davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11
CHILD LABOR LEGISLATION.

Regardless of the turning down of the bill before the last session of con- gross in behalf of child labor and the apparent efforts of certain opponents to delay it as long as possible if not kill it entirely, there has been a con- stant agitation in it's behalf through out the states of the union and the results have been decidedly gratify- ing. Much valuable progress has been made towards the goal and the extent of the movement is indicated by the fact that twenty states legislated against child labor last year. That there is still a great opportunity for continuing the fight which has been so well begun is indicated by the fact that five states defeated attempts to improve the laws relative to this i'm portant question, while one actually passed a law which was distinctly re- actionary.
 No subject ought to get more con- siderate attention than this very one of child labor. It is of vital concern not only to state, but to the nation. The national child labor committee is alive to it's chances as shown in its report to the effect that it's ex- hibits were shown in 49 cities and 21 states, while investigations were carried on in IS states and members were present at the legislative sessions of IS states. It is through just such educational undertakings that most people of the states and country have been brought to a realization of the detrimental effects of child labor and it is through the continuation of such work that child labor is going to stand ultimately in the proper light before the people. The effort in behalf of a federal law which will reach condi- tions existing in the reactionary states deserves the fullest attention and suc- cess.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

other remedies Is exhausted at most of the pharmacies, and doctors are finding it increasingly difficult to get their prescriptions filled because of the lack of drugs.
 This dearth of necessaries is rem dered heavier to bare by the almost impossibility of getting goods from other countries and from the high cost of living. The cars for the trans port of goods are all used for military purposes and Rome even is threatened by a sugar famine although the man ufacturers have sufficient for the needs of the whole country. The cost of living has altogether increased about four times and promises to rise further
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11
PEACE POSITIONS.

Even though pr. von Berthmann- Hollweg, the imperial German chan cellor, has addressed the reichstag rel ative to Germany's position in regard to peace, it does not appear that it has given any impetus to move ment for the ending of the war
 About all that is to be gathered from the chancellor's statement is that Germany considers that as the result of it's successes it is in a position where it should say what the terms of peace shall be if there are any to be presented. It is willing to entertain propositions and discuss them if con- patible with dignity and safety, but the war could be terminated "only by a peace which will give a certitude that war will not return"
 Strange to say, or perhaps it isn't strange, that is practically the same attitude which is taken in the address recently made by Premier Asquith of Great Britain when he declared If proposals of a serious character for a general peace are put forward by the enemy governments, either directly or indirectly or through a neutral DOW CT, they will first be discussed by the allied governments" That gives pret- ty good indication that Great Britain would not sanction anything short of a permanent peace. It is quite evil dent that neither side is willing to admit as yet that it is beaten and that is about what would have to happen if peace terms are going to be dis cussed. With both sides maintaining the same attitude towards peace it is pretty good evidence that the war will have to go on for some time yet or until there is something more de- clsive one way or the other before either side will be willing to call off their armies and settle down to re- adjustments.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11
Scarcity of Common Place Articles.

Scarcity of Common Place Articles.
 The scarcity of commonplace arti- cles of every day use such as needles. toilet supplies and drugs is probably more accentuated in Italy than in any of the other belligerent countries, be- cause these things have been supplied to Italy almost entirely by Germany. One of the branches of an American sewing machine company, for instance, reports it is no longer able to supply medium-sized needles, because these are made in Germany. It also ap- pears an impossibility to buy a fever thermometer in Rome, as this is an other article of German make The supply of aspirin and a number of
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

longest night there is the sunrise. It is a mistake to cling to things which disturb the mind and make a night mare of life. Every human soul is entitled to a fair share of comfort and pleasure. Morbid thoughts can kill joy in palaces and wipe out all hope of heaven. Ennobling thoughts can check the bangs of error and distress. If we are masters of our fate and captains of our souls we should not steer by the dense cloud but by the north star. Why should man choose darkness to walk in when Almighty God has commanded him to walk in the light It is only in the light we may become conscious of divine radi- ance and power.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11
Stories of the War
French Soldiers Get Good Food.

