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itatttttott -Spectator. _=_. S. rO-E-K., Editor aaaA -.Proprietor. TERMS, $1 .OO A YEAR IN ADVANCE. Remittances should be made by check d n't, postal order, or registered letter. PKOFJSS c *OIMA__. .IAMKS BUMGARDNER, Jr. j l «n_.<__j__*B*, kl-dolph bumgardner. J., J. L , & H. BUMGAKDNEB, ATTORNEYS AN Ii COUNSELLORS AT LAW. Prompt attention given to all legal business entrusted to our hands. JM. PERU-, ATTOUNERY-AT-LAW, .ii Bast Main Btreet. Staunton, Va. OCt 19-tf i ■ .MiTEIt BRAXTON, V. ATTOBNEY-AT-LAW, No. 23 S, Augusta St. Special attention given to collections. CS. W. BARNES, . ATTOBNEY-AT-LAW, N0.;4 West Main Street, sept 27-tf Staunton, Va. WH. LANtIES, . ATTOHNEV-.-T-LAW, STAUNTON, VA. No. 2, Court House Square. aug 11-ti" ALEX. F. KOIIEBTSON, ATTOBNEY-AT-LAW, STAUNTON, VA. Offlce No. 4 Lawyers' Bow, in rear of Court house. DR. D. A. BUCHER DENTIST. Offlce in Crowle Building, Room 25, 3rd floor Offlce hours from il A, M. to fl P. M. may 27 HUGH G. EICHELBEBGER, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW, Staunton, Va. ES~Prompt attention to collections. R. S. Turk. Henry W. Holt. TURK & HOLT, ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW, No. 8 Lawyers' Bow, Staunton, Va. Law Offices ALEXANDER & TAYLOR, Lawyers, No 8 Lawyers' Bow, oct 17-tf JM. QUARLES, . ATTORNEP-AT-LAW, STAUNTON, VA. feb 17, '86-tf Wm. A. Pkatt, Hugh Holmes Kerb. PRATT & E.ERR, ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW, No. 17 Court Place, - - Staunton, Va NOTARY PUBLIC. JOS. A. GLASGOW, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW. Rooms, No. 23 S. Augusta Street, Skinner Building. STAUNTON, VA. aug 10-tf i Dr. h. m. Patterson, staunton, va. Offers his professional services to the citi zens o£ Staunton. Offlce No. 121 East Mtaiu Street. JH. CROSIER, . ATTORNEY-AT-LAW. Offlce on Courthouse square, STAUNTON, VA. Prompt attention given to all legal business entrusted to him, lv State or Federal Courts. Will devote entire time to his profession, iune 1-tf YJ E. R. NELSON, attorney-at-law and commissioner n Chancery. OFFICE No. 10 LAWYERS' ROW, Jan 4-tf STAUNTON, VA. A C. BRAXTON ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR. OFFICE. —Crowle Bcildino opposite Y. M. C. A. - i .1 attention given to corporation and real i state law, i;.'. ving closed ni' a.l! outside business, which Cor yeal or two interrupted my regular law ice, i am now enabled to. and shall, from boil line, give my undivided time and oxclu siv. ;_ .teiition tc the law; and to such persons aa oiy .ntiusi. me with their litigation, I prom ise my best efforts and such ability as I may possess lan ls-tf BABYLAND I he- l.abiCß' Own Tn CE j;xs A YEAR. MagiiTine. JU For l-üby, up to the Six-iand even Seven y.-i-.r-Old. "A magazine for the Wth ones, which always charm* them," says The Ladies' Home Journal. Leading Features of New Volume: Mary Ellen's Playtimes. Her adventures and playmates, lly Mrs. Ella Farmau Pratt. Baby's butriiPAY Songs. Charming verses with pictures, for every baby of every month. Hy Grey iiurleson. A Pint ok Peanuts. Entertaining occupations for the nursery. By Marion Beatty. Curious Draw inc. Lessons (for little fin gers). Hy "iioz." Mother Goose-isii Jingles and Pictorial Stories In every number. Beautiful Full-page Pictures that tell their own stories. New Vol. begins with Nov. number. Sample copy free. ALPHA PUBLISHING CO. '&sff.g- HOLIDAY EXCURSION TO WASHINGTON I). C. The B. & O. Railroad Company will inaugu rate a series of monthly excursions to the Na tlonal|Capital, from Pittsburg, Wheeling. Park ersburg, Lexington, Hagerstown and inter mediate points along its lines as far East as Washington Junction, affording an excellent opportunity for a mid-winter ..aunt to the Na tional Capital. The first excursion of the series is announced for Thursday, December 26th. The rates are remarkably low and the time limit ample enough to allow visitors an oppor tunity to visit all the Public Buildings and In stitutions in Washington and make side trips to points of interest in near vicinity. We give below a list of stations showing the time of trains and rates of fare. leave. a. m. a. m. p. m. rate Capon Road 1057 711 $3 30 Cedar Creek 1107 7 22 315 Middletown 1112 727 3 10 Stephens City 1123 7 38 2 95 Winchester (100 1143 8 00 2 70 Stephenson 6 09 1153 811 tSS Wadesville Bill 12 03 pin 8 21 2 40 Summit Point.... S» 1213 832 225 Charlestown 6 46 12 32 8 51 200 Hall-own 6 55 12 42 9 01 las Millville 7 00 12 47 9 06 175 Harper's Ferry... 708 12 58 915 l(js Sandy Hoon 714 1237 .... 105 Washington.. Ar. 920 253 1125 Corresponding lew rate-i from other stations j Tickets will be good ten days. For guide to points of interest in Washing ton, address nearest B. &.O. Agent. dec 18-2ts What is Castoria is Dr. Samuel Pitcher's prescription for Infants and Children. It contains neither Opium, Morphine nor other Narcotic substance. It is a harmless substitute ■ for Paregoric, Drops, Soothing Syrups, and Castor Oil. It is Pleasant. Its guarantee is thirty years' use by Millions of Mothers. Castoria is the Children's Panacea —the Mother's Friend. Castoria. Castoria. "Castoria is so well adapted to children that Castoria cures Colic, Constipation, I recommend it as superior to any prescription Sour Stomach, Diarrhoea, Eructation, known to me." H. A. Archer, M. D„ Kills Worms, gives sleep, and promotes di 111 So. Oxford St., Brooklyn, N. Y. gestion, , Without injurious medication. "The use of 'Castoria' is so universal and its merits so well known that it seems a work « For eTal years j have reeommendeii of supererogation to endorse it. Few are the your . -_ d always continue tc intelligent families who do not keep Castoria do it haa produced benefiei., within easy reach." results." Carlos Martin, D. D., Edwin F. Pardee, M. D., New York City. 125 th Street and 7th Aye., New York City. The Centaur Company, 77 Murray Streitt, New York City otftttlttott VOL. 72. GRA'I EFUJ_— COMFORTING. EPPS'S COCOA BRKAKFBSI- SUPPER. "By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws wh'ch govern the operations of digestion I an- nutrition, and by a care-ill application of the fine properties