The Syracuse Journal, Volume 20, Number 35, Syracuse, Kosciusko County, 27 December 1928 — Page 2

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4 By LOUISE M. COMSTOCK

. “A Christmas Carol” Charles Dickens gave the world a favorite Christmas story. It has been read and reread at this time each year until old, Scrooge and Tiny Tim are ’ cherished friends, and the author himself is so closely identified with the spirit of

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Christmas that we quite sympathize with the little boy who, it is said, asked when told of his death. “If Mr. Dickens is dead, then is Santa Claus going to die too?” Dickens’ place as a literary artist is seldom disputed. Bin on Charles Dickens the man the modern debunker has recently turned his penetrating spotlight with astonishing results. Two new hooks on the life of the famous author: ‘•Charles Dickens, a Biography. From New Sources.” o.v Ralph Straus, published by the Cosmopolitan Book corporation, and “This Side idolatry—a Novel Bttsed on the Life of Charles Dickens," by C. E. Beehhofer-Roberts. published by the Bobbs-Merrill company, reveal disconcerting smudges on the whitewashed idol the Dickens legend has given us. The “Christmas Carol,” it seems, for all its sermon.against selfish greed and Tiny Tim’s immortal “God bless us every one,” was written primarily because the author needed money, immediately and badly. “Martin Chuzzlewit,” based on his first trip to America, had enjoyed so slim a sale, compared to earlier books, as to bring to a head long pending difficulties with Chapman & Hall, important among the many publishing Imuses with whom Dickens had first dealings and then difficulties. Under this cloud the author journeyed to Manchester to assist at a dedication. He returned in improved spirits, loud public applause still ringing in his ears and his head full of a new storv. Its inspiration, he told his wife, Kate, was the crippled son of his sister, Fanny, whom he had just visited. It was to he "sort of a fairy tale, contrasting the selfish, chnting, hypocritical rich ; who don’t understand the spirit of Christmas witli tlie humble, happy poor who do.” It was to contain “all his philosophy” and. be such a “smack in the eye for cant and humbug”! He set to work with that remarkable energy that characterized all his efforts. At the end of ten days he read the half-finished story to Kate and Georgina Hogarth, her sister, and a mem-,, her of the Dickens household. “It’s thrilling!” the. adoring Georgina exclaimed, reports Mr. Beehhofer-Roberts, “it will do more good to the world than all the sermons ever preached.” And Charles modestly answered. “That’s just What I think. What’s more. it’lL do the “Inimitable” more good than all the sermons preached. It’ll sell like hot cakes!” - Sell like hot cakes it did. The first edition appeared a few days before Christmas, 1843, and fi.OlXt copies were sold at five shilling each within a few, hours of publication. “Charles.” Mr. Straus tells us, “was overjoyed, kepi Christmas uproariously.” Later editions sold over 10,000 copies, giving Dickens, in his own words, “a most prodigious success, the greatest I think I have ever achieved.” “The little book,” Straus continues, “endeared him to thousands of new readers and put him on a new sort of pedestal. The affectionate regard in which he had been held changed to something even warmer. Thaqjieray was expressing the general opinion when he wrote: ‘Who can listen to objections regarding such a book as this? It seems to me a national benefit and. to every man or woman who reads it. a personal kindness. The last two persons I heard speak of it were women, neither knew the other or the author, and both said, byway of criticism. “God bless him !” ’ ” its success was natural. Like the good showman he was, Dickens had quite outdone himself in giving his public what it wanted: an extra good “smack in the eye for cant and humbug.” With what satisfaction he mult ba v P set tt§ kaleidoscopic scenes, that vivacious procession of guests arriving at the Fezziwig’s bail, the tableau of the Spirit of Christmas Present, the brief drama of the Cratchit’s Christmas dinner! Here was the successful author in his greatest, role, giving his readers gorgeous entertainment, playing upon their heartstrings—and hoping for large profits! ’ ' There is probably more of Dickens' own childhood than of Fanny’s sick son in Tiny Tim Cratchit. He had been a bright, sensitive little chap, subject to frequent spasms of sickness that ° confined him to books and dreams for amusement His father, afterwards so accurately portrayed? in Mr. Macawber. seems to have been a charming scoundrel, so utterly unable to cope with the practical business of living that he often “disappeared” when bills were overdue, leaving Mrs. Dickens, as futile as Mrs. Nichelby, and her numerous children to face the music. When all went well there was proper schooling, endless fascinating theatricals in the Dickens nouse and petty triumphs when his father lifted him onto the dining room table to perform for admiring guests. When all did not go well, the schooling stopped, there was constant terror of poverty and the shame of seeing his father in debtors’ prison; and there was a devastating, though brief, experience when he contributed to the family- tn

