davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17

whose wings the busy elf goes from house
to house distributing his gifts to the lit
tie ones. Boys and girls in Porto Rico
do not hang up the stocking as in other
lands, for many Of them have no such
foot covering.
AS q receptacle for the gifts each child
has a box ornamented according to the
taste and ability of the owner. and its
size depends upon the childish hopes Of
the beneticence of Saint Nick The little
ones believe that the better the box the
greater the number of gifts. and the in
genuity Of the young Porto Ricans is ex-
ercised for months before Chris tmas in
Christmas gifts. They are placed in the
courtyard or on the roof where the visit
ing saint will be sure to see them. Saint
Nick is generous in Porto Rico, and
night of Christmas week, so that the
children are often gladdened several times
by their gifts.
Christmas in Porto Rico is also church
festivity Of much Importance. Elaborate
ceremonies are given in the churches
commemorative. of the birth and child
hood Of Christ. Une of the most solemn
Of the observances is January Il. called
Bethlehem day. and has reference to
the coming of the Magi.
Children in Hawaii do not think of Santa
Claus coming down chimneys and scamper=
ing over roofs in a sledge drawn by rein
deer, for the climate does not admit OF
such notion Of the Christmas saint, and
the journey across the water for his fleet
footed beasts would be too tedious. SO he
is supposed to come to them in a boat
from San Francisco. The natives OF
Hawaii knew nothing about Christmas
until the coming of the missionaries and
American settlers, but now they celebrate
the day pretty much as is the custom
here. The principal difference is that.
while the Westinghouse sit about the
fire and SILVER on the streets, the people
of Honolulu smell weet-scented flowers
and listen to the warbling of the birds.
Gardens overflow with roses and catna-
tons, fields and mountain slopes are
ablaze with color. and Christmas dinner
is eaten out of doors In the shade of the
veranda.
In the Philippines Christmas is observed
much as in other countries by services
in the churches, gifts to friends and
feasting in the homes. "Ruenas PasQuas"
is the familiar greeting, and the little
brown people of those islands seem spe-
cially happy at Christmas time
Christmas in Scandinavia and Iceland
follows the northern myths. The cele-
bration of the winter solstice was great
festival in the olden time. 1t was be-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17

nounce the opening of the celebra ton.
In some towns the local brass band
joins the frolic and adds to the general
jollity by playing popular airs. Boys
and girls and grown people are abroad
and the advent of Christmas is more
suggestive OF Fourth OF July than Of
the anniversary of the Nativity, as OBJ
served in other places.
In the southwest, especially in New
Mexico and Arizona, different custom
prevails, probably derived from Spanish
sources. Christmas starts with a party of
men and women going to the house of
some friend. where they knock upon
the door and begin to sing. Those in the
house inquire who is without and the
reply is The Virgin Mary and ST.
Joseph. who seek lodging in this
house" At first the inmates of the
house refuse to let them enter. but aft
merrymaking follows for some hours.
This custom is repeated, each night at
different house during the holiday
week. The party Is usually a small
tertained in the manner described at
each house during the holiday week.
The pilgrims and Puritans of New
England either did not recognize
Christmas or observed it in the most
perfunctory way. In fact, they usually
put in the day at the hardest kind of
manual labor. just to show their con-
tempt for what they considered a pagan
festival. In Massachusetts a law was
enacted fOrbidding the observance of
the day in that colony on penalty of
being put into the stocks or pillory. In
a good many New England communi-
ties the observance of Christmas came
slowly, and even then was Invested of
much that made the occasion note
worthy elsewhere.
New England men and women are
now living who knew little or nothing
of the observance Of the day when chill
dren and w\o never saw a tree ablaZe
with candles and tinsel until they left
the parental home. 1t was the Sunday
school that brought the observance Of
Christmas to New England. and the
custom of having a community tree at
the church, in the town hall or in some
large house for the children of the
Sunday school is common in New Eng
land and other parts of the country to
this day In fact. Christmas was driven
in upon the Puritan under protest, and
until recent years Thanksgiving had
more zest and spirit in New England
than Christmas.
a peculiar religious sect found in some
numbers near Albany. N. Y, has
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17

