H. A. LONDON, Jr.,
xmtob axd pBorKieroK.
AyA Ay -sr -a.
ADVERTISING.
Ob square, one Insertion,
One square, two Insertion,- l.
One square, oa mouth, .
mas OF SUBSCRIPTION:
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OBeeer.OTlU, '
VOLUME 3.
P1TTSB0R0', CHATHAM CO., N. C, DECEMBER 23, 1880.
NUMBER 15.
tor larger advsrtiemuu liberal contracts Ttflj
Railroad Schedule.
Carolina Central Railway Comp'ny.
CHANGE OF SCHEDULE.
Orm GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT, I
waxniuTOK, N. O., May 11. IBM. (
O and after May 1. 1880, the following schedule
will be operated on tnls Railway:
riMKXOKU, MAIL AND KxrilKSfl TRAIN :
fLaare Wilmington at
Arrive at Hamlet at
Arrive at Charlotte at
i lave Charlotte at
Tto. B. I Arrive at Hamlet at
I . I . nrilnlnirn &t
8.00 P. M.
1.27 A. M.
1.00 A. M.
T.35 P. H.
1.M P. M.
8.30 P. M.
He. 1 train la dally except Sunday, but makes no
MUMcUrn to Raleth on Saturdays. No. 2 train Is
dally except Saturdays. ...
Stoeplng-rar accommodations on through trains
la and from Charlotte and Wilmington. There
wM alio be through sleepers run to and from
erUte.Ad Wilmington, Qt JOHNSON,
sjtey ST tf General Superintendent.
TIME TABLE
Cape Fear & Yadkin Valley B. B.
To take Effect May 9. 1880.
Leaves Tayettevllle at
Arrive at Gull at :
Leave Gulf at
AnrtvM at Vayeltevllle,
Dally exi'ept 8unday.
t 4.00 P. M.
: : 7.U p. K.
: : 6.00 a. M.
: : 10.20 a. sc.
L. C. JONES, Sup't.
Ilaloigh Business den.
AND AD JOINING COUNTIES.
V?. S. & R. O. TTJCS3ZI
re sow offering their Fall Stock
BILKS. SATINS, VELVETS AND
DRESS GOODS,
RICH BROCADED SATINS IN
Newest Designs and Colorings.
A Magnificent lot of Ladles' Cloaks. The largest
AIM of men's wear. Cloths. Gwnlmeree, Kerseys,
and Kentucky Jeaus ever exhibited.
And larjr supply ot Domestics, Plaids, -
Poiaestlce, lulLablo for flour sacks.
SA7C, SOOTO & 02038,
The Largest "fork we ever had. Carpeting and
Bugs. AU good sold at the lowest possible prices.
W H k B B TUCKER.
Raleigh. O
Oe 1
BOOK ANDJOBJRINTING.
mm i. .Maun fop US to MB.V WO Are bet
I ter prepared for work In thts line than any orae
In tae Stat, tor our work Is known throughout
VorvhOaj-ollua, Mut we wish to call attention to
nur fariiittM ara such as to enable
ma te emnpete with any nous-; worth or South in
good work and low prices, we hate
The Best Dook and Job rressee,
The Largest Variety of Material,
The most Comply Assortment of Paper,
Employ te most Competcat Workmen.
and therefore u wf lTln our patrons
Infect wwJ,,cllon-
JwHMig asi M&aicforiig.
w rebind books of every kind In the neatest
style of the art.
BXsAXJS BOOBS
of every site and quality made to order on short
notice. We have a complete bindery In charge ot
a thoroughly competent man.
Seeord Books, Docket,
Index Books, Ledgers,
Day Books, to., tc.
MADE AT NEW YORK PRICES.
Send us your orders, and we will giro you satis
factory Jobs and prices.
Edwards, Bbouohton & Co..
Nov 11 Raleigh, N. C.
U T. NORM & CO.,
GROCERS and
COUIS ION MERCHANTS,
Raleigh, XI. C.
SOLE AGENTS TO
ROLb.BLKBEA ISLAND GUANO AND
BALDWIN AMMONIATED DIS
SOLVED BONE.
tmx stokkwall, cottom poow arb atlas
Tckx plow.
FARMERS SUPPLIES.