of well selected Cocoa, Mr. Epps has provided for our breakfast and supper a delicateiv flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills. It is by the judicious liseof such articles of dietthat a constitution may he gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to dis ease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are float ing urcund us ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fata! shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame." —Civil Service Gazette. Made simply with boil ing wa er or milk. Sold only in liaif-pound tins, by Grocers, labelled thus: JAMES EPPS & CO.. Ltd., Homoeopathic Chemists, London, England. declß-4ts . . mm Chichester's En.U-Ii Diamond Brum?. Pennyroyal fills I /-<!»" v Original and Only Genuine. A j* if rtwN. BArc ' Al* a 7 s reliable, ladies *sk jff\ fc.jS __§•**». I'rußgiEt f° r Chichester* English J ) »"a- I <ff\\ _7rau<- in Ked and Gold cieUtlli"-\%©' *bk scaled with blue ribbon. Take Vfir *JW 4JSi w-tiKiulhiT. Rrfusedangeroussubstitw ▼ J / ~ sjiftiQn* and imitations. Ai Druggists, or send 4c I W f-AW ia stamps for particular!, testimonials and V *C* J9 "Relief tor l.ailli-*." inlct.fr, bj return ___\ If Mail. 10.000 Testimonials. Name .Paper. _ >fc — - "/ Chlchc»terChemlcalC__. t ModUoii Stjuare, | atMbj Ul Local Dru- ■■ ■«. l'tUUida.. I>* dec 18-4ts HHAIR BALSAM Cleanses and beautifies the hair. Promotes a luxuriant growth. Never Pails to E©store Gray Hair to its Youthful Color. Cures scalp diseased & hair falling. flOe, and $1.00 at Druggirtl HINDERCORNS. The only lure Cure lor Corns. Stops all pain. Ensure, eom j'otjto tie 1-eUMskel w .-.iking <r_s_. l_.t_. at D-uggi.t.. dec 18-4ts LEARN TELEGRAPHY under our Railway System and you will al ways be sure of a pension. Railway and Commercial Telegraphy thoroughly taught. Write for circular. Ad dress Chautauqua Railway Telegraphy Co., Jamestown, N. Y. dec 18-its | , | flours for Ainval and Closing of Mails at Staun ton Postoiee. ARRIVE. BY C AND O. RAILROAD. 5 a. m. from north, south, east and west. - 9.57 a. m. from west. 2.40 p. m. from Klchmond and intermediate points. 7.05 p. m. from north, east and south. BY B. AND O. 7.22 a. m. from Lexington and intermediate points. 1.30 p. m. from the north. 11.09 p. m. from the north, Harper's Ferry and intermediate points. STAR ROUTES. 7 a. ni. from Plunkettsville, daily except Sun day. 10 a. ni. from Mt. Meridian, daily except Sun day. sp. m. from Middlebrook, daily except Sun day. 5.30 p. m. from Monterey, daily except Sunday. 10.30 a. ni. from San&ersville. CLOSE. FOR E. AND O. 3,30 a. m. tor Lexington, 6.30 a. m, Harper's Ferry and points north. 2.15 a. in. for Harrisonburg, Woodstock and points north. 1.10 p. m. for Lexington and Intermediate points. 6.00 p. m. for Lexington and Intermediate points. FOR C AND O. 11.15 a. m. and 2,15 p. m. for north, east, south ii.OO p. m. for east, north, south and west. 2.15 p. in. for Clifton Forge and intermediate points. H. 15 p. m. for the west. STAR ROUT-IS—DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. 5.3*1 a. m. for Monterey. 6.00 a. m. for Middlebrook. 1.00 p. m. for Mt. Meridian. 6.15 p. m. for I'lunkettsville. 12.30 p. in. for Mt. Solon daily, STAUNTON OFFICE Opens 7a. m., closes 7 p. m. Money order and registry business opens at 8 a. m., closes 6 D. m W. T. McCUE. P. M. NOTICE. I WANT every man and woman in the United States interested in the Opium and Whisky habits to have one of my books on these dis eases. Address B. M. Woolley, Atlanta, G*. Box 382, and one will be - ent you free. FALL AND WINTER li l FOR GENTLEMEN AND YOUTHS I would most respectfully invite the atten tion of my customers and friends, and the public generally, to my new tine stock of FALL AND WINTER GOODS, which will please all tastes. In variety and quality of goods my present stock has never been excelled by any which I have ever here tof ore had. Now is the time to get tasteful and useful SUITS IN THE LATEST STYLES. Suits or Piece Articles of Clothing made up nfche most approved styles, and WARRANTED TO GIVE SATISFACTION. Goods also sold to be made elsewhere if de sired. All I ask is a call, knowing that ant taste can be pleased J. A. HUTCHESON sept 23 No. 124 West Main Stree t VIRGINIA HOTEL RESTAURANT. On First Floor—Entrance on New street. Nice newly furnished rooms, private for ladies and gentlemen and connected with the ladies' Entrance and Front Restaurant Din ing Room. Nice Oysters served in any style desired. The best service—Low charges. nov 21-lv J. C. SCHEFFER, Prop'r. CITY CONSTABLE'S OFFICE—I have opened an office at No. 10 North New Street, and am prepared to give attention to any business placed in my hands. I can be J found at my office any hour, when not engaged In outside work pertaining to the duties of the office. JOHN A. NOON, Constable (or the City of Staunton Va. jniy U-tf CHRISTMA9~JW. BUC.fWyMKIV'B. f T'mor' gvrtne te Chrls'mus, chlUti-iB, But I dunno 'bout Sandy Claws. '. I spock de ole man's broke dis Chris'milS) Ain't no wok fo' his ole claws. He bank done bus'; ho los his money; I He wo'kmen quit, dat what dey said. S'poc he keep away dis Chris'mus— Mout be dat de ole man's daid. What's dat, Dinah? Whar yo' git it— Dat big box yo' settin on? Full o' nuts an toys an candy Done brung heah by Massa John? Massa's mighty good dis Chris'mus, Melts my ole h'aht leap wid joy Dat ho 'meii-bahs his black mammy Wha' nussed him when ho lil' boy. Huh I Jlhm- John he sen' a possum? Praise de Lawd fo' dat good meat! T'mor' suah be Chris'mus, honey— Dat de day we gwine t' eat. Cl'ar off t' bed, now, all you chilluns. Doan' yo' heah me wha' I say? Time t' heah dem sleighbells l-ingin, Time dem reingeers jog dis way. Gawn t' bod an quit dat talkin; Dis yere am' no time fur play. Ef you chilluns doan' bo quiet, Yo' sca'h ole Sandy Claws away. Pull dem khivers up aroun yo'; Shot yo' eyes up good an tight. T'mor' gwine be Chris'mus, chilluns, An Sandy Claws he cum tonight. —Chicago Times. BILLY'S CHRISTMAS. Zeph Davis didn't agree with the world at all. He found very few things which met his unqualified approval, and the more persons he found agreed upon a certain point the more certain was he to