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About Harrison press-journal. (Harrison, Nebraska) 1899-1905 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 28, 1901)
-.. ' 1. THE PUMPKIN. Oh. greenly and fair in the lands of the sun, The vines of the gourd and the rich mel on run, And the rock and the tree and the cot tage enfold. With broad leaves ail greenness and blos soms ail gold. Like that which o"er Nineveh's prophet once erew. While we waited to know that his warn ing was true. And longed for the storm-cloud, and listened in vain For the rush of the whirlwind and red fire-rain. On the banks of the Xenil, the dark Spanish maiden Comes up with the fruit of the tanslcd vine laden; And the Creole of Cuba laughs out to be hold Through the orange leaves shining the broad spheres of gold: Yet with dearer delight from his home in the north, On the fields of his harvest the Yankee looks forth. Where the crook-necks are coiling and yellow fruit shines. And the sun of September melts down ou his vines. Ah! on Thanksgiving Day, when from east and from west. From north and from south come the pil grim and guest. When the gray-haired Kew-Englander sees round his board The old broken links of affection restor ed, When the care-wcaricd man seeks his mother once more, And the worn matron smiles where the girl smiled before, Whit moistens the Up and what bright ens the eye? , What calls back the past, like the rich pumpkin-pie? Oh, fruit loved of boyhood! the old days recalling; When wood-grapes were purpling ' and brown nuts were falling! When wild, ugly faces we carved In its skin. Glaring out through the dark with a candle within! HANKSGMNS The good people of the church at Elmville had decided that something wtovaatv Ka i4a sa nni4 n nets TV - treasurer, a young man, who had re cently come to the village, bad made a financial statement that October Sunday morning, upon which certain persons felt very much acandaliied. Such a thing had never been done bs- " tort not even thought of; then it re vealed the fact that" the Reverend Wea ley Norwood had received but $51.75 for tlx months of faithful service. "I dor 't believe In bringing up such . macierc in me re ikious services or k , hit en mm, growieu urumer hjr, i who always protested that it was a mate of money to pay the minister so men alary. . "1 qnite agree with you," responded r Er. Barnes. He was not a member of tha church, but attended because It wm a respectable thing to do gave j pm standlog. "If these things most ' 'ftaw op every Sunday, I shall attend Stswli e!eew.here." . twitheUndlng this, It was gener tagraad that It was a shame, and -JMUng must be done. But when hM Com in a haphaiard way r tatg It was no easy matter to face gkoai. After several weeks of XEticn, the necessary someUiIng - J M far from accotnpllihmeat as ' to M tai that they do not col- fafn alary remarked i , -Ji-Jt ft tS Ufin' AM meet- "Z 6caa tf "they" wm Ik. L. .. 1 I 1.1 T 1 . . . 1. not entirely clear, inasmuch as she was one of the officers. "H no one else will do anything, we must," rejoined Mrs. Allen; the va.1 ous members nodded approval. It was soon planned. The pastor had received $51.75; they would pay him 198.25 make it even $100 and have enough left in the treasury for incidental matters. On Thursday evening of next week, which was Thanksgiving.they would Invite them selves to the parsonage, and have a "WHAT SHALL WE DO?" good time while making the pastor bappy. It would be easy to prepare something extra while getting ready for Thanksgiving. It was to be a grand secret; not a soul but members of the society should know a word of it At the close of the business meet ing of the Young People's League, the president made a close scrutiny to as sure himself that all present were members; he then proposed that, as "Tb-y would not do anything," the League) take up the matter.' "I understand that we have nearly fixtv do'lars in the treasury; we could pay the pastor $48.50 bring the sal ary u, to $100 and have enough left to pay all bills and begin the new year out of debt . If we do this I suggest that we observe the utmost secrecy and niako It a complete surprise." AH readily agreed to the plan and pledged the proper reticence in the matter. Four of the mot faithful met after prajer meeting to discuss the situa tion, and decided that they must at once collect $248.25, the balance