company who is unfitted to attend to any public or private duties that
might demand his attention. Yes, it is true that we have departed from
the old customs, but we have advanced and not retrograded. The world has
changed, but it has changed for the better. It is growing better every day,
and don't let anybody forget it."

* * * * *

CHRISTMAS


APPROPRIATE TOASTS

The Day of Good-will--to The Cold Weather without and the Warm Hearts
within--to The Christmas Tree, which grows in a Night and is plucked in
the Morning by the gladdest of fingers--to The Day in which Religion gives
sweetness to Social Life--Christmas Gifts; may they bless the Giver not
less than the Receiver--to The Oldest of our Festivals, which grows
mellower and sweeter with the passage of the centuries--to St. Nicholas
[or Santa Claus], the only saint Protestants worship--to A Merry Day that
leaves no heart-ache--to A Good Christmas, may sleighing, gifts, and
feasting crowd out all gambling and drunkenness.


SPEECH-THOUGHTS

The good cheer enjoyed on this merriest day of the year. How the little
people look forward to it. It comes to the older ones as a joy, and yet
tender and sad with the memories of other Christmases. The religious and
the secular elements of the day. The countries where it is most observed.