dis cover the utter weakness of their posi tion. He was very shrewd and looked at the world from the heights occupied by a superior and complacent being. It amused him to see all the women agree ing on certain lines of house ornamenta tion. It provoked 'him to find all the men united ou theories of improvement, dres3 and behavior. He particularly re sented the universal surrender of the race to the spirit of Christmas. "It's all hoky poky," said Zeph. As Christmas approached his wife wondered if he would not break his usual habit and make some conventional preparation. She remembered a very pleasant gayety in these seasons when a girl, but had been unable to repeat them since becoming the wife of Zeph. And her little boy, now 6 years old, added to her uneasiness. Ho had caught some thing of tho season's inspiration fron_ the children who drifted past his cabin home and from tho activities at the great house of tho squire when he went up there one day to do am errand for his mother. Ho was full of questions which his mother could not entirely answer and which he could not suspend when his father was at home. But down through his infant consciousness at last filtered the conviction that ho and his household were outside the pale embraced in the reign of Santa Claus. He had no doubt the day held a groat and joyful sig nificance to the squire's children, nor that Santa Claus came down a chimney and gave presents to all the good little boys and girls in the world. Only, of course, his house was not included. The gentle sway of the Christ child could not naturally embrace the little cabin at the edge of tho woods. Yet he had an unformed, pathetic little regret that it was so. Zeph was in town Christmas eve and staid a littlo later thau usual, though that did not trouble his wife much. He was not in the habit of coming home till he got ready, not leaving till moved by tho same consideration. Only ho was sure to come some time, and always sober. Ho was quite superior to the nearly universal har it of acquiring a dual personality by imbibing stimu lants. It was altogether an unmixed folly to him. "Town's pretty lively, I reckon," said his wife as Zeph came in and prepared for supper. He did not remove an over coat. He wore none. He looked upon that custom as quite as unnecessary as popular notions usually were. " Ya-aE," snarled Zeph, grinning in derision of what ho had seen. "Stores all lighted up, and candy and things in the winders." "Whut things in the winders, pap?" inquired the boy, his blue eyes large and bright. "Oh, toys, and them things!" "Whut things?" again, but hesitat ingly. Zeph glanced warningly at the boy and then slowly replied: "Skates and red mittens and some wooden soldiers and drums and pictur' books." The boy had never seen the stores, for he had never been in town, but he had in his mind a very vivid picture of tho place and its glories. And he looked very straight at his father as that pic ture took form beforo him. "Many people in town?" questioned the wife. She had seen those splendors on Christmas eve, and she had counted on seeing them again this season. "Ya-as; the stores was crowded and the streets was full of teams. Couldn't git moron .0 cents for thafcoonskin and had to take that in trade. Wouldn't pay no moron 50 cents if I took it in cash. So I traded for some truck and come home. They tried to sell me a lot of plunder, but I don't go nonoon them things." "Whr.t plunder, pap?" asked the boy. The resources for trimming his fancy Etores were really very slender. He needed more material. Just a faint would do. It seemed so real to him. "Oh, a tin horse and wagon and a candy bird and a woolly little sheep that says 'bah !' " "Big sheep, pap, or just a lamb?" "Naw. About so high. " And Zeph measured a span from tho top of tho ta ble. That changed the whole interior of his wonder cave for the boy. These treasures wero smaller than the natural size. If smaller, why could they not be made larger? So his wonderful creations were taking delightful shape. It was quite a picture he found himself arranging when his mother said from the depths of tho dishpan, where she was finishing the supper work: "You're sound asleep, Billy. Goto bed." And he hurried into his little cot, hoping he could carry the dream unbro- , ken. How they danced before him, those excellent animals! How gravely the birds addressed him, and how reason able it seemed that tin soldiers should become live dogs and bark aloud, and how swift it all was, for this was morn ing, and Dash, the hound, was challeng ing some noises he heard in the woods across the road. This was just the same as any other morning to Zeph. He got up lazily and dressed in a flood of sunshine, shivering a little and complaining that his wife had no better fire. He looked out on the deep snow and knew the hunting would be excellent. Just after breakfast a sleighload of fmnma passed. tli-U bells JioeliOt. J-jjll STAUNTON, VA., WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25,1895. tempting melody and jingling still trn the horses stopped in front of the j (quire's farmhouse, when they gave way i to shoutings of cheer and answering shouts of welcome. I "Must be Miller's folks, from Burr Oaks," said Zeph's wife, as she closed the door and wondered if bar other dress was not better than this one. The boy stood there at the window, with his chin on the sill, and tried to regain his dream estate, froiu which the daylight had ejected him. Presently he saw the squire's children coining down the road with a basket, and lie went out and stood on the tteps in the sunshine. The squire's children were taking a tur key to old Mrs. Ktevens, down by the lake. They Stop] ed at the gate, and he went down lo lock at their presents. They each had a pair of skates and were going to tiy tfccm on the lal-e if tho ice was good. Est no ice coul I add to the present pleasure of ownership. They had new shoes and a silk handkerchief, , with a letter in the corner of it, and a namber of cantiy horses, and one of the girls had a gold finger ring. They had hung their stockings on a line behind the stove, and everything was filled in the morning. Little Billy added another view to his