THE COLUMBIAN, BLOOMSBURG. PA.
A -NEW-YEAR THOUGHT.
WW!, "here's the New Yrnr come nt;ntti tlio
old 'inc'd Knna at hint.
Poor Nlnoty-soven we'll soe no ninrt; lis van
ished In the punt.
Bnt on tlie whole, I think It's been n, pretty
good old year.
And erer In my memory I'll hold It close nnd
dear.
lis true It didn't bring me much I hndn't
hart b fore ;
Amloty from otiirt to end wm sittltitf Ht my
diMir.
Bnt. an 1 think It over, all tho trouble that
wore mlnn
Were not hrontiht on by nlnct-uivun, but ol
my own dciltcn.
flfen 11b me tho yor In wMfh they've woes,
and possibly they're rixlit.
I do not say Unit they are wruiiK.ur that they
Ueiik from spite.
I only know what I do think, nnd that'!
enough for me t
t have no proper right to blame the folks whe
diHUtil'CO.
Yet I ran bear my witness of tho thlntts that
I hell eve.
And I will do It truly, with no wishing to deceive-That
whether years lie good or 111 no roan
Mhould e'er condemn.
Because that whirl) those years become If
what we make of them.
And though old ninety-seven has brought m
quite a (leal of woe,
I thank It that I've kept alive and able still
to "go."
And aa I've no reforms In view. I wish it ur
flerstood
t only hope this new one will turn out ono
half as good. Harper's l!az:ir.
ANEW YEAR EPISODE
BY HELEN A. MOUTOX,
South Walton, was as new and cheap
and crude as the substantial old town
ol Walton, of which it was an offshoot,
w8 sober, dignified and respectable.
New streets, rough and unfinished, ran
at right angels with the railroad track,
and were lined on cither side with pre
tentious little dwelling-houses, which
had heavy looking round towers out of
all proportion with the buildings which
they were supposed to adorn, but
which they only vulgarized and cheap
ened. The few public buildings were hud
dled about the railroad station, and
were as plain as the dwelling-houses
ware ornate, but had the sume air of
newness.
One of the plainest of these was di
rectly opposite the station. It was a
btg, box-like structure, two stories
high, just primed over with an ugly
caddish yellow paint, through which
the coarse nails and the pencilings of
the lumber dealer were plainly visible.
There was a narrow hall through the
building, unlighted save by a glass
transom over the door, and a window
at the extreme end.
On one side of the door was the post
office; on the other the South Walton
branch of the Walton public library,
and the inevitable laundry ofllce and
small-wares store combined.
A modest tin sign on the left-hand
door post informed the public that "E.
Nelson, M. D." had an ofllce on the sec
Kid floor, and the same name appeared
In largf.r letters over the rough piazza,
between two windows on the right.
The shades at these windows were a
soft ecru, and the windows themselves
were bright and clean. In marked
contrast to those In the lawyer's of
Sce across the hall.
The people at South Walton were
tomewhat slow, at first, to accept Doc
tor Nelson, on account of her sex; but
Walton was four miles away; those
who consulted her because she was at
iand did so afterward because they be
lieved in her; then they spoke of her
to their friends, and so it came to pass
that three months after her first ap
pearance in the place, she had a very
respectable showing of names upon her
books.
Now all this promised well for the
tttture prosperity of Doctor Elaine Nel
son, but such prospective success did
not materially alter the fact that New
Tear's Df.y fouud her in the unenviable
josition of a person with her last dol
lar In her pocket. She was an orphan;
er nearest relative was a half brother,
aow in the West, and as he had not
tpproved at her choice of a profession
she was too proud to appeal to him for
aid. The thousand and one expenses,
Utile and great, of moving and settling
in. this, her first practice; some bills
. contracted fluring her year of hospital
work, the rent and incidental expenses
sf her life at South Walton, had re
faced to this what had seemed at the
outset mony .enough to last at least
stx months, In esse she had no patients
for that length of time.