We have in store and to arrive
1,100 Bus. White Corn,
too Bus. Choice Seed OaU,
M0 Bus. Choice white Bolted eel,
44.M0 the. Prime Fodder,
24.000 lbs. Prime Timothy Bay,
S4.0M lbs. Bulk Clear Rib Hideo.
s Oa Leads Obotoe Family and Extra Flour.
1 Oar load wheat brand and other goods to fll
eat a ewmplete stock which we offer as low for eaeh
r en Kate as ran be bought anywhere.
Cai and se us before purchasing. Will make
Jt to yeur advantage.
Very respectfully,
feblt tr M. T. HOKUM Jt CO.
. R. STREET. SR.
WM. J. STREET
Ms blind He!,
tUlelgh, .C.
0. XL STREET & DON,
OWNER AKD PROPlETOKt.
Hrt Stciplr Room Id the City.
The Httlweti eeeflmAs Vu'um erC'lteI
Meat, tl, I erst Perk ia lb sttb. !
I ware seevewU tQ of ike Hue.
11. A. LOtDOtt. Jr..
Attorney at Law,
SHSkJBMSBMMSBBMBM SSflkuMh. SMh BlSi flM , t
11 1 noono1. c
l.i.w' i J,
Poetry.
ANNIE AND WILLIE'S PRAY
ER. The following poem is one of the
most exquisitely touching and beau
tiful that we have ever read, and we
publish it now as being so peculiarly
appropriate to the Christmas holi
days, feeling assured it cannot fail to
touch a tender spot in the heart? of
all who may read it, notwithstanding
it is familiar to many. Ed. Record.
Twas the eve before Christmas, "Good night" had
been said.
And Annio and Willie had crept into bed :
There were tears on their pillows, and tears in their
yes
And each bosom wae heavy with sighs
For to-night their stern father's command had
been given,
That they should retire precisely at seven.
Instead of eight ; for they troubled him more
, With questions unheard of than eve before ;
Re had told them he thought this delusion a siu.
No such being as "Santa Claus" ever had been
And he hoped, after this, be should never more hear
How be scrambled down chimneys with presents
each year.
And this was the reason that two little hoads
8o r -stlessly tossed on their soft downy beds.
Eight, nine, and the clock on the steeple tolled ten,
Not a word had been spoken by either till then,
when Willie's sad face from the blanket did peP.
And whispered, "Doar Annie, Is you fast asleep?"
"Why, no, brother Willie," a sweet voice replies,
"I've tried It In vain, but I can't shut my eyes ;
Fi r. somehow it makes me so sorry because
Dear papa has said there Is no 'Santa Claus ;'
X ow we know there is, and It can't be denied.
For ho eame every year before mamma died.
But then, I've been thinking that she used to pray.
And God would hoar everything mamma would say
And perhaps she asked II lm to send Santa Claus
here,
With the sacks full of presents he brought every
year.
"Well, why lan't we pay dest as mamma did then,
An ask him to send him with presents adenT"
I've been thinking so, too." And without a word
more
Four little bare feet bounded out on the floor.
And tour little knees the soft carpet pressed.
And two tiny hands were clasped close to each
breaat.
"Now, Willie, you know we must firmly believe
That the pi events we ask for we're sure to receive:
You must wait just as still till I say the 'Amen,'
And by that you will know that your turn has
come then."
"Dear Jesus, look down on my brother and me,
I want a wax dolly, a tea-set and ring.
And an ebony work-box that shuts with a 'spring ;
Bless papa, dear Jesus, and cause him to see
That Santa Claus loves us far better than he.
Don't let him get fretful and angry again
At dear brother Willie and Annie, Anient"
"Please, Desus, 'et Santa Taus turn down to-night.
And bring us some presents before it Is light,
I want bo bould dive me a nice little sed.
With bright, shiny runu. auu mu tTiatoi yed t
A box full of tanay, a book aud a toy.
I'Amen, and den Du, I'll be a good boy."
Their prayers, being ended, they raised up their
heads.
And hearts light and cheerful again sought their
beds ;
They were soon lost In slumber, both peacefu
and drep.
And with fairies In Dreamland were roaming in
sleep.
Eight, nine, and tho little French clock had struck
ten,
Ere the father had thought of his children again ;
He seems now to hear Annie's half suppressed
sigh.
And see the big tears stand in Willie's blue eyes,
"1 was harsh with my darlings," he mentally said.
"And should not have sent them so early to bed :
But then I was troubled my feelings found vent
For bank-stock to day has gone down ten percent.
