Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 28, Number 25, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 18 December 1897 — Page 7

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Bfitor

An apology is perhaps due the reader as well as the editor of The Mail. When the writer agreed to contribute an article on "Christmas in Persia" he had forgotten for the moment a very essential matter, that is to say, whether there is such a thing in the "land of the Imams" as is known in more favored countries as Christmas—Christ mass, the festival in memory of the birth of the Saviour.

I once beard Josh Billings deliver his lecture entitled "Milk." Before he appeared there was conspicuously displayed on a small table a large glass pitcher full of milk and by its side a large glass tumbler. When the great humorist was introduced he walked to the stand, very deliberately poured the glass full of milk, took a sup, and in his inimitable way slowly drawled, "The best thing I ever saw on milk was cream," and that was the one and only time milk was mentioned or referred to in the whole lecture. So I might say, "Christmas in Persiathere isn't any Christmas in Persia but it wouldn't be quite true, as will appear

The heterogeneous character of the peoples inhabiting Persia, with their many religion^ and those holding to the Christian faith being in such a small minority, make it impossible that much attention should be paid there to Santa Claus' Day. In fact the vast majority of the people never heard of the day. The state religion is Mohanunedan, and more than ninetenths of the people hold allegiance to that faith, an allegiance, by the way, so zealous, so intense and fanatical that if only the right word were spoken by the right person all non-Mohammedans would either be put to the sword or else required to repeat the formula, "There is no god but God, and Mohammed in His prophet." That would make them Mohammedans themselves. It is true these fierce fanatics recognize Jesus of Nazareth as one of the great prophets, but always subordinate to Mohammed, the last sent of God, they believe, and the greatest of all. There is nothing at all in any religious ceremonies and customs, ancient or modern, connected with the birth of Mohammed that corresponds in the remotest degree with the Christian observance of Christmas, and of course they despise and hate all "infidels" and their customs.

Another class of people inhabiting parts of Persia and holding to a religion far older than oven the Christian religion, is the Guebers, or Fire Worshippers. There are not mauy of them and their customs are very strange. They wear a peculiar costume, a feature of which is the color yellow they are very exclusive, more so than any other people in Persia. They be lifive in one supreme God, in the immortality of the soul, in the existence of an evil principle and have a reverential regard for the four elements—earth, air, fire and water. Hence two unusual practices— their adoration of the sacred fire and the disposition of their dead. The better educated among them deny the worship of fire in Itself but hold that it Is only an emblem of the divine nature. Of course the Ignorant oan*makeuo such fine distinction. Their reverence for and the resulting desire to avoid the contamination of earth, air and water gives rise to their strange customs of constructing large circular towers, usually on the top of some eminence, In which the bodies of their dead are deposited. They arc left food for the vultures and to the disintegrating effects of time. The loug dry summer season with bright sunshine and intense heat serve to aid In muramyfying the remains and thus permit a custom that could obtain in no other land. Of course this remnant of the ancient people of Pars (from which the word Persia comes) can know nothing of Christmas.

Scattered In the cities and villages of the land of the Shah may be found small colonies of God's chosen people, the Israelites. There as elsewhere the hand of every man Is against them and they are robbed and persecuted as few others in a country Where no non-Mohammedan escapes the oppressions of the ruling class. Their settlement in Persia they refer to the time cf the Babylonian captivity. Through all the centuries since they have retained the characteristics of their race movement everywhere, carefully preserving the Hebrew scriptures and teaching them in their schools. The writings or bookseach book of the old testament by itself— are sUll kept in huge scrolls which as one reads are rolled from one cylinder to another ami are carefully preserved in the synagogues They are beautifully written by excellent penmen, with reed pens, in the blackest ink and charmingly illuminated with red. How? the Jew is despised and hated there, and yet he thrives and prospers, notwithstanding an occasional plucking. Most of them engage In some trade or merchandising and others pander to the basest desires of the worst Mohammedans by conducting houses of meant*tlon and fortune telling and secretly supplying wine and arrnk for dissolute followers of the Prophet who are forbidden fey their sacred law from indulging in drink. No need to say that no Christmas observance* can be found among ttoe Jews of Pe rsia.

Another isolated people met with al way* Itt the walks of official life and among the wealthier and better class of merchants, are theArmenUns* so many thousand of whom were lately massacred under the gracious, benignant ami glorious reign of Sultan Abdul Hamfd, Autocrat of Turkey. Bright, progressive and ente r-t^ng™ t»Hr value Is recognised all «"-.»ntal coontrtes where they reside and they are always found in government employment Thorn in Persia are descend

Christmas in Persia.

"Vr-y^

An Indiana Han's Experience in the Far-off Land of

the Shah.

A. A. Hargrave, of the Rockville Republican, Recites His Experiences in a Country of Which but Little is Known Here-^-Per-sonal Recollections of Years Spent in That Strange Land.