Blw tried to joke about her plight to
aerself. She had bridged over many
a rough spot In her path by persistent
ly looking at the tumorous side, but
it was hard to see any chance for a
ioke on this occasion.
Who could be Jovial on the eve of the
New Tear Jf in a strange town, with
no relatives within a thousand miles;
with only bread and bitter and tin egg
la the larder, and only a dollar lit one's
pocket?
Certainly not Doctor Nelson, al
though she made a brave attempt, lay
ing to herself.
"Well, one can't starve on bread and
nrilk, and there's coffee and that egg.
I. only hope It won't prove a bad one.
Sven if no patient comes In between
mow and to-morrow, I still have my
-iolar; I can't starve, though I shall
C eoune be lonely. I am glad I have
that dollar. To think of beginning the
year with gnawing hunger biting at
aty digestive organs, and my birthday,
toot I bad quite forgotten that. Well,
I can't freeze, fortunately, In thin
steam-heated bouse. I really must eat
that egg Cor supper. I'm so tired of
bread and gutter, and I shall surely
have some oluce call before night."
But the evtajng wore away, and no
one called except the postnjan with a
letter from her half-brother. This fs
rhat "bo read:
tCTTOHiliiili llUliL
"Denr Elaine: I sent your birthday
present by express a day or two ago.
Hope you'll like it. Thought it safer
I not to prepay the expressage. Hope
. you are doing well. No news. All
send love. Hoping to hear from you
soon,
"Your affectionate brother,
"JOHN P. NELSON."
A cold perspiration broke out all
over her as she read. Suppose that ex
press bill should be more than a dol
lar! The night was long and wakeful,
but New Year's morning dawned at
last, cold and gray and dreary. The
expressman came bright and early,
with a big box and a charge of eighty
five cents, which she paid, thankful
that it was no more.
Doctor Nelson's suite of rooms con
sisted of her office, a sleeping-room,
and a little back room, hardly larger
than a good-sized closet, which she
used for storage, and where she pre
pared her simple meals. She ate her
breakfast in the office before office
hours; her lunch and supper in her
chamber for fear of callers. The rooms
were prettily and tastefully fitted up,
and a marked contrast to the outsido
of the building. With a little more
money she might have been very
happy there.
Before getting breakfast she opened
the big box. It contained a beautiful
fur cape. She had needed and wanted
one, but she looked at it rather apathe
tically. She felt strangely weak and
faint. When one considers that coffee,
bread and butter and an occasional
egg had been her bill of fare for a
week or so. It is not surprising. Any
one who has tried that way of living
will readily understand the situation
and sympathize wun Elaine.
Finally she made her coffee, spread
a little table neatly, toasted her bread,
and sat down to her simple meal.
She tried to think of pleasant things;
to be thankful for shelter for warmth;
but she could ly think of the past
with sadness, and of the future with
increasing doubt and misgiving. Her
meagre fare reminded her by force of
contrast of the breakfast they used to
have in her old home in her father's
lifetime. She remembered that there
was often some homeless man or wo
man invited to share the meal with
them. How far away It seemed that
happy time. How incredible it would
have sounded then had some one said
that in the year of grace 1896, she, too,
would be fatherless, homeless and hun
gry. The tears came t her eyes as she
pictured her father's anguish could be
know how lonely, how utterly friend
less, she felt. Ah, how she hoped he
could not know! It would spoil even
heaven for him the dear, loving
father, whose loss she could never
cease to mourn. She felt that she could
not eat, after all; so the drank her cup
of coffee, lay down upon the couch, and
with her eyes fixed upon the new cape,
fell Into a state of dreamy apathy.
"It must have cost at least seventy
five dollars," she found ierself think
ing. She glanced at a diamond ring upon
her finger another of John's: gifts. A
new fur cape, diamonds, and only fif
teen cents to buy dinner! She laugh
ed in a weak, hysterical fashion as the
grim sarcasm of the situation occurred
to her, and then relapsed Into her list
less musing, forgetting the untouched
breakfast and the lapse of time, al
though the clock struck eight and tbn
the half-hour.