Urges Farmers to Grow Christmas Trees

Washington.—On Christmas morning Santa Claus will be standing tn front of a Christmas tree in about ten million American homes and hand out the toys. According to the American Tree association, which urge* a tree In every home, Christmas tree cutting will soon be a "big business” because tn hundreds of places farmers have planned a Christ mas tree crop on land fit for nothing

’ -J ; •* IK wwlb 1 ■ 1 W W 1 come by glueing labels on blacking bottles tn a cousin’s factory, a_ period so painful to him that John Forster, his faithful friend, advisor and biographer, was the only person,#, not excepting his wife, to whom he ever mentioned it. Later there was a dull period as clerk in a law office, a more lively period as newspaper re porter, . when the young mail chased news by coach from one end of England to the other ana took down parliamentary speeches, writing on his knee; then the famous sketches by “Boz”; tnen “Pickwick” and fame when he was not yet twen-ty-live years old! From self-centered, ambitious young manhood, Dickens slipped easily into the role of public idol. He set up an extravagant household, entertained lavishly, always with that joy in rollicking, middle-class good cheer so marked in the “Carol.” He directed and acted in the tiiost talked-of amateur theatricals of the day, and edited papers, made speeches, traveled and produced books with unbelievable energy. The role of public idol is always a trying one. However much money Dickens’ books brought, he always needed more. His improvident father and brothers constantly imposed on his generosity. His own children he spoke of as “the largest family known, with the least disposition to do anything for themselves.” He was seldom free from the malady of his childhood and success brought him only increasing restlessness and dissatisfaction. At length there was a much talked-of separation from Kate. She had lived with him twentythree years, had borne him ten children, but she was now dismissed, left only her eldest son, 600 pounds income and the gracious privilege of seeing her children “when and where she wished.” The household passed into the more welcome care of Georgina. It was Dickens’ plea that they had “lived unhappily together for many years.” that their differences were temperamental. Kate was, Mr. Straus tells us. a complacently goodnatured woman whom constant motherhood had rendered ill and unlovely. Certainly she was no ideal mate for the energetic and clever Dickens. But she had put up with his ravings over the death of her sister, Mary, who died in his arms ’ and whose loss he mourned publicly and privately all out of proportion to the relationship of sister-in-law. She had even borne with already approaching middle age. he had tried to revive a youthful romance with Maria Beadnell. herself married, fat, forty and not so fair. Though he had not seen Maria since his early infatuation, he wrote her Indiscreet letters, .arranged a meeting in his own home, found what damage time had done her and retreated with no particular grace. Kate had endured the trip to America at his wish; had watched him monopolize conversation at dinner parties; knew his irresponsibility tn business dealings; how public approval went to his head and criticism made him a restless tyrant, apt to caricature its author mercilessly in his books. Moreover, and perhaps Herein lay Kate’s fault, she made no idol of her

else and the Christmas tree crop idea is being take up by farmers more and more every year. Because of an exaggerated notion as to the bearing Christmas tree cutting has on the future supplies of timber misinformed individuals have urged the cutting of Christmas trees be prohibited by law “This sounds fine but is wide of the mark.” says Charles Lathrop Pack, president- of the American Tree

association. “Those of us who nave been working for years for a comprehensive program of forest conser vation realize that the success of the movement for forest protection depends very largely on the development of a very widespread apprecia tion of the forest tn the minds of the American people. There is probably no better way of instilling a love for trees in the hearts of the rising generation than the use of the little evergreen as the central figure of the Christmas festival.

