davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26

tered to Regina save the fact that
she had promised her Sunday school
class a glorious tree and that now
there was nc tree for them. Tears
welled slowly into Regina's eyes and
blurred the glittering landscape.
She argued with herself that she
might have known that the New York
shops could not be relied upon to send
a tree TO the suburbs at so short
notice, but that did not help the situa-
ton.
Regina shrank from facing those
twelve little girls whose smiles would
vanish in childish disappointment
when they learned that the tree they
had been promised was not to be
theirs.
The tears brimmed over and fell.
Regina's vision was cleared and in
the clearing she gazed directly at the
miniature fir tree in the vacant lot
next door. A sense of keen delight
swept over Regina. After all, her
children would have a tree!
Some fifteen minutes later Regina
appeared in outdoor costume. She
had put On her gymnasium suit, high
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26
BEST TOYS FOR CHRISTMAS
They Should Suggest Action and Set
the Mind Of the Child
at Work.

In selecting toys for the children's
Christmas, remember they should be
such as to suggest action, and bring
the Imagination into play, az 1t La
the child who plays, not the toy, and
Imagination is the soul OF the play.
The best toys are those which set
the mind TO work, and give the little
brain scope for expansion. This Ii
one Of the strongest recommendations
for the simpler toys. The wonderful
mechanical toys sold In the shops are
complete In themselves, and leave the
child nothing to do but to wind them
up and start them going. In this
case. 1t La the toy that plays, not the
child Children soon weary OF hay
Ing nothing to do. and. losing interest
IN the monotonous repetitions, the lit
tie inquisitive mind sets about IN
vestigating the internal mechanism.
greatly to the damage OF the tcy,
which La soon ruined and thrown
away. while the child turns for amnse-
ment to the old toys that are "a
hopslessly undone that everything
they are supposed % do must oono
from the playspl<it IN tia child
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26

And | have brought down twelve
little settlement boys with the same
promise-and nary a tree have got.
reckoned on getting one in the village"
Regina laughed and the whole world
seemed to echo the laugh.
Il have tried even the department
store!" She gazed into David Lang
horns eyes. 4 am sorry for the poor
little souls whom we are disappointing
my class worked so faithfully all
last summer"
by Jove," David said. Il read once
Of some people who had a Christmas
tree out Of doors! They had great
bonfires and the tree was lit by q
thousand candles as well as the stars
and a Santa Claus drove up over the
real snow. Couldn't we do something
like that?"
With this tree, How perfectly
glorious," Regina, beside herself with
JOY, began to shovel away a greater
clearing.
David took the shovel away from
her.
My Riddles will do that-it will be
the treat of their lives" David looked
seriously at Regina. Now go home
and get warmed up. This afternoon
will call properly and in the evening
Christmas Eve" He did not finish
with words for the hearts of both
David and Regina were overfiowing
with good tidings of great joy.
That evening Santa Claus drove up
through the crisp snow and opened
his great bags before the little tree.
1t was a wonder tree there in the
vacant lot and 1t was hung with
hundred electric bulbs. Six bonflres
around and about danced and capered
twenty-four joyous children.
And when the moon was high in
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26

The tea C hard. .t<a.x. g.,
aerTed Der. and she tel, ssrs :. -
seatec. but she quietly As,s --. ~
arms Tor the poor chsla who ,s-
lng In the chAu5eur's EeasIs .-- "a
A tall Young man s.e7s.s -.
through the crowd. and zaa- ~
% her side T
oh Doct@r Graa,-rn s
you're here" exclaimed s.
3uIsiveiy.
More terrified thaz f-a-..-
bounced the doctor after A;--~.,
animation. Then turning En- y-....
san Il happen from a tls.A--s -. o.,
street and recognized your ca
Assisting Paula into The 49,.
made the child comfortable z-
and stepped in wish hep
III report go YOU later. P....,-,
called 10 the policeman 49, -
aiely permitted Their. TO DIV. -.
In 4 few minutes they us-. -. :,
stricken home. A tired. res z--s :
man opened the door. and 49, -
doctors tactful explanation. sAa -.
~ accepted this las; hlo~ uA.-s
kind fate had seen Ct 20 at-r.-.....
While Doctor Grant and TIE -
were working over the boz -.
quick eyes took in every dc,ar p. -
bare home. Christmas for ~. -
little Browns promised 20 b. So.
A kind neighbor had taken The 80.
children TO her home. 10 Paata-s a..
ence was unnecessary She s..,..
out OF the house. gave the chaa-~-,,
few Instructions and as he drove :.
rapidly. she sought nearbs ,.r4-A,,..
booth and after ten very saus.a~.,.,
minutes, was back at the hogse a..
phone calls were TO certain 'ov a.
ers and caterers. and long before "a.
doctor was ready TO 20. the cAas-s-,
had shyly dragged baskets and ~,
dies of all sizes and shapes Int -.
wee kitchen.
At last DR.. Grant was ready e,
leave.
May ! ask for n lIft. Paula :,
asked YEARLY. Il have had = ks-a
day. told Mrs. Brown that -
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26