Christmas lore. It was a time for making people happy. He remembered a party of children thatcaine down here in a light wagon when hazelnuts were ripe and stopped for a drink of water from the spring, and he found himself wondering what the day had brought to those children. Of course it never occurred to him to take a personal view of the matter. He never imagined himself included in that wondrous embrace, "For of such is the kingdom of heaven. " His nose was rod, and his hands were thrust deep in his pockets when he re turned to the house. But he sat on the chest there by the fireplace and won dered silently. Zeph was greasing his" boots and re gretting that he didn't have oil instead of tallow. -He rather resented the fact that the house was tidier than usual, that a plate of apples was upon the table, and that his wife was rolling pie crust and cutting cookies—her hair done up as Ehe used to wear it wheu he went a-wooing. Ho expressed his disapproval of all this hoky poky and asked her what she was going to have for dinner. She said nothing for a time. She wished he had not asked her. There was so lit tle, but she had planned to make it ap pear as fair a3 possible. Across her silence came the bark of Dash over there in tho woods, and the hunter instinct in Zeph was roused. Sinco no one had asked him to go hunt -._ ing he felt no disinclination to look for game. So he glanced out of the win dow, caught sight of ihe hound sitting there in the timber, looking up for one moment and then turning his ryes to tho house, barking occasionally the short, emphatic statement that he had found a squirrel. Billy was in great glee. His mother had baked a colander full of cookies and had then molded with her fingers, a lit tle crudely perhaps, a number of ani mals from tho dough. Billy didn't rec ognize all of them, but when she told him he saw the points of resemblance. And when his father came back he was quite happy playing with them. Zeph cut a hazel stick as he came back through the woods, and after the squirrels he had shot had been dressed he held them on the stick and broiled them before the lire. They were deli cious, and there was a dish of mashed potatoes—quito an unusual thing—and some baked apples and the wonderful cookies. Billy couldn't imagine a bet ter dinner than that. Zeph ate with great relish, but by no means forgetting to regard the whole thing as "hoky poky." And after dinner he went down to the sawmill and told stories with the rest of the men, coming home rather be fore they had exhausted their jug of ap plejack. He had taken one drink him self, and it maybe that made the differ ence. Anyway he was moved to unusu al behavior. The fire was low, and he stirred up the burning ends of logs till the cabin was filled with a flood of light, and as he turned he saw there on the pillow at the side of his sleeping son's head a piti ful little menagerie of bent, brown dough and knew that each animal had been perfect in tho large blue eyes that had fought so hard to keep unclosed the heavy gates of dreams. Zeph saw the happy face and knew that somewhere his boy was wandering among delights more rare than any his hand had given. And the spirit of con tention, of rivalry, of a race, awaked within him. "Huh !" he said, and wondered why the smoke should burn his eyes to weep ing. Then ho turned to the door and stole out iv the moon gemmed night. Down the road he went with a sweep ing step, full of vigor and with rising haste, till tho miles lay behind him and he fronted the lights of the town. It was early evening, iv spite of the hours of darkness, and Christmas joy was full. He turned neither to the right nor the left, paid no attention to the gaudy doors if the saloons, whore loud young men were boasting, or betting, or trying to quarrel. He kept right on till he reach ed the shop of the tinker, down by the bridge, and there lie stamped the snow from his heavy boots. Tno tinker had not expected a cus tomer, and ho had been looking at tho toys left over from the sales of the sea son. Ho had done very well, but he wished nov,'ho had not bought no many. Tho hand on his letch lifted his hopes • a little, and his eag irfttcewas a strange j contrast with the ; mzzled countenance j of Zeph, now for the first time in his i life yielding tot ho \ cakness of scanning | Christmas presents. "How much for this?" inquired the countryman, touching a camel with his great forefinger. And the tinker was so willing to sell that ho quoted a figure • far below his rulin;: prices. "Ya-as, and this," continued Zeph. It was a candy castle, with powdered gilt and frosted silver on the sides. There was quite a storo cf painted woods and rufiied tins and molded candy there at the end of the counter by the time Zeph reached the limit of his purse, j He felt the same stirrings he had known while husking corn, when somo boaster ! ! tried to beat him in the race. He bought without reflection, with no thought but that of giving Billy a better Christmas than other children had. And then he tramped back home. There was no hurry in his walking now. He simply strode the miles, unconscious of his splendid muscles, assured of reaching home in time and giving little care to what the thing might mean. One house was lighted brilliantly, and through uncurtained windows he saw a Christmas tree. The presents had been stripped away, but tapers burned there, and strings of wool and tiny flags. i "Santa Claus brought them there ! things on his way out," said Zeph to [ fcßMfllfi "flfl'll Bit V, T*"l 1v "" hia fa* l " eaci- tiu-iic.'' Aim men ne tnea to sneer at the whole affair. At the first barb of light Zeph fought against his drowsiness and turned to wait till Billy's eyes should open. It seemed a slow, long time. But after , awhile the large, blue eyes unveiled, I the sense of present things came back to him, and then they rested on those glories at his pillow. He did not move, but studied them a moment with a look so strange that Zeph saw things his wisdom had not dreamed. Then Billy's eyes were closed again, and soon the larger breathing told that he was deep in dreamland paths, with richer tieas ures on each hand than there had been before. He roused at length and saw the toys again. "I dreamt of them," he said and wondciti! why his mother smiled. It was long bc-fuio he dared to touch them, and till through tho day his boyish play •' would be suspended, and he would look at them as if afraid that they would vanish into dreams again—the dreams where ho was sure his happy eyes had found them. "But it's all hoky poky," said Zeph to his wife, as he shouldered his ax and went down to the mill for the day.