davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31
neap Year Thoughts.

in my own comfortable home if helped to supply some starving per son with food and enough clothing to keep him from freezing? Shall turn my ears away from the cry of want and refuse to contribute my share to tho miserable?"
 A boy or a girl may be blessed with a kindly disposition, an honesty no one has ever had reason to doubt, a genuine pride in uprightness, a high ambition to attain great ends energy and will-power, and yet that boy or girl may be lacking in much that goes to make the perfectly noble soul. One must literally Hove your nefghbor as yourself" to live the broad, ennobling, perfect life. Charity sympathy, love, should not be con fined within the home and given just to ones personal friends. The Christ spirit should be initiated. No one sc poor or so low that our Savior turned from him. Indeed. it was the lame the halt, the blind-those whom the world scorned and despised - that Jesus gave his love and blessing to- He was no respector of persons. He knew that his Heavenly Father had put into every creature a soul, and therefore a heart and feelings.
 There is no better time to unfold one's great love (for all are endowed with the power of loving if only that power is understood and developed) than at the New Year time. The winter is upon the world, and want stalks through the land. If each who sees and hears the cry of mis- cry only gives his mite-where he cannot give more-the larger part of misery would be erased from the life of millions of unhappy sufferers.
 Children, let the great work of Brotherly Love begin with you on the New Year, 1912. When the year ends. you will reap your reward by seeing the happiness brought about by your splendid efforts. To make others good and happy is the noblesi work a boy or girl can accomplish.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31

ME OHNNY'S mother had been read e# ing to him from a book of
 E stories. It was on New Years Eve, and after she had finished the stories, she had a nice little talk with him about the coming year. And like all good mothers, she pointed out the right way, and warned him regard ing the wrong way.
 Every boy and every girl should make certain Good Resolutions on the New Year, and it will help them to surmount all difficulties and temp tations during the year to follow" I" she explained. And Johnny had listened with close attention, asking questions now and then.
 You see, darling son. Johnny's mother had said, Childhood is at tended by two companions through out it's school days-Good-Dee and Temptation. Sometimes, I am sorry to say, Temptation is the stronger sol dier, for many little folk cannot read the future and see how very much they will suffer-and make others suf- fer-by following that evil genius, Temptation"
 Then Johnny's prayers being said, and Johnny put to bed and covered warmly, Mother put out the light and went below stairs. and Johnny's eyes became heavy with sleep. Just as he was droWsing off, bordering upon the Land of Dreams, a noise was heard in the corner behind his bed. Slowly rising up, Johnny could see by the light of street lamp, which was just below his window, two little figures moving about near to the wall. Their heads just reached the side of the bed, and they were rather slenderly built. Just as Johnny was on the point of asking the little intruders who they were and how they had managed to get into his room, one of them spoke to the other:
 And here you are, you miserable creature, Good Deeds, trying to get possession of this boy Johns mind! Well. go ahead. Use all your persua- sion. But you'll not get ahead of me. I'll win him before another school year is out. He belonged to you all last year, for he was too young for me to care about. But now he's a fine age for me-iust turned ten. Ha, ha, ha! That's the age when like to get hold of the little chaps"
 While this creature was speaking Johnny had slipped out of bed and had got into a warm dressing robe-a Christmas gift from Mother to him And he went close to the foot of the bed where he might the better watch
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31

to his feet and cried out in a voice of scorn: "Begone, you mean. wicked. loathsome Temptations! Never let me set eyes on you again. Never let me shear your awful voice. You would lead me to my own ruin. would be- come a tramp-ignorant and unlov- able, without soul in the world to care for me. I'd become a thief stealing little birds from their nests An, how terrible! Get out you wretch! And, you, my friend, Good Deeds, stay close beside me through out. my life. now know who to trust. An, get out. you hideous Temp tationl Get out, say, or I'll"
 Suddenly the door opened and in ran Johnny's mother. She beheld Johnny sitting up in bed, aswild look in his eyes. As she shook him, and asked what was the matter. he rubbed his eyes, scratched his head, said in sleepy voice: "Oh, Mamma, there were two funny persons here. But one was very, very wicked, and I drove him out. Has he gone? And If you'll look closely, you'll see the other one near to me. have chosen him to stay with me-oh, for always. His name is Good Deeds. You'll lik9| him. Mother. for he's so just and good. But-I'm so sleepy. I'll tell you the| rest tomorrow And Johnny dropped| back on his pillow. and fell into al deep sleep.
 Dreaming. bless his preciousl heart" said Mother. And dreaming| about doing the right things. too. An my darling. You know the Riee from the Wrong. Your New Yeaf, shall begin all right"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31