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ants of colonies taken there from ancient Armenia by successive Persian kings. Through all the ages they have preserved their identity in a remarkable degree and one strange features of their lives is the patriotic fire still burning vigorously in their bosoms. They all hope to see a new Armenia established along the southern coast of Che Black sea. To this end they keep alive the traditions and glories of their ancient history, teach it in their schools by story and song and inspire the hope in the youthful breast. With no less fervor they have clung to their church, the bead of which resides at Etchmiadzin, a large convent in southern Russia not far from Mt. Ararat. The church is nominally Christian, the most conspicious doctrine, besides the principal tenets held by all Christians, being that Christ was perfect God and perfect man, with spirit, will and flesh, one body and one person and one nature. With Popists they hold to seven sacraments. Christmas is observed by them on the anniversary of Christ's baptism, not on the anniversary his birth. The manner of this celebration I am unable to tell. They have a solemn, "blessing of the cross" by dipping it into holy water twelve days after the beginning of their year In January. The writer may be permitted to say that there was no Armenian church in Oroomiah, where he was stationed.

A fifth people that claims attention?, since it is among them that the chief work of the American missionaries has been, are the Nestorians, who speak the Syrinc tongue. Like the Armenians they have preserved their identity as a church and people for nearly fifteen centuries, much of the time surrounded by alien and hostile peoples and subject to them, enduring the severest oppressions, occasionally nearly wiped out by jmassacres, but all the time maintaining a strong allegiance to their faith. Under Ncstorius, in the fourth century, they broke off from the early church. Disintegrating influences have been at work, and now it appears that a few years more will utterly destroy the Old Nestorian church. Anew evangelized church, patterned after the Presbyterian, is arising on its ruins and doubtless is destined to do a great work in time in converting Persia to the Christian faith. But little attention has been given to Christmas by this church. At Christmas time with them (twelve days after our Christmas, for they reckon by they Eastern style) they observe what they term the "little feast," or, to give the Syrlac words, "eeda soora'f (literally 'feast little," for the objective follows the noun), to distinguish this festival from the great feast, "eeda goora," which falls at Easter in commemoration of the resurrection. The reuson they give for not paying more atteneion to Christmas is that the resurrection is the only point of interest to them. Another reason, possibly, is that to emphasize their opposition to the lioman Catholic church, they practically ignore the occasion, the latter churoh making so much of it. In fact, so little was made of the day by the Nestorians that I can recall nothing more than the bringing to us as presents bowls of "khareesa" (as one wag of a missionary dubbed it "heresy.") a very palatable compound, composed principally of chicken and whole wheat, which is prepared Christmas eve and kept cooking all night long until it reaches a pasty consistency and which Is esteemed a great delicacy by the natives.

The real "Christmas in Persia," however, is kept by a few exiled Americans who have gone "far hence to the gentiles" and who keep up the pleasant customs of home life as well as they may. If there are little ones in the mission station some sort of entertainment is provided, as possibly a Christmas tree, nnd the whole membership bring their presents and enjoy the happy time together. I remember sending a man two days journey into the mountains (a four days' trip altogether, on foot, to bring a pine tree that would serve for a "tree." He had many hardships and declared he came near losing his life in cutting the tree on an almost inaccessible cliff, and yet what a miserable little tree it was' But it served the purpose and the presents it bore were as precious, and the» Santa Claus that came, all bedecked in furs and jingling with bells, was as real to the little tots as any that ever anywhere delighted little children.

To find suitable presents* fchd it is difficult to realize how hard that is where there are no toy shops and no candy stores, I searched the baxars. I did not go alone, but accompanied by a native to do the bargaining, for in that land no one buys without a "dicker" and a whole lot of "Jewing." Tramping through maddy snow and slash along the narrow winding street, shut in on both sides by high mud walls, devoid of windows, and with only an occasional solid wooden gate shut tight, we at length enter the roofedover street where the baxars begin. Now we are in the swordmakers, and gunsmiths baxar, and on either hand we see nothing but booths or workshops where these artisans ply ir trade. Next we pass into a long sfctwherathe trunkmakers are located. They are busy on red leather coveml boxes which they highly oroar, it with lines, scrolls, birds r—1 v»i,ons other designs, drawn tree in black ink. with reed pens. Nothing hem we want today.

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we to the dwem.'Uewss and thence we pass into the hatters* haaar next a street occupied by the tailors* ami, strange to say, behold American sewing machines busy in the far East, but operated by men only. Now we

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pass through long rows of dry goods booths, where the same shades of bright red, green, yellow, dull blue and other popular hues, are displayed by every merchant, and where the' attractive' (because

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Suddenly a great commotion arises. Something unusual is happening. Here comes one fleeing for his life. Rapidly pursuing is another, dagger in hand. One is a Jew the other a Mohammedan who is offended and would be avenged. The Jew runs with all his might and narrowly escapes into a passage way as bis pursuer, with a mighty leap and lunge, expends his energy in a last attempt to kill him. This is not so pleasant. It is probably just as well for us to quietly get away from this point.