THE SYRACUSE JOURNAL

husband. Here, according to Mr. Beehhofer-Rob-erts, is her final judgment of him: “I am weary, Charles, of hearing you prate of cant and humbug and hypocrisy. Is there a meaner cant than your empty catchwords? You’re the hypoc>ite, you, who boast your contempt for money and break faith with every publisher! You, who preach charity and pillory your parents and friends in your books! You, who rant duty an J faithfulness and desert me for a painted actress!” Os this “painted actress” Mr. Straus has “little to say,” beyond that her name was Ellen Ternan that she was “somewhat well known” and the first named beneficiary in Dickens’ will, which left her 1,000 pounds. She is undoubtedly the “young lady for whom 1 have great regard,” Dick- ; ens mentions in the impetuous and ridiculous de- ! sense of the separation which he later wrote tc appease his wondering public. Mr. BeehhoferRoberts has much to say of her. Dickens had first seen her in “Atalanta,” a “dismal little per sbn" whose voice did not carry to the boxes. There had been a trip behind scenes, an inev itable encounter, a tearful confession that It was the shame of appearing in tights that was spoiling her debut performance, appropriate words of consolation and an immediate infatuation. People had talked, Kate had complained and the long contemplated separation was thereby precipitated. Kate, however, was apparently alone in her doubt of Dickens’ sincerity. Others accepted “A Christmas Carol” as he intended they should, and its sales mounted. But Dickens needed money; and in that respect the “Carol” disappointed him. Much had been spent on binding and printing, on color plates and woodcuts: and five shillings was a notably low price. His profits, all told, fell short of $1,51X1. “What a wonderful thing it is,” he wrote Forster, “that such a success should occasion one such intolerable anxiety and disappointment !” In his chagrin Dickens made now his first and last attempt to protect himself against the com- ! mon piracies of his books. No sooner had the | “Carol” appeared than a children’s weekly called i Parley’s Illuminated Library, carried almost the I entire book reprinted with a short introduction. I In January, 1844, Dickens applied for an injunc- ’ tion to restrain its sales. “The pirates.” he was ' able to write soon after, “are beaten flat. They | are bruised, bloody, battered, smashed, squelciied i and utterly undone.” But his triumph was shortlived. The .pirates were let off with a mere rebuke; they immediately pleaded bankruptcy so that Dickens had to pay court costs and they thereafter calmly resumed their practices. Dickens did not interfere again, “It is better.” he wrote, “to suffer a great wrong than to have recourse to the greater wrong of the law.” But “A Christmas Carol” was yet to make money for its author. It served as headliner for his public readings, of which he gave 4(XI during the last 15 years of his life. Dickens first experienced what Straus calls the “rather dan gerous delight of appearing alone on a public platform” at Christmas. 1853. when he read the “Carol” at two benefit performances When, in 1858, he commenced his public readings, he added to his program selections from “The Cricket ” “Pickwick,” “Dombey and Son.” “Martin Chuzzlewit” and later “Nickleby” and “David Copper field.” His success was unprecedented. Here at last he seemed to have found himself. lU' l ' 6 he was the author living for his public the. lives he had created; he was the actor alone on the stage, acting parts of his own creation. Every town in England clamored for him. He made triumphant tours of Ireland and Scotland. He traveled once more td America, giving his readings before “perfectly astounding audiences” and : often making over SI,OOO a week! It is probable that the strain of constant trav- | eling, of emotional delivery, together with recurrences of his old malady, caused his death. There is no doubt that he was a very sick man throughout his Amei’ican tour; that that five months cost him his health even while it earned him nearly 20,000 pounds. There was some improvement on his return to England, but when the fatal readings recommenced Dickens became seriously threatened with paralysis and was forced to accept a doctor’s verdict of complete rest. I On Marth 15, 1870, he. gave his last reading, at old St. James hall, London. The occasion was “his crowning triumph.” He read the “Carol” and the trial from “Pickwick” amid repeated cheers. He died a few months later. He was only fifty-eight at the time, though an old man at that, but worth over 100,000 pounds!

“There are many tilings having to do with forests of much more importance. The American Tree association is strongly in favor of jail j for the man who invades the prop- 1 erty of another; breaks off limbs of ; trees and tears up other Christmas greens; fast disappearing by the roots. “So great has become the demand for Christmas trees that the growing of them is getting to be a big business. It is estimated ten million are used every year at a cost of five million dollars.

