply Of food to the
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1910-12-08
New and Fatal Disease Among Live
Stock.

Statesville, Dec. alive stock
owners in several sections Of the
county are somewhat alarmed be-
cause of the ravages of contagious
deadly disease which seems to be
something new in this section. Sew
eral farmers have recently lost cattle
which were attacked by the new dis
ease, and early this week John Glib
son, farmer of Bethany township,
lost fine mare which was affected in
the same manner as the cattle. Two
mules belonging to Mr.. Gibson are
now at the point of death, suffering
from the disease, while sick cattle
and horses are reported from other
sections of the county. A few days
ago several head of calves, belonging
to Sid Crawford, were suddenly seiz-
ed with the trouble and died within
"a hours, and a horse belonging to
another farmer, became ill while in
Statesville and came near dying be-
fore it reached home. The disease af-
fects the bowels Of the animals, and
so far the local veterinarians have
failed to find an effective remedy. The
State department was appealed to
yesterday and an assistant State vet
erinarian has arrived to begin inves-
LEGATIONS of the disease.
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1910-12-08
PASTOR TOOK MISSIONARY
FUNDS.

Rev. L. n. Booth. Of Chowan Circuit,
Sends Letter to Conference Admit
ting Theft-Was Highly Esteemed.
Elizabeth City, Dec. "A sensa-
ton was sprung in the third, days
session of the North Carolina Confer
ence of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, which has been in ses-
sion here since Wednesday morning,
when a letter was read from Rev. l..
N. Booth, of Chowan Circuit, &C
knowledging that he had misappro-
priated missionary and conference
funds amounting to about 5000, that
he had fed to New Jersey and could
not return the money. Charges were
Immediately preferred and trial or
dered. 1t is a bad case. Booth, who
was highly regarded by his congrega-
ton and fellow members of confer
ence, was said to have left home four
weeks ago, without the knowledge of
the presiding elder, on the plea that
his invalid wife was in a sanitarium
in New Jersey.
His congregation had recently pre-
scented him with fine horse and
buggy, and new suit Of clothes to
wear to conference. Chowan Circuit
had paid all financial claims.
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1910-12-08
Fatal Shooting Affair Near Lexington.

Lexington, Dec. 4.-Everett We'll
born, son of w. M. Welborn, who
lives near the Wennonah cotton mill,
was shot by Cliff Ross early this
morning and died a few minutes
later. A Winchester rifle was used
as the death instrument, and the ball
entered the back of the head.
Ross was arrested about o'clock
this morning and is now in jail.
1t is said there were a number of
men together carrying on rather a
celebration, during the course of
which Ross was robbed of a $50
check, his watch and coat. After this
he went to his camp, secured his
Winchester rifle and, returning, had
few words with Welborn, when he
raised the rifle and fired.
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1910-12-08
MEETING or FARMERS UNION.


Greensboro, Dec 3.--Sot leas than
400 farmers. representing every Sec
ton of the Old North State. are ex-
pected TO attend the annual session
OF the North Carolina Farmers Union
which will be held at the State Nor
NAL and Industrial College on Wed
nesday, December Il and i5- The
Guilford County Farmers Union IL
making preparations 10 show the vis-
Itors the best possible kind OF a time
while they are guests OF Greensboro
and the county association DR.. II. q
Alexander of Mecklenburg. Ia the
State president, and he viii preside
over the sessions
Many important matters VIII come
I'D for consideration among these be-
ing the report OF the educational COM
mlttee. This committee has had under
consideration since the last meeting.
the establishment OF county agricul-
tural schools. IL this suggestion Ia
acted upon favorably by the Union.
the matter will then be presented 10
the next Legislature with a request
that suitable provision be made. The
plan is TO have the State and county
each contribute something, and TO
make a course in the institution as
cheap for the students as possible.
When the session Of last December
was held there were only 936 locals
in the State; now there are more
than 1900. The membership year
ago was 10000; this December 1t Is
more than twice as great. Forty-fve
counties were organized then; now IS
are organized. Last year the balance
in the treasury was $3.631.04, while
there Is at present $10,785.
The Guilford County Poultry AS
ISOLATION will hold it's meeting at the
same time of the meeting OF the
union, and the visitors may attend
this free of charge. At the last ses-
sion of the two-days' meeting officers
for the next year will be chosen.
Next Saturday there will be meet
ing in the court house of the Guilford
County Agricultural Association and
the boys who were in the corn contest
will bring a bushel of corn as do
nation to the association. The corn
will be sold to the highest bidder and
the money used to pay prizes and for
other purposes of the association. Ad-
dresses will be made by Mr.. T. B.
Parker and Mr.. I. o. Schaub. A most
interesting meeting is anticipated.
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1910-12-08
Salisbury Child Fearfully Burned.

