North Carolina Newspapers

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: 1.00 1.00 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 "