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Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/13/90 [OA 8320] [1]
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323153175
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Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/13/90 [OA 8320] [1]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13743
Folder ID Number:
13743-007
Folder Title:
Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/13/90 [OA 8320] [1]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
21
2
3
F204
W5555
WH
ENTERTAINING
t
THEW
OUSE
MARIF SMITH
men as well as
One of the first parties the Adamses gave in the
d, Abigail Adams
Executive Mansion was a pre-Christmas affair for mem-
bers of Congress and the few wives who were in the
1 Benjamin Frank-
City. This party was something less than a social
ernment officials,
success, but no fault of the Adamses.
Before the party, Abigail burned 20 cords of wood
Adams's time to
in an effort to dry and warm the rooms. But they were
Philadelphia, they
still damp and cold when the guests arrived, and they
or from 15 to 20
sat around trying to conceal their discomfort. This did
dinners very ex-
not improve the situation, however, and everyone left
ry. But she recog-
early.
S to be performed
Added to the chill of the rooms was the attitude
at one of these
of some members of Congress toward her husband.
IS conversations."
They made fun of him for his coolness and preference
for the pomp and ceremony he had known in Europe,
and nicknamed him "Nonny Johnny Adams."
e President's resi-
Another Christmas season party the Adamses gave
in the White House was more of a success as far as
LY PEAS
the physical comfort of the guests, but it, too, ended
on a discordant note. It was for their four-year-old
granddaughter, Suzannah. The young guests kept warm
sely packed)
by playing games. But during one of the games a little
girl broke one of Suzannah's prize possessions, a piece
of her doll's tea set. She retaliated by breaking the
nose of the guest's doll and it took the President him-
self to settle the quarrel that ensued.
grated onion and
I peas. Add water
After the New Year's Day reception, the President
ites. Drain off any
and Mrs. Adams did little formal entertaining. Abigail
on of butter, and
had some ladies in to dine one day, setting the table
is distributed and
with her fine white Sevres china decorated with blue
cornflowers. And on February 7th, she and the President
gave a dinner for the judges and heads of departments
and their ladies. Six days later she departed from the
m in Philadelphia,
capital to return to the Adams' house in Braintree
e and Mrs. Adams
(now Quincy), Massachusetts. Adams joined her there
ption in that early
in March.
the rooms were so
Though she had performed her role of First Lady
ne oppressive. The
well and set a pattern for all who would follow her in
n it was over.
it, Abigail Adams, the daughter of a New England
the need to enter-
minister who was educated in her own home, was
few homes, many
happy to return to the quiet farm in Massachusetts
uses and left their
which she ran as a profitable business. It was here she
had reared her children.
31
I,
Christmas was always a time for putting the man-
gave
sion in holiday dress with Mrs. Eisenhower and the
-011' wom
White House had never looked gayer at Christmas than
tion". the 1.
it did during the years the Eisenhowers lived there.
yellow pom,
There was always a huge tree in the East Room,
Ves. gourd.
brilliantly lighted, and dozens more trees were scattered
n the table
throughout the mansion, upstairs, downstairs. and even
with typic
on the North Portico-and in every window hung a fat
ed:
green wreath topped by a red bow, and over the front
door, another very large wreath.
One year Mrs. Eisenhower placed a nativity scene,
g
with figures nearly half life-size beneath the brilliant
tree in the East Room, added a speaker that poured
forth Christmas carols, and for her last Christmas in the
Potatnes
mansion, she added a three-foot high Santa Claus in a
Blue Chec.,
red velvet costume to the collection beneath the tree.
here'
The most beautiful tree that last Christmas (1960)
ian Arlegal,
however, was the tall spruce in the Blue Room with
of 1 hank:
blue lights and blue Christmas balls. It served as a
tom of 11,,
background for the President and Mrs. Eisenhower to
receive White House employees at the annual Christmas
party, at which they presented each employee a gift.
Usually, it was a reproduction of a painting by President
Eisenhower, and that Christmas it was a scene of a
f the trad)
church in Bavaria silhouetted against fog-shrouded
mountains.
The year before, Mrs. Eisenhower, wearing a red
silk dress and diamond earrings, substituted for the
mull
President who was on a good-will mission abroad, at the
neg
gclatin
traditional Christmas party for White House staff mem-
bers. She stood in the East Room beside the ceiling-tall,
er
gg whites
glittering tree and shook hands with each, giving them
a painting by the President. It was a picture of Mount
Eisenhower, a peak in the Canadian Rockies near Al-
npkin. milk
berta named in honor of the President.
ick, stirring
In the foyer where the Marine Band played Christ-
tir into hos
mas music, the white columns were entwined with green
whites, adil
roping, and in the State Dining Room, the long table
gelatin mix
had holly leaves with red bows sprinkled over the white
il gr. Gar
cloth. In the center of the table was a miniature train
with its open cars filled with tiny Christmas-wrapped
packages. Holly leaves circled the coffee urn and dec-
orated the trays of doughnuts and coffeecake. On the
mantel were miniature Santa Claus figures, and red
231
carnations and greens tied with red ribbons decorated
the wall lights.
Here are some of the holiday recipes Mrs. Eisen-
hower served:
SWEDISH SPRITZBAAKEN COOKIES
1 pound butter
2 whole eggs
1 cup sugar
2 extra yolks
4½ cups sifted flour
vanilla
Cream sugar and butter. Add beaten eggs, then
flour gradually, then vanilla to taste. Use cookie press
and form your own designs. Bake in moderate oven
twenty minutes. Makes about one hundred cookies.
MILLION DOLLAR FUDGE
4½ cups of sugar
pinch of salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 tall can evaporated milk
Boil six minutes to form syrup.
Put into a large bowl:
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (chocolate bits)
12 ounces German sweet chocolate
1 pint marshmallow cream (2 jars)
2 cups nutmeats
Pour boiling syrup over ingredients in bowl; beat
until chocolate is all melted and pour in pan. Let stand
a few hours before cutting. Store in tin box.
Mrs. Eisenhower chose a St. Patrick's Day theme for
the tea she gave for wives of members of the House of
Representatives on March 12, 1959. This time the white
columns in the foyer were twined with green ribbons
and smilax festooned with miniature green top hats and
green and white striped candy canes. Shamrocks hung
by green ribbons from the chandelier. There were more
shamrocks-green and silver foil ones-in the State Din-
ing Room where flowers were green-tinted carnations and
bells of Ireland. Two gold trays on the mantel were
filled with green carnations and shamrocks hung from
the chandelier and wall lights.
The food included caramel frosted cakes (a favorite
232
of Mrs. Eisenhower's), open faced and cartwheel sand-
The
Toastmaster's
By the same author:
Treasure Chest
HERBERT V. PROCHNOW
The-Federal Reserve System
World Economic Problems and Policies
The New Speaker's Treasury of Wit and Wisdom
Herbert V. Prochnow
HERBERT V. PROCHNOW
AND ROY A. FOULKE
and Herbert V.
Practical Bank Credit
Prochnow, Jr.
HERBERT V. PROCHNOW
AND HERBERT V. PROCHNOW, JR.
The Toastmaster's Treasure Chest
A Dictionary of Wit, Wisdom and Satire
The Public Speaker's Treasure Chest
The Successful Toastmaster
A Treasury of Humorous Quotations
EDITED BY HERBERT V. PROCHNOW
HARPER & ROW, PUBLISHERS
AND HERBERT V. PROCHNOW, JR.
The Changing World of Banking
NEW YORK, HAGERSTOWN,
SAN FRANCISCO, LONDON
1817
38
HUMOROUS STORIES
39
THE TOASTMASTER'S TREASURE CHEST
253
No Charge
246
Fair Exchange
Want ad: "Reliable and hardworking clerk who is paid on Friday and broke
"There'll be no charge, lady," said the irate taxi driver to his fare. "You did
on Tuesday would like to exchange small loans with another who gets paid on
the driving."
Wednesday and is broke on Saturday."
254
Hard to Believe
What He Heard
Two women on a tour of Mount Vernon, George Washington's beautiful home
247 One hot summer Sunday, a faithful member of the congregation invited the
on the Potomac, were enthusiastically admiring the various rooms. "And did you
visiting minister and his family to come to dinner. Wanting to impress meal. the guests,
notice, Grace," commented one, "everything's furnished in Early American?"
the mother asked her five-year-old son to say grace before the
"But I don't know what to say," the boy exclaimed.
255
It Will Sell
"Oh, just say what you heard me say, dear," the mother prompted.
Obediently, the boy bowed his head and murmured: "O Lord, why did I invite
There's a new tranquilizer out. It doesn't relax you, but it does make you enjoy
being tense.
those people here on a hot day like this?"
256
Nothing New
248
Fast Thinking
A golfer stepped up to the first tee and took a mighty swing. The drive was
Excerpt from a letter by a fourteen-year-old girl reporting to a friend on the
gifts she received after graduating from junior high: "And Grandma gave me a
a hole in one.
His opponent stepped to the tee, waggled his driver, and said, "Okay, Fred,
diary. It is a nice diary, but it is awfully late to start a diary now. Everything
now I'll take my practice swing-then we'll start."
has happened."
257
By Comparison
Not Certain
249 A reporter asked the centenarian the inevitable, "To what do you attribute
One woman archeologist to another: "What I like about this work is that it
makes me feel so young."
your long life?"
"Not sure yet," the old-timer replied, eyes a-twinkle. "I'm still negotiating
with a mattress company and two breakfast-food firms."
258
Helpful
Woman customer (after the tired assistant had pulled down blanket after
blanket until there was only one left on the shelf): "I don't really want to buy
250 Said the Thoughtful kind old lady to the Internal Revenue clerk, "I do hope you'll give
a blanket today. I was only looking for a friend."
Clerk: "If you think she's in the other one, madam, I'll gladly take it down
my money to some nice country."
for you."
251 A little boy from Texas asked Santa Claus, "What can I do for you?"
Typical Texas
259
Threatening Letters
An angry little man bounced into the postmaster's office. "For some time
now," he shouted, "I've been bothered by threatening letters, and I want some-
thing done about it."
Still Young
252 A young reporter asked the chic, vibrant, elderly woman if she'd mind telling
"I'm sure we can help," soothed the postmaster. "That's a federal offense.
Have you any idea who is sending you these letters?"
her age.
"Not at all," she replied with a twinkle. "I'm plenty-nine."
"Sure!" snapped the little man. "It's those pesky income-tax people!"
THE TOASTMASTER'S TREASURE CHEST
200
UNUSUAL FACTS, STORIES, AND QUOTATIONS
201
2006
Not Much Going On
Patterson fell in love with salesmanship, the Wright brothers fell in love with
My experience in government is that when things are noncontroversial, beauti-
airplanes. Someone has truly said, "Be careful what you set your heart on, for
fully coordinated, and all the rest, it must be that there is not much going on.
it will surely come true."
-John F. Kennedy
Work is not drudgery, toil, and labor to a man who loves his work. It is
inspiration and joy. Life is worth living.-Silver Lining
2007
How We Spend Life
2012
Thrift
An interesting analysis of the lifetime of an average person, which appeared
Teach people that economy is the greatest revenue producer in the world.
in an issue of the Ladies' Home Journal. revealed the following: 6 years spent
None of us has the moral right to spend all we makel-Eddie Rickenbacker
in eating; 11 years in working; 5½ years in washing and dressing; 3 years in
education; 8 years in amusement; 6 years in walking; 3 years in reading; 3 years
2013
Dear Deer
in conversation; 24 years in sleeping; and just six months in worshiping God.
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer was created in 1939 by Robert L. May, a
Montgomery-Ward catalog copywriter, in a booklet for the store's Santas to give
2008
He Didn't Make It
away to children. May says, "Rudolph's the first reindeer that ever kept the wolf
When Charlie Chaplin was at the peak of his popularity, a theater had a
from the door."
Charlie Chaplin Contest. The person who made up to look most like Charlie was
to receive a silver cup, and there were other awards for runners-up. The quixotic
2014
Golf
Charlie decided to enter the contest himself. He came in second.
If you've ever wondered, in a fit of disgust or discouragement, what you were
doing out on a golf course anyway, you may find perverse satisfaction in this
diatribe about the game:
2009
Help Wanted
Golf is the easiest game in the world before you take it up, and the toughest
One of the early want ads in a Philadelphia newspaper was this one, placed
after you have been at it for ten or twelve years.
by George Washington: "Wanted: A steward for the household of the PRESI-
Golf is played with little white balls, and as many clubs as a player can afford.
DENT of the UNITED STATES. Any person well qualified for and willing to act
The course consists of eighteen holes, seventeen of them unnecessary but in-
in this capacity, may learn particulars by inquiring at the President's house,
cluded simply to multiply frustration. A "hole" is a tin cup in the center of the
Philad. Feb. 25."
green. A "green" is a small patch of grass costing $1.98 a blade, and usually
located between a lake and a number of abandoned excavations called sand traps.
The idea is to hit the ball from a given point into each of the eighteen holes,
2010
The Grocery List
using the fewest strokes and the most words. The ball must be propelled by any
Looking through a desk drawer in a house that once belonged to President
one of a number of ridiculous-looking implements, cleverly designed to provoke
James K. Polk, a researcher has turned up a grocery list for the White House
the owner.
dated January 7, 1847. Sample prices: rice, 6 cents a pound; shelled almonds, 25
After each hole, the golfer counts his strokes, subtracts six, and says, "Made
cents a pound; ham, 12 cents a pound.
that in five, just one over par." After the eighteenth hole, he shakes hands with
those he played with, and thanks them for helping him enjoy a wonderful
afternoon of sportsmanship, then goes home and takes it all out on his wife and
2011
Are You in Love?
children.-Sunshine Magazine
To a young man learning to perform on the flying trapeze, a veteran of the
circus said: "Throw your heart over the bars and your body will follow."
2015
In every field of endeavor those who put their hearts in their work are the real
Traffic Problems
leaders. Falling in love with one's job is one secret of success.
Traffic problems are not new. This is from the Old Testament, Nahum 2:4:
Luther Burbank fell in love with plants, Edison fell in love with invention,
"The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall jostle one against another in
Ford fell in love with motor cars, Kettering fell in love with research, John
the broad ways; they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings."
THE TOASTMASTER'S TREASURE CHEST
206
UNUSUAL FACTS, STORIES, AND QUOTATIONS
207
2036 Novelty in 1828
my officers going through this course. Look at it, one D and four F's. What's
The Tremont Hotel in Boston, opened in 1828, introduced the novelty of
the matter with you?"
having a lock on the door of every guest room, no two of which could be opened
I said, "Well, Admiral, I don't have much to say. I guess I concentrated too
with the same key.
much on one subject."-Admiral James L. Holloway III, Chief of Naval Opera-
tions
2037 Thomas Jefferson's Inventions
2041
A Sad Ending
Thomas Jefferson was a man of many talents and accomplishments. He was
the third President of the United States, author of the Declaration of Indepen-
Last Christmas I bought a hobby horse for my granddaughter. It came in a
dence, and the founder and first president of the University of Virginia.
large box which said it contained 189 parts and could be put together in one hour.
He was also an architect, builder, and carpenter. Into his stately Virginia
Sure it could, if you've just graduated from MIT and have a machine shop in
home, Monticello, went gadgets that were designed to save time and energy for
your basement. I decided I didn't have to accept that kind of indignity, so, when
its occupants. He built a circular staircase to conserve space. He also installed
I went to pay for it, I tore my check in 189 pieces and wrote them a little note
a dumbwaiter to save the servants many needless trips up and down the stairs.
telling them if they like to put things together let them work on that. One sad
ending to my story
they did!-Bill Veeck
There were folding tables, and chairs that folded back into the walls when not
in use. Sliding panels were built into some of the walls so that dishes and other
2042
A Favorite Portrait
small objects could be passed from one room to another with ease.
Jefferson designed a trick bed. From one side he emerged to his study, from
Gilbert Stuart, American painter born December 3, 1755, was the foremost
the other, to his breakfast. During the day the bed was raised overhead out of
portrayer of George Washington-and he had no qualms about copying his three
the way.
Presidential portraits for any and all buyers. He sold at least ninety-four copies,
These are only a few of the clever gadgets which may be seen today when one
over seventy of the "Athenaeum" portrait, called "the most famous picture in
visits beautiful Monticello.
American history."
Ordered by Martha Washington, this original was kept by Stuart instead, who
dashed off copies, sometimes in two hours, whenever he needed money. (An
2038
Ideas
unwilling assistant, his daughter, once moaned, "That Washington! I don't see
A group can spark an idea, but only an individual can have one. As former
why I haven't stuck a palette knife through him!") Gazing at us from posters,
President Griswold of Yale has so aptly asked: "Could Hamlet have been written
primers, and postage stamps, this portrait has become America's traditional
by a committee? Or the Mona Lisa painted by a club?"-W. John Upjohn
concept of the first President's appearance.
2043
One Billion Dollars
2039
Two Dates
1976 was not only the Bicentennial year of the United States, it also marked
The word "billion" is being used more and more. Very few realize how much
the 1,500th anniversary of the fall of Rome in 476 A.D.
money one billion dollars really is. Suppose you stood at the Washington Monu-
ment-for 12 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and gave out $1,000 an hour, how
long would it take to get rid of one billion dollars, at $12,000 a day?
2040
Concentrated Too Much
Figure it out: 365 times $12,000 comes to $4,380,000, the amount you could
I was being educated at Admiral Rickover's College of Nuclear Knowledge
dispose of in one year; in 10 years you would be able to give away $43,800,000;
prior to being qualified to command a nuclear-powered ship. And I was a captain
in 100 years, $438,000,000. To get rid of a billion at this rate would take you
and things weren't going too well for me.
between 228 and 229 years.
I'd been out of school for a good many years, and hadn't studied very hard
in nuclear physics, and thermodynamics were not coming back to me very easily.
2044
Last Words of Socrates
After the first reporting period Admiral Rickover called me in and, as you know,
The last words of Socrates to Crito and his disciples, before the Jailer entered
he is a salty old gentleman.
with the hemlock: And though I have been talking at such length, comfort-
And he said, "Holloway, this is the lousiest report I have ever had of any of
ing you and myself with the assurance that, when I have drunk the poison, I shall
THE TOASTMASTER'S TREASURE CHEST
236
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTATIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS
237
I am grateful for America's glorious past; I am awed by its unbelievable
2184
The True Christmas Spirit
present; I am confident of its limitless future.
The annual Christmas playlet was the order of the day at a private school, and
Like millions of Americans, I want a free choice, not a free handout. I prefer
the coach chose an amiable, beautifully brought-up boy of seven to play the role
an opportunity to prove my abilities on the job rather than a license to demon-
of the innkeeper at Bethlehem.
strate my frustrations in the street.
The boy had trouble learning to turn away Mary and Joseph with a curt:
I am an old-fashioned American with a newfound determination to do my part
"There is no room at the inn," but had his part down pat by the end of the
to make democracy work.-Sunshine Magazine
rehearsal period.
Then came the big night, with his proud mother and father beaming at him
from the first row. He boomed out his "There is no room at the inn" with great
2189
Individual Responsibility
authority, but then he couldn't resist adding, "But come in, anyhow, and have
Arthur B. Motley, publisher, once said: "All the freedom man has achieved
some cookies and milk."-Sunshine Magazine
to date has been achieved only because individuals accepted responsibility, as-
sumed obligations, performed on promises, and delivered to the rest of mankind
2185
Wrong Emphasis
whatever gifts and talent with which they were endowed.
Birds build their nests, rear their young, and make their annual flights to other
"For those in future generations who would be free and help others achieve
climes. But so far as is known, no bird ever tried to build more nests than its
freedom, there is no other course except to live our daily lives as individuals
neighbors; and no fox ever fretted because he had only one hole in the earth in
responsible for our own morals, our own character, our own family, our own
which to hide; and no squirrel ever died in anxiety lest he should not lay up
industry, our own jobs."-Sunshine Magazine
enough nuts for two winters instead of one; and no dog ever lost sleep over the
fact that he did not have enough bones buried in the ground for his declining
2190
For Their Souls
years. So we may put the emphasis upon the wrong things.-Religious Telescope
We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic
not to find soil for their plows but to secure liberty for their souls.-Robert J.
2186
Be Thankful for Work
McCracken
Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do
which must be done, whether you like it or not. Being forced to work, and forced
to do your best, will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and
2191
A Reason for Thanksgiving
strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues which the idle
Throughout the history of our country, the reasons for celebrating days of
never know.-Charles Kingsley
Thanksgiving were varied, but each one was a good one and showed the relief
of the colonists from anxieties. Early records show that most of the days were
observed because of the bringing of food to settlements where the people were
2187
Try Praise
half starved. Other days were because of the coming of new colonists and
In marriage, with children, at work, in any association-an ounce of praise,
much-needed craftsmen, and the arrival of ships with cattle and utensils badly
of sincere appreciation of some act or attribute, can very often do more than a
needed. Whatever the reason, the colonists felt impelled to pause to give thanks
ton of fault-finding. If we look for it we can usually find, in even the most
for what they had received.-Sunshine Magazine
unlikely, unlikable, and incapable person, something to commend and encour-
age. Doubtless it is a human frailty, but most of us, in the glow of feeling we have
pleased, want to do more to please, and knowing we have done well, want to do
2192
Our Flag
better.-Sunshine Magazine
This flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our
unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation.
2188
An Old-Fashioned American
It has no other character than that which we give it from generation to
I believe in America. I believe it became great because of its faith in God, its
generation.
The choices are ours.
hope for independence, and its love of freedom.
THE TOASTMASTER'S TREASURE CHEST
288
EPIGRAMS AND WITTICISMS ON MANY SUBJECTS
289
The only nation that cuts government waste is indignation.
2872
2851
Sometimes we like to go to an old-fashioned silent movie and see people
open their mouths without saying anything.
2852
The world may owe you a living, but you have to collect the hard way.
2873
Sometimes we think an enterchurch movement is more important than
2853
As a rule, a quitter isn't a very good beginner either.
an interchurch movement.
2854
Necessity may be the mother of invention, but so is an aversion to work.
2874
The person who has too much money for his own good easily finds
friends to share his misfortune.
2855
Flattery is falsehood to all but the flattered.
2875
2856
The straight and narrow path never crosses Easy Street.
It's a delicate problem to cultivate your friends so you know them well
enough to borrow from but not well enough to lend to.
2857
We have never been in a position to know whether the guy who said
2876
money isn't everything was right.
It's difficult to define the word ignoramus unless one has studied him-
self pretty carefully.
2858
The way Congress spends money, we aren't sure whether it's Capitol
2877
Hill or Capital Hill.
It is not sillier for the rich to think the poor are happy than for the poor
to think the rich are.
2859 We have discovered that women used cosmetics in the middle ages.
2878
The world's choice: Disarmament or Disbursement.
They still use them in the middle ages.
2879
To be unhappily married requires a good income, and to be incompati-
2860
We suppose the orchestral din in some restaurants is to drown out the
ble a couple must be rich.
complaints of the diners.
2880
Some persons never appeal to God unless they're getting licked.
2861
We still think having money a little tight teaches sobriety to spenders.
2881
Without a single exception, we have always found that the narrow-
2862
A person who talks out of both sides of his mouth says something on
minded bigots are the ones who disagree with us.
both sides of everything.
2882
A telephone isn't a vacuum cleaner, but some people can get a lot of
2863
Some back-seat drivers look on their husbands as automobile accesso-
dirt out of it.
ries.
2883
No horse goes as fast as the money you bet on him.
2864
It's a pretty hard job to run the country as cheaply in peace as we do
2884
in war.
All things come to him who crosses the street without looking.
2885
2865
The Christmas cooing is followed by the January billing.
You may have a high opinion of yourself and still rate pretty low.
2886
2866
There are an increasing number of women preachers now, and they
No matter how much money talks, most people don't find it boring.
aren't all in pulpits.
2887
A good idea can get very lonely in an empty head.
2867
The family that isn't in debt today is underprivileged.
2888
If you say you are less wise than you are, people will think you are wiser
than you are.
2868
Millions of people escaped being run over by an automobile last year,
and we understand there are still a few who escaped the year before.
2889
The Congressional Record might reduce expenses by cutting out the
advertising.
2869
In the old days most people tried to be out of debt before they died,
which shows how backward they were.
2890
If you know you don't know much, you know more than most people.
2870
The Bible is such a great book that it survives all the translations made
2891
Some persons who are too proud to beg and too honest to steal, borrow
of it.
and forget to pay.
2871
Some students burn the midnight oil in the transmission instead of the
2892
The person who tells you his troubles keeps you from talking about
lamp.
yours.
THE TOASTMASTER'S TREASURE CHEST
310
EPIGRAMS AND WITTICISMS ON MANY SUBJECTS
311
3291
Most girls want a spendthrift before they're married and a man who
3311
In bridge, what some of us call "a bonehead bid made on a fool hunch"
has saved his money after they're married.
is called a "psychic bid" by the experts.
3292
To win an argument, you have to argue with someone who knows less
3312
When the hatpin disappeared, it was the only case of successful disar-
than you do, and that isn't easy either.
mament in history.
3293
At about forty a woman is old enough to start looking younger.
3313
Another thing our space exploration has done is to encourage ambi-
3294
The fellow who slaps you on the back is probably trying to get you to
tious American architects to alter their plans upward.
cough up something.
3314
Some high prices have fallen in a few food-store chains, but so far we
3295
Just because your face is serious is no assurance that you are sensible.
have heard of no fatal injuries.
3296
Many a business fails because of a swelled overhead.
3315
The emphasis placed on keeping your eye on the ball is the best proof
3297
One thing wrong with the country is that we have so many Republican
that golf originated in Scotland.
and Democratic statesmen and so few United States statesmen.
3316
One advantage of a polka-dot tie is that one more spot doesn't matter.
3298
When you see this civilization survive, you wonder what happened to
3317
The world would be very dull if we didn't flatter ourselves occasionally.
the old ones.
3318
Be sure to insist on the right of way when you drive, as it may make
3299
With seventy-five percent of the automobiles being bought on time,
you feel better in the hospital.
there should be a market for a long-lasting automobile paint.
3319
The best business forecasting is done after the events occur.
3300
A nation's credit and currency can be inflated to a point where there
3320
is a blowout.
One of the things that keeps the world in turmoil is the unusual
attraction of strong lungs for weak heads.
3301
The fellow who doesn't believe in hell has never had his back peel off
3321
from sunburn.
Someday a new model automobile will be brought out with no improve-
ments, and then we'll know national decay has set in.
3302
The Library of Congress has almost every book available except one
3322
At international conferences we never seem to have any record of the
on how to balance the federal budget.
still, small voice.
3303
No one is so disappointed as the person who gets what's coming to him.
3323
It's one thing to guarantee free speech in a country, but it's another
3304
Conscience helps, but the fear of getting caught doesn't do any harm
thing to guarantee its quality.
either.
3324
If the desert areas of the world want a crop that will unquestionably
3305
One way to reach old age is to quit feeling responsible for the entire
grow, we recommend a mixture of dandelions and crabgrass.
world.
3325
An explorer says a tiger will not hurt you if you carry a white walking
3306
Think-and you will be very lonely.
cane-we suppose you must carry it real fast.
3307
Always put off until tomorrow what you are going to make a mess of
3326
A Congressman who deals in billions must find it hard to go back home
today.
and talk to people who speak respectfully of quarters, dimes, and nickels.
3308
When you get up tired without having been out the night before, you
3327
It used to be that Father got those impossible neckties only at Christ-
have reached middle age.
mas, and then some cynic thought up Father's Day.
3309
A prosperous person has two cars in the garage, a boat in the driveway,
3328
Lifting ourselves out of a budget deficit by taxing less and spending
and a note due at the bank.
more is going to put a terrific strain on our bootstraps.
3310
Most of us who are in debt could get along now if we could borrow
3329
Sometimes we wonder how many youngsters wrote thank-you letters
from Peter to pay Paul without paying Paul.
to Santa Claus after Christmas.
THE TOASTMASTER'S TREASURE CHEST
312
EPIGRAMS AND WITTICISMS ON MANY SUBJECTS
313
3330
Thank heaven this is a free country and a man can do as his wife
3349
Of course the country is prosperous. We have more money and it buys
pleases.
less.
3331
There is no unemployment among those who spend their time minding
3350
It's difficult to take advice from some people when you know how much
other people's business.
they need it themselves.
3332
A man who agrees with everything you say needs to be watched.
3351
Have you ever thought what Swiss cheese might smell like if it were
3333
About the time you are pretty well satisfied with your progress the
not ventilated?
Joneses buy a new car.
3352
Nothing is as relaxing as getting back to the office after a relaxing
3334
It's pretty embarrassing to watch the boss do something you said
vacation.
couldn't be done.
3353
How far a fisherman stretches the truth depends on the length of his
3335
A good many young brides today can dish it out better than they can
arms.
cook.
3354
Posterity-what you write for after being turned down by publishers.
3336
We remember the good old days when nobody but the baseball umpire
-George Ade
called strikes.
3355
Man's inhumanity to man makes crossing the street a major hazard.
3337
The air-pollution people say there is always rubbish in the air. Yes, but
you're not obliged to listen to it.
3356
Most laws seem reasonable until unreasonable cops try to enforce them
against nice people like us.
3338
The difference between psychoneurosis and nervousness is about $50.
3357
3339
In a materialistic society your problem is to get your share of the
Good government pays, and so does bad government, but not the same
material.
people.
3340
Each Christmas season the economists say that the improvement in
3358
Nothing comes nearer to perpetual motion than the protests of taxpay-
business is due to holiday buying. You can't beat these economic experts for
ers.
sharp analysis.
3359
No matter how much war changes, the privates end up doing the
3341
We have never been able to decide whether betting is a means of getting
fighting and the hard work.
something for nothing or nothing for something.
3360
When opposing groups in a Latin American country bury the hatchet,
3342
Americanism means finding fault with other countries for not solving
they both know exactly where it is.
their problems, while we wait without hope for the government to solve ours.
3361
Man is the only creature whose brains tell him he should save for the
3343
It looks like we would have a substantial federal deficit this year.
future, but the squirrels and bees do it a lot better naturally.
Congress will undoubtedly find ways to spend it.
3362
If you think mankind can conceive nothing more horrible than nuclear
3344
The real question is can we make automobiles fool-in-the-other-car-
war, you have lost faith in the progress of civilization.
proof.
3363
Vacation is the period when you spend two weeks in an old shack
3345
As an educational institution, nothing beats the stock market.
without conveniences so you can go back to your home with its comforts and
3346
An optimist is a person who thinks he knows a friend from whom he
complain.
can borrow, and a pessimist is one who has tried.
3364
A library has a sign, "Only low talk permitted," and we understood it
3347
Blooming idiots have no off season.
when we saw the covers on the paperback books.
3348
Many persons do not leave their footprints on the sands of time, but
3365
In some cities a thief who breaks into the city hall can steal the results
they leave their skidmarks at the traffic intersections.
of the next election.
316
HE TOASTMASTER'S TREASURE CHEST
EPIGRAMS AND WITTICISMS ON MANY SUBJECTS
317
05
Is anyone old enough to remember way back when women's hats
3424
Flying to Europe in six hours is easy, but finding a good reason for the
oked like hats?
hurry is harder.
-06
No man is suspected of being dumb until he begins to talk, which makes
3425
When a woman is pensive she is probably just planning something very
ou wonder why so many are willing to make speeches.
expensive.
107
The rulers of a great many countries come to the United States on a
3426
The recipe for success is almost the same as that for a nervous break-
oneymoon trip.
down.
408
One day of good old-fashioned winter is generally enough to satisfy us.
3427
With modern dish- and clothes-washers, the only thing in the home
Many industries are closely related. Think of what the petroleum in-
that isn't automatically washed is the family.
409
ustry has done for accident insurance.
3428
Wealth may not bring happiness, but it's a pleasant way to be unhappy.
Do the good really die young or is it the goodness of the good that dies
3429
"You are what you eat," says a doctor. In that case, we are a tough
410
steak.
oung?
A true idiot cannot read, and this makes you wonder who buys some
3430
"Easy payments" means "easy" except when you are making payments
411
on everything in the house.
f the paperback books.
412
When a girl marries a hardworking young executive, the thing she
3431
Some people don't let their right hands know where their left hands
nisses most after marriage is her husband.
got it.
413
We are warned paper money is covered with germs, but we continue
3432
A woman's waistline moves up and down, but a man's merely expands.
o feel very well.
3433
The voice of the people is the voice of God when it agrees with us, and
414
It's a tragedy that all of the people who know how to run the country
the voice of the ignorant masses when it doesn't.
are newspaper columnists or TV commentators.
3434
Money doesn't go as far as it used to except the dime that rolls under
1415
Santa Claus's taste in neckties leaves something to be desired.
the bed.
3435
One benefit of high prices is that you don't have enough money left now
We expect modern youth to be strong, courageous, and prepared to pay
3416
even more taxes than their fathers.
to buy the things you don't need.
3436
3417
Red China apparently promotes an increase in population to be killed
It's a delicate art when you try to give people just enough social security
to prevent a rude reaction to new taxes.
in wars of expansion to find room for the surplus population.
3437
We're expecting Alaska to petition the government for a central heat-
3418
The people who adopt "It can be done" as a motto never ask, "Does
ing plant as a needed public-works project.
anyone want it done?" or "How much will it cost?"
3438
The best flings in life are not free, and besides you have to report them
3419
Capitalists and Communists are alike in that both want more than they
now in detail on your expense account.
have.
3439
In a committee one person does the work while the four other persons
3420
Most of us find some of our ambitions nipped in the budget.
pat him on the back.
3421
We wonder whether women's feet are getting larger now that they fill
3440
Getting up and going to work every morning certainly breaks into your
men's shoes so often.
whole day.
3422
A model wife will help her husband with housework.
3441
To do a superior job, a good man needs a plan and not quite enough
Nothing is a better example of faith than the colored pictures in a
time.
3423
spring seed catalog.
3442
Fishing is generally best before you get there or after you leave.
THE TOASTMASTER'S TREASURE CHEST
326
EPIGRAMS AND WITTICISMS ON MANY SUBJECTS
327
California is much like Florida except that all of it isn't constantly for
3610
3593
Are we going to find someday that all is Confucian in Southeast Asia?
sale.
3611
Christmas used to come only once a year, but with installment pay-
A flu shot is something that makes you careful not to catch a cold again
ments it comes every week.
3594
and have to take a flu shot.
3612
We understand radio and TV add words to the listener's vocabulary.
3595
The best things in life are free or are available for a dollar down and
We imagine there are some that shouldn't be printed.
a dollar a week.
3613
When some people are asked to do civic or charity work, they will stop
With present-day wigs, a woman's hair may be Titian or imi-Titian.
at nothing.
3596
3614
There are two kinds of conceited people-those who admit it and the
3597
Most authors use about the same number of words as Shakespeare, but
rest of us.
they are arranged very differently.
3615
The world is getting smaller, but it costs more to run it.
3598
If the size of the dollar bill were reduced to keep it in proportion to
3616
A critic is a person who sees a finished job and knows he could have
its purchasing power, it would save a lot of paper.
done it better.
3599
One great thing about winter is that you can reduce by filling a shovel
3617
The trouble with the nations today is that they all want to play the big
with wet snow and throwing it over your shoulders 1,765 times each week.
drum and no one wants to play second fiddle.
3600
If Soviet Russia could thrive on five-year plans and promises, her
3618
Most people recognize their duty in time to avoid it.
people would be well fed and not buying wheat.
3619
All play and no work makes it difficult to know what to do with your
3601
A doctor says dentist's fingers may carry disease germs, which appar-
leisure.
ently means the dentist should be boiled.
3620
We are looking for a book on How to Avoid Doing It Yourself.
3602
The successful businessman who enrolled recently in a graduate school
3621
The persons who live next door listen to both sides of a family argu-
of business probably wants to find out how he got that way.
ment.
3603
A State Department diplomat has to have a gambler's instinct to be
3622
A scientist says the world will last a billion years longer, which doesn't
sure he is putting the government's foreign-aid money on the right revolution.
help our present pessimism about world affairs.
3604
The only safe rule in buying an old painting is to let the other fellow
3623
Sometimes a person may be quieter because he has more to be quiet
buy it.
about.
3605
There are two kinds of people who don't generally say much-quiet
3624
You never need to do over a job you did well, unless it's weeding the
people and those who talk.
garden.
3606
They never locate the man higher up in the crime syndicates. It's
3625
Poverty is not a disgrace, but that's its one advantage.
almost impossible to find one lower down than most of those they occasionally
3626
A person with a million dollars may be a bad egg, but he generally gets
arrest.
by pretty well until he is broke.
3607
In New York City they tear down thirty-five-story shanties to make
3627
The person who shouts the loudest for justice generally means in his
way for sixty-story modern buildings.
favor.
3608
Sometimes you wonder whether we should try to manage Europe, Asia,
Africa, and Latin America before we learn how to run one American city well.
3628
If you sing when you are sad, others can be sad with you.
3629
People who used to buy school shoes and bathrobes for gifts now buy
A person who slaps you on the back probably does it to help you
3609
cocktail shakers and sports cars, which shows that the children are growing up.
swallow what he is telling you.
THE TOASTMASTER'S TREASURE CHEST
408
TOASTS AND QUOTATIONS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS
409
And bid the tapers twinkle fair,
poorer for not hearing his estimate of Jesus: "Truly this man was a son of God."
And feast and frolic-and then we go
-Paul L. Moore, Seven Words of Men Around the Cross
Back to the same old lives again.
-Susan Coolidge
Fourth of July-Independence Day
Easter
4474
When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one
people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another,
4469
Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer;
and to assume among the powers of the earth the separate and equal station to
Death is strong, but Life is stronger;
which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to
Stronger than the dark, the light;
the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel
Stronger than the wrong, the right;
them to the separation.-Thomas Jefferson
Faith and Hope triumphant say
Christ will rise on Easter Day.
4475
o beautiful for patriot dream
-Phillips Brooks
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
4470
"Christ the Lord is risen today,"
Undimmed by human tears!
Sons of men and angels say.
America! America!
Raise your joys and triumphs high;
God shed His grace on thee,
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply.
And crown thy good with brotherhood
-Charles Wesley
From sea to shining sea!
4471
-Katharine Lee Bates
4476
The date upon which Easter Sunday falls was fixed in the year A.D. 325 by the
That which distinguishes this day from all others is that then both
Council of the Christian Churches which met in Nicea, Asia Minor, to draw up
orators and artillerymen shoot blank cartridges.-John Burroughs
the Nicene Creed. It was decided that the commemoration of the Resurrection
of Christ should be observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon on
Friday the 13th
or after the vernal equinox, which is the twenty-first day of March. The reason
4477
Among the most common of superstitions is that Friday the 13th is a
for the timing was that the thousands of pilgrims who visited the Holy Land to
day on which hard luck is apt to befall. It is not certain just what started this
celebrate the Resurrection needed a bright moon to travel by. Easter can occur
idea, but a number of ancient beliefs have designated Friday as an unlucky day,
as early as March 22 or as late as April 25. Between 1970 and the year 2000,
and for centuries the number 13 has been considered an unfortunate number. It
unless the calendar system is changed, Easter will be in the month of March five
is no wonder that the combination of these two-Friday and the 13th-is
more times.-Sunshine Magazine
thought to be an ominous day.