— Chicago Times-Herald. The Kneeling Cattle. Christmas eve in old England was a time of vigils. All were on watch, as were the ancient shepherds, waiting for the appearance of the star. This cus tom, to some extent, yet prevails in places. Ono strange belief which Sbtains in England, and particularly in Devon shire, is that at midnight, at the mo ment Christmas day comes to earth, the cattle fall to their knees, as the legend says was done by the oxen that were around the sacred manger in Bethlehem at the time of the nativity. Yet it is a sin to look on tho cattle while in this position or to seek to find them so. A custom which yet prevails in some of the remote portions of the British is lands is to carry corn cake and hot cider into the orchards and there offer them up to tbe largest apple tree as a gift to the king of the orchards.—Exchange. The Scotch Hogmanay. If you want to make a Scotchman's blood tingle, pronounce, if you can, that outlandish word, "Hogmanay." If ono attempt to chase this philological freak through dii tionaries and lexicons, the last state of that man is worse than the first. That way madness lies. But Hog manay to the Scotchiiian is Christmas and New Year's day rolled into one. It is the "rit-it quid willie waught" that turns to revelry the last days of the passing year. After Hogmanay, Sandy drops back into his grim, industrious life again. Yule come an Yule's gane, An we hue. feasted w-eel. Sac Jack maun to his Hail again An Jeannie lac ber wheel. —Montreal Star. Origin of Christmas Gifts. At the time of the Roman saturnalia friends, 'masters and slaves feasted to gether, and gifts were exchanged in a manner similar to the present time. In l|act, from the earliest times the giving ancl receiving of gifts and the offerings to the poor have been the way in which people have expressed thanks and shown their joyfuluess. It is the thought and not the expense of the Christmas gift that pleases the recipient. In giving presents at this season they should be chosen with love in the heart and the thought of suitableness.—New York Mercury. Hosannal Sing. Awake, good Christians! Long ago The shepherds waked at night And saw the heavens with glory glow And angels in the light. Hosanna! Sing hosannal Sing Hosanna in tho height! New life they told to all on earth, New life and blessing bright, Forewarning of the Saviour's birth In Bethlehem this night. Hosanna! Sing hosanna! Sing Hosanna in the height! New life to all, new life to all, Tho tidings good recite. New life to all, which did befall At Bethlehem this night. Hosannal Sing hosannal Sing Hosanna ill the height I -Old Carol. THE MISTLETOE BOUGH. Origin of the Christmas Tree and Decora tion With Evergreens. Among the votaries of the early Druids there was o superstition that the houses should be decorated with evergreens in December in order that the sylvan spir its might enter them and thus be kept free from the blast of the cold north wind and the frost until a milder season renewed the foliage of their usual haunts. The Christmas tree is really from Egypt, wheie tho palm tree puts forth a branch every month, and where a spray of this tree, with 12 shoots on it, was used in Egypt at the time of the winter solstice as a symbol of tho year com pleted. Who does not know the poem begin ning: The mistletoe hung in the castle hall; The holly branch shone on the old oak wall? Years ago over every man's door in England hung a sprig of mistletoe at this season. There still hovers a myntic charm about the mistletoe, and many a girl now, with a thrill of expectancy, places a branch of it under the chande lier or over tho door. According to a former belief, when a girl is caught and kissed under the mistletoe a berry must be picked off with each kiss, and when the berries havo all beon plucked the • privilege ceases. Among the ancient Britons the mis i tletoe that grows on the oak tree was j the kind held in favor. Because of its heathen origin it is not used often in church decorations, a fact which is re- ! ferred to by Washington Irving in his . "Bracebridge Hall," where he has the teamed parson rebuke the unlearned i clerk for this very thing. In Germany and Scandinavia the holly ! or holy tree is called Christ's thorn, be-j i cause it puts forth its berries at Christ-1 ' mas time, and therefore is especially fitted for church decorations. With its : glossy, dark leaves and bright, red ber ries, it is an attractive decoration for ■ i the house. The Jews used to decorate at their i feast of tabernacles with evergreens and I flower.. The laurel was used at the earliest times of the Romans as a decoration for all joyful occasions and is significant of ■ peace and victory. Iv some places it is customary to ' ! throw branches of laurel on the Christ mas fire and watch for omens while the leaves curl and crackle in the heat and flame. The evergreen tree is a symbol used l as the revival of nature, which, astro- j nomically, signifies the return of the | sun. Hung with lights and offerings, ! the tree has for centuries been one of ' the principal characteristics of Chri_% ! taastide,—slew York Mercury, 01.