born with an eye for artistic tints, I make no mistakes when mixing my palette. An, just witness the land scape after I have done it. (Steps back to the side of Summer, lowing to Father Time and to New Year as she does SOL
 New Year (Turning to Father Time): I think you will have no fault to find with the lovely and dutiful seasons I have brought you. Only one remains as yet unheard. Shall we now hear her speak-dignified, chaste Winter?
 Father Time (Rising on his elbow and holding to Winter to come for ward).
 One Winter has just departed, and in her very tracks, comes another. Winter is the only one of the quar- tette who does not ahave an oppor- tunity to complete the work begun. But the system has been So long es- tablished that it would not be well to change it now. It might cause some misunderstanding up in the Clouds. Speak, dear Winter.
 Winter Smiling graciously at Father Time and New ear). An, Father Time has expressed my case precisely. I am taking up the work laid down by the Winter of 1911, on the first day of January, 1912. I know she has brought you a great deal of blustry weather, and too little snow. Children love the snow, and so do the grown-ups. I shall make snow that shall be remembered on earth for many years to come. But it shall not be a very cold snow-just cold enough to last till each little boy and girl shall have had enough of it. An, Father Time, you speak of Spring as being the bravest of the seasons. Per haps you speak rightly. But-Winter must be brave to withstand the sud- den changes she deals in. She must be brave to come where Autumn has so delightfully."- painted everything, and destroy her gorgeous tints by nip
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31

ping them with frost. Winter has her object in doing all this, and after she has stripped the trees of leaves, sapped the color from the grass, she then proceeds to make earth attrac- tive in a new white robe.
 (Then Winter withdraws, and the four seasons form a circle, clasping hands, which they hold high above their heads)
 Father Time (rising and coming forward): Well said, my dear Win ter. You have spoken like the queen of Cold, that you are. Without you. this earth would soon cease to be. We need your snows and frost.
 New Year (comes to front of stage and addresses Father Time): am proud of my companions, the Seasons. Never has the earth been blessed as they and I shall bless 1t during our one years stay. We shall smile-each in his own way-on Life, Love. And you. dear Father Time, shall keep a good record of our doings in this year of grace, 1912. We have spoken, Father Time. (Goes to join the Sea- sons. Enters the circle made by their joined hands, and as Father Time sits upon the bench, the page kneel- ing beside him, handing to him plate of fruit. the Seasons dance round and sing)
 Seasons (singing): 4lft
 We are the seasons of the year, Warm and bright, cold and drear: We come to bring both life and joy To every little girl and boy.
 Spring, Summer.
 Autumn, Winteri Glad New Year comes with us too. Comes along to work for you: All that's good he'll smile upon; And the bad will get his frown!
 Spring, Summer.
 Autumn, Winter.
 GAS the song is being finished Father Time and the page rise and join hands with the seasons, New Year remaining in the centre curtain).
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31

come again for another year. And we always connect a tree with dear old Santa. So it does not seem quite the proper thing to have tree at the New Year festivity. But gifts may be placed at the supper or dinner table, either before or after the meal is served. Perhaps after the meal would be the better time, for opening and examining and admiring gifts would of a necessity delay the meal, and that would make both hostess and cook nervous fearing lest their dainty viands be spoiled through the delay.
 At a New Year dinner. one may give New Year favors, where regular holiday gifts are not to be presented. Cards, appropriate for the occasion. may be found in great variety, and some of them are real little bits of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31
JOHNNY WITNESSES A BATTLE ON THE NEW TEAR