To substantiate this belief, these tragedies are cited as examples of Friday the
4472
Our Saviour Jesus Christ
hath abolished death, and hath brought
13th bad luck:
life and immortality to light through the gospel.-II Timothy 1:10
Friday the 13th, April 1906, a devastating earthquake struck Taiwan.
4473
An unknown soldier stood facing Jesus as He died. A warrior to whom
Friday the 13th, September 1907, the steamship Lusitania began its ill-fated
no monument has been erected and whose forgotten grave remains undecorated
voyage.
-a Roman centurion in command of an execution squad. This is the language
Friday the 13th, April 1923, a huge tidal wave hit the coast of Korea.
of an army officer who was in a position to see and hear everything during the
On the other hand, good things have also occurred on that fateful date:
Master's last hours, not because he wanted to, but because it was his duty. Had
The first telephone line for business purposes was opened on Friday the 13th,
he had a choice he would have been elsewhere that Friday from nine in the
April 1877.
morning to three in the afternoon. Yet, had he been elsewhere, he would have
Electric lighting was first tried in London on Friday the 13th, October 1878.
missed the most important turning point in his life, and we would have been the
-Sunshine Magazine
347
THE TOASTMASTER'S TREASURE CHEST
346
HELPFUL VERSES
3797
The Little Crocodile
On meadows sweet with flowers,
I let it drench my spirit
How doth the little crocodile
With fresh and cooling showers.
Improve his shining tail,
I take deep breaths of rain-washed air
And pour the waters of the Nile
That purge and heal all pain,
On every golden scale!
Then open up my eyes-oh, well,
Back to work again!
How cheerfully he seems to grin,
How neatly spreads his claws,
3803
Isn't It the Truth!
And welcomes little fishes in
With gently smiling jaws!
I love the Christmastide, and yet,
-Lewis Carroll
I notice this each year I live:
3798
Doctor Fell
I always like the gifts I get,
But how I love the gifts I give!
I do not love thee, Doctor Fell,
The reason why I cannot tell;
But this alone I know full well,
3804
What He Thought
I do not love thee, Doctor Fell.
"I saw you take his kiss!" " "Tis true."
-Thomas Brown
"Oh modesty!" " 'Twas strictly kept:
3799
Responsibility
He thought me asleep-at least, I knew
He thought I thought he thought I slept!"
I am the captain of my soul;
-Coventry Patmore
I rule it with stern joy;
And yet I think I had more fun
3805
Life
When I was cabin boy.
-Keith Preston
A man may drink and no be drunk;
A man may fight and no be slain;
3800
Don't Make It Too Long
A man may kiss a bonnie lass,
Most speeches to an hourglass
And aye be welcome back again.
Do some resemblance show;
-Robert Burns
Because the longer time they run,
The shallower they grow.
3806
Makes Them Stick
3801
What the Old Dutchman Said
I always eat peas with honey:
I've done it the whole of my life.
When Christmas comes already yet,
I know that it sounds kinda funny;
Mit presents large and sweet,
But it does make 'em stick to the knife.
The tings I like in mein stockings best,
By jiminy, are my feet!
3807
King's English
3802
Four O'Clock Slump
When the dry clack-clack of office noise
Lay still, his mother often said
Beats in my ears like pain,
When Washington had went to bed;
I close my eyes a minute
But little Georgie would reply:
And I think of summer rain.
I set up, but I cannot lie.
-Father John Bannister Tabb
Summer rain a-falling
THE TOASTMASTER'S TREASURE CHEST
352
HELPFUL VERSES
353
3833
Blow Your Trumpet
"How come," said I, "when Christmas Day
Is still a good long week away?"
If you wish in this world to advance,
"Ah, shucks!" she said. "Don't make me blush-
Your merits you're bound to enhance;
Shop early and avoid the rush!"
You must stir it and stump it,
3839
And blow your own trumpet,
Yesterday
Or, trust me, you haven't a chance.
But yesterday the word of Caesar might
-W. S. Gilbert
Have stood against the world; now lies he there,
And none so poor to do him reverence.
3834
Master of His Fate
-William Shakespeare
It matters not how strait the gate,
3840
This World
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
This world is all a fleeting show,
I am the captain of my soul.
For man's illusion given;
-W. E. Henley
The smiles of joy, the tears of woe,
Deceitful shine, deceitful flow,-
3835
Thinks Too Much
There's nothing true but Heaven.
-Thomas Moore
Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look;
He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.
3841
Folly
-William Shakespeare
All the world's a mass of folly,
Youth is gay, age melancholy:
3836
To Thine Own Self
Youth is spending, age is thrifty,
Mad at twenty, cold at fifty;
To thine own self be true,
Man is nought but folly's slave,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
From the cradle to the grave.
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
-W. H. Ireland
-William Shakespeare
3842
Art
3837
Ill Fares the Land
In art I pull no high-brow stuff,
Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey,
I know what I like, and that's enough.
Where wealth accumulates, and men decay;
-William W. Woollcott
Princes and Lords may flourish, or may fade—
3843
A breath can make them, as a breath has made-
Childhood
But a bold peasantry, their country's pride,
The childhood shows the man,
When once destroy'd can never be supplied.
As morning shows the day.
-Oliver Goldsmith
-John Milton
3838
Be Early
3844
Achievement
Last night I found my sweetheart Flo
He slept beneath the moon,
Posed 'neath a spray of mistletoe.
He basked beneath the sun;
THE TOASTMASTER'S TREASURE CHEST
359
358
HELPFUL VERSES
3870
Fleeced
3875
More Ogden Nash
Mary had a little lamb,
So my advice to mothers is if you are the mother of a poet don't
Its fleece was white as snow,
gamble on the chance that future generations will crown him.
But some of the places Mary went,
Follow your original impulse and drown him.-International Herald
They fleeced her for her dough.
Tribune, May 20, 1971, at time of his death
-Herbert V. Prochnow
3871
Christmas Tree
3876
All Together Now
I think that I shall never be,
Sold on an artificial tree.
"Help one another," the snowflakes said,
A Christmas tree with plastic limbs
As they nestled down in their fleecy bed;
"One of us here would not be felt,
Just doesn't stir me up to hymns;
One of us here would quickly melt;
A tree with needles made of foil,
That grew in factories, not soil;
But I'll help you, and you help me,
And, though it will not burn nor shed,
And then a big white drift we'll be!"
Will neither be alive nor dead.
Perennial, yes, it may be,
3877
Please Be Mine
And formed in perfect symmetry.
But only God can make a tree
Many are the words to rhyme
To suit old-fashioned fools like me.
With the key word, Valentine:
Fine, and shine, and then entwine,
3872
Nervous
Thine, and sign, and then enshrine,
If I'm asked for impromptu remarks,
Wine and dine, and too, divine-
It gives my stomach impromptu upstarts.
I might fill a mile-long line
If I'm asked for a prepared short talk,
If I only had the time;
It makes my stomach grumble and squawk.
But to three words I'll confine
If I'm asked for a serious address,
My verse, dear-please be minel
It makes my whole insides a first-class mess.
3878
Not Always Wisdom
3873
Romeo Owed
'Twas in a restaurant they met-
Every speaker has a mouth,
Romeo and Juliet.
An arrangement rather neat.
He had no cash to pay the debt;
Sometimes it's filled with wisdom,
So Romeo'd what Juliet.
Sometimes it's filled with feet.
3874
Some Ogden Nash
3879
Modern Mother Goose
o money, money, money, I'm not necessarily one of
those who
There was an old woman who lived in a shoe,
think thee holy.
With more children than she could handle.
But I often stop to wonder how thou canst go out so
When they'd grown up and all left home,
fast when
She moved into a sandal.
thou comest in so slowly.
-Uplifting Gems
THE TOASTMASTER'S TREASURE CHEST
360
HELPFUL VERSES
361
3880
It's Christmas
3886
Boston
Christmas comes with snow and ice,
Then here's to the City of Boston,
With mistletoe and all that's nice;
The town of the cries and the groans,
But, brother, it almost gives me chills
Where the Cabots can't see the Kabotschniks
To think it also comes with bills.
And the Lowells won't speak to the Cohns.
3881
First Class or Steerage?
3887
Procrastination
Said Jonah one day to the whale,
So many things I've left undone!
"My, my, you look hearty and hale.
Like marching soldiers, one by one,
When I go overseas,
They pass before me in review,
Will you transport me please
The little things I meant to do!
In a window seat near the tail?"
3888
Whole Duty of Children
3882
Expensive Tan
A child should always say what's true
To Florida and elsewhere south
And speak when he is spoken to
Have scurried those who can-
And behave mannerly at table;
And soon they'll scurry home again
At least as far as he is able.
To show their high-priced tan.
-Robert Louis Stevenson
-Leverett Lyon
3889
Critics
3883
Visitors
Nature fits all her children with something to do,
That visitor can take a bow,
He who would write and can't write, can surely review.
Who, seeing me about to doze,
-James Russell Lowell
Remarks, "I must be going now"-
3890
And goes.
Diplomacy
Diplomacy is to do and say
3884
She Didn't Stop
The nastiest thing in the nicest way.
A quite sentimental young cop
-Isaac Goldberg
Saw a cute thing come out of a shop.
3891
Greetings
When he gave her the eye,
She went blushingly by.
Don't tell your Friends about your Indigestion:
She'd just lifted twelve spoons and a mop!
"How are you!" is a Greeting, not a Question.
-Leverett Lyon
-Arthur Guiterman
3885
Their Day
3892
A La Carte
The turkeys seem restless,
It takes much art
The geese acting queer-
To choose à la carte
Can it be they are sensing
For less than they quote
That day is 'most here?
For the table d'hôte.
-Leverett Lyon
-Justin Richardson
The
ENCYCLOPEDIA
of
RELIGIOUS
QUOTATIONS
Edited and Compiled by
Frank S. Mead
FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY
WESTWOOD NEW JERSEY
CHRISTIAN(S), CHRISTIANITY
CHRISTMAS
CHRIST
A man becomes a Christian; he is not born
A Christian is the highest style of man.
It is Chri
Yule-lop
one.
Edward Young: Night Thoughts,
It is Chris
Tertullian: The Testimony of the
Night IV, 1. 788
Mother
Christian Soul
Scratch the Christian and you find the pagan
"See," they say, "how these Christians love
-spoiled.
It is Chri
In the I
one another," for themselves hate one
Israel Zangwill: Children of the Ghetto,
But the de
another; "and how they are ready to die for
Bk. II, ch. 6
Is the (
each other," for themselves will be readier
Ano
to kill each other.
CHRISTMAS
Tertullian: Apologeticus, ch. 39, sec. 7
Christmas
Christmas is a time for "giving up" sin, bad
Frank!
Christianity is the companion of liberty in
habits, and selfish pleasures. Christmas is
all its conflicts-the cradle of its infancy, and
364
a time for "giving in" surrender to Christ,
the divine source of its claims.
acceptance of Him as King. Christmas is a
Alexis de Tocqueville
time for "giving out" real giving, not swap-
ping.
I have oft
pens very
The Christian cannot promise to do or not
Anonymous
in the mi
do a given thing at a given time, for he
cannot know what the law of love, which is
The message of Christmas is that the visible
Jose!
the commanding principle of his life, will
material world is bound to the invisible
demand of him at that time.
spiritual world.
The worl-
Anonymous
times the
Leo Tolstoy: The Kingdom of God is
Within You
But in te
Selfishness makes Christmas a burden: love
castle, in
Christianity, with its doctrine of humility, of
makes it a delight.
trees acro:
mas is un
forgiveness, of love, is incompatible with the
Anonymous
state, with its haughtiness, its violence, its
punishment, its wars.
The universal joy of Christmas is certainly
Ibid.
wonderful. We ring the bells when princes
Christma
are born, or toll a mournful dirge when great
fat,
men pass away. Nations have their red-letter
Please to
The world is equally shocked at hearing
days, their carnivals and festivals, but once
If you ha
Christianity criticized and seeing it prac-
in the year and only once, the whole world
do,
ticed.
stands still to celebrate the advent of a life.
If you ha:
D. Elton Trueblood
Only Jesus of Nazareth claims this world-
wide, undying remembrance. You cannot cut
Christians have been the most intolerant of
Christmas out of the calendar, nor out of the
Christma
all men.
heart of the world.
If carrie
Voltaire: Philosophical Dictionary
Anonymous
So remember while December
Christianity can be condensed into four
words: Admit, Submit, Commit and Trans-
Brings the only Christmas day,
mit.
In the year let there be Christmas
Come, all
In the things you do and say;
Come ye,
Samuel Wilberforce
Wouldn't life be worth the living
Come an
Wouldn't dreams be coming true
ange
You say that you believe the Gospel; you live
If we kept the Christmas spirit
Come an
as if you were sure not one word of it is true.
All the whole year through?
Come an
Thomas Wilson: Maxims of Piety, p. 44
Anonymous: "The Whole Year Through"
68
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS
It is Christmas in the mansion,
The feet of the humblest may walk in the
Yule-log fires and silken frocks;
fields
It is Christmas in the cottage,
Where the feet of the holiest have trod.
Mother's filling little socks.
This, this is the marvel to mortals revealed,
When the silvery trumpets of Christmas have
It is Christmas on the highway,
pealed,
In the thronging, busy mart;
That mankind are the children of God.
But the dearest, truest Christmas
Phillips Brooks
Is the Christmas in the heart.
Anonymous: "Christmas in the Heart"
Then let every heart keep Christmas within.
Christ's pity for sorrow,
Christmas is over and Business is Business.
Christ's hatred for sin,
Christ's care for the weakest,
Franklin Pierce Adams: "For the Other
Christ's courage for right.
364 Days," from FPA's Book of Quota-
Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight!
tions, Funk & Wagnalls Co., Inc.
Phillips Brooks
I have often thought, says Sir Roger, it hap-
The character of the Creator cannot be less
pens very well that Christmas should fall out
in the middle of winter.
than the highest He has created, and the
highest is that babe born to Mary on that
Joseph Addison: The Spectator, no. 269
first Christmas morning.
A. Ian Burnett: Lord of All Life
The world is large and complex, and some-
times there seems to be no sacred ground.
But in tent and palace, in adobe hut and
Christians awake, salute the happy morn
Whereon the Saviour of the world was born.
castle, in barrack prison and under lighted
trees across the lands, the language of Christ-
John Byrom: Hymn for Christmas Day
mas is universal.
Marcus Bach: Weekly Unity
Christmas is not a date. It is a state of mind.
Mary Ellen Chase, copyright by the
Christmas is coming, the geese are getting
N. Y. Times. Réprinted by per-
fat,
mission
Please to put a penny in the old man's hat;
If you haven't got a penny, a ha penny will
You can't escape Christmas; you can only
do,
escape yourself.
If you haven't got a ha penny, God bless you!
John Cogley: The Commonweal
Beggar's Rhyme
God rest ye, little children; let nothing you
Christmas itself may be called into question
affright,
If carried so far it creates indigestion.
For Jesus Christ, your Saviour, was born this
Ralph Bergengren: The Unwise
happy night;
Christmas
Along the hills of Galilee the white flocks
sleeping lay,
Come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant;
When Christ, the child of Nazareth was born
Come ye, come ye to Bethlehem;
on Christmas Day.
Come and behold Him, born the king of
Dinah Maria Mulock Craik: Christmas
angels;
Carol, st. 2
Come and adore Him, come and adore Him,
Come and adore the Lord.
I have always thought of Christmas time,
Attributed to St. Bonaventure
when it has come round, as a good time; a
69
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS
CHR
kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only
impulses and express their true sentiments
Christ
time I know of, in the long calendar of the
without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps,
year.
year, when men and women seem by one
foolish. Christmas in short, is about the only
days-
consent to open their shut-up hearts freely,
chance a man has to be himself.
wakin
and to think of people below them as if they
Francis C. Farley: West Virginia Oil
saying
really were fellow passengers to the grave,
News
Day!"
and not another race of creatures bound on
Dav:
other journeys.
And so as Tiny Tim
'Most all the time, the whole year round,
said: "A merry Christmas to us all, my dears.
there ain't no flies on me,
God bless us, every one."
But jest 'fore Christmas I'm as good as I
They
Charles Dickens
kin be!
Eugene Field: Jest 'fore Christmas
It is good to be children sometimes, and
Come,
never better than at Christmas, when its
There was a gift for each of us left under
My m
mighty Founder was a child Himself.
the tree of life 2000 years ago by Him whose
The (
Charles Dickens
birthday we celebrate today. The gift was
While
withheld from no man. Some have left the
Bids y
packages unclaimed. Some have accepted the
And d
Many merry Christmases, friendships, great
accumulation of cheerful recollections, affec-
gift and carry it around, but have failed to
tion on earth, and Heaven at last for all
remove the wrappings and look inside to dis-
of us.
cover the hidden splendour. The packages
are all alike: in each is a scroll on which is
The b
Charles Dickens
written, "All that the Father hath is thine."
tree: I
Take and live!
wrapp
The night that erst no name had worn,
First Baptist Church Bulletin,
To it a happy name is given;
Syracuse, New York
For in that stable lay new-born
The peaceful Prince of Earth and Heaven,
In the solemn midnight Centuries ago.
A green Christmas is neither handsome nor
healthful.
There
Alfred Domett: A Christmas Hymn
Thomas Fuller: Holy State: Of
There
Time-Serving
There
Blest Christmas morn, though murky clouds
And
Pursue thy way,
And th
How bless'd, how envied, were our life,
Thy light was born where storm enshrouds
sin
Nor dawn nor day!
Could we but 'scape the poulterer's knife!
For the
But man, curs'd man, on Turkeys preys,
Mary Baker Eddy: "Christmas Morn,"
And Christmas shortens all our days:
st. 1, Poems, p. 29
Sometimes with oysters we combine,
Sometimes assist the savory chine;
They err who think Santa Claus comes down
From the low peasant to the lord,
Christ:
the chimney; he really enters through the
The Turkey smokes on every board.
of hos
heart.
of char
John Gay: Fables: The Turkey and
Mrs. Paul M. Ell
the Ant
As I sa
It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christ-
Green Christmas, white Easter.
On Ch
mas in the air.
German Proverb
I spied
W.T.Ellis
I sometimes think we expect too much of
Instead of being a time of unusual behavior,
Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the
Christmas is perhaps the only time in the
long arrears of kindliness and humanity of
When
year when people can obey their natural
the whole year. As for me, I like to take my
When
70
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTN
There are some of us
who think to our-
assume the carefree faith of childhood, and
As many mi
selves, "If I had only been there! How quick
just plain "have fun." Whether they call it
so many ha
I would have been to help the Baby. I would
Yuletide, Noel, Weinachten, or Christmas,
have washed His linen. How happy I would
people around the earth thirst for its refresh-
have been to go with the shepherds to see the
ment as the desert traveller for the oasis.
Christmas i
Lord lying in the manger!" Yes, we would.
D. D. Monroe: Rotarian
observed an
We say that because we know how great
which shou
Christ is, but if we had been there at that
lives. To be
time, we would have done no better than
"Twas the night before Christmas, when all
does change
the people of Bethlehem
Why don't we
through the house
tion of its (
do it now? We have Christ in our neighbor.
Not a creature was stirring,-not even a
of our faith
Martin Luther.
mouse:
The stockings were hung by the chimney
with care,
This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the
Christmas i
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be
giving and receiving, not even the carols,
ward S.
there.
but the humble heart that receives anew the
The secret
Clement Clarke Moore: A Visit from
wondrous gift, the Christ.
It's lighting
St. Nicholas
Good Will
Frank McKibben
It's higher
Just for a few hours on Christmas Eve and
It's glorious
While rich men sigh and poor men fret,
Christmas I
Dear me! we can't spare Christmas yet!
Christmas Day the stupid, harsh mechanism
Then engu
of the world runs down, and we permit
Edward S. Martin: Christmas, 1898
ourselves to live according to untrammeled
Wilfred
common sense, the unconquerable efficiency
I wish we could put up some of the Christmas
of good will.
spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.
"Just for a few hours on Christmas
Until one fe
Harlan Miller: Better Homes and
Eve
from Essays by Christopher
is no Christ
Gardens, c/r Meredith Publish-
Morley. Copyright, 1918, 1946 by
-so much t
ing Co.
Christopher Morley. Published by
the holly, i
J. B. Lippincott Company
nor the fire
comes to th
Probably the reason we all go so haywire at
mas spirit I
Christmas timewith the endless unrestrained
and often silly buying of gifts is that we don't
Let Christmas not become a thing
quite know how to put our love into words.
Merely of merchant's trafficking,
Of tinsel, bell and holly wreath
After a Chr
Ibid.
And surface pleasure, but beneath
The childish glamour, let us find
The outdoor Christmas lights, green and red
Nourishment for soul and mind.
Christmas I
and gold and blue and twinkling, remind
Let us follow kinder ways
complete 01
me that most people are that way all year
Through our teeming human maze,
man.
round-kind, generous, friendly and with an
And help the age of peace to come
occasional moment of ecstasy. But Christmas
From a Dreamer's martyrdom.
is the only time they dare reveal themselves.
Madeline Morse: Dairymen's League
The Christ
Ibid.
News
the altar in
mas observa
What a blessing Christmas is! What it does
for friendship! Why, if there were no Christ-
God rest you merry, gentlemen,
E:
mas, as Channing Pollock put it, we'd have
Let nothing you dismay,
to invent one, for it is the one season of
For Jesus Christ, our Saviour,
It is not ev
Was born upon this day.
unless it is
the year when we can lay aside all gnawing
worry, indulge in sentiment without censure,
Old Carol
Richar
72
yes Verge nea there wa Santa Class
Seven Scholetic
12-7-59
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS
CHURCH
Tho Christ a thousand times
believe that quite a case can be made for a
After all, Chri-
In Bethlehem be born,
thoroughly enjoyable Christmas with every
to remove the
If He's not born in thee
whit as much spirit and color using only
kindly rememb
Thy soul is still forlorn.
these four ingredients.
Angelus Silesius
John D. Tate: "For a Christian
Christmas," Christian Century,
Life still hath
Every little child in all the world has been
November 23, 1949
bury-
a little safer since the coming of the Child of
Not Time
Bethlehem.
The time draws near the birth of Christ:
romance
The moon is hid; the night is still;
For still wil
Roy L. Smith: The Methodist Story
The Christmas bells from hill to hill
mischan
A good many people with houses half empty
Answer each other in the mist.
If Childhood (
on Christmas Eve have blamed the little inn-
Alfred, Lord Tennyson: In Memoriam,
merry.
keeper of Bethlehem because his place was
XXVIII
Walter Th
full.
Ibid.
As fits the holy Christmas birth,
Be this, good friends, our carol still-
Christmas is for
The hinge of history is on the door of a
Be peace on earth, be peace on earth,
ups too. Even if
Bethlehem stable.
To men of gentle will.
nightmare, it i
William Makepeace Thackeray: The
frosting of chill
Ralph W. Sockman
End of the Play
Lenora M
Life is much like Christmas-you are more
Christmas is here:
Take Christ ou
apt to get what you expect than what you
Winds whistle shrill,
ber becomes the
want.
South African Bulletin
Icy and chill,
month of the ye
Little care we:
The antiquarians have disputed much and
Little we fear
long about whether the event which Christ-
Weather without,
I love the Chris
mas commemorates can have taken place
Sheltered about
I notice this, ea
late in the month we call December. We have
The Mahogany-Tree
I always like th
been told that this is the very height of the
William Makepeace Thackeray: The
But how I love
rainy season in Palestine, when it would be
Mahogany-Tree
most unlikely to find either flocks or shep-
herds at night in the fields near Bethlehem.
For centuries men have kept an appointment
Thus we can al
But it makes no difference to the solemn
with Christmas. Christmas means fellowship,
live with good\
suggestiveness of the season, whether the
feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good
each other, beca
exact date is right or wrong.
cheer, home.
little Divine Pr
Herbert Leslie Stewart: National Home
W.J. Ronald Tucker: Pulpit Preaching
them to do it.
Monthly (Canada)
At Christmas play and make good cheer,
A hot Christmas makes a fat churchyard.
For Christmas comes but once a year.
John Swan: Speculum Mundi, CLXI
Thomas Tusser: Hundreth Good Pointes
CHURCH
of Husbandrie, ch. 12
Coming! ay, so is Christmas.
This was poste
The Light that shines from the humble
church bulletin
Jonathan Swift: Polite Conversation,
manger is strong enough to lighten our way
passers will be f
Dial. I
to the end of our days.
The family, the story, the carol and the
Vita-Rays
God sends no cl
gift. These four when divested of their
Out of our hear
present secularistic trappings give us the
They keep Christmas all the year.
pure Christian element of Christmas. I do
Edward Walker: Paraemiologia
74
S
CHURCH
CHURCH
a
After all, Christmas is but a big love affair
And whether it be a rich church
y
to remove the wrinkles of the year with
Or a poor church anywhere,
y
kindly remembrances.
Truly it is a great church
John Wanamaker
If God is worshipped there.
n
Anonymous
Life still hath one romance that naught can
9
bury-
The Church has many critics but no rivals.
Not Time himself, who coffins Life's
Anonymous
romances-
For still will Christmas gild the year's
It is not the function of the Christian
mischances,
Church to create a new civilization; it is the
If Childhood comes as here, to make him
Church's function to create the creators of
merry.
a new civilization.
Walter Theodore Watts-Dunton: The
Anonymous
Christmas Tree
The Church faces a generation which is try-
Christmas is for children. But it is for grown-
ing to drink its way to prosperity, war its way
ups too. Even if it is a headache, a chore, and
to peace, spend its way to wealth and enjoy
nightmare, it is a period of necessary de-
its way to heaven.
frosting of chill and hide-bound hearts.
Anonymous
Lenora Mattingly Weber: Extension
The church is never a place, but always a
Take Christ out of Christmas, and Decem-
people; never a fold but always a flock, never
ber becomes the bleakest and most colorless
a sacred building but always a believing
month of the year.
assembly. The church is you who pray, not
A. F. Wells: Link
where you pray. A structure of brick or
marble can no more be a church than your
I love the Christmas tide, and yet,
clothes of serge or satin can be you. There
notice this, each year I live;
is in this world nothing sacred but man, no
I always like the gifts I get,
sanctuary of God but the soul.
But how I love the gifts I give!
Anonymous
Carolyn Wells: A Thought
A Church exists for the double purpose of
Thus we can always know that men could
gathering in and sending out.
live with goodwill and understanding for
Anonymous
each other, because one day in each year the
little Divine Prince of Peace still compels
them to do it.
When we walk softly into the church,
We feel upon the air
Charles Jeremiah Wells
A summons that is like a hymn,
A call that tells of prayer.
CHURCH
Anonymous
This was posted on a Bronx, New York,
The church has suffered from putting too
church bulletin board: "Do come in-Tres-
high a premium on orthodoxy in words and
passers will be forgiven."
too little emphasis upon superiority in deeds
and character.
Anonymous
Advance
God sends no churches from the skies,
Out of our hearts they must arise.
A room of quiet
a temple of peace.
The home of faith
where doubtings
Anonymous
cease.
75
WH
THE
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PROVERBS, MAXIMS,
and Famous Phrases
Formerly entitled The Home Book of Proverbs, Maxims, and Familiar Phrases
SELECTED AND ARRANGED BY
EGBERT
BURTON'STEVENSON
Editor The Home Book of Verse, The Home
Book of Quotations, The Home Book
of Shakespeare Quotations
Though old the thought and oft exprest,
"Tis his at last who says it best.
JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, For an Autograph.
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
NEW YORK
AMERICA
AMERICA
AMIABILITY
AMERICA
61
60
MARK SULLIVAN, Our Times, ii, 318, quotes
Ex pluribus unum facere. (Out of many to make
6
I 1 do not think that you can do better than
the saying as "Never be a bear on the United
one.)
Americanism, which I have coined,
is
to fix here for a while, till you can become
States."
Sr. AUGUSTINE, Confessions. Bk. iv, ch. 8.
exactly similar in its formation and significa-
Remember, son, that any man who is a bear on
(A.D. 397)
tion to the word Scotticism.
again Americanized.
the future of this country will go broke.
E Pluribus Unum. (From many one.)
THOMAS JEFFERSON, Letter to Joel Barlow, 20
JOHN WITHERSPOON, The Druid. No. 5. (1781)
J. PIERPONT MORGAN, as quoted by his son
Proposed 10 Aug., 1776, as the motto for the
And the same, of course, as Briticism, which
April, 1802.
in a talk at the Chicago Club, 10 Dec., 1908.
seal of the United States, by a committee
was coined by Richard Grant White, in an
We go to Europe to be Americanized.
Evidently a paraphrase of the elder Morgan.
composed of Benjamin Franklin, John
RALPH WALDO EMERSON, Conduct of Life: Cul-
article in the Galaxy for March, 1868. The
5
Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Adopted 20
first use of the word cited in the Oxford
ture. (1860)
You cannot conquer America.
June, 1782.
English Dictionary is from the Boston
He was Americanizing in that good lady's hands
WILLIAM PITT, Speech, House of Commons,
1
as fast as she could transform him.
18 Nov., 1777.
It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent
Journal, 17 Sept., 1883, "A well arranged
handbook of Briticisms, Americanisms. etc."
W. D. HOWELLS, A Foregone Conclusion, p.
All the armies of Europe, Asia and Africa com-
alliances with any portion of the foreign world.
Scotticism goes back to 1717, when Defoe
77. (1875)
bined, with all the treasure of the earth (our own
GEORGE WASHINGTON, Farewell Address, 17
used it (Memoirs of the Church of Scot-
2 They are a race of convicts, and ought to be
excepted) in their military chest. with a Bona-
Sept, 1796.
land, ii, 137), in the sentence, "This is a Scot-
parte for a commander, could not by force take
Pcace, commerce, and honest friendship with all
ticism in Speech."
thankful for anything we allow them short of
11 drink from the Ohio or make a track on the
nations, entangling alliances with none.
The first class I call Americanisms, by which I
hanging.
Blue Ridge in a trial of 11 thousand years.
THOMAS JEFFERSON, First Inaugural, 4 March,
ABRAHAM LINCOLN, Speech, at Springfield,
understand an use of phrases or terms, or a con-
SAMUEL JOHNSON. See BOSWELL, Life, 21
1801.
struction of sentences,
different
from
the
March, 1775. Of Americans.
III., 27 Jan., 1837.
2
use of the same terms
in Great Britain.
Whatever they [Americans] may be, they will
6 I am distressed for thee, my brother Jona-
I will report all heroism from an American
JOHN WITHERSPOON, Works. Vol. iv. p. 460.
point of view.
always be colonial.
(c. 1794)
BENJAMIN DISRAELL. Endymion. Ch. 44. (1880)
than: very pleasant hast thou been unto
WALT WHITMAN, Starting from Paumanok.
It was John Witherspoon who coined the word
They dress alike, they talk alike, they think alike.
me. (Doleo super te frater mi Ionatha decore
Sec. 6. (1881)
Americanism, and at once the English guardians
An American way of life.
of the sacred vessels began employing it as a
What sheep!
nimis.)
LORD NORTHCLIFFE. See PETERSON, Propaganda
Old Testament: 11 Samuel, i. 26. (c. 600 B. c.)
F. D. ROOSEVELT. Speech, accepting Presidential
general synonym for vulgarism and barbarism.
We must consult Brother Jonathan.
nomination, Philadelphia, Pa., 27 June, 1936.
for War, p. 4.
H. L. MENCKEN, The American Language, p.
GEORGE WASHINGTON. (1777) Said to be a
3
3
49. (1918)
The land of the free and the home of the
frequent remark of his during the American
America is one long expectoration.
There can be no fifty-fifty Americanism in this
Revolution, referring to his secretary and
OSCAR WILDE, Newspaper Interview, during
brave.
country. There is room here for only 100 per
FRANCIS SCOTT KEY, The Star-Spangled Ban-
aide-de-camp, Col. Jonathan Trumbull. of
his visit to America in 1882.
cent Americanism.
ner. (13 Sept., 1814)
Connecticut. This story, however, is of late
4
O. Columbia, the gem of the ocean,
appearance (1846), and not supported by
Some Americans need hyphens in their names
THEODORE ROOSEVELT, Speech, Republican Con-
vention, Saratoga, N.Y. (1899) Also in Foes
The home of the brave and the free.
any actual evidence. However it originated,
because only part of them has come over.
of Our Own Household.
THOMAS À BECKET, Columbia, the Gem of the
the term seems to have been applied first
WOODROW WILSON, Address, Washington, D.C.,
I am a one hundred per cent American
Ocean. Probably written in 1843, by Becket,
to New Englanders, and at length, loosely.
16 May, 1914.
I am, God damn, I am!
a young English actor then playing at the
like Yankee. to Americans generally.
Hyphenated Americans.
W. W. WOOLLCOTT, I Am a One Hundred Per
Chestnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, Pa.,
Many of the republican families in East Jersey
THEODORE ROOSEVELT, in Metropolitan Maga-
Cent American. (1920)
for another English actor named David
have lost their daddies and Brother Jonathans.
zinc, Oct., 1915.
7
Taylor Shaw. Sung in England by E. L.
UNKNOWN, Royal Gazelle (N.Y.), 5 July.
I am exactly as much opposed to English-
No ill luck stirring but what lights upon
Davenport under the title, "Britannia, the
1780, p. 3/1.
Americans as to German-Americans. I oppose
Uncle Sam's shoulders.
pride of the ocean." Some authorities assert
I am not very much alarmed at the
furious
all kinds of hyphenated Americanism.
UNKNOWN, Editorial, Troy, N.Y., Post, 7 Sept.,
that the song was sung first in England as
thunderbolts of Brother Jonathan.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT, Speech, New York. 12
1813. The earliest known use of "Uncle
"Britannia," and later adapted to American
J. T. CALLENDER, Letter to Hamilton. (1802)
Oct., 1915.
Sam." See Dict. Amer. Eng., iv, 2387/2.
use. Probably sung first In America, though
The Diverting History of John Bull and Brother
When two flags are hoisted on the same pole,
Uncle Sam and John Bull.
"gem of the ocean" applies much better to
the small island of England than to the
Jonathan. JAMES KIRK PAULDING. Title of book. (1812)
one is always hoisted undermost. The hyphenated
UNKNOWN, Editorial, Columbia Centinel, Dec..
American always hoists the American flag under-
1814.
vast continent of America. See BANKS, 1m-
If you would save your pride from bein' sand-
most.
U. S. or Uncle Sam-a cant term in the army
mortal Songs of Camp and Field, p. 77;
papered, risk it not in a dicker with Jonathan.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT, Fear God and Take
for the United States.
Notes and Queries, 25 Aug., 1899.
JOSH BILLINGS, Josh Billings on Ice. (1878)
Your Own Part. Ch. 5. (1916)
5
UNKNOWN, Niles' Register, 1815.
God bless America.
IRVING BERLIN. Title of song introduced to the
7 The American has dwindled into an Odd Fel-
Our whole duty for the present. at any rate.
AMIABILITY
public on Armistice Day, 11 Nov., 1938, by
low-one who may be known by the develop-
is summed up in the motto: America first.
8
Kate Smith in a radio broadcast.
ment of his organ of gregariousness.
WOODROW WILSON, Speech, New York City,
Amiability conceals a multitude of flaws. Be-
All out for America.
H. D. THOREAU, Civil Disobedience. (1849)
20 April, 1915.
ware the ill-tempered fairy.
JOHN ADAMS. Title of song. (1941)
As American as popcorn.
A little group of willful men, representing no
SADI, Bustan. Ch. vii, Apol. 15. (c. 1257)
CHARLES SAXBY, Death in the Sun, p. 232.
opinion but their own, have rendered the great
9
4 Never sell a bear on the United States.
(1940)
Government of the United States helpless and
Amiability begets riches. ('Ho ch'i shêng
JUNIUS SPENCER MORGAN, Remark, while in
In the United States there is more room where
contemptible.
ts'ai.)
business in London, C. 1866. See Dict. Amer.
nobody is than where anybody is. This is what
WOODROW WILSON, Statement, 3 March, 1916,
WILLIAM SCARBOROUCH, Chinese Proverbs. No
Biog., xiii, 182. Morgan's advice was couched
makes America what it is.
referring to a group of eleven senators who.
2670. (1875)
in the technical language of the London
GERTRUDE STEIN, The Geographical History of
by filibustering tactics, had prevented the
10
Stock Exchange, and is usually quoted,
America. (1936)
passage of a bill authorizing Wilson to arm
There be two maner of beauties, of the which
"Don't sell America short," and attributed
B
American merchantmen. "The angriest, least
to Morgan's son, J. Pierpont Morgan. If
E pluribus unus. (From many into one.)
we must applye amyablenesse to woman,
premeditated statement of his career.'
dignyte to man.
the attribution is correct, the younger Mor-
VERGIL (?), Moretum, 1. 104. (c. 45 B.C.)
BAKER, Woodrow Wilson, Life and Letters,
Vergil is describing the blending of many
ROBERT WHITTINGTON, tr., Tullyes Offices. Bk.
gan was merely translating his father's
vi, 481.
i, p. 58. (1534)
dictum into the language of Wall Street.
colors into one.
1758
PATRIOTISM
PATRIOTISM
PATRIOTISM
PATRIOTISM
1759
1
11
1
Nothing sweeter than one's native land. (ws
When a nation is filled with strife then do
Our country is the common parent of all.
And bold and hard adventures t' undertake,
ouder уликсор is патрійог.)
patriots flourish. (Kwo chia hwun Iwan' 'yiu
(Patria communis est parens omnium.)
Leaving his country for his country's sake.
HOMER, Odyssey. Bk. ix, 1. 34. Quoted by
tsung hsin.)
CICERO, In Calilinam. No. i, sec. 7. (63 B.C.)
CHARLES FITZ-GEFFREY, Sir Francis Drake. St.
LUCIAN, Patriae Laudatio, 1. 1, who adds.
LAO-TSZE, Tao-teh-king (The Way of Virtue).
12
213. (1596)
"This is already a commonplace. But if noth-
Sec. 18. (c. 550 B. c.) Old, tr. There is a Jap-
Our country! In her intercourse with foreign
Twas for the good of my country that I should
ing is sweeter, then is anything more holy
anese proverb. "Even in a village of eight
nations may she always be in the right; but
be abroad. Any thing for the good of one's coun-
and divine?
The name of fatherland is
there is one patriot."
our country. right or wrong!
try-I'm a Roman for that.
closer to one's heart than all else, for there is
Never was patriot yet, but was a fool.
STEPHEN DECATUR, Toast, at a dinner in his
GEORGE FARQUHAR, The Beaux' Stratagem. Act
nothing closer than a father."
DRYDEN, Absaiom and Achitophel. Pt. i, 1. 968.
iii, SC. 2, 1. 94. (1706)
6
honor at Norfolk, Va., April. 1816. See MAC-
(1681)
KENZIE, Life of Decatur. Ch. 14.
We left our country for our country's good.
One's country is wherever all is well. (Patria
A patriot is a fool in ev'ry age.
I hope to find my country in the right: however,
GEORGE BARRINGTON (?), Prologue for the
est. ubique est bene.)
ALEXANDER POPE, Epilogue to the Satires. Dial.
1 will stand by her, right or wrong.
Opening of the Playhouse at Sydney, New
PACUVIUS, Teucer. Frag. 380, Loeb. 160 B. c.)
i, 1. 41. (1735)
JOHN J. CRITTENDEN, of Kentucky, Speech, in
South Wales, 16 Jan., 1796. Barrington,
See under COSMOPOLITANISM.