-ftH.Bt. THE UNIVERSAL HOLIDAY. Christmas Bells King Joyful Tidings to All the Earth. There is no holiday in all the long calendar of the months that is so uni versally aud bo enthusiastically cele brated as Christinas. All men every where take heart of grace and smile a cheerier smile as the music of the Christinas bells falls upon their ears. Whoever will look back to his young days cannot help remembering what a strange, mystic time Christmas was. There was something almost awe inspir ing in the music of the Christmas carols sung at midnight in the open, frosty air. And these Christmas "waits" who sung, who weie they: Unseen and unknown, wo almost deemed them beings of a fairer world sent down to make Christ mas delightful. If we had known in those day., iliat these men who broke the silence of tho starry night to tell us what "the herald angels" sang were mortals given to the smoking of tobacco and the drinking of porter, all our ro mantic dreams would have ended there and then. As we grow older we grow wiser, and therefore a little sadder. We know, of course, that there is no real Santa Claus; but, oh, how we wish there were I How tho Greek Celebrates Christmas. It is more than likely that many of our Christmas customs were born in Greece, more particularly the decora tions, lights and games. Here ghosts and hobgoblins are rampant between Christmas day and Epiphany, and chil dren are often frightened into unwilling obedience by the tales. As the pious Greek fasts for a month before Christ mas the feast of that day is very wel come to him, though it consists princi pally of macaroni and strong cheese. On the island cf Chios there is in use a stiiinge sort of Christmas tree, which is sometimes simply a pole adorned with fruits and flowers, carried by a tenant farmer to his landlord as a pres ent that typifies the good will and wishes for an abundant harvest.—Ex change. Kissing Under the Mistletoe. The mystic mistletoe bough then as now granted a kissing charter to the swains, aud tho maids were willing suf ferers. The sacred mistletoe was regard ed with religions veneration by the Druids,and its berries of pearl as sj-mbols of purity and associated with the rites of marriage. From this tiie transition was but slight to the kiss beneath the cabalistic bough. This traditional sa credness, the genesis of which is un known, has endured through the ages, and today for man and maid to meet be neath the mistletoe gives the right to a sacred kiss.—New York Herald. Croutea a la Noel. Line sonio patty pans with fine short paste, fill them with mincemeat, cover with a cardboard box lid and bake. Then, instead of a pa.stry lid, cover them with equal parts of fresh butter and sugar beaten to a light white cream and flavored with a squeeze of lemon juice or rosewater or any good cordial. Be Not Dismayed. God bless you, merry gentlemen! May nothing you dismay- Not even your finances when You find 'tis Christmas day. —Washington Post. CHRISTMAS EVE IN SWEDEN. A Funny Verse With Each Gift—The Gin gerbread Yule Buck. Christmas presents in Sweden are al ways distributed on Chrisl mas eve, the festival beginning with a G o'clock tea, with cakes, says Anna Cronhjelm Wall berg. The lighted Christmas tree is the next attraction. Some one plays a merry polka, aud young and old form a ring, dancing around tho tree. On a table, lighted with numeror.s candles, are ap ples, nuts, raisins, oranges, cakes, can dies, etc., in abundance, and, lording the whole, stands a huge Yule buck of gingerbread and Adams and Eves arm in arm. These delicacies having receiv ed proper attention and the lights in the Christmas tree having been extin guished, all gather around tho biggest table in the house, where the head of the family presides with a basketful of Christmas presents This is the supreme moment for which young hearts have been longing for months, the well sealed presents having gradually been accumu lated in mother's closet, where no curi ous eyes were allowed to penetrate. It is customary to write some funny verso on every parcel, which is now read aloud. The opening of tho presents is watched by all with the greatest inter est, as paper after paper is torn off in feverish harry to find out what the parcel may contain. Bnt the basket is not bottomless, and tha excitement has au end. Santa Claus, who plays such au important part in America and England, is not known to the Swedish children. However, some one dresses np as the "Old Christmas man" for the amusement of the chil dren.—Selected. DISTRIBUTING GIFTS. The Spider Party Will Furnish Much Amusement For Christmas. A "spider party" is a novel method of giving presents at Christmas to chil dren and may be thus arranged: The guests, on arrival, are greeted by an enormous spider in the center of a huge web spun across the entire room, and from all possible nails and projections should be a maze of white cotton threads, oach attached at one end to a large, brightly colored spider, at the end of which must be hung a little wooden winder. Each guest, in turn, chooses one of the spiders, and, wind ing up tho thread, following all its in tricacies, reaches at last a special insect, inside of which has been placed the i small present. Great amusement is produced by these unexpected finds, which may be varied according to the wishes of the hostess bonbons andknickknacks or small 'toys to little articles of jewelry, neck ties, etc. Of course, if wished, the name of each guest may be written on the little winders, so as to insure the right gift going to a right child or grown up person. Any one can make the large colored spiders at home, or procure them from any large toyshop, and when sending out her invitations they should bo so worded as to invite her friends to a "spider at home" party, which will cause much wonder and interest to be taken in the approach ing party by her intended little visitors. —Exchange. A Christmas Legend From the Alps. • Here and there prevails the strange be lief that horses and cattle speak in hu man language on the night preceding Christmas day. It is a sin to listen to what the animals say, or in any way to ' try to hear them. Not to believe that I they talk is also a sin. ' An Alpine story is told of a farmer's aas-B-at__.iHiJl____.ft-t believe Iba-JB-. cattle ceuiu ana, to mate sure, he hid in his master's stable on Christ mas eve and listened. When the clock stinck 12, he was surprised at what ho heard. "Wo shall have hard work to do this day week," said one horse. "Yes; the farmer's servant is heavy," answered the other horse. "And tho way to the churchyard is long and steep," said the first. The servant was buried that day week. —Kansas City Times. Points on Carving. The carving knife should have a han dle easy to grasp, a long, thin, sharp, pointed blade and be of a size adapted to the article to be carved and to the person carving. A lady or child will prefer a small knife. Be as particular to havo tho knife sharp as to have it bright and clean, and always sharpen it before announcing dinner. The fork should be strong, with long tines, and have a guard. Don't grasp it as though it were a dagger, but let its hilt rest in the palm of the hand, with the forefin ger extended down its handle. Do not seem to mako hard work of carving. Avoid scowling or contortion of the mouth if a difficult spot be touched. Don't let your countenance betray the toughness of the fowl or your own lack of skill. Work slowly and skillfully.