But, of course, they've forgot their troubles ere
this
And that I denied them the thrir-asked-for kiss,
But, ust to make sure, I'll steal up to.thelr door.
For I never spoke harsh to my darlings before."
So saying, he softly odcendd t2ae stairs.
And arrived at the door to hear both of their
prayers.
His Annie s "bless papa" draws forth the big tears.
And Willie's grave promise falls sweet on his ears,
"Strange, strange I'd forgotten," said he with a
sigh,
'How I longed, when a child, to have Christmas
draw nigh."
"I'll atono for my harshness," he Inwardly said,
"By answering their prayers ere I sleep in my bed."
Then he turned to the stairs and softly went down.
Threw off velvet slippers and silk dressing gown.
Donned hat, coat and boots, and was out in the
street,
A millionaire facing the cold, driving sleet.
Nor stopped he until he had bought everything.
From the box full of candy to the tiny gold ring ;
Indeed, he kept adding 60 much to bis store.
That the various presents outnumbered a score,
Then homeward he turned with his holiday load,
And with Aunt Mary's aid in the nursery 'twas
stowed ;
Miss dolly was seated beneath a pine tree.
By the side of a table spread out for her tea ;
A work-box well filled in the center was laid,
And on it a ring, for which Annie had prayed,
A soldier in uniform stood by a sled,
"With blight shining runners, all painted red.'
There were balls, dogs, and horses, books pleas
ing to see,
And birds of all colors were perched In the tree ;
While Santa Claus. laughing, stood up In the top.
As if getting ready more presents to drop.
And as the fond father the picture surveyed.
He thought for trouble he had amply been paid.
And he said to himself, as he brushed off a tear,
"I'm happier to-night than I have been for a year.
"I've enjoyed mere true pleasure than ever before,
What care I if bank stock falls ten per eent. morel
Hereafter I'll make It a rule, I believe.
To have Santa Claus visit us each Christmas Eve."
So thinking he gently extinguished the light
And tripped down the stairs to retire for tho night.
And soon as the boams of tho bright morning sun
Put the darkness to flight and the stars one by one.
Four littlo blue eyes out of sleep opened wide.
And at the same moment the preecnta espied.
Then out ef their bed they sprang with a bound.
And the very gifts prayed for were all ot them
found.
They laughed and they cried In their innocent glee.
And shouted for "papa" to come milck and see
What prweenta 'ld Hatita Haus brought In the night.
(Just the things ibal they wauled); and left before
ugnt.
"And aow." added Annie, In a voice soft and low.
'Tet'll I'eUeve there's a Santa Claus, papa , I
know ."
While dear little Willie rt Imbed up on his knee
iMierwIned o M-iet Mwfvn theas sIhhiKI be.
Asm! tfJ-l In soft whlrs. Ikw Annie bad said.
i That Hielr l"r, bfcuamt mamma Solon ago atead.
t'aml m k n-H itown aal pray by Ua stUe of bar
rnair,
' Aifl that Oat up In bv had answered her
i fer.
' Thn we 4nt p and dust as well as we
1 I..MM.
Al l-i aiHwerel ir prayer. n.w wasa'l Be
4. I V
"I should mt that lie wae. If Re sent jmn alt the,
Ant iitew juet wImsi r mf caiMrea wowkl
WM. ItMffl think an, (had little elf,
TmiM ! -rH t HI Mm I dM It ffiverlr ")
tti.t laikwel h eauaa yir eutu heart tore-
kiot 'fee bjsmmv wi eni t rep
Tej tftw SHKf iHie vew etenl t tip selr
! ! htm rn-tti tm aitower tt.r retre
OBLBCTDD DTORH.
CHRISTMAS STORY.
On the afternoon of December 24,
185 , though the light was fast fail
lng, a weary-looking little lady sat
close at her window, painting rapidly,
yet carefully as she finished a delicate
miniature portrait on porcelain, for
she was employed by one of our lar
gest photographic galleries, at that
time just in the beginning of its exis
tence.
Two children played lovingly and
merrily at a table near, hor room was
manually pleasant and comfortable-
looking, her own dress and the chil
dren's good and suitable there
sreied no canse for the sad and
weary rare upon her face but this
dear little woman was one who loved
her neighbor and conscientiously
lived for others, and these were her
thoughts:
I have not seen my voung neigh
bors for nearly a week until to-day,
and then tho husband looked so pale
and thin. I fear they are in trouble,
and yet I hardly daro t. venture in.