Presently, however, the door opened
and an old farmer, whsse wife was one
of her patients, came bustling In,
j "Good-morning, doctor, good-morn-J
Ing," he cried cbeviljr. "I had to come
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to the village for some cranb'r'ys
mother told me to get 'em yesterday
but I forgot, and we couldn't have
turkey without cranb'r'ys, you know!
And mother says, 'Pa I wish you'd stop
and pay the doctor's bill. I hate to
owe anybody New Year's Day.' 'All
right, mother,' said I, 'and spos'n I ask
her to come home to dinner with me?
She ain't got any folks, and we ain't
got any, for 'tain't likely Horace can
come home.' Horace's my son, who
lives way out in Minneapolis. So put
on your bonnet, doctor, and come right
along with me. We're plain sort of
folks, but we will give you a warm
welcome."
He stopped suddenly, for Elaine's
nerve had deserted her at last, and she
covered her face with her hands and
burst into tears.
Over the bowed head the old man
glanced at the little table with its
slices of toast, its empty coffee cup, and
unused plate and knife and fork, and
a sudden comprehension made his keen
gray eyes misty.
"There, there, my dear!" he said
huskily, as he gently stroked the pretty
brown hair. "Don't cry. I can't bear
to have you do that. You're about
the age my girl would be if she had
lived, and "
He could say no more, and coughed
to hide his emotion,
"I hope you will pardon me," said
Elaine, recovering herself with an ef
fort. "I "
"There, don't you say a word! I
understand. You're homesick, having
no folks round here. It's natural,"
said the farmer with ready tact. "Just
put on this pretty fur thing and we
will leave the office to take care of It
self. Folks won't want you till to
morrow," he sild with a chuckle at
the timeworn joke. "Oh, and here's
the money. I a.moct forgot that, after
all."
Although virtue Is snld to be its own
reward, a more tangible return for
benefits conferred seldom comes amiss,
and Mr. Hastings felt in a vague way
rewarded for his forethought in re
membering th doctor's loneliness
when, on reaching home, his eyes
were gladdened by the sight of the big,
broad-shouldered son who was his
pride and Joy; who was "Professor
Hastings" in the city of his adoption,
but would never be anything but our
boy "Horace" to the dear old people
on the farm.
Professor Hastings had arrived dur
ing his father's absence In the village.
If he was in the hast surprised to see
the latter drive up with a stylish-looking
young lady by his 6ide he did not
show it, but his quick eye did notico
that no package wis forthcoming from
the ample sleigh. J Remembering his
father's Incurable absent-mindedness,
and having been tcld his errand, after
the usual introdvetions had taken
place and he had ewcorted Doctor Nel
son in doors, he said with a twinkle in
his eye,
"Father, where are the cranberries?"
A comical look of dismay spread over
the latter's face as he said,
"I declare if I didn't forget 'em
again! Jump in, Horace, and we'll go
back. It ain't ten o'clock and I'll have
'em yet with your help!"
The old people were happy beyond
their expectation in having their son
at home. Elaine was enjoying her
first real homelike holiday for four
long years; and as tor Professor Hast
ings, when he was not tormenting him
self with speculations as to whether
that diamond ring of the doctor's was
an engagement token, he was happy In
dreams of the future time when he
might and did persuade her to wear a
plain jgold one, aud the t:amo PI Haut
IngB.JVaverly MngPrlr.?.
Ilc-n' 77rrZS'J7.r
j New Year Superstitions.
' The superstitions connected with
N'ew-Year's are many, and not only
harmless, but interesting. For in
stance, no one must put on anything
that Is soiled, and, if possible, wear
everything new. You must not cut your
hair or your nails, and on no account
wear a torn garment. If you Bhould
be so unfortunate as to put on the left
Bhoe first, or a garment on wrong side,
you must undress, even to the taking
down of your hair, and dress all over
again. It is very bad luck to be lute
to breakfast, and worse luck still to
Btumble or fall, unless it be upstairs,
in which case do not look behind you,
whatever you do. On retiring, place
something higher than the bed beside
It, on which you can step when you
k arise in the morning, so that you may
take your first step upward. Be the
first to speak to the cook, if you can.