— Selected. Magic In the Name of Christmas. Christmas time! That man must be a misanthrope indeed in whose breast something like a jovial feeling is not roused, in whose mind some pleasant associations are not awakened, by the recurrence of Christmas. There seems a magic in the very name of Christmas. Petty jealousies are forgotten, social feelings are awakened in bosoms to which they have long been strangers. Kindly hearts that have yearned toward each other, but have been withheld by false notions of pride and self dignity, are again reunited, and all is kindness and benevolence. Would that Christmas lasted the whole year through I—Charles Dickens. Christina-, 189.5. Chrl.itmas once more! The season Of joy and peace on earth, When all is full to overflow Of happiness and mirth; When every heart with gladness Is fain to chirp and sing; When cai n and crabbed fancies fly Anil kiudlin*-!*. is king. -Selected. SANTA CLAUS IS B.EAL THOUGH MANY PEOPLE SPEAK OF 'HIM AS A MYTH. In -England St. Nicholas Was Recognized OS the Guardian of Youth—Legend ofthe Wicked Butcher—ln Germany He Puts Good Things In Lucky Bags. In spite of the fact that Dec. 6 was St. Nicholas' day thousands of people talk of Santa Clans as myth. St. Nicho las was a very real personage. He was archbithep of Myra in 342, and the name under which ho enjoys an annual popularity in this country is the Ger man form that came with the German custom of the Christmas tree and all the rest of it. St. Nicholas is a great saint with all the Teutonic and Scandinavian peoples. It was his prerogative, says the New York Recorder, to manifest his piety when at his mother's breast, for even then he is said to have fasted Wednes days and Fridays. As a matter of course he soon became famous in working mir acles, and here again he appeared to seek favor with the young people. An innkeeper having killed two young gentlemen and put them in the pickle tub, intending to sell them as pickled pork, the saint, who, in a vision, had seen the deed done, declared he wonld put a stop to the business, and there upon he transformed himself from Lycia to Athens and stood before the astonish ed innkeeper and said, '' What hast thou done?" The man trembled, confessed and im plored forgiveness. Having patted the man on the back and said, "Don't do it any more," the holy man turned to the pickle tub, when the imitation sides, legs and hands of pork began to stir, and in quick sticks there came forth not two boys merely, but three, as may be proved by reference to the Salisbury missal of 1534, wherein there is a pic ture of the evert, and one of its pecul iarities is that, as the three boys rise complete out of the pickle, the barbar ous butcher is still busy in cutting one of them up. St. Nicholas established yet another claim to be regarded as the friend of youth, for he was partial to boxing and employed his skill in the "manly art" upon the heads of bishops. The guardianship of the young by Santa Claus was of old recognized in England by the custom of choir boys in cathedrals choosing a boy bishop on the day of St. Nicholas, Dec. 6. This was a very important event, as may be seen by Hone's "Every Day Book, "I, 1559, where theie is an effigy of a boy bishop from Salisbury cathedral. Tho custom was in full observance from early times until 1542, when it was abolished by a proclamation of Henry VIII. According to the old north German custo.ii, the happy time for the children is the vigil of St. Nicholas, the night of i Dec. X>. Then it is that ho gi-. -o about, putting good things into lucky bags and spying out the merits and demerits of boys and girls and sometimes unspar ingly praising or rebuking them. The north German fashion requires the saint to pay a visit to the house where the young are assembled in fes tivity on the night of his vigil. He speaks in kindly words to the juvenile throng, reproving somo, encouraging others. On retiring to rest, each member of the party places an empty shoe ou the table, and the door of tho room is at once locked, and behold! when morning dawns and the doors are opened in the presence of all, the shoes are found to be filled with gifts for their owners and the table is covered with trinkets and sweetmeats. We have simply incorporated St. Nicholas' day with Christmas day and made tho night of Dec. 24 the time of the saint's visitation. But he is not a myth now any more than he ever was. Ho is a very real as well as a very good saint indeed, and for the children's sake, may his shadow never grow less I The Bird of Dawning. A popular superstition is that on the eve of Christmas the bird of dawning singeth ail night long to frighten off any evil thing. It was from this belief that Shakes peare wrote: Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated. The bird of dawning singeth all nicht long, ' And then, tlxy say, no .piritdurcs stir abroad. The niehta -.: v. ha_cG_-____ Then no planets ■_?s____ • Btaunton f pectatar, RATES OF ADVERTISING. Advertisements ate inserted at the ratei of I-., cents per line, for the flrst. and 6.. cento Tor each subsequent insertion. Local Notices are Inserted at the rate of 10 cents per line for the flrst, and 10 cents for each subsequent insertion. * Business Notices are Inserted at the rate of la cents for the flrst and 8 cents for each sab sequent insertion. A liberal discount will be madeon a 1 orders for3,6,orl2montns. » ' wi uasa Obituaries. Announcements of] Candidate, for offlce, and all communications al or private character, will be charged for __■ advertisements. NO. 47. i_io tairy fasts, nor witcn nana power *o charm. So hallowed and so gracious is tbe time. St. Nicholas In France. St. Nicholas holds a prominent posi tion iv France as the dispenser of gifts, though in many places it is the Christ child who distributes them. The Christ child frequently appears to children as Sauta Clans does with us. He is usually assisted by a company of angels. In Al sace he is represented hy a maiden in white, with ■ silver bell in one hand and a basket of sweetmeats in the other.