davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-25
A CHANCE TO HELP.
(By Ernest Tucker.)

The boss wants a Christmas story
The only way that which follows
can be made to come within that
scope is through the assistance of
some of the readers of the State Jour
nal. Read it through, If it interests
you, after you have opened your
Christmas gifts and after you have
partaken of your turkey and cram
you will feel charitable towards all
the world. Follow the dictates of that
charitable feeling and you Will be
making this a Christmas story
Over in North Topeka lives a lonely
man with three children-boys-on
eleven, one six and one two years old
The. mother is dead The eldest boy
looks after the other two and goes
to school. The father works every
day and if the investigator has learned
the true facts the father actually re-
ceives only four dollars q week for his
labor There cannot be much of the
Christmas spirit in that little home to-
day unless someone more fortunate
supplies the ingredients
For year the eleven-year-old boy
has been cooking, washing the dishes,
dressing the younger children. keep
ing house and making average pro-
gress in school The man who learned
of the conditions says there has not
been much housekeeping done and
that there is great need of the pres
ence of a woman in the house But
circumstances
There isn't a sheet in the house, nor
a pillow case. There is one chair and
a little stove, coal for which Is pur-
chased by the bucketful from the
pitiful four dollars a week. There
are scarcely enough dishes to go
around but more than enough for the
food in the house
No one has heard a complaint from
any member of the family. The chill
dren have nothing to say about their
condition and the father is uncom-
planning. Wen get along some way"
he said But he said IL without spirit
and it was easy to see his mind was
on the hardships his little children are
enduring.
Topekans have spent thousands of
mas presents, most of which are of
little practical value. A very small
amount invested properly would bring
a world of happiness to this little
family. 1t will not take a half-grown
automobile or pony and cart to
bring happiness to the hearts of these
unspoiIed children. They need
they need coal These would mean
contentment for the motherless boys
and relief for the father.
But that is not all. The children
need a few simple toys, something
to transform the day from a mockery
to a real Christmas
If you have read thus far you want
the address 1t is 234 Park street
and the name Of the father is Ben
jamin Berg
Now you have all the facts and If
there is sufficient appeal in those
facts to cause you to act you will have
made this Christmas story
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-25
YOUNG FELLOWS PRESENTS.
CBx Sanford Jarreil.l

Christmas comes but once a year,
bemoaned a good looking Topeka
youth one day this week The young
mans face, as he made this stock re-
mark, was a study. In his finely cut
features was no sign of hilarity. In
stead, his look was wan and wistful,
as he supped his coca cola and in
hailed the delectaole fumes of cork
tipped cigarette. For this person.
college scholar in his first year. had
Just concluded his Christmas shop
ping.
The student was attired with all due
regard to fashions dictation. His
English cut coat. and English roll
vest, along with his English pants
were tightly fitted around his manly
figure The Missionaries English
shoes and hat and black overcoat
were all up to the latest mode and
cut.
All of this was very well, but it was
his face which attracted the atten-
ton of several philosophical coca
cola drinkers at the soda fountain
These other young men waited with
urbane patience for the scholar to
tell the reasons for his woe. For the
student ha / a reputation for being an
entertainer and the other fellows
wanted something to divert their at
tention from The pasSersby.
The center of observation cleared
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-25
AS the Reporters See Christmas
Being Little Pan Christmas Sauce Served Up by the Newspaper Boys

| precious possessions in Europe just t
this time.
In Topeka the banks have recently
transacted a heavy business in drafts
on foreign countries. Most of the
drafts, however, have been for small
sums. Men with limited incomes have
been the heavy givers- Only in u few
Instances. have the individual drafts
amounted TO more than 500 or 5000.
More often the sums sent ranged from
SIS to $50.
Out in western Kansas, where set
Element OF Russian and German farm
ers has made long profits from their
wheat crops, the donations to the folks
at home have been even heavier than
in the larger cities.
In some instances, it is reported
the Russian and German farmers in
western Kansas have sent sufficient
money to relatives in their native land
TO supply the family wants while the
war continues. Many OF the most
prosperous farmers in the state are of
foreign descent and in hundreds of in
stances, it is stated, Christmas re-
membranes have been sent to parents,
brothers and sisters and cousins in the
war ridden countries.
A few days ago, two men entered
bank in Topeka to buy a draft on Pet
rograd- The draft was for $50. The
money was being sent TO a sister whose
husband had been killed in the war.
il was stated.
Drafts on Berlin, Paris. St Peters
burg. ConstanJnople, Rome. Vienna.
and other large European cities. have
been sold by Topeka banks. The ex-
change rates have greatly increased
since the war started, but when an
appeal comes to Kansas, the matter of
rates seldom prevents response.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-25