My companion, as we pass the meat market, tries to purchase a certain portion of mutton that pleases him. I jet us say, by the way, that the carcasses of animals killed for meat are cut up as the purchaser wishes, while lying on the ground with the skin to protect it from the dirt The butcher refused to sell the piece wanted and persisted in weighing another and insisted on selling it. We walked off. The only explanation was that the better piece was being saved for some Mussulman consumer. We were Christians.

I finally found some nice appearing oranges and eagerly bought them, but they were a bitter disappointment indeed, for while beautiful to look upon they were bitter as gall to the taste. Our search for Christmas presents was well nigh a failure, nevertheless fool mothers looking far ahead had provided in advance so that the little American tots, doomed for a time to endure the privations of a residence in the "land of the lion and sun," had after all a very merry Christmas.

A piece of pipe was coiled around his neck. The rim of one of the great driving wheels of the engine rested on his faoe.

His legs were pinned down by a heavy beam. A pillow had been forced against hie month and nose, making it impossible for him to breathe.

His arms were pressed against his sides, and be tried in vain to move. But willing hands were at work upon the wreck, and at last Jones, the world renowned half back, was dragged out

Looking around, in a dazed sort oi way, at his rescuers, he asked: "How many yards did we gain on that 'down,' boys?"—Cleveland Leader.

While looking for Holiday Presents look at Geo. A. Taylor's Shoes and Slippers, they will make nice and useful presents* See us for Rubbers. 1105 Main street.

TEBRE HAUTE SATURDAY EVENING MALL, DECEMBER 18, 18975

peculi"appear",g'orien",is

gently or sometimes vehemently urge the visitor to buy. We see nothing we wish, and pass suddenly into a small court and stop a moment to gaze on a troop of camels—ships of the desert, lying at anchor on the ground in a circle, with all heads in the center, shivering unprotected beneath the open sky. Turning from this unfamiliar sight we plunge again into the bazars, passing by the tombstone sellers, who are as anxious to sell as anybody else. So with the coffin men, but fortunately we have no use for the wares of either. Here are the blacksmiths, and a more sociable set they appear to be, with their outfit of little bellows, diminutive anvils, few hammers and charcoal fire. What clatter is this? Why, the brass kettle makers, and a merry tattoo they beat as they hammer a plain sheet of copper or brass into a well finished kettle.

A. A. Hakgravk.

It Was Play For Him.

The train ran off the track and plunged down a steep embankment Jv' Engine, baggage car, coaohes and sleepers were jumbled in one awful mass.

The groans of the injured passengers rent the air. *-*71 It was frightful.

Jones, the world renowned half back, partially awoke. Three passenger cars were piled on top of him.

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If you intend giving a nice Christmas present what is nicer than one of those Chamber Sets, that you can get at any price down at Geo. J. Hammerstein's, 307 Wabash ave.

Try It.

Every one more than pleased, it will save you 25 per cent. H. F. Schmidt, Optician, is ordering every day. Buy goods trom catalogue, watches, diamonds, jewelry. 1898 catalogues just received, try the system this year, save money on purchases, a 673 Main St., 5 doors west of 7th.

Tel. 428

Wilvert, 713 and 1115 Wabash avenue, manufactures the Improved Alegretta Chocolates. Try them.

Wmm

Your Christmas Dinner will not be complete if you fail to get your Candies, Groceries and Meats at Will White's, corner of Second and Farrington Sts.

Special DresS Goods Sale*

All Wool 25c Dress Goods for 15c a yard. All Wool 38c Dress Goods for 25c a yard. 50c fancy Dress Goods for 39 a yard. 40 inch, All Wool Black Dress Goods, worth 50c, for 35c yard. 45 inch, Black Dress Goods, 60c, value for yard.| 45 inch, for 37c.

75c qualities for

Fine Serge, real value 50c,

Holiday Umbrell

Warranted for one year, $1.98,13.50 and $3 00—better grades warranted for 18 months, $3.50, $4.00 and $4.50

Combination Umbrella and 'Cane $4.50 and $5.00.

GRAND

T. W. Barhydt, Jr.,ECO

OZPZEJEfc-A. jj

and a complete company. In productions, With His Own Scenery

iK&t OTHELLO

Saturday, December 25

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS CANDIES OYSTERS, KINDS

ALL POULTRY

FINE WINES and

I plentiful and the prices were never lower than right

USE

Lessee and Mgr.

MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY,

Dec. 20, 21, 22

THE BRILLIANT TRAGEDIAN,1

ELIHD R.