1t might not be anything"
The family, busy on ladders and
chairs. with Christmas greens, turned
questioning eyes on Bridget
What is it. Bridget" Mrs. Stone
hunored the cook
A bit of purple glass with some
pictures on it, mum" Bridget having
done her duty returned 10 her realms
below.
What is it, mater?" Godfrey Stone
asked lazily.
After moment of close inspection.
by the window, Mrs. Stone spoke in
tones of excitement
1T is a rare amethyst with an mi,
tial engraved on it,"
Il scent a mystery" laughed her
son. rising to inspect the stone The
initial is E. Does your butcher hap.
pen to-"
"Oh, mamma. is this the turkey you
got from the farm l told you OFF,
chimed in the eldest daughter. BE.
cause If it is-we could easily trace
the owner Of the stone. Godfrey can
run over today"
Not on your life. Christmas Eve
is not the day to chase around all the
turkey farms in the village"
His sisters eye twinklel You
would be out of the house by this
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26

trudged of toward the fir tree in the
vacant lot
Reginas eyes were too intent on
her mission to see that thin curl
Of smoke was twisting from the chin
ney Of the bungalow that rambled in
the lot beyond the vacant one.
Regina drew near the coveted tree
and her heart expanded lovingly.
What a little beauty" she ex-
claimed half aloud
The little tree was Of special origin
and stood not much higher than Re-
gina. Over its branches q veil Of
smoke seemed to linger. After q mo-
ment spent in admiration, the girl put
down her big tub and began to clear
away the light fall OF snow from about
the roots of the tree. Her cheeks
were gloriously red and the sparkle
In her eyes rivaled the day itself.
When the snow was cleared Regina
swung the great az into the frozen
earth. The ground scarcely responded
to her strength. She swung again.
Hey! What are you doing to that
treei"
Regina dropped her az and gazed
In the direction Of the deep, gruff
voice. 4 man was standing on the
veranda OF the bungalow.
Regina picked up her AK and with
dignity swung 1t again.
st say there, you-that tree be
longs to mel" The man was coming
toward her.
Regina stopped and turned. This
In a vacant lot" she called out with
asperity.
The approaching male whistled. His
speed quickened- He made an invol
untary movement to raise q cap that
In his haste he had forgotten to
put On.
L beg your pardon" his voice had
lost the gruf quality, Il thought you
were q man-but-that tree is mine
I brought 1t up from my fathers gar
| den In the south" David Langhorr
spoke rapidly. Regina's face wai
rather startling I'm its beauty and hs
bad q desire to cover her embzrrzss
nsnt 81 hare taken very specia
care OF that tree"
Very special" Regina said coldIy
z have lived here . whole suums
and no one
Il have been away-lately.
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26

would be around to see her tomorroT
and also to watch Tim eat his Christ
mas dinner. In a week he viii h2"
forgotten what happened" As thei
turned into the brilliantly lighted ave
nue., he happened TO glance at her eve
ming cloak ooh, how stupid OF me-
to let you go 80 far out OF your "a!
when you are going TO the Barhams.
mo, I'm going home I've haS
enough for one night" answered Paah
with averted face.
Now that she remembered her OWE
trouble, she felt a strange snyns"
with this man who was IN the sec7e
of their financial wreck. The silence
became awkward-somehov the'
seemed nothing to say.
Paula" began the doctor aorupu'.
81 have heard of your misfortune, aho
now I feel free to ask you to Dc Z,
wife. I rea1ize-please don't fnterruV
until I have fnished-I realize 'h1'
you VIII take steps TO support yo1,
self at once. but I need you too noe3
TO allow that"
Paula's heart leaped violently, o1'
the elation was brief. The sWee'n'
speedily turned to bitteres: nlseN
why does this occur 10 you 70
night OF ali nights? II would seen
IL you were doing this out OF c1A
ity," commented Paula colby.
mo. Paula, out OF esteem
poor, but have enough for two
certainly understand why ! have y.
spoken before;-a Paula Mercer c.
hardly be expected to share 'O'
physicians preczrious income
He appropriated her reluctant n1
"And 50 you allowed your prios =
come between US! No. ! thsa1 -
for the honor. DR.. Grant. but ! hA
some pride, too"
Paula" pleaded the young
miserably, eff you only knew ths
ties there have been between
wretched pride and my love
you 30 much. Paula
TIL were you I'd engage q coIp.
tent housekeeper." Paula
sarcasticaIly. But her heart aenso
she said It ,hs
Don't, don't. dear" entreateo -
doctor. Those things hurt TOO e..
from you, Can't you lore me- - r.,
Please see how infinitely v
you" ...o-..
why didn't you say that o vs.
Paula whispered unsteaaig hsg
said esteem. and what s1ri -ssa
right senses desires esteem
she's yearning for love! I'll
.And I'm yearning for n ~,ts
soon be at your home. but can 80
untiI them. exclaimed the doctor -
Fly
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26