2
Congress, May, 1846, referring to President
or Waldron which is supposed to have been
7
You'll never have a quiet world till you knock
Polk's Mexican War message.
his real name, was a thief who had been
We find them cracking up the country they
patriotism out of the human race.
And say not thou "My country right or wrong,"
transported to Botany Bay in 1790. Six years
belong to.
BERNARD SHAW, O'Flaherty V.C. (1915)
Nor shed thy blood for an unhallowed cause.
later, he and. some of his fellow convicts
JAMES PAYN, By Proxy. Ch. 1. (1878)
3
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, Congress, Slavery, and
acted in a production of Edward Young's
8
True patriotism is of no party.
an Unjust War. (1847)
tragedy, The Revenge, for which he is said to
Oh. my country! how I leave my country!
TORIAS SMOLLETT, The Adventures of Sir
That pernicious sentiment, "Our country, right
have written the prologue. Or perhaps he
WILLIAM PITT. Said to have been his last words
Launcelot Greaves. Ch. 9. (1762)
or wrong."
merely spoke the prologue, which had been
He was referring to the shattering of the
There are no points of the compass on the chart
J. R. LOWELL, The Biglow Papers. Ser. i, No. 3
written by one Henry Carter. See LAMBERT,
English coalition by the battle of Auster-
of true patriotism.
Note. (1848)
The Prince of Pickpockets, ch. S.
litz. (Dictionary of National Biography.)
ROBERT C. WINTHROP, Letter to Boston Com-
Our country, right or wrong! When right, to be
2
Usually erroneously given as "How I love
mercial Club. 12 June, 1879.
kept right; when wrong, to be put right!
Nothing is more shameful than ignorance of
my country
Patriotism knows neither latitude nor longitude.
CARL SCHURZ, Speech, U.S. Senate, 1872.
one's Fatherland. (Nihil magis pudendum
I am already married to my country,
It is not climatic.
"Our country, right or wrong" is not patriotism.
quam ignarum esse suae Patriae.)
WILLIAM PITT, EARL OF CIIATHAM, when Hor-
E. A. STORRS, Political Oratory. Ch. 2.
but a pestilent economical heresy.
GABRIEI HARVEY, Note, written in Humphrey
ace Walpole tried to arrange a marriage be-
4
J. E. T. ROGERS, Industrial and Commercial
Patriotism was below Par-and Mar too.
Lloyd's Breviary of Britain. (a. 1600)
tween him and Mademoiselle Necker. after-
History, p. 1. (1891)
3
wards Madame de Staël. (c. 1785) (CROKER.
ARTEMUS WARD. The Draft in Baldinsville.
I would much prefer to enroll myself among those
He a beast doth die, that bath done no good
Memoirs, ii, 340.)
(1862)
whose motto is "My country right or wrong"
9
to his country.
than among those whose motto is "My country
His dear motherland, as the Cretans name
HERBERT, Jacula Prudentum. No. 991. (1640)
II-Patriotism: Love of Country
always wrong."
4
her, and fatherland. (Фilnv unrpida TE, Kpnrés
5
UNKNOWN. Times (London), 5 Feb., 1927,p.11.
Longing to see were it but the smoke leaping
фаот, kal патріда.)
The more I saw of foreign lands, the more
Rich or not, it is my country's wine. (Mei pu
up from his own land. (iéuevos kal kanvov
PLATO, Republic. Bk. ix, sec. 575D. (c. 375 B. c.)
I loved my own. (Plus je vis l'étranger, plus
mei hsiang chung chiu.)
ановрфакорта vonoal is yains.)
So do the Hindus of Bengal, according to
j'aimais ma patrie.)
WILLIAM SCARBOROUGH, Chinese Proverbs. No
1011. (1875)
HOMER. Odyssey. Bk. i, 1. 58. (c. 850 B. c.)
The Nation, 13 July. 1911, p. 28. PLUTARCH.
LAURENT DE BELLOY, Le Siège de Calais. (C.
My patriotism stops short of my stomach.
The smoke of his own land is brighter to his eyes
M oralia, 792E. repeats the story about the
1767) Quoted by MADAME DE STAEL, Corinne.
Cretans.
OTTo VON BISMARCK, to William 11, when of.
than fire elsewhere. (ó Tns натрідов avrw kanvos
(1807)
fered a glass of German champagne. (c.1889)
haumpotepus той пар' wupós.)
And thus we see on either hand
Such is the patriot's boast, where'er he roam.
13
LUCIAN, Patriac Laudatio. Sec. 12. (c. A. D. 170)
We name our blessings whence they've sprung:
His first, best country ever is at home.
All men needs must love their native land
Cited by ERASMUS. Adagia, i, ii, 16 (1523)
We call our country Father Land,
OLIVER GOLDSMITH, The Traveller. St. 7.(1764)
with the Latin, "Patrine fumus igni alieno
We call our language Mother Tongue.
EVERY BIRD PREFERS ITS OWN NEST, see under BIRD
' draykation Exec I катрібот dpar änavras.)
6
EURIPIDES, Phoenissae, 1. 358. (c. 420 B. c.)
luculentior." Included by TAVERNER, Trans-
SAMUEL LOVER, Father Land and Mother
Their fatherland, it seems, is dearest of all to
lations from Erasmus, fo. 7 (1550), with the
Tongue. (c. 1840)
Next to the love of God, the love of country
10
is the best preventative of crime.
men. (n патрія, ws COLKE, філтатов Вротоїс.)
rendering, "The smoke of a mannes owne
No one of us exists for himself alone, but
GEORGE BORROW. Bible in Spain Ch 4. (1843)
EURIPIDES, Phoenissae, 1. 406. (c. 420 c.)
country is much clearer than the fyre in a
7
I love my children. but I love my country more
straunge countreye." BLAND, Proverbs, 1, 39,
one part of us belongs to our country. (ёхаатов
renders it, "The smoke of our own chimney
huw oux air@ abror reyover. drrd TNS reverens
Whatever insults my state insults me.
($1/w TEKN', dArd патрід' iun'v µâЛЛог $110.)
l'RESTON S. BROOKS, Speech, House of Repre-
EURIPIDES, Erectheus. Frag. 411. Nauck. (c. 400
shines brighter than the fire of a stranger's."
nuwv TÒ MÉV TI in narpls
c.) Cited by PLUTARCH, Moralia, 809D.
The smoke of a man's own house is better than
PLATO (?), To Archytas. Epis. ix, sec. 358A
sentatives, 14 July, 1856.
8
To good men there is no limit of devotion to their
the fire of another.
(385 B. c.)
To make us love our country, our country
country. (Nullus sit patriae consulendi modus
THOMAS DRAXE, Bibliotheca, p. 93. (1633)
alone, but for country
ought to be lovely.
aut finis bonis.)
From the Italian, "Più vale il fumo di casa
and for kindred (Non: sibi. SC: soli- natum sed
EDMUND BURKE, Reflections on the Revolution
CICERO, De Re Publica. (c. 54 c.) Quoted as
mia, che il fuoco dell' altrui." Cited by Ray
patriae sed suis.)
in France. (1790)
a maxim by Sr. AUGUSTINE, Epistles, xci, 1.1
and Fuller.
CICERO, De Finibus. Bk. ii, ch. 14, sec. 45. (c
9
Who is here so vile that will not love his country?
The reek of my own house is better than the fire
45 B.C.) Quoting Plato. Usually given in an
Sweet is the love of one's country. (Es dulce
SHAKESPEARE, Julius Caesar, iii, 2, 35. (1599)
of another's.
adapted form, "Non nobis solum nati sumus,"
el amor de la patria.)
What bosom beats not in his country's cause?
JAMES KELLY, Scottish Proverbs, p. 307.(1721)
or condensed to, "Nemo sibi nascitur."
POPE, Prologue to Addison's Cato, 1. 24. (1712)
5
We are not born for ourselves, but also for our
CERVANTES, Don Quixote. Pt. ii, ch 54. (1615)
10
Love of country is the ruling religion of the civ.
No other thing can I see sweeter than one's
country. (Nous ne sommes pas nayz pour nous,
Who loves his country cannot hate mankind.
ilized man. (L'amour de la patrie est la première
own 18800al.) land. (ns rains Súvanal γликерштерор
ains aussi pour nostre païs.)
MONTAIGNE, Essays. Bk. ii, ch. 3. (1580)
CHARLES CHURCHILL,The Farewell,1,301. (1764)
religion de l'homme civilisé.)
He who loves not his country, can love nothing.
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE, Epigram (c. 1810) See
We are not born for ourselves.
HOMER, Odyssey. Bk. ix, 1. 28. (c. 850 B. c.)
JOHN CLARKE, Paroemiologia, p. 264. (1639)
LORD BYRON, Two Foscari. Act iii, sc. 1. (1822)
GUILLON, Napoleon, p. 294.
1760
PATRIOTISM
PATRON
PATTERN
PAYMENT
1761
You belong to your country as you belong to
your own mother.
The one best omen is to fight for one's country.
1
A fair pawn never shai. d his master.
E.E.HALE,T Man Without a Country.
(eis niwròs äрштоs aniveosas wepi πarpns.)
There mark what ills the scholar's life assail,
JOHN CLARKE, Paroemiologia, p. 109. (1637)
1
HOMER, Iliad. Bk. xii, 1. 243. (c. 850 B.C.)
Toil. envy, want, the patron, and the jail.
RAY, English Proverbs, p. 130. (1670)
Whoever is useful to his country is the na-
ERASMUS, Adagia, iii, i, 57, gives the Latin,
SAMUEL JOHNSON. The Vanity of Human
A good pawn never sham'd his master. It is no
tion's slave. (Populi est mancipium quisquis
"Unum augurium optimum tueri patriam,"
Wishes, 1. 159. (1749)
shame for a man to borrow on a good pawn.
patriae est utilis.)
and cites not only Homer but also CICERO,
Is not a Patron, my Lord, one who looks with
JAMES KELLY. Scottish Proverbs, p. 7. (1721)
PUBLILIUS SYRUS,Sententiae.No.519.(c.4. B. c.)
Ad Rhetoric. Atticum, PLINY. Letters, and ARISTOTLE,
unconcern on a man struggling for life in the
2
It is sweet and glorious to die for one's country.
water. and, when he has reached ground, encum-
PAYMENT
My country, 'tis of thee,
(Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.)
bers him with help?
7
SAMUEL JOHNSON, Letter to the Earl of Ches-
Pay as you go and keep from small score.
HORACE, Odes. Bk. iii, ode 2, 1. 13. (23 B. c.)
Of thee I sing.
"Tempt not death! cried his friends; but he
terfield, 7 Feb., 1755. Johnson had addressed
H.G.BOuN,Handbook of Proverbs,p.473.(1855)
SAMUEL FRANCIS SMITH. America. First printed
bade them good-bye,
the "Plan" of his dictionary to Chesterfield,
8
on a broadside in connection with an Inde-
who took no notice of it, but when the work
He who has nothing in his purse must pay with
Saying, "Oh! it is sweet for our country to die!"
appeared in 1755, Chesterfield wrote two pa-
his hide. (Wer nichts in Beutel hat, muss mit
pendence Day celebration by the Boston Sab-
EPES SARGENT. The Death of Warren. (1847)
bath School Union. 4 July. 1831.
pers to the World highly commending it, and
der Haut bezahlen.)
General Joseph Warren had hastened to the
3
Johnson retorted with his famous letter, bit-
battlefield of Bunker Hill in the early morn-
CHARLES CANIER. Quelques Six Millc Proverbes,
There is my love, there my fatherland. (Hic
ing of June 17, 1775, replying to the remon-
terly rejecting a notice which "had it been
p. 305. (1856) A German proverb. a render-
amor. haec patria est.)
early had been kind."
ing of the Latin law proverb, "Lunt in cor-
strance of a friend with Horace's famous line,
VERGIL. Aeneid. Bk. iv. 1. 347. (19 B. c.)
and was killed in the last charge of the Brit-
Patron: Commonly a wretch who supports with
pore, qui non habet in aere" (He must pay
For country, children. hearth, and home.
ish, as he lingered on the field. reluctant to
insolence, and is paid with flattery.
with his body who cannot pay with money).
(Pro patria, pro liberis. pro aris atque focis.)
join in the American retreat.
SAMUEL JOHNSON, Dictionary of the English
The English version is, "He that cannot pay
SALLUST, Bellum Catilinae. Ch. 29, sec. 5.
8
Language. (1755)
in purse must pay in person."
2
9
He feared not to die for fatherland. (Pro
We should seek support from merit, not from
The righteous sometimes pay for the sinners
III-Pro Patria Mori
patria non timidus mori.)
patrons; he has sufficient patrons who does
(Pagan a las veces justos por pecadores.)
4
What pity is it.
HORACE, Odes Bk. iii, ode 19, 1. 2. (23 B. c.)
Not afraid to die for cherished friends or father-
rightly. (Virtute ambire oportet. non favitori-
CERVANTES, Don Quixote. Pt. i, ch. 7. (1605)
That we can die but once to serve our coun-
bus; I sat habet favitorum semper, qui recte
He who does not intend to pay is not troubled in
land. (Non ille pro caris amicis I aut patria tim-
try!
idus perire.)
facit.)
making his bargain. (El que no piense pagar que
JOSEPH ADDISON. Cato. Act iv, SC. 4, (1713)
HORACE, Odes. Bk. iv, ode 9, 1. 51.
PLAUTUS,Amphitruo: Prologue,1.7 B. c.)
al concertar de la barata no repara en incon-
9
Books (such as are worthy the name of books)
venientes.)
I only regret that I have but one life to lose for
CERVANTES, Don Quixote. Pt. i. ch. 28.
my country.
To be in the trench. (éni okáuparos cival.)
ought to have no patrons but truth and reason.
10
NATHAN HALE, Speech, upon the gallows, just
POLYBIUS, History. Bk. xl, ch. 5, sec. 5. (c. 140
FRANCIS BACON, Of the Advancement of Learn-
But wo is him that payen moot for al.
before being hanged as a spy by the British
B. c.) At bay, back to the wall.
ing. Bk. i, ch. 3, sec. 9. (1605)
CHAUCER. Canterbury Tales: The Shipmannes
in New York City, 22 Sept., 1776. See STEW-
There is one certain means by which I can be
3
ART. Life of Nathan Halc. Ch. 7.
sure never to see my country's ruin: I will die in
To endure haughty insolence. (Superba pati
Tale, 1. 10. (c. 1386)
There my dear! Nunky pays for all.
5
the last ditch.
fastidia.)
UNKNOWN, Zeluca, iii. 232. (1815)
There is a victory in dying well For Freedom,
WILLIAM III, PRINCE OF ORANGE. (c. 1677) See
VERGIL, Eclogues. Ecl. ii, 1. 15. (37 B.C.) The
11
THOMAS CAMPBELI To the Spanish Patriots,
GREEN, Short History of the English People.
source of the proverb, "Mitte superba pati
He pays him with pen-powder.
3. (1823)
Ch. 9.
fastidia" (Refuse to endure the haughty in-
JOHN CLARKE, Paroemiologia, p. 58. (1639)
The patriot's blood the seed of Freedom's tree.
There was a sure way never to see it lost, and
solence [of patrons]).
Once paid and never craved.
CAMPBELL, Tothe Spanish Patriots, 13.
that was to die in the last ditch.
JOHN CLARKE, Paroemiologia, p. 182. (1639)
And how can man die better
BISHOP GILBERT BURNET, History of His Own
PATTERN
Cited by KELLY, Scottish Proverbs, p. 270,
Than facing fearful odds,
Time, i, 457. (c. 1710)
4
with the comment. "Pay your debts. and
For the ashes of his fathers
She is, to turne loue to hate, or joye to greefe,
prevent dunning."
And the temples of his gods?
12
A paterne as meete as a rope for a theefe.
MACAULAY, Horatius. St. 27. (1842)
Hc that cannot pay let him pray.
PATRON
JOHN HEYWOOD, Proverbs. Pt. i, ch. 10. (1546)
She died for her country-no one can do better
RANDLE COTGRAVE. Dictionary: Argent. (1611)
10
than that.
Christ What are patterns for?
Cited by RAY. p. 130; FULLER, No. 6362.
VAN WYCK MASON, The Bucharest Ballerina
Maecenas, sprung from royal stock, my bul-
AMY LOWELL, Patterns. (1912)
wark and my glory dearly cherished. (Maece-
5
It is a pain both to pay and pray.
Murders, p. 255. (1940)
nas atavis edite regibus, I o et praesidium
In hewing an axe-handle, the pattern is not
FERGUSON, Scottish Proverbs, p. 64. (c. 1595)
6
far off.
Now I adde, pray for it, pay and pray too.
They thought to die for their country; they
et dulce decus meum.)
ROGERS, Matrimonial Honour, p. 53. (1642)
died for the industrialists. (On croyait mourir
HORACE, Odes. Bk. i, ode 1, 1. 1. (23 B. c.) It
UNKNOWN, Book of Songs (Shiking). (c. 450
To pray and pay too is the devil.
was fitting that the first line of Horace's first
B.C.) Quoted by TSE-TZU, The Doctrine of
pour la patrie; on mourrait pour les in-
DANIEL DEFOE, Everybody's Business. (1725)
ode should be devoted to his great patron.
the Mcan. Ch. 13, sec. 2.
It is hard to pay and pray too.
dustriels.)
ANATOLE FRANCE. in 1914. See PIERRE VAN PAAS-
Let there be Maecenases, Flaccus, and there will
When a woodman makes hafts of hatchets, he
THOMAS FULLER, Gnomologia. No. 2951. (1732)
SEN, Days of Our Years, p. 76.
not be wanting Vergils. (Sint Maecenates non
uses his own hatchet as the pattern.
13
derunt, Flacce, Marones.)
KAIBARA EKKEN, Ten Kun (Ten Precepts). Bk.
What you will have, quoth God, pay for it
Dying, even for our country, is once too often.
MARTIAL, Epigrams. Bk. viii, epig. 56. (A. D. 93)
ii. (1710) Ken Hoshino, tr.
and take it.
ANONYMOUS. editations in Wall Street, p. 136.
(1940)
May some choice patron bless each grey goose
EMERSON, Essays, First Series: Compensation.
7
quill!
PAWN
(1641) Quoted as a proverb.
6
No unseemly thing it is to die while fighting
POPE, Prologue to the Satires, 1. 249. (1735)
Always pay; for first or last you must pay your
Great trees are good to shelter under. (Ta shu
A good pawn never sham'd his master.
entire debt.
for one's country. (où of delkès TTEPL
TaTpý I
hsia 'hao hsieh yin.)
RICHARD BRATHWAIT, Whimsies: A Wine-
EMERSON, Essays, First Series: Compensation.
HOMER, Iliad. Bk. XV, 1. 496. (c. 850 c.)
WILLIAM SCARBOROUGH, Chinese Proverbs. No.
: Soaker. (1631) Cited by CLAPTHORNE, Wit in
Wilt thou seal up the avenue of ill?
432. (1875)
f:, a Constable, Act V. (1639), and by HOWELL.
Pay every debt as if God wrote the bill'
English Proverbs, p. 11. (1659)
EMERSON, Suum Cuique. (c. 1867)
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS
Christmas a little at a time, all through the
When children gather round their tree,
year. And thus I drift along into the holi-
Thou Christmas Babe, we sing of thee!
days-let them overtake me unexpectedly-
Tudor Jenks: A Christmas Song
waking up some fine morning and suddenly
saying to myself: "Why, this is Christmas
The joy of brightening other lives, bearing
Day!"
each others' burdens, easing others' loads
David Grayson: Adventures in Friendship,
and supplanting empty hearts and lives with
Doubleday & Company
generous gifts becomes for us the magic of
Christmas.
They talk of Christmas SO long that it comes.
W.C. Jones
George Herbert: Jacula Prudentum
Now the essence, the very spirit of Christmas,
Come, bring with a noise,
is this: that we first make believe a thing is
My merry, merry boys,
so and lo! it presently turns out to be so.
The Christmas log to the firing;
Stephen Butler Leacock
While my good dame, she
Bids ye all be free;
A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;
And drink to your hearts' desiring.
It makes no noise at all,
Robert Herrick: Ceremonies for
But softly gives itself away;
Christmas
While quite unselfish, it grows small.
Eva K. Logue
The best of all gifts around any Christmas
tree: the presence of a happy family all
Shepherds at the grange,
wrapped up in each other.
Where the Babe was born,
Burton Hillis: Better Homes and
Sang with many a change,
Gardens, c/r Meredith Pub-
Christmas carols until morn.
lishing Co.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: By the
Fireside, A Christmas Carol
There's a song in the air!
There's a star in the sky!
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
There's a mother's deep prayer
Their old, familiar carols play,
And a Baby's low cry!
And wild and sweet
And the star rains its fire where the Beautiful
The words repeat
sing,
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
Josiah Gilbert Holland: A Christmas
Christmas Bells
Carol
The whole, wide world: turned selfless for
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire
a day,
of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame
Lays down its gifts beneath the Christmas fir,
of charity in the heart.
And strangely, touched by memory of a star,
Washington Irving
Each gift is gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Adelaide Love: "Alchemy" in Poems for
As I sat on a sunny bank
the Great Days
On Christmas day in the morning
I spied three ships come sailing in.
"What means this glory round our feet,"
Washington Irving: Sketch Book.
The Magi mused, "more bright than
The Sunny Bank
morn!"
And voices chanted clear and sweet,
When mother-love makes all things bright,
"To-day the Prince of Peace is born."
When joy come with the morning light,
James Russell Lowell: Christmas Carol
71
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS
As many mince pies as you taste at Christmas,
Christmas, my child, is love in action.
so many happy months will you have.
When you love someone, you give to them,
Old English Saying
as God gives to us. The greatest gift He ever
gave was the Person of His Son, sent to us in
Christmas is not just a day, an event to be
human form so that we might know what
observed and speedily forgotten. It is a spirit
God the Father is really like! Every time we
which should permeate every part of our
love, every time we give, it's Christmas.
lives. To believe that the spirit of Christmas
Dale Evans Rogers
does change lives and to labor for the realiza-
tion of its coming to all men is the essence
of our faith in Christ.
For most of us it can be a Happy Christmas
William Parks: Missions
if by happiness we mean that we have done
with doubts, that we have set our hearts
against fear, that we still believe in the
Christmas is not in tinsel and lights and out-
Golden Rule for all mankind.
ward show
Franklin D. Roosevelt
The secret lies in an inner glow.
It's lighting a fire inside the heart
Good Will and Joy a vital part.
At Christmas-tide the open hand
It's higher thought and a greater plan.
Scatters its bounty o'er sea and land,
It's glorious dream in the soul of man.
And none are left to grieve alone.
Christmas begins deep down inside
For love is heaven and claims its own.
Then engulfs the world like a mighty tide!
Margaret E. Sangster
Wilfred A. Peterson: The Art of Living,
Simon & Schuster, Inc.
England was merry England when
Until one feels the spirit of Christmas-there
Old Christmas brought his sports again.
"Twas Christmas broach'd the mightiest ale;
is no Christmas. All else is outward display
"Twas Christmas told the merriest tale;
-so much tinsel and decorations. For it isn't
the holly, it isn't the snow. It isn't the tree
A Christmas gambol oft could cheer
nor the firelight's glow. It's the warmth that
The poor man's heart through half the year.
comes to the hearts of men when the Christ-
Sir Walter Scott: Marmion, Canto VI,
Introduction
mas spirit returns again.
Pipefuls
Heap on more wood!-the wind is chill;
After a Christmas comes a Lent.
But let it whistle as it will,
John Ray: English Proverbs
We'll keep our Christmas merry still.
Ibid.
Christmas began in the heart of God. It is
complete only when it reaches the heart of
man.
Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes
Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated,
Religious Telescope
The bird of dawning singeth all night long;
And then, they say, no spirit dares stir
The Christmas tree has taken the place of
abroad;
the altar in too much of our modern Christ-
The nights are wholesome; then no planets
mas observance.
strike,
Earl Riney: Church Management
No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to
charm,
It is not even the beginning of Christmas
So hallow'd and so gracious is the time.
unless it is Christmas in the heart.
William Shakespeare: Hamlet, Act I,
Richard Roberts: Contemporary Christ
SC. 1, 1. 158
73
PATRIOTISM
PATRIOTISM
PEACE
PATRIOTISM
And how can men die better
America i
Than facing fearful odds,
melting P
These gentry are invariably saying all they
For the ashes of his fathers
reforming
can in dispraise of their native land; and it
And the temples of his gods?
you've cor
is my opinion, grounded upon experience,
that an individual who is capable of such
Thomas Babington Macaulay: Horatius,
you all. G
baseness would not hesitate at the perpetra-
st. 27
]
tion of any villainy, for next to the love
of God, the love of country is the best pre-
Patriotism is a kind of religion; it is the egg
ventive of crime.
from which wars are hatched.
PEACE
George Borrow: The Bible in Spain, ch. 4
Guy de Maupassant: My Uncle Sosthenes
Peace-go
greed.
Patriotism consists not in waving the flag,
Brave men and worthy patriots, dear to God,
but in striving that our country shall be
and famous to all ages.
righteous as well as strong.
John Milton: Tractate of Education
With every
James Bryce
prospects 0
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
and the p:
Standing as I do in view of God and eternity,
comes a lit
I realize that patriotism is not enough, I
Old Testament: Psalms 33: 12
must have no hatred or bitterness towards
anyone. They have all been very kind to me
Righteousness exalteth a nation.
Thou hast
here.
Old Testament: Proverbs 14:
lated into
Edith Cavell. To the English chaplain at
St. Aug
Brussels the night before her execution
My country is the world, and my religion is
STATE
to do good.
Peace is ou
Who loves his country cannot hate mankind.
Thomas Paine: Rights of Man, ch. 5
St.
Charles Churchill
I do love
That peace
Sincere Christianity and true patriotism have
much in common. Our finest patriotic hymn,
My country's good with a respect more
Book of
tender,
"My Country "Tis of Thee," was written in
1832 by a Baptist clergyman, Samuel Francis
More holy and profound, than my own life.
The pessin
Smith; and the pledge of allegiance to the
William Shakespeare: Coriolanus,
human rac
flag was written in 1892 by another Baptist
Act III, SC. 3, 1. 112
peace.
minister, Francis Bellamy.
Reprint
Ernest K. Emurian
Be just and fear not:
Let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy
If there is
My country is the world; my countrymen are
country's,
will be bea
mankind.
Thy God's and truth's.
beauty in t.
William Lloyd Garrison
William Shakespeare: Henry VIII,
the home, 1
in
Act III, SC. 2, 1. 446
When there
Strike-for your altars and your fires;
be peace in
Strike-for the green graves of your sires;
After what I owe to God, nothing should be
God-and your native land!
more dear or more sacred to me than the
Fitz-Greene Halleck: Marco Bozzaris
love and respect I owe to my country.
I prefer the
Jacques Auguste de Thou
righteous W
Indeed, I tremble for my country when I
reflect that God is just.
Whatever makes men good Christians makes
Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Virginia;
them good citizens.
Peace is lib
Manners
Daniel Webster
324
HOUSE
HO"
ING
866'
ext
M.G.M.
CHARLES M. RAFSHOON
y grand-
father Benjamin Harrison.
F.D.R.'s dog, Fala, begs a handout.
Amy Carter and Misty Malarky Ying Yang.
WHITE HOUSE PHOTOGRAPH, DECEMBER 1969
BILL FITZ-PATRICK, THE WHITE HOUSE
HUNDLE
Pasha, Vicki, and King Timahoe, a trio of Nixon dogs at Yuletide.
The Ford family's dog, Liberty.
Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., macaw Eli.
White House policeman holds Algonquin's reins for Quentin Roosevelt.
лесса.
UNDARY OF CONGRESS
FRANCES BENJAMIN JOHNSON, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
KARL SCHUMACHER, THE WHITE HOUSE
Children of the President: Chip
Carter (opposite, upper left) and
Caron with their son, James, in
the Rose Garden; they live in the
mansion. Working for the
Democratic National Committee
in 1978, Chip campaigned for
state and Congressional candi-
dates. Jack, Judy, and their son,
Jason, (opposite, right) visit the
White House from Calhoun,
Georgia, where Jack operates a
grain-storage facility. Jeff and
Annette relax on the Truman
Balcony below their third-floor
quarters. They find ample oppor-
tunity to practice their hobby,
photography, during state func-
tions as well as in candid mo-
ments with the family. Youngest
of the Carter children (left),
Amy stands with her parents be-
fore the 1977 White House
Christmas tree.
ing of the massive stroke that had ended the President's life at Warm
Springs, Georgia. He heard the news from Mrs. Roosevelt after he had
been taken directly to her study.
As Truman described the meeting in his memoirs, he could not at first
bring himself to speak. Finally he found his voice and asked Mrs. Roo-
sevelt, "Is there anything I can do for you?"
He would never forget her reply, he wrote. "Is there anything we can
do for you?" she said. "For you are the one in trouble now."
Grief, both national and personal, has been too frequent a caller at the
President's House. Eight Chief Executives have died in office, four of
them by assassination.
Unlike the murders of Lincoln and Garfield, the third slaying of a
President was committed far from Washington. In September 1901
McKinley was shaking hands with visitors at the Pan American Exposi-
tion in Buffalo, New York, when a young man extended his left hand to
the President, then shot him twice with a revolver concealed in his right
hand by a handkerchief bandage.
The attack, by an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz, mortally wounded
the President. McKinley died eight days later. Beside his body in the
105
Harriet Lane, persuaded her uncle to build one of the greenhouses that
would give much pleasure to future White House residents and visitors.
Lucy Hayes worked there with trowel and shears among her lilies
and roses. Frances Cleveland spent pleasant hours wandering with her
girls along the sweet-scented aisles of the greenhouses. Caroline Harri-
son was fond of orchids-an interest that led to her own orchid-painted
china. Out of that interest grew the White House china collection repre-
senting every Presidential family.
From the time Buchanan's conservatories opened until they were torn
down to make way for the West Wing, no First Lady had far to go for
flowers or potted plants to decorate her home. Today, gardeners of the
Washington area often donate flowers to decorate the White House, but
most flowers for arrangements now come from wholesale distributors
and from greenhouses of the National Park Service, which is responsi-
ble for the care and upkeep of the mansion and its grounds.
Mrs. Eisenhower's favorites were sweetheart roses and pink carna-
tions; Mrs. Kennedy liked to experiment with mixed floral designs; Mrs.
Johnson wanted variety in bouquet colors, from spring pastels to the
deeper shades of fall. Mrs. Nixon, who once said she had enjoyed gar-
dening ever since she was a child, took keen interest in planning floral
colors and designs for state dinners. Mrs. Ford showed a definite pref-
erence for all kinds of lilies. And, today, Mrs. Carter's taste seems to be
reminiscent of the Kennedy style in the selection of simple garden flow-
ers, such as roses and daisies arranged with casual charm.
But the big event in White House decor comes at Christmas, when
each First Lady has her chance to make the Nation's official home beau-
tiful for the season and the public.
At Mrs. Carter's first Christmas display in 1977, visitors on candle-
light tours found the main attraction a 20-foot fir tree brushing the ceil-
ing of the Blue Room. From its branches hung 2,500 ornaments,
handmade by mentally retarded persons from all over the country. In
color, shape, and material, they ranged from Georgia peanut chains and
California redwood dolls to intricate needlework. "We wanted to show
that retarded citizens have talents," said Mrs. Carter. "Everyone should
have the opportunity to go as far as he can."
Beginning with Woodrow Wilson, all the Presidents, as well as some
of their wives, have planted trees in this park. Mrs. Carter's contribu-
tion was a Japanese spiderleaf maple, rooted in the south lawn; the.
President planted a red maple brought from his Georgia farm.
No one has enjoyed the White House grounds more than has farmer
Jimmy Carter. He not only knows by name all the famous old trees, but
has had others labeled and has a keen interest in their care. He and his
wife often walk about the south lawn, holding hands.
Through the years, many Presidents have set up their own recre-
ational facilities here. Hayes marked off a croquet court near the South
Portico, where both family members and young clerks played.
There has been a tennis court on the south lawn since the time of
127
Theodore Roosevelt. The press called his associates who joined him for
a fast, tough game his "tennis Cabinet."
Harding practiced golf shots on the lawn and trained his Airedale,
Laddie Boy, to retrieve the balls. Hoover's "medicine-ball Cabinet" ex-
ercised with him before breakfast conferences under the magnolias.
Truman pitched horseshoes; Eisenhower improved his golf on a Presi-
dential putting green; Ford installed the first outdoor swimming pool
Racing and tumbling
near his West Wing Oval Office. And the Carter family swims in the
down a hillock, children
pool, plays tennis, and bowls in the alley under the North Portico.
romp on the south lawn
during the Easter
Monday egg-roll in 1887.
C
HILDREN PARTICULARLY have found the rolling acres of the
President Cleveland left
south lawn a great playground. Here they can explore hidden
his work to watch from his
nooks in hedges and bushes, ride ponies, and raise pets of ev-
office window. At right,
ery description. Little Tad Lincoln made a pet of a turkey that relatives
white-frocked girls dance
around an Easter
sent for the family's Christmas dinner in 1863. He named it Jack. When
maypole on the lawn
the cook prepared to kill the turkey, Tad ran in tears to his father, who
during Hoover's tenure.
interrupted a Cabinet meeting to write an official reprieve.
Another President's son faced a less amenable father. T.R. once
caught young Quentin walking on stilts through a flowerbed. The boy
obeyed Roosevelt's stern order to get out of the flowers, but grumbled,
"I don't see what good it does me for you to be President."
Once a year all Washington youngsters are invited to an egg-rolling
TITLE
party on the south grounds of the White House. On most Easter Mon-
days, starting with the Hayes Administration, children have brought
baskets of decorated hard-boiled eggs to this public party where they
match artistic talents and rolling skills with rivals.
The Carters' 1978 egg-roll was rained out, but their Easter event in
1977 was a huge success. To the jolly tunes of a U.S. military band, the
Carter family was on hand to welcome more than 15,000 youngsters
and adults. Besides the usual egg-rolling. contests, the entertainment
featured clowns, puppets, a rope-trick artist, a menagerie of a lamb,
pony, chicken, and a 1,200-pound steer, plus a man-size Easter Bunny
whose antics enchanted the children. In spring and fall, grown-ups also
have a chance to enjoy the grounds—thanks to garden tours made
available to the public since 1973.
Whatever the event, few settings could be lovelier than the picture-
postcard lawn as viewed from the balcony built within the South Portico
by President Truman. Looking past a shimmering pool and fountains
toward the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial, a visitor to-
day would find it hard to realize that this area once merged with malar-
ial marshes along a creek, which by 1817 had been walled and deepened
into a sluggish canal. Odorous with sewage, garbage, and dead ani-
mals, alive with mosquitoes and flies, the canal was the bane of White
House occupants. As a summer retreat, Van Buren rented a house in
nearby Georgetown. Buchanan and Lincoln were glad to go back and
forth in hot months to a cottage loaned them at the Soldiers' Home three
miles away. "I am alone in the White pest-house," a Lincoln secretary
128
The
Working
White
House
Text by
Haynes Johnson
Photographs by
Frank Johnston
A Mashington Post Book
Praeger Publishers
New York
On the White House grounds today are American elms from John and
Abigail Adams, magnolias from Andrew Jackson, scarlet oaks from Ben-
jamin Harrison, Japanese maples from Grover Cleveland, pin oaks from
William McKinley, European white birches from Calvin Coolidge, white
oaks from Herbert Hoover, little-leaf lindens from Franklin Roosevelt,
American boxwood from Harry Truman, black walnut from Dwight
Eisenhower, apple trees from John Kennedy, darlington oaks from Lyndon
Johnson, giant sequoias from Richard Nixon.
From his Oval Office, Gerald Ford can look out on a gardener digging
outside his window or see others pruning branches in the Rose Garden.
As in any home, there are periods in the White House year when snow
75
must be removed, Christmas trees brought in, wreaths hung, and the
exterior decorated for the holiday season. There is one difference, though.
The White House is not any home. It must always be the one place where
Americans turn for guidance and inspiration from their nation's leader,
and nothing that is done to make this house work can interfere either
with that symbolic role or with the serious business of governance.
4 December 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR BETH HINCHLIFFE
FROM:
JENNIFER GROSSMAN
SUBJECT:
MATERIAL FOR TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
EVENT INFORMATION:
1)
Keep it brief
Remember GB's admonishment: "Baby, it's cold
out there--cut, cut, cut!"
2)
Sig Rogich (2421) is the project officer; Bruce Sanka in his
office is working on it. Bruce informed me that there might
be a couple hundred points of light in the audience, and
therefore suggested a theme of helping your fellow man,
community spirit. We might also take this time to recognize
our servicemen and women in the Gulf (I have found some
quotes that should be appropriate on this point).
3)
Keep in mind that old church/state division (remember the
note struck by the Cathedral speech). This is the "Pageant
of Peace" and theme should be as much about the holiday
season in general as about Christmas in particular.
4)
The theme of this year's Pageant of Peace is Discovery.
This theme was selected to emphasize the joy of the
discovery of learning, exploration, and the satisfaction of
discovering new friends and people.
5)
POTUS will turn on the lights of the National Christmas Tree
during opening ceremonies of the 1990 Pageant of Peace at 5
p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13. The opening stage presentation
will feature several popular entertainers, including actress
and vocalist Jane Powell, country western singer Ricky Van
Shelton and NBC-TV weatherman Willard Scott as Santa Claus.
The program also features the University of Wyoming
Collegiate Chorale under the direction of Carlisle Weiss and
the United States Army Band under the direction of Col. L.
Bryan Shelburn, Jr. Also to be featured: The California
Raisins.
o CHRISTMAS TREE
1)
For many years, fresh trees were cut each year and brought
to Washington, D.C. to be decorated for the annual
celebration. The first attempt to transplant a living tree
on the site was made in 1973. This transplant and one other
subsequently died, but a 30-foot-tall Colorado blue spruce,
transplanted in 1978, finally took root and has been used
ever since. It was transplanted from a farm in York,
Pennsylvania. The tree had been a Mother's Day gift to Mrs.
William E. Myers and had stood on her farm for 15 years.
Situated on the Ellipse in a public area known as The
President's Park, the National Christmas Tree may be seen
year round by park visitors.
Surrounding the National Christmas Tree are 57 smaller trees
which represent the Nation's states, territories and the
District of Columbia. This is known as the "Pathway of
Peace." Each year since 1981 the state and territory trees
have been individually decorated with ornaments contributed
by organizations in each state. This year the trees come
from Western Maryland where they were grown on reclaimed
surface mining land. They were donated by the National Coal
Association through the Office of Surface Mining, U.S. Dept.
of Interior, as a symbol of how reclaimed coal mining land
can be returned to productive use.
2)
For the "Chronology of Christmas Tree Locations" see page 2
of the U.S. Department of the Interior fax (time: 11:32) in
the orange "Event Information" folder.
3)
This year's national Christmas Tree will feature a cross-
fading from glittering white to multi-colored lighting which
illustrates the phenomenon that white light consists of the
culmination of all colors. The white lighting on the tree
is created with 2,500 clear lights while the multi-colored
lighting is representative of 1,000 General Electric medium-
based brilliant yellow, red, green and blue lights. This
variety of hues reflects the multi-faceted nature of
American heritage. For daytime viewing, hundreds of colored
ornaments adorn the tree.