Oh, this life in lnrge cities is cruel.
Where they pack us so, utter stran
gers, in seprate rooms adjoining,
and we know nothing of each other.
Our neighbor on the othur side of
the partition may be dying of grief
or loneliness, or want, while we are
careless and gay, until some morn
ing the janitor comei in with a scared
face to say that the man in the next
room is dead died in the night alone
!iis body lies there on the oth-r
side of the wall. Oh, it is too horri
ble. Such a thing happened once in
this house before I cauie to it. It
must not happen again. I will get
paid to day for th;s picture, and when
the children are asleep I will run to
the market and buy a turkey, with all
the accompaniments, and then I will
invite Mr. and Mrs. Wilson to eat
with us to-morrow, and I will learn if
they are in trouble '
Inspired by kindly thoughts, she
worked faster than ever, and soon
the last touch was gently placed, the
mitiiature rigidly scrutinized, and
with a satisfied am le washed up.
Then telling the children to get their
coa's and hats, they all three hasten
ed away to the photograph gallery.
One young clerk was theie, having
been left in charge while the others
went home earlier than usual.
'Mr. Poser expected yon, said he,
'and told me when you brought his
wife's picture to shut up the placo,
and bring it to his house. Said he
knew you wouldn't disappoint hira
you never do.'
'WTiere is the house, Johny ? I
might take it myself (and get paid,
she added mentally.)
"Up in Fortieth street but you
hadn't better take it, Mrs. Lenox, for
he has a party to night, and I live
near there.'
Very well, Johny ; don't undo the
package: if you take it from the pack
age it might get broken.
'Oh.I'll look out; merry Christmas,
Mrs. Lennox; I won't see you to mor
row.' 'Merry Chrirtm av, Johny: I shall
not forget you on the twenly-fifth.'
She turned sadly away and went
slowly home with the children, try
ing to share enjoyment of the brill
iantly beantiful shop windows, where
so many thingi were disltyed that
she would like to own. But she
scarcely thought of that; hfr disap
pointment in not getting the expected
ten dollars that evening had quite
deranged her phms, for now no tnr
key could be bought.
Lanch, mama, l-uigh! Don't be
so still !' cried out little Bertie as she
glanced up at her sad face. The
mother smiled to please her a ten
der loving smil, such as an angel's
face might wear, and both the chil
dren laughed outright.
'Dear innocents ! They know noth
ing of life's trials and disappointment !
Neither shall they know ; I have al
ways made them happy, and I will
still do so, whether we have a Christ
mas dinner or not !'
New energy animated hr; she
joined with her darlings in admiring
beautiful and wonderful toys, books,
and all the various holiday gifts so
temptingly displayed, and only took
them home when they were ready. As
she helped little Bertie up the long,
tedious flight of stairs that led to
their two rooms, while Madge trip
ped lightly on ahead, she met Mrs.
Wilson, her neighbor, coming down,
and exchanging a pleasant greeting.
saw that the young wife's eyelashes
were wet with tears, while her voice
sounded unnatnrally cheerful.
So the artist, wno nad been a
jonng wife herself one, and was now
a patient, quiet little widow fell a
planning again aa soon as she had
given the children th ir supper, and
after a mrrry game of romps put
them to bed.
Only one dollar beside the money
for rent !" she sighed, and four meals
to provide before I can see Mr. Poser.
Well, I have some stores in the pan
try; I will ne what there in and then
go to market I mnst manage to
fthibre my dinner wi my poor neigh
bors at lut to invi'e them or I
hall h troubled all dy. How glad
I am that I bought gifts for the chil
dren three w-k since, when they
er rhajier and I .had the money;
now they at least will not be de
frauded of their expected enjoyment
o.i Christmas day V
Among the lessons which the vicis
situdes of life had taught this brave
littlo woman was that of the true art
of cookery how to provide a deli
cious meal' from cht ap and simple
materials; so when she had looked
through her pantry she tripped off to
market with a self-satisfied and happy
smile, as if she had been going to buy
the largest turkey and best bunch of
cfelt-ry to be found there, though her
baket was small and her purse held
only one do lar.
The Wilsons, her neighbors, occu
pied but one room, which was warm
ed by a largo open grate, and Mrs.