time II you had just seen the-turkey
girl"
~"Pretty?" Godfrey's tone was in
different.
so much so that I had fairly to
drag Jim away when I took him with
me to select our turkey
Perhaps" Godfrey suggested,
meekly. at would make the girls
Christmas more happy If the stone
happened to be hers and was return
ed to her"
Your Christmas spirit is very COM
mendable," Mary put In dryly.
Godfrey laughed and took the stone
from his mother. Where is this tur-
key farm. Sis?"
"On the old farm road-you can't
miss It"
Nor did Godfrey miss the little farm
that stood like q fairy picture among
groves of fir trees. The tiny cottage
and outbuildings were Of pure white
and with their heavy thatch Of snow
there among the crystal hung
branches OF giant fir trees that were
wonderful. Godfrey felt like tres
passer In the realm OF fairies.
The impression was not withdrawn
when the door Of the cottage swung
open. The Fairy Queen stood there.
but she was not the sprite-like vision OF
dreams; instead. she was the embodi
ment of life and thrills and joy. God
frey was decidedly disconnected, but
the girls smile. together with hel
words, drew him within the tiny cot
tage. Outside all was white; inside
all was suffused by the red glow from
an open fire.
The girls gentle voice broke God
frey's very evident confusion.
did you want to inquire about tur
keys?" She motioned him to the BIZ
low chair by the fire. In SO doing
Godfrey caught sight Of her left hand
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26

In the city of David, 4 SAVIOR"
The voices of David and Regina
trailed into silence and they only
looked at each other. Regina was the
first to speak. the mother instinct
prompting her.
Perhaps we had better waken
them now-the fires might get low"
David was silent q long moment,
then he said slowly and reverently,
THE fires viii never burn low-Re-
gina. This is the night when the
Great Spirit Of Love was born into
our world"
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26

the heavens and
the spirit Of Christ
mas had entered
into each heart,
David and Regina
drew the band Of
children a gu {
them and led the
young voices In
carols.
Still later when
one tiny girl had
cuddled herself in
to Regina's arms
and two more had
fallen asleep In
David's there was
only a duet of
voices. David and
Regina sang all the
old En- glish carols
until twenty little
kiddies had fallen
into a happy sleep.
For unto you is
born this day.
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26
ByHelenRs
MERCER hR

I. MERCER had
been unusually ST
lent throughout
dinner and when Al
last the butler
withdrew and the
two were alone. he
reached over and
took his daughters
hands.
Paula" he said
quietly. I'm afraid
you won't like my
Christmas present
this year. /"
Never mind, ia
Their" interrupted
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26
(Copyright-)

EGINA gazed de-
spondently out OF
the window.
A light snow was
falling like millions
of sparkling dia-
monds and pearls
yet Regina saw
no hing. Fl e r
Christmas tree had
not come! 1t mat
tered not that the
day was q won
der day and that
the eve Of Christ
mas was close at
hand. Nothing mat
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26

rubber boots and
her fathers great
top coat. Over a
riot of curls her
snug fur cap fitted
closely.
You look for all
the world as if
you deserved your
nickname" expos
tulated Regina's
mother. Regina,
l do hope no one
will see you"
There's no one
for miles around"
Regina laughed
and shouldered an
ak. unless the
people who live In
the bungalow turn
up-I will have
the world to my
self" She picked
up a big tub with
her free hand and
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26

she stumbled over
her words. but de-
termined TO tell
his very good
looking man with
the red hair that
she was not q
George Washing
ton II ordered 9
Christmas tree By
express and IL
didn't come. Ny
5 u n d ay school
class-twelve lit
tie girls-are ex-
pecting a tree to-
night in my house
and now" Words
failed Regina She
bit her lip and
looked appealingly
up at Langhorn
The man laugh
ed because Ii was
the safest thing to
do for the present.
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26