creature? He'll tell you to do all the unpleasant things, and bar you from the pleasant ones. He's a Gloomy Gus, he is. Bah Good Deedsl It's better to call him 'Work-and Obey And where's the joy in such life? ?"
 But Johnny waved Temptation to silence. Good Deeds listened quietly to you, Sir, and you shall show him the same respect Sit you in the corner and do not interrupt while your opponent speaks" And once more Johnny felt proud of his ability to speak in a grand and a just way. Temptation could only do as told. He slunk into the corner and Good Deeds stepped forward speaking gently and without signs of boosting. My enemy-and the enemy of all young folks-has said that he will teach you how to shirk your lessons and to manage by deceit and treachery to pass your examinations. Now, l must ask few questions before pass ing from this: Who would be cheated in the long run--you or the teacher? 1? were you to skin through school, manage to pass your examinations, and get into a higher grade, would it have benefited you In the true sense of the word? And on leaving school you would find 1t not so easy to cheat the World in which you must work in some capacity. Should you throw aside education, you would be obliged to earn your bread in some menial way-or become a tramp beggar. On the other hand, if you ask me to accompany you through the year, I shall show you how de- lightful 1t is to learn. You will be so happy to pass the examinations honestly for you will know, right down in your heart, that you know the things your examination papers declare you to have learned. And that will make you valuable member of your own good family and society in general. When you have grown up. people will say of you: He's very learned and clever young man. He did not fail in school, he cannot fail in business Therefore, all doors will be open to you. You are not cheat nor a thief. You have come out of school proudly. And the more you apply yourself to your studies, the pleasanter and easier they will be- come. You will learn without effort.
 And in regard to your playing tru- ant and going to the woods to steal birds nests! We'll. suppose the birds were as much larger than we as we are larger than they? And suppose they should swoop down and rob the homes of the babies! Ah, how many sad homes there would bel"
 At this point, Johnny felt lump in his throat. Yes, were such con- dition to prevail, the birds might come and rob Johnny's home of his little baby-sister! Oh. how wretched that would make Johnny! Next to Mamma and Papa he loved Baby sister better than all else in the world.
 "Ah, you see what dull fellow he is,'' began Temptation, his hideous face grinning into Johnny's. "He would make you spend your life--"
 Johnny's blood was up. He sprang
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31

TF by any chance you did not give
 H Christmas remembrances to all
 the friends you had on your gift list New Year is a most propitious time to make amends for the omis
 sion. Indeed. a great many divide their gifts between Christmas and New Year. If a New Year party is to be given, it is a pretty way to give the presents at that function-as is so often done at a Christmas party.
 New Year gifts could be of the same nature as Christmas gifts, mere trihes,-to show sweet remembrance or beautiful and expensive things. The donors must be the judge of their own gift-giving, whether gifts are to be elaborate or simple. Sometimes New Year tree is used, but it seems rather out of place. since Santa has been here on Christmas, and will not
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31

Dark Places. Do not intrude your self into the Light Places where dwell Love, Peace. Justice! Begone. evil creature!"
 "Ah, and so you think you are stronger than I, eh ?" As Temptation said this. he made a quick thrust at his adversary. and showed him into a corner, holding his hands close behind him. In vain did Good Deeds strug- gle for fully a minute. and Johnny was all a-tremble, fearful lest he be hurt, when the sunny-faced, honest eyed little soldier managed to get
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31
q'urke9 nuWber Three.

AN Thanksgiving Day. we had mH turkey; " On Christmas we had turkey,
 too:
 And now on the jolly old New Year We'll have number three, I'll bet
 youl I smelt something roasting in kitchen. And I quietly slipped in to see; But Cook kept her eyes both upon (Our cook knows a lot about mel. Twas Thanksgiving Day that
 sneaked in And stole gizzards and flyers away So Cook has had her suspicious Of me since Thanksgiving Day! But turkey is roasting for dinner I can tell by the smell that I got, And soon l shall see a big gobbler. On the platter, all stuffed. smoking
 hot
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31