In the smoking compartment travel
ing men, eager to get to their homes
for the joyous Christmas day, passed
the time with the usual repartee.
There were no arguments. All seemed
to agree on every topic brought up.
1t was peace on earth in the smoker.
Back in the corner seat of the car
sat a large-franed man trying to
make business of being interested in
the magazine he was reading. But
when he looked up one could see a
far away look in his large blue eyes
He shifted uneaSily a times in his
seat and seemed greatly concerned in
the movement of the train, which ap-
parently was not fast enough for him.
At one time he got up from his seat
and walked up the aisle and back He
seemed to be unusually nervous and
was the center of attraction in the
car.
I wonder what is the matter with
that fellow" said one man to his seat
companion. He looks worried"
Yes. havo noticed him. was the
answer probably anxious to get
home to his wife and family"
Such was the condition or arrarrs
end of the car The colored man of
multifarious duties carried a little
yellow envelope in his hand.
Telegram Brought In.
Martin O'Hara-a telegram for
Mr.. O'Hara," he cried out Martin
~ nara ana ne proceeded DOWN the
aisle When he reached the center of
the car his voice could be heard at
the far ends of the coach.
Martin O'Hara-''
The big man in the rear seat sat up.
dropped his magazine, and made a
half motion to the porter but the man
with the yellow envelope did not see.
Martin O'Hara-a telegram for
Mr.. O'Hara." he repeated.
Here I am. George" said the big
Irishman, reckoning to the porter.
The porter handed the yellow en-
velope to O'Hara and went out the
car door. Nervously the big fellow
tore open the envelope and read. His
eyes frightened. He took off his hat
and ran his fingers through his sandy
hair Nervousness, unconcern. antici-
patton all left him in a bunch. Now
only supreme confidence lighted his
brow. He seemed to want to talk to
someone but he had been SO engrossed
in himself a short time before that he
had formed no smoker acquaint-
anceship. Finally he turned 20 the
man across the aisle and said:
Read that Isn't it great
The man read: "A boy Am fine
Helen. He looked up and smiled
Some Christmas present, eh?' And
the big man settled down to urge the
train to go faster. Who cares wheth-
er the Irish have a navy
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-25

i'm dey ain got time foah L think
bout yuleside selebrashun.
''Masun-he's de guy wild de shape
like de sherruf's and de dispossession
like ah-ah Funny-no all mean Fin
ny or Pinny Oiyul-oh thundah yoah
all knows who all mean-dis yerc
multifarious-mawid artust.
We'll stead O. plannin' dis Chris
mus serwus. de DANES breath dere
troubles to i'm. One 'dmits she's got
a sweethaht in de trenches-or on de
benches or somewhat wheah his pol
icy's no good. An a other wun weeps
cause she's gotta play in Wichita mex
week. An so it were.
But dis Masun he jes kids de ladies
an den goes on an kids de audyunce.
Well, he's got one place in his ac'
wheah he jes nachally kicks de stuff
fin out'n de scenery. Deah's wheah
ah got fooled. All figured dat eff he
ebber had a ideah he'd loose 'er shoah
wen e kicks dat drop.
so yoah all can imagine my sur
prise wen de managah instruc's me dis
mo'nin' foah L hab a few cabs at de
Cremerie banquet room long bout
tain ours aftah de las show. Masun
has hiahed de place he sayes an de
gangs COMA celebrate Chrismuss-"
''Ah-but I don't quite get the con-
nection between Mr.. Masons decision
to see that the company fittingly OIL
serves the day and the principles of
psychology" I admitted.
"Oh hale" Washington snorted.
don v see. Wen dis mutt kicks de
cuttain las night he jes nachally I'M
bridled wuE O. dem new roans."
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-25
BEHIND THE SCENES IN TOPEKA