A special from Salisbury to Sun
days Charlotte Observer, says:
THE three and a half year old
son of Mr.. and Mrs. Marshall Jones,
who live on North Lee street, near In
Miss, was fearfully and perhaps fatal
ly burned shortly after noon today.
While the mother was up stairs the
little one came in possession of some
matches and set it's clothing on fire.
The mother made the horrible dis
covery at once and just as she was
throwing an apron over the burning
form, messenger, who had called to
see Mr.. Jones, appeared at the door,
and rushed in and threw his overcoat
around the child, smothering the
flames.
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1910-12-08
WAS sTRsSoIgp. THEN nonr~.


sisssrsvIiise y. Va. D~S- If,
Elizabeth Allen. aEe3 s. yea-.
wealthy widow. waa fozna d. :.
her home IN Shirley. near here
A large sun Of money whseA -.
had in the house IL nIxsinE. a. =.
coroner In OF the opinlon "a. =.
was strangled and then robhee
Mrs. Alien lived alone and Aa4
faith In banks. She owned cozs e..
able property. including sev--.l
farms On which were produesrx -
wells. The money she recetv.~s !.
royalties from these wells she As.e
In the house
When Mrs- Allen did no; age,a.
early in the day search vas made -
her. and she was found. fully areas.
ed. IN q rear room on the hoor O.ks-
rooms were In confusion. shoxl.x
that she had fought hard for u.s
The physician who was called sAsa
Number Of small bones IN her keas
had been broken and her windpl..
crushed.
In a house 90 feet away NJ. A.
lens son John Is dying from tube.
culosis.
Attorneys for Mrs. Mrs. Allen SEE,
through the house today and foasa
STA sewed In an old quilt and s..
in an old sofa.
There il missing an old wallet 1,
which Mrs. Allen 10 known 10 bare
had over $4,000 cash. with bonas
notes and other securities.
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1910-12-08

-ails The pesaocratir esrty va.
psFats II this hwAs. ter sazss
have dcae In tbs ecunsy ~. s
did lad All Republicans aoaa -
dnV. our people are ssaxs.-.
vita the Ere wosk Soae - ~
Morshsad aH1 Cur state co..
from seadeSaTtsrx. and Ger Iazs1 =
paeiscans eowa Asre did a. -
co1ld under TIE Sirezzxszsrex
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1910-12-08

New York, Dec. 5.-A village viii
no wood in IL has Just been comple;-
ed on the north shore OF Long a.
land, at Manhasset, Just outside o,
Greater New York. II Is the latss
example OF the "fire-proof hone
idea" Ten OF the houses have besa
finished up odate. and Others are
to follow. The principal material
used in their construction is terra
Gotta. Walls. floors and partitions
are OF terra Gotta hollow blocks-ot
practically the same kind tha, Is
used for the sky scrapers." OF Nan
haitian. Concrete is used for the
floor beams.
In the walls the terra Gotta blocks
are laid end on end, with the holloT
spaces running up and down. 50 that
continuous dead air" chambers are
formed. These act as non-condueiors
of heat. and serve to keep the houses
cool in summer and warm in winter.