Lenox knew that the young wife was
accustomed to cook a simple break
fast by this tire, every morning. Hut
for two morning past there had boen
no fragrance of beefsteak and coffee,
or any other good thing, coming
through the cracks of the nailed-up
door that led from her pantry into
their room, and she could not help
fearing that they were living very
frugally.
Ho on Christmas morning Mrs.
Lenox went with her children to bid
her young neighbors 'Merry Christ
mas' and when the Wilsou's door
was opened one quick glance showed
her that cooking had been done
that day, nor was likely to be. The
husband sat by the window looking
out, while the wife was sewing near
a very sma 1, carefully built fire.
Both responded politely at ner
greeting, but they looked pale and
sad.
The artist hurried back to her
room and wrote a friendly little note
inviting them to shre her Christ
mas dinner, because her othor friends
were not coming and she did not
like to dine alone. But they wrote a
ueliotttelj-wordod, friendly refusal,
on the ground of preferring to spend
their holidays with each other oidy.
The kind little woman sighed, but
went on with her preparations for
dinner, while her children enjoyed
the pretty gilts that had made them
happy since morning By-and by she
wrote another note, which read :
' Don't be annoyed, dear Mr. Wil
son, if I beg you to accept one little
dish from my table since you
prefer to remain at home, because I
am dreadfully superstitiou, and I be
lieve in tho Saxon proverb: 'The
family whose Christmas dinner is un
shared, will be unlucky all the year.'
So please do tate a morsel, just to
save me from misfortune.
Tours truly, Kate Lenox."
Then on a cMna plotter she ar
ranged a most appetizing little fillet,
tender and brown and juicy, flanked
by sliced potatoes browned in gravy,
amber-like bits of carrot tender as
jelly, sippets of toast, and over the
whole a gravy that would have com
polled the praise of a Frenchman.
All around these she placed tender
heart-leaves of lettuce, and put the
dish on a pretty to tray with a sau
cer of eranbenT jelly beside it, and
her little note edgewise between
them, and softly opening the door
looked out.
No one was in the halt so Mrs.
Lenox noiselessly put the tray close
to her neighbor's door, rapped loudly,
and instantly darted sw;ftly back to
her own room, softly shutting herself
in. Then with her children she en
joyed just such a dinner as she had
given her neighbor. There came no
sound from the adjoining room, for
the walls were thick enough to muffle
ordinary noises, and Mrs. Lenox did
not know if the Wilsons were pleased
or not, but solaced herself with the
saying'no news is good news and took
her children out for a walk.
That evening, when the little ones
were asleep and the artist in her
pretty studio reclined on the sofa en
joying a book, she heard a timid rap,
and Mrs. Wilson came quietly in. She
tried to speak but could not: her
cheeks grew crimson and her earnest
eyes sparkled with moisture; fieu as
Kate Lenox rose to receive her neigh
bor with a pleasant smile of welcome
the young wife fell into her arms
sobbing:
"Ob, you angel, God bl-sfc yon.'
The artist felt her own eyea grow
dim but endeavored to speak lightly
as she drew her guest to sit by her on
the sofa, saying :
You are very good not to be vexed
with me for wanting you to taa my
fillet. Do you know I rather pride
myself on mv cooking!
'Ah, God bless you ! You saved
us ! We were hungry V
'Hungry' ! cried Kate Lenox, hor
rified. 'Hungry on Christmas day !'
Mrs. Wilson was not a weak young
woman only unnerved by the ex
citement ; she composed herself soon
and explained.
'Yes,' she said in low thrillinf tones
we had only a loaf of bread and bit
ofchcese all yesterday, and to-day
only a few biscuits, until you placed
that delicious dinner at our door.
Oh ! it was like the heavenly manna.
When I was aating I thought I was
no longer in this world.
"I am so glad that you were not
angry at me.'
'Harry was angry at first. He wish
ed me to carry it back at once, and
when I imp'ored him just to taste a
j little, he said we were not beggars,
and ordered me to return it. I think
! he was really out of his mind, he
1 went on so dretdfnUy, and reminded
me that I h: d promised to die with
him to-night.
4Oh T
'Ah, yes den' t condemn ns too se
verely. He has been sick and out of
work; we have been poor a long time.