- cont zee why you leave yoW
eoor little trees around In v"cank
sots.- Regina put II hurriedly because
she felt like crying nov that Ter
precious tree was taken from her.
This 10 my lot Langhorn told
her. IF ron had chopped down
II wasn't chopping Il down" Re
gina cried Indignantly. Il vas going
to put il very carefully into this tub
The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26
(Copyright.D

He spirit of Christ
mas was every
where. In the great
house on the hill
Bridget, the cook,
emboldened by that
spirit, had come up
from her domain
and stood in the
doorway of the
dTa wing room with
one large, red hand
extended.
Il Was afther
1ndin' this in the
turkey, num-" she
said. ut might and
The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1912-12-06
Declare Their Innocence of Murder.

Denying the motion for new trial,
Judge E. Ray Stevens Monday after
noon in the circuit court sentenced
James C. Croft, James T. Lynch and
Edward Olsen to the state penitentiary
for life at hard labor for the murder of
Peter P. Olstad. The men must spend
July 19 next in solitary confinement.
Stoutly maintaining their innocence,
the three men gave out interviews in
their cells at the jail. Croft said that
he was 40 years old on August 20, last.
Il was born and raised at Edgerton
by good people, said Croft. 81 feel
sorry for my past life. | was arrested
and taxed to the police station on the
Monday following the robbery of Oh
stad, not knowing at the time that the
man was dead. | was taken to the
county Jail where / was held for Que of
the hardest crimes that can be charged
against man, that of highway rob-
berry and murder. was locked up in
a solitary cell behind three doors where
| was kept for four long months under
the care of Sheriff Brown and Turnkey
Foye But for the kindness of Mr..
Brown and Mr.. Foye and my prayers
to God, knowing was innocent, be-
lieve | would have gone insane. Know
ing that was innocent is all that kept
me up. | feel sorry for my two friends,
Lynch and Olsen. | would have said
more in court but my heart was too
full. l thank Judge Stevens for his
kindness and the way he treated us
and talked to US. 1t went deep into
my heart. | consider him good man.
AS man | regard him as one of the
best / ever talked to, but he had to do
his duty, as he told us. l hope and
pray that the mystery surrounding the
death of Mr.. Olstad will be cleared up
some day. I hope that this will be a
lesson to anyone who drinks, as that
has been one of the main causes of the
downfall of myself and good many
others. After I have served time for
robbing the money, I will continue to
serve for a crime which / never COM
mitted. I throw myself upon the mercy
of the good thinking people and hope
that some day it will be proved to them
that there is one man who is serving
life sentence for crime he never COM
-mitted."
The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1912-12-06
Tobacco Notes

Mr.. Henry Sach, with H. Neuberger,
New York leaf exporter, is in the state.
Geo. E. Gary visited the home office
of the P. Lorillard Co. at Jersey City
the past week.
Mr.. N. J. Blur of the firm of E.
Rosenwald & Bro, New York leaf
dealers, was in the state for a short
time Saturday. M. H. Bekkedal, state
representative of the firm, was also a
visitor in the local market the same
day.
The fifty girls employed in warehouse
No. 4 at Stoughton, stemming for T.
B. Earle of Edgerton, finished work
Friday and after all had been paid they
proceeded to make the foreman, Jacob
Otferdahl, some presents, including a
gold watch, fob and box of cigars.
Coffee and cake were served
For rent in Stoughton-The. south
half of tobacco warehouse No. l. In
quire of c. w. Mccarthy, Edgerton,
Wis.
The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1912-12-06