Every news story Is drained from an
individual who happens to harbor one.
This was separated from a dusky gen
tlenan who wiclds the broom and
buster in q local vaudeville house.
I found him this morning in his
native habitat, driving before him the
dust that last nights admiring throng
brought in with its tickets. He was
ha ppy and he exuded the spirit of the
day. But though a passing breeze
waited 20 me a Whit of that spirit
mixed with the aroma Of cloves, Z de-
TERED me not for there came also to
drag back story on how the yacters
will celebrate the day So 1 prined this
manicurer of play house floors and
began to pump
A transcript of his testimony just as
ne unclaimed it follows:
Psychology alone. sab, am respon-
sible, foam any celebrashun which de
yacters will give els ernun in 'onah OBJ
de yuletide spirut- An de particular
phrase Oh psychology to which 1 ref
fab. am dose Inhabitants oh de brain
witch am known to science as new
bones .
'.Neurones, you mean suggested.
He accepted the correction and con-
tinued EFF yoah all will respect de
program yeah alrli Pc ceive dat de
bill dis week consists OBJ de follo-win'
Foah one. dere's dem tree doll beby
Webbah siStahs- -unamnlm--crr
Testimony interrupted while a seat
disfigured by pedal enthusiasm is
repaired
AN dere'S de Suddern Pawtch
pahty gals-five NV un1-urmmm-
- crash
Time out while another chair is re-
upholstered
AN dere's de comedy kid, Helm
Primrose-de tin wun- No sab, no
sab, not dis yere stuff like a slot ma
chine nikkuls- All mean narrer-=
sIight-scah now yoah alIs on nah
scent aGlne-
An dere's Browun an Mac Cob
mack
An dere's dis Sullawun an Masun
ac' Dey am de boys-speshully dis
Masun. He am at wunce de ruunashun
an salvashun OBJ de profawhmance.
But y see all didn't know much
about dis yere psychology It'll nah
daughtah wat am in high school clue
idates- So wen all fuss looks de bill
ovah an dedoosus dat dere'l be no
Chrismus celebrashun dis we're
An an blame dis Masun cause de
maiduns re so busy hanging round
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-25

his throaI for action. He brushed on
his tapering shoulders, laid an elbow
on the marble fountain. and spoke:
II am looking forward to an I'M
roll in to the old man. 1 have just
figured out what my Christmas pres
ents amounted to and the sum is
something awful.
His well modulated voice instantly
controlled the situation. Two chaps
cfety girls dancing, but they drew
closer around the circle. The college
man started out to detail the financial
cost of his shopping.
Il bought a cavalier for my best
girl. That cost S125O and it wasn't
so very elegant at that. For my sec
ond best girl 1 negotiated with candy
manufacturer and walked off with a
five-pound box of candy to the tune of
a five-dollar bill. OF course it was
what else girls like. So there are
three other young lady friends who
are going to get 81 boxes of candy
apiece. That makes six more, thus
far totaling $3.50"
The young man mopped his brow
with silk handkerchief. His auditors
did likewise in sympathy. They un-
derstood.
The talker recited other items. They
included presents for his brothers and
sisters and parents and cousins and
auntS and uncles and fraternity
brothers When he had finished he
tabulated the results and found that
he had spent exactly $685. for Christ
mas
And what will 1 get in return ?"
he asked bitterly. II suppose that 1t
will be the usual collection of pale
green socks. red neckties, possibly
box of cheap cigars. two or three
books written by Kate Douglas Wig
gin or Anna Katherine Green. a diary
for 1916, some stickpins (and they
aren't the thing this yearl, bundle of
stationery, a hand painted calendar
and quantity of candy, peanuts and
oranges
The other chaps agreed. They
agreed with his argument that Christ
mas was a merry holiday, but other
wise it was an Internal nuisance.
1T was all right for a pretty girl"
they argued. although 1t was not
much of a dispute as their ideas coin
cided.
BY that time a man from a big mid
western college walked into the store
and shook hands all around. He i'm
mediately began telling of his schools
football team and the thoughts of
the coca cola suppers turned in an
other direction. The Washburn mans
duties were ended so instead of being
the whole show he developed into
an attentive listener.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-25
That's our Merry

couple o. days. That's our Merry
Christmas
Bill turned and began milling with
the prisoners on the floor. The Kid
went to his bunk What if there was
truth in Bilfs statement No, there
was not. He would begin life again
when his time was up. He morosely
watched the sun flicker through a
window. A rattle of the door aroused
him. Dinner" yelled some one.
Expecting the usual plate he
crawied out of the cell. There was a
shuttle of feet and some one swore.
shut up, it's the sheriff. he heard
a murderer say. Then thirty-seven
Chicken, turkey. cranberries and doz-
ems of other delicacies were heaped
upon them.
Wonderingly the men took the
plates. All knew who was responsible.
The sheriff pushed his fat form
through the door Mrs. Kiene's
Christmas dinner" he announced.
After dinner, Kiene passed the CT
CARS Some of the faces were mute,
others smiling as fumbling hands took
the cigars. Thanks were profuse.
The man who had hunted them down
was human. Had he not remem-
bered them when the world had for
gotten them and society prosecuted
them.
The kid looked through the haze of
tobacco smoke as the sheriff smilingly
made his way toward the exit. He
saw Bill Bill was sullen but bewil-
dered.
Just a day in December, Ell. Bill? p
he said.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-25
TOPEKA To TRENCHES.
(By 4. L. ShuItZ.)