YYKITH the opening of each year, IA children should make plans for W& a broader and better life than has been theirs. Some will say, "Oh, that is impossible for the good boy and good girl. Their life could not be improved upon" But there is no human being whose life could not be improved upon. Look into your own life, young reader, and see whether or not this is so. And ask of your self these questions, and any more such questions that may suggest them selves to you. Ask yourself, 'Is not there some boy or girl in my class at school who needs my help? Are not there some little deeds of charity l might perform without having to make great search to find those who need? Cannot I spare some of my spending money to the poor old beg gar who sells lead pencils on the corner? Would not I feel happier
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31

days which might be spent in the woods, of hours out of the school room and in the glorious open. An, perhaps Good Deeds had wronged Temptation, and maybe he'd be a jolly, happy, fun-making companion during the long and tedious school year.
 Johnny was brought out of his reverie by the soft. determined voice of Good Deeds. May I now speak, Master John?" he asked. ''It is Ghly just 10 yourself that you hear me too.'
 "Ah, yes. go on." cried Johnny. e-ger to hear both sides of the qus,s- tion. But Temptatios drowned and said fin a shrili voice: "Why take fp time from sleep to listen to this craty
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31

you believe. May I speak? Each should have a hearing. Justice de- mands that much."
 Johnny turned to Good Deeds. who smiled and nodded his head. Let him speak," he said. "All boys should hear Temptations voice to rr9lly know it. Then they may be on their guard"
 Speak out, Temptation" said Johnny. Then he sat on the edge of the bed and Temptation began and finished without interruption from Good Deeds.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31
ANSWERS TO LAST WEEKS
 PUZZLES.

CHARADE:-Windn,iH. 1. Wind. 2 Mill.
 ZIGZAG UZZLE: - Christmas. Cross-lcOrds, l. Cloton. 2. Chase 3 Farms. 4. Frail. 5. Homes. 6. Blots 2. Mamnta. 8. LddIe. 9. Snuil.
 RIDDLES:-(1). Nosegay. I. Nose 2. Gag. t2) Semi-circIe. 1. Semi. 9 Circle.
 PICTURE PUZZLE: Wagon, Drum spelled in Santo's face and beard.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31
Gift 6ioino At Dem Year festioities.

art, with apt quotations, illustrated.
 As all people forgive noise on New Years night. a party of young folks have the right to sing, laugh, play, and frolic to their hearts content. And there is no merrier time than the good old New Year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31
Father Tir

of bud and leaf, speak out.
 Spring: This is what I wish to make promise:-that I shall come out in the open as soon as old Dame Win ter will permit me to do so. You see we New Year Seasons are at the mercy of the Winter of 1911. But l trust she will not finger overtime. As soon as l. may do so, I shall trip through the meadows and fields, bringing forth buds and blossoms. And even the gardens shall begin to fill
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31

smiles. and steps back to the side of Spring.).
 Autumn: An, and after my sister Summer comes my time. And I bring with me a palette full of most won derful colors, and I touch the leaves and the grass, and even complete the yellowing of the grain which Sum mer has begun, but which it is my duty to finish. And I give to Nature her widest dream of colors, making merry with hill and dale. And being
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31
WORLDS LARGEST BOOK.

@ HE worlds largest book is being E manufactured for a Chinese - medical firm, and it will contain all of the testimonials regarding their goods. The book will weigh twelve hundred pounds, be one foot thick when closed, and it's dimensions when open will be three feet and one-half by seven feet. There will be specially constructed table for the huge volume.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31
LETTER ENIGMA.


 My first is in tree, but not in log: My second is in swine, but not in hog:
 My third is in mouse, but not in rat:
 My fourth is in pig, but not in cat: My fifth is the same as my first you know:
 My sixth is in archer, but not in bow.
 My seventh is like my fifth and my one:
 My eighth is in light, but not in sun:
 My ninth is in organ. but not in play:
 My tenth is in night, but not in day: My whole spells something All children should fight, Or 'tis likely to lead them Away from the right.
 ZIGZAG PUZZLE. This zigzag contains seven words of four letters each. If the words are rightly guessed and written one be- low another their zigzag, letters, be- ginning with the upper left-hand let ter and ending with the lower left hand letter. will spell day we all celebrate. The cross-words are, l. A part of speech. 2. To be tidy and clean. 8. A thin summer fabric worn by women. 4. A girls name. 5. Part of shoe. 6. A body of water. z. A piece of jewelry
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31

Throw away dislike and hatred:
 Learn to love Gods creatures, all: Help to bring sweet peace to mankind On this great terrestrial ball.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-31

@ HROW away the ugly habits N That you've had throughout tho S year. Throw away all thoughts of evil 1 Throw away all cowardly fear.
 Iris the New Year that is dawning, Time when all things should be new: Time to banlsh wicked falsehood,
 And embrace only the true.
The Press., 1911-12-27
PREPARED FOR DEFEAT.
Precautions General Taylor Took BO.
 fore Meeting Santa Anna.