BRUSH WOOL FOR SPORTS WEAR; LUGGAGE STYLE IS IMPORTANT

SOCIETY’S calendar points to the hour wlien the Smart set will begin its midwinter migration, part In this direction and part in that 1 . For many It is “ho! for the Northland” where winter sports lure. For others it Is “me to the Southern sunny skies” where balmy breezes caress and the sound of splashing waves drives dull care away. It really does not matter which point of the compass the modern woman follows, for ever a slave of fashion (a willing slave) will she be- There-

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Ensembles in Luggage. fore If milady wends her way to the ' land of skiing, skating or tobogganing, ior whether she joins the caravan which whiles away leisure hours on sunlit beach, the call of the mode is as insistent one place as another. For the woman who glories in wintry sports, apparel must needs be sturdy at the same time it is modish. ’ A background of snow and ice also ! calls for all the gay color that can be crowded into the picture. The ensemble shown here is pictorially a delight to the eye. This coat and cap ;ire a Canadian product and connected with them is a charming bit of history. It seems that Barbara Kent, the screen star who ever smiles her way into our hearts, is a Canadian by birth. During a recent visit to her .native land her admirers there presented her with this fascinating cap ■and coat of brush wool. The colors are red and white. To the encouragement of the American girl who aspires to own such a •coat be it said that coats very like this one are being shown in smart sports departments here. Some of tlie most stunning ones are actually made of Navajo Indian blankets. To prove it some shops display a blanket in the

'''irawJ* Gay Sports Ensefnble.

original by the side of the finished coat. The most fetching ones are of brush i wool striped or patterned in the gayest colors imaginable. Quite a few of the younger set are buying them for grandstand wear at the ball game, or to use as motor coats. They , are as clever as can be for either purpose. It is possible, too, to get the swank- | iest knit gloves or collegiate mittens to go with them. Modernistic designs vie with candy-stripe versions. Indeed, these gloves are “comfy” to wear at any outdoor winter event, as Scarfs for Evening Speaking of scarfs, you should own one to go with every evening gown. ! Extremely lovely materials are being I shown for. this use. A charming scarf I to go with a black gown is of gold ! net. It is studded with go.d sequins. Different Fura Tweed suits and separate coats take entirely different kinds of furs this season. Suits favor short, curly furs, like caracul, astrakan, broadtail and curly 1 ’> Coats use long-haired

they can in some instances be pulled up to almost the elbows. We moderns are growing very keen on the subject of distinctive luggage. Time was when a simple “fitted” suitcase with initials embossed thereon was all-suflicient to meet milady's needs, and the world looked upon It as an emblem of aristocracy. If to this be added a matching overnight, bag, then was the cup of happiness filled to the brim. Today, what with the ensemble theme entering into the question, the

V\ 1 r‘ subject of fashionable luggage has become that complex a single suitcase is but the beginning of equipment necessary for a fastidious traveler. Likewise, in matter of materials, whereas a few simple leathers were | offered tor selection in the long ago, “in .this day and generation we are ' called upon to choose from among an infinite variety of interesting media. Reptile leathers for tlie making of tine luggage are the latest adventure of the luggage stylist. Bags and boxes of python,. lizard, watersnake, alligator have found their way into the mode. The scope of ideas has also ' so broadened that even hats, coats and gloves are matched to the bags and other traveling equipment. The seven-piece ensemble of snake | and lizard skins pictured here features the reptile coat and hat and glove trimming in exact match to the gol-f bag. overnight bag, hat box and valise. To be sure, matching reptile leather sets are not always as inclusive as is the ensemble here illustrated. The

combination varies. For street wear women are adding chic to their cos tumes by carrying, perhaps, an under arm pocketbook which complements shoes of the same reptile leather. Sometimes both hat and gloves are trimmed with reptile leather. The short sports coat of snakeskin is also .extremely smart. Reptile leathers are especially bringing new inspiration to footwear fashionists. The delicate patterning* are imparting chic and charm to the shoes we wear. s JULIA BOTTOMLEY. (©. 1928. Western Newspaper Union.) pelts such as badger, lynx, wolf and fox. Jade and Jonquil A new combination of evening colors uses jadg and jonquil, especially in soft velvets. A dinner gown of jonquil has jade touches and a wrap of jade lined with jonquil. Polka-Dot Velvet A gay little frock for a brunette is made of red velvet with polka-dots of white scattered over the surface.

i cThe Kitchen I Cabinet | oboocxjoooooooooooooooooooo (©. 1928. Western Newspaper Union. 1 • Be still, sad heart! and cease repining; Behind the clouds is the sun still shining; Thy fate Is the common fate of all, Into each life some rain must fall. Some days must be dark and dreary. —Longfellow. SEASONABLE FOODS There are many mothemwlio realize the value of vegetables and strive io

give them an important place in the Childrens dinner. When the small people have u.eit meals with the grownups, care must be taken to create in them a liking for all kind of vegetables. This is not so hard when fa-