—Selected. Chrie-maatlde. There's a little old man with silvery hair An a long white beard 'at flies in the air, With twinklin black eyes an a rosy, red face. An onet a _ c__f he comes to our place. An our little maid An our little man .-,, - Ez anxious to see 'im soon's the/ can: In the dead o' night when all's asleep An the cold frost snaps an the snow es deep. With a reindeer team an a silver sled He conies straight from fairyland, 'tis said. So our little man An our little maid Ez anxious to _c- 'im—they ain't afraid! But you better take ki er, fer some folks say 'At ef yvr n : .ughty he'll fly away. An qui. k.r'n yoa kin whistle—phew— Awa> bo's gone up tie- chimney iiue! So our little uiaid Aa our little in..ii Ez, try in t-- be j. .st ez good's they can. But ef y. r good an 'bey yer pa An don't never cry an vex yer ma He'll fill yt-r sttK-kin's with games an toys An nuts an sweets an all sorts o' joys. So our little maid An our little man Wants Santy to come jes' as quick's he can. —New York Sun. iknnn Agent's profit per month. Will prove . UIIU *or forfeit. New Articles Just .ill /il out. A $1.50 sample and terms rree. 11l I/Hi Try us Chidesteb & Son, 2b Bond T WUV -t., N. Y. nov 13-4ts CHURCH DIRECTORY. First Presbyterian Church, on Frederick St between New and Market streets, services 11 a. m. and Bp. m. Pastor, Rev. A. M. Fraser Second Presbyterian church corner Freder ick and Lewis streets. Services at 1! a. m and 8. Pastor. Rev. Wm. Cumming. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, worship at Y. H. C. A. Hall. Services at 11 a. m., and _ p. m. Rector, Rev. R. C. Jett. Trinity Episcopal church. Main street, be tween Lewis and Church streets. Services at 11 a. m., and Bp. m. Rector, Rev. W. Q. Hul llhen United Brethren chi__-__i, Lewis street, be tween Main and Johnson streets. Services at 11 a. m and 8 p. m. Pastor, Rev. J. D Don ovan. Methodist church, Lewis street, between Main and Frederic!, streets. Services at 11 m. and Bp. m. Pastor, Rev. J. H. Boyd, D. D Christ Evangelical Lutheran church, Lew- Is street, between Main and Frederick streets Services at 11 a. m. and 8 p. m. Pastor. Rev. H. F. Shealy. Baptist church, cornel Main and Washing ton streets. Services at 11 a. in. and 8 p. m Pastor, Rev. W. J. E. Cox. St. Francis Roman Catholic, North August, street, Mass at 7 and 10.30 a. m. Vespers and benediction of Most Blessed Sacrament »t p. m. Pastor, Rev. Father McVerry. Young Men's Christian Association, corner Main and Water streets. Services at 1 p. m. Sunda . DIRECTORY OF LODGES. M. SONIC LODGE. Staunton Lodge No. 13, A. F. snd A. M., meets every second and last Friday night ln eacl. month, in Masonic Temple, Main street. Jai M. LickUter.W. M; B. A. Eskridge, Secy. UNI0 V ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER. No. 2, meet third Friday ln every month, In Masonic Temple, on Main street. W. W. Mc Guffln, High Priest; A. A. Eskridge, Secy. ODD FELLOWS' LODGE.; Staunton Lodge, No. 45, I. O. O. F. meets cv cry Thi_rsday night in Odd Fellows' HaU, ove. Wayt's drug store, on Main street. John C Fretwell Noble Grand: C. A. Crafton, Sec* KNIGHTS OF HONOB LODGE. Staunton Lodge. No. 756, of Honor meets every flrst i___a third Tuesday ln each month, in Pythian Hall, Main street. W. L. Olivier, Dictator; W. A. Burnett, Recorder. MOUNTAIN CITY LODGE. No. 116,1. O. G. T., meets every Friday night in their lodge room over Wayt's drug store on Main street. A. S. Woodhouse, Chief Templar F. B. Kennedy, Secy. DISTRICT LODGE. No. 22,1. O. G. T., meets every three monthi G. C. Shipplett, D. C. T.; S. H. Bauserman District Secretary. ROYAL ARCANUM. Augusta Council, No. 490, Royal Arcanum meets every second and fourth Tuesday in the month, at Pythian Hall, Main street. W. W Robertson, Regent; Jos. B.Woodward, Sec retary. SONS OF TEMPERANCE Charity Division, M. A., Sons of Temperance meets every Monday night at Odd Fellows all. W. A. Rapp, Worthy Patriarch; John B. Cotrelt, Secy. UNIFORMED RANK, KNiGHTS OF PYTHIAS. E. B. Stuart Division, No. 10, meets second and fourth Mondays each monta at Pythian HaU. Sir Knight Captain, F. B. Berkley; S Knight Recorder, S. H. Rosenbaum. KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. Valley Lodge, No. 18, K. of P., meets every Monday night at Castle Hall, on West Main street, over Dr. Wayt's drug store. C. T. Ham mond, Chancellor Commander; Albes Keeper of Records and Seal. KNIGHT TEMPLARS. Staunton Commandery, No. 8, Knights Tem plar, meets first Friday night ln every month in Masonic Temple, on Main street. W. B. McChesney, Eminent Commander; A. A. E k ridge. Recorder. ONEIDA TRIBE, NO. 88,1. O. R. M., Meets in their wigwam, in Valz Iluilding every Wednesday at Bth run 30th breath setting of the sun. J. D. Anthony, sacheir James W. Blackburn, chief of records. Jll visiting brothers welcome. AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR. Valley Council No. 736 meets on the flrst and third Mondays ln each month. Commande- A. S. Woodhouse; secretary, Dr. J. M. Hange collector, Isaac C. Morton, Jr. CATHOLIC HIBERNIAN BENIFICAL SOCIETY. ' Meets first Sunday in every month in tbeli hall on the church lot. M. T. B preal* . dent; J. J. Kllgalen. flrst vice-president; J. J Murphy, second vice-president; D.J. O'Connell recording secretary. "STONEWALL" BRIGADE BAND. } Band meets every Monday and Thursday | orchestra, every Wednesday, at Bp. m., ln City Hall. Mr. J. M. Brereton, director J. A. Armentront, president, and C. Harry | Haines, secretary. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Monthly meetings. Fourth Tnesday ln the - ' mouth at 7:..0 o'clock. Boom ln City Hal build 1 la. IsaacWiti, president; J.C.Shields, secre tvy.