davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17

board, from the usually sedate flag
officer and the more or less unap-
proachable first lieutenant, down to
"Jimmy-legs' and the ships cook and
the messenger boy. voluntarily consti-
tutes himself a committee of one to
see the thing through in "old navy"
fashion, and even King Neptune, when
he comes on board on crossing the
line" to douse every hayseed and
landlubber, has formidable rival in
the spirit of Christmas"
1t matters not much whether the
ship be anchored off Vera Cruz or
blowing through the Pacific ocean,
the distance from home and friends
makes it incumbent on all to do their
level best to make at least brave try
for Merry Christmas"
Routine drills are entirely suspend
ed; and, except for cleaning ship
Cleanliness in the navy being deemed
not only akin to, but actually neck
and neck with godliness Itself, not a
lick of avoidable work is allowed to
be done by anybody.
"All hands" are called, to be sure, on
scheduled time, but many more men
than usual are allowed to sleep in,"
and, after the tfniest minimum of
tidying up, preparations for the days
festivities are gotten under way.
There is varied athletic program
that begins in the forenoon, and after
an hour or so off for dinner at mid
day, continues we'll along toward sun.
set. Sailors are taught to be thorough.
So they 60 at their potato races and
pie-e eating contests and tugs OF war
and jumping contests with the same
fervor that they show when trying for
q 13-inch turret gun record or stamp.
ing out Caribbean revolution. There
is no lack OF interest. That can be de.
pended on And when call is sounded
they are tired lot
Toward sunset the various contests
have been completed Tor not unusu.
ally called CT. "on account of dark.
ness" as the baseball people say),
and. after an early supper, stage is
rugged up on the quarterback and the
browning event Of the entire celebra-
ton is on. Sometimes it is a minstrel
show, another time vaudeville per.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17
CHRISTMAS N NAVY
How the Festive Season Is o.
served Aboard Ship.
Not Much Work 10 oone-Ath'es'e
Sports, Traditional Dinner ana
Evening Entertainment Fea'
lures Of Occasion.

a yOWHERE in all the world is the
II spirit Of Christmas" entered IN
~ to more whole-heartedly than on
board the ships of the United States
navy.
Observance Of this chief OF all ma
tional holidays varies, of course, IN
form with the location of the heet al
the time.
Into each of the continental home
ports" headquarters Of certain indf
vidual vessels) the big gray monsters
come dropping in by twos ana tnrees
TILL in New York and Philadelphia,
and Norfolk and Frisco, it looks al
most like a naval review. According
to long established custom, they are
there to give the boys in blue run
on the beach (''liberty," as they cali
it in the service), and every man JACK
who is not actually undergoing pun
ishment is allowed and encouraged to
take his look at the bright lights-go
home on leave or uptown for fun or
anything else he likes as long as his
money lasts but away from the snip
in any event. This custom applies
not alone to the enlisted men, but to
the officers as we'll and, when Christ
mas morning dawns in home port
there are no. likely to be many more
persons on board any man-o'-war than
the regulations call Tor in the mini
num-
The few "shipkeepers" cannot. un
der such circumstances, make a very
successful effort toward merriment,
Rear Admiral Samuel MCGOWAN writes
in the National Monthly, but what
they lack in numbers they invariably
make up in other ways, one of these
ways being the complete satisfaction
of the inner man.
Abroad and at sea, though, it is al
together different Every soul on
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17
WHY YOU HANG STOCKINGS
Popular Christmas Custom Said to
Have Come Down to Us From
Old italian Practice.

There is a story from Italy which
some suppose to be the beginning OF
the present idea of the Christmas
stocking Years ago good old st.
Nicholas of Padua used to throw
knitted purses with money in them in
at the windows Of the poor. These
knitted purses we're not unlike a
stocking without foot. and later 1t
became the custom of the people to
hang this knitted sack just inside the
window that st. Nicholas might pu,
something In as he passed. When
these purses went out of use the
stockings we're substituted In the
northern part OF italy II was a little
TOO chilly TO leave the windows Open
and the stockings were hung by the
mantel place 80 hat they might be
filled nOm tie chimney.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17