Mike Schmidt and wife passed Sun
day with relatives in Harvard, Ill.
"A. J. Tozer and Miss Emma Tozer
of Juneau were guests of Fred Smith
and wife over Thanksgiving.
Henry Eulke, wife and daughter
of Dale, Wis, were guests of H. D.
Stappenback and wife few days of
the week
A power machine for cleaning and
separating the clippings from stems,
dust and other foreign matter, has
been installed by the Edgerton Cigar
Co. A new electric motor has also
been put in to drive the machinery.
The growing demand for clippings put
up by this firm necessitated up-to-date
machinery that orders might be filled
promptly.
Purchasers of Christmas psesents
have commenced to make their selec
tions, and others are casting about in
order to get posted. The local mer-
chants have purchased an assortment
which seemingly ought to meet the re-
quirements of all. The fact that the
offerings are just as good here as In
any city in the state and that the
prices are as low, would indicate a
good trade this year. In the next two
weeks announcements of merchants in
the Reporter will be a great aid to
Christmas shoppers.
A young man by the name of John
Tietz was taken from the passenger
train here Saturday noon on account
of his queer actions. 1t was learned
that his parents reside at La Crosse
and through inquiry from that place
his parents were located and his father
came Sunday morning to take him in
charge. The son refused to accede to
his fathers request to return home
and it was finally decided to take him
to GAINESVILLE to have him examined for
his sanity. He was pronounced insane
by Drs. Buckmaster and Mum and was
taken to Mendoza. Tietz had been
missing from home since Tuesday Of
last week, and his relatives had been
searching the country to find him. He
was discharged from the state hospital
for the insane in California only five
weeks ago, being committed to that in
stitution in September. He is 26 years
old and has served four years in the U.
S. navy
The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1912-12-06
A Word About Taxes.

Take it from us that any information
at this time regarding taxes will be in
teresting news to all property owners.
The tax roll is now being prepared and
will be completed and placed with City
Treasurer Dickinson about the 18th of
this month. The rate for all purposes
this year will be rs cents higher than
last on $1,000 valuation. For state,
county and city purposes the council on
Monday evening decided on rate of
$12 per thousand valuation, making it
81. 90 less than last year. The school
rate as passed at the annual school
meeting is $6.56, or $1.16 higher than
last year. From the SIP rate the city
pays running expenses for the year,
$3837. SO in bonds and interest, and
S9475. 33 for state and county purposes.
The amount for school purposes last
year as fixed by the school district was
$40, 500, against $751; 500 this year, so
it will be readily seen that more than
one-third of the amount raised in taxes
goes for the support of the schools.
The state tax this year is 1884, less
than last year, and for county purposes
is S448. So higher. In leisure moment
take these figures and make your own
deductions. One thing must be borne
in mind, though, and that is the fact
that the assessed valuation has been
increased by several thousand dollars
and necessarily your taxes will be some
higher than last year. The raise was
insisted upon ny supervisor of assess
ments and the local assessors had no
alternative.
The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1912-12-06

Rock Island, Ill. Nov. 3O.-It was of
ficially announced by the Modern Wood
men of America today that pending the
final disposition of the rate question in
the last court Of appeal the old rates of
the society will obtain and that no more
policies under the new rates will be
issued.
The decree from Judge Shirley in the
circuit court of Sangamon county, re-
straining the society from doing BUSH
ness under the new rate plan made it
necessary that the old rates be applied.
The problem which now confronts the
society is the status of the 200, 900
members who have left the order in
protest against the new rates as adopt
ed by the head camp at Chicago. Under
a special dispensation they have until
Dec. 10 to get back into the order with
out being counted as lapsed members.
Those who have failed to take adj
vantage Of this may be out of the So
ciety. On the other hand, there are
$50, 900 who have either joined the So
ciety since the new plan was adopted
or who had their policies transferred
from the old to the new schedule What
is to be done with their policies and
rates is another problem.
The head officers assure the members
that pending the final settlement of
the controversy an equitable rate will
prevail for all these members of uncer-
tain status and that no further effort
will be made to force the collection of
the new rates until their legality is
finally decided on in the supreme court.
The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1912-12-06
Twenty-Five Years Ago.

The total amount of taxes to be rails
cd in Edgerton is a trife over $4,000.
John H. Clark and family have re-
turned to California to reside.
December was ushered in with cold
wave with thermometers dropping to
10 below.
T. B. Earle has rented residence of
Thos. Hutson and will begin housekeep-
ing soon.
Miss Carrie Ellefson of Fulton was
badly burned by the explosion of a
boiler in the Kirby House, Milwaukee.
The C. M. & St. P. Ry. has demon
strated the success of heating their
cars with steam and adopted the meth
cd on all passenger trains, being the
first line in the west to do so.
Friday, Dec. 2, 1887.
The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1912-12-06

The finance committee made the fol-
lowing report and recommendation:
Edgerton, Wis, Dec. 2, 1912.
To H. B. Knapp, City Clerk:
We hereby hand you statement as
required by city charter, an estimate
of moneys required for fiscal year end
ing December 81. 1913.