AH our clothes ate wearing out you
know that is hard on a lady and gen
tleman 7 We have been used to Jive
well. Now people owe Harry who
don't pay, and at laut his money and
courage went together. But you saved
us ! Poor Harry ! he had lost his
faith in God, and I, too have been
sorely tried; but I kept telling him
that we should not be allowed to per
ish so miserably; that a ministering
angel would be sent, and you came
God's angel I Oh, I love you,"
She could say no mora for a while.
but Kite Lfluox presently entreated,
'And now you mutt really let me be
your friend. I have plenty in the
house for breakfast, that is if you like
French pancakes and coffee.
'Ah, you have given us all we need!
I coaxed and pleaded with Harry till
he ate with me, and presently ho rose
and said he felt like a man again,
and went out to one debtor whom he
got fifty dollars from, and this gave
him new life; so that be went to a
genieman whom we knew and got aa
engagement of work to begin with
the new year I
'Oh, I am glad 1'
The faces of both women shone
with a ra liaut happiness, then the
young wife asked :
'May I look at your sleeping chil
dren ?' They went in the inner room,
wiiere rha bunt al ore euc i little bed
a moment in prayer, and softly mur
mured aloud, 'May they know hap
piness as intense as I have known
misery !'
At the door of the studio, kissing
Kate Lenox with a tender and rever
ent grace, she said :
'You could do only one little deed
of mercy to us, which will laat our
lives. You must minister to oihers
now God's angel!'
CHRISTMAS
The following ii an extract from
Washington Ir wing's essay on "Chris
tmas," which we publish because it eo
beautifully expresses the sentiments
that so many feel at this season.
"It in a beautiful arrangement, alse.
derived from days of yore, that this
festival, which commemorates the an
nouncement of the religion of peace
and love, has been made the season
for gathering together of family con
nections, and drawing closer again
those baud of kindred hearts, which
the cares the pleasures and sorrows
of the world are continually operat
ing to cast loose ; of calling back the
children of a family, who have launch
eifoith into life, and wandered wide
ly asunder, once more to assemble
about the paternal hearth, that rally
ing place of the affections, there to
grow young and loving again among
the endearing mementos of childhood.
There is something in the very sea
son of the year that gives a charm to
the festivity of Christmas. At other
times we derive a great portion of
our pleasures from the mere beauties
of nature. Our feelings sally forth
and dissipate themselves over the
sunny landscape, and we "live abroad
and everywhere." The song of the
bird, the murmur of the s're-tm, the
breathing fragrance of spring, the
soft voluptuousness of summer; the
golden pomp of autumn; earth with
its mantle of refreshing green, and
heaven with its deep delicious blue
and its cloudy magmncenee, all fill
us with mute but exquisite d'Jigh,
and we revel in the luxury of mere
sensation. But in the depth of win
ter, when nature lies despoiled of
every charm, and wrapped in her
shroud of sheeted snow,; we turn for
onr gratifications to moral soni ces.
The dreariness and desolation of the
landscape, the short gloomy days and
darksome nights, while they circum
scribe our wandering, shut in our
feelings alio for rambling abroad, and
make us more keenly disposed for the
pleasure of the social circle. Our
thoughts are more concentrated; our
friendly sympathies more aroused. We
feel more sensibly the charm of each
other's society, and are brought more
closely together by dependence on
each other for enjoyment Heart call
eth unto heart; and we draw onr
pleasures from the wells of loving
kindness, which lio in the quiet re
cesses of our bosoms; and which,
when resorted to furnish forth the
pure element of domestic felicity.
The pitchy gloom without makes
the heart dilate on entering the room
filled with the glow and warmth of
the evening fire. The ruddy blaze
diffuses an artificial summer and
sunshine through the room, and lights
up eaeh count enace in a kindlier wel
come. Where does the honeet face
of hospitality expand into a broader
and more cordial smilewhere is the
shy planes of love more sweetly elo
quent than by the winter fireside t
and as the hollow blast of wintry
wind rushes through the ball, claps
the distant door, whistles about the
casement and rumbles down the
chimney, what can be more grateful
than that feeling of sober and shel
tered security, with which we look
round upon the comfortable chamber
ana tue scene ei eomesuc niiaruy i
The English, from the great preva
tence of rural habit throughout every
elass of soeielT, have al wars been
fond of those festivals and holidays
which agreeably interrupt the still
ness of country life; and they were,
in former days, particularly obser
vant of the religious and social rites
of Christmas. It is inspiring to read
even tho dry details which some anti
quanes have given of the quaint tu
mors, the burlesque pageants, the
complete abandonment to mirth and
good-fellowship, with which this fes
tival was celebrated. It seemed to
throw open everv door, and unlock
every heart. It brought the peasant
and the peer together, and blended all
ranks in one warm generous flow of
joy and kindness. The old halls of
castles and manor-houses resounded
with the harp and he Christmas carol,
and their ample boards groaned un
der the weight of hospitality. Even
the poorett cottage welcomed the
festive season with green decorations
of bay and holly the cheerful fire
glanced its rays through' the lat'ice,
inviting the passengers to raise the
latch, and join the gossip knot hud
dled round the hearth, beguiling the
long evening with legendary jokes
and oft-told Christmas tales.