Behind was The arctic desolation
Of the moor lying ridge upon ridge
against the twinkling stars. and back
Of these hills the grim, granite prison
house. In front were valleys and
fields. and the warm lights OF the
town. the hope Of liberty. ~.
"'Tis q fool ye are. Mike Dempsey"
no exclaimed aloud. Git along wid
ye. and don't be delaying for the
screws to nab yet" .--
Again he started forward, but
more slowly than before, and he had
not gone hundred yards before once
more he came to . dead stop.
"'Tis no use." he groaned. I'll Just
run back an lave thin things at the
dure. There'll be time to reach
town by midnight"
The bitter wind was in his face %
he turned back up the hill, but now
Mike did not hesitate for moment.
Head down, he hurried EDWARDS, and
presently was again beside tho corpse
of Santa Claus frozen messenger.
"llAOuI q 6AoACO a. tAO oOuy uS
snatched up the sack, flung 1t over his
shoulder and continued his way up
the valley.
The glow from the lighted window
threw its red beam across the snow
as he rounded the curve and came
within sight of the lonely cottage and
corresponding glow warmed Mikes
heart as he thought of the pleasure
of the children when they found their
longdelayed Christmas gifts.
Seeing no sign of life, he slipped
In at the front gate. and. stepping
very quietly up the path, gained the
door, dropped his sack. and giving
one sharp tap, turned the bolt.
But he had not counted on the eager
children, and before he could get round
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17
"ChristmaS Past"

It was indeed a gracious time, and
as we read of the revels and cere-
monies and find foolish beliefs Of
Christmas Past, we might regret what
we have lost in this tanner and less
picturesque age, if we did not know
that never before in history was
Christmas kept so truly and heartily
in the spirit of the day as it is now.
We have dropped good many rude
and some pretty customs, but we have
gained a broadening spirit Of almost
universal charity, feeling Of real
brotherhood, that is perhaps none the
less real that it is held in check q
good deal during the rest of the year.
Charles Dudley Warner.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17
TEMPERANCE and Fortitude.

The virtue of prosperity is temper
ance; the virtue of adversely Is forti.
tude. Prosperity is the blessing Of
the Old Testament; adversely is the
blessing If the New. which carrieth
the greater benediction and the clearer
revelation of Gods favor, Pros
perity is not without many fears. and
disasters; and adversely is, not with
out comforts and hopes. We see In
needlework and embroiderics. 1t Is
more pleasing to have a lively work
upon a sad and solemn ground. than
to have dark and melancholy work
upon lightsome ground; Judge there
fore of the pleasure Of the heart by the
pleasure OF the eye. Certainly. virtue
is like precious odors. most fragrant
where they are incensed or crushed:
for prosperity doth best discover vice.
but adversely doth best discover vir.
tue.-Bacon. ,a.s' -.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17

Through this coating, and sank deer
into soft stun beneath, making the
travelling so terribly hard that, in
spite Of the bitter cold, perspiration
stood in beads on his thin, brown
face.
He was breathin.. hard. and evil
hently desperately weary. yet he new
pr stopped for moment, though now
and then. as he plowed his way on
wards, he would turn his head and
past an apprehensiye glance back
over his shoulder.
4 Had anyone been near enough to
watch him, they would easily have I'm.
herstood his haste. The drab livery
blentifully besprinkled with broad ar
rows marked him as one of the state 8
unwilling guests. AS matter OF fact,
Mike Dempsey had been for the last
three years prison inmate, and it
was with the intention of escaping an
other seven years of unappreciated
hospitality that he had, few hours
previously. done a bunk" under COW
n Of the sudden snowstorm.
I've puzzled thin screws, that's
van thing sure" he muttered to him
1elf, and in spite of his fatigue q
slight chuckle escaped his thin lips.
FBut faith, I've puzzled mesilf. too,
and l don't know where l am no more
than Adam.
| If cud only git a landmark Of
bome sort!" he went on. "Eanst
kud find my road to the railway, I'd
win clear. Mike Dempsey wasn't a
navvy siven years for nothing
He crunched his slow way across a
Pat valley. jumped little brook and
pushed up the steep slope beyond.
A CLEAN of light in the next valley
attracted his attention. 1t came
from lighted window, and there was
omething comforting to the lonely
fugitive in the red glow cast upon
the glittering snow. Without hesita-
;tion. he started downhill toward it.
I Presently he was cautiously ap.
preaching a small house, which stood
In tiny garden surrounded by low
hryk one wall. There was a gate in
front, but Mike preferred to approach
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17
MANNER OF GIVING PRESENTS
Simple Little Embellishments Such az
Ribbons, Seals and Holly Count
for Much.