SPENCER

Accompanied by MISS ISABEL PENCRA TFRANKHENNIC

Scenic

Handkerchiefs. Thousands of them from lc up to some of the finest.

Handkerchiefs in boxes for children, 15c and 25c. Handkerchiefs in boxes for ladies, 75c, 89c, $1.00 to $1.75 a box.

Fine Stationery in boxes, 18c, 20c, 25c, 35c, 40c, 50c to $1.00 a

Hedalions At small expense. 15c, 25c, 38c. 50c, 59c J3^&...tsta^Vja£r:« to 98c

Feather Boas 25c, 35c, 50c, 69c 75c to $4.00. Ostrich boas $6.50. $8.50 to $14.00.

Silk Skirts, perfect beauties, $4.98, $6.00 to $8.00." Special 7 v,

MONDAY MONDAY

JULIUS CAESAR

I TuIluAY

}R0*E0 AHD JULIET

tar"Prices 25c to $1. Seats now on sale.

Friday Evening, Dec. 24th

MRS. FISKE

and her unrivalled company In TCCCOF THE too D'URBERVILLES By Lorimer Stoddard, Hardy's famous novel.

MATINEE NIGHT

Primrose & West's

FAMOUS MINSTRELS

DEALER IN

GROCERIES, PROVISIONS, MEATS,

LIQUORS

jfig-

-r.V

if iJt*"

Corner TKirTand Mulberry Sts.

ESTAURANT..

MEALS AT ALL HOURS OYSTERS served in all styles.

CAME of all kinds. BLACK BASS a specialty, JOHN KEITH, 422 Ohio Street.

4To the Young Face Pmjtfai's Owmatiwr Powpgagivofmther

charms to the old. renewwd yooth- Try it.

Holiday Gloves.

Holiday Hoisery. Fancy Hose for ladies- 35c, 39c, 50c, 75c, 89c, $1.25 and $1.39, all worth more.

Men's fancy Half Hose 25c, 35c, 50c to $1.00 a pair.

E£ Thousands of other suitable articles for the holidays Fancy Head Rests, Pillows, Pin 3 3 Cushions, Pin Trays, Sterling Articles, Perfumes, Atomizers, Ebony Clothes Brushes, 3 Fine Blankets, Bed Spreads, Lace Curtains, Wool Skirt Patterns, Handkerchief Boxes, 3 3 Collar Boxes, etc. rr

|W. H. Albrecht & Co. 1

Wanted

5 S*—A rare opportunity to buy good clothing cheap.

Staple and Fancy

603 North Fourth

JAN

SLU88ER. Proprietor

All tbe Delle*cle« of tbe Season.

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^an }lere |or yOU|. Holiday Shopping, Useful presents are

now

75c. $1.00, $1.25, SS

Ladies' Kid Gloves $1.50 to $2 00 a pair. Children's Kid Gloves 75c, 89c and $1.00 a pair. SjjS

Lined Gloves and Mittens for ladies «25 and children. Silk Mittens 50c, 75c and $1.00 a pair.

Men's Kid, Caster and Moca Gloves 55 at a saving. 55 Picture Frames 25c, 50c, 75c 98c to 2 $1.25. =3

Fancy Metal Belts 49c, 50c, 75c, 98c to *E5 $1.25. Pocket Books for everybody 5c, 10c, £5 25c, 50c, 75c to $1.35, etc. 55

Linens, EE Always cheapest here—by the yard or 55 set. 55

Fine Cloths, with napkins to match, EE for $6.00, $7.00, $8.00, $9.00, $10 to $20. EE Finest Hem Stitched Sets $6.50, $7.50 3 to $35. 3

One hundred small men and as manv Boys—ages 15, 16 and 17 years—to know that we are going

out of the ready-made Clothing business and are selling good Suits and Overcoats in these sizes at

1 fifty cents on I the dollar

to close them out quick.

523 Wm/ISff

(iROCERlES

Canned Goods, Vegetables, Smoked Meats. Bar in the rear.

THE KINGSTON

RAFFLES every nlRht until Christmas, beginning tonight, for Turkeys. Candles and Cigars

FREE TURKEY LUNCH TONIGHT.

72S MAIN ST.

Loaned Wiiol interest.

Free of charge for the first fifteen flays." Will hd1d your go6ds for ifi* months to ffycaiC So yon will not lose them like In other loan offices. If yon owe a balance oti furniture, our loan office will advance you the money to pay them and carry loan for you. Loans made on household goods In one, salaries and all valuables. A reliable and confidential place for b°ITOWer#"

Blum berg's Collateral Bank,

§7 South Fourth Street, Corner of Alley

Get Your Christmas Dinner

AT THE POPULAR

Spengler & Tuemler, Proprietors

.usm

JED WA 1*811, Proprietor