Hyphenated-Americ in Kansas
Old not forget their brothers in the
European trenches. From the Kansas
plenty. the foreign element in the
larger towns of the state sent a money
shower to relatives and dear ones in
the war ridden countries. Not since
the outbreak of the war have Kan
sas banks had such heavy demands
for drafts on European banks. Near
" all of the foreign Christmas dona-
tons were in cash.
The needs OF kinsmen. appealed
deeply to the Kansans of foreign de-
scent Men and women with relatives
IN the war trenches. sent money and
Christmas greetings. Some of these
remembrances will not arrive until
long after the Christmas celebration
Is over Other gifts were started early
and will be available for real Christ
mas cheer
But Christmas to the men and the
women in the war zone will not be a
festive event this year. That is one of
the reasons cash and not presents has
been sent from Kansas Money is
needed for bread and actual necessi-
ties in many of the countries and
American gold and bread are the n1ost
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-25
CHRISTMAS IN JAIL.
(By Harry Caylor.)
Aw! A day in December"

AW! A DAY IN DeCemDer.
The first offender. a slip of a young
ster-we'u call him the Kid as he is
kown by his fellow prisoners-was re-
buffed. a letter addressed to his
mother nearly fell from his fingers
The letter was written this morning
before breakfast The Kid had dared
murmur a Merry Christmas to Bill.
Bits hard features, leering eyes and
unshaven jaws told that being behind
the bars was nothing unusual for him
Unlike the Kid he was in the county
Jail because he was unfortunate
enough to be caught selling a horse
that looked surprisingly like one that
some one stole. Thirty-seven other
prisoners turned at Bills explosive re-
ply to the boy The Kid said nothing
but thrust the letter through the
barred door into the waiting fingers of
Mitch Bundy. jailer.
Bill started to walk away and join
the two dozen men who were milling
around the steel arena as they seem
to pace continually for want of moth
ing else to do. Then he stopped
who's the letter to-" he asked the
Kid.
Mother"
HIM. She know you're in?"
nervously- ''She thinks I'm working
in the shops and that this address is
my boarding place"
well, I don't know who my moth
err was. So I don't worry. I got a
wife somewhere if she amt divorced.
You got a year in the pen, didn't y'u %
Yes. Why"
50 "Qh nothing only you're done for
Might yust as well tell your old wo-
man now. She'll find it out anyway.
And besides you're just started
When y'u get in once you're just as
good as serving time on another
stretch"
But III go to work when I get
out"
Work, Where'1I you get work
Who'll hire you2 Who'll hire any
jailbird? I thought that way about it
once. But when 1 got out after the
first time 1 went TO work for a farmer.
He found out what 1 had done and
fired me. You said Merry Christ
mas awhile ago. BAIL There amt
no such thing for US fellows. We got
caught stealin'. See any Sanity Claus
cIimin' down the chimney and film
our socks. Y'u wouldn't if y'u had
ten eyes. We're goin' to Lansing in a
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-25

apple" pie that topped the meal was
gobbled up to a crumb.
twenty-five years have passed
since that dinner. Judge Cade became
a United States marshal in a nearby
state The other people grew up with
the country and today ''jitney'' around
in cars and buy Christmas presents.
1t is a question as to whether they
enjoy the holidays as much as when
they sat evening after evening whit
Ting, carving and dressing in order
that their children might have pre-
Sentable Christmas.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-25
ON NUMBER SIX.
(By e. w. Wingart.)

Number Six stopped just long
enough in Topeka last night to take on
a few passengers and a telegram or
two Then the train sped eastward
on its Christmas eve journey; and
such a journey Everyone seemed
nervous. like the man who drives a
horse that will not go fast enough
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-25

A sluggish liver can cause a person an
awful lot Of misery. Spells OF dizziness.
headaches. constipation and biltousness are
sure signs that your liver needs help Take
DR.. Kings New Life Pills and see how
they help tone up the whole system Fine
for the stomach too. Aids digestion Puri-
fies the blood and clears the complextop-
only 25c. at your Observation-Disclosures
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-25
CHRISTMAS IN SOUTH.
(By w. c. Clugston.)