One of the least pleasing effects of
modern refinement i the havoc it has
made among the hearty old holiday
customs. It has completely taken off
the sharp tonchinge, and spirited re
liefs of these embellishments of life,
and has worn down society into a
more smooth and polished, but cer
tainly a les characteristic surface.
Many of the games and ceremonials
of Christmas have entirely disappear
ed, and like the saerris sack of old
FalsUff, are become matters of spec
ulation and dispute among commen
tators. They flourished in times full
of spirit aud lustihood, when men en
joyed life roughly, but heartily and
vigorously; times wild and pictures
que, which have furnished poetry with
its richest materials, and the drama
with its most attractive variety of
cnaracters and manners. The world
has become more worldly. There is
more of dissipation, and less enjoy
ment. Pleasure has expanded into a
broader, but a shallower stream; and
has forsaken many cf those deep and
quiet channels where it flowed sweet
ly through the calm bosom of domes
tic life. Society has acquired a more
enlighten and elegant tone, but it
has Jot many of its strong local pe
culiarities, its homebred feelings, its
honest nre-side delights. The tra
ditionary customs of golden-hearted
antiquity, its feudal hospi:alities,
and lordly wassailings, have passed
away with the baronial castles and
stately uunor houses in which thev
were celebrated. They comported
with the shadowy hall, the great oak
en gallery, and the tapestried parlor,
but are unfitted to the light snowy
saloons and gay drawing rooms of
the modern villa.
Shorn, however, as it is, of its an
cient and festive honors, Christmas
is still a period of delightful excite
ment in England. It is gratifying
to see that home feeling completely
aroused which holds so powerful a
place in every bosom. The prepara
tions making on every side for &he
social board that is again to unite
friends and kindred; the presents of
good cheer pissing and repassing,
those tokens of regard, and quicken
ers of kind feelings; the evergreens
distributed about houses and church
es, emblems of peace and gladness;
all these have the most pleasing effect
in producing fond associations, and
kindling benevolent sympathies.
Amidst the general call to happi
ness, the bustle of the spirits, and
stir of the affections, which prevail at
this period, what bosom can remain
insensible ? It is, indeed, the season
of regenerated feeling the season
for kindling, not merely the fire ef
hospitality in the hall, but the genial
flame of charity in the heart.
The scene of early love again rises
green to memory beyond the sterile
waste of years; and the idea of home,
fraught with the fragrance of home
dwelling joys, reanimates the droop
ing spirit; as the Arabian breeze will
waft the freshness of the distant
fields to the weary pilgrims of the
desert
Sentiments.
Yirtue detervos respect even in beg
gars' clothes.
A restless mind gathers nothing
but dirt and mire.
. To gain a good reputation, be what
you desire to appear.
God firstself last all the rest
will ccme in the right order.
He who expects a friend without
fault will never find one.
Waste no vain words en the past ;
spare them for the future.
If you are not right toward God,
you can never be toward man.
Take heed of being infected with
the breath of a profane heart
Division among families itan.un
pleasant sort of arithmetic.
It is uncertain at what place death
awaite thee, wait them for it at every
place.
Morality without religion-is only a
kind of dead reckoning an endeavor
to navxgato a -cloudy sea by measur
ing the distance we have to run, hut
without observation of the heavenly
bodies.
A witty lady being asked htr opin
ion of moustaches, replied : I have
always set my face against them."
Christmas Customs.
THE OniOIN OF CHRISTMAS AS A HOLIDAY
THE MANNEB OF ITS CELEBRATION
in DirrxaxNT cghtnime.