As far as food goes, the French soldier lives well, if the ordinary pro- gram of the French common people is taken as a standard. His menu is based on two solid meals a day with breakfast of bread and coffee There is nothing the French soldier appreci- ates so much as his morning coffee. It is brought to him in canvas buckets,
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

dividual may provide himself with such luxuries as salad, cheese or fruit. Salad may often be obtained locally, and not infrequently the men have their own little beds of their favOrite green. grown in some favorable spot close to their position
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

Those who make the estimates of the number of prisoners taken. or cas- ualties among the enemy. create lot of additional work for those who have to verify the figures
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11
SECRETARY eARRIsoN's REPORT

Secretary of War Garrison in his annual report lays much stress, as was to be expected, upon the question of proper preparation in case of war. He has much to say regarding the strengthening of the army and even declares that the nation must be de- tended at any cost even if it comes to the matter of compulsion. This he emphasizes in no uncertain way when he says If the nation requires cer- tain service and offers the most fla vorable opportunity for the citizens to furnish such service, and, notwith- standing that, it cannot secure such service, it must then resort to some method of compelling such service"
 That may give the opponents of
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

The man on the corner says: Among the unhappiest persons count those who get discouraged because there are not enough things in the world to find fault with
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

From the manner in which Col. Bryan attacks the idea of placing a tax on gasoline it is natural to infer that he uses autos on his Texas onion farm.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

The premier of Great Britain and the chancellor of Germany have spoken on the peace question just in time to take the credit for their po- Bitions away from Ford's peace party.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

The birth records in certain English towns are showing more boys than girls, but the number is so slight that 1t will not place many additional ar mics in the field.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

A New Yorker has left several mill lion dollars to establish a home for the aged. That means thought for those who don't happen to be work ing under a pension system.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

Christmas shopping at this date
 may not be looked upon as early, but
 it is far better than delaying it until the day or night before.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11
The War a Year Ago Today
Dec. ii, 1914

Allies in France pushed forward. Germans rushed heavy guns to Ostend.
 Three German columns repulsed in Poland.
 Austrians were dfeated north of kesmaji and Parovnitza. Sheik Kiazam, chief of the Chi ties, proclaimed a holy war. French capital moved back from Bordeaux to Paris.
 Allies drove Germans across the Yser canal.
 Serbians rePulsed Austrians at kosmai.
 Germans occupied Przaznyaz. lodz was evacuted by the Rus sians.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11
EDITORIAL NOTES.

The loaded trolley cars which come into this city daily speak well for Norwich as a shopping center.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

There appears to be a good deal of the AIphonse and Gaston character istics about the idea of broaching the subject of peace in Europe.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

Winter has a way of sending along these little cold snaps just. as a re- hinder that the seasons have not been changed.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

Apparently the government doesn't consider it will be necessary to take out licenses to hunt the plotters.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11
Another War Economy.

As one of wars economies. steel pens have replaced Quills in the com mittee rooms of the British commons Are they still using quiIls in the war department2-New York World
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11
SELECTING CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Written Specially for The Bulletin.)
 In the magazine issue of a New York Sunday paper a man related his interesting experiences in trying to find out what a number of his friends wanted for Christmas.
 One wealthy and indulged woman wished in her secret heart that she could go back to the simple daps when, having hung up her stocking the night before-she was "s'prized" by a few plain, cheap gifts, but all things which she had long desired.
 The husband of this same woman admitted that Christmas for him would be extra happy, if only his pet ted wife were to take the same deep interest in those gifts which he in tended to give her that she used in their humber days.
 One family of persons of varying ages, when asked what they would best like for Christmas, shouted with one voice: "A letter from Fritz!" Fritz being the soldier brother, who is fighting in the trenches.
 A bi5-saIaried writer to whom the query was put, exclaimed with joy that he would forever love and cherish any friend who would send him a plain, simple, common razor Strop. He said he had been wanting one for HlOIllHSy DuI SOmenOW, III hlS daily rush could never stop to buy it. Fur thermore, he declared that on Christ mas morning, if, while opening the varied boxes containing costly ink stands, leather goods. expensive cal endars, and the like, he should unex- pectedly come upon one which should yield the razor strop he yearned for, he would be happier than he had been since, as a boy, he had breathlessly peeked into his woolen sock hanging near the homestead chimney, to find in the toe a jaclIknife and an orange.
 The remarks of this man on the subject of straps reminded his equally well paid neighbOr that what he had been long meaning to buy himself was one of those adjustable electric lights which he knew were so handy for a man when shaving. He, too. would receive many elegant and expensive gifts: but this was the Christmas pres ent he really lOnged for.
 All of which goes to show that the gift which is best appreciated is that into which the sender has put a little thought. much more than a great deal of money.
 People who can go into a store. say hurriedly Give me that And that! And that!" and then order the articles sent to one friend or another, ire spective of the suitability of the gift,
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11
Suppose she were to initiate the Wise Men. and freely frankly snnn-

Suppose she were to initiate the Wise Men, and freely, frankly. spon- taneously, give of her treasures to such as these, whose Christmas gifts must of necessity be few and plain
 Wouldn't she grow suddenly into the spirit of the Magi, who were moved to give of their best when they had found Him." and would she be likely to snarl snappishly, T hate Christmas. anyway! 1t only means giving pres ents because some one has given you somethingI"
 True: the original gifts. as she de- Clares, were for a Child: but we are all children when Christmas returns, and like the petted society woman and the well-paid writer. joy in being "s'prized", if only the real Christmas thought is back of the gift.
 THE DICTAGRAPH.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