At no time does the manner of do
ing thing count for so much as at
the time of Christmas giving: and
while in few instances there are
those who overdo the outward embel-
lishment of gifts, none of US now like
to offer the simplest little remem-
brance unless wrapped in spotless pa
per, tied with gay ribbons and adorned
with bright seals expressing merry
greetings.
And this is as it should be for the
holiday season gains a great deal OF
cheeriness and zest from the multi.
plicity Of beribboned white parcels
whisking to and fro, and we do not re-
greet the passing of the yellow paper
bundle of our grandmother's day.
But the attractive appearance Of the
gift is not all that counts; we must be-
careful of the how and when and
where of presenting it.
The time that custom more and
more sets apart for the exchanging Of
gifts among friends is Christmas eve,
any time from dusk to midnight; but
Christmas day itself is sacred to pre-
senting gifts within the family circle.
Some families put all the gifts in
the library or living room, in separate
piles, and then, after deliberate
breakfast, they all walk TN and open
the packages in the presence OF each
other
Never give gift in person If you
can contrive to send it or put it where
It will be found awaiting the recipient
when he or she Is alone, for when re-
ceived in this way the gift makes it's
strongest appeal to ones appreciation.
In giving money, even to near rela.
tives, the utmost care should be taken
to give it in the most delicate way
possible; especially If you know the
money is needed.
One Of the cleverest ways Is to take
tiny Japanese umbrella, place the
money In paper bag and, after roll
Ing and tying the bag around the up
per part Of the handle underneath,
close the umbrella over it and tie with
narrow ribbon.
Another good way is to present an
attractive little booklet with a check
or a greenback for bookmark, writ
Ing on the flyleaf, mote page H."
Turning to see what is noted, the
fresh new paper money is seen and
the recipient appreciates the manner
OF its presentation no less than the
material benefit,
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17
Unselfishness is the key to
Christmas happiness.
cultivatinu the Christmas Spirit.

cuitivatino the Christmas Spirit.
Alas" sighed the moody man,
there is no gladness for me in this
Joyous season.
"Tut.tut!" said the optimist. Sure.
ly there is ray of sunshine for you,
as there is for all of US If we but
look for it,
NO" replied the moody one. Il
have not a single friend and no rela.
tives with whom l am on speaking
terms
Cheer up, them" advised the other,
with a shad~ of envy in his tone.
Cant you be glad because you will
not have to buy any Christmas pres.
ents?"
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17
JulkIapp Delivery.

This Is an expression used in Den.
mark and Sweden and denotes their
way OF sending gifts. Before Christ
mas all the gifts are wrapped so as to
disguise the contents. Each package
is labeled for whom it is intended and
then at odd moments during the day
these are thrown in at the doors or
the windows,
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17

Torrance, but without exception there
is plenty of music and near music, and
no such entertainment would be COM
plete without the inevitable and inim-
liable cakewalk Some of the impro-
vised costumes are fearfully and won
derfully made. But they are striking
and, for the most part, very appropri-
ate. while the pirouetting and gyrating
of the cakewalkers themselves are
we'll worth seeing. The program is a
long one, but interest never lags for
a moment-for American sailors are
just as thorough at play as they are
while at work.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17

