The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, December 20, 1896, Page 28

ISCO CALL, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1896. December Santa Claus shall| bring happy King, Who with his sleigh and reindeer stops At all good people’s chimney tops. Of children happy F. D. SHERMAN. == /HRISTMAS is almost here, my dear % ones, and your editor wishes every &) one of vou all the joy and peace and love that this most precious of happy days can possibly bring to you. When selecting your gifts to send to the afflicted darlings in the hospitals or to the homes of the poor, what credit is due to you -if you choose only books and clothes for which you care nothing, or toys of which you are tired? I think I hear the answer! “Why, they’ll enjoy them, and our neg- lected playthings will be just like new to them !” All very true, my dears, but don’t you think you'd feeia tiny bit happier if there were a little of “giving up” concerned? A litt!e self-denial. Suppose, after your package is all ready, you slip into it something for which you really care, some dear treasure of your own, while you think of the little chil- dren whose lives are so full of sadness and suffering, and then I'm sure yours will indeed be a merry, merry Christmas. Retha Waldan states in her letter this week that she would like to know the little lighthouse boy. Write to him, Retha,and Iaa sure he will answer and tell you all about his lonely home. The members of C. R. C. are all wonder- | ing what has become of Max Selig, and: hepe he is not ill. Some of us also think it very strange that Arthur Sugden and Marie Chisholm do not send a greeting to the club. Will they explain ? M. W.R | M S A Lelter o § Mamma says if I'm good And mind her every day, And if I bring her in her wood And don’t go out to play— She'll write to vou & letter And tell you what to bring, But I thought that I had better Do just that very thing. I’d like a hobby-horse, A whistle and a drum; Nuts and candy, too, of course, And also bring some gum. 1d like to have a train of cars That really run by steam, Forthey, I think by far, *Bove others are supreme. ) | Don'’t forget a wagon, { | anta. And say, I'd like 2 wheel, When all but that are gone, To you I'll grateful feel. Now I’ll close, old Santa, Oh, you're the dearest thing! I nope you won't forget a Single one to bring. JOHN JONSEN JR. JSBTRBO. By Cuarues E. ANpErsox. Once upon a time in a far country there i lived a King, who was very rich as well as | great and powerful, but alae! his temper | was as great as his riches and finally proved greater ‘than even his mighty power. This King had many followers and ser- | vants, among " the latter being his clown or funny man, whose name was Jumbo. | The King delighted in Jumbo, for he was | very witty, and no matter how dull his | Majesty might feel Jumbo could always bring a smile to the royal face. Now, Jumbo owed all his succéss to his fairy friend and adviser “Rosebud.” Every morning at sunrise he would seek her bower, and kneeling at her feet would take councel from her dewy lips as to how he might amu-ethe King during the long hours of the day and night. One morning ere the sun. had risen Rosebud received a message from' the gueen oi the fairies to appear before her at once. She was filled with alarm and hastened to obey, all thoughts of Jumbo fleeing from her mind. Poor fellow! when at the usual hour he sought the sweet-scented bower there was | away, and when summoned before the ‘| drop it at your feet. | @s quickly as you can.”’ no fairy kiss awaiting him, no fairy lips to speak words of wisdom. He turned saaly King his step was slow and his head hung | low. Beside the King was seated another monarch, who had come from a great dis- tance, ana Jumbo’s lord had been brag- ging about the great wit of his clown. “Come, my good fellow, and tell us the news! How goes it with you? We're ready for a laugh! Come, be quick!” Poor Jumbo was at a loss! Not a word could he speak, bat stood as if dumb! The King grew angry, waved his scepter and then raged and stormed with all the fary of a wild beast, but of no avail— Jumbo was speech less. 2 “I'll settle you, then,”” cried the King. “Away with him, guards! Confine in the | dungeon! Behead him at the hour of midnight!”’ So poor Jumbo, decked in his gay clown’s dress with its many little tinkling bells, was marched from the King's presence midst the clashing and clanking of the swords of the stern guards. When the great clock commenced to strike the hour of midnight, the doors of | his cell were opened and he was taken out into the courtyard. Ashe stood surrounded by the King’s soldiers, he heard the soft whir of dainty wings, and a gentle voice whispered in his ear, *I have a coat, I’ll When ‘the soldiers turn their heads, pick it up and put it on Jumbo obeyed the voice, and imme- diately became invisible. Ah! His dear little Rosebud had come in time to save his life, and together they hurried beyond the castle grounds. As soon as they were at a safe distance Rosebud told him to take off the coat and return it to her, which he did. “Now, Jumbo, you must fly for your life. The officers are searching for you high and low, and if you are captured they will tor- wure you terribly.” “Ob, sweet Rosebud, first tell me, I pray thee, how I may have revence on the wicked King. Thou knowest it was my sadness and need of thee that excited his anger.”’ *Ob, foolish youth, ‘she answered. “But if you travel 1000 miles directly south you will come to a desert, in the center of which stand two large date trees. From these trees you must pluck twenty dates— ten from each tree. One bears very small fruit, while the other bears a large va- riety. Afterdoing thisreturn, and send the ten small dates as a gift'to the King.” “But I can’t see how that will revenge me,” cried Jumbo. “Wait! These dates possess a strange power. The small ones cause the nose to grow to he of an enormous length, while the large ones restore it to its natural size!” “'Oh!” said Jumbo. “Now,” continued the fairy, ‘‘when yourgift is received the King and his Queen and the young Princes will eat of it, and immediately their noses will become a yard long and they will be in great trouble. The King will send messengers here and there for learned doctors and magicians, but you alone hold the secret by which their noses may be restored to their natural size. Dress yourself in the garb of a physician, go to the castle and state your errand. In the confusion you will be easily admitted to the King's presence. *Then teil him for half his treasure, de- livered at the port of the city, you will re- store the noses of the royal family to their original sizes. He then will order his servants to deliver the sum you ask and then you present to each member of his family one of the large dates, with the exception of to the King himself. “Make an excuse of your supply giving out and hurry away seemingly for more. Then take ship and leave the old King to enjoy his long nose forever.” With these words Rosebud bade the clown good-by, and he went on his way. He had many narrow escapes from death by wild beasts—one day killing a large lion with his dagger. The skin of this animal served him as a warm covering at night; with part of it he made a bag in which he could carry water, and some- times he would frighten other wild beasts away by throwing the skin over his hesd to make believe he was the king of beasts, Finally, after many hardships and after suffering greatly at times from both hun- ger and thkirst, he came to the desert in which the two trees stood of which Rose- bud had told him. Filling his water-bag at a spring near by, he started to cross the sandy plaimn, and by sunrise the next day stood in the shade of the wonderful palms. Jumbo’s curiosity led him to eat one of the small dates, and, sure enough, his nose grew so rapidly that he made haste to pluck and eat one from off the other tree. ‘*‘Oh, how sweet will be my re- venge,” cried he, as he began to gather the required number with which to per- form his purpose. After a homeward journey free from ad- venture he arrived at the city’s gates, aud immediately’ was mef by a messenger from the ever faithful Rosebud. By this messenger Jumbo sent his gift of ten smal] dates to the palace, and when the King saw the splendor of the dress of the servant he thought, of course, they had been sent to him by some royal personage, and he and his wife and their sons ate freely the delicious fruit. But, oh, what was their horror to see that their noses immediately grew to be of a tremendous length. - X In the midst of their distress, and while the King was sending for sall the great healers of his realm, Jum bo, dressed as a physician, appeared, claiming to e able to cure the strange malady. He followed the fairy’s directions to the letter, and soon had the satisfaction of seeing wagon- load after wagon-load of the King’s treas- ure being taken to the portof the city, where a large ship was waiting to carry him far away from the King’s wrath. Then he gave to each member of the household one of the large dates, save to the King, who became a little impatient; but Jumbo quieted him by saying: “‘Oh, my supply of remedy has been exhausted. You must wait until I go for more.” With these words he hurriedly left, Oh, the