,To have a basket of eggs or a box of
oranges brought to the house unex
pectedly during the day is great good
luck. The salt-cellars must be clean and
full, the bread basket well supplied,
and money in your purse, and the
'purse in your pocket. Whatever you
start to do on New Year's Day you
must finish, or else you will half do all
, the year. It is also a custom to light
a candle at sundown on the 31st of
' December and keep it burning until
the new year is fairly started. It is a
very ill omen to have a fire go out
' with the old year. The finding of mon
1 ey Is good if the money is spent for
J other than the person finding it. And
almost any love sign is propitious at
J this time if there should chance to be
. a new or a full moon on the 31st of
December or the 1st of January.
A ltesolutlon.
As hypocrisy is the tribute which
vice pays to virtue, so the mere mak-
j Ing of a resolution implies the knowl
' edge of wrong, and of a right exceed
I Ing wrong; and to make a determina
tion to discard the wrong is already
Dne step toward embracing the right
I Is, in fact, embracing it is, while be
ing the resolve, also the carrying out of
the resolve, however little way. The
resolve is the outcome of the best part
of one's nature; the not keeping it Is
one's weakness only.
Singing Lesson for Policemen
In Stockholm the policeman's lot Is
a happy one. He must first pass an
extensive examination, but when that
is over he wears a handsome uniform
and occupies quarters provided with
fine furniture, hot and cold baths and
i piano with free singing lessons. The
Swedish police system of telephones
and electric bells is hardly eqpalled
anywhere else in the world.
Soiua Frlemla.
"Dab. Is some friends," said Uncle
Eben, "dat is like de rafeibow. Dey
looks fine an' bends polite, but dcy's
gone when de sun ain't shinln'."
Washington Star. ,
PA'S POINT OF VIEW.
Bobby Pop, what is a bachelor ?
Honpock A very lucky and much to-he-euvitid
mm, Bobby,
REASONS
Walter Baker & Co.'s
Breakfast Cocoa.
1. Because it is absolutely pure.
2. Because it is not maiie by the so-called Dutch Trocoss in
which chemicals are used.
3. Because beans of the finest quality are used.
4. Because It Is made by a method which preserve unimpaired
the exjuisite natural flavor and odor of the beans.
5. Because it is the
a cup.
Tie surs thnt you
if AHI:K a ku. i-ia..
mm
THE HOLIDAY SEASON.
For Christmnn, lSr)7, we have a large line of goods suit
able for gifts to gentleinen. It includes ,
Meerchaum Pipes,
I'eautiful designs in great variety.
Meerchaum Cigar Holders, Briarwood Pipes,
Cigars, fine grades, in boxes of
25, 50 and 100.
We also have a lare assortmrnt ot CONFECTIONERY in nice boxes
anil in bulk. Sunday Schools preparing for Christmas festivals shoul.l yet our
prices.
ALEXANDER BROTHERS & CO.
Bloomsburg Pa.
IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF
CARPET, MATT1IVG,
or mij CLOTH,
YOU WILL FIND A NICE LINE AT
W. ffiL BEOWEM
2nd Door above Court House.
A large lot of Window Curtains in stock.
SOME OF THE STRIKING FEATURES FOR 1898
THREE SERIAL STORIES .
THH ADVENTURERS
FOUR FOR
Bf U. B. MA RJIIuTT TStW
H, ALBERT IKH
IS a thrilling itnry of a fight for
is a stirring
a treasure concealed in an old
cattle in the mountains of Wales.
companions who have lo
cated a long lost fortune.
SHORT FICTION
In addition to the three long serial stories, the publication nf which will continue during the entire
year, there will be short stories of every kind, of which it is only possible to mention a few titles here.
Hunt, the Owler The Blockadera A Harbor Mystery
By 8TAKI.SV J. U l YXAX tt JAMKS BARKSS By JOHN M. Bi'EA RS
The Flunking of Watkina' Ghost A flreat Haul A Creature of Circumstance
B) JOU.V iltXtlRIl K KA.VCa By ForillK SH'KTT By MaRilAN RUMRTSuN
ARTICLES ON SPORT, TRAVEL, ETC.