nec essary to pay the six months' salary due. This they proceeded to do eo quietly that no one surmised a gen eral canvass was being made. Before Sunday the entire amount was secured, Friday, after school, the Junior Leaguers met and decided that inas much as the grown up folks 'would not help in the matter, they would do what they could; so they voted to pay over every bit there wag in the treasury. Upon counting $23.25 was found to be the correct amount. "Oh, girls!" cried Lottie Newman, as she made tome figures in the treas urer's book, "It will make just even $75 and I hope we can get enough to make It a hundred." After the choir had run over the Sunday hymns, someone proposed that they pay the proceeds of the last con cert on the salary. The sum of $30.25; after referring to the margin of bis anthem book, the chorlpter reported that it would make ,$82 all told. On Thanksgiving morning they would call at the parsonage and surprise the pastor with a check for this amount. Perhaps It would somewhat atone for the sin of whispering during the ser mon. Thanksgiving day was a trying time tor the Norwoods. The baby was sick the night before and kept them awake; and when they did get to rest, they overslept. What with rush ing to get breakfast over and make ready for the service at church, pray ers were shortened aad the chapter omitted altogether. "Oh, Wesley, I am so tired! Every thing has gone wrong today," said Mrs. Norwood that afternoon. "The children never were so naughty befoa. What will people say about Robbie lighting? The flour-barrel Is empty, the potatoes ire all gone, and we have not a thing In the boose for breakfast, only bread aad butter; and the grocer seat us word yesterday that we could not have another thing uattl we said Urn. What shall . wo do?" After which lengthy and somewhat Incoher ent speech, she laid ber bead on his shoulder and found refuge in tears. "Never mind. Dear; the Lord will provide"; then he slowly added, as if in an afterthought, "some way." A few minutes later Pastor Norwood was bowing to the organist, who slip ped a check in his hand and said prop erly, "With the compliments of the choir." Just as they were seated, the door bell rang again, and this time the Junior League marched en masse and the astonished minister stood speech less with a check in either hand. Then the older League came, and pres ently the Ladies' Aid, and last of all the trustees, all adding their offerings and crowding the small rooms.. Each party looked stiffly askance at the others, wondering by what trickery their secret had become known. After an hour of discourse and song, the treasurer arose and said: "A few days since our pastor had received but a mere pittance for many months of faithful labor. While he had wrought earnestly for the church and its societies, so that, for the first time in years, all were in a prosperous condition, he unselfishly forgot his own needs. ' No, no! Brother Nor wood, you must permit me to finish. Then one society and another,by some strange coincidence, conceived the thought of giving the pastor a pleas ant Thanksgiving surpris?. It la nesd less to say that we have surprised each other quite as well. But best of all, I find that In the few days of uncon scious co-operation, we have increased the amount paid on salary to Just live hundred dollars. This shows what we can do If we all work together, I move you as a congregation, that we increase our pastor's salary from six hundred to eight hundred dollars a year. It was carried with a rush, even Brother Cook assenting. Pastor Nor wood arose, and with tears of joy trickling down his cheeks, thanked them simply. Some said they sung the doxoiogy as never before; at least there were two voices that rang out with a new inspiration of faith. When they were once more at home, and the children in bed, Wesley Nor- THEY READ TOGETHER, wood again look his wife in his arms and opening his Bible at a place much marked and worn, they read together with the guileless faith of children, "And It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will bear." Ceatarlea OU. Days of festival thanksgiving have been celebrated for many centuries. Under the old Mosaic law the Hebrews held an annual harvest festival under the trees and In tents of palm. The German Protestants have an annual "Harvest Home" festival, accompanied by religious serv