office as far as pay and influence went
but If was just the one he wanted
to enhance his reputation as q clear
headed political economist. His duty
was to answer questions in parlia-
ment for the board of trade, and he
continued to make intricate subjects
simple for the puzzled members. He
probably was the first instance of
real business man occupying a high
office at the board of trade. which has
charge of England business inter-
astS.
In opp osition he has been just as useful
to his party as he was when it was in
power. His keenly analytical mind is
always on the alert to find the
flaws and weaknesses in the posi-
ton of his political adversaries. He
never forgets what an opponent has
said, and is always ready to confront
politician with his self-contradictions and
inconsistencies. Apparently without note
or reference he can remember the date
and place at which any given statement
was made, and a reference to the records
seldom finds him wrong. OF course, his
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17

Christmas supper. cooking for which be-
gan four weeks before. When all have
eaten to repletion games begin among
the children. and in the midst OF them
a mysterious knock is heard at the out
side door. Four or five boys enter clad
in white One carries q lantern shaped
like star, another An ornamented glass
box containing two dolls, the Virgin Nary
and the Christ Child. The boys Sing
Christmas carols, and afterward masked
performers do tricks and play panto-
mines.
: England is In line with Scandinavia in
preserving the old customs of .'Yuletide -
FIRST attention is paid in Great Britain to
homes of the people could not be bright
and CHEEKY. The "Yule log" a massive
piece or oak. is cut In the forest and
hauled to the house with much excitement
and ceremony. In ancient days the min
strel attended the hauling Of the log with
original songs and jests. The 'Yuie log
Is Kept burning for twelve days, and a
piece Is preserved for the following wear
The 'Yule log" was first lit fla honor Of
the sun god. and In Christian ages II
came to signify eternal light.
*
A very important symbol Of decoration
Is the mistletoe, the mysterious cutting
Of which with a golden knife by the
priests of the Druids links it with the
ancient religion of the Britons. The
plant. according TO these tales. was dedi-
Gated to the goddess Friga, and was the
emblem of love- and every one who passed
under it received kiss. 1t is still the
custom in England for every young man
to bring his beloved under the mistletoe
where he Is permitted to kiss her. II the
coy maiden, by accident or intention. goes
under the mistletoe she may also be
kissed openly.
Tables are spread and lights are left
burning the entire night in some parts
of Germany and Austria, SO that the Vir-
gin Mary and the angel. who are sup
posed to pass. may find something to eat.
Christmas in Germany is festival for
young and old. and preparations begin
weeks before. The ''Stollen," a rich cake
is made square instead of round the bet
ter to bring out the idea Of the manager
in Bethlehem. For weeks in advance
decorations for the tree are prepared, and
as early as the morning of December "a
the German family begins to adorn the
whole house and to prepare the tree
One large room is reserved for 1t. and
from it all the members Of the family are
excluded except the mother and her
trusted helpers. Many candles are Lii
upon the tree and when all is in readiness
a bell announces to the waiting children
and other members OF the family that the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17
X/U LETIDE Customs

0U L E TIDE Customs
i From Alaska to Tropical
Landslide True Date of the
Nativity of Christ-Christmas
Primarily a Religious Day,
and Its Observance Varies
The Roman Saturnalia-Un-
Gle Sans Ways of Celebrat-
ing the Day-In New Eng
land and the Southern States
The European Customs.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17
PEMBROKE LODGE, LONDON.
Home of Andrew BOnar Law.

sister nations.
Bonar Law is not sportsman In the
English sense OF the word. He spends
his time attending strictly to politics. de
plays golf in moderation, but he doesn't
rush off to the links in every spare mo-
ment, as Balfour does, and there are no
pictures of him making his favorfte
stroke to be bought in the London pho
tograph shops. He plays chess and is
rather proud Of the fact that he plays
a good game. but he is moderate In his
enjoyment Of chess as he is in most
other things except tobacco. He Is
steady smoker, and is seldom seen In
public without a cigar In his mouth.
Copyright, 1911, by Curtis Brown
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17