General Electric Company is again donating the lighting
scheme for the 28th year and Hargroves, Inc., will agian
decorate the trees. Each of the smaller trees representing
the States, territories, and the District of Columbia is
lighted with miniature string sets and clear, steady-burning
bulbs.
4)
History of the Christmas tree:
The Christmas tree, as it is now known, originated in
Germany, although its history--like that of other Christmas
customs--goes back to antiquity, when trees were worshiped
as spirits. The Egyptians erected green date palms indoors
during their winter solstice rites. The Romans hung
trinkets on pine trees during the Saturnalia. The druids
placed candles, cakes, and gilded apples in tree branches as
offerings.
Some scholars trace the modern Christmas tree back to the
fir tree erected by Boniface--the 8th centrury English
missionary who was known as the Apostle of Germany--in place
of the so-called sacred oak of Odin to which the pagans had
offered sacrifices. Others connect it with the fir tree--
hung with apples to symbolize the "paradise" tree of the
knowledge of good and evil--which was used as a stage prop
in 15th centruy German plays performed at Christmastide.
Still others give credit for its origin to Martin Luther,
the 16th century Protestant reformer. He supposedly was
walking home one clear winter evening, when he noticed
brilliant stars twinkling amidst the evergreen trees. To
recapture the loveliness of the scene for his family, he
erected a tree at home and placed lighted candles on its
branches. (Two other historical references to Christmas
trees, however, give accounts of very early 16th century
celebrations in Latvia and Estonia, not Germany).
Although the Christbaum, or Christ tree, did not meet with
unaminous acceptance, by the 1700s the idea was firmly
imbedded in Germany. The custom spread slowly throughout
other parts of Western Europe, being popularized in England
only in the 1840s by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's German
consort. The royal family's gigantic tree, bedecked with
wax tapers and sweetmeats, set the trend for the rest of
Great Britain. Only as late as 1860 did glass baubles
replace edible and handmade ornaments. In the early 20th
century, brightly colored electric lights replace burning
candles.
5)
The Christmas tree in the United States:
The Christmas tree, introduced into America during the
Revolutionary War by Hessian troops homesick for Germany,
was customary among German settlers in Pennsylvania by the
early 19th century. But only in the mid-1800's did the idea
spread, especially when a picture of Queen Victoria's
elaborate tree appeared in Godey's Lady's Book, the
fashionable women's magazine of the day. In 1923 President
Franklin Pierce set up the first Christmas tree inside the
White House. In 1923 President and Mrs. Calvin Coolidge
began the custom of lighting a National Christmas Tree on
the White House grounds when they dedicated a large tree
form their native Vermont.
EXCERPTS FROM PAST SPEECHES
1)
Reagan Remarks on Lighting the National Christmas Tree,
12/15/88:
II We must ever reflect upon the love we have for
others and the joy we take in giving of ourselves to
those who are less fortunate
May we give thanks for
a free America, an America united in the wonder of a
season that includes not only Christmas but Hanukkah as
well."
2)
Reagan Remarks on Lighting the National Christmas Tree,
12/12/85:
"My fellow Americans, thank you for joining Nancy and
me on this festive evening. The menorah stands lighted
in Lafayette Park, for this is also the time of
Hanukkah, and this season is rich in the meaning of our
Judeo-Christian tradition
Let us reach out tonight to
every person who is persecuted; let us embrace and
comfort, support and love them. Let us come together
as one family under the fatherhood of God, binding
ourselves in a communion of hearts, for tonight and
tomorrow and for all time. May we give thanks for an
America abundantly blessed, for a nation united, free,
and at peace. May we carry forward the happiness of
the Christmas spirit as the guiding star of our
endeavors 365 days a year. And as we light this
magnificent tree, may all the youthful hope and joy of
America light up the heavans and make the angels sing. "
3)
Reagan Remarks on Lighting the National Community Christmas
Tree, 12/16/82:
" This beloved tradition, which began nearly 50 years
ago, has a special symbolism for our people. It's as
if when we light this tree, we light something within
ourselves as well. And during Christmas season I think
most Americans do feel a greater sense of family,
friendship, giving, and joy
=
4)
Reagan Address to the Nation About Christmas and the
Situation in Poland, 12/23/81:
"
Tonight, in millions of American homes, the glow of
the Christmas tree is a reflection of the love Jesus
taught us. Like the shepherds and wise men of that
first Christmas, we Americans have always tried to
follow a higher light, a star, if you will. At lonely
campfire vigils along the frontier, in the darkest days
of the Great Depression, through war and peace, the
twin beacons of faith and freedom have brightened the
American sky. At times our footsteps may have
flatered, but trusting in God's help, we've never lost
our way. "
5)
Reagan Remarks on Lighting the National Community Christmas
Tree, 12/17/81:
" We've had other Christmases in our land--the first
one when we were a nation in [1776], and Washington led
his men across the Delaware River in a battle that set
the stage for our independence. And legend has it that
the path of their march through the snow was one of
blood-stained footprints. But we shall live with the
hope and the promise of the man of Galilee that
Christmases will be better and that we will have peace
and good will among men
=
6)
Kennedy's Remarks at the Pageant of Peace Ceremonies,
12/17/62:
"For nearly 2,000 years the message of Christmas, the
message of peace and good will towards all men, has
been the guiding star of oru endeavors
"It is the day when we remind ourselves that man can
and must live in peace with his neighbors and that it
is the peacemakers who are truly blessed
"This has been a year of peril when the peace has been
sorely threatened. But it has been a year when peril
was faced and when reason ruled
"And I think all of us extend a special word of
gratitude and appreciation to those who serve the
United States abroad; to the one million men in uniform
who will celebrate this Christmas away from their
homes
"
7)
Truman's Address at the Lighting of the National Community
Christmas Tree, 12/24/45:
(sounds like a call to Saddam Hussein)
"With our enemies vanquished we must gird ourselves for
the work that lies ahead. Peace has its victories no
less hard won than success at arms. We must not fail
or falter. We must strive without ceasing to make real
the prophecy of Isaiah: 'They shall beat their swords
into plowshares and their spears into pruning-hooks:
nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither
shall they learn war any more.
8)
F.D.R. "Keep Us Strong in Our Faith That We Fight for a
Better Day for Humankind' Christmas EVe Fireside Chat on
Tehran and Cairo Conferences, 12/24/43:
"The overwhelming majority of all the people in the
world want peace. Most of them are fighting for the
attainment of peace--not just a truce, not just an
armistice--but peace that is as strongly enforced and
as durable as mortal man can make it. If we are
willing to fight for peace now, is it not good logic
that we should use force if necessary, in the future,
to keep the peace?
"Some of our men overseas are now spending their third
Christmas far from home. To them and to all others
overseas or soon to go overseas, I can give assurance
that it is the purpose of thier Government to win this
war and to bring them home at the earliest possible
time
"On behalf of the American people--your own people--I
send this Christmas message to you who are in our armed
forces: In our hearts are prayers for you and for all
your comrades in arms who fight to rid the world of
evil. We ask God's blessing upon you--upon your
fathers, mothers, wives and children--all your loved
ones at home. We ask that the comfort of God's grace
shall be granted to those who are sick and wounded, and
to those who are prisoners of war in the hands of the
enemy, waiting for the day when they will again be
free. And we ask that God receive and cherish those
who have given their lives, and that He keep them in
honor and in the grateful memory of their countrymen
forever. "
9)
From the book Washington Goes to War, here is an account of
F.D.R. and Winston Churchill at a White House Tree Lighting
Ceremony on December 24, 1941:
"They also knew this: When Roosevelt pushed the button this
evening, the tree would leap into shining life, he would
speak, he would be optimistic and reassuring in those
distinctive tones of his, and when he finished he would
introduce a visitor--Winston Churchill The prime minister
of Great Britain came out with Franklin and Eleanor
Roosevelt, Harry Hopkins and Crown Prince Olaf and Crown
Princess Marthe of Norway, who were refugees and house
guests. Roosevelt pressed a button and a hugt evergreen down
at the lower end of the lawn sprang to light. Applause
"Roosevelt spoke: 'It is in the spirit of peace and
good will, and with particular thoughtfulness of those,
our sons and brothers, who serve in our armed forces on
land and sea, near and far--those who serve and endure
for us--that we light our Christmas candles now across
this continent from one coast to the other on this
Christmas evening.
"Churchill stepped forward and spoke in the voice
everyone--everyone--knew: 'This is a strange Christmas
eve. Almost the whole world is locked in deadly
struggle, and with the most terrible weapons which
science can devise, the nations advance upon each
other. Ill would it be for us this Christmastide if we
were not sure that no greed for the land or wealth of
any other people, no vulgar ambition, no morbid lust
for material gain at the expenxe of others has led us
to the field. Here, in the midst of war, raging and
roaring over all the lands and seas, creeping nearer to
our hearts and our homes, here, amid all the tumult, we
have tonight the peace of the spirit in each cottage
home and in each generous heart. Therefore, we may
cast aside for this night at least the cares and
dangers which beset us, and make for our children an
evening of happiness in a world of storm. Here, then,
for one night only, each home throughout the English-
speaking world should be a brightly lighted island of
happiness and peace.
Let the children have their night of fun and
laughter. Let the gifts of Father Christmas delight
their play. Let us grown-ups share to the full in
their unstinted pleasures before we turn again to the
stern task and the formidable years that lie before us,
resolved that by our sacrifice and daring, these same
children shall not be robbed of their inheritance or
denied their right to live in a free and decent world." "
516 Northweat S
Alex 22314
THE WORD OF GOD: HIS MIGHTY ACTS
CHRIST'S INCARNATION
195
(i)
CRADLE SONG Melody by WILLIAM JAMES KIRKPATRICK, 1838-1921
IIIIIIIIII
Around the World with Christmas, 1895
Unison
Verses 1 and 2
Verse 3
7
7
For younger children
AWAY in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
Basque Carol Melody, collected and
(ii) NORMANDY II II II II extended by CHARLES EDGAR PETTMAN, 1866-1943
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
Harm. and arr. GUTHRIE FOOTE, 1897-1972
Unison
2 The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! look down from the sky,
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
3 Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.
Anonymous
280
281
THE WORD OF GOD: HIS MIGHTY ACTS
CHRIST'S INCARNATION
191
Melody from a MS. of c. 1745
ADESTE FIDELES Irregular
Possibly by JOHN WADE, C. 1711-86
Adeste fideles
COME, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
come ye,
o
come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him
Born the King of angels;
come, let us adore him,
come, let us adore him,
come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
2
God of God,
Light of Light,
Lo! he abhors not the Virgin's womb;
Very God,
Begotten, not created;
3
Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above,
'Glory to God
In the highest':
v.2 Be - got ten
For Christmas Day
4
Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given:
REFRAIN
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing;
Possibly by John Wade, c. 1711-86
Tr. Frederick Oakeley, 1802-80, and others
272
273
THE WORD OF GOD: HIS MIGHTY ACTS
CHRIST'S INCARNATION
184
GOD REST YOU MERRY
Irregular
English Traditional Melody (London)
//
GOD rest you merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
For Jesus Christ our Saviour
Was born upon this day,
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray:
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!
O tidings of comfort and joy!
2 From God our Heav'nly Father
A blessèd angel came,
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same,
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name:
3 The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind,
And went to Bethlehem straightway
This blessèd Babe to find:
4 But when to Bethelehem they came,
REFRAIN
Whereat this Infant lay,
They found him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His mother Mary kneeling
O
tid ings of
com - fort and
joy,
com-fort and
Unto the Lord did pray:
5 Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All others doth deface:
Traditional Carol
joy!
O
tid - ings of
com - fort and
joy!
260
261
THE WORD OF GOD: HIS MIGHTY ACTS
CHRIST'S INCARNATION
173
THE FIRST NOWELL Irregular
English Traditional Melody
THE first Nowell the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay:
In fields where they lay a-keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
Born is the King of Israel.
2 They looked up and saw a star,
Shining in the east, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
3 And by the light of that same star,
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
4 This star drew nigh to the north-west,
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
5 Then entered in those wise men three,
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presènce
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
6 Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our Heavenly Lord,
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
REFRAIN
And with his blood mankind hath bought.
Traditional Carol
242
243
THE WORD OF GOD: HIS MIGHTY ACTS
CHRIST'S INCARNATION
170
Traditional Melody, adapted and extended by
NOEL D.C.M.
ARTHUR SEYMOUR SULLIVAN, 1842-1900
IT came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold -
'Peace on the earth, good will to men,
From heaven's all-gracious King!'
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.
2 Still through the cloven skies they come
With peaceful wings unfurled;
And still their heavenly music floats
O'er all the weary world;
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o'er its Babel sounds
The blessèd angels sing.
3 But with the woes of sin and strife
The world has suffered long;
Beneath the angel strain have rolled
Two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not
The love song which they bring;
o hush the noise, ye men of strife,
And hear the angels sing.
4 For, lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophet bards foretold,
When with the ever-circling years
Comes round the Age of Gold,
When peace shall over all the earth
Its ancient splendours fling,
And the whole world give back the song
Which now the angels sing.
Edmund Hamilton Sears, 1810-76
236
237
DECEMBER 12
in 1812. Located on Old Capitol Avenue, the
constitution in 1777. Until 1779 he served as
West and maintaining
building that housed the territorial and state
chief justice of New York.
and impressed Americ
governments from 1813 to 1825 is now a center
In December 1778 Jay returned to the Con-
their vessels. The Pres
of interest for tourists.
tinental Congress. He was elected president of
envoy to negotiate thes
that body on December 10, 1778, and held the
vember 1, 1794, he succ
post until September 1779, when he was se-
with Great Britain.
DECEMBER
lected to be minister plenipotentiary to Spain. In
The Jay Treaty was
Madrid from 1780 to 1782 Jay was not able to
Together with a number
John Jay's Birthday
gain Spanish recognition of the independence of
provided for the Briti:
the United States and succeeded only in obtain-
Northwest positions by
John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the United
ing a loan of $170,000.
other pressing problen
States, was born in New York City on December
In the spring of 1782 Benjamin Franklin
British agitation of the
12, 1745. One of the eight surviving children of
called Jay to Paris. There, with Franklin and
of the slaves taken dur
Peter and Mary Van Cortlandt Jay, the future
John Adams, he served as a joint commissioner
treaty met with strong
jurist was descended from two of the most im-
entrusted with the task of negotiating a peace
only after a long debat
portant families in the colony of New York. His
treaty with Great Britain. In this post Jay was
ratify it on June 24, 17'
Dutch Van Cortlandt forebears had been among
instrumental in persuading Franklin to agree to
By using questional
the original settlers of New Amsterdam and had
a preliminary peace settlement without first ob-
tices, George Clinton (
gained wealth and power through their land-
taining concurrence from the French govern-
York gubernatorial elect
holding and trading activities; the Jays traced
ment.
later, however, the Ft
their lineage to Augustus Jay, a Huguenot exile
When the final peace treaty was concluded in
winning this post for Ja
who sought refuge in New York about 1686 and
1783, Jay was offered the appointment of minis-
ernor of New York unt
became an influential merchant. John Jay's fa-
ter to either Great Britain or France. He de-
come a candidate for a
ther also was a well-established businessman,
clined both positions and returned to the United
the age of 56 to his 800
and he provided his son with an excellent edu-
States, intending to resume his private law prac-
New York, in the town.
cation. Young Jay studied first with private
tice. However, on his arrival on July 24, 1784,
Jay indulged his inter
tutors and then entered King's College (later
he learned that Congress had named him as
theology, and as an ard
Columbia). He was graduated in 1764.
secretary of foreign affairs.
aided the underground
After studying in Benjamin Kissam's law of-
Jay conducted the foreign relations of the
on May 17, 1829.
fice, Jay gained admission to the bar in 1768.
United States for the next six years. This ex-
The New York State
Five years later he served as secretary to the
perience convinced him of the inadequacy of
tion completed the rest
royal commission charged with settling a bound-
the Articles of Confederation and made him an
estate in 1965. There,
ary dispute between New York and New Jersey.
enthusiastic supporter of a stronger central gov-
front porch on which J.
In 1774 the young lawyer married Sarah Van
ernment. In 1787-1788 Jay together with James
more Cooper to write T
Brugh Livingston, daughter of William Living-
Madison and Alexander Hamilton published The
a library containing mo'
ston, who later became the Revolutionary gov-
Federalist essays - the most forceful argument
6,000 manuscripts; and
ernor of New Jersey.
for ratification of the Constitution and perhaps
tion of period furnitur
The crises preceding and culminating in the
the most brilliant exposition of American consti-
University, which holds
American Revolution called forth Jay's consid-
tutional theory ever written.
Jay papers, published i'
erable political talents. A man of wealth, he
In 1790 George Washington appointed
volumes of selected letto
tended, like many of his station, to favor a con-
Thomas Jefferson secretary of state, and Jay be-
Other noteworthy comi
tinuation of the colonies' ties with England. As
came the first chief justice of the United States.
versity's distinguished
a member of New York's Committee of Fifty-one
He handed down in 1793 the most famous opin-
Hall, an undergradu.
and as a delegate to the First and Second Con-
ion of his five years on the bench. In the case
opened on February 1:
tinental Congresses, he espoused conservative
of Chisholm V. Georgia, Jay and the majority
glass window at Living
solutions to colonial problems. Jay was attend-
of the court ruled that two citizens of South
College of Criminal Ju:
ing a provincial congress in New York when the
Carolina could recover damages from the state
sity of New York also
Declaration of Independence was adopted and
of Georgia. This decision created an immense
justice.
therefore did not vote for the resolution. But he
furor, since many state legislatures interpreted
accepted the action of the Congress, and in the
it as an infringement on their sovereignty. As a
Feast of Our La
months and years following July 1776 he worked
result of the states' protests, the 11th Amend-
unreservedly for the cause of independence.
ment to the Constitution (see January 8), which
The Feast of Our Lad
During the years immediately following the
prohibits a citizen of one state from suing an-
falls on December 12,
colonies' break with Great Britain, Jay directed
other state, was proposed by Congress. It was
Catholics in the United
his attention toward strengthening support for
ratified in 1798.
though the observance 1
the Revolution in New York. He worked to gain
In 1794 war with Great Britain threatened
vised universal Roman
the state's ratification of the Declaration of Inde-
because of numerous American grievances. En-
commemorated as a m.
pendence in 1776 and was chairman of the
gland refused to vacate the Northwest military
calendar that was adopt
committee that formulated New York's new state
posts, thus impeding American settlement in the
of the United States at
1096
DECEMBER 12
Intil 1779 he served as
West and maintaining control of the fur trade,
tional Conference of Catholic Bishops and con-
rk.
and impressed American seamen after seizing
firmed by the Congregation for Divine Worship
ay returned to the Con-
their vessels. The President named Jay special
in December of the same year. December 12 is a
vas elected president of
envoy to negotiate these problems, and, on No-
holy day of obligation throughout Mexico and
10, 1778, and held the
vember 1, 1794, he succeeded in making a treaty
ranks among the most important Mexican reli-
1779, when he was se-
with Great Britain.
gious holidays.
nipotentiary to Spain. In
The Jay Treaty was a compromise measure.
On the December 12 anniversary, thousands
782 Jay was not able to
Together with a number of other concessions, it
of pilgrims - some making their way to the main
1 of the independence of
provided for the British withdrawal from the
altar on their knees with arms outstretched - at-
icceeded only in obtain-
Northwest positions by June 1796, but it ignored
tend services at the flower-bedecked Basilica of
other pressing problems such as impressment,
Our Lady of Guadalupe on the outskirts of Mex-
'82 Benjamin Franklin
British agitation of the Indians, and the return
ico City. Outside the shrine, the church grounds
ere, with Franklin and
of the slaves taken during the Revolution. The
are thronged with visitors who enjoy the song
as a joint commissioner
treaty met with strong resistance at home and
and dance groups, amusements, firecrackers,
of negotiating a peace
only after a long debate did the Senate finally
and concession booths that mark the occasion,
n. In this post Jay was
ratify it on June 24, 1795.
in addition to the numerous religious services
ing Franklin to agree to
By using questionable electioneering prac-
and processions. In Ponce, Puerto Rico, where
lement without first ob-
tices, George Clinton defeated Jay in the New
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the local patron saint,
m the French govern-
York gubernatorial election of 1792. Three years
there is an annual festival in her honor, featur-
later, however, the Federalists succeeded in
ing dancing, concerts, and fireworks.
treaty was concluded in
winning this post for Jay, and he served as gov-
In the United States, December 12 is elabo-
:e appointment of minis-
ernor of New York until 1801. Refusing to be-
rately observed in the Southwest, where Spanish
tain or France. He de-
come a candidate for a third term, he retired at
influence prevails. The feast is noted at a num-
1 returned to the United
the age of 56 to his 800-acre estate at Katonah,
ber of Indian pueblos in New Mexico. For ex-
me his private law prac-
New York, in the township of Bedford. There,
ample, evening ceremonies honoring Our Lady
rrival on July 24, 1784,
Jay indulged his interests in horticulture and
of Guadalupe that are staged on December
ess had named him as
theology, and as an ardent abolitionist perhaps
11 at the Pueblo de Taos a few miles north of
irs.
aided the underground railroad until his death
Taos feature an impressive torchlight proces-
oreign relations of the
on May 17, 1829.
sion after vespers. Near Las Cruces, Tortugas
ext six years. This ex-
The New York State Department of Educa-
Indians participate in a three-day pilgrimage
1 of the inadequacy of
tion completed the restoration of the Katonah
and celebration on December 10, 11, and 12.
ation and made him an
estate in 1965. There, the public may see the
At the Jemez Pueblo, Matachines perform a va-
f a stronger central gov-
front porch on which Jay inspired James Feni-
riety of Indian ceremonial dances. A repertory
Jay together with James
more Cooper to write The Spy; browse through
of these dances is often given at church grounds
Hamilton published The
a library containing more than 2,000 books and
and plazas in New Mexico and in neighboring
most forceful argument
6,000 manuscripts; and admire the large collec-
southwestern states such as Texas and Arizona.
onstitution and perhaps
tion of period furniture on display. Columbia
Such traditional favorites as the arc and arrow,
tion of American consti-
University, which holds the largest collection of
gourd, braid, feather, palm, owl, or snake dances
ten.
Jay papers, published in 1975 the first of three
may be included. Sometimes the festivities also
Vashington appointed
volumes of selected letters to and from John Jay.
include talent shows, raffles, and fair booths.
ary of state, and Jay be-
Other noteworthy commemoratives of the uni-
The religious ceremonies at Our Lady of Gua-
ce of the United States.
versity's distinguished alumnus are John Jay
dalupe Church in San Diego, California, are
3 the most famous opin-
Hall, an undergraduate campus residence
representative of the type of homage paid to the
the bench. In the case
opened on February 12, 1927, and a stained-
Virgin on December 12 in various churches
Jay and the majority
glass window at Livingston Hall. The John Jay
throughout the Southwest. Some 1,500 persons
two citizens of South
College of Criminal Justice of the City Univer-
usually attend one of several masses in the rose-
lamages from the state
sity of New York also honors the first chief
adorned church, and there are other events,
n created an immense
justice.
such as the singing of the "Mañanitas" or "good
legislatures interpreted
morning song," to the Virgin and the singing of
their sovereignty. As a
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
mariachis. The Old Mission San Luis Rey near
ests, the 11th Amend-
San Diego generally pays tribute to Our Lady
(see January 8), which
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which
of Guadalupe with a solemn mass and a proces-
e state from suing an-
falls on December 12, is celebrated by Roman
sion in which the participants bear religious ban-
d by Congress. It was
Catholics in the United States and Mexico. Al-
ners and a flower-covered platform with statue
though the observance is not included in the re-
of the Virgin.
eat Britain threatened
vised universal Roman Catholic calendar, it is
For many years Our Lady of Guadalupe
erican grievances. En-
commemorated as a memorial in the liturgical
Church in San Antonio, Texas, held a proces-
the Northwest military
calendar that was adopted for use in all dioceses
sion around the nearby streets on the Sunday
crican settlement in the
of the United States at the November 1971 Na-
nearest to December 12. Afterwards Indian
1097
DECEMBER 12
dances were performed in the churchyard. Start-
tendants were kneeling before him. There on the
On September 17,
ing in 1970, however, the feast day celebration
cloak, it is said, was a life-size picture of the
Constitutional Conver
was expanded under the guidance of the Roman
Virgin as he had seen her. The picture, which is
phia had concluded
Catholic auxiliary bishop of San Antonio, Patrick
still preserved, is painted on two strips of coarse-
their work to the C
Flores. Now a citywide event known as Festival
ly woven cactus fiber sacking about 70 inches
functioning under the
Guadalupaño, it is held in the Hemisfair Arena
long and 18 inches wide, sewn together with the
and meeting in New
at the Convention Center on the Sunday nearest
seam running through the middle of the figure.
first capital. The natio
the feast. The program usually includes a solemn
The dark-skinned Virgin is wearing a blue-green
tember 28 gave their
mass with the bishop and priests of the arch-
mantle decorated with more than 40 golden
posed Constitution t
diocese of San Antonio participating, mariachis,
stars, and a rose-colored, figured tunic beneath
formerly the colonies
and other entertainment, such as Mexican
the mantle. She is surrounded by the golden rays
the legislature was as
dances, and songs and poems honoring the Vir-
of the sun and is resting on a crescent supported
vention to examine th
gin. At Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on the
by an angel. Her eyes allegedly reflect the im-
ratification.
actual feast day, mariachis sing the "Mañanitas"
ages of those men, including Juan Diego, who
In Pennsylvania, pr
as early as 4:00 A.M., after which priests and
were present when the cloak was first unfolded.
ready to act immedi:
parishioners celebrate a mass commemorating
Reports of the miracle spread quickly and re-
supporters of the new
the anniversary of the miracle of Our Lady of
sulted in mass conversions among the Indians,
trolled the state legi:
Guadalupe.
who had previously been relatively lukewarm in
anxious to pass the res
The legend of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one
converting to Christianity. A small shrine was
a ratifying convention
of the most interesting in the religious history of
first built in 1532 on the spot where the Virgin
sion on September 2'
North America. According to the story, an Aztec
reportedly stood. In 1622 a more elaborate
failed to make the en:
named Cuauhtlatohuac, who had recently been
structure was erected, and a much finer one was
the Constitution woul
converted to Christianity and baptized Juan
built in 1709. During the 18th century other
time to organize thei
Diego, was hurrying down Tepeyac Hill a short
edifices were constructed at the same site, in-
even been able to gain
distance to the north of Mexico City, to attend
cluding the Chapel of the Little Hill, where Juan
Such a development CC
mass on December 9, 1531, when the Virgin
Diego had gathered winter roses. A new shrine
impossible ratificatio
Mary appeared to him. She told him to tell his
will replace the 18th century basilica, which, in
might have doomed
bishop to have a sanctuary built in her honor
addition to being too small to accommodate the
Constitution.
where she was standing - reputedly the site of
masses of pilgrims, is suffering irreparable dam-
As soon as the Con
a recently leveled temple to an Aztec fertility
age through sinkage into the subsoil.
Constitution to the st.
goddess of the earth and corn. Although she ap-
After careful inquiry, Catholic authorities con-
Pennsylvania sent off
peared to Juan Diego twice more at the same
firmed the authenticity of the religious tradition.
York to Philadelphia
place within the next few days to receive an
In the mid-18th century Pope Benedict XIV
before the horseman
answer, none was immediately forthcoming
named Our Lady of Guadalupe the patroness of
with official notificati
since the local bishop at first remained highly
New Spain. As the devotion grew, the Virgin
morning of Septembe
skeptical of the Aztec's tale. Finally he told
was invoked for help in natural disasters and
Pennsylvania legislatt
Juan Diego to ask the vision for a sign to prove
sickness. When discontent with Spanish rule
of deputies, chosen b
that she was the Virgin.
erupted into open rebellion in Mexico in the
day and in the same I
At daybreak on December 12 Juan Diego,
early 19th century, the revolutionary leader
next general assembl
fearful that a sick uncle for whom he was caring
Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla fought under
Philadelphia. Robert
was dying, hastened to seek help in Mexico City.
a banner bearing her image in the 1810 War of
land County proteste
To avoid the Virgin, he went around Tepeyac
Independence and instructed his soldiers to
rived from the Congre
Hill, but she met him at the bottom and asked,
shout her name as a battle cry. In 1910 Pope
proposal violated the
"What road is this thou takest, son?" Juan Diego
Pius X named her patroness of Latin America.
notifying the assembli
explained his mission to her. Calling herself Holy
Our Lady of Guadalupe subsequently was desig-
tion of submitting i
Mary of Guadalupe, she cured his uncle and
nated as patroness of the Americas by Pope Pius
making the matter th
again told him to go to the bishop with the mes-
XII in 1945.
reading the bill three
sage about the sanctuary. For a sign she told
Despite the object,
him to go up on the rocky, wintry hillside and
Pennsylvania Ratifies the Constitution
eralists won approval
gather roses, although it was not the season
a convention to meet
when roses were in bloom. He went and gath-
Pennsylvania, on December 12, 1787, became
with their efforts, the
ered the blossoms in his long cloak of coarse
the second state to ratify the Constitution of
take a recess until 4:¹
cloth. The Virgin arranged the roses and told
1787. The Keystone State's quick acceptance
the manner of select
him to keep them out of sight and untouched
was an important step in the adoption of the
date for their election.
until he reached the bishop.
new frame of government. But the rapid ap-
Antifederalist lead
When Juan Diego arrived at the episcopal res-
proval was evidence more of the political acu-
the afternoon session
idence, he unfolded his cloak, and the roses fell
men of the proratification forces than of unanim-
concluded that their I
out; to his astonishment the bishop and his at-
ity within the state.
the conduct of the le:
1098
DECEMBER 12
ore him. There on the
On September 17, 1787, the members of the
journment scheduled for the following day.
e-size picture of the
Constitutional Convention meeting in Philadel-
These opponents of the Constitution could
The picture, which is
phia had concluded their labors and remitted
count only 19 men in their ranks, but if all
two strips of coarse-
their work to the Congress, which was then
stayed away from the meetings of the assembly,
ing about 70 inches
functioning under the Articles of Confederation
the 69-man body, from which several were al-
wn together with the
and meeting in New York City, the nation's
ready absent, would not be able to obtain the
niddle of the figure.
first capital. The national representatives on Sep-
quorum of 46 members necessary to carry on
wearing a blue-green
tember 28 gave their assent and sent the pro-
business.
ore than 40 golden
posed Constitution to each of the 13 states,
Only 44 deputies appeared at the afternoon
gured tunic beneath
formerly the colonies of Britain. In each state
session. The Speaker ordered the sergeant-at-
d by the golden rays
the legislature was asked to call a special con-
arms to summon the absentees, but the Anti-
a crescent supported
vention to examine the proposal and to vote on
federalists would not heed the messenger. Lack-
gedly reflect the im-
ratification.
ing a quorum, the Speaker had no choice but to
ig Juan Diego, who
In Pennsylvania, pro-Constitution forces were
adjourn the assembly until the following morn-
k was first unfolded.
ready to act immediately. The Federalists, or
ing, September 29, the final day of the session.
read quickly and re-
supporters of the new frame of government, con-
By the opening of the morning session, the
among the Indians,
trolled the state legislature in 1787 and were
rider sent by Bingham had delivered the con-
latively lukewarm in
anxious to pass the resolution required to set up
gressional resolution, but still the Antifederalist
A small shrine was
a ratifying convention before the end of the ses-
delegates stayed away. The Speaker again dis-
ot where the Virgin
sion on September 29. If the Federalists had
patched the sergeant-at-arms and the assistant
a more elaborate
failed to make the enactment, the opponents of
clerk to round up the recalcitrant. The officers
much finer one was
the Constitution would have gained invaluable
went first to the house of Major Alexander Boyd,
18th century other
time to organize their forces and might have
where the opposition made their headquarters,
t the same site, in-
even been able to gain control of the legislature.
and found there James M'Calmont of Franklin
ttle Hill, where Juan
Such a development could have delayed or made
County and Jacob Miley of Dauphin County.
roses. A new shrine
impossible ratification in Pennsylvania and
When M'Calmont and Miley refused to return
y basilica, which, in
might have doomed the adoption of the new
to the State House with the sergeant and the
to accommodate the
Constitution.
clerk, a mob of citizens who favored the Con-
ng irreparable dam-
As soon as the Congress decided to send the
stitution broke into the representatives' lodgings
: subsoil.
Constitution to the states, William Bingham of
and dragged them through the streets to the as-
holic authorities con-
Pennsylvania sent off an express rider from New
sembly chamber. With the two unwilling and
e religious tradition.
York to Philadelphia with the news. But even
disheveled Antifederalists present, the legisla-
'ope Benedict XIV
before the horseman reached the Quaker City
ture finally had a quorum and set the election of
ipe the patroness of
with official notification, George Clymer, on the
delegates to the Constitutional Convention for
in grew, the Virgin
morning of September 28, had proposed in the
the first Tuesday in November.
ntural disasters and
Pennsylvania legislature that a state convention
Antifederalists and Federalists in the interim
with Spanish rule
of deputies, chosen by the voters on the same
between the adjournment of the legislature and
I in Mexico in the
day and in the same manner as members of the
the election of the convention delegates vied
evolutionary leader
next general assembly, be called to meet at
with each other to produce arguments designed
stilla fought under
Philadelphia. Robert Whitehill from Cumber-
to win the support of the populace. Samuel
in the 1810 War of
land County protested that no word had yet ar-
Bryan, a leading Antifederalist, was perhaps the
ed his soldiers to
rived from the Congress and noted that Clymer's
anonymous author of the letter of "Centinel,"
cry. In 1910 Pope
proposal violated the traditional procedure of
which appeared in the Independent Gazeteer or
of Latin America.
notifying the assembly beforehand of the inten-
Chronicle of Freedom, a Philadelphia publica-
equently was desig-
tion of submitting an important measure, of
tion edited by Eleazer Oswald, an immigrant
ericas by Pope Pius
making the matter the order of the day, and of
from Great Britain who fought on the side of the
reading the bill three times.
patriots during the American Revolution. Pele-
Despite the objections of Whitehill, the Fed-
tiah Webster, a graduate of Yale and a political
e Constitution
eralists won approval, by a vote of 43 to 19, for
essayist, and James Wilson, who had been a
a convention to meet at Philadelphia. Satisfied
member of the Constitutional Convention, were
12, 1787, became
with their efforts, the deputies then decided to
the chief spokesmen of the Federalists.
he Constitution of
take a recess until 4:00 P.M. before considering
Opponents of the Constitution feared the ex-
quick acceptance
the manner of selecting the delegates and the
tensive powers it gave the central government.
e adoption of the
date for their election.
They argued that the new frame of government
But the rapid ap-
Antifederalist leaders used the hours before
was not a confederation but an undesirable gov-
the political acu-
the afternoon session to plan their strategy. They
ernment over individuals, that threatened to
es than of unanim-
concluded that their best hope lay in obstructing
destroy the sovereignty of the states that was so
the conduct of the legislature until the final ad-
well protected by the Articles of Confederation.
1099
DECEMBER 13
Of equal importance, the Congress had direct
DECEMBER 13
gondoliers sing the r
powers over the lives, liberties, and properties of
Lucia" in her memor
all citizens, and yet the Constitution offered no
Feast of Santa Lucia
But it is in Scandin
bill of rights to prevent governmental abuses.
the cult of St. Lucy t
Supporters of the Constitution countered the
The Feast of Santa Lucia, or St. Lucy, the early
its ramifications exte
Antifederalist arguments point by point. Wilson
Christian virgin martyr, is an occasion for
lore of the modern (
stated that the Congress, rather than being an
great festivities in Italy, in Scandinavia - espe-
coincide - before th
omnipotent body, enjoyed only those powers
cially in Sweden and to a lesser extent in Nor-
gorian calendar refo
expressly granted to it in the Constitution. The
way - and in those parts of the United States
with the period of th
new government, moreover, posed no threat to
in which Swedish immigrants settled and their
stice, the shortest ti:
the states in his view; indeed, the legislatures of
descendants still observe traditional customs.
forces of darkness set
each state were to choose its federal senators and
There are many conflicting legends about the
Europe. The comm-
indicate the mode of selection of electors of the
life of St. Lucy. According to the most likely ac-
garded as a symbol (
President.
counts, she was born about 283 in Syracuse,
offered an appealing
Federalists swept to victory in the elections
Sicily, to wealthy Christian parents. As a young
pagan rituals aimed a
for the Pennsylvania Assembly and Council,
girl she became very much involved in works of
turn. Several of the
which preceded by a month the selection of
charity. Betrothed to a pagan, she helped the
tions of the northern
delegates to the ratifying convention. Their suc-
poor even to the extent of distributing her wed-
burning of candles an
cess proved to be prophetic of the outcome of
ding dowry among them. Vengeful either be-
ary features on Decei
the later elections, which took place on Novem-
cause of his fiancee's generosity or perhaps be-
The legends abou
ber 6. In Philadelphia, which selected five dele-
cause she wished to break her engagement and
with the folk traditio
gates to the convention, the supporters of the
remain a virgin, Lucy's suitor denounced her as
of western Sweden. I
Constitution crushed their opponents. The lead-
a Christian to the Roman authorities during the
time of great famine.
ing Federalist candidate drew 1,215 votes, the
severe religious persecutions of the Roman em-
board a ship on Lake
lowest vote for a Federalist was 1,157; the lead-
peror Diocletian in the early fourth century.
with a halo of light 1
ing Antifederalist won only 150 votes. As a ruse,
Some legends hold that Lucy was tortured,
distributed food and
the Antifederalists placed Benjamin Franklin, a
when she refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods,
lace. (A similar lege
supporter of the Constitution, on their ticket.
by having her eyes gouged out (and that her
where, through Lucy
His name drew 235 misplaced Antifederalist
sight was then miraculously restored); others
peared laden with W
votes.
hold that she herself tore out her eyes since
starvation.)
Pennsylvania's ratifying convention opened
their beauty caused her to be desirable to men.
The tales about Lu
on November 21 at the State House in Philadel-
The Roman prefect reportedly sentenced her to
Sweden and survived
phia, with 60 of the 69 elected delegates in at-
be burned at the stake, but when the fire did not
long after the Protest:
tendance. The opposing sides spent a week
harm her, she is said to have died by the sword.
century and the cale'
arguing about procedures and then devoted two
Her death date is traditionally held to be De-
the original religious
more weeks to a detailed discussion of the pro-
cember 13, 304. Lucy's supposed relics were
her December 13 fea
posed Constitution. Finally, on December 12,
eventually taken to Venice, where they are still
holm, for example, re
the members of the convention cast their ballots,
preserved in the Church of Santa Lucia; her
1655.
46 in favor of the new government and 23
eyes are allegedly kept in the Church of San
Over the centurie:
against it. The following day the convention,
Giovanni Maggiore in Naples.
dagen, was gradually
joined by the president and vice president of
Lucy quickly became one of the favorite
sion for family festiv
Pennsylvania and all the state dignitaries, both
female saints of the Christian Church. Because
the Lucia Bride, or
civil and military, went in procession to the
of her name - derived from the Latin lux, or
in each Swedish famii
State House and read the ratification ordinance
"light" - she was honored as the patroness of
ter, dresses in a long
to a gathering of the citizenry. On December 15
street lamp lighters. Those who suffered from
sash, and lingon-leaf
the convention adjourned.
eye diseases, especially imminent blindness, in-
candles, to represent
Among the 13 former British colonies, the or-
voked her intercession as the protector of the
rest of the family, sl
der of obtaining statehood is usually calculated
eyes, "the light of the body." In medieval art,
Lucia," as she serves
on the basis of date of ratification of the Consti-
Lucy is therefore often depicted holding a torch
- X-shaped saffron b
tution. Thus Pennsylvania, which ratified only
or lamp or carrying a plate on which lie two eye-
The December ]
five days after Delaware, is usually listed as sec-
balls.