ices, and this custom was brought to America by the early Dutch Immigrants. Thanksgiving for us today la a time for rejoicing that Ufa has been spared to us and that we have escaped many danger, overcome many trials and en joyed many pleasures ddring the 'last year. It Is alto a time when we should remember kindly those who have been leaa fortunate aad should aut forth some special eCort to thaw happier. The night before Thanksgiving I found mamma sitting alone by the window in the dark, and when I put my cheek against hers it was ail wet, and I said out quick: "Oh, pretty mamma, what is the mat ter?" and cried, too. "I was thinking about your uncle Jefferson," she answered, then she dried her eyes and mine. "He will be the only one who will not be hero at our Thanksgiving dinner." "But why don't he ever come?" I said. "Three years ago he had a misun derstanding with your father," said mamma. "That means a quarrel," I said. "What did he quarrel about?" "The pronunciation of a word," said mamma. "The way a word ought to be 'spok en?' I asked. "Yes," said mamma. I thought that such a queer thing "MY POOR CHILD, WHAT DO YOU WANT?" to quarrel about, but I did not say anything, for, of course, big folka know best. "It was ou Thanksgiving Day three years ago," said mamma, "and he has never been In the house since." "He must be very cross and bad," I said. ' "No, Indeed, Hilda," paid mamma. "He is r. splendid doctor, and very kind to the poor. He is ready to go and see tbem any time, day or night. I have often known hfm to take the ragged little children who were sent for him in his gig." Then she said again:. "They will oil be here but he." "Shall I go and ask him to come?" I said after a while. " I know where be lives." "No, Hilda, he would not listen to yon," said mamma. "If I was a ragged little girl would he come?" I asked. "He might," said mamma. Then she sat very quiet and looked out of the window for a long time, and I knew she was thinking about Uncle Jefferson. Next day every one came grand ma, grandfather and all ray aunts, un cles and cousins, big and little. The table In the dining room was bright and glittering with pretty glass, silver and flowers. Every one seemed happy, out I knew Just by ber face that mamma was still thinking, "They are all here but Uncle Jeffer on." So I went up to ber and raid: "Maybe Uncle Jefferson will come after all, mamma," but she shook ber bead and the tears came Into her eyes. "Would he come If I was a lagged little girl and asked htm?" I said. "He might," said mamma. "He Is always so very good to poor chil dren." "Then I will go and bring him, I said to myself, and ran away. Dinner would not be ready for an hour, so I had plenty of time, I left all my cousins playing and, talking together, I was afraid some one would call me back, but I got away without being seen, and went Into mamma's room and Into a closet, where I knew an old coat of papa's hung. I knew Do one would mind, so 1 got the big scissors and tut off some of the sleeves, then I put It on; but It was so long that I could not walk, so 1 cut off the to make It ragged. I climbed up on a chair after I was dressed and peeped Into the glass. I looked just like a poor, poor little beg gar girl. It almost made me cry, "I hope I am ragged enough to suit Uncle Jefferson," 1 said, and I ran down stairs and out of the door. No one heard me. When I reached Uncle Jefferson's office his gig was standing at the door, so I waited close by until he came out of the house. I was afraid that after all ha would not Uatm, hut the mo ment he saw me he stopped and looked at me all over through his glasses. "Dear, dear, he said, "my poor child, what do you want" "I want you to come and see mam ma," I said. He answered right away. "Certainly; Jump in and tell the boy where to drive." When the black boy. lifted me Into the gig he laughed and said: " Well, little rag-bag, where shall I lake you?" Just that moment I forgot our num ber, so I pointed. Uncle Jefferson sat down on the other side of me, and away we went Well, before I knew it, the boy drove down the wrong street, but there was a gate into our back garden in this street, and I told him to stop there. It was very dark in the garden, but I went straight up to the dining-room door. Uncle Jefferson following close behind. As I ran up the steps I threw away the old coat and handkerchief, for. I