SET speeches are prepared carefully In ao-
vance although he always speaks without
notes. for he believes in the superior I'M
pressiveness of the "eXtempore sermon =
an inheritance, no doubt, from his Presby-
terrain father. But what is more than
that, he carefully prepares his DEBATES
This seems almost impossiuie, but Bonar
Laws method is to get inside ms oppo-
nent's skin as far as possible. He studies
the man and tries to get his point OF
view Then he thinks of all the argu-
ments that would occur to such man
and he prepares the answers TO them. IN
one or two instances he has been able 10
reproduce in advance almost ms oppo-
nent's language.
One might think that such a man would
not be popular In an assembly IKE the
British house of commons, but Bonar Law
is popularity itself. With all his merci-
less keenness he is always courteous. He
is always the quiet, polite business man
dealing with a rival who may be pos
sible ally or future customer. He Is de-
termined to have his way, but he Is deter
mined also not to lose a friend for the
house. and although he never makes con-
cessions on matters Of principle, he never
makes an enemy. This was especially evil
dent if his relations with Balfour. 1t is
no secret that there was no love lost be-
tween Balfour and Chamberlain. Balfour
felt, quite naturally, that Chamberlain
had been trying for long time to
rush him into a policy of which he
could not approve, and, failing that, that
he was trying to force him out OF the
leadership.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17
The Forgotten Zero.

MISS MARY GARDEN was a guest at
AVA a concert in Philadelphia when q
collection was taken up for poor folks
Christmas.
In the course Of the collection il was
announced that a certain millionaire had
contributed $500. AT this announcement
Miss Garden leaned toward her neighbor
and said:
"'Oh, isn't that splendid! Think of it,
s5Oor
Eyes, it's not bad her neighbor said,
but with q rich man like that, you know,
it ought to have been 5000
:" I suppose. said Miss Garden, smiling,
The forgot the ought.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17

ance by the party Of the aristocracy of
the passing of the aristocrat in British
politics IL is also an indication that the
day of the lawyer is coming to an end
and that the business man is coming into
his own in England.
Bonar Law is the first man in modern
history who has attained the leadership
of the tory party without the advantages
Of aristocratic birth. His predecessor, 1t
n true, did not bear title. but he was
q member of the great house Of Cecil, Of
which his uncle, the late Marquis Of Sails
bury, was the head, and OF which ms
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17

in the year. In any event. since that
time Christmas has been observed as
the birthday Of Christ and is accept
ed as such by all the world.
*
Christmas from the beginning has been
primarily religious day. and its 'observ
ance varies. according to the belief OF
sects. from the splendid music and bril-
liant mass of the Roman Church to the
absence Of ritual and the stately sermon
of the Protestant: but whether the wor-
ship Of the day is with prayer book Or
without. it Is inspired by the same idea
OF fitting service in memory OF the birth
of Jesus Christ.
On its festive side the Christmas cele-
oration presents even greater variety
than on its religious side. Establishment
of the date of the anniversary of the Ma
tivity seems to have followed the feast of
Saturn. which was observed at Rome at
the winter solstice, and With the fixing of
the date the celebration of the Christian
holiday took on many of the old customs
of the Saturnalia- Saturn was worshiped
by the old Romans as the god of hug
bandry and the arts Of life, and the OBJ
servance of Saturn's day was harvest
home festival. 1t was at the close of the
year. when the fruits of the earth We're
gathered. and. the feast in ancient Rome
look on features of the greatest freedom
and license between castles.
Masters sometimes served the slaves at
table, the social order was inverted and
feasting. gaming and revelry, some of
which passed the bounds of decorum.
filled Rome at the Saturnalia. 1t was
from this ancient feast. modified to suit
Christian ideas and the customs of the
people in other lands, that the gift-giving,
Teasing and merrymaking of the day was
derived. Even the night illumination and
the street professions of Christmas eve
were part of the Roman SaturnaIia
Turning to modern days, much variety
and many quaint customs attach to the
celebration of Christmas. Every Ameri-
can is. of course, acquainted with the Old
fashioned Christmas, which for us was
the heritage of England, Germany and
the Latin states From England comes
the mistletoe and the Yule log, from Ger
many the Christmas tree and from them
and other sources the universal gift-giv-
ing of the day.
Uncle Sam has many ways of OBJ
serving Christmas Down south. at
midnight, Christmas eve, skyrockets.
firecrackers and small cannons an
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17