Precautions General Taylor Took Be-
 fore Meeting Santa Anna.
 Santa Anna was the greatest mili- tary leader the Mexicans have ever known. Santa Anna. with 25,O00 vet erans, went into the battle of Buena Vista with the avowed purpose of ex- terminating the entire army of the United States. and there was no doubt in the mind of Santa Anna that this great feat could be accomplished with comparative ease. General Taylor. with his 5000 men. prepared for the unequal contest, and not only defend ed himself successfully, but won a substantial victory from his aggressive antagonists and drove them from the battlefield of Buena Vista.
 Some time after the battle was fought and the Mexican war concluded General Taylor was criticised for hay ing made no preparations for the re- treat of his army in the event of de feat. General Taylor promptly re- piled: "I made every preparation neces- sary for the battle of Buena Vista. wrote my will. and so did nearly every man in my army. If we had not won that battle we would have needed no lines of retreat. It was, from our standpoint, victory or annihilatiOn. The only preparation necessary for the contingency of defeat at Buena Vista was that we should write our wills"
The Press., 1911-12-27
spoiled Her Romance.

was blessed with romantic brain. and a quiet. even state of things could not satisfy me for long. So the thought suddenly entered my head to have my husband madly fin love with me. One evening as we were promenading the bank of the Vistula. under those ven erable trees which shaded the less un sophisticated loves of the beautiful Marie d'Arquin. I brought round the conversation to sentiment. l main tained that no happiness was possible on this earth except in a reciprocal attachment. both lively and enduring My husband. after listening to me in- diligently for a little while. looked at his watch. called my attention to the lateness of the hour. observed that our cousins were becoming very tiresome and that it was time to go in!-FrOm Countess Potocka's Memoirs.
The Press., 1911-12-27
WALES.

N. F. Bradley has purchased of the heirs of the late Charles Williams tho Boyington place.
 This is 8 happy Christmas season for the people of Wales because fl has brought them positive assurance shat renewed period of prosperity fol the town is at hand, and that as 3 result several former residents will return. The Berkeley woolen mills, formerly known as the Hogan mills, which have been idle for about two years, have been leased to the Ger mania mills company of Holyoke, who will operate the Wales plant in con- ne ection with their aolyoke enterprise. One of the new owners was in Wales looking over the property on Wednes- day, and inhabitants of the village said that he looked as good as Santa Claus to them. Operations will begin in the Wales mills as soon as neces- sary repairs, which are now under way, have been completed. A force of men are now working on the re- pairs, and the mills may be in opera tion within few days. A part of the old organization of foremen have been engaged and as a result several families which formerly resided in Wales will return to the town at once. The mills will employ between 50 and 100 hands.
The Press., 1911-12-27
Keep the Kidneys We'll.

Health is Worth Saving, and Some
 Stafford Springs People Know How
 to Save It.
 Many Stafford Springs people take their lives in their hands by negl' ct- ing the kidneys when they know these organs need help. Sick kidneys are responsible for 8 vast amount of suffer ing and ill health-the slightest de- lay is dangerous. Use Doan's Kidney Pills-a remedy that has cured thous- ands of kidney sufferers. Here is B Stafford Springs citizens recommen- dation.
 Mrs. Carl Kuehne, Prospect street, Stafford Springs, Conn., says: "Noth- ing has occurred to alter my high re. gard for Doan's Kidney Pills and willingly verify all I said in their praise in August, 1908. When I over worked or caught cold my kidneys be- came disordered and caused pains through my back. Soon the attacks were so acute that could not stoop, and 1t was out of the question for me to try to lift Doan's Kidney Pills, procured at the Eaton Drug store quickly remcved my trouble. con slider them the best of all kidney med icines ''
 For sale by all dealers Price 50 cents. Foster -Milburn Co.,, Buffalo, New York, sole agents for the United States.
 Remember the Doan sand take no other.