Merry Merry Months! Twelve twirling tops As light as air; Two children gay With streaming hair, S0 many times The tops they’ve spun To spin themselves They have begun. Round go the tops, A dizzy whiri! Round go the fyirg Boy and girl! Till who can see Boy, girl or top? 1 wonder if They'll ever stopl chuckling to himself as he thought of the King's queer apnearance. Going right to the seashore, he found the vessel ready to sail, and with a fond farewell to his beloved Rosebud. who promised some day to follow him, he left forever the country which ever since has been ruled by a king whdse nose is a yard long. )5' Yoo’ff Gooé. BY JAMES COURTNEY CHALLIS. -Banta Claus'll come to-night, 1f you're good, And do what you know is right, As you should; Down the chimney he will creep. Bringing you & woolly sheep, Ana a doll that goes to sleep— 1f you're good. Santa Claus will drive his sleigh Through the wood, But he’ll come around this way 1f you’re good, With & wind-up bird that sings, And a puzzie made of rings— Jumping-jacks and funny things— Ii you’re good. He will bring you cars that “go.” If you’re good, And a rocking-horsey—oh/ If he woula! And a dolly, if you please, That says “Mamma!” when you squeese It—he'll bring you one of these, If you're good- Santa grieves when you are bad, As he should; But it makes him very glad When you're good. He is wise, and he’s a dear; Just do right and never fear; He'll remember you each yesr, 1f you're good. A Little Chyigtmag Stovy. By Eter Fereusow, 12 years old. Three pink stockings were hanging from the manteipiece waiting for the coming of Santa Claus, whiie the three golden heads which belongeda to the owners ol those stockings were filled with wonderful dreams of that same dear old Santa. Suddenly the jingle, jingle of merry sleighbells pealed out through the air. Gradually the sweet sounds came nearer and nearer until they were right over- bead. Then there was a great clatter and fuss, a shuffle in the chimney and there was the jolly old elf standing in the middle of the room. He cautious!y tiptoed to each tiny cot to see if the shiny, mischievous eyes were all tightly sealed, then with a softlittle chuckle he went to work to fill the stock- ings. His task done he scrambled up the chimney, jumped into his sleigh and hurried on his way, bound to fill the stockings of every good boy and girl in the whole land while the stars were still shining. Just at dawn a little white figure flitted across the room to the other cots and whispered softly, “Oh.wake up, Harry, Santa Claus has been here and left us everything we wanted, and lots more be- sides!” ¢ Harry jumped out of bed ina jiffy and he and Bessie were soon seated on the floor, with their laps full-of treasures. Little Dotty was awakened by the com- motion and joined them, her face covered with smiles as she saw the beautiful doll which' peeped from her own stocking. After a little while nurse came 1 to dress them, and soon they were bounding down the stairs, shouting, “Merry Christ- mas, papal Merry Christmas, mammal Did Santa Claus put anything in your stockings? Let's see.” After they had gone into raptures over his gifts to their parents they sat down to their breakfast, but could not eat much, | because they were so excited. The morning passed very quickly, and in the afterncon Uncle Jack came with his little daughters. Oh, what a fine time they had playing with their new games and toys. They were all very much surprised when they heard the tinkle, tinkle of the din- ner bell, and left their beautiful play- things very unwillingly, but soon became —8t. Nicholas, merry again at the sight of the lovely table laden with goodies and glittering with many-cotored lights. After dinner they popped corn, roasted apples, danced and sung, and then wound up with agame of blind-man’s buff, in which the older folks ail joined. Uncle Jack found it quite difficult to persuade his little girls that it was time to g0 bome when the clock struck nine, but finally good-nights were all said, the cousins gone, and Bessle, Harry and Dot- tie safe in bed, Dottie cuddling in her arms her precious doll, saying, “Santa Claus was'a dood man to bwing me dis lovely dollie!” What Time lj' It? Time to do well, Time to live better— To give up that grudge, To answer that letter. To speak the kind word That may sweeten some SOITOW; To do now the good You would leave till to-morrow LEARNING THE CHRISTMAS CAROL. THE'BEST -TREE- S et Karl lay on the floor by the firelight bright Thinking about the trees. “I love them alL,” he said to himself, As he named. them over with ease; “The chestnut, ash, and osk so high, The pine with its needle