nominate his successor. Balfour, either
from aristocratic disgust at the intriSues
which forced him to retire, or from real
craftsmanship, left the matter to be de-
cided by the members of parliament be-
longing to his party.
The election Of Bonar Law to the
leadership was a surprise to the great
mass OF newspaper reading Englishmen.
but 1t was foreseen by those who had
been following the course of events for
the last three or four years with intelli-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17

lieved that the year stood still at the
solstice and with it began the reign Of
Frey, the sun god Sca.ndinavians called
Christmas CHRIS, "Iuletide.n yuie meaning meaning
the sun to be a wheel and ''yuleklapp.
part of the Christmas festivity, means
the clapping or turning Of the wheel The
expression is still in use TO signify specially
the manner of distributing the gifts. They
are placed in room. packed in mys-
FERROUS manner, so that nobody can tell
the contents Of the packages. Verses are
generally attached to each bundle direct
ing the present from one person to an
other.
When the members Of the family are
seated about the room the gifts are
passed around as upon a wheel until each
finds its proper owner. Sometimes an or
namented wheel is used, the bundles be-
ing fastened thereon. and 1t Is sent spin
ming. When it stops the gift nearest the
top Is removed and given to Its owner,
and the process repeated until all are
distributed. This usage is derived from
the mysterious manner in which the sun
god gave his presents Of flowers, green
grass and leaves. Therefore the green
decoration survives as typical Of Christ
mas. The same Idea lies behind the
Christmas tree, Of German origin. It Is
by right a fir tree. because the gifts OF
the god were always green. Later
the Christians applied the idea to Christ,
because through Him came eternal spring.
came into the world through the Man Of
Nazareth.
Scandinavians, and, in fact, all Teutonic
peoples, have the greatest veneration for
Christmas and Yuletide. The courts are
closed, old quarrels forgotten, feuds adj
justed, a pretty symbol of which is for
the members of the family to place their
shoes in a row, signifying that during
the year the family will live in peace
and harmony. Candles are left burning
to light the way to the "Yule trumpte."
the Christmas spirit bringing the gifts.
They set cake Of meal in the snow as
a Christmas Offering. For the birds a
sheaf OF grain is placed on a pole in
front of each house. In Scandinavia the
people usually fast, or at least do not
take the usual meals. December "a.
every body being engaged in preparing for
the holiday. About noon Christmas day
the family assemblies in the kitchen and
each dips piece of bread in ham broth,
which serves as luncheon.
Then follows the ''Yuleklapp'' and
merrymaking over the distribution of
gifts, after which the family gathers
about the great table and partakes of
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17

HE sun of Christ
mas morning lit
orally 8 h ! n e 8
around the world.
In every land
where Christ is
recognized as the
Savior, worship.
f e q S t j n 6 and
m rry m a k ing
mark the ami
versary OF the
Nativity. From
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17

BONAR
LAWS election to
succeed Art h ur
James Balfour as
leader of the con-
sentative party in
the British parha-
ment, with the re-
version Of the pre-
miership when the
party comes back
to power, marks
the public accept
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17

cousin. the present marquis, is head to-
day The liberal party, OF course, has
been led by commoners for many years
hut then it calls itself the party of prog
ress. Its leader, however. Is lawyer,
and the man who is most likely TO sue
coed him. David Lloyd George, also be-
longs TO the legal profession.
Ronar Law has none Of the advantages
of birth He has had no legal training
Most of his life was spent in merchant
office, and his strength lies In the fact
that he is able to bring to bear on 20
litical problems the cold common sense OF
the man of affairs, and not the mental
gymnastics OF the legal expert. or the
prejudices OF the tory landowner. 1t Is
lifting that he should be the first leader
nor of the great parties TO be etsc.e
D26Hs:a vote 1t ha. DccT sIzE1t / 1
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17