the angle of the house curly-locks
came flying after him.
William, where is Sanity Claus?'
piped the childish treble.
1T amt William, sonny. Tell your
nanny as Williams got lost, and |
brought the things instead. Now I've
got to go, for I'm in mighty hurry"
Il expect you are!" came jeering
voice, and a blue-uniformed man car
rying a carbine stepped out from the
dark shadow round the corner, fol-
lowed instantly by second.
Mike gave one glance around. But
he was cornered. The wall cut on
escape.
All right" he said sullenly, I'll
come quiet"
You'd BETTER" retorted the warder,
whose temper long hours in the snow
had not improved.
NANNY, the policemen have took
Sanity Claus" cried the little lad.
Mike glanced up. The boys mother
was standing by, her face blank with
amazement.
What does this mean?" she cried.
rs it William"
Not unless he's changed his name
since morning, missus," replied the
warden, HE was Michael Dempsey
when he bunked from Moorlands just
after dinner"
But l don't understand. He's got
William Cookers clothes on, and he's
brought the things that William went
to fetch"
The other warder-a grizzled, elder
ly man-shook his head.
you've got me. missus. l don't
know what his little game is no more
than you
Most like he has murdered Will
liam." put in the younger warder sour
ly.
He said William was lost. man.
nv" explained the boy, so he's
brought the things instead. And here
they is, all SAFE"
BEST make a clean breast Of It..
Dempsey" suggested the elder war.
der.
Go and find out yourself" flashed
the old convict. williams down the
valley there"
You take the chap into tho house,
George" said the older warder. IN
20 down and see."
Half an hour later he returned.
1--WE found William" he said briefly.
Hes froze to death. Dempsey took
his clothes, but he didn't have no hand
in killing him."
Then, in the name Of sense. what
did he come back here for instead OF
skimming out?" inquired the younger
warder, in blank surprise.
HE came to bring our kismas pres.
ents,' explained curly'locks. He told
me So" .... s w. ........
well, OF all the everlasting fools"
gasped the junior warder. ILL.,
| His senior wheeled on him sharply.
"A good thing II there were few
more fools of that kind in Moorlands
i Ay-and outside, toc! $.
| He turned to Mike:
come along. Dempsey" he said In
a more kindly tone. III see az he
governor knows how 1t was we collie
| % take you. And ! rccko your olay.
Ing sanity Claus won't do you no harm
IA his eyes. any more than Il has y
mine!
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17

FIRST boy-We've put the bureau
IN front OF the fireplace?
Second E3oy--Yes.
First Boy-You tied the string to
the handle OF the door?
second Boy-Yes. and | tied the 9th.
CT emo OF the string to the water
pitcher &@
'f'rs, Boy-'rhen we ought to lind
out the real facts lbout Santa Claus.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17
!, VA. = Man Lying Flat on His Face

h was 4 Man Lying Flat on His Face.
hpm the back, and clambering gin.
E1eiy over the wall crept up to the
Nindov from which the light came.
I 'kaising himself till his head was
lnn. level with the sill, he peered
kifouxh the uncurtained window into
sabarsly furnished living room, light
~. ), q great fire Of glowing turf.
VA couch stood in one corner, on
l lIich ls> youngish man whose ban
daxed head showed him to be the
sGiEtim 81 come accident. On chair
Heside him sat q sweet-faced wom-
* and on ne bare earthen floor
Mfsyed two children-a curly-haired
a;3,y 0f about SEVEN, and chubby girl
y year OF SO younger. s.,.,..
Bnt what arrested Mixes attention
Mas 4 little fir tree, not more than
four feet high, which stood planted
II "a old bucket. on the table IN the
aiddle Of the room.
EfEor I moment It puzzled Mike.
Zen he gave 8 little Gasp.
I Ei.Beggor, II II amt g Christmas
-, why, tbs Christmas eve, do
Ssye though: faith. 4 a lost :thra * q I
FY1 ute III The olld stone Tvs on the
ri TIA But where the pr sints? IT'S
~ ARE q me own pocket he went
1scta al wOpderingly. NJ. !.
I, 4 m int moment the 70. got up. and
a.;,inr q forNarta 10 the woman. pulled ct
l;sSsla. dress 10 attract her attention. 3..
i ! N ofher isn't Santa Claus coming?
! Yst n n wfuI late. We shant havs NJ
Iiraes tree X Sc doesn't come soon.
stbe snow, dearie, explained
ucha bad storm that
tp 6o1sdI late in starting. hut
W.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17
, THE December

3 THE December
night closed across
the desolate moor,
the snow ceased
falling, the clouds
broke, and a bril-
liant moon shed its
silver light across
the wide stretches
of rolling white.
ness. With the
change, it began
to freeze flercely,
coating the sodden
drifts with a crisp
film Of ice.
At every step
Mike Dempsey's
tired feet. broke
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17
A French custom.

e In France children place their
shoes before the mantlepiece, in an.
ticipation OF visit from Eatnss
Christmas. .s5aa @
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17