Swedish Christmas S
ond in tabulations that place the 50 states in
The Feast of St. Lucy was observed on De-
sion throughout the
order. With certain exceptions, most states that
cember 13 at Rome starting in the sixth century.
city, and province S
joined the Union after the original 13 followed
(In the revised Roman Catholic calendar, her
serves the typical coft
the procedures set forth in the Northwest Ordi-
feast, still observed on this date, is classed as a
pitals, and other pub
nance of July 1787. Pennsylvania and others of
memorial.) In Syracuse - where Lucy is the
accompanied by att
the original 13 thus bypassed the later and more
patron saint of the city - the day has long been
gowns and by white
usual procedure whereby an area passed through
celebrated with bonfires and torchlight proces-
sar) with peaked silv
a territorial status before being admitted to the
sions. Fires, processions, and illuminations also
a star paper lantern.
Union as a state.
mark the day in other Italian cities. In Venice
from contestants thre
1100
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
THE NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE
The tradition began in 1923 when Middlebury College
presented a tree from his native Vermont to President Calvin
Coolidge. The tree was placed on the Ellipse, the park
immediately south of the White House.
1923 -
the Ellipse - cut fir
1924-1933 -
Sherman Park (immediately south of the Treasury,
southeast of the White House) - living spruce
1934-1938 -
Lafayette Park (across Pennsylvania Avenue north
of the White House) - living fir
1939-1940 -
the Ellipse - cut tree, species unknown
1941-1953 -
South Lawn of the White House - 2 living spruces,
used alternately
1954-1972 -
the Ellipse - cut tree (fir or spruce), each year
from a different state, as focal point of the
Pageant of Peace
1973-present - the Ellipse - living spruce (3 different trees -
1973-76, 1977, 1978-present) as focal point
of the Pageant of Peace.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dec. 9, 1986
Switch used by Pres. to light the
National Christmas Tree is cared for
by W.H.C.A.
On it is a plaque listing every president
that had used it, and the date it was used.
The first was Calvin Coolidge in 1923.
1855, by The New ork Times Company,
NEW YORK, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1955.
Times Square New TNI M N. Y.
Telephone LACKSVARDA 1.120
n
PRESIDENT FEELS
HOLIDAY THRONGS
FLOODS RISE IN C
n
HE CANNOT TAKE
STRAIN FACILITIES
as
REST TRIP SOUTH
FOR TRAVEL HERE
CITY OF 12,500 IS E
Hagerty Cites Work Load—
'MAJOR DISASTER
Snow Slows Through Trains
Eisenhowers to Spend
in West and North-Hope
First Yule in Capital
of White Yule Is Dim
wit-
the
By W. H. LAWRENCE
The annual endeavor of holi-
ized
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23-
day throngs to get home by
ding
Christmas Eve strained trans-
ding
President Eisenhower expressed
tion.
doubt today that he would be
portation centers here last night.
the
able to go South for a. brief
Virtually every bus, plane and
ob-
holiday as his doctors had urged.
train that left the city was
"Much as I would like to fol-
jammed or subject to delays
rest
ranging from a few minutes to
chief
low the advice of my physicians
more than eight hours.
g it
and seek a warmer climate for
Hopes of a white Christmas
valid
awhile, I doubt that I shall be
seemed as short as a commuter's
able to leave Washington," the
temper. The Weather Bureau at
S in
President telegraphed to Joe
1 to
Pinder, president of the Key
first predicted snow turning to
rain and slush over the week-
the
West, Fla., Chamber of Com-
end. Late last night it held out
and
merce.
the possibility at least of a dry
an-
If I do manage to get away,
holiday. The forecast said it
one
I think I should go no further
would be cloudy and warmer to-
au-
than Georgia."
day and tomorrow, with "just a
i to
This telegram was made pub-
chance for occasional light rain."
ence
lic today as the Eisenhower
Temperatures began rising last
sur-
family completed plans for its
night. Between 8 and 11 P. M.
un-
first Christmas in the White
the reading went up from 25 to
House. Since his inauguration
n 2
30 degrees, the latter the high
on Jan. 20, 1953, the President
for the day. The Weather Bu-
has spent the Christmas and
reau said it would reach 38 to-
New Year holidays at the Au-
day, and possibly the 40's to-
e
gusta National Golf Club.
morrow. Monday will be fair
James C. Hagerty, White
and colder.
House press' secretary, said
The New York Central and
in
President Eisenhower still had a
the New York, New Haven and
lot of work to do. on his State
Hartford Railroads were having
of the Union message and others.
difficulty getting their trains
These messages are due to go to
turned around in Grand Central
Congress early in January. In
Terminal fast enough to handle
ac-
the past, the President has fin-
the holiday crowds. Fortunately
age
ished them at this Georgia golf-
many businesses let their help
The
ing retreat.
out early, So the commuter
In response to questions, Mr.
con-
crush at the rush hour was not
Hagerty said there was no do-
1 of
unduly heavy.
mestic or foreign "emergency"
the
Nevertheless, commuter trains
requiring the President to stay
were leaving Grand Central on
re-
near his White House desk.
an average of fifteen minutes
ates
Dr: White Urged Trip
late by 5 P. M., and one New
The southern rest period had
Haven train was forty minutes
ates
been urged by Dr. Paul Dudley
late. Officials said extra sections
d to
White, Boston heart specialist,
had caused equipment shortages.
pies
and the President's other physi-
Short-haul trains were leaving
cians when they examined him
on schedule bv 11 P. M. at Grand
S. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1955.
ated California Town
HOLIDAY THRONGS
President Pardons 42 Convic
TAX TRAVEL LINES
And Spares Condemned Sla
Continued From Page 1
O. manslaughter in' 189
Continued From Page 1
women convicted for
with which they have read-
mail from the post office
B o'clock tonight until midnight
justed.
they worked as young g¹
Monday. Even before the official
The condemned man whose
a man who served six me
tabulation began, seven persons
sentence was commuted is John
prison for stealing a CR
died in a two-car collision near
F. Vigneault of Manchester,
cigarettes from A milits
N. H. He had been convicted by
ment In 1915.
Pineville, Ky. and two were
court-martial of participation in
James C. riagerty.
killed in separate accidents in
the murder of an elderly German
House press ser stary.
New Jersey.
couple in Germany April 19.
he had heard "no react
Christmas would bring no let-
1952.
the plea of forty-six FT
up In the cold war. Starting
the time, Vigneault was a
citizens carlier in the we
private in the Army He and
Imprisoned Communists
tomorrow morning Radio Free
his companion shot the couple to
granted Amnesty
Europe will broadcast messages
death after accepting a ride as
Signers of the petit.
of hope to the Iron Curtain
hitch-hikers in their car.
stressed their personal
peoples of Eastern Europe from
His companion, Pvt. Paul R.
ment with the Communie
Hagelberger of Chula Vista,
included Mrs. Franklin 1)
President Eisenhower, Adiai E.
Calif., was condemned to die by
velt; Norman Thomas
Stevenson Secretary of State
another court-martial. There
John C. Bennett of Unio
John Foster Dulles and other na-
was no. White House clemency
logical Reininary: the R.
tional figures
for him.
M. Krumm, chaplain of
Among the forty-two persons
bia University, Henry
President's Message
pardoned after serving their
Commager. bistorian are
President Eisenhower's mes-
sentences were a man convicted
Rice. playwright
sage will say:
"During the Christmas season,
FIRST LADY WRITES
Batile Berros Flice In
I want you to know that the
CHICAGO. lire. 21
American people recognize the
EX-SLAVE YULE NOTE
dent Lula Battle Beries
trials under which you are suf-
guay 1.11
fering: join you in your concern
FORT MEADE, Md., Dec. 23
AIr Transport
for the restoration of individual
(/P)-David Townsend, who has
afternoon to begin Tile
freedoms and political liberty;
worked here since he helped
Journey 118 1, fiving
and share your faith that right
stake out this sprawling mili-
Fla., where 115 11111
in the end will prevail to bring
tary reservation forty years Rgo.
continuing on (i)
you once again among the free
got a Christmas note today from
Associated Press Wirephote
nations of the world."
a former soldier's wife; Mrs.
town of Marysville, Calif. Evacua-
Mr. Stevenson will declare:
Dwight D. Eisenhower.
ather River, another trouble source.
"No man is finally free until all
Mr. Townsend, a former slave
SAVINGS
mankind is free. No nation is
who will be 94 on Jan. 25, oper-
ACCOUNTS
closing of two leading gambling
truly at peace until all nations
ates the greenhouse that sup-
EARN
casinos and several department.
in our world dwell together in
plies flowers for the officers'
stores and banks, on the river's
brotherhood. No people are gen-
club.
Paid Quarterly " Multiple:
edge. Sandbags generally held
uinely at liberty until all men
The President's wife wrote:
JUNES
RECEIVED
the water to within 100 yards of
have the right to worship and to
FASM
let
"My Dear Mr. Townsend,
the river bank:
speak their thoughts freely. We
"This note is to send you
10
FIRST
Christmas carols were being
in America will continue to work
Christmas greetings from the
WESTERN SAV
played loudly over the flood
for the time when peace is
President and myself. We have
AND LOAN ASSOCIATE
scene by one of the downtown
joined to justice and both are
learned from General Parks that
BIPT
1
hotels. City Manager Ira E. Gun
wed to freedom for all peoples
you operate the greenhouse for
116 Third SL in Yes
said that the local water system
of the earth."
the officers' club at Fort Meade
Bart Lyttes. Presider
was in slight danger and tele-
Secretary Dulles will say: "We
and that you are nearing your
one hundredth birthday.
UNITED STATE GOVERNMENT
phone service was threatened.
share your firm faith in God.
"The President and I well ic-
Mayor Len Harris declared a
We look to the future with hope
state of emergency in downtown
member the happy years we
Reno early this morning, and all
and resolution, confident that
spent at Meade in 1919 and '20
bridges across the river were
freedom and justice shall at last
and it is interesting to know
closed as the waters began to
prevail.
that you were at the post at
that same time. What wonder-
Gilhuly
rise.
Other Christmas messages to
2
The flood came after the river
ful memories you must have!
be broadcast include statements
I am sure that your host of
BAR & RESTAUR
had risen rapidly for more than
by former President Herbert
friends are thinking of you at
OPEN CHRISTMAS
two days. The river was fed by
Hoover, Henry Cabot Lodge,
aters in the Sierra Nevadas,
this holiday season and are join-
A 1s Carte
United States Ambassador to the
re warm rains have melted
ing us in the wish that your
United Nations; Governor Harri-
Finest
selection
of
Christmas will be filled with
snow pack.
man and Mrs. Franklin D. Roose-
cheer and that the New Year
729 8th Ave. (46
velt.
will bring you health and happi-
t
Speeds Ald
This morning Pope Pius XII
ness.
will broadcast his Christmas
Mamie Doud Eisenhower."
RESORTS
holly. ]
white,
I
Jesus b:
bright I
some to
Oth
inated
ideas al
widely
custom
tree on
is said
and he
candles.
evergre.
became
integral
A w
of Chri
to have
by sing
ered th
and St.
to the (
of this
first int
the Bal
carved
now tr
Pennsy
and M
CENTRAL PRESS, FROM PICTORIAL PARADE
a scen
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS adorn Oxford Street in London.
The
jolly, b
an aus
CHRISTMAS, kris mas, is a Christian festival com-
festive spirit introduced into the Christmas cele-
of Asia
memorating the birth of Jesus Christ. The name
bration as a pagan survival, particularly of the
The id-
derives from the Old English Christes Mæsse, or
Roman Saturnalia. They considered the birth of
spread
Christ's Mass, and the present spelling probably
Christ a solemn occasion. But almost from the
brough
came into use about the 16th century.
first, Christians have generally regarded Christ-
settlers
All Christian churches except the Armenian
mas as both a holy day and a holiday. For
contril
Church observe the birth of Christ on December
Christ's birth brought a new spirit of joy into the
laughi
25. This date was not set in the West until
world, and from the first recounting of the story
Moore
about the middle of the 4th century and in the
of the Nativity, man has fashioned endless varia-
("Tw
East until about a century later. The Armenians
tions-not only in words, but in art, song, dance,
noted
follow the old Eastern custom of honoring
and drama-and has even created special sym-
fur-tri:
Christ's birth on January 6, the day of the
bolic holiday foods. Customs of all lands have
imagir
Epiphany, commemorating in the West chiefly
been added through the centuries, making Christ-
the ca
the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, and in
mas today the greatest folk festival in the world.
the East, Christ's baptism. (See EPIPHANY.)
Development of Customs. The English adapted
Some churches hold their most elaborate festi-
many older folk festivals to their Christmas. In
vals on January 6, and in parts of the United
the Middle Ages, English Christmases were times
States this date has been celebrated as "Old
of great hilarity and good cheer, and vast ban-
Christmas" or "Little Christmas."
quets and pageantry celebrated the occasion. It
Origins of Christmas. The reason for estab-
was in this period that the idea of the Lord of
lishing December 25 as Christmas is somewhat
Misrule reached its greatest expression. A com-
obscure, but it is usually held that the day was
mon person or a servant of a great lord was
chosen to correspond to pagan festivals that took
chosen to rule with absolute authority during
place around the time of the winter solstice,
the Christmas season, and often his "rule" re-
when the days begin to lengthen, to celebrate
sulted in uncontrolled frivolity. This tradition
the "rebirth of the sun." Northern European
may have originated during the Saturnalia, when
tribes celebrated their chief festival of Yule at the
slaves became the equals of their masters.
winter solstice to commemorate the rebirth of the
Burning the Yule log was adapted to English
sun as the giver of light and warmth. The Roman
custom from the ancient Scandinavian practice of
Saturnalia (a festival dedicated to Saturn, the
kindling huge bonfires in honor of the winter sol-
god of agriculture, and to the renewed power of
stice. The idea of using evergreens at Christmas-
the sun), also took place at this time, and some
time also came to England from pre-Christian
Christmas customs are thought to be rooted in
northern European beliefs. Celtic and Teutonic
this ancient pagan celebration. It is held by
tribes honored these plants at their winter sol-
CHRIS
some scholars that the birth of Christ as "Light
stice festivals as symbolic of eternal life, and the
Rocke
of the World" was made analogous to the rebirth
Druids ascribed magical properties to the mistle-
featur
of the sun in order to make Christianity more
toe in particular. The evergreen holly was wor-
meaningful to pagan converts.
shiped as a promise of the sun's return, and some
Many early Christians decried the gaiety and
say that Christ's crown of thoms was made of
666
CHRISTMAS
667
Legend tells that the berries were once
but when the crown was pressed upon
brow, the drops of blood turned the berries
the red. The Christmas wreath is thought by
to have originated from this legend.
Other known Christmas customs orig-
sted in various lands. While there are many
about the origin of the Christmas tree, it is
Rely believed that Martin Luther began the
Form in Germany. The sight of an evergreen
on Christmas eve, with stars blazing above,
aid to have made a great impression on him,
he put a similar tree, decorated with lighted
dles, in his home. Some scholars hold that the
Green tree, a symbol of life to the pagans,
came a symbol of the Saviour and thus an
legral part of the celebration of his birth.
A well-loved Christmas custom is the singing
Christmas carols. The word "carol" is thought
have originally denoted a dance accompanied
singing. Thirteenth century Italy is consid-
the birthplace of the real Christmas carol,
St. Francis of Assisi, who led songs of praise
the Christ Child, is thought to be the father
this custom. St. Francis is also credited with
FRITZ HENLE, FROM PHOTO RESEARCHERS
st introducing the crèche, or Nativity scene of
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT in St. Croix, Virgin Islands.
Baby Jesus in the manger. Elaborate wood-
ived crèches, often requiring years of work, are
traditional Christmas symbols. Among the
Christmas has not always been remembered
ansylvania Dutch, descendants of Bohemian
with gaiety and good cheer. Excessive frivolity
Moravian settlers in the United States, such
had always been frowned upon by some, and
scene is called a Putz.
Christmas was not celebrated by the Puritans or
The beloved image of Santa Claus as a fat,
Calvinists. When the Puritans came to power in
Ey, bearded old man derives from St. Nicholas,
England under Oliver Cromwell in 1642, Christ-
austere-looking 4th century Christian bishop
mas celebrations were banned as evidences of
Asia Minor, who was noted for his good works.
antireligious, Royalist sentiment. Penalties were
The idea of gift giving associated with this saint
exacted for celebrating Christmas, and for staying
bread from Asia Minor to Europe and was
home from work on Christmas day. The Puritan
cought to the United States by early Dutch
tradition was brought to New England, where
ettlers. The American writer Washington Irving
Christmas did not become a legal holiday until
sutributed to the concept of St. Nicholas as a
1856. Nevertheless, in other areas of the United
bughing holiday figure, and in 1822, Clement
States, the festive season was celebrated with joy-
Moore composed his Visit from St. Nicholas
ousness by immigrants, who brought their holiday
Twas the night before Christmas") with its
traditions from their homelands. It is this tradi-
noted description. But the image of Santa in
tion of "joy to the world" that today marks the
ar-trimmed dress that ultimately captured the
spirit of Christmas nearly everywhere in the world.
magination was drawn in the United States by
MARGUERITE ICKIS, Author of "The Book of
the cartoonist Thomas Nast in 1863.
Religious Holidays and Celebrations
PUBLIFOTO, FROM BLACK STAR
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS at
keteller Center in New York
feature Q huge Christmas tree.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
There was something very democratic
In the choral singing in the White
House grounds at 9 o'olock. President
and Mrs. Coolidge, with their guests,
ATTHE WHITE HOUSE
gathered In the north porch, where, Led
by the First Congregational Church
NEW YORK TIMES
choir, the people sang the songs the
December 25, 1923
oilliar to all. Probably 3,000 joined is
the singing. while as many more were
attentive listeners.
6,000 Gather There for Celebra-
The hymns sung by the choir and
crowd were:
tion at the President's
"O Come, All Ye Faithful," "Drew
Nigh. Immanuel," "A Virgin Une
Invitation.
spotted." "God Rest Yo, Merry Gentla-
United
men," "O Little Town of Bethlehem,"
The Shepherd's Christmas Bong."
"The Three Kings." "The First Noël,"
"NATION'S TREE" IS LIGHTED
"Joy to the World," "O Holy Night."
"Sleep, Holy Babe," "Holy Night,
Peaceful Night." and "Hark, the Herald
Angels Sing."
and on
A little after the close of the White
Glant Fir From Vermont Blazes
House carol-singing the negro residents
of Washington assembled at the com-
Out at Touch of White
munity tree on the ellipse and at mid-
we
House Button.
night conducted impressive services. The
trad.
Amphion Club, a chorus from the com-
munity centres. sang carols around the
tree. As the services progressed an
COOLIDGE GREETS WOUNDED
illuminated cross was flashed on the
Washington Monument, and shepherds
old
marched to the cross.
Mrs. Coolidge did not forget the city's
Sends Message of Cheer to Disabled
poor. She visited the Salvation Army's
N
headquarters and personally assisted to
Veterans, Assuring Them
giving Christmas baskets to the needy.
of Country's Care.
Simplicity will mark the celebration
of Christmas in the White House to
morrow. President and Mrs. Coolidge
with. their two sons will attend the
Special to The New York Times.
morning services in the First Congrega-
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24. President)
tional Church and have a family dinner
and Mrs. Coolidge, in their first Christ-
later. at which there will be two suests,
Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Stearns of
mas Eve in the White House, invited
Boston. White House visitors. The for
Washingtonians to sing earols in the
mer is the intimate friend of the Pres-
White House grounds, the invitation
Ident who started him on his pelitical
being the first of the kind ever given by
career in Massachusetts.
the head of the nation.
The 50,000 Federal workers received
This gathering of from 5,000 to 6,000 in
their pay checks today. a gift from the
the White House enclosure was the atte
United States Santa Claus, who ad-
max of the evening's celebration. Christ-
vanced the pay day one week. Them
mas spirit pervaded the national capital
came the celebration on the ellipae and
most of the day. The President decreed
in the White House grounds.
a half holiday for the 50,000 Federal -
Christmas greetings were sent by the
ployes. and at noon these workers
President today to the American voe.
swarmed into the stores and invaded the
erans who were disabled In the World
markets, emerging laden with greenery
War. The President assured the ex-
and rod berries from the hills of YIN
soldiers that the nation would remember
ginia.
Its obligations to them. The letter. which
As the sun sank below the Poternal
was sent to the Organization of Dia-'
the President touched & button which
abled American Veterans, follows:
lighted up the nation's Christmas trea.
"My warm telicitations and cordial
The giant fir from his native Vermont
wishes go to the war's disabled at this
instantly blased with myriad electries
Christmas time. The heart of America
which shone through tinsels and reds,
is with those who made the great me-
while those who surrounded this come
rifice in defense of our ideals. Whether
munity tree, children and grown-q34,
you continue in the hospitals fighting
cheered and sang.
for recovery or are battling to re-
The crowds on foot were augmented
catablish yourself in civil pursuits, the
by thousands who came in motor case,
nation will be mindful of its obligations
and to the music of the singers was
to those so honorably stricken. Regards
added the discord of horns. For hours
less of some irritations in the function-
the people thronged to the ellipse, which
Ing of agencies charged with your relief,
was dark except in the spot where the
we are conscious of the duty toward
tree stood, its brilliancy heightened by
the maimed and encouraged by the com-
a searchlight which shca Its rays from
tinued improvement for their relief.
the Washington Monument overlooke
"I am confident that the fortitude
Ing It.
that commanded for you the admiration
Just as the expectant little ones were
of the world will not falter during your
looking for the appearance of Santa
struggle for physical and vocational re-
Claus himself, the Epiphany Church
habilitation. That the coming year will
choir broke into song, and for three
mark the utmost possible restoration
quarters of an hour the crowd listened
of health. happiness and fortune is
to Christmas carols. Later in the
the devout hope of the Republic for all
evening the Marine Band played
of you.
CALVIN COOLIDGE."
priate selections.
NEW YORK TIMES
December 13, 1923'
MIDDLEBURY SENDS
TREE TO COOLIDGE
College's Gift Will Be Erected
Near the White House as
'National Christmas Tree.
Special to The New York Times.
MIDDLEBURY. Vt., Dec. 12.-A tree
given to President Coolidge by Middle-
bury College for use as a "National
Christmas Tree" was loaded into a spe-
clal car here today. This tree, cut in
the heart of the Green Mountains, will
be presented by the college to the Presi-
dent as coming from his native State.
When It arrives in Washington the tree
will be creeted upon the ellipse Immedi-
atcly back of the White House. Nightly
from Christmas Rve to New Year's Eve
It will be illuminated by nearly 3,000
electric bulbs. There will be special
ceremontes on a number of the evenings
of the holiday week. particularly on
Christmas Eye. when 3,000 school chil-
Aren. accompanied by the Marine Corps
Band. will sing carols.
Paul n. Moody. President of Middle-
hury College. swung the axe for the first
blows In the fell BE of the tree. With
him were Colonel Theodore S Woolsey
of the Heard of Trustees of the college.
and C. C. Wells of the Society for Elec-
trkal Development
DECEMBER 25
the cartoonist Thomas
makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering
annexed in 1898 and a state since August 21,
i Illustrated Weekly a
the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor
1959, the United States reached its present
1 Moore's characteriza-
even the united strength of all the strongest men
boundaries.
gure with a red, ermine-
that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry,
er belt, and shiny boots.
love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view
popular that he con-
and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond.
DECEMBER 25
us scenes with Santa
Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is
ne for nearly 30 years.
nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives for-
Christmas Day
mbination of Moore's
ever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten
tions helps children to
Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord
times ten thousand years from now, he will continue
nyth, but as they grow
to make glad the heart of childhood.
For Christians, Christmas, commemorating the
: doubts. One child in
birth of Jesus Christ, is an important religious
ork Sun asking whether
War of 1812 Ends
event, marking the gift from God described in
'he answer, written by
Treaty of Ghent
the New Testament: "For God so loved the
printed as an editorial,
world, that he gave his only-begotten Son"
nous as Moore's poem.
The Treaty of Ghent, concluding the War of
(John 3:16). In Christian liturgical calendars,
ange follows:
1812 (see also June 18) between the United
only the feast of Easter, commemorating the
States and Great Britain, was signed by repre-
Resurrection of the Lord, outranks the Nativity
vering thus prominently
sentatives of the two countries, meeting at the
in spiritual significance. Christmas, however, is
expressing at the same
that its faithful author is
Belgian city of Ghent on Christmas Eve in
certainly the most popularly observed occasion
of the Sun:
1814. Ironically enough, communications were
of the church year.
such that the war's last engagement - the battle
Throughout Christendom, churches deco-
of New Orleans (see January 8) - was not fought
rated with evergreens and poinsettias reverber-
me of my little friends
until January 8, 1815, after peace supposedly
ate at Christmastime with special Christmas
us. Papa says "If you
had been restored. Officially, however, it was
hymns, oratorios, and carols, scriptural readings
lease tell me the truth,
the Treaty of Ghent that brought the conflict to
describing the first Christmas, and sermons
a close.
about the Nativity. In addition to religious ser-
VIRGINIA O'HANLON
Although historians have often referred to the
vices during daylight hours, services by candle--
S are wrong. They have
War of 1812 as an inconclusive conflict that
light - vespers, or vigils beginning on Christmas
cism of a skeptical age.
settled none of the issues over which it sup-
Eve - are a cherished part of the glad obser-
hey see. They think that
posedly had been fought, it had important re-
vance. For Roman Catholics, December 25 is a
comprehensible by their
sults, directly and indirectly. Its conclusion
holy day of obligation, on which all must attend
ginia, whether they be
found the young American nation, until then a
one of the three masses priests are permitted to
In this great universe
loose cementing of disparate geography and in-
say in honor of the occasion. These usually begin
an ant, in his intellect
ess world about him, as
terests, unified for the first time. Also for the
at midnight on the 24th; at dawn on the 25th;
capable of grasping the
first time, the new country was firmly estab-
and later on Christmas Day. Protestant churches
lished in the eyes of the world, a nation among
customarily celebrate Christmas with a special
nta Claus. He exists as
nations, to be regarded seriously as a separate,
service on the Sunday morning preceding De-
sity and devotion exist,
permanent, and independent entity. It also had
cember 25, as well as with a service on Christ-
nd and give to your life
developed a naval tradition that would prove
mas Eve and a third joyous service of worship
las! how dreary would
valuable in its further development.
on Christmas morning. Eastern Orthodox Chris-
Santa Claus! It would
Directly or not, the War of 1812 removed
tians celebrate the Divine Liturgy on Christmas
re no Virginias. There
hen, no poetry, no ro-
most of the remaining barriers to westward
Day, and also in services that begin late on
existence. We should
American expansion - such as British incitement
Christmas Eve and continue past midnight. In
1 sense and sight. The
of Indian warfare on the frontier. Indeed, the
the case of some Eastern Orthodox churches,
Idhood fills the world
battle of the Thames had broken the power of
notably the Russian, the last-mentioned observ-
the Indians of the Northwest and shattered
ances constitute an all-night vigil beginning at
You might as well not
their confidence in the British. Americans,
midnight on Christmas Eve. Although the ma-
get your papa to hire
emerging from the War of 1812 with a new
jority of Eastern Orthodox churches now cele-
neys on Christmas eve
sense of nationalism and an eagerness to settle
brate the Nativity on December 25, those that
en if you did not see
hat would that prove?
the continent's vast western lands, proceeded to
still adhere to the old Julian calendar - includ-
it that is no sign that
concentrate their attention on that huge under-
ing many of the Russian Orthodox churches -
nost real things in the
taking.
mark the occasion 13 days later, on January 7.
children nor men can
Although some years remained before 1853,
Over the centuries, Christmas has become a
dancing on the lawn?
when the Gadsden Purchase brought the con-
holiday as well as a holy day. In its social or fes-
roof that they are not
terminous United States to its present dimen-
tive aspect, December 25 is a curious hybrid of
imagine all the won-
sions, the push to the Pacific was on. With the
the seasonal traditions of numerous peoples:
eable in the world.
addition of Alaska - a territory since 1867 and
Persian, Roman, Norse, Gothic, and Anglo-Sax-
rattle and see what
a state since January 3, 1959 - and Hawaii -
on, among others. At first glance, the staggering
1141
DECEMBER 25
display of customs seems to have little indeed
never been known. Partly for this reason, Christ-
Even though contr
to do with the birth in a stable at Bethlehem two
mas was not one of the earliest feasts of the
actual historical date
thousand years ago. Turkey dinners, glittering
Christian church, since there was at first no gen-
ber 25 date has long
trees, greeting cards, elaborate store window
eral consensus about when the anniversary
Christian churches. M
displays, bell-ringing Santa Clauses on street
should be observed - or even whether it should
ever, that it was select
corners, Yule logs, gaily wrapped gifts - all
be observed. In fact, many early Christians were
these and much more make up the special at-
purposes rather than
convinced that such a divine being could not
accuracy: the date }
mosphere of Christmas.
have had a natural birth; and in any event the
the winter solstice
On the other hand, not everyone necessarily
observance of birthdays generally was wholly
dar then in use - an
regards Christmas as an eagerly anticipated
condemned as a pagan custom repugnant to
the numerous pagan
time of joyfulness. Ogden Nash, for example,
Christians. It was in this vein that Origen, the
the solstice.
once commented: "Roses are things which
African church father and philosopher, wrote in
The solstitial fest
Christmas is not a bed of them"; and George
A.D. 245 that it was sinful even to contemplate
dated Christianity,
Bernard Shaw observed: "Christmas is forced
observing Jesus' birthday "as though He were
A number of ancien'
on a reluctant
nation by
shopkeepers and
a King Pharaoh."
of year as a period of
the press." But regardless of what modern-day
Proposals for marking the birth date of Jesus -
the upper world for
critics may say about the commercialization,
and attempts to determine what it was - none-
and darkness. The N
worship of Santa Claus, excessive eating, and
theless persisted. The memorable Gospel pas-
performed special
financial drain that Christmas has undeniably
sages furnished few clues, although some schol-
Marduk in his grim
also come to embody, December 25 is well en-
ars have theorized that if, as Luke relates, the
chaos. The Greeks
trenched, both as a much-loved social institu-
shepherds kept watch outdoors in the fields, the
temples, believing
tion and as an occasion for spiritual rejoicing.
birth must have occurred during a warm season:
was renewing the
The story of the birth of Jesus is told in the
in winter the sheep were usually penned at night
the Titans. As vi
Gospel of Luke (2:1-19) in this way:
in folds. Early Christian theologians in Egypt
lengthening days g
reportedly fixed the date as May 20; other
And it came to pass in those days, that there went
spring, a festive m
out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world
churchmen are said to have chosen late March
solstice season, the
should be taxed.
And all went to be taxed, every
or April dates, approximating the time of the
terous feast of the
one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from
Jewish Passover, or January 1, coinciding with
the god of agricu
Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto
the Roman new year under the calendar then in
Persian sun god N
the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (be-
use. In fact, dates in almost every month in the
vied with Christia
cause he was of the house and lineage of David), to
year were suggested by reputable scholars at
gion, observed De
be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great
one time or another. The most frequently put
nati, "birthday of 1
with child. And so it was, that, while they were there,
forth, however, were March 25 (which eventu-
the days were accomplished that she should be
proximately the sa
ally became known as the Feast of the Annuncia-
delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son,
they still do. the h
and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him
tion or Lady Day), December 25, and January 6.
ing the rededicat
in a manger; because there was no room for them in
What seems clear is that early observances
It was only log
the inn.
connected with the birth of Jesus took place in
to wish to offer c
And there were in the same country shepherds
scattered places on various dates; that January
vals being celebr
abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock
6 emerged as the date most pertinent to the de-
deemed a vital ro
by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon
velopment of the Christmas observance we
period a Christi
them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about
know today; and that it was at first usually a
birth of Jesus. A.
them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said
dual celebration noting both the birth and the
date initiated at
unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people.
baptism of Jesus. Known as the Epiphany, mean-
Nativity spread
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a
ing appearance or manifestation, the January 6
Europe, and m
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be
observance - often referred to since as "Little
Eastern church.
a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
Christmas" - originated in the churches of the
of December 2:
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
East, at least by the beginning of the third cen-
of the 4th centu
And suddenly there was with the angel a multi-
tury. The earliest record of any celebration
ern church took
tude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
comes from Clement of Alexandria, the Greek
any on January
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
theologian, who mentions, about A.D. 200, that
tinued to sprea
good will toward men."
members of a certain sect in Egypt had com-
tend to the reg.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away
from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to
memorated Jesus' baptism on January 6 (or 10).
and it reached
another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and
It was considerably later, and in the western
tury.
see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord
part of the Roman Empire, that a separate cele-
For several
hath made known unto us."
bration of Jesus' birth was introduced by the
ly a church an
And they came with haste, and found Mary and
church at Rome. A Christian chronography (al-
religious servi
Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
manac) issued in A.D. 354 showed the existence
perhaps the e:
of such a commemoration and also indicated
as candles an
Although December 25 is observed as the an-
that the observance had been instituted some
advanced in
niversary of the birth of Jesus, the exact date has
two decades earlier.
toms connecte
1142
DECEMBER 25
or this reason, Christ-
Even though controversy still surrounds the
gan to blend with the Christian observance.
earliest feasts of the
actual historical date of Jesus' birth, the Decem-
Several church fathers condemned the assimila-
re was at first no gen-
ber 25 date has long been accepted by most
tion as potentially dangerous and reiterated
hen the anniversary
Christian churches. Modern scholars agree, how-
Augustine of Hippo's fourth-century warning:
ven whether it should
ever, that it was selected arbitrarily for practical
"We hold this day holy, not like the pagans be-
early Christians were
purposes rather than as a matter of chronological
cause of the birth of the sun, but because of him
vine being could not
accuracy: the date happened to coincide with
who made it." But the majority of the mission-
and in any event the
the winter solstice - December 25 by the calen-
aries who penetrated Western Europe after the
generally was wholly
dar then in use - and thus also coincided with
decline of the Roman Empire preferred to fol-
custom repugnant to
the numerous pagan celebrations connected with
low the tolerant ruling of Pope Gregory I the
vein that Origen, the
the solstice.
Great. The pope instructed Augustine of Canter-
philosopher, wrote in
The solstitial festivities, which much pre-
bury, whom he sent to England in 596, to ob-
even to contemplate
dated Christianity, cut across several cultures.
serve old customs, infusing them with Christian
"as though He were
A number of ancient peoples regarded this time
significance to propagate the faith, "for from
of year as a period of crisis in which the deities of
obdurate minds it is impossible to cut off every-
birth date of Jesus -
the upper world fought the spirits of disorder
thing at once." On this liberal policy hinged the
what it was - none-
and darkness. The Mesopotamians, for instance,
continuation of numerous traditional customs
morable Gospel pas-
although some schol-
performed special rites to support their god
now connected with Christmastide.
Marduk in his grim battle against the powers of
The pagan traditions adapted "to the praise
as Luke relates, the
chaos. The Greeks offered sacrifices in their
of God" included the lighting of candles, blazing
oors in the fields, the
temples, believing that their chief god, Zeus,
Yule logs, and huge bonfires to speed the sun on
uring a warm season:
was renewing the struggle against Kronos and
its way at the time of its yearly "rebirth." These
ually penned at night
the Titans. As victory approached and the
practices easily tied in with the Christian con-
heologians in Egypt
lengthening days gave hope of a distant but sure
cept of Christ as the Light of the World. During
as May 20; other
spring, a festive mood ensued. Also during the
the awesome solstice season of dread and festiv-
e chosen late March
solstice season, the Romans celebrated the bois-
ity, the pagans filled their houses with ever-
ting the time of the
terous feast of the Saturnalia in honor of Saturn,
greens, mistletoe, holly, and ivy, believing their
y 1, coinciding with
the god of agriculture. The followers of the
greenness in midwinter to be evidence of spe-
the calendar then in
Persian sun god Mithras, whose cult in Rome
cial power defying winter's ability to kill.
every month in the
vied with Christianity as the most popular reli-
The use of mistletoe at Christmastime is with-
eputable scholars at
gion, observed December 25 as dies solis invicti
out doubt traced to the druids, who regarded it
most frequently put
nati, "birthday of the invincible sun." And at ap-
with reverence long before the Christian era. In
1 25 (which eventu-
proximately the same period, Jews observed, as
celebration of the winter solstice, they gathered
east of the Annuncia-
they still do, the holiday of Hanukkah, celebrat-
mistletoe, piled it on the altar, and burned it
er 25, and January 6.
ing the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.
in sacrifice. Sprigs of the yellow-green leaves
it early observances
It was only logical for early Christian leaders
and waxen white berries were distributed among
Jesus took place in
to wish to offer competition to the winter festi-
the people and hung up in their houses. The
dates; that January
vals being celebrated at what had long been
plant was regarded as a symbol of future hope
pertinent to the de-
deemed a vital religious time and to make that
and peace. Whenever enemies met under the
has observance we
period a Christian feast commemorating the
mistletoe they would drop their weapons and
as at first usually a
birth of Jesus. Acceptance of the December 25
embrace. The still current custom of kissing un-
h the birth and the
date initiated at Rome for the observance of the
der the mistletoe may have grown out of this
he Epiphany, mean-
Nativity spread gradually throughout Western
ancient practice.
ation, the January 6
Europe, and more slowly in the East. After the
Christians continued to use greenery in deco-
to since as "Little
Eastern churches had adopted the observance
rating their halls and homes at Christmastime
the churches of the
of December 25 as Christmas in the latter part
and found the bonfires convenient for disposing
ng of the third cen-
of the 4th century (and subsequently), the West-
of the boughs and sprigs. The legend soon de-
of any celebration
ern church took up the observance of the Epiph-
veloped that Jesus' crown of thorns had been
exandria, the Greek
any on January 6. The feast of Christmas con-
fashioned from holly, whose berries, originally
about A.D. 200, that
tinued to spread slowly. Not until 813 did it ex-
white, turned brilliant red when pressed on the
in Egypt had com-
tend to the region of Germany on a large scale,
Son of God's forehead.
n January 6 (or 10).
and it reached Norway as late as the 10th cen-
As Christianity spread throughout Western
and in the western
tury.
Europe in the early Middle Ages, Christmas -
hat a separate cele-
For several centuries, December 25 was pure-
the English name dates from the 11th century,
introduced by the
ly a church anniversary, kept with appropriate
when the feast was termed Cristes Maesse -
n chronography (al-
religious services and later with banquets and
grew into a great popular festivity. Coming at a
lowed the existence
perhaps the exchange of simple presents, such
time during which common folk had some of
and also indicated
as candles and clay dolls. But as Christianity
their rare leisure, between fall harvesting and
en instituted some
advanced in northern Europe, the local cus-
spring sowing, to enjoy prolonged merriment, it
toms connected with the winter solstice rites be-
quickly developed into a boisterous period of
1143
DECEMBER 25
singing, hunting, gambling, and feasting. From
animals, and a natural setting, with only the baby
ize the
very early times, the offering of food and drink
Jesus represented by a wax figure. The creche
and e'
had been regarded as a sign of hospitality and
in both simple and ornate forms became a
15th C
beloved Christmas tradition in homes and
mastic
good will. Accordingly, steaming beverages, es-
pecially spiced ale or beer, known as wassail -
churches, as it remains today.