The 29th of December is the day
on which the sun is near tho mpst
southern point in its apparent an
nual journey, and for so long Me
have historical record, it has bee&
celebrated by cercrauni' s and rejoic
ings. Tho Hindoos on th's day d-corate
their homes with garlands of flowers
and papers of gold and tinsel, and
the custom of making presents to
relatives and friends is universally
?pservea.
The Egyptians recognized it by their
festival in honor of tho birth of their
god Horu-.
In China it is a general holiday, all
the shops are shut and the courts
closed. No journey would under any
circumstances bo commenced on tun
dav.
The Persians kept it as tho birth
day of Mithras the Mediator, a epirit
of the un, with ceremonies of un
common splendor.
The old Romans he!d high festi
val in honor of Bacchus, rejoicing
with Ivini that tho sun was about to
return and revivify tho vineyard.
They designated the day the birth
day of the invincible sun.
There is no record that the birth
day of Jesus the Christ, was observ
ed till the second century. At the
suggestion of Pope Telesphorua some
of the Eastern church' s recognized
the 6th of January as the day, while
those of the West added it to other
celebrations in the last week of Do
cember. In the fonrth century Pope Julius
made an order assembling the chief
theologians of the time, for the pur
pose of examining all evidence bear
ing upon the date of the birth of
Jesus, that they should, if possible,
fix the day, in order that its obser
vance might be universal. After due
deliberation they decided that it was
on December tho 25th. This deci
sion was, at the time, believed by
many of the fathers iu the church to
be crronoous, and they went so far as
to assert that tho examinors had been
biased in their decision, by the de
sire to please the public, to whom
this day had al:eady b-como to be a
noted one. Popular feeling, however,
sustained the council in their deci
sion, which was finally universally
accepted and commemorated, al
though it is now generally believed
to be wrong. On tho publication of
the decision the Roman Church de
creed and instituted special prayera
to priests, to be said on that day,
which are known as Christ asmses.
But wo find another derivation for
the mm. Tho old Saxon had a
word Mfcssa, by which they desig
nated all days freed from labor,
whether holidays or fast days. The
holidavs kept in remembrance of the
birth of Christ, were Christ meosKa.
The spread of the Christian rbl:
gion carried with it the observance
of Christmas as a religious festival
with which became c nnccttfd other
observances varying with the cus
toms and habits of different nations.
With the Germans, Christmas is e
teemed the "Children's Festival,' and
with thena originated the world fa
mous mvtb of "Saint Nicholas," alia
"San'a Claus," a'ias "Ktis Kringle,"
the p tron of Yule tide and the friend
of all proper boys and prettily be
haved girls. Happily the reforms in
the obsrvanco of the day which be
gan in Germany, reached and was
copied in other portions of Europe.
Christmas is also now "Children's
Day," in England and France. In
toys and confection for the period
the children are distinctly remember
ed in Italy, and in America tho
Christmas Tree, the "stockings hung
by the chimney with care," and the
harmless merry games and in
nocent glee of childhood supplant
muca of the boisterous carousal
which once tended to render the day
rollicking and riotous. It w is for
merly the custom, and is still the
practice in some of the small villages
in North Germany, to commission the
parsonage of "Knccht Rupert," cor
responding with our " Santa Claus,"
to distribute all the presents made
by parents and friends t children.
Disguised by a mark, wcarinsr an
enormous flaxen beard, clad in a long
white rob, and shod in tall bncjL
skins, " Kne cht Rupert" went to ajl
houses, wa received by the parents
with great ceremony, cal'ed for the
children, and after the strictest in
vestigation into ibir deserving, dis
pensed gifts accordingly. "San a
Clans," we nil know, reports himself
differently.
A young mat. who went to Colora
do to grow up with a gold mine,
writes to his patents ta the East that
he will leave for home as soon a he
cap -borrow a pair of pants. He still
has hia vest and necktie.
Fashion Nocs.-rFur. collars are
little worn .by lad ics flhifleason, and
this will give rise to many. severe
coughs and colds. Dri-Bull' Cough
Syrup is a certain and safe cure iu
fcvery case. Price 25 cents.
111 ""S ."B - pBSBWBSWBi MPMMBB
A lazy boy was complaining that
his bed was too short, when his father
sternly replied : "That in because yqa
I are always too long in it, sir "