yjpKTßaking tte flavor MSmw M iT'TOL?* -1 PERSONAL GOSSIP. Contribution* muted. That which yon u-o.# «» t rl.lnally In Porto Itli'-). I>ut . Misiiulalioii ; lias boon inline 1 <,' 1!,. l>; 1 lir I spirit of I'll:' :i ;! |ni!".!« li.v I tile many At::s W 1:: •»"-■ !:a> v. lioiv- I Hide iii the ciiie.s anil \v': > exert an in ; fliuuiw much greater than (!:,» num | bi ;'s would seen} to iv;iivmi! Thi' diuretics welcome th • day with chimes which at midnight and last until the midnight of the next day. What with one church beginning ten minutes too soon and another ten min utes too late and a third at the right moment, what with bells which ring every fifteen minutes and bell ringers who under some ancient custom will sound the great bells every half hour, the air is filled with music which never seems to end. If you are near a campanile the ef fect is not altogether pleasant on ac count of the volume of sound striking the ear with too much force, but in a public square several hundred yards from the nearest belfry, where frees A JjALUUTi.I: N T.4.K GOITAK. and buildings break the sound waves, or in suburbs 011 the hillside the effect is unspeakably delightful. Pleasantest of all is it when you are sitting in the inner court or quadran gle of a Porto Iticnii home. Around you on four sides the house rises above you, and in the grounds or in great tubs and porcelain pots rich flowers, graceful vines and restful trees afford shade, color and perfume. The sound of the hells descends from the air above very much like a benediction. You sit in an easy chair, and servants bring you tea or steaming coffee, sweetmeats aud biscuits, confections and cigarettes, while a daughter or son plays ancient songs or dances upon a mandolin or guitar. The churches are crowded; so are the clubs and most of the places of recrea tion. Every vehicle is in use, and here and there can be seen young men and women trying to imitate English mod els. Some of the people of the moun tain districts carry out many of their early superstitions in regard to Christ mas. They hang over the doors of their houses boughs of trees which are supposed to possess charms and often conduct marriage ceremonies under great canopies made of these charmed trees. A great many wild flowers are in bloom at Chrlstmastide, and these are worn by children of the mountain dis tricts in wreaths and garlands about their heads, necks and waists. The Christmas giving is sadly missing in our new possessions. The churches hold no Christmas tree, and there are few charitable societies to give feasts. However, one hospital for old people and orphans in Ponce gives a Christ mas fete, aud the inmates have a good meal and receive warm clothing, med icines and other needful gifts. The American occupation has brought extra Christmas cheer to the people of the island. The American residents celebrate the day in good American fashion, and, best of all, they put money Into circulation and give zest to Industry and business. When Shepherds Watched by Night. Some historians contend that the shepherds could not have watched by night ou the liethlehem plains In De cember, it being a period of great in clemency. In answer to this a well known student says: "Bethlehem Is not a cold region. The mercury usual ly stands all the month of December at 40 degrees. Corn is sown during this tluie, and grass and herbs spring up after the rains, so that the Arabs 4rive their flocks down from the moun tains into the plains. The most deli cate never make fires till about the end of November, and some pass the whole winter without them. From these facts I think it is established without doubt that our Saviour was born on the 25th day of December, the day which the church throughout the world has united to celebrate In honor of Christ's coming In the flesh."—Wash ington Star. The Moat Popular Christmas Poem. The most popular Christmas poem ever wrltteu for children was that fa miliar to the world, beginning: 'Twm the night before Christmas, when all through the house— The poem was written by a very learned man, Dr. Clement Clarke Moore, a profound Greek and Hebrew scholar. He was a professor In the General Theological seminary in this city. He was born In 1779 and died In 1863.—New York Globe. 11 - ' "V : ■ '.ory 1 1 Where Holiday Goad Cheer prevails and the work of providing 11 for your comfort, pleasure and convenience for the Yule Tide Season goes on. Our telephone and delivery service is at your command but we invite you to visit the store and see the tempt ing array of good things that is being gathered together for you I Holiday Nuts and Candies and ] Candied Good Things | V ~~ groceries" RIGHT SORTS : 1, " r !" : jy WIDEST VARIETY High Grade Teas and Coffees V Butter, Cheese and Eggs of the Best Grade | Holly and Holly Wreaths I Do not delay until the last moment and then in the Christmas rush, per- ! I haps be disappoiuted, but GIVE US your order early and rest assured that I it will be executed to your entire satisfaction. I A* Christmas Gifts for Everybody J \ While catering to the wants of the inner man 1 my y JEK i s a principal feature of this store, we would re \ XHtf minc * y° u y° ur wants in the line of gift giving can be su PP lied here as well. Beautiful China, I \ decorated and plain, odd pieces or whole Dinner H Scts - Blown and Pressed Glass, Water Sets, 1 n Jardinieres, Toilet Sets Fern Dishes, Vases. Notable Kitchen Specialties AU the little # \ _ convenienci e s ' | for making easy the work of the kitchen. Extensive line of Enamel Ware I tir Novelties in Burnt Wood, Etc l ■ ■ mtiwH "Big Saving Prices m S; d^ TURDAY j Sugar -'>'»• «»k p k 2Sc 1 Pickles Heinzlscßottl ® " JOc Starch GlbßLaundryStarch 25c ' Cranberries 0 " I>Cod ' :!,|Uart 25c Apples p™ k ening " 0l ' Splea ' a 35c I Baltimore Shucked Oysters 1 | Fresh Caught Lake Fish | | Leave Orders for Delivery Friday Morning jj J. H. DAY.