Martin
the term derived from the Middle English waes
Despite clerical admonitions concerning the
forme
haeil, "be thou well" or "to your health" - were
seasonal excesses in eating, drinking, and other
clear
earthly delights, Christmas continued in much
stars
served ceremoniously and in copious quantities
the same spirit until the 17th century. The Prot-
recapt
to warm chilled bones during the holiday season.
Occasionally a boar's head, complete with tusks,
estant Reformation in the 16th century slightly
ily, hc
candl'
was also served.
toned down the Yuletide revels, but it was left
refere
Christmas festivities were nowhere more lav-
to the English Puritans to push through radical
count:
ishly and joyously celebrated than in medieval
changes in the season. They were dismayed by
in La
England. King Arthur allegedly observed the
the dangerous pagan atmosphere, commenting
A f
first recorded English Christmas in 521, but it
that "there is nothing else used but cardes, dice
was not until the 11th century, when Norman
tables, maskyng, mumming, bowling, and such
sace,
have
influence came to England with William the
like fooleries" and that men in liveries of "light
than
Conqueror, that a note of formality entered into
wanton colour" even charged into church dur-
decor
the previously unruly Yuletide observance. Im-
ing services, "their belles iynglyng, their hand-
mas
pressive masses, splendid tournaments and pan-
kerchiefes swyngyng about their heades like
room'
tomimes, hunting parties, and prodigious feasts
madmen."
color-
were staged. In 1252, for example, King Henry
Once the Puritans had risen to power in En-
Alth
III of England commanded that 600 oxen - to
gland in 1642, Parliament soon decreed that on
meet
be served with salmon pie, roast peacock, and
the day "commonly known as Christmas, no ob-
the
flowing wine - be slain for his Christmas guests.
servance shall be had, nor any solemnity used
cust
To organize entertainment for royalty and
or exercised in churches in respect thereof."
West
nobles during this glorious season, a court direc-
Town criers shouted "No Christmas!" and the
only
tor known as the Lord of Misrule supervised
populace was ordered to work as usual. Even
Vict
masquerades in which costumed mummers ar-
plum puddings and mince pies were outlawed
ganti
rayed themselves as exotic animals and myth-
as heathen customs.
swee
ological beasts. By the 12th century, the giving
When the repressive Puritan Commonwealth
Brita
of gifts - stemming ultimately from the scrip-
ended with the restoration of King Charles
tural account of the Three Magi, who offered
II, Christmas, which had gone underground,
repl:
earl
gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ
emerged once more, but shorn of much of its lav-
Child (Matthew 2:11) - had become common
ishness. Dissenters continued to ridicule the
light
S
on Christmas as well as at New Year's. In 1236
feast, calling it Fooltide instead of Yuletide. The
the king of France sent the king of England a
festivities, which thenceforth became social
penn
mas
live elephant.
rather than ceremonial, and bourgeois rather
to f
Today's commercialization of Christmas and
than royal, gradually focused on the home, fam-
Hen
excessive eating are pale in comparison with
ily, and friends.
of t
the much more hedonistic medieval celebration.
A number of new Christmas traditions were
the
Feasting and revelry were not confined to a
introduced in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries,
of i
single day. They lasted at least to Twelfth Night,
including the tree and the greeting card. The
cai.
the Vigil, or Eve, of the Epiphany, so called be-
Christmas tree, as it is now known, originated in
it
cause it was the 12th night after Christmas,
Germany, although its history - like that of
En
counting December 25 as the first day. In some
other Christmas customs - goes back to antiq-
uity, when trees were worshiped as spirits. The
em'
cases, the festivities extended for five weeks
from Christmas to Candlemas, when Jesus had
Egyptians erected green date palms indoors
pri
The
been presented in the Temple (see February 2).
during their winter solstice rites. The Romans
and
Liturgically, moreover, the season had started
hung trinkets on pine trees during the Saturnalia.
I
still earlier, with Advent at the end of Novem-
The druids placed candles, cakes, and gilded
tha
ber, and it continued until the beginning of the
apples in tree branches as offerings.
sur.
pre-Easter cycle on Septuagesima Sunday.
Some scholars trace the modern Christmas
th:
Although medieval people celebrated the
tree back to the fir tree erected by Boniface -
in
feast of the Nativity with energy and license,
the 8th century English missionary who was
new religious notes were gradually introduced
known as the Apostle of Germany - in place of
sp.
as well. In Greccio, Italy, on Christmas Day
the so-called sacred oak of Odin to which the
mo
1223, St. Francis of Assisi (see October 4) re-
pagans had offered sacrifices. Others connect it
mo
created the Nativity outdoors with actors, live
with the fir tree - hung with apples to symbol-
1144
DECEMBER 25
only the baby
ize the "paradise" tree of the knowledge of good
made Christmas in the United States a celebra-
The crèche
and evil - which was used as a stage prop in
tion of remarkable fascination. To a certain ex-
;
became a
15th century German plays performed at Christ-
tent, of course, December 25 with its turkey din-
homes and
mastide. Still others give credit for its origin to
ner, presents, and tree has become homogeneous
Martin Luther, the 16th century Protestant re-
from East to West and North to South. But in
cerning the
former. He supposedly was walking home one
numerous areas of the country, traditional Euro-
J, and other
clear winter evening, when he noticed brilliant
pean customs are still practiced in strong ethnic
ed in much
stars twinkling amidst the evergreen trees. To
enclaves.
y. The Prot-
recapture the loveliness of the scene for his fam-
Perhaps most interesting is the retention of
tury slightly
ily, he erected a tree at home and placed lighted
customs that have died out in Western Europe.
t it was left
candles on its branches. (Two other historical
For example, the people of the remote mountain
ugh radical
references to Christmas trees, however, give ac-
districts of Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky
ismayed by
counts of very early 16th century celebrations
continue to commemorate Christmas with an-
commenting
in Latvia and Estonia, not Germany.)
cient, moving carols, long forgotten in their
cardes, dice
A forest ordinance from Ammerschweier, Al-
countries of origin. And the inhabitants of cut-
1, and such
sace, dated 1561, states that no burgher "shall
off sections of the Ozarks and Atlantic coastline
es of "light
have for Christmas more than one bush of more
still cling to the Old Christmas Day, January 6.
hurch dur-
than eight shoes' length." An early account of a
From the beginning of the main thrust of this
their hand-
decorated tree was written in 1605: "At Christ-
country's colonization in the early 17th century,
heades like
mas time in Strassburg they set up fir trees in the
the concept and traditions of Christmas varied
rooms, and they hang on them roses cut of many-
widely among the different groups of settlers.
wer in En-
colored paper, apples, wafers, gilt, sugar.
Some of the transplanted groups, especially in
eed that on
Although the Christbaum, or Christ tree, did not
New England, adopted a severely repressive at-
nas, no ob-
meet with unanimous acceptance, by the 1700s
titude; others, especially in the South, enjoyed
unity used
the idea was firmly imbedded in Germany. The
all the gracious pleasures of a festivity with aris-
t thereof."
custom spread slowly throughout other parts of
tocratic overtones.
!" and the
Western Europe, being popularized in England
The country's first clearly recorded Christmas
sual. Even
only in the 1840s by Prince Albert, Queen
was that of 1607 - if one excludes an isolated
outlawed
Victoria's German consort. The royal family's gi-
religious service, feast, and sports events held in
gantic tree, bedecked with wax tapers and
1604 by the French, who tried unsuccessfully to
nonwealth
sweetmeats, set the trend for the rest of Great
found a permanent settlement on St. Croix Is-
g Charles
Britain. Only as late as 1860 did glass baubles
land off the coast of Maine. The observance of
derground,
replace edible and handmade ornaments. In the
1607 was at Jamestown, Virginia, where about
1 of its lav-
early 20th century, brightly colored electric
40 survivors of the 100 original settlers com-
dicule the
lights replaced burning candles.
memorated the day in the crude wooden chapel
etide. The
Soon after the inauguration of England's
of their fort. But rather than a time for heedless
me social
penny post in 1839, one of the newer Christ-
gaiety, it was an occasion marked by uncertain-
ois rather
mas traditions originated: the sending of cards
ties of survival in the wilderness. Their leader,
ome, fam-
to friends and relatives. A card made for Sir
Captain John Smith, was absent, having under-
Henry Cole in 1843 by J. C. Horsley, a member
taken the hazardous mission of securing corn
ions were
of the Royal Academy, is usually regarded as
from the local Native Americans. Later, how-
centuries,
the first greeting of its kind. About 1,000 copies
ever, after the first trying year, the Virginians
card. The
of it were sold. The custom of sending cards be-
feasted and rejoiced:
ginated in
came more popular in the 1860s, and even then
e that of
it was not widespread. In the course of time, the
The extreame winde, rayne, frost and snow caused
to antiq-
English royal family adopted the practice and
us to keepe Christmas among the salvages where we
irits. The
employed distinguished artists to paint appro-
were never more merry, nor fed on more plenty of
S indoors
priate pictures that were reproduced in color.
good Oysters, Fish, Flesh, Wilde fowl and good
Romans
The custom then spread over the rest of Europe
bread, nor never had better fires in England.
aturnalia.
and to America.
id gilded
It was during the Victorian age (1837-1901),
Southerners, especially the gentlemen farm-
that the observance of Christmas began to as-
ers, continued to nurture Christmas, regarding
Christmas
sume its present character. The old traditions
it as both a sacred religious period and a time for
oniface -
that combined with technological improvements
relaxation. They implanted numerous Old World
who was
in the fields of transportation and production
traditions - such as caroling, the Yule log, and
place of
spawned the glitter and hustle and bustle of the
using decorative greenery - and also added to
/hich the
modern festival. And nowhere are these aspects
the genteel social celebration their own regional
onnect it
more evident than in the United States.
variations. Fried oysters, eggnog, and a Christ-
symbol-
A rich blend of customs and traditions has
mas morning hunt for foxes and other game were
1145
DECEMBER 25
among the innovations. French settlers in Louisi-
mas a legal holiday. (In 1890 the new Oklahoma
movement. As for 1
ana introduced the custom of setting off fire-
Territory was the last region in the continental
dollar business in th
crackers and firearms to welcome the Prince of
United States to take this action.)
than 60 different ty
Peace. It spread rapidly to many other Southern
The Christmas tree, introduced into America
from 2 to 20 feet
localities; today fireworks are still regarded in
during the Revolutionary War by Hessian troops
pine and Douglas fi
some parts of the South as an indispensable ac-
homesick for Germany, was customary among
play of trees and
companiment of Christmas. Also traditional in
German settlers in Pennsylvania by the early
shopping centers ac
Louisiana are Christmas Eve bonfires that burn
characteristic sights
19th century. But only in the mid-1800s did the
all night along the Mississippi from Baton Rouge
Since the early 19
idea spread, especially when a picture of Queen
to New Orleans - a means, it was said, of light-
tric lights has spre
Victoria's elaborate tree appeared in Godey's
ing the way for Father Christmas.
Lady's Book, the fashionable women's magazine
homes and public
A carnival atmosphere of revelry prevailed
of the day. In 1856 President Franklin Pierce
City, for example,
among the slaves, who - since December was a
set up the first Christmas tree inside the White
pre-Christmas carni
slow work season - were on holiday as long as
Cane Lane of som
House. In 1923 President and Mrs. Calvin Coo-
the Yule log burned, sometimes a week or more.
lidge began the custom of lighting a National
displayed coordin
The Christmas season became the time for full
Christmas Tree on the White House grounds.
years. St. Louis's N
houses and full larders, the social season for
is illuminated in a
Following the appearance of colored electric
meeting friends and even for weddings. It is not
the end of Noven
lights in the early 1900s, the custom of setting
surprising that the first three states to proclaim
up a Christmas tree in a prominent place and
Lake City blazes V
December 25 a legal holiday were Louisiana and
Natchitoches, Lot
decorating it with colored bulbs was adopted in
Arkansas (1831) and Alabama (1836).
street and river 1
many American cities. With all-weather wiring
In stark contrast to the southern Christmas
on the market, Californians started the Ameri-
spirit in 1927, pre
revelers, New Englanders, like the Puritans in
most colorful spec
can custom of outdoor community Christmas
England, tried hard to stamp out the "pagan
of red and green 1
trees. The inhabitants of San Diego lighted a
mockery" of the observance, penalizing any fri-
mas festival.
pine tree in 1904. Five years later, Pasadenans
volity. William Bradford's history Of Plimoth
selected a tall evergreen on Mount Wilson, deco-
Typical of big-
Plantation recounts that the Pilgrims who
rated it with lights and tinsel, and loaded it with
the festivities in
started their colony on Christmas Day 1620
gifts, which were distributed on Christmas Day.
tions begin to app
worked hard building houses on the occasion -
and multiply as
In 1912 trees were first set up in New York City,
"no man rested all that day"; but the kindly cap-
Cleveland, and Boston. And in 1914 a tree was
kling lights on sk
tain of the Mayflower at least caused them to
placed in Independence Square in Philadelphia.
crosses; the enon
"have some Beere." The following year, Gov-
American Buildir
All over the country communities now vie in
ernor Bradford found a newly arrived contin-
feller Center; the
displaying trees. Since 1929, Wilmington, North
gent of colonists
Carolina, for example, has lighted what it claims
along Park Aven
to be the world's largest living Christmas tree,
dows; carol prog
at play, openly; some pitching the barr and some
the New York
at stoole-ball, and shuch [sic] like sports. So he went
a 300-year-old water oak. Bothell, Washington,
tion of The Nuto
to
them
and tould them that was against his con-
contends that its Douglas fir ranks as the largest
ute to the excito
science, that they should play and others worke.
living Christmas tree, while Tacoma, Washing-
ton, advertises that it sets up the country's tallest
a special flavor
Since which time nothing hath been attempted that
way, at least openly.
cut tree. On April 28, 1926, the US Department
shops in Little I
ville feature sm
of the Interior named the giant General Grant
In 1659 the General Court of Massachusetts
bread houses, ri
sequoia in Kings Canyon National Park, Cali-
enacted a law making any observance of De-
treats. Santa
fornia, the nation's official Christmas tree. At
cember 25 a penal offense; Massachusetts Bay
stores and on
special Christmastide ceremonies, high school
Colony Puritans were subjected to a five-shilling
choirs generally sing carols around its base. The
perform speci.
fine for "observing any such day as Christmas."
village of Christmas, Florida, located 25 miles
Frederick Han
Although the law was repealed in 1681, in defer-
west of Cape Canaveral, maintains a fully deco-
Throughout
ence to the Puritan tradition many years passed
December 25
rated tree throughout the year, and Charlotte,
before widespread Christmas festivities were
North Carolina, has a famous Singing Christmas
phia, a giganti
held in New England. The solemn note con-
other Yuletide
Tree, 27 feet 8 inches high, with the singing pro-
tinued until the 19th century, when the influx of
town area. Snc
vided by the 115-member Charlotte Choral So-
German and Irish immigrants undermined the
fers Christmas
ciety. A real evergreen tops the singers, making
Puritan legacy. By 1856 the poet Henry Wads-
northern cities
a total height of at least 32 feet.
worth Longfellow commented: "We are in a
terfront, cover
In recent years, the Christmas tree has under-
transition state about Christmas here in New
dubbed Chris
gone an immense transformation with the intro-
England. The old Puritan feeling prevents it
and Christma
duction of artificial trees, which - as of the early
from being a cheerful hearty holiday; though
the end of M
1970s - accounted for an estimated one-third of
every year makes it more so." And in that very
all trees in homes and offices, their popularity as-
a "winter sno
year, Massachusetts finally proclaimed Christ-
cribed both to convenience and to the ecology
ades, Tampa,
1146
DECEMBER 25
lahoma
movement. As for real trees, the multimillion
its Christmas Card Lane, an exhibit of giant bill-."
tinental
dollar business in the United States offers more
board-size greeting cards drawn by local art
than 60 different types of tree, ranging in size
students. In Michigan, Grand Haven's Dewey
America
from 2 to 20 feet and in species from Scotch
Hill, just across the Grand River from the down-
1 troops
pine and Douglas fir to cedar. Indeed, the dis-
town area, is the site each Christmas of what is
among
play of trees and other evergreens for sale at
claimed to be the world's largest Nativity scene.
e early
shopping centers across the nation is one of the
It covers an area larger than a football field and
did the
characteristic sights of the Christmas season.
includes, for example, 32-foot-high camels.
Queen
Since the early 1930s, the use of outdoor elec-
Nearby is the immense, electronically operated
Godey's
tric lights has spread from Christmas trees to
musical fountain, which features a special
agazine
homes and public buildings. Greater Kansas
Christmas program.
Pierce
City, for example, which sponsors a nine-day
Chicago staged its 29th annual Christmas
White
pre-Christmas carnival, is also the site of a Candy
Around the World festival at the Museum of Sci-
n Coo-
Cane Lane of some 20 to 30 houses that have
ence and Industry in 1970. Trees, crèches, con-
ational
displayed coordinated decorations over the
certs, and pageants represented the many ways
nds.
years. St. Louis's Northwest Plaza of 100 stores
Christmas is celebrated across the globe, and
electric
is illuminated in a special lighting ceremony at
the museum's dining room offered national
setting
the end of November. Temple Square in Salt
dishes of the "country of the day." Each year
ce and
Lake City blazes with 100,000 flickering lights.
the Cable Car Carollers in San Francisco board
ted in
Natchitoches, Louisiana, which began to use
the city's famous cable cars to sing to shoppers
wiring
street and river lights to express the holiday
and residents during the two weeks before
Ameri-
spirit in 1927, presents another of the country's
Christmas. In Boston the old Irish tradition of
istmas
most colorful spectacles, with a 30-block display
placing candles in the windows to light the way
nted a
of red and green lights during its annual Christ-
for the Christ Child was introduced in 1910.
lenans
mas festival.
Mrs. Ralph Adams Cram, who lived in the Bea-
deco-
Typical of big-city Christmas atmosphere are
con Hill section, persuaded some of her friends
it with
the festivities in New York City, where decora-
to join her in the window-lighting custom and
S Day.
tions begin to appear even before Thanksgiving,
in singing carols from house to house. Residents
C City,
and multiply as Christmas approaches. Twin-
and wandering carolers still carry out the tradi-
e was
kling lights on skyscrapers, often in the form of
tion, converging eventually on Beacon Hill's
:lphia.
crosses; the enormous, 75-foot star atop the Pan
historic Louisburg Square.
vie in
American Building; the Christmas tree at Rocke-
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a city founded by
North
feller Center; the sparkling row of lighted trees
Moravians, has long been integrally associated
claims
along Park Avenue; the department store win-
with Christmas. It received its name on Christ-
; tree,
dows; carol programs; and Christmas shows like
mas Eve, 1741, and is fittingly known as Amer-
ngton,
the New York City Ballet company's produc-
ica's Christmas City. Since numerous houses and
argest
tion of The Nutcracker Suite - all these contrib-
public buildings display candles in windows,
shing-
ute to the excitement and movement that give
Bethlehem is also known as the Christmas Can-
tallest
a special flavor to the city's Christmas. Pastry
dle City of America. Except for the rush caused
tment
shops in Little Italy, Little Hungary, and York-
by the large numbers of people who have Christ-
Grant
ville feature smoked sausages, foot-high ginger-
mas cards posted from the city, Bethlehem
Cali-
bread houses, rich fruit cakes, and other seasonal
stages a quiet and dignified Christmas observ-
e. At
treats. Santa Clauses appear in department
ance. A huge five-pointed Star of Bethlehem on
chool
stores and on midtown streets. Church choirs
top of South Mountain overlooks the city; the
The
perform special oratorios, including George
longest of its eight rays measures 81 feet. A com-
miles
Frederick Handel's Messiah.
munity tree is annually lighted on Hill-to-Hill
deco-
Throughout the country, other cities usher in
Bridge over the Lehigh River. Impressive Mora-
lotte,
December 25 with similar fanfare. In Philadel-
vian religious services are held on Christmas
;tmas
phia, a gigantic tree in City Hall Courtyard and
Eve, when, also, the elaborate community
pro-
other Yuletide trappings transform the down-
crèche is unveiled (see December 24).
11 So-
town area. Snowless St. Petersburg, Florida, of-
Across the land pre-holiday parades - with
aking
fers Christmas decorations on a scale that few
television and other show business personalities,
northern cities can surpass. Its Tampa Bay wa-
reindeer, elves, and Santa Claus - have become
nder-
terfront, covering an entire block appropriately
annual events in December or late November.
ntro-
dubbed Christmas Park, features a 60-foot tree
(In some warm weather coastal communities
early
and Christmas scenes with piped-in music. At
there are water parades of decorated and lighted
rd of
the end of Municipal Pier, live deer prance in
boats as well.) Also associated with Christmas
y as-
a "winter snow" scene. For more than two dec-
is the poinsettia with its crimson star-shaped
ology
ades, Tampa, Florida, has attracted visitors with
blossom, which was introduced into the United
1147
DECEMBER 25
2,000 carolers. The
States from Mexico by Joel R. Poinsett, the first
Christmas dance at such pueblos as Santo Do.
Valley, Pennsylvani
American minister to Mexico. The plant, which
mingo, San Felipe, Cochití, San Juan, and, in
Landis Valley" as
Mexicans called "flower of the holy night," is
alternate years, Taos.
on the third Tuesday
seen everywhere in the United States at Christ-
Also in part indigenous is the observance of
costumed choral at
mastime, most notably at San Diego's annual
the Alaskan Eskimos, who celebrate Christmas
torchlight processio:
Poinsettia Festival.
in Arctic villages in the way of their ancestors,
cider.
Among the more unusual Christmas traditions
with a feast of reindeer and seal blubber with
In an atmosphere
is the Texas Cowboys' Christmas Ball, held in
blueberries, as well as with sports events such as
tradition, several c
Anson, Texas, on several evenings before De-
snowshoeing, wrestling, dog-team racing, and
States emulate paga
cember 25, which dates from the "one grand
broad jumping.
tian customs. In Roc
sworray" that the manager of the local Morning
A recent, but rapidly growing, innovation is
Christmas trees, st
Star Hotel held for cowboys of the region in
the trend to enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas
Lake Ontario, are a
1885. The heel-and-toe polka, waltz, Virginia
in the country's historical restorations. The lead-
Twelfth Night bonfi
Reel, schottische and other favorite dances -
er in the field is Williamsburg, Virginia, the
er Lake, Colorado,
played on the banjo, tambourine, fiddle, and bass
once-flourishing 18th century capital of the royal
in the nearby moun
viol - were so successful that the ball became a
colony of Virginia. Eighty-five buildings and 50
cember 25 and ther
town institution in the late 19th century. Today's
houses and outbuildings there have been re-
city hall for burnin
guests dance the same numbers as at the first
stored to their original condition through the ef-
dral in Cleveland
ball and wear the pioneer dress of the 1880s
forts of John D. Rockefeller Jr. The idea of cele-
churches that stage
and 1890s.
brating the December holidays in the manner of
against a decor of
Another unique event is the Sheepherders'
colonial days started on a modest scale in 1934,
pressive Boar's He.
Overall Dance staged at Christmastime by the
when outdoor lights illuminated eight evergreen
is presented - moc
large group of Basque herders who live in the
trees. The following year a few candles were set
ford, England - wi
Boise, Idaho, area. Originated in 1929 to pro-
in the windows of the historic buildings, gradu-
crimson-costumed
vide entertainment for the local Basques coming
ally leading to the present-day "white lighting"
soloist who sings t¹
home from the hills for the holidays, the dance
for which Williamsburg is renowned. The light-
carol: "The boar's
features such ancient Basque dances as the jota,
ing ceremony takes place on December 20. Chil-
decked with bays a
porrosolda, and arreska. Except for a selected
dren form a Singing Candles procession, headed
my masters; be me
group of outsiders, the annual fete is not open
by a night watchman and a fife and drum corps,
In Puerto Rico
to the general public.
and walk from the Governor's Palace along the
Christmas is a wide
In the Southwest, especially in New Mexico,
length of the Duke of Gloucester Street in the
the long tradition of Spanish rule has resulted in
ing traditional isla
heart of the restoration. Some 2,000 candles
day, including Sai
a number of holiday customs also found in Latin
twinkle in the windows of the garland- and
Pageants and parti
America. Among them are the lighting of lumi-
holly-adorned houses along the way, as the
cember into Janua
narias-candle-and-paper bag lanterns or (in
watchman calls out "Light your candles!" in the
of the Three King.
northern New Mexico) small bonfires - to light
winter dusk.
In Puerto Rico,
the path of Mary and Joseph; Las Posadas, nine
The grand illumination sets off 60-odd Christ-
ming guitars and C
nights of pre-Christmas observance and hospi-
mastide festivities. Included among the events
house to house sir
tality in which Mary and Joseph's search for
are candlelight concerts of 18th century music
shelter is reenacted and guests are welcomed
aguinaldos. Thes
in the Governor's Palace ballroom and Bruton
times asked inside
at homes; and performances of Los Pastores,
Parish Church; Yule log and wassail festivities;
dishes such as ric
medieval morality dramas based on Christmas
street caroling; fireworks and cannonades in the
The contempo
themes.
colonial style of noise-making; and old-fashioned
Croix in the Virg:
In the Rio Grande pueblos of New Mexico,
sports such as fencing, hoop-racing, and cudgel-
the island festivit
non-Christian Indian rituals combine with Chris-
ing.
times, when Chri
tian Christmas beliefs introduced by the Spanish
Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, re-
slaves were allow
to create traditions unique to the area. An-
creates American life of the 17th, 18th, and 19th
been abolished t
cient Indian ceremonial dances, which are also
centuries on a 260-acre tract containing more
the elaborate na
performed as the climax of the Christmas Eve
than 100 historic structures from all over the
Anxious to reint
festivities (see December 24), are common oc-
United States. At Christmastime, sleigh rides,
heritage of song
currences on December 25 and successive days
exhibits of traditional Yuletide customs, and spe-
en's League revi-
at most of the area's pueblos. Although they are
cial tours through the holiday-decorated build-
communal fete i:
now presented on a Christian feast day, the
ings are featured. The 19th century coastal vil-
opens with the (
dances - which seem to have once marked the
lage in Mystic, Connecticut, recreated by the
and reaches a cli
winter solstice - are performed "in the way of
Marine Historical Association to demonstrate
the ancients," as they have been for centuries.
the life-style of the sailing-ship era, not only
parade on Janu
include a child:
They may include buffalo, deer, or harvest
lights and decorates its vessels and buildings,
band competiti
dances, or the basket or rainbow dance. Evi-
but also stages the week before Christmas a com-
certs, and comn
dence of Spanish influence is the matachines, a
munity carol sing that usually attracts about
1148
DECEMBER 25
S Santo Do.
2,000 carolers. The farm museum at Landis
In the 20th century, Christmas, in all its varied
uan, and, in
Valley, Pennsylvania, presents "Christmas at
aspects, has indeed become a nationwide cele-
Landis Valley" as an annual event, generally
bration in the United States. It is undoubtedly
on the third Tuesday evening in December, with
the most widely observed holiday of the entire
oservance of
e Christmas
costumed choral and instrumental groups, a
year. Statistics indicating the widespread use of
ir ancestors,
torchlight procession, blazing fire, and mulled
Christmas cards - some 2.5 billion in 1970 -
lubber with
cider.
are an index of its universality.
ents such as
In an atmosphere of even more ancient historic
racing, and
tradition, several communities in the United
Clara Barton's Birthday
States emulate pagan and early medieval Chris-
inovation is
tian customs. In Rochester, New York, discarded
The indefatigable Clarissa Harlowe Barton,
1 Christmas
Christmas trees, stacked 25 feet high along
founder of the American Red Cross, was born on
S. The lead.
Lake Ontario, are annually set afire in a raging
December 25, 1821, on an Oxford, Massachu-
irginia, the
Twelfth Night bonfire. The inhabitants of Palm-
setts, farm to Stephen and Sarah Stone Barton.
of the royal
er Lake, Colorado, hold a yearly Yule log hunt
An acutely shy girl, she received most of her
ings and 50
in the nearby mountains the Sunday before De-
education from her older brothers and sisters
e been re-
cember 25 and then haul the choice log to their
and began a career in teaching at the age of 15,
bugh the ef-
city hall for burning. Trinity Episcopal Cathe-
when her mother acted on advice that the way.
dea of cele-
dral in Cleveland, Ohio, is among several
to cure shyness was to "throw responsibility upon
e manner of
churches that stage an Old English Christmas;
her. As soon as her age permits, give her a school
ale in 1934,
against a decor of traditional greenery, an im-
to teach."
it evergreen
pressive Boar's Head and Yule Log Ceremony
The prescription contributed to the initiative,
les were set
is presented - modeled after the ritual at Ox-
self-confidence, and abundant determination
ngs, gradu-
ford, England - with a trumpeter, trenchermen,
that - interspersed with periods of nervous pros-
te lighting"
crimson-costumed yule sprites, five choirs, and a
tration - were to characterize her later life. After
The light-
soloist who sings the 16th century Boar's Head
a period of study at the Liberal Institute in Clin-
er 20. Chil-
carol: "The boar's head in hand bear I,/be-
ton, New York, in 1851, she accepted a teaching
ion, headed
decked with bays and rosemary;/and I pray you,
position in Bordentown, New Jersey, where her
drum corps,
my masters, be merry.
fierce energy, and the kind of one-woman cam-
e along the
In Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands,
paign for which she was to become noted, led to
treet in the
Christmas is a widely observed holiday, combin-
the abolishment of the fees that pupils had paid
00 candles
ing traditional island customs with those of to-
to attend school. With establishment of a free
rland- and
day, including Santa Claus and imported trees.
system came an enormous increase in student
ay, as the
Pageants and parties often extend from early De-
enrollment, overwork, construction of a larger
lles!" in the
cember into January, culminating with the feast
school, opposition to a woman's heading it, and
of the Three Kings on Epiphany (see January 6).
the appointment of a male principal, followed
odd Christ-
In Puerto Rico, singers and musicians strum-
shortly by Barton's resignation, and an attack
the events
ming guitars and other instruments wander from
of nervous exhaustion. In 1854 she made a ther-
tury music
house to house singing ancient carols known as
apeutic move to Washington, D.C., where she
and Bruton
aguinaldos. These strolling carolers are some-
served as a clerk in the US Patent Office until the
festivities;
times asked inside to sample special Christmas
outbreak of the Civil War.
ades in the
dishes such as rice pudding and roast pig.
Her work in providing nursing and supplies
l-fashioned
The contemporary Christmas Festival on St.
for the war wounded began with her aid to the
nd cudgel-
Croix in the Virgin Islands stems ultimately from
men of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment, who
the island festivities staged there in slaveholding
straggled into Washington in April 1861. Later,
chigan, re-
times, when Christmas was the only celebration
learning of more war suffering, she ran an ad-
1, and 19th
slaves were allowed to enjoy. After slavery had
vertisement for medical and other supplies in
ning more
been abolished there in the mid-19th century,
the Worcester (Massachusetts) Spy and set up
1 over the
the elaborate native holiday customs died out.
her own distribution agency to deal with the re-
eigh rides,
Anxious to reintroduce and preserve the local
sulting deluge. With her characteristic flair for
S, and spe-
heritage of song and dance, the St. Croix Wom-
the practical, she recognized the need for rush-
ited build-
en's League revived the spice and gaiety of the
ing the provisions to the places where they were
coastal vil-
communal fete in 1952. The Christmas Festival
most needed and set about securing transporta-
ed by the
opens with the coronation of the festival queen
tion and permission to pass through the lines,
emonstrate
and reaches a climax with the Three Kings' Day
board the sick transports, and minister to the
not only
parade on January 6. The festivities generally
wounded at the front. As the war ground on, she
buildings,
include a children's parade, horse races, steel
labored heroically, first from Washington head-
nas a com-
band competitions, carol singing, choir con-
quarters and subsequently in action around
icts about
certs, and community tree ceremonies.
Charleston, on the battlefield of the Wilderness,
1149
Dec. 13 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
achieve our goal of making community
this briefing. But the answer to your ques-
and diversity. A:
service central to the life and work of every
tion, if you have any doubt about it, is no.
at America: All
individual and institution and in the process
[Laughter]
ing together, giv
redefine the meaning of success in America.
Q. Has he defused the tension? Do you
make this countr
I really popped in here to thank you for
think he'll successfully be able to defuse the
that it is.
coming by today, to thank you and your
tension?
You know, the
organizations for what you're doing, to en-
The President. What tension?
that we share to:
courage the State legislators to take that
Q. The tension of the situation.
of how freedom
extra step to guarantee to do their part, as I
The President. One way or another we
dark corners of e
will try to do mine, to free up the volunteer
will.
racy coming to
from needless fear on a personal liability
sphere. We feel I
account. And we've got to do it. We've got
Note: The exchange began at 3:25 p.m. in
men and wome
to be successful. And I'm confident we will.
the Cabinet Room at the White House. The
harsh, distant de
Thank you all. And I hope you have a
President met with seven former hostages
the Persian Gulf
wonderful Christmas. Thank you very, very
and their families, including Robert
the true eternal
much.
Hanby, Glenn Coleman, Ralph Montgom-
extinguished. An
ery, Ernest Alexander, John Cole, Antonio
and their loved
Note: The President spoke at 11:55 p.m. in
Mireles, and Billy Rosebush.
miss them very n
Room 450 of the Old Executive Office
in praying for th
Building. In his remarks, he referred to At-
dier or their airm
torney General Dick Thornburgh. A tape
sailor. And let us
was not available for verification of the
Americans-for I
content of these remarks.
Remarks on Lighting the National
Christmas Tree
hostage against
East. And here t
December 13, 1990
mination, that t)
holiday season wi
Joe, thank you very much. Thank you, Joe
Exchange With Reporters Prior to a
that we will be g
Riley. And thank you, Jane Powell and Wil-
Meeting With Hostages Released by
Star, making fam
lard Scott and Ricky Van Shelton and Ruth
Iraq
service and natio
Brown and the Army Band, the magnificent
lives.
December 13, 1990
University of Wyoming Corral and our
We're determi
members of the clergy, the California Rai-
become a constell
The President. But what this man put the
sins and, of course, Santa Claus. And may I
world through, I just can't express it. And I
thousands of se
give a special welcome to the American
think you all have expressed it, coming
people helping 1
hostages, just home from Kuwait and Iraq,
home, with a clarity that has brought this
land. People like
who are with us here tonight. And my
home to the American people. I'm very
sentatives of dail'
thanks to Secretary Lujan and the Depart-
anxious to hear from each of you, how you
night-individual
ment of the Interior, and a special thanks to
volunteers for
read it, and what you think is happening
the National Coal Association for this year's
there.
Achievement Pr
holiday gift: the 57 beautiful State and terri-
Q. Should you give something in return
tral Kitchen, and
torial trees lining our Pathway of Peace. It's
for their freedom, Mr. President?
ing the lead of th
a wonderful, 1990's tale of careful steward-
The President. Did I what?
of us echo that
ship and rebirth, for these trees were
Town of Bethlehe
Q. Should you give something in return
grown on mined land that has been re-
for their freedom?
Star, let us shine
claimed.
The President. Hell, no! Not one thing!
all people in th
This Christmas tree lighting is always a
You don't reward a kidnaper. You don't
sleep" of lonelines
very special moment. People talk of the
reward somebody that has done something
For nearly 70 y
magic of the season. Well, what is more
that he shouldn't have done in the first
part in this tradit
magical than the way light dispels the dark-
send thousands of
place. And that's a fundamental, interna-
ness? And I've read that white light is actu-
tional
chill night sky. A
ally made up of all the colors of the rain-
Q. Do you think Saddam [President
doing what gen
bow. So, that's what we see in the glow of
Saddam Hussein of Iraq}
done: watching 01
this tree-red and blue "nd yellow bulbs
become a brilliant
The President. I'm not going to take any-
mixing together to become something
more questions, because I want to get into
and of compassion
new-one light that represents both unity
let us pledge to
2032
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / Dec. 13
ver to your ques-
and diversity. And that's how I like to look
bt about it, is no.
forever bright this shining legacy we cele-
at America: All of us, all different, all work-
brate here tonight. God bless the United
ing together, giving the best of ourselves to
tension? Do you
States of America, and happy holidays to
able to defuse the
make this country the strong, beautiful land
everybody. Merry Christmas! And now I
that it is.
will light the tree.
You know, there are so many emotions
sion?
that we share tonight. We feel joy thinking
nation.
of how freedom has at last illuminated the
Note: The President spoke at 5:50 p.m. on
y or another we
dark corners of eastern Europe and democ-
the Ellipse during the annual Christmas
Pageant of Peace. In his remarks, he re-
racy coming to most of our own hemi-
sphere. We feel pride thinking of our young
ferred to Joe Riley, president of the Christ-
I at 3:25 p.m. in
men and women standing strong in the
mas Pageant of Peace; actress Jane Powell;
White House. The
harsh, distant deserts and on the waters of
and entertainers Ricky Van Shelton, Ruth
former hostages
the Persian Gulf. And for their courage is
Brown, and the California Raisins. Televi-
cluding Robert
the true eternal flame which will never be
sion weatherman Willard Scott was dressed
Ralph Montgom-
as Santa Claus.
extinguished. And we think of their parents
in Cole, Antonio
and their loved ones here at home who
h.
miss them very much. And we join them all
in praying for their safe return of their sol-
dier or their airman or their marine or their
Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater
sailor. And let us also add a prayer for those
on the President's Export Control
National
Americans-for many years, but still held
Initiatives
hostage against their will in the Middle
East. And here tonight we also feel deter-
December 13, 1990
mination, that the bright warmth of this
The President has approved a series of
1. Thank you, Joe
holiday season will stay with us all year and
Powell and Wil-
that we will be guided by our inner North
export control initiatives that reflect chang-
ing strategic concerns of the United States.
Shelton and Ruth
Star, making family unity and community
These include a package of procedural re-
, the magnificent
service and national pride the center of our
lives.
forms to streamline and clarify export li-
Corral and our
e California Rai-
We're determined that our nation will
cense processing, while enhancing our
Claus. And may I
become a constellation of hope: made up of
export controls to stem the spread of missile
technology and nuclear, chemical, and bio-
o the American
thousands of separate Points of Light,
logical weapons. The President also decided
Kuwait and Iraq,
people helping those in need across our
land. People like the more than 100 repre-
a number of pending high-performance
onight. And my
computer export license applications to
and the Depart-
sentatives of daily Points of Light here to-
night-individuals like W.W. Johnson, and
Brazil, India, and the People's Republic of
special thanks to
China that had raised a number of national
on for this year's
volunteers for groups like the Higher
security concerns.
1 State and terri-
Achievement Program, and the D.C. Cen-
tral Kitchen, and Mary's House. And follow-
Export Licensing Procedures
vay of Peace. It's
careful steward-
ing the lead of these Points of Light, let all
In his recent announcement of disapprov-
of us echo that beautiful carol "O Little
ese trees were
al of the Omnibus Export Amendments Act
at has been re-
Town of Bethlehem," and like that long-ago
of 1990, President Bush directed U.S. agen-
Star, let us shine in all "dark streets" and to
cies to institute, by January 1, 1991, new
ting is always a
all people in the "deep and dreamless
procedures to make dual-use export licens-
ple talk of the
sleep" of loneliness and despair.