leaves, The spruce, and cedar, and hemlock green, And the maple with its keys. “The dainty willow with pussies gray, The birch with bark so white, The apple-tree with its blossoms sweet, And the fruit so red and bright. But the one I love the best of all Blooms and bears fruit together; It is sure to be filled at this time of the year, Whatever may be the weather. “Its blossoms are blue and yellow and red, All shining with silvery hue. There are stems of golden and silver thread, And candles that glisten Iike dew. With such wonderful fruit there’s none can compare; From lowest to topmost bough Every sort of a toy is swinging in air— Jumping frogs, and cats that ‘me-ow.” “There are trumpets, and balls, and dolls that talk, . And drums, and whistles that blow, And guns, and whips, and horses that walk, And books; and wagons that go. There are musical tops, and boats that sail, And puzzles, ana knives, and games; There are Noah's arks, and also a whale, And boxes, and ribbons, and reins, “There’s candy and oranges, skates and sleds, And mugs for good little girls, And cradies, and clothes for dollies’ beds, And dolls with nair in curls. There are fans for girls and tools for boys, And handxerchiefs, rattles, and ties, And horns, and bel:s, and such-like toys, And tea-sets and candy pies. “©h! what & sight is this wonderful tree, With its gifts that sparkle and hide! Other trees may be good, but there’s none for me Like the beautiful merry Christmas-tree With its branches spreading wide— The merry, beautiful, sparkling tree That blossoms at Christmas-tide.” ' \ —St. Nicholas. ——n “‘Post no bills under Penalty.” Thus read the sign, without the sign of point or comma. Three stories above, at a window, sat an old man smoking. A | see it in Sunday’s paper. I am very much boy in passing read the sign and looking | Pleased with“Childhood’s Resalm.” M:. Hussey above told his chum: “That’s old Penalty up there on the watch.” LOWER LAKE, LAKE COUNTY, Dec. 7, 1896. Dear Mrs. Santa Claus: 1 8m a little girl | seven years old. Brother would like a sailor | cap, baby & rubber doll, sister a big geograph: mamma a sewing-machine and my dear papa would like & new arm with an elbow, as he has only one arm. I should like & dolly. I live near Seigler Springs and it is such a nice place. There are many people here with litile children.. Yours lovingly. MAMIE PETERSON. % PETALUMA, Dec. 7,1896. | Dear Editor: Will you put this letter in the ' chiidren’s realm. Iam 8 yearsold and I am in the fourth grade. I am a McKinley girl My grandfather takes THE CALL. I have one. sister. her tame is Ethel. With best wishes, 1 am your friend, ADELE CARR. P.S. Mr. Editor, you must send this to Santa Claus: Dear Santa Claus: I enjoyed presents very much, and received them all. The iron was very nice. After you sent me that, I did not have to take mamma’s, I thank you for all the things. I wish you would bring me & tricycle or an organ, should rather have the organ, so I can play tor grandma. I will have to send this to the editor of THE CALL, because 1 do not know where to find you. Good- by. old Santa Claus. ADELE CARR. Age 8 years. SANTA CRUZ, Cal., Dec. 18, 1896. Dear Editor: Thisis my first letter to THE CaLy, and I wish to have it a nice one. I go to the Laurel School, and am in the fourth grade. My father has not taken THE CALL very. long, but likes it better than the Examiner. . Iam almos? sure I have guessed the fourth puzzle, and I think it is Pheenix, the capital of Arizona. “ I wil1 close, hoping to see this letter in next Sunday’s CALL. Your new writer, BERT ENYDER. PLACERVILLE, December 11, 1896. Dear Editor: Idid not see my letter in Sun- day’s CALL, and I guess it was because I did not put C. R, C. after my name. I am glad I got the right answer to the puzzles I solved. I am glad Christmas will soon be here; then we will have a few days of vacation. With my letter I send & puzzle, and hope you will put in Sunday’s CALL, if you will have room. Iwill close my letter for this time. Your constant reader. BLANCHE E. StouUT, C. R. C. SEBASTOPOL, Cal., Dec. 14, 1896. Dear‘Editor: As I wrote & letter to you once before and did not see 1t in print I thought I ‘would write another. I liked the story very much about “Why | Rabbits Have Long Ears.” 3 I have five brothers and one sister. If this escapes the waste basket I shall be very glad. Imustclose now. Yours truly, ANNIE ELPHICK. SISKIYOU, Or., Dec. 15, 1896. Dear Editor : 1eam a little girl, 8 years old. 1 live on the Siskiyou Mountains. My papa is section foreman herc and takes THE CaLL. I like to read Chiidhood’s Resim; but I will like it more to see my letier printed. This