knew mamma wanted me to look nice. When I pushed open the door and called out, "Here is Uncle Jefferson," every one stopped talking and turned around. Well, I don't know what happened after that, but anyho-ar In a few. mo ments they were all shaking hands, and mamma was crying, but this time she looked so happy. When at last they all sat down, 1 next to mamma on one side and Uncle Jefferson on the other, she said: "You dear little fairy, how did you man age to make him come?' Then I told her about the old coat, and she told everybody fise, and they laughed, Uncle Jefferson louder than all the others. Mamma said it was the very hap piest Thanksgiving Day she had ever known, and all my cousins said it was the very i best Thanksgiving dinner ever eaten. Well, after that day Uncle Jefferson and I were the best of friends, ant" he always called me bis Thanksgiving fairy. sw mM mm) if I move my arm-chair to the door that fronts the autumn wold, And gaze upon the stalely trees, proud In thlr Barb of (fold; The quail her brood In calling where the brooklet runs awav To find i he sea, and Nature smiles this glad Thanksgiving day. The years have touched my hair with Kray, but sill! above me files The fairest lla that flaunls Its folds against the asure skies. I watch It In lis beauty as It floats twixt sea and sea, From every lofty mountain top o'er peo ple truly free. No war within our borders, we can all rejoice io-dxy; At peace with all the nations far beyond the dashing spray! Our navies ride to every sea, our honor Is as true As when was rtrt baptized In blood the old lied, While and Blue. I thank the loving Father, He who watches over all, hot blessings on our land bestowed from mountain wall to wall; l or harvests that were bountiful from far Dakota's plain To Where the old Penobscot rushes 'neath the pin of Maine. T swm to catch the echoes of an anthem in the Houth, where slugs the golden oriole In some rlm canon's mouth; And the laurel and the cedar and the branching rh.nlnut free Grow side by side, where once were Pitched the tents of Oram and Lee, 1 hear no more the battle, drums that beat In manhood's day, For side by side, fore'er at peace, r standing Blue and dray; Together they are marching to the des tiny of fame, And each one crowns with deathless wreath our country's noble name. I dream of coming ages which our na tion loved will crown With mighty triumphs which to her shall dive a new renown: t'nlll In conscious wonder every country 'neath the sun Bhall ring with lofty plaudits for the land of Washington, We're marching on to greater things, as vessels sweep the sea: And each Thanksgiving fills our hearts with blessings yet to be. America Is destined, If to Ood we're only . true. To be the favored nation 'neath the can- opy of blue. Then let the bells all ring today through, out our cherished clime; Let old and young with pride rejoice this glad Thanksgiving time; Let paeans rise from morn till eve and nothing coma to mar Tho hope that rules our happy laud be neath the stripe and star. The winds blow through I he autumn boughs; methlnks I hear a tread. A merry laugh and a Utile band. I lala upon my head; And soft lips touch my wrinkled check and this Is what they say: "I've eotn to kiss you, grandpa, dear, . thankful kiss to-day!" Mr eyes grow misty as my arms abou the wee one twine: I cannot see the meadow and the wood land's golden line; Mr old. old heart beats faster, as It bu Mas o'tr with bliss. And silently I'm thankful for the sws Thanksgiving kiss. They Call AUs "Ab-ry. No writing, it Is said, of Mr. George Ade's has so amused bis admiring readers as has the pronunciation of his name by the majority of those admiring readers amused Mr. George Ade. How it started no one seems to know, but most persons In this part of the country, the New York Sun says, speak of him as Mr. Ah-day (accent on the day). Call It that In Chicago where he lives, and they wouldn't know whom you were talk ing about. The author" himself pro nounces him name as though it were, spelled "Aid." ' Bis Wonderful "Polatoo." An interesting agricultural Item Is reprinted in the London Times from its issue of October 10, 1801: "A Mr. Va-her of Heckford farm, near Poole, last year planted one Potatoe, which produceed him 335 in number, and there would lave been still more had not a boy lost one of the eyes after the Potatoe was cut in pieces. The