!, what is more
For nearly 70 years Presidents have taken
ing decisions faster and more predictable,
while fully accounting for proliferation and
dispels the dark-
part in this tradition: flipping a switch to
other national security concerns. Details of
lite light is actu-
send thousands of lights sparkling into the
the new procedures are provided in a sepa-
lors of the rain-
chill night sky. As we gather here, we're
rate fact sheet.
doing what generations before us have
e in the glow of
The President determined that "Ameri-
d yellow bulbs
done: watching our national Christmas tree
ome something
become a brilliant symbol of hope, of peace,
can exporters are entitled to prompt review
of export license applications submitted to
ents both unity
and of compassion for all the world. And so,
the United States Government," and that
let us pledge together that we will keep
there is a "presumption of approval of such
2033
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / Dec. 14
c
president of D.R. Quartel Jr., Inc. in Wash-
sity (B.A., 1973) and Yale University School
ington, DC, and Orlando, FL. In addition,
of Organization and Management
he ran for the 11th Congressional District
(M.P.P.M., 1978). He was born April 19,
in Florida in 1984, and he served as deputy
1950, in Richmond, VA. Mr. Quartel is mar-
director for domestic policy during the
ried, has two children, and resides in Wash-
r this IMF
1980 Bush campaign.
loans from
Mr. Quartel graduated from Rice Univer-
ington, DC, and Orlando, FL.
is distinct
tabilization
in behalf of
Appointment of Three Members of the Council of the
ablished to
Administrative Conference of the United States
plicy which
mic reform
December 14, 1989
1 will also
program.
The President today announced his inten-
Washington, DC.
tabilization
tion to appoint the following individuals to
Harold R. DeMoss, Jr. He would succeed Curtis
he form of
be members of the Council of the Adminis-
H. Barnette. Currently, Mr. DeMoss is a part-
cipation of
trative Conference of the United States for
ner with the law firm of Bracewell and Patter-
letion, and
a term of 3 years:
son in Houston, TX.
underway.
Constance Berry Newman. She would succeed
Richard C. Breeden. He would succeed Daniel
Mark Sullivan III. Currently, Ms. Newman is
Oliver. Currently, Mr. Breeden is Chairman of
Director of the Office of Personnel Manage-
the Securities and Exchange Commission in
ment in Washington, DC.
ug
Remarks on Lighting the National Christmas Tree
December 14, 1989
Is are still
d that the
Well, my special thanks to Santa Claus—
sickle but the hammer and the chisel. The
g subjects:
that Santa mold will never be the same
glad sound you hear is not only the bells of
for narcot-
again. [Laughter] But to Loretta and-first,
Christmas but also the bells of freedom.
e areas of
to Willard Scott, and then to Loretta and
assistance,
Peggy, Tommy Tune, Marilyn McCoo and
And in this new season of hope, the tri-
Billy Davis, the great Air Force Band, and
umph looms. It's just like the joy of Christ-
t, and im-
this marvelous team from Roanoke.
mas: not a triumph for one particular coun-
four coun-
This is the Christmas that we've awaited
try or one particular religion but a triumph
control of
for 50 years. And across Europe, East and
for all humankind. The holidays are-as
aundering.
West, 1989 is ending, bright with the pros-
we've seen here tonight-a time of laughter
pect of a far better Christmastime than
and children and counting our blessings, a
Europe has ever known-a far better future
time when songs fill the air and hope fills
than the world dared to imagine. And 50
our hearts for peace on Earth, good will to
r at the
winters have come and gone since darkness
men.
closed over Europe in 1939-50 years. But
And we've worked hard this year, all of
last month, as Lech Walesa was coming to
us, all of you, to help build a better Amer-
the White House, the wall in Berlin came
ica, help someone else, help make this a
tumbling down.
kinder and gentler nation. But there re-
And another winter descended across
mains a world of need all around us. In this
1994. He
Europe. Spring returned to Prague-an un-
holiday season, reach out to someone right
conquerable people, unquenchable dreams.
where you live. Because from now on in
served as
And today-there's a new sound at the wall.
America, "There's no room at the inn"-
New sound rings out-not the hammer and
that's simply not an acceptable answer.
1703
Dec. 14 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
From now on in America, any definition of
coast, in Charleston and Santa Cruz, let's
adding to ou
a successful life must include serving others.
show our Thousand Points of Light-let's
problems at I
For Christmas is measured not by what's
turn on the National Christmas Tree.
tion of subcoi
beneath your tree but by what's inside your
man Tom La
heart. And so, this year, the spirit of the
Note: The President spoke at 5:50 p.m. on
and Barney F:
holidays is at long last matched by the spirit
the Ellipse during the annual Christmas
opment of an
of the time. And it's the beginning of a new
Pageant of Peace. In his remarks, he re-
As passed b
decade at the ending of an old century.
tains many of
ferred to television weatherman Willard
And whatever your dream, whatever star
mended in C
Scott, who hosted the pageant dressed as
you're following, the future is bright with
package. In pa
Santa Claus. The entertainers included Lo-
possibility.
allocation of h.
retta and Peggy Lynn, Tommy Tune, Mari-
So, Barbara and I want to wish all of you
process based
a very Merry Christmas. And now, with si-
lyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr., and the Roa-
competition as
multaneous tree lightings from coast to
noke College Children's Choir.
funding decisio
on the use of
In addition, it
impose civil IT
Statement on Signing the Department of Housing and Urban
enforce prograi
H.R. 1 also r.
Development Reform Act of 1989
program reforr
December 15, 1989
our October 3
the bill establisi
for HUD and a
I am today approving H.R. 1, the "De-
First among them is Secretary of Housing
Housing Admir
partment of Housing and Urban Develop-
and Urban Development Jack Kemp, who
for expedited C
ment Reform Act of 1989." This legislation
acted swiftly and forthrightly to end the
regulations, wh
is intended to help eliminate the systemic
abuses that have plagued HUD's programs.
ment greater f
flaws that have allowed a number of Hous-
The majority of the ethics, management,
sary policy and
ing and Urban Development (HUD) pro-
and Federal Housing Administration re-
forms. I am plea
grams to be abused for political purposes or
forms contained in H.R. 1 are the direct
izes funds to in
personal gain at the expense of those in
result of the rigorous review of HUD pro-
and monitoring.
need. H.R. 1 will improve program manage-
grams undertaken by the Department
its resources mc
ment and financial accountability at HUD
under Secretary Kemp's leadership.
ly.
and make that Department's programs less
A number of members of Congress also
Federal Hou
susceptible to waste, fraud, abuse, and polit-
deserve recognition for their leadership and
ance is the corn
ical influence.
bipartisan cooperation both in the legisla-
ernment's effort
On October 31, 1989, only a few weeks
tive process and in the process of bringing
nancing needs C
ago, this Administration transmitted to the
to light and correcting HUD's problems. In
erate-income fa:
Congress a package of proposed HUD re-
particular, I appreciate the efforts of the
is committed to
forms to improve the practices, procedures,
House Banking Committee under the lead-
sound financial
and penalties in existing housing and com-
ership of its Chairman, Henry Gonzalez, its
provisions to in
munity development programs and to
ranking member, Chalmers Wylie, and the
ness of FHA E
ensure ethical program management. We
ranking member of the Housing Subcom-
grams. These ar
asked the Congress to consider these re-
mittee, Marge Roukema. I appreciate also
development, W
forms on an emergency basis.
the contributions of their Senate Banking
fault rates of at
I appreciate the expeditious manner in
Committee counterparts, Senators Don
insurance for pri
which our proposed reforms were consid-
Riegle, Alan Cranston, Jake Garn, and Al-
loan program in
ered and approved. These reforms at HUD
fonse D'Amato. Their bipartisan coopera-
real estate specu
are a necessary part of this Administration's
tion was critical to the passage of H.R. 1
time homebuyer.
effort to ensure that the highest standards
before the Congress adjourned this year.
of fraud and high
of integrity, efficiency, and fair play will
We should also acknowledge the contri-
H.R. 1 contain
apply throughout the Federal Government.
bution of an oversight subcommittee, the
firming the auth
The speedy enactment of H.R. 1 is a trib-
House Government Operations Subcommit-
Housing and Ur
ute to the work of a great many people.
tee on Employment and Housing, for
market compar.
1704
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1988 / Dec. 15
vards the
site at Semipalatinsk in September, with ob-
Section 1. The functions vested in the
cause to
servers from both sides present. The pur-
President by sections 7427 and 7428 of title
to make
pose of the JVE was to allow each side to
10 of the United States Code are delegated
interpart.
demonstrate its preferred verification
to the Secretary of Energy.
derstand
method for the TTBT and PNET. The re-
Sec. 2. On or before June 30, 1991, the
negotia-
sults of the test were discussed during this
Secretary of Energy shall prepare and
1 Govern-
round. We believe the experiments demon-
submit to the President a comprehensive
e it has
strated the effectiveness and nonintrusive
report of the agreements and programs exe-
counter-
nature of CORRTEX, our preferred method
cuted under the authority granted under
of on-site measurement.
this Order. The authority delegated herein
Once the verification provisions for the
expires after October 1, 1991.
50 a.m. in
PNET and TTBT are finalized, the treaties
Ronald Reagan
use, prior
will be submitted to the Senate for advice
er Ciriaco
and consent to ratification. Following ratifi-
The White House,
cation, the United States will immediately
December 15, 1988.
propose that we and the Soviet Union enter
into negotiations on ways to implement a
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Regis-
step-by-step parallel program-in associa-
ter, 10:15 a.m., December 16, 1988]
e Soviet-
tion with a program to reduce and ulti-
Talks
mately eliminate all nuclear arms-of limit-
ing and ultimately ending nuclear testing.
For the past four decades, a strong nucle-
Remarks on Lighting the National
viet Union
ar deterrent has ensured the security of the
Christmas Tree
of Nuclear
United States and our allies. As long as we
December 15, 1988
This round,
must rely on nuclear weapons, we must
been a suc
continue to test to ensure their safety, secu-
Merry Christmas, Joe, and a very Merry
completion
rity, reliability, effectiveness, and survivabil-
Christmas to all. Nancy and I are together
ment (JVE)
ity. In this context, the United States seeks
with you in celebration and reflection—
rd the com-
effective and verifiable agreements with
celebration of the great miracle nearly
rotocols for
the Soviet Union on nuclear-testing limita-
2,000 years ago that brought the Christ
ons Treaty
tions that would strengthen security for all
child to us and reflection on the great gifts
Ban Treaty
nations. The substantial progress which has
He has bestowed upon us.
been made in this round of the Nuclear
Christmas casts its glow upon us, as it
y-step nego-
Testing Talks is a positive step which re-
does every year. And it reminds us that we
ates and the
flects the success of the administration's
need not feel lonely because we are loved,
nuclear test-
practical and measured approach to nuclear
loved- with the greatest love there has ever
lks is agree-
testing.
been or ever will be. In the bustle and rush
measures for
of daily life, we sometimes forget how very
and TTBT.
much we have and how much we have to
fied because
thank God for providing-for things as
heir original
beautiful as a winter snow or babies who
delegations
Executive Order 12659-Delegation of
will be seeing their first Christmas, seeing
C on the veri-
Authority Regarding the Naval
the wonder of its beauty in their eyes. And,
Γ. They have
Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves
yes, from the poorest among us to the most
ification pro-
December 15, 1988
fortunate, we are all blessed.
Christmas reminds us, as well, that He
during this
By virtue of the authority vested in me as
taught us all we need to know about caring
ation Experi-
President by the Constitution and laws of
for our fellow man and to take responsibil-
is of a U.S.-
the United States of America, including sec-
ity for the very condition of the world. Thus
in the previ-
tion 301 of title 3 and sections 7427 and
we must reflect: We must ever reflect upon
signed at the
7428 of title 10 of the United States Code,
the love we have for others and the joy we
d nuclear ex-
and in order to meet the goals and require-
take in giving of ourselves to those who are
e U.S. test site
ments of the Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale
less fortunate. From those who must
he Soviet test
Reserves, it is hereby ordered as follows:
depend on charity to see that their children
1627
Dec. 15 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1988
receive a Christmas present to the tragic
know, as President, I have certain privi-
there alone.
victims of famine and earthquake world-
leges. So, I checked with President O'Neil,
the lawn an
wide, we know what it is we must do and
and I'm delighted to announce that starting
White House
how ennobling an experience it is to have
Monday night you all have 4 weeks off.
of the Jeffer
done it.
But here at UVA, we are surrounded with
the 19-foot
We Americans live with bounties that
memories of Thomas Jefferson. One of my
the White H
those who lived at the time of the Christ
staff mentioned that Thomas Jefferson's fa-
who might X
child's birth could never have imagined.
vorite recreation was horseback riding, and
ity of mind
The bounties are material, yes, but chiefly
I said he was a wise man. [Laughter] And
once abided
they are spiritual. Those who would wor-
another member of the staff said that
seen there ag
ship the birth of our Lord may do so in the
Thomas Jefferson thought the White House
But it's no
church of their choosing and in the way of
was a noble edifice, and I said he was a man
it is every A
their choosing. Those among us who do not
of refined taste. [Laughter] And a third staff
life ever tou
so celebrate the birth are free to share with
us in this, our time of joy. In this day, when
member noted that, after retiring as Presi-
government
dent, Thomas Jefferson, in his seventies,
enced. Yes,
our freedom to worship is most precious, let
us redouble our efforts to bring this and
didn't sit back and rest, but founded the
admit all pre
University of Virginia; and I said, There's
ernment ha
other greatest freedoms to all the peoples of
the Earth.
always an overachiever which makes it hard
But he believ
for the rest of us.
as one of hi
May we give thanks for a free America,
was virgin $
an America united in the wonder of a
But no speaker can come to these
degrading po
season that includes not only Christmas but
grounds or see "the lawn" without appreci-
people which
Hanukkah as well. And as we light this glo-
ating the symmetry not just of the architec-
independenc
rious tree, may Nancy and I offer a final
ture but of the mind that created it. The
mightiest of
wish to all Americans: that every Christmas
man to whom that mind belonged is known
was another
that follows will be as full of joy as we have
to you as Mr. Jefferson. And I think the
lightened gc
these past years to work in your service.
familiarity of that term is justified; his influ-
on the princ
May God bless you all. And now Nancy will
ence here is everywhere. And yet while
help me light the tree.
government
those of you at UVA are fortunate to have
fruits of thei:
[At this point, the National Christmas Tree,
before you physical reminders of the power
own definitic
which was located on the Ellipse, was light-
of your founder's intellect and imagination,
commerce 01
ed.]
it should be remembered that all you do
it's no wonc
here, indeed, all of higher education in
And again, a very Merry Christmas.
read simply:
America, bears signs, too, of his transform-
son, Author
ing genius. The pursuit of science, the study
Note: The President spoke at 5:52 p.m. from
ence, of the
of the great works, the value of free in-
the South Balcony of the White House
freedom and
quiry, in short, the very idea of the living
during the annual Christmas Pageant of
Virginia."
the life of the mind-yes, these formative
Peace. In his opening remarks, he referred
Well, as t
and abiding principles of higher education
to Joe Riley, president of the Pageant.
in America had their first and firmest advo-
learning and
cate, and their greatest embodiment, in a
a practical r.
tall, fair-headed, friendly man who watched
things like
this university take form from the moun-
ment, a Nat
and sustainir
Remarks and a Question-and-Answer
tainside where he lived, the university
them to be
Session With Students and Guests of
whose founding he called a crowning
the same t
the University of Virginia in
achievement to a long and well-spent life.
human crea:
Charlottesville, Virginia
Well, you're not alone in feeling his pres-
He had knc
December 16, 1988
ence. Presidents know about this, too.
how disorde
You've heard many times that during the
Indeed, as 2
Well, thank you very much for that warm
first year of his Presidency, John F. Kenne-
himself an a
welcome. Governor Baliles, Congressman
dy said to a group of Nobel laureates in the
But he also
Slaughter, and my very special thanks, too,
State Dining Room of the White House that
from God a
to Senator Warner and President O'Neil
there had not been such a collection of
the gift of I:
for suggesting this invitation. And you
talent in that place since Jefferson dined
from the cha
1628
Dec. 11 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1986
Remarks on Lighting the National Christmas Tree
December 11, 1986
Well, to all of you at the White House, to
in the words of the creed, God from God
all those listening on the Ellipse, and to the
and light from light-humbled himself to
millions more joining us this evening by
become a baby crying in a manger. To
way of radio and television: Good evening,
everyone Christmas is a time of happiness
and welcome to the lighting of the National
and cheer, a time of peace and good will
Christmas Tree. A special word of greeting
and glad tidings.
to some special people with me here at the
And this brings us to the custom of the
White House, members of the Washington,
Christmas tree. For the ancestors from
DC, Big Brothers and Big Sisters programs.
whom we inherited this Christmas tree be-
In these programs, grownups give of their
lieved that the glad tidings of Christmas
time to youngsters, each adult getting to-
were of such power, of such beauty and life-
gether regularly with a boy or girl-a little
giving force, that they affected not only the
brother or a sister-taking him or her to the
human heart but extended to all creation.
park or zoo, or on a camping trip, or maybe
And in decorating trees, Christmas trees,
just answering questions about life. My
they expressed their belief that on one spe-
friends, I can't tell you how honored Nancy
cial day of the year nature itself seems to
and I are to welcome you here this evening
join the angel choirs and little children and
to this, the home that belongs to all Ameri-
all mankind in a great and solemn celebra-
cans. For in this Christmas season, you
tion. The song puts it so well: "O Christmas
tree, o Christmas tree, your boughs can
remind us all of the greatest gift we can
give to each other is the gift of ourselves.
teach a lesson. That constant faith and hope
sublime, lend strength and comfort through
Now, my friends, beyond the White
all time."
House lawn-South Lawn, across the street
Well, I've spoken long enough for a
on the Ellipse, in the darkness, there stands
wintry evening like this. It's time to push
a tall shaggy shape-our National Christmas
the button used by every President since
Tree. In a moment Byron Whyte will join
Calvin Coolidge in lighting our National
Nancy and me in pressing the button, and
Christmas Tree. And Nancy and Byron, let's
that dark shape will come alive, blazing
see if we can't turn this cold dark evening
with color and light. But before we light
into one of light and warmth.
the tree, let's just talk for a moment about
All right. Push the light.
why Christmas trees have become such an
important part of the Christmas celebra-
Note: The President spoke at 5:45 p.m. in
tion.
the Diplomatic Reception Room at the
For some Christmas just marks the birth
White House during the annual Christmas
of a great philosopher and prophet, a great
Pageant of Peace. Eight-year-old Byron
and good man. To others, it marks some-
Whyte of Prince Georges County, MD, a
thing still more: the pinnacle of all history,
participant in the Big Brothers program,
the moment when the God of all creation-
helped light the tree.
1622
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1985 / Dec. 12
itatives
is credited with saving taxpayers $12 mil-
do mine.
this bill
lion. And an award winner in the Navy pio-
herican
neered changes that, it's estimated, will
Note: The President spoke at 11:30 a.m. in
to take
save some $300 million. And you know,
Room 450 of the Old Executive Office
govern-
even in Washington $300 million is real
Building. Constance Horner, Director of the
and eq-
money. [Laughter]
Office of Personnel Management, read the
budget
Even more important than these specific
names of the recipients. The 1985 award
tted to
savings and advances-each of you has pro-
recipients were: Valdus V. Adamkus, Rich-
nt that
vided an example, an inspiration to others
ard C. Armstrong, Robert N. Battard, Curtis
ting its
in the civil service, to work hard and to be
W. Christensen, James E. Colvard, Guy H.
1 future
more conscientious of the great trust that is
Cunningham III, Angelo J. DiMascio, An-
of the
shared by all in public service. Through
thony R. DiTrapani, Robert I. Dodge III,
ism un-
your personal achievement, you, whom we
Barry Felrice, Kenneth M. Fogash, Robert
he hori-
honor today, have improved the lives of
M. Forssell, Gerald D. Griffin, Arthur H.
omising
millions of your fellow citizens throughout
Guenther, Richard L. Haver, David A.
we will
our nation. And these awards represent the
Israel, Samuel W. Keller, John C. Keeney,
appreciation that each of us feels for you
Ruth L. Kirschstein, Michael G. Kozak, Jack
having accomplished so much for so many.
W. McGraw, James C. McKinney, Alexia L.
nber 12,
On behalf of all Americans, permit me to
Morrison, James W. Morrison, Jr., William
7.
offer my heartfelt congratulations on a job
Y. Nishimura, R. Max Peterson, Stanley M.
well done. Thank you all, and God bless
Silverman, John A. Simpson, Andrew J.
you. And now, Connie, if you'll get up here
Stofan, Naomi R. Sweeney, Margery
and do your chore, I'll step over here and
Waxman, and Larry G. Westfall.
Statement on the Crash of an Airliner Transporting Members of the
101st Airborne Division
th great-
nen and
December 12, 1985
this vital
ustice, in
Nancy and I are deeply shocked and sad-
brave soldiers who have paid the fullest
, at Agri-
dened by the report of the tragic crash of a
price in the service of their country and the
s, you've
chartered airliner returning U.S. troops to
cause of peace.
dividuals
the United States from peacekeeping duty
es of the
with the United Nations' Multinational
Note: Larry M. Speakes, Principal Deputy
le.
Force and Observers in the Sinai. The loss,
Press Secretary to the President, read the
0 discuss
tragic at any time, is especially painful at
President's statement to reporters in the
D want to
this holiday period. I have been advised by
Briefing Room at the White House during
f you has
the Secretary of Defense that the full re-
his daily press briefing, which began at
ogram to
sources of the U.S. Army and the U.S. Gov-
noon. The airliner, which was en route to
; another
ernment are being made available to assist
Fort Campbell, KY, crashed at 6:45 a.m. in
on and is
families of victims however possible. Our
Gander, Newfoundland. There were 248
ce station
hearts go out to the loved ones of these
casualties.
advances
ional de-
to bring
have to
Remarks on Lighting the National Christmas Tree
saved our
ncial offi-
December 12, 1985
al Devel-
nore than
My fellow Americans, thank you for join-
The menorah stands lighted in Lafayette
Treasury
ing Nancy and me on this festive evening.
Park, for this is also the time of Hanukkah,
1473
Dec. 12 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1985
and this season is rich in the meaning of our
could heal, how much sorrow and pain
Judeo-Christian tradition. In a moment
could be driven away? There's still time for
we'll be lighting the National Christmas
joy and gladness to touch a sad and lonely
Tree, carrying forward what is now a 62-
soul, still time to feed a hungry child, to
year tradition first begun by Calvin Coo-
wrap a present for a kind old man feeling
lidge.
forlorn and afraid, and to reach out to an
Tonight we're drawn in warmth to one
abandoned mother raising children on her
another as we reflect upon the deeply holy
own. There's still time to remember our
meaning of the miracle we shall soon cele-
Armed Forces, to express our profound
brate. We know that Mary and Joseph
gratitude to those keeping watch on far-
reached the stable in Bethlehem sometime
away frontiers of freedom, and to redouble
after sunset. We do not know the exact
our energies to account for our MIA's. They
moment the Christ Child was born, only
are not and never will be forgotten. And
what we would have seen if we'd been
there's still time to remember the deepest
standing there as we stand here now: Sud-
truth of all: that there can be no prisons, no
denly, a star from heaven shining in our
walls, no boundaries separating the mem-
eyes, shining with brilliant beauty across
bers of God's family.
the skies, a star pointing toward eternity in
Let us reach out tonight to every person
the night, like a great ring of pure and
who is persecuted; let us embrace and com-
endless light, and then all was calm, and all
fort, support and love them. Let us come
was bright. Such was the beginning of one
together as one family under the father-
solitary life that would shake the world as
hood of God, binding ourselves in a com-
never before or since. When we speak of
munion of hearts, for tonight and tomorrow
Jesus and of His life, we speak of a man
and for all time. May we give thanks for an
revered as a prophet and teacher by people
America abundantly blessed, for a nation
of all religions, and Christians speak of
united, free, and at peace. May we carry
someone greater-a man who was and is
forward the happiness of the Christmas
divine. He brought forth a power that is
spirit as the guiding star of our endeavors
infinite and a promise that is eternal, a
365 days a year. And as we light this mag-
power greater than all mankind's military
nificent tree, may all the youthful hope and
might, for His power is Godly love, love
joy of America light up the heavens and
that can lift our hearts and soothe our sor-
make the angels sing.
rows and heal our wounds and drive away
Merry Christmas, and God bless you all.
our fears. He promised there will never be
And now we're going to light the tree.
a long night that does not end. He prom-
ised to deliver us from dark torment and
[At this point, the National Christmas Tree,
tragedy into the warming sunlight of
which was located on the Ellipse, south of
human happiness, and beyond that, into
the White House grounds, was lighted.]
paradise. He's never been a halfway giver;
Merry Christmas!
His generosity is pure and perfect and sure.
a
This, then, expresses the true meaning of
Note: The President spoke at 5:45 p.m. at
Christmas. If each of us could give but a
the South Portico of the White House
fraction to one another of what He gave to
during the annual Christmas Pageant of
the whole human family, how many hearts
Peace.
a
Nomination of James L. Malone To Be United States Ambassador to
Belize
December 13, 1985
ti
The President today announced his inten-
ginia, to be Ambassador to Belize. He
tion to nominate James L. Malone, of Vir-
would succeed Malcolm R. Barnebey.
1474
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1982 / Dec. 16
tes-
deferrals are contained in the attached re-
Note: The attachments detailing the pro-
ports.
posed rescission and deferrals are printed
orce
RONALD REAGAN
in the Federal Register of December 22,
1982.
The White House,
December 16, 1982.
ntly inad-
ssue, since
I and mili-
by Soviet
Appointment of Mary Rose Hughes as United States Representative
on the Joint Commission on the Environment
tions on a
December 16, 1982
iations, we
our posi-
1 contacts.
The President today announced his inten-
Department of State. She was an associate
oviet posi-
tion to appoint Mary Rose Hughes to be a
with the firm of Perkins, Coie, Stone, Olsen
things we
Representative of the United States of
& Williams in Seattle, Wash., in 1979-1982.
ext round
America on the Joint Commission on the
Previously she was senior associate with Ab-
Environment, established by the Panama
ington Corp. in Washington, D.C., in 1978-
informed
Canal Treaty of 1977. She would succeed
1979; and manager, direct sales and market-
occurred.
Robert O. Blake.
ing, Boeing Aerospace Corp. in 1977-1978.
in three
Ms. Hughes is currently serving as
She graduated from Columbus School of
reign Min-
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Environ-
Law, Catholic University of America (J.D.,
that the
ment, Health and Natural Resources at the
1979). She was born November 2, 1950.
best arms
ninate the
both sides.
ration are
Remarks on Lighting the National Community Christmas Tree
ness of this
December 16, -1982
hing could
The President. My fellow Americans, the
our country by the giving of gifts, a spirit of
Larry M.
Christmas and Hanukkah decorations are
charity, and, yes, good will, more so than at
his daily
up around the country, and in a moment
any other time of the year. Already tradi-
oT at the
we'll be lighting the National Christmas
tional programs are underway, drives to col-
Tree here in the Nation's Capital.
lect food and clothing for those who are in
In this holiday season, we celebrate the
need. The U.S. Marine Reserves have a toy
birthday of one who, for almost 2,000 years,
collection drive to make sure that old St.
has been a greater influence on humankind
Nicholas-Santa Claus-has enough to go
than all the rulers, all the scholars, all the
around. And this is matched in countless
armies and all the navies that ever marched
American communities by firemen, police-
or sailed, all put together. He brought to
men, churches, religious groups, and service
the world the simple message of peace on
clubs.
Earth, good will to all mankind.
Let me give you one specially moving
12.
Some celebrate the day as marking the
example of what the Christmas spirit can
he Depart-
birth of a great and good man, a wise teach-
do. I told this the other night. In Bridge-
ceanic and
er and prophet, and they do so sincerely.
port, Connecticut, the Police Athletic
e deferrals
But for many of us it's also a holy day, the
League for years has maintained a kind of
birthday of the Prince of Peace, a day when
Christmas Center. It consists of a ranch-
ents of Ag-
"God so loved the world" that He sent us
type house, a manger, and all the other
nnsylvania
His only begotten son to assure forgiveness
things associated with Christmas. And
n.
of our sins.
during the holiday season it's manned by a
oposal and
The Yuletide season is characterized in
Santa Claus, elves, and helpers. Thousands
1611
Dec. 16 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1982
of children visit it every year, and thou-
brings us back to lighting the National
Remarks on Si
sands of toys are given out to them.
Christmas Tree.
Development
This year, on Tuesday, December 7th, it
This beloved tradition, which began
was destroyed by fire set by a suspected
nearly 50 years ago, has a special symbolism
December 17, 1
arsonist. The mayor of Bridgeport called an
for our people. It's as if when we light this
emergency meeting. He asked for construc-
tree, we light something within ourselves as
Thank you. Mus
tionists, carpenters, electricians, all the skills
well. And during the Christmas season I
light's out on the I
that are needed to help rebuild such a
think most Americans do feel a greater
to turn over in this
place. The answer to his call was instanta-
sense of family, friendship, giving, and joy.
Welcome to the
neous. More than 250 volunteers worked in
And there's a special joy in our children at
you for being with
shifts around the clock.
this time of year. I've heard from many of
role that minorit
On Sunday, December 12th, 5 days later,
them recently. I wish Nancy and I could
country. Our natio
at about 1:30 p.m. I phoned the mayor. He
personally thank all you children who've
terprises represen:
was officiating at the reopening of that
written in, but I want you to know how
nonagricultural bi
Christmas Center to the cheers of hundreds
good your cards, letters, and artwork make
sent, I think, socia
and hundreds of the citizens of Bridgeport.
us feel.
advancement to m
It had been rebuilt in only the 4 days be-
Now, while Christmas is a time for chil-
Today, in signin
tween the fire and the opening ceremony.
dren, it's also a time to think of those who
firm our commitm
A recent initiative of Postmaster General
are less fortunate than we are, and let us
in general and to
William Bolger's will make it easier for all
also remember the constant vigil of the
minority business
of us to do our part. He has instructed post
families of our missing in action. As we light
We believe that
offices across the country to display lists of
this Christmas tree, may it light hope in the
we've taken the
the Christmas food, clothing, and toy drives
hearts of those who are lonely and needy.
economic recove:
in their local areas, a guide to holiday
In Ephesians we read that "Each of us
badly.
giving open to all Americans.
has been given his gift, his portion of
Clearly, a gener
This holiday season, as we work our way
Christ's bounty." Well, let us share our
with low inflatio:
out of a recession, too many still find them-
bounty this Christmas season. Let us offer
thing that this adr
selves without jobs, forced to cut back on
not only our hearts and prayers but a gen-
things that they once thought of as their
istration can prov
erous hand to those who need our help.
and minority Ar
normal pattern of living. They aren't statis-
And as we light this tree, let us brighten
building measure
tics; they're people. They're our neighbors,
the lives of those here at home and around
regulatory reform
friends, and, yes, family, and they make up
the world whose Christmas may not be as
that group that right now we call the unem-
nesses just as they
ployed. Their number's greater than it has
glowing and as cheerful as ours.
community.
been for some time past. Still, for every
So, to all of you, God bless you and keep
In some cases,
unemployed individual there are 9 of us
you during this cherished holiday season.
ity business an ev.
who do have jobs, and with that ratio of 1
And now let's turn on the National Christ-
haps is seen at f
out of 10 in mind, I'd like to make a sugges-
mas Tree.
reductions, for
tion. How about those of us who are em-
[At this point, the President pressed the
major impact on
ployed making sure that those who aren't
button which lighted the tree, located at the
the large proport
will nevertheless have a merry Christmas.
annual Christmas Pageant of Peace ceremo-
are proprietorshi
This is something that needs doing at the
nies site on the Ellipse, near the White
report their incor
community level-neighbor helping neigh-
receive the full
House.]
bor.
board tax rate cut
The people we're talking about may be
And there it is. It's lighted.
And these sam
members of your church, brothers and sis-
Mrs. Reagan. Pretty.
to be helped, be
ters in your local union, or that family
The President. Yes. It's surrounded by 57
increased-or, I I
across the street or down the block in your
trees for each State and Territory.
increased. I don
neighborhood. Surely between the nine of
Well, thank you all, and Merry Christmas.
slipped in-[laug]
us, we can find a way to make Christmas
Mrs. Reagan. Merry Christmas.
slip-[laughter]-
merry for that one who temporarily can use
And you know
our help. But remember, time is growing
Note: The President spoke at 5:45 p.m. in
longer will the
short, and Christmas is almost here, which
the Rose Garden at the White House.
profit on inflati
businessmen are
1612
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1981 / Dec. 23
for consumption
quarterly, so that they can be revised down-
and fees may have adverse effects on our
tandard Time) on
ward whenever possible, without incurring
major foreign sugar suppliers, particularly
of this Proclama-
significant government purchases of sugar
those in the Caribbean Basin. I have thus
ons of this procla-
or encouraging forfeiture of sugar loans be-
asked appropriate agencies to review this
articles entered,
ginning in FY 83.
question on is priority basis to see what we
ehouse, for con-
In addition, I realize that the sugar duties
can do to mitigate the effects.
y 1, 1982 which
orward contracts
or to June 1, 1981
nd an end user of
Address to the Nation About Christmas and the Situation in Poland
porter, broker, or
of such articles.
December 23, 1981
ave hereunto set
1 day of Decem-
rd nineteen hun-
Good evening.
lonely campfire vigils along the frontier, in
of the Independ-
At Christmas time, every home takes on a
the darkest days of the Great Depression,
of America the
special beauty, a special warmth, and that's
through war and peace, the twin beacons of
certainly true of the White House, where so
faith and freedom have brightened the
many famous Americans have spent their
American sky. At times our footsteps may
NALD REAGAN
Christmases over the years. This fine old
home, the people's house, has seen so
have faltered, but trusting in God's help,
he Federal Regis-
much, been so much a part of all our lives
we've never lost our way.
}, 1981]
and history. It's been humbling and inspir-
Just across the way from the White House
ing for Nancy and me to be spending our
stand the two great emblems of the holiday
first Christmas in this place.
season: a Menorah, symbolizing the Jewish
We've lived here as your tenants for
festival of Hanukkah, and the National
ts of Sugar
almost a year now, and what a year it's
Christmas Tree, a beautiful towering blue
been. As a people we've been through quite
spruce from Pennsylvania. Like the Nation-
a lot-moments of joy, of tragedy, and of
al Christmas Tree, our country is a living,
real achievement-moments that I believe
growing thing planted in rich American
have brought us all closer together. G. K.
soil. Only our devoted care can bring it to
ting costs of raw
Chesterton once said that the world would
full flower. So, let this holiday season be for
never starve for wonders, but only for the
us a time of rededication.
want of wonder.
raises the basic
Even as we rejoice, however, let us re-
At this special time of year, we all renew
e current level of
member that for some Americans, this will
our sense of wonder in recalling the story of
5¢, the maximum
not be as happy a Christmas as it should be.
the first Christmas in Bethlehem, nearly
I know a little of what they feel. I remem-
2,000 year ago.
a limited exemp-
ber one Christmas Eve during the Great
Some celebrate Christmas as the birthday
h were contract-
of a great and good philosopher and teach-
Depression, my father opening what he
1, and which will
er. Others of us believe in the divinity of
thought was a Christmas greeting. It was a
y before January
the child born in Bethlehem, that he was
notice that he no longer had a job.
was made as a
and is the promised Prince of Peace. Yes,
Over the past year, we've begun the
ign traders who
we've questioned why he who could per-
long, hard work of economic recovery. Our
Il us sugar well
form miracles chose to come among us as a
goal is an America in which every citizen
eptance of the
helpless babe, but maybe that was his first
who needs and wants a job can get a job.
bill.
miracle, his first great lesson that we should
Our program for recovery has only been in
ecessity for sign-
learn to care for one another.
place for 12 weeks now, but it is beginning
Tonight, in millions of American homes,
to work. With your help and prayers, it will
ie sugar program
the glow of the Christmas tree is a reflec-
otect higher cost
succeed. We're winning the battle against
result in higher
tion of the love Jesus taught us. Like the
inflation, runaway government spending
shepherds and wise men of that first Christ-
(ar consumers. I
and taxation, and that victory will mean
mas, we Americans have always tried to
ort fees imposed
more economic growth, more jobs, and
follow a higher light, a star, if you will. At
adjusted at least
more opportunity for all Americans.
1185
Dec. 23 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1981
A few months before he took up resi-
together with their families, they account
dence in this house, one of my pred-
for the overwhelming majority of the Polish
ecessors, John Kennedy, tried to sum up the
nation. By persecuting Solidarity the Polish
temper of the times with a quote from an
Government wages war against its own
author closely tied to Christmas, Charles
people.
Dickens. We were living, he said, in the
I urge the Polish Government and its
best of times and the worst of. times. Well,
allies to consider the consequences of their
in some ways that's even more true today.
actions. How can they possibly justify using
The world is full of peril, as well as promise.
naked force to crush a people who ask for
Too many of its people, even now, live in
nothing more than the right to lead their
the shadow of want and tyranny.
own lives in freedom and dignity? Brute
As I speak to you tonight, the fate of a
force may intimidate, but it cannot form
proud and ancient nation hangs in the bal-
the basis of an enduring society, and the
ance. For a thousand years, Christmas has
ailing Polish economy cannot be rebuilt
been celebrated in Poland, a land of deep
with terror tactics.
religious faith, but this Christmas brings
Poland needs cooperation between its
little joy to the courageous Polish people.
government and its people, not military op-
They have been betrayed by their own gov-
pression. If the Polish Government will
ernment.
honor the commitments it has made to
The men who rule them and their totali-
tarian allies fear the very freedom that the
human rights in documents like the Gdansk
Polish people cherish. They have answered
agreement, we in America will gladly do
the stirrings of liberty with brute force, kill-
our share to help the shattered Polish econ-
ings, mass arrests, and the setting up of con-
omy, just as we helped the countries of
centration camps. Lech Walesa and other
Europe after both World Wars.
