The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1931-12-17

THURSDAY, DECEMBER II, 1881
Laurel and Hammer
S this page of The Redwood Gazette goes to
n press, Redwood Falls is without candidate for
mayor and only candidate has filed for the
two alderman positions which to be filled January
5. The time is short as the time for filing ends Is
days before election.
The apparent scarcity Of candidates, despite many
rumors, should start thought to what give
public officials and what expect of them IN
turn.
Almost anyone who has been honored with the
mayorship or held position on the council will tell
you that his work there at sacrifice OF time and
money and that the rewards were few and the COM
plants many.
Take the mayor office for instance; we pay the
mayor $50 year, which can hardly be consider
ed nducement; honor goes with the office to be
but what about the disadvantages Suppose the head
of the city government is progressive seeks city i'm
and works untirngly for the betteent of
the city. Is his work praised? No, those who sagree
quiet about their praise while goes up that
the mayor has regard for the taxpayer, is throw
ing money away
But suppose again a mayor is conservative; wants
the streets paved, parks improved sewers extended
and other improvements but agrees they too much
and urges delay in spending. Now the situation is
versed, taxes are light but neghboring towns step
ahead, this has natural gas this one has new
white way, whats the matter with Redwood Falls ?"
is the cry.
This isn't written to discourage worthy candidates
from filing, in attempt to make martyrs of pub
lie office holders. Neither do think that Redwood
Falls voters inclined to forget mans
complshments and magnify his weaknesses than any
other voters But IN time of political unrest, espe
cially, is well to consider the ofceholders position
before getting out the hammer.
Christmas Lore
- HRISTMAS being one of the most widely cele-
brated Of all holidays, it is only natural that
many odd customs and supersttons should have
been identified with it's observance various lands and
at different times.
The date December Is approximates that of
tain ancient festivals such the Roman Saturnaia,
the Scandinavian Yule the winter festival Of the
heather Brtons and later the Roman festvaI of the
sun-god Mthra.
throughout Europe, was that animals endowed
with the power of speech on Christmas. Another
that persons born that day destined to enjoy
good luck throughout life
1t was an old custom to wash and bleed horses the
day after Christmas in the belief that this would pre-
serve them from harm during the ensuing year. Ac-
cordng to Polish superstition what did Christ
mas would govern his actions for the following year.
The mythical Santa Claus has been known by
many names, including those of Kriss Kringe, st.
Nicholas, Knecht Ruprecht, Robin Goodfeow, and
others. In Germany one known Krampus, ugly
hunch-backed dwarf, supposed to carry off naugh-
ty children.
In Christian lands Christmas is celebrated in COM
memoration of the birth of Christ and is supposed to
mark the actual anniversary of that event. Although
some scholars tell US that December Is is merely a
date arbitrarily for this observance and that the
day and the year of Chrsts birth is uncertain,
this fact does not deract from the beauty Of the story
told at this of the year and enjoyed by children
and adults alike Christmas is the greatest of Ameri-
observances because it is the oldest and because
of what it represents Thanksgiving, Fourth of July
and many others are new when compared with the
celebration of Christmas.