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<ther and mother both eat and praise I such foods. If daddy won’t eat earI rots or spinach or lettuce it is. much | to expect that the small people will ! enjoy food that he refuses. j Vegetables must be carefully preseasoned and served in order ; to foster a fondness for them. Hot Molded Vegetables.—Grease a mold thoroughly and line bottom and 1 sides with two cupfuls of cooked rice. Mix two cupfuls of vege- • table, kohl-rabi, peas, carrots, celery, any or several of them. Leftovers may be used in this way. Pack this mixture into the mold and cover with a thin layer of rice. Cover with greased cover or with oiled steam for three-fourths of an hour. Turn out on a platter and serve wim tomato sauce. This may be prepare ! from canned soup or made in the ordinary way. Cabbage a la Russe.—Cut off as many large leaves of cabbage as y< t have persons to serve. Steam them in a steamer over hot water for ten minutes. Mix one and one-half cupfuls of leftover meat with on? cupful of cooked rice, one-half teaspoonfut of salt and one-eighth teaspoonfui of pepper, three tablespoonfuls each of chopped green pepper and onion which have been fried until slightly brown in one-fourth cupful of butter. Add all together and mix with one beaten egg. Cut a piece from the back rib of each cabbage leaf so that it will roll easily. Place a spoonful of the mixture on the leaf, fold in the sides and I roll up. Fasten with toothpicks and I cook in a little fat over a slow fire until tender. Serve with ~ tomato sauce. Different Meats. Just ordinary dishes to which we ; are daily used may become something

quite out of the ordinary by different seasonings and sauces. There are many people who really enjoy kidneys and when carefully pre-

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| pared they make a. very good dish. Lamb’s Kidneys and Mushrooms.— i Mince, one large onion and cook it I with two ttnblespoonfuls of minced parsley in three tablespoonfuls of fat; I cook until the onions are brown, then: | add three tablespoonfuls of flour and when well balanced two and one-half cupfuls of hot water in which two beef bouillon cflbes have been dissolved; add one bay leaf broken into bits. Cover and simmer until smooth and slightly thick, then add six lamb’s kidneys parboiled and skinned, then cut into pieces. Clean and peel one pound of mushrooms and cook Into two tablespoonfuls of butter for five minutes, then add 7 one-fourth cupful of hot water, one-half teaspoonful of • celery salt and one-fourth teaspoonful of pepper; simmer until the mushrooms are tender. Place with the kidneys and serve. Place a mound of seasoned mashed potato in the center of a hot dish sprinkle witlfc parsley and arrange the mushrooms and kidneys around it. If preferred buttered toast may be used on which to serve the kidneys. Marbled Tongue.—Chop two pounds of cooked - veal and one pound of boiled tongue separately until fine. j add salt and pepper to season. Pour' over the veal one-half cupful of melt-: ed butter, mix thoroughly, then put in layers with the tongue in a buttered i pan. Press under weight and serve j In slices with lemon or garnish with I •parsley. Curried Calf’s Heart. —Add one chopped onion to a little suet and fry j until a light brown. Add the heart and sear on all sides. Reduce the i heat, cover with boiling water and j simmer until tender, adding a few carrots or other vegetables to the i heart when half cooked. Add one tablespoonful of curry powder mixed with a little flour and cold water, added to the gravy. Meat Sandwich Roll.—Prepare a baking powder biscuit mixture. Turn j out onto a and roll one-! fourth Inch thick. Spread the dough with chopped meat which has been i cooked and seasoned and slightly moistened with gravy. Roll up like a| jelly roll, then cut with a sharp, knife! into eight pieces. Place the rolls outside down in the pan and place a piece of butter on top of each. Rake fifteen ! minutes. Serve with brown gravy poured over the rolls, or with a white' or tomato sauce. I With • Static Obbligato PfHiaps it’s just as well from a humanitarian standpoint that no de-; vice has been invented whereby the-'i radio talent can hear its own voice i through a receiving set. —Vincennes I Sun. j Herring by the Million During the herring season in the I North sea about 3,ooodenies of nets are often let down in a single night, j A season’s catch of 360.000.000 fish is; nothing out of the ordinary. I