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ST. NICHOLAS LEAGUE.
[Nov.


“The Yosemite.” By Jennie Kinkead, age 13.
sufficient space, and so the people assembled in the groves and prairies.

At first Sight, the average spectator would probably sympathize with Douglas, commonly called “the little giant,” he being the smaller man, but would likely change his mind before the close, seeing that Lincoln was so just and so courteous, while Douglas was at times irritable, and not even courteous.

Lincoln had several advantages over Douglas. He had the right side, and the people were coming to realize it. He had a better temper—always good-humored, His wit and illustrations were also an immense advantage. He was speaking for our country and for freedom. At times he rose to such a climax that the very words he uttered seemed to be kindled with fire. He must win, and win he would.

Yet we must respect Douglas. He was a mighty man, with a massive brain, and of a bold, resolute, fearless nature, He was very attractive, and everywhere popular, but his greatest blows did not annoy Lincoln in the least. Perhaps Douglas was saluted with the londest cheers; but when Lincoln closed, the people seemed serious and thoughtful, and could be heard all through the crowd discussing the topics on which he had spoken.

These men have now passed away, but their names resound all over the world, and to those who had the opportunity of hearing these debates there will spring up in their minds a picture of the two champions who fought side by side in this great contest for the Union.



“Distance.” By Eugenie Root, age 13.

MY PLEASURE

By William A. R. Russum (age 14),

(Silver Badge.)

My joys are few and far between,
For in the height of my elation
Something always comes to break
The harmony of the occasion.

Once, when my Ma had friends to lunch,
I e’en forgot to doff my cap;
And, when I ‘d spilt the apple sauce,
I broke my boiled egg in my lap,

The day that Pa bought me my wheel
I ran into a trolley-car,
And when I gained my feet again,
I found I ’d smashed the handle-bar.

Once, with my gun, like hunter bold,
I went to shoot the birds that soar;
A shot into a hot-house sped,
And now I see my gun no more.

And once I built a fairy boat,
With rudder true and timber sound,
But, when ’t was launched upon the lake,
The boat, it sunk; I nearly drowned.

And so my pleasures—don’t you see?—
Are fraught with woe and tribulation,
For something always comes to break
The harmony of the occasion.


MY FAVORITE EPISODE IN AMERICAN HISTORY.

Mary Temberton Nourse (age 13).

My favorite episode in the history of our great country is its first discovery by Leif, the son of Eric, who was the first settler, and, at that time, the King of Greenland.

As many interesting episodes as there are in our history I do not know why I should prefer this one. It may he because of the golden cloud of mystery hanging about it, which attracts and holds my mind in delightful speculation,

‘Long ago, in the last year of the tenth centary, Leif the Trucky was sent By his beloved friend, King Olaf of Norway, to carry the Gospel to his father and all the people of Greenland.

Dur Eee tie Rel war one of Thor's mos) cane worshipers, and rather than accept the Christian religion, he disowned Leif, his pride in his hospitality alone keeping him from ordering his son from the kingdom.

Leif, who held his mission dearer than life, was resolved to convert his father at any cost, and so sought to please him by some great deed,

On a beautful day early in the eleventh century “The Lucky One” set oat with his little crew of thirty-five men to discover a new country, of which an old sailor, who had been blown far out to sea, told many tales.