is my first letter, and if this appears in Sunday’s paper I shell write again. Your little friend, HAZEL GREIVE NOONAN. SAN FRANCISCO, Cal., Dec. 16, 1896. Dear Editor: 1 am a little girl 7 years old. I £0 to the Agassiz Primary School. My teacher's name is Miss Fredricks. She is very-kind and 1love her dearly. . The only pet I have is a canary bird. His name is Dick.. Every morning when I eat my breakfast he calls until I feed him. Heis 9 years old. - My papa has taken THE CALL for twenty-five yedrs. I like to make gobolinks. Those in the children’s page are very nice. Hoping to sée my letter in next Cavy, I remain yours truly, ALMA M. T. SCHAFER, 161 San Carlos avenue. SAN FRANCISCo, Cal., Dec. 13, 1896. Dear Editor: This is the first letter I have written to THE CALL. My papa works in THE CALL composing-room. I saw the picture of the little children in the hospital, and my brothers and I are going to send them some of our story books and some picture cards for Xmas,.and hope they will enjoy them. Your little friend, EpITH B. LEAHY, 219 Steiner street. BAN FRANCISCO, Cal., Dec. 13, 1896. Dear Editor: My papa has taken THE CALL for a great many years. I am always glad When Sunday comes so I can reaa the chil- dren’s page. I attend the Edison Primsry School. My teacher's name is Miss Emmons and 1like her very much. Hoping to see my letter in print I remain vour little reader, ELsiE CanrLL, aged 11. § ‘OAKLAND, Cal., Dec. 1, 1896. Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. This ismy first letter to THE CALL, and I should like to .snndny’l | in Oakland sells my pape THE CALL | truly, 2 | am in the fourth grade. Yours, GENEVIEVE STRUM 8 Ncrsco, Dec. 10, 1896 Dear Editor: Ithought I would write, as I have not written you for a long time. Isenta letter before, in October, but you did not pub- lish it. I went to Alameda in vacation for a week and had a fine time. It isa very pretty place and my grandma lives right near the beach. Hers is the last he e block. It is a beautiiul site, and the fine view. They bave a horse and buggy, but during my visit the horse was lame. I joyed myself very much. 1go to the Jefferson School and My teacher’s name is Miss Mayers, and I love her dearly. Hoping to see my letter published in THE CALL I am | your iriend, ALICE MCGOVERN, 10 years old. OAKLAND, December 14, 1896. Dear Editor : As 1 should like to belong to the C. R. C. circle I write you this few lines. 1 go to the Franklin School and am in the low sixth grade. My teacher’s name is Mrs. Ayres, and I like her very much. We have taken THE CALL for & year and & half and think it is the best paper.. 1 have two brothers and my father is away most of the time, be- cause he is a sea captain. Yours truly, JAMES RICE. 1. Behead & part of the body and have & tree. II. Behead aterm of contemptand have & grain food. CLARA ORCHARD, C. R. C, II. Hidden names of girls. (a) Where she went is a mystery. (b) He will be the last to arrive. ALyA FISCHER, C. R. C. IV. Add five to frozen water and have & tanlt. V. Anagram. Aunt Classa. Who does not know me, With my fun, My frolic and my toys? Is surely the unluckiest Of little girls and boy: --Selected. VI. Transpositions. (a) Afern into a brendmaker. (b) A post into a pleco of meat. (¢) A skillful workman into & brook. (d) What a carpenter uses into a slow animal. VII. Word square. | A ncavenly body. Gentle. An ancient prophet. To prapose. ALICE BELL, C. R. C. VIIL. A popular rhyme. To fetch the limpid water from the fount, See up the steep ascent they slowly mount, And, mournful to relate, headlong he falls, And she shares his fate. ArvA SEA, C. R. C. t g. S l‘(nKSRHTL Pi. A timely gr MAMACYE Answers to Puzzles. Correct answers for December 13: 1. Glisten, listen. IL Cheap, heap. JIL Swords, words. 1V. Starlight. This puzzie contained twe errors. V. Five. VI. Word square: M R Y ARE A RE AR YA RD VIIL Ocean. VIIL Patience. IX. Pheenix. X. Mississippi. Pnswers Received. Answers to puzzles have been received from the following members of the C. R. C. for December bJ Jessie Harkin, Alice ocore Joos. L 'bdecl;r:bor 13: Kva Navone, William Sea Jr., Eva M. Bolger, Retha Waldan and Gretta Cluff. ‘Answers have also been received from Ethel Wilds for Decem ber 13. e P e Lietters . Acknowledged. We thank the boys and zirls wh names follow for pleasant letters received from them: Charles McMahon, Stella L., Eagene Elphick, Marie Chesworth (C. R. C.), Elien M. C. Tubb, Eva Navone (C. R. C.), Florence 0. Kent, Ethel Ferguson (C. R. C.), Emma Rose, Carrie Trahan, Jessie E. Morrill, Celia Moore, Millie Schmidt, Retha .Waldan (C. R. C.), Grace Dean Hoffman, Carrie Shearer and Ethel Wilds.