the latest picture OF the new leader,
taken two days after his election to
the post.
gent interest. When Balfour's retirement
was announced the names OF two candi-
dates for the position were mentioned.
They were Austen Chamberlain, son of
Joseph Chamberlain, and Walter Long, a
great tory squire. There has been a
Walter Long in every parliament since
the commonwealth, and the Walter Long
of today is one of the most popular men
in his party, but 1t was evident from the
first that a man of his hereditary con-
servatism could not lead party that
is committed to the most far-reaching
economic change that England has seen
since the introduction of free trade sixty
years ago.
Chamberlain was barred because 1t was
feared that he lacked that quality which
E,nglishmen look for most in their leaders
and which they describe as "safeness.'
It is true there Is nothing in his record
TO justify the fear that he might not be
safe" but he had an UNSAFE" heredity.
His father nearly wrecked the liberal
party by deserving Gladstone when that
statesman espoused the cause of Irish
home rule, and he nearly wrecked the
unionst party a few years later &her
he introduced his scheme for a protective
tariff. The protective tariff is now the
chief plank in the unionist platform,
and Bonar Law is a thick and thin pro-
tectionist, but Chamberlain must suffer
for the sins Of his father.
There was a third man who, If the rank
and file OF the party voters had their
choice. might have been chosen leader.
He is F. E. Smith, young lawyer. and
by far the most brilliant man in the
PARTY Next to Balfour he is the most
skilIful debater it possesses. and he il
responsible for ENGRAVING on the Cham
herlain protective tariff policy n great
scheme of conservative social reform. to
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17

Christ Child has paid His visit TO the
house. Then all enter.
The beautiful tree is a blaze OF light
and gorgeous tinsel. amid which the gifts
vivid memories OF childhood among Ger
man people are of the times long ago
when they gaZed upon the Christmas tree
In awe and wonder. st. Nicholas Is the
special property OF the German people
He appears December and his duty is to
report TO the Christ Child the conduct or
the children. and especially any who arc
bad and do not deserve gifts. The jolly
elf Is represented as carrying a whip
with which he chastises wicked boys and
girls, while by his word he bestows many
gifts upon good ones. St Nicholas is
the special saint OF childhood, ascribed to
his youth when he became Bishop OF
Myra-
In some parts Of Europe il . peoufny
belief. especially IN the Swiss and Aue-
TRAN Alps. that animals have the gift OF
speech on Christmas night. though Il 10
a sin to act the part Of eavesdropper
upon them. This superstition gives oc-
casion for many good stories told to the
children to Keep them from spying on
Christmas night. One OF the most famous
OF them is that told OF farm servant
who did not believe that animals could
speak. To make sure he hid In his MAG
ter's stable and listened. At the hour
when spooks begin to travel he was sur
prised at what he heard:
I'VE shall have hard work TO do this
day week." said an old horse.
Yes. the farmers servant is heavy"
declared another. land the way Is long 70
the churchyard."
According to the story the man was
buried a week after Christmas.
Similar beliefs exist in France. where
the peasants think they can learn from
cattle where treasure is hid. If one has a
newborn child in his arms. The cock Is
supposed to crow with unusual noise on
Christmas night to drive away evil spir-
its. Bees are said to hum and the cattle
to kneel before their managers. Sheep go
in procession in commemoration of the
angels visit to the shepherds.
Thus in different lands the customs OF
ancient times have been handed down
through the generations. and many Old
pagan practices have in modified form at
tached themselves to the Christmas OBJ
servances. Many of them have lost their
significance in the fogs Of tradition. and
while they continue they now have refer
ence chiefly to the Christian idea OF
Christmas and the Nativity in Bethlehem.