Elephant Hunting In Africa
By srv.vxr brooks
First Lesson., In Tiller and Sheet
By DVDLtr D.F. rARKKR
DEPARTMENTS
Editor' Tibia, Stamp and Coin. Photography
10 Ltnlt a A'umPrr (Send for Free I'rosprrtus). Subscription, tl.00 a Ytar.
Postace free In the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Address HARPER 1IKOT11KKH, Publlsherx, Frauklln Square, N. Y. City,
Stanley J. Weyman H. B. M. Wation Cyrus
ARPER'S MAOAZINE
will enter the coming year prepared to give to the reading public that which has made it famous for
the past cpiarter of a century contributions from the pens of the great literary men and women of the
woilj, iiiuniiaieil by leading artists. A brief glance over its prospectus announces such reading as
OUR PACIFIC PROSPECT
PHUJKT8 FOR A XK'AIUIIt'AX I'AMb TIIK (JOBJltHI HI. IMI'OHTiM I OP a ISTHMUS CiMl
By Hon. HA VJD TVRPIS By WORrillHtiTOS C. fORD
KiSTIiltX KIIIKKIs AND TIIK I'tllMC TUC ULVtl.UI'llEVT OP Ot R PAflHC DOU.l
by Sri'rtA'.V BUttdAL By CllARLUS F.'.LUXMIS
RODEN'S CORNER THE NOVEL OF THE YEAR
by Hrnry Shton Mkkkiman, author of "The Sowers." Striking novelties In short fiction will
be contributed by such authors as W. 1). Howells, Kichard Harding Davis, Brander Matthews,
r rederic Kemington, Kulh McF.nery Stuart, and others. There will be a aeries of articles on
THE PROGRESS OF SCIENCE EUROPE, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL ART AND THE DRAMA
ARMIES AND NAVIES STUDIES IN AMERICAN SOCIETY AMERICAN CHARAC I R SKETCHES
Fmtagt frtt to all tubscrOitrs in tlie Unitid Stattt, Canada, and JUt .ko.
Sub. 14 a year. Address HARPER & BROTHERS, Pub't, N. Y. City. Send lor Ire proipectu
i
4
i
Gen. Lew W.IUcs H. S. Williams W. D.
Soma TooHsb Feoplo
Allow a cough to run until it gets be
yond the reach of medicine. They
often eay, "oh, it will wtar away," but
in most cases it wiil wear them away.
C'ouU they be in-iuceil to try the sue
ceiikfdl medicine called Kemp's Balsam
which is sold on a positive guarantee
to cuie, tin y would irnmediaiely see
the excellent cflect alter taking the
first dose. Pi ice 25 and 50c. Trial
size free. At all dlUggiiU.
U9 4td
.,4
FOR USING
most economical, costing lets than one crnt
gtt the (rrnulns article mnil t-y W'ALTKR
uorcnrsicr, mans. iBiiiuiinucu i.u.
A FORTUNE
THE COPPER PR1NCE5S
tf kihk m:ttog
narrative of four
It is in the bowel of the earth where
the hero has his adventures, ami
from where he rescues the i'rlncesv
An American Explorer In Africa
By CYRUS C. A HAMS
Laying Out a flolf Course
By W. 0. VAX TASKM Sl'TI'lIgX
PRIZE COMPETITIONS
Short Stories, Sketching, Photography
C. Adams Poultney Bicelow 1' irk Mnnrne
i
t
i
t
Howells Owcu Wiuet C. I). Wsmet
Ojuuterfeil Muney.
The country is flooded with circular
letters to parties conveying a proposi
tion for them to handle a quality of
counterfeit money that is alleged to
be indetectablc. If anybody is foolish
enough to bite he will, no doubt, be
afforded ample time to i egret it during
a term of solitary confinement in the
Western Penitentiary.
7ry COL V Mil IAN a year.
1-