When the managing editor assigns
the subject of Christmas in the
South to one whose first recollections
of Santa Claus and the good things
that come from his pack are conferred
around a home in Dixie it Is to be
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-12-02
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
PELL CLASON CAMP

Pei Clason Camp s Of Y. held its
annual selection Of officers Wednesday
evening. There was a good attendance
nd the camp i in q tiourishinE con-
diuon. The following are the officers
elected for the ensuing year Com
ma nder. Cbad5orn L. Merrill: senior
vIce commander. Geo. r Danforth;
Junior vice commander Maurice
Green chaplain, Robert ". Hill; pat
rAotlc instructor Joseph Gilman: sec
rotary. /. L. Wing: treasurer. Dr. W
0. Cobb; camp council, Jerry Des-
mond Walter Morgan. F. T Harri-
man; guide, 6. a. Cobb: color bearer,
Thomas Thornton; principal musician,
John Thornton; inside guard. Arthur
Eines; outside guard, Reuel Ellis
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-12-02
SHIPPING NEWS

Portland, Me. Dec. ARRIVED: Str.
RolIesby tBr), Savona, Italy; schoon-
er Julia Frances. New York; Annie
Gus, Boston.
Arrived and sailed: Schooner Morris
and Cliff. Rockland for Boston.
Sailed: Steamer Virginia (Br),
Avonmcuth; schooners 1zetta ffrom
Bangor. New York; Salle E. Ludlam
from Stonington, Me.), Greenport. l.
l.; John G. Walter (Br). (from ST
John, \. b, New York: Moamo (Br),
from Coz. do: ". D. Hilton (fron
Bangor, do; Charlotte T Sibley
(frcm do>, do: Izetta from do) do;
Charles H Klinck from Long Cove
do; Sallie T Ludlam (from Stoning-
tom, do; Arthur J. Parker (from Eat
onville, y. 81. do: Eva A. Danenhow-
er from Calais do; Georgietta (fror
BangoTAt, Boston.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-12-02
ADJUSTMENTS

Jere McAuliffe and his company Of
i people following four selected reels
q the best photoplays is the Coliseum
attraction tonight. They open with
My Uncle From Japan" with Jere
McAuhfe as Ohediah Dawson. In The
company are such people as Fred j.
Mariell Louise Sage, Cecil Messon,
Billy Seymour, Lillian Leslie, Anna
May, Ethel King, Homer Roberts. Wal
Ter Bergeron, the great baritone and
the famous Maple Leaf Quartet"
Special scenery, splendid wardrobe and
dazzling light effects No matinee TO-
day but special mainets have been
billed for Friday and Saturday al 2.30
The pictures will start tonight at
sharp. Nc seats reserved. come early
Matinee prices 10 and "a cents, eve
ming 10, 20 and 80 cents-Adv.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-12-02

Lawrence Mckelvey. Water street,
was the winner in the Merchants con-
test for the month Of November, secur-
ing the prize Of So IN gold. The drawing
was held at the store of A H Ran
dali. McKelvey had a total Of 8146
votes. Reynold Seldom was second,
with 2Oe1 votes, and Leo Woodside
third. with 93S votes. The prize was
given 10 the most popular school boy.
The prize for the month of December
of S. will be given to the most popular
girl baby and votes deposited in the
ballot box at NJ. ". Royals jewelry
store
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-12-02
Herman Lodge Inspection

A large number. including so visitors
attended the inspection Of Hermon
Lodge ana saw RI. Wor. W. Leslie Ma
loon, district deputy grand master Of
The eleventh Masonic district inspect
the lodge A program Of musical Sc
lections with J. E. Baron at the piano
ana male quartet composed Of Bros.
Church. kirI.b1.l. Traitor. I'D Aoody.
was much enjoyed. The Iadies or the
star clut served one Of their uneQualled
suppers,
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-12-02
North Auburn Granoe.

North Auburn Grange met SATURDAY
evening with 81 officers present ex-
cept the steward and treasurer. The
following program was presented
Piano duet. Mis- Charlotte McFar-
land Miss Adelaide Mcfarland. read
ing, Miss Angie Skihrss reading,
Mrs. Albert Packard; piano duet
Misses Mcfarland reading. Miss Nil
dred Hethering1or. There will he an
entertainment followed BY a dance at
The hail. Dec. 4.