Farmer having saved the whole of tbem, had then planted, which he ha now dug up, and finds that they have multiplied to the number of 9,236 and weigh 13 cwt, 3 qrs., which certainly is a very great Increase from one sin gle root In two years." Rheumatism and Hi Eyes. Chicago, 111., Nov. 18th. Mr. R. A. Wade, the celebrated criminal lawyer of this city whose opinion on legal matters is unquestioned, has recently made public his unqualified opinion on a matter of medicine. Mr. Wade says that Rheumatism and Kidney Trouble affect the eyesight, and further that there is no case of the kind that can not be cured by Dodd's Kidney Pills. He has no fear of being set right by any of his medical friends, for both statements have a living and Indis putable proof In the person of the great lawyer himself, who as a result of Rheumatism and Kidney Trouble from which he Buffered for years, be came totally blind. Physicians, the best In the country, pronounced his case incurable and hopeless, but Dodd's Kidney Pills cured him, restored his sight, drove away the Kidney Trouble and with it the Rheumatism and made an all around well man of him. Married a Chinaman for Splto, A new species of revenge has been discovered in New Jersey. A womau there had trouble with her husband, and ran away from blm and married a Chinaman. An obliging minister of New York performed the ceremony. When brought into court the woman set up no defense. "I had no use for the Chink," she said. "I only married him to spite my husband." "There Is. then, something new under the sun," remarked the Solomon on the bench. When Von Order Baker's Chocolate or Baker's Cocoa examine the package you receive and make sure that It bears the well known trade-mark of the cbccolite girl There are many imitations of these choice goods on the market. A copy of Miss Parloa's choice recipes will be sent free to any housekeeper. Address Walter Baker & Co., Ltd., Dorchester, Mass. A Mlackstone Memorial, Mrs. T. B. Blackstone, widow of the late president of the Chicago & Alton railroad, has presented the city of Chi cago with a library building, to be put up at the Intersection of Forty-fifth street and Washington and Lake ave nues, as a memorial to Mr. Black stone. Though it will be a branch of the main public library, the building will have a complete equipment of lu own. GOOD nOCSEKEEPEBg Use the best. That's why they buy Red Cross Ball Blue. At leading grocers, 5 cents. Love never turns Its microscopes on our faults. Plso'sCure cannot be too highly spoken of as s cough euro. J. W. O'Hhikh, S3 Third Ave., M., Minneapolis, atlna., Jan. 6. 1KNL Time lost in mending nets Is saved In catching fish. IBONIMO A SHIRT WAIST. Not Infrequently a young woman finds It necessary to launder a shirt waist at home for some emergency when the laundryman or the home ser vant cannot do It. Hence these direc tions for Ironing the waist: To Iron summer shirt waists so that they will look like new It la -needful to have them starched evenly with Defiance starch, then made perfectly smooth and rolled tight In a damp cloth, to be laid away two or three hours. When Ironing have a bowl of water and a clean piece of muslin beside the Iron ing board. Have your Iron hot, but not sufficiently so to scorch, and abso lutely clean. Begin by Ironing the back, then the front, sides and the loeves, followed by the neckband and the cuffs. When wrinkles appear ap ply the damp cloth and remove tbem. Always Iron from the top of the waist to the bottom, if there are plaits In the front Iron them downward, after first raising each one with a blunt knife, and with the edge of the Iron follow every line of stitching to give It distinctness. After the shirt waist la Ironed It should be well aired by the Ore or In the sun before It Is folded and put away, rays the Philadelphia Inquirer. Bdlsoa's "Moo..1 Thomas A. Edison Is very deaf. Ow ing to a playful pleasantry he has In vented a sort of shorthand speech, among which is bis greeting to the older hand In his shop and labora tory. When he sees one of these men. "Boo!" says Mr. Edison, which baa come to mean good morning, or gooti afternoon, or good night The la bra tor aan have picked up the peculiar grettlng, so that when the "boas" ap pears In the morning be Is greeted In his own shorthand speech: "Boo, Mr. Editon." A sensitive conscience never makes a man self-conscious.