Too many people waste valuable
 time gazing on the dark side of life.
 It is difficult to tell how they become fascinated with an unpleasant and
 depressing picture. The dark side sometimes assumes the proportions of a continuous show. but after the
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

do not enter in the least into the true Christmas spirit.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11
We are all creatures of habit any

We are all creatures of habit any way-habit of action and habit of thought-and it is no easy matter to classify beneficial or injurious habits which come under the head of good or bad. Right living is based upon good habits-anything carried to ex- cess is injurious. For instance eat ing in itself is beneficial, but over eating is banefuI-talking increases intelligence, but overtalking simply adds to garrulousness- be relig minded is good, but to be religi- ously frenzied is evil. You get good results from temperate action in all things, not rewards. Life is a matter of law and order, and if We defy law and order, we suffer the consequences. This marks the difference between a life of comfort and Q, life of misery. Do not short circuit yourself by viO lation of the law. Health and strength and happiness depend upon your con ceptiOn of things and your own choice of action.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11
Are We able to recoqnize divine

Are We able to recognize divine in spiratiOn? Do we keep ourselves alive to the manifestations of the spirit |? Did you read of the little Italian girl of eight years who had a little brother and sister in her keeping, who in spired all in the boat with her to do their best. She was in a boat from a ship that had been tOrpedoed and heaven only knows where her parents were. As a cruel result of the praC- tices of war they were either drowned or drifting in another boat on the same tempeStuous sea. This little girl showed no fear and she never let forth a sad sound. only words of cheer: and when a fear -frenzied young man cut an artery in his wrist and tried to die in his despair, she furnished the handkerchiefs to tie up the arm-tO save his life; when the rowers were so worn they gave up she mounted the seat and pulled at the oars; and when they pulled into a quiet har- bor at day-break after a night of despair, it was agreed that without her inspiring presence all would have been lost. Where did this child get her power? What can the inspiration which causes a girl of eight years to show superhuman qualities be but the result of an obsession that is di- vine?
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

And certainly those senders fail, who make misfit gffts-who send a poor widow with growing and hungry chill dren an oil painting, or a lace fan, or a warm coat, or strong shoes for the boys, or any one of hundreds of practical gifts suited to her pressing needs.
 Not that the very poor lack the desire for pretty things at Christmas. By no means. It was pathetic once to hear a woman who was dependent up or her rather carless relatives say, on Christmas day,
 Tt was so kind of Mrs. Blank to send me this knitted shawl But how l should have loved just one rose, or a chrysanthemum from her green houses. if only she had thought to send it!"
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

There was a western minister long ago who had the courage to warn his audience not to hide their souls be- hind a fve-cent piece. It is fair to presume that at some time when the church was in dire need of money to meet it's obligations there were too many nickels found in the contribu- tiOn box. In matters of righteousness too many good people are willing to let George do it, or else to measure the necessity by the smallest coin in their purses. Since we have heard of human souls who would shuCk around in a peanut she'll we know the one that can hide behind a nickel is not of the very smallest variety. But a soul which pretends to be conscious of divine benevOlence doesn't glow with righteousness when it responds with a nickel unless that nickel is it's all. Nothing in all the ages has loomed up for righteousness like the widows mite. As Billy Sunday would say: There's no f1ve-cent ad- mission to the Kingdom of Heaven. The five-cent habit in righteousness is a bad habit.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

When a man sits beside the fire and lets the fire go out his wife be- gins 60 get a poor opinion of him. This is ore of the common signs of stupidity many married men show They like too well the comfort that is sustained by the energy of some one else. Matrimony and mutuality go together-even love is strengthened by cooperation. Love is marred when forced to accept laziness as an asset or neglect as a condition. Matrimony is handicapped from the start if the conception of it does not recognize not only equal burdens for those con- cerned but unequal burdens when ad- verse conditions make them neces- sary. Shirking and the consequences of it has more to do with making matrimony seem like a failure than almost anything else. It is one of the first signs that the two are drifting apart. It is promptness in little things that counts for strength and unity and happiness. Home is mar red without it.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

They opened their treasures; they gave of their choiCest-freely, not grudgingly, but with true generosity of spirit.
 That is the motive which should animate all Christmas gift-giving. Each should give of his best and choicest; which does not mean some expensive gift which he cannot af- ford, but whatever he gives should have as the motive of it's giving that spirit which animated the Wise Men.
 It should not be given to pay debt. to swap" gifts; because giving is the customary fad at Yuletide. But freely, an unasked offering, with the love and joy of doing and serving, and manifesting the real spirit of spontan- eous giving.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