In jeopardy lay. till some fell with
shock.
with an Indian yell on the dolls house
he fell, ,..
And added poor dolly's scalp to his belt;
Then knocked off its toes and its ralr Gre
Which same was of wax-he proceeded
to melt.
Two tubs he upset without one regret
He stood on his head till his face II
turned blue:
"A curtain he tore and then sighed LOT
more 80.
Inventvely mischievous things he might
do.
He hid granny's specs, but that d'dn
VcX;
Her face frightened up with his fun and
his noise.
"One sweet kiss repaid ALL" so she said.
Resignedly adding that boys Will %
boys"
But strangest of all at nights quiet fall
How meekly, how placidly. this rogue
would say:
"Good-night mamma dear Goodnight
papa dear.
i've tried hard to be such good boy TO-
day.
each child receives a lighted candle.
symbOlZing the light of the world.
Each candle stands in white turnlp
which serves as a candlestick. Most
of the candles are made from deer
tallow which the Eskimos bring to
the missionaries. After the services
the children eat not only the turnip,
but what is left of the candle as we'll.
One year only about ten persons.
mostly men, could. come from the
nearest island. The ice had been
driven together, and rather than miss
the Christmas service they had risked
their lives in crossing over OH that
moving, heaving, broken ice to the
mainland. Then they had to climb
the mountains and walk through the
deep snow until they reached the mis-
sion station after twenty-three hours
of danger and fearfully exhausting
march through the snow.
How happy they were to be in time
to celebrate the Christmas festival In
the house of their God! About six
days later, when the ice had formed,
all the rest of the people came, but
oh! so sad and downhearted. Like
little children they told the mission.
aries their tale of sorrow. They de-
scribed how sad they all had been
when they found that it would be i'm.
possible to come to the mission sta
ton for the Christmas service.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17

Men nave rllmred 10 power nv
ul#l,% !evions avs Gt"lsl climbed
to ais plAel ~ the cTUEH.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17

Candles on the tree aglow,
Holly red and mistletoe;
Radiant faces, rapturous cries,
In the nursery wondering eyes,
Stockings full and bullying out,
Toys Of every sort about;
Music, joyous, glad and gay;
All of Christendom at play;
Season Of the Holy Child,
Dearest gift divine and mild,
Angel songs, dispelling fear,
Yule. the blessed Yule Is here!
Rose Mills Powers. in Youths Compan-
ion.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17

Play Santa, If you will, but
don't get your whiskers burnt.
Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1915-12-17

n you have q hard thought about
anyone, pray for that one. Pussy.
, 1915-11-11

said Miss Grayson quietly. interrupt.
Ing his reverie.
Miss Mary Grayson was as pretty
MS hei name. Her big round eyes. that
were too full Of merry shgewdness to
be merely doll-like. her dazzling teeth.
her clear INT rosy skin, her well bred
figure and attractive way of dressing,
made up II whole that old Martin never
saw without some inward breathing
of contentment. Old Martin looked III
at her now with a sigh.
well, how are you today. Mistress
Nary" he said aloud.
Very well indeed. thank you. Mr..
Martin. I'm always weil,'' said Miss
Grayson. Have you any letters for
me todayT'
They had got into the way for the
last six weeks or so Of having her
come up to the house occasionally
when Mr.. Martin did not feel equal to
going to the office.
Yes, a few. But there's no hurry"
he answered presently.
"Oh. by the way, Miss Grayson,'' he
vent on, johnson tells me you were
here when that countess called this aft
ernoon. What did you make OF herr"
Nothing. I'm sorry TO say, Mr.. Mar
dn," replied Mary, laughing. at was
really too funny. 1 feel. as Johnson
, 1915-11-11
PROLOGUE.

Did you ever hear of a success
ful combination of love and BUSH
ness? Probably not. Well, here
is the opportunity to learn Just
how it can be done. The greatest
force in modern commercial life
has undoubtedly been shown to be
effective advertising, and in this
interesting narrative you will see
how this fact comes into oper-
alton. Based on one of the most
popular plays of the year, this
story will be read with interest by
the business man, the ambitious
youth and the trustful young girl
who looks at life with more or
less of perplesfty. 1t is a story
that reveals how the spirit of
hope opercones the deepest de-
SPAR, even when the outlook is
most disheartening. 1T combines
the practical with the sentimental
affairs of business and home life
and at the same time running
through it is a vein of hunor n-
resistible in its appeal. The
characters are frue to life, and
the net result of their activities
is that you should never acknowi-
edge defeat while you have a
breath to breathe.