Fortunately. the designers of Christ mas gifts are putting out each year articles and objects which combine beauty with utility; so that even the person of limited cash may select something for a Christmas gift which is certain to carry joy to the receiver, while proving a happy Christmas re- hinder for twelve months to come.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

There is one ruling principle of life we can all grasp and act upon, and that is to be bound to do the best we can in whatever we are called up- on to do. To do anything less is to injure our own reputation. You may not like the work, but if you like your self you are duty bound to work upon honor. You and your work whatever it is, are inseparable. Poor work never makes but one impression: poor workman. Good work-good work man. Work whatever it is, is char acter-m making or destroying. Let whatever you do speak for you not against you. It is up to you to be registered as smart or dull-you make your own indellible record. This is as true in housework as in mechanics, as true in salesmanship as any kind of service. Who can help you when you are giving yourself a bad name? .? You haven't thought of this. It is a good thing to think about and to act upon.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

"Pm just cutting out all Christmas giving this year!" I heard a rich woman say yesterday. It's simply a hold-up system of give and take. Any way. Christmas was originally in tended for children; and grown-ups should not get into it."
 Poor thing. Her bank account is in six figures at least: but she is vast ly poorer than is the tired and anxious mother. who has to scheme for weeks before the holidays, in order to col lect little stock of gifts that each member of the household may re- ceive some useful and pretty trife.
 The female Scrooge referred to first might take a thousand dollars out of the bank and it would mean less to her than postage stamp would to the second woman. She might make list of fifty or a hundred friends, families, acquaintanceS to whom just about this season, a five or ten dollar bill would be as acceptable a gift as the fabled diamond from the sky. She might set her unhappy mind to pom dcring on that shabby set of furs the little clerk in the office of her hus- bands big factory wore, when her limousine glided past her yesterday.
 She might think of the qarGerer's wife and children, who would be made wild with joy over some really, truly, ChriStmaSSy giftS-nOt a mere bill cCldly and grudgingly given the hus- band and father, Christmas Eve. \ little reflection would lead her to pie ture a half dozen dear souls in the church or the neiEhbOrhood. who never have a free dollar for personal spending. There would be many more working for wages, who somehow never attain a similar pitch of af- 1uence. CThe woman to whom we refer inherited her wealth from her parents, so has no merit Of having aC- quired it through any eXertions of her Own.)
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

Hard work and good appetite are better than riches and indigestion. There is no royal road to the bless ings of life, and they cannot be bought with money. The law of compensation has repeatedly demon strated that a man can rust out quicker than he can wear out; and that leisure and choice food invite a discomfort of which labor and simple living is not guilty. The hoveI doesn't look as brilliant or inviting as the palace, but it's record for-greater love and fewer divorces. All that gilt ters Is not gold-elegant ease is not worth envying. The life which is the real life to live is that which dis closes the path to the eternal city and which gives sustenance to hope and belief in the everlasting prom ises. The joy which comes of the consciousness we are sons and daughters of God is the joy which abides forever.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11
THE MAN WHO TALKS

How material thoughts depress us and spiritual thoughts lift us up. The thought that life ends all doesn't in- vite hope-the thought of a better life does. If we think of those gone before as forever lost to us we in vite despair, but if we believe they have gone to the better world and will be there to welcome us we have the joyful thought of glad reunion. I love to think of better home where we shall meet and recognize our fam lilies, friends and acquaintances and where we shall understand each other better than we ever could here. If you are a Christian do you suppose doubting divine promises lowers or elevates your soul? The promises made by the Saviour to his disciples were not personal to them more than to us. Ask and ye shall receive, the good book says. This is based upon the assumption that your be- lief is right. Too many ask unbeliev- ing-without faith-and get no results. Make your mind right then your ac tion will be right and results con- vincing.
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

And frequently the so-caIIed Christ mas gift may be something which, from a tangible standpoint, is no gife at all-that it, like the geometrical de- finition of a line, may have neither length. breadth or thickness. Yet it may be one of the richest of earthly gifts. after all.
 When the inquiring man to whom reference has been made asked a young husband what he wanted for Christmas, he blurted out,
 My wife to come back! I'm doing the best I can with the two kiddies; but I need her-they need her!" which was the suggestion of a domestic tragedy far removed from the joy of Christmastidei
 Always. at this season, the mind harks back to the story of the first Christmas gifts; the offerings of gold, franFincense and myrrh-the very choicest which the wise men were bearing, in their journey to find the reason why the mystical star shone above humble Bethlehem.
 And opening their treasures" we read. they offered Him gifts. gold, trankincense and myrrh.''
Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-11

Norwich, Saturday, Dec. ii, 1915.