Solidarity leaders are imprisoned, their fate
It's ironic that we offered, and Poland
unknown. Factories, mines, universities, and
expressed interest in accepting, our help
homes have been assaulted.
after World War II. The Soviet Union inter-
The Polish Government has trampled un-
vened then and refused to allow such help
derfoot solemn commitments to the UN
to Poland. But if the forces of tyranny in
Charter and the Helsinki accords. It has
Poland, and those who incite them from
even broken the Gdansk agreement of
without, do not relent, they should prepare
August 1980, by which the Polish Govern-
themselves for serious consequences. Al-
ment recognized the basic right of its
ready, throughout the Free World, citizens
people to form free trade unions and to
have publicly demonstrated their support
strike.
for the Polish people. Our government, and
The tragic events now occurring in
those of our allies, have expressed moral
Poland, almost 2 years to the day after the
revulsion at the police state tactics of
Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, have been
Poland's oppressors. The Church has also
precipitated by public and secret pressure
spoken out, in spite of threats and intimida-
from the Soviet Union. It is no coincidence
tion. But our reaction cannot stop there.
that Soviet Marshal Kulikov, chief of the
I want emphatically to state tonight that
Warsaw Pact forces, and other senior Red
if the outrages in Poland do not cease, we
Army officers were in Poland while these
cannot and will not conduct "business as
outrages were being initiated. And it is no
usual" with the perpetrators and those who
coincidence that the martial law proclama-
aid and abet them. Make no mistake, their
tions imposed in December by the Polish
crime will cost them dearly in their future
Government were being printed in the
dealings with America and free peoples ev-
Soviet Union in September.
erywhere. I do not make this statement
The target of this depression [repression]
lightly or without serious reflection.
is the Solidarity Movement, but in attacking
We have been measured and deliberate
Solidarity its enemies attack an entire
in our reaction to the tragic events in
people. Ten million of Poland's 36 million
Poland. We have not acted in haste, and the
citizens are members of Solidarity. Taken
steps I will outline tonight and others we
1186
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1981 / Dec. 23
i, they account
may take in the days ahead are firm, just,
The Soviet Union, through its threats and
ity of the Polish
and reasonable.
pressures, deserves a major share of blame
arity the Polish
In order to aid the suffering Polish people
for the developments in Poland. So, I have
gainst its own
during this critical period, we will continue
also sent a letter to President Brezhnev
the shipment of food through private hu-
urging him to permit the restoration of
"nment and its
manitarian channels, but only so long as we
basic human rights in Poland provided for
quences of their
know that the Polish people themselves re-
in the Helsinki Final Act. In it, I informed
bly justify using
ceive the food. The neighboring country of
him that if this repression continues, the
ple who ask for
Austria has opened her doors to refugees
United States will have no choice but to
it to lead their
from Poland. I have therefore directed that
take further concrete political and econom-
dignity? Brute
American assistance, including supplies of
ic measures affecting our relationship.
it cannot form
basic foodstuffs, be offered to aid the Austri-
When 19th century Polish patriots rose
ociety, and the
ans in providing for these refugees.
against foreign oppressors, their rallying cry
not be rebuilt
But to underscore our fundamental oppo-
was, "For our freedom and yours." Well,
sition to the repressive actions taken by the
that motto still rings true in our time.
in between its
Polish Government against its own people,
There is a spirit of solidarity abroad in the
not military op-
the administration has suspended all gov-
world tonight that no physical force can
overnment will
ernment-sponsored shipments of agricultur-
crush. It crosses national boundaries and
L has made to
al and dairy products to the Polish Govern-
enters into the hearts of men and women
like the Gdansk
ment. This suspension will remain in force
everywhere. In factories, farms, and schools,
will gladly do
until absolute assurances are received that
in cities and towns around the globe, we
red Polish econ-
distribution of these products is monitored
the people of the Free World stand as one
he countries of
and guaranteed by independent agencies.
with our Polish brothers and sisters. Their
irs.
We must be sure that every bit of food
cause is ours, and our prayers and hopes go
ed, and Poland
provided by America goes to the Polish
out to them this Christmas.
pting, our help
people, not to their oppressors.
Yesterday, I met in this very room with
iet Union inter-
The United States is taking immediate
Romuald Spasowski, the distinguished
allow such help
action to suspend major elements of our
former Polish Ambassador who has sought
S of tyranny in
economic relationships with the Polish Gov-
asylum in our country in protest of the sup-
cite them from
ernment. We have halted the renewal of
pression of his native land. He told me that
should prepare
the Export-Import Bank's line of export
one of the ways the Polish people have
asequences. Al-
credit insurance to the Polish Government.
demonstrated their solidarity in the face of
World, citizens
We will suspend Polish civil aviation privi-
martial law is by placing lighted candles in
1 their support
leges in the United States. We are suspend-
their windows to show that the light of lib-
overnment, and
ing the right of Poland's fishing fleet to op-
erty still glows in their hearts.
expressed moral
erate in American waters. And we're pro-
Ambassador Spasowski requested that on
tate tactics of
posing to our allies the further restriction of
Christmas Eve a lighted candle will burn in
Church has also
high technology exports to Poland.
the White House window as a small but
ts and intimida-
These actions are not directed against the
certain beacon of our solidarity with the
not stop there.
Polish people. They are a warning to the
Polish people. I urge all of you to do the
ate tonight that
Government of Poland that free men
same tomorrow night, on Christmas Eve, as
) not cease, we
cannot and will not stand idly by in the face
a personal statement of your commitment
ct "business as
of brutal repression. To underscore this
to the steps we're taking to support the
; and those who
point, I've written a letter to General Jaru-
brave people of Poland in their time of
0 mistake, their
zelski, head of the Polish Government. In it,
troubles.
in their future
I outlined the steps we're taking and
Once, earlier in this century, an evil in-
free peoples ev-
warned of the serious consequences if the
fluence threatened that the lights were
this statement
Polish Government continues to use vio-
going out all over the world. Let the light
lection.
lence against its populace. I've urged him to
of millions of candles in American homes
and deliberate
free those in arbitrary detention, to lift mar-
give notice that the light of freedom is not
agic events in
tial law, and to restore the internationally
going to be extinguished. We are blessed
n haste, and the
recognized rights of the Polish people to
with a freedom and abundance denied to so
and others we
free speech and association.
many. Let those candles remind us that
1187
Dec. 17 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1981
coalition, to hold political meetings in Bula-
Rhodesian forces into a single army, which
wayo on the same day. This order was also
was organized and directed by the British,
recently cited as justification for preventing
has been successfully completed. The entire
ZAPU-oriented youth from carrying out a
operation took 18 months and involved ap-
demonstration in support of the anniversary
proximately 58,000 troops. The success of
of the Soviet revolution.
this operation reflects credit on the British,
These new restrictive measures appear
Prime Minister Mugabe, Joshua Nkomo and
unwarranted unless there is evidence not
the white leadership of the former Rhode-
yet made public that Prime Minister
sian forces. It has also laid to rest the prob-
Mugabe's government is being more threat-
lem of force amalgamation which was one
ened than it appears to be by opposition
of the most intractable issues in the Anglo-
politicians. From all outward appearances,
American and Lancaster House settlement
the Prime Minister is still firmly in control
efforts.
and the threat of political instability contin-
Prime Minister Mugabe continues to view
ues to diminish.
a Namibian settlement as an urgent issue,
Prime Minister Mugabe has continued to
and he has stated publicly that Zimbabwe
take steps to reassure the whites by reaf-
supports recent Contact Group efforts to
firming his commitment to reconciliation
bring about independence. Zimbabwe's bal-
and by stressing the point that Zimbabwe's
anced position on key regional issues is im-
brand of socialism would not be built on the
portant to us in seeking a Namibian settle-
basis of destroying the present economic in-
ment and pursuing other U.S. objectives in
frastructure, but by preserving that struc-
Africa.
ture. At the same time, however, he does
Sincerely,
not hesitate to castigate those whites who,
according to him, have not changed their
RONALD REAGAN
negative racial attitudes. His decision to fire
Health Minister Herbert Ushewokunze,
Note: This is the text of identical letters
considered one of the more provocatively
addressed to Senator Charles H. Percy,
radical Cabinet members, has been a signifi-
chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations
cant boost to white morale.
Committee, and Representative Clement J.
The exercise designed to integrate the
Zablocki, chairman of the House Foreign
two former guerrilla armies and the former
Affairs Committee.
Remarks on Lighting the National Community Christmas Tree
December 17, 1981
Ladies and gentlemen and fellow Ameri-
dren, because the man whose birthday we
cans:
celebrate in this season came to us the
This is a wonderful occasion, an annual
Prince of Peace, not in a chariot, but as a
occasion here in Washington, when we turn
babe in a manger. I know there are some
on the nation's Christmas tree.
who celebrate this day, the Christmas Day,
Christmas, of course, is, I think for all of
as the birthday of a great teacher and phi-
us, is a time of memories of our own child-
losopher. To others of us, he is more than
hood, of our children, grandchildren-but
that; he is also divine. But to all of us, he
anyway, it is a time of children. And so,
taught us the way that we could have peace
here tonight we're surrounded by children,
on Earth and good will to men, and that is
I'm happy to say, here in the East Room of
if we would do unto others as we would
the White House.
have others do unto us.
Maybe it's fitting that children should be
Now, this button here and this box has
here and that Christmas is a time for chil-
been used for turning on the national
1172
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1981 / Dec. 18
Christmas tree since 1923, I believe it was,
people out in other parts of the world.
when President Coolidge first did it. It
We've had other Christmases in our land—
didn't always get turned on here in the
the first one when we were a nation in
White House. Sometimes it was outdoors
1976 [1776], and Washington led his men
and down where the tree is and sometimes
across the Delaware River in a battle that
it wasn't even in Washington. Harry
set the stage for our independence. And
Truman turned the tree on once with this
legend has it that the path of their march
same switch from Independence, Missouri.
through the snow was one of blood-stained
Franklin Delano Roosevelt turned it on at
footprints. But we shall live with the hope
times from Hyde Park. But it's going to be
and the promise of the man of Galilee that
turned on here from Washington.
Christmases will be better and that we will
have peace and good will among men.
I had hoped that-in fact, I one day said
And now-[pressing the button}-the tree
that our grandchild, Cameron Michael,
is lighted.
might be able to push the button, but he's
Do you want to look around and you can
3,000 miles away. All these children are
see the tree over there on the monitor?
here, and I couldn't pick one of them out of
There it is. All lighted up.
all of this number to push the button, so I'm
going to have to do it myself.
Note: The President spoke at 5:40 p.m. in
the East Room at the White House where he
And in doing it, we all know that this
pressed the button which lighted the Nation-
Christmas is not as happy for some Ameri-
al Christmas tree at the annual Christmas
cans as it could be, not as happy for some
Pageant of Peace ceremonies on the Ellipse.
Excerpt From an Exchange With a Reporter Concerning the
Kidnaping of Brigadier General James Dozier
December 18, 1981
Q. Mr. President, can we do anything to
They're cowards. They wouldn't have the
try to find General Dozier and free him
guts to stand up to anyone individually in
from the Red Brigades?
any kind of a fair contest. And I think it is-
The President. Well, I think that every-
well, I can't say any more than that.
thing is being done that can be done. This
is, I think, a terrible situation. And it's a
Yes, we're doing everything we can.
most frustrating situation, because I would
like to be able to stand sometime-I'm sure
Note: The exchange began at approximately
that we all would-and say to the people
12:30 p.m. as the President was beginning a
that do these things, they are cowardly
luncheon meeting with American auto-
bums. They aren't heroes, they don't have a
mobile industry representatives in the Cabi-
cause that justifies what they're doing.
net Room at the White House.
1173
[550] Dec. 17
Public Papers of the Presidents
55° Remarks at the Pageant of Peace Ceremonies.
55I Television
December 17, 1962
Conversat:
Delivered over television and radio at 5:15 p.m.
WILLIAM H. LAWREN
Ladies and gentlemen, Secretary Udall,
ruled. As a result, we may talk, at this
casting Company: [.
members of the clergy:
Christmas, just a little bit more confidently
upon your first 2 year
With the lighting of this tree, which is an
of peace on earth, good will to men. As a
experience in the o:
old ceremony in Washington and one which
result, the hopes of the American people are
pectations? You ha
has been among the most important respon-
perhaps a little higher. We have much yet
the power of the Pres
sibilities of a good many Presidents of the
to do. We still need to ask that God bless
its operations. How
United States, we initiate, in a formal way,
everyone. But yet I think we can enter this
as you saw it in adva:
the Christmas Season.
season of good will with more than usual joy
THE PRESIDENT. W
We mark the festival of Christmas which
in our hearts.
place the problems a:
is the most sacred and hopeful day in our
And I think all of us extend a special
had imagined they
civilization. For nearly 2,000 years the mes-
word of gratitude and appreciation to those
is a limitation upon t
sage of Christmas, the message of peace and
who serve the United States abroad; to the
States to solve these
good will towards all men, has been the
one million men in uniform who will cele-
volved now in the C
guiding star of our endeavors. This morn-
brate this Christmas away from their homes;
situation. We have
ing I had a meeting at the White House
to those hundreds of young men and women
an implementation 0
which included some of our representatives
and some older men and women who serve
have supported. We
from far off countries in Africa and Asia.
in far off countries in our Peace Corps; to the
many other areas. \
They were returning to their posts for the
members of the Foreign Service; to those
a solution can be for
Christmas holidays. Talking with them
who work in the various information serv-
tween Pakistan and
afterwards, I was struck by the fact that in
ices, AID agencies, and others who work for
want to maintain f:
the far off continents Moslems, Hindus,
us abroad who will celebrate this Decem-
they are unable to c
Buddhists, as well as Christians, pause from
ber 25th thousands of miles from us at sea,
There is a limitation
their labors on the 25th day of December to
on land, and in the air, but with us. It is
the power of the Unit
celebrate the birthday of the Prince of Peace.
to them that we offer the best of Christmases
solutions.
There could be no more striking proof that
and to all of you I send my very best wishes
I think our people
Christmas is truly the universal holiday of
for a blessed and happy Christmas and a
and maybe fatigued
all men. It is the day when all of us dedicate
peaceful and prosperous New Year.
"We have been carry
our thoughts to others; when all are re-
Thank you.
years; can we lay it
minded that mercy and compassion are the
This [indicating the electric switch] was
it down, and I don't
enduring virtues; when all show, by small
first pressed by President Coolidge in 1923
to lay it down in this
deeds and large and by acts, that it is more
and succeedingly by President Hoover, Vice
So that I would say
blessed to give than to receive.
President Curtis, by President Franklin
more difficult than I
It is the day when we remind ourselves
Roosevelt on many occasions, by President
be. The responsibi
that man can and must live in peace with
Harry Truman, by President Eisenhower,
United States are gr
his neighbors and that it is the peacemakers
by Vice President Johnson. I am delighted
them to be, and there
who are truly blessed. In this year of 1962
to be in that illustrious company and we
upon our ability to t
we greet each other at Christmas with some
therefore light the tree.
result than I had imag
special sense of the blessings of peace. This
I think that is probai
has been a year of peril when the peace has
NOTE: The President spoke just before lighting the
becomes President, b
been sorely threatened. But it has been a
National Community Christmas Tree at the Pageant
of Peace ceremonies on the Ellipse.
difference between the
year when peril was faced and when reason
or legislate, and betwe
select from the variou
and say that this shal
United States. It is
888
66-288 O 78 60
[550] Dec. 17
Public Papers of the Presidents
55° Remarks at the Pageant of Peace Ceremonies.
55I Television
December 17, 1962
Conversati
Delivered over television and radio at 5:15 p.m. ]
WILLIAM H. LAWREN
Ladies and gentlemen, Secretary Udall,
ruled. As a result, we may talk, at this
casting Company: [.
members of the clergy:
Christmas, just a little bit more confidently
upon your first 2 year
With the lighting of this tree, which is an
of peace on earth, good will to men. As a
experience in the o.
old ceremony in Washington and one which
result, the hopes of the American people are
pectations? You ha
has been among the most important respon-
perhaps a little higher. We have much yet
the power of the Pres
sibilities of a good many Presidents of the
to do. We still need to ask that God bless
its operations. Hov
United States, we initiate, in a formal way,
everyone. But yet I think we can enter this
as you saw it in adva:
the Christmas Season.
season of good will with more than usual joy
THE PRESIDENT. W
We mark the festival of Christmas which
in our hearts.
place the problems a:
is the most sacred and hopeful day in our
And I think all of us extend a special
had imagined they
civilization. For nearly 2,000 years the mes-
word of gratitude and appreciation to those
is a limitation upon t
sage of Christmas, the message of peace and
who serve the United States abroad; to the
States to solve these
good will towards all men, has been the
one million men in uniform who will cele-
volved now in the C.
guiding star of our endeavors. This morn-
brate this Christmas away from their homes;
situation. We have
ing I had a meeting at the White House
to those hundreds of young men and women
an implementation o
which included some of our representatives
and some older men and women who serve
have supported. We
from far off countries in Africa and Asia.
in far off countries in our Peace Corps; to the
many other areas. \
They were returning to their posts for the
members of the Foreign Service; to those
a solution can be fou
Christmas holidays. Talking with them
who work in the various information serv-
tween Pakistan and
afterwards, I was struck by the fact that in
ices, AID agencies, and others who work for
want to maintain f.
the far off continents Moslems, Hindus,
us abroad who will celebrate this Decem-
they are unable to C
Buddhists, as well as Christians, pause from
ber 25th thousands of miles from us at sea,
There is a limitation
their labors on the 25th day of December to
on land, and in the air, but with us. It is
the power of the Unit
celebrate the birthday of the Prince of Peace.
to them that we offer the best of Christmases
solutions.
There could be no more striking proof that
and to all of you I send my very best wishes
I think our people
Christmas is truly the universal holiday of
for a blessed and happy Christmas and a
and maybe fatigued
all men. It is the day when all of us dedicate
peaceful and prosperous New Year.
"We have been carry
our thoughts to others; when all are re-
Thank you.
years; can we lay it
minded that mercy and compassion are the
This [indicating the electric switch] was
it down, and I don't
enduring virtues; when all show, by small
first pressed by President Coolidge in 1923
to lay it down in this
deeds and large and by acts, that it is more
and succeedingly by President Hoover, Vice
So that I would sa
blessed to give than to receive.
President Curtis, by President Franklin
more difficult than I
It is the day when we remind ourselves
Roosevelt on many occasions, by President
be. The responsib.
that man can and must live in peace with
Harry Truman, by President Eisenhower,
United States are g.
his neighbors and that it is the peacemakers
by Vice President Johnson. I am delighted
them to be, and there
who are truly blessed. In this year of 1962
to be in that illustrious company and we
upon our ability to 1
we greet each other at Christmas with some
therefore light the tree.
result than I had ima:
special sense of the blessings of peace. This
I think that is proba
has been a year of peril when the peace has
NOTE: The President spoke just before lighting the
becomes President, b
been sorely threatened. But it has been a
National Community Christmas Tree at the Pageant
of Peace ceremonies on the Ellipse.
difference between the
year when peril was faced and when reason
or legislate, and betwe
select from the variou
and say that this sha
United States. It is
888
66-288 O 78 60
Harry S. Truman, 1945
Dec. 24 [227]
ne time
While I object to the specific measure which this bill proposes to
carry out with respect to our employment service, I object even more
e opera-
strongly to the legislative method employed for its enactment. To
ilure to
attach a legislative rider to an appropriation bill restricts the Presi-
ficiency,
dent's exercise of his functions and is contrary to good government.
$ which
In view of my past legislative experience, I realize the obligations
tandard
of the President to the Congress as a coordinate branch of the Gov-
: State's
ernment. At the same time, I must be equally aware of the Consti-
which
tutional responsibility of the President to the people, and of the
obligation of the Congress to help him discharge that responsibility.
ices are
The Constitution has placed upon the President the duty of con-
ongress
sidering bills for approval or disapproval. It has always been possible
unem-
for the Congress to hamper the President's exercise of this duty by com-
legisla-
bining so many subjects into a single bill that he can not disapprove
ween a
an objectionable item without holding up necessary legislation.
Partly in order to prevent this practice, it has long been considered a
as our
fundamental principle that legislation on a major issue of policy ought
on, but
not be combined with an appropriation measure. The present bill
ifficult
directly violates that principle. I am obliged to withhold my approval
n bills.
to some very excellent legislation because of the objectionable practice
ion of
which has been followed by attaching this rider which I cannot possi-
ted in
bly approve.
Sev-
HARRY S. TRUMAN
4437,
ent of
227 Address at the Lighting of the National Community
State
Christmas Tree on the White House Grounds.
d and
December 24, I945
1st be
[ Broadcast nationally at 5:15 p.m. ]
bre of
Ladies and gentlemen, and listeners of the radio audience:
is for
This is the Christmas that a war-weary world has prayed for through
m of
long and awful years. With peace come joy and gladness. The gloom
of the war years fades as once more we light the National Community
is em-
Christmas Tree. We meet in the spirit of the first Christmas, when the
583
[227] Dec. 24 Public Papers of the Presidents
midnight choir sang the hymn of joy: "Glory to God in the highest, and
on earth peace, good will toward men."
Let us not forget that the coming of the Saviour brought a time of
long peace to the Roman World. It is, therefore, fitting for us to re-
member that the spirit of Christmas is the spirit of peace, of love, of
charity to all men. From the manger of Bethlehem came a new ap-
peal to the minds and hearts of men: "A new commandment I give
unto you, that ye love one another."
In love, which is the very essence of the message of the Prince of
Peace, the world would find a solution for all its ills. I do not believe
there is one problem in this country or in the world today which could
not be settled if approached through the teaching of the Sermon on the
Mount. The poets' dream, the lesson of priest and patriarch and the
prophets' vision of a new heaven and a new earth, all are summed up in
the message delivered in the Judean hills beside the Sea of Galilee.
Would that the world would accept that message in this time of its
greatest need!
This is a solemn hour. In the stillness of the Eve of the Nativity
when the hopes of mankind hang on the peace that was offered to the
world nineteen centuries ago, it is but natural, while we survey our
destiny, that we give thought also to our past-to some of the things
which have gone into the making of our Nation.
You will remember that Saint Paul, the Apostle of the Gentiles, and
his companions, suffering shipwreck, "cast four anchors out of the
stern and wished for the day." Happily for us, whenever the American
Ship of State has been storm-tossed we have always had an anchor to
the windward.
We are met on the South Lawn of the White House. The setting is
a reminder of Saint Paul's four anchors. To one side is the massive pile
of the Washington Monument-fit symbol of our first anchor. On the
opposite end of Potomac Park is the memorial to another of the anchors
which we see when we look astern of the Ship of State-Abraham Lin-
coln, who preserved the Union that Washington wrought.
Between them is the memorial to Thomas Jefferson, the anchor of
democracy. On the other side of the White House, in bronze, rides
584
Harry S. Truman, 1945
Dec. 27 [228]
Andrew Jackson-fourth of our anchors-the pedestal of his monu-
ment bearing his immortal words: "Our Federal Union-it must be
preserved."
It is well in this solemn hour that we bow to Washington, Jefferson,
Jackson, and Lincoln as we face our destiny with its hopes and fears—
its burdens and its responsibilities. Out of the past we shall gather
wisdom and inspiration to chart our future course.
With our enemies vanquished we must gird ourselves for the work
that lies ahead. Peace has its victories no less hard won than success
at arms. We must not fail or falter. We must strive without ceasing to
make real the prophecy of Isaiah: "They shall beat their swords into
plowshares and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up
sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."
In this day, whether it be far or near, the Kingdoms of this world
shall become indeed the Kingdom of God and He will reign forever
and ever, Lord of Lords and King of Kings. With that message I
wish my countrymen a Merry Christmas and joyous days in the New
Year.
228 Letters to the Members of the Board of Directors on the
Termination of the Smaller War Plants Corporation.
December 27, I945
[ Released December 27, 1945. Dated November I, 1945 ]
Dear Maury:
As you know, in line with my reorganization plans, the Smaller War
Plants Corporation's functions are being transferred to other agencies.
But there is one more job I would like for you to do for small business.
It is in connection with little business in world trade.
Sometime ago I authorized you to take a trip to the countries of the
Pacific. The purpose of the Mission was to make a report to me con-
cerning the development of small business in these countries and the
possibility of stimulating international trade between them and small
businesses at home. Particularly, I am interested in the development of
American small business in the field of international trade.
585
122. Christmas Eve Address to the Nation
122. Christmas Eve Address to the Nation
NOTE: For the official statement on
74, 76, 77, and 78, 1941 volume;
the Atlantic Charter, and subse-
they know how anxious we are to have them - and how deter-
Item 82, 1942 volume; Item go, 1943
quent comments by the President
volume; and Item 120, this volume.
mined every one of us is to make their day of home-coming as
on the Atlantic Charter, sec Items
early as possible. And - above all - they know the determina-
tion of all right-thinking people and Nations, that Christmases
such as those that we have known in these years of world tragedy
122
Christmas Eve Address to the Nation.
shall not come again to beset the souls of the children of God.
This generation has passed through many recent years of deep
December 24, 1944
darkness, watching the spread of the poison of Hitlerism and
Ir IS NOT easy to say "Merry Christmas" to you, my fellow Amer-
Fascism in Europe - the growth of imperialism and militarism
in Japan - and the final clash of war all over the world. Then
icans, in this time of destructive war. Nor can I say "Merry
Christmas" lightly tonight to our armed forces at their battle
came the dark days of the fall of France, and the ruthless bomb-
ing of England, and the desperate battle of the Atlantic, and of
stations all over the world - or to our allies who fight by their
side.
Pearl Harbor and Corregidor and Singapore.
Since then the prayers of good men and women and children
Here, at home, we will celebrate this Christmas Day in our
the world over have been answered. The tide of battle has
traditional American way - because of its deep spiritual mean-
ing to us; because the teachings of Christ are fundamental in our
turned, slowly but inexorably, against those who sought to de-
stroy civilization.
lives; and because we want our youngest generation to grow up
On this Christmas day, we cannot yet say when our victory
knowing the significance of this tradition and the story of the
coming of the immortal Prince of Peace and Good Will. But, in
will come. Our enemies still fight fanatically. They still have
perhaps every home in the United States, sad and anxious
reserves of men and military power. But, they themselves know
thoughts will be continually with the millions of our loved ones
that they and their evil works are doomed. We may hasten the
day of their doom if we here at home continue to do our full
who are suffering hardships and misery, and who are risking
share.
their very lives to preserve for us and for all mankind the fruits
of His teachings and the foundations of civilization itself.
And we pray that that day may come soon. We pray that until
then, God will protect our gallant men and women in the uni-
The Christmas spirit lives tonight in the bitter cold of the
forms of the United Nations - that He will receive into His
ront lines in Europe and in the heat of the jungles and swamps
of Burma and the Pacific islands. Even the roar of our bombers
infinite grace those who make their supreme sacrifice in the
cause of righteousness, in the cause of love of Him and His
and fighters in the air and the guns of our ships at sea will not
teachings.
lrown out the messages of Christmas which come to the hearts
of our fighting men. The thoughts of these men tonight will
We pray that with victory will come a new day of peace on
earth in which all the Nations of the earth will join together for
urn to us here at home around our Christmas trees, surrounded
all time. That is the spirit of Christmas, the holy day. May that
»y our children and grandchildren and their Christmas stockings
nd gifts - just as our own thoughts go out to them, tonight and
spirit live and grow throughout the world in all the years to
come.
very night, in their distant places.
We all know how anxious they are to be home with us, and
444
445
138. Christmas Eve Fireside Chat on International Conferences
Conference
you learn! I made one glass of vodka that big - (indicating
e trips through
a two-inch width with his fingers) last for about twenty
toasts - just about. (Laughter)
to the Russian
ere, and it was
NOTE: See Item 134 and note, this
For accounts of the Cairo and
volume, for the President's state-
Teheran Conferences, see Items
hat none of the
ment on the death of Marvin H.
128, 129, 138, and notes, this vol-
example.
McIntyre.
ume.
re are hundreds
:, and I suppose
uld get all three
138 "Keep Us Strong in Our Faith That
And of course, if
1 guess the time
We Fight for a Better Day for Humankind"
can get German
- Christmas Eve Fireside Chat on Teheran
/ easily.
11 us about Gen-
and Cairo Conferences. December 24, 1943
im, and General
My friends:
with me. I think
I HAVE recently returned from extensive journeyings in the
a piece, stick in
region of the Mediterranean and as far as the borders of Russia.
coln] who had a
I have conferred with the leaders of Britain and Russia and
commander for
China on military matters of the present - especially on plans
for stepping up our successful attack on our enemies as quickly
he was very suc-
as possible and from many different points of the compass.
On this Christmas Eve there are over 10,000,000 men in the
le President and
armed forces of the United States alone. One year ago 1,700,000
were serving overseas. Today, this figure has been more than
the answer.
doubled to 3,800,000 on duty overseas. By next July 1 that num-
of those dinners
ber overseas will rise to over 5,000,000 men and women.
That this is truly a world war was demonstrated to me when
had one banquet
arrangements were being made with our overseas broadcasting
ery good dinner,
agencies for the time to speak today to our soldiers, sailors,
ts, and I counted
marines, and merchant seamen in every part of the world. In
aughter) And we
fixing the time for this broadcast, we took into consideration that
ng what you can
at this moment here in the United States, and in the Caribbean
and on the northeast coast of South America, it is afternoon. In
Alaska and in Hawaii and the mid-Pacific, it is still morning. In
ces like Teheran,
553
138. Christmas Eve Fireside Chat on International Conferences
138. Christmas Eve Fireside Chat on International Conferences
Iceland, in Great Britain, in North Africa, in Italy and the Mid-
A great beginning was made in the Moscow Conference last
dle East, it is now evening.
October by Mr. Molotov, Mr. Eden, and our own Mr. Hull.
In the Southwest Pacific, in Australia, in China and Burma and
There and then the way was paved for the later meetings.
India, it is already Christmas Day. So we can correctly say that at
At Cairo and Teheran we devoted ourselves not only to mili-
this moment, in those Far Eastern parts where Americans are
tary matters; we devoted ourselves also to consideration of the
fighting, today is tomorrow.
future - to plans for the kind of world which alone can justify
But everywhere throughout the world - throughout this war
all the sacrifices of this war.
that covers the world there is a special spirit that has warmed
Of course, as you all know, Mr. Churchill and I have happily
our hearts since our earliest childhood - a spirit that brings us
met many times before, and we know and understand each other
close to our homes, our families, our friends and neighbors - -
very well. Indeed, Mr. Churchill has become known and be-
the Christmas spirit of "peace on earth, good will toward men."
loved by many millions of Americans, and the heartfelt prayers
It is an unquenchable spirit.
of all of us have been with this great citizen of the world in his
During the past years of international gangsterism and brutal
recent serious illness.
aggression in Europe and in Asia, our Christmas celebrations
The Cairo and Teheran Conferences, however, gave me my
have been darkened with apprehension for the future. We have
first opportunity to meet the Generalissimo, Chiang Kai-shek,
said, "Merry Christmas - - Happy New Year," but we have known
and Marshal Stalin and to sit down at the table with these un-
in our hearts that the clouds which have hung over our world
conquerable men and talk with them face to face. We had
have prevented us from saying it with full sincerity and convic-
planned to talk to each other across the table at Cairo and Tehe-
tion.
ran; but we soon found that we were all on the same side of the
table. We came to the Conferences with faith in each other. But
And even this year, we still have much to face in the way of
further suffering, and sacrifice, and personal tragedy. Our men,
we needed the personal contact. And now we have supplemented
who have been through the fierce battles in the Solomons, the
faith with definite knowledge.
Gilberts, Tunisia, and Italy know, from their own experience and
It was well worth traveling thousands of miles over land and
knowledge of modern war, that many bigger and costlier battles
sea to bring about this personal meeting, and to gain the heart-
are still to be fought.
ening assurance that we are absolutely agreed with one another
But - on Christmas Eve this year I can say to you that at last
on all the major objectives and on the military means of
we may look forward into the future with real, substantial con-
attaining them.
fidence that, however great the cost, "peace on earth, good will
At Cairo, Prime Minister Churchill and I spent four days with
toward men" can be and will be realized and insured. This year
the Generalissimo, Chiang Kai-shek. It was the first time that we
I can say that. Last year I could not do more than express a hope.
had an opportunity to go over the complex situation in the Far
Today I express a certainty - though the cost may be high and
East with him personally. We were able not only to settle upon
the time may be long.
definite military strategy, but also to discuss certain long-range
Within the past year within the past few weeks history has
principles which we believe can assure peace in the Far East for
been made, and it is far better history for the whole human race
many generations to come.
than any that we have known, or even dared to hope for, in
Those principles are as simple as they are fundamental. They
these tragic times through which we pass.
involve the restoration of stolen property to its rightful owners,
555
554
138. Christmas Eve Fireside Chat on International Conferences
138. Christmas Eve Fireside Chat on International Conferences
and the recognition of the rights of millions of people in the Far
with the winning of the war and the establishment of a durable
East to build up their own forms of self-government without
peace after the war.
molestation. Essential to all peace and security in the Pacific and
Within three days of intense and consistently amicable dis-
in the rest of the world is the permanent elimination of the
cussions, we agreed on every point concerned with the launching
Empire of Japan as a potential force of aggression. Never again
of a gigantic attack upon Germany.
must our soldiers and sailors and marines - and other soldiers,
The Russian Army will continue its stern offensives on Ger-
sailors, and marines - be compelled to fight from island to island
many's eastern front, the Allied armies in Italy and Africa will
as they are fighting so gallantly and so successfully today.
bring relentless pressure on Germany from the south, and now
Increasingly powerful forces are now hammering at the Japa-
the encirclement will be complete as great American and British
nese at many points over an enormous arc which curves down
forces attack from other points of the compass.
through the Pacific from the Aleutians to the jungles of Burma.
The Commander selected to lead the combined attack from
Our own Army and Navy, our Air Forces, the Australians and
these other points is General Dwight D. Eisenhower. His per-
New Zealanders, the Dutch, and the British land, air, and sea
formances in Africa, in Sicily, and in Italy have been brilliant.
forces are all forming a band of steel which is slowly but surely
He knows by practical and successful experience the way to
closing in on Japan.
coordinate air, sea, and land power. All of these will be under
On the mainland of Asia, under the Generalissimo's leader-
his control. Lieutenant General Carl D. Spaatz will command the
ship, the Chinese ground and air forces augmented by American
entire American strategic bombing force operating against Ger-
air forces are playing a vital part in starting the drive which will
many.
push the invaders into the sea.
General Eisenhower gives up his command in the Mediter-
Following out the military decisions at Cairo, General Mar-
ranean to a British officer whose name is being announced by
shall has just flown around the world and has had conferences
Mr. Churchill. We now pledge that new Commander that our
with General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz - conferences
powerful ground, sea, and air forces in the vital Mediterranean
which will spell plenty of bad news for the Japs in the not too far
area will stand by his side until every objective in that bitter
distant future.
theater is attained.
Both of these new Commanders will have American and
I met in the Generalissimo a man of great vision, great courage,
British subordinate Commanders whose names will be announced
and a remarkably keen understanding of the problems of today
and tomorrow. We discussed all the manifold military plans for
in a few days.
striking at Japan with decisive force from many directions, and
During the last two days at Teheran, Marshal Stalin, Mr.
Churchill, and I looked ahead to the days and months and years
I believe I can say that he returned to Chungking with the posi-
that will follow Germany's defeat. We were united in determina-
tive assurance of total victory over our common enemy. Today
tion that Germany must be stripped of her military might and
we and the Republic of China are closer together than ever be-
be given no opportunity within the foreseeable future to regain
fore in deep friendship and in unity of purpose.
that might.
After the Cairo Conference, Mr. Churchill and I went by air-
The United Nations have no intention to enslave the German
plane to Teheran. There we met with Marshal Stalin. We talked
people. We wish them to have a normal chance to develop, in
with complete frankness on every conceivable subject connected
peace, as useful and respectable members of the European fam-
556
557
138. Christmas Eve Fireside Chat on International Conferences
138. Christmas Eve Fireside Chat on International Conferences
sense policy- that the right of each Nation to freedom must be
ily. But we most certainly emphasize that word "respectable"-
measured by the willingness of that Nation to fight for freedom.
for we intend to rid them once and for all of Nazism and Prus-
And today we salute our unseen allies in occupied countries -
sian militarism and the fantastic and disastrous notion that they
the underground resistance groups and the armies of liberation.
constitute the "master race."
They will provide potent forces against our enemies, when the
We did discuss international relationships from the point of
view of big, broad objectives, rather than details. But on the basis
day of the counter-invasion comes.
Through the development of science the world has become so
of what we did discuss, I can say even today that I do not think
much smaller that we have had to discard the geographical yard-
any insoluble differences will arise among Russia, Great Britain,
sticks of the past. For instance, through our early history the
and the United States.
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were believed to be walls of safety foi
In these conferences we were concerned with basic principles
the United States. Time and distance made it physically pos
principles which involve the security and the welfare and the
sible, for example, for us and for the other American Republic
standard of living of human beings in countries large and small.
to obtain and maintain our independence against infinitel
To use an American and somewhat ungrammatical colloquial-
stronger powers. Until recently very few people, even militar
ism, I may say that I "got along fine" with Marshal Stalin. He is
experts, thought that the day would ever come when we migh
a man who combines a tremendous, relentless determination
have to defend our Pacific coast against Japanese threats of in
with a stalwart good humor. I believe he is truly representative
vasion.
of the heart and soul of Russia; and I believe that we are going
At the outbreak of the first World War relatively few peop
to get along very well with him and the Russian people- very
thought that our ships and shipping would be menaced by Ge
well indeed.
man submarines on the high seas or that the German militaris
Britain, Russia, China, and the United States and their allies
would ever attempt to dominate any Nation outside of centi
represent more than three-quarters of the total population of the
earth. As long as these four Nations with great military power
Europe. After the Armistice in 1918, we thought and hoped that 1
stick together in determination to keep the peace there will be
militaristic philosophy of Germany had been crushed; and bei
no possibility of an aggressor Nation arising to start another world
full of the milk of human kindness we spent the next twe
war.
years disarming, while the Germans whined so pathetically t}
But those four powers must be united with and cooperate with
the other Nations permitted them - and even helped then
all the freedom-loving peoples of Europe, and Asia, and Africa,
to rearm.
and the Americas. The rights of every Nation, large or small,
For too many years we lived on pious hopes that aggressor a
must be respected and guarded as jealously as are the rights of
warlike Nations would learn and understand and carry out
every individual within our own Republic.
doctrine of purely voluntary peace.
The doctrine that the strong shall dominate the weak is the
The well-intentioned but ill-fated experiments of former y
doctrine of our enemies - and we reject it.
did not work. It is my hope that we will not try them again. N
But, at the same time, we are agreed that if force is necessary to
that is putting it too weakly- it is my intention to do all th:
keep international peace, international force will be applied-
humanly can as President and Commander in Chief to see 1
for as long as it may be necessary.
that these tragic mistakes shall not be made again.
It has been our steady policy - and it is certainly a common-
559
558
138. Christmas Eve Fireside Chat on International Conferences
138. Christmas Eve Fireside Chat on International Conferences
There have always been cheerful idiots in this country who
evidences of their military genius that cannot be published
believed that there would be no more war for us if everybody
in America would only return into their homes and lock their
today. Some of our men overseas are now spending their third Christ-
front doors behind them. Assuming that their motives were of
mas far from home. To them and to all others overseas or soon
the highest, events have shown how unwilling they were to face
to go overseas, I can give assurance that it is the purpose of their
the facts.
Government to win this war and to bring them home at the
The overwhelming majority of, all the people in the world
earliest possible time.
want peace. Most of them are fighting for the attainment of
We here in the United States had better be sure that when our
peace - not just a truce, not just an armistice - but peace that
soldiers and sailors do come home they will find an America in
is as strongly enforced and as d'urable as mortal man can make
which they are given full opportunities for education, and re-
it. If we are willing to fight for peace now, is it not good logic
habilitation, social security, and employment and business enter-
that we should use force if necessary, in the future, to keep the
prise under the free American system - and that they will find
peace?
a Government which, by their votes as American citizens, they
I believe, and I think I can say, that the other three great
have had a full share in electing.
Nations who are fighting so magnificently to gain peace are in
The American people have had every reason to know that this
complete agreement that we must be prepared to keep the peace
is a tough and destructive war. On my trip abroad, I talked with
by force. If the people of Germany and Japan are made to realize
many military men who had faced our enemies in the field.
thoroughly that the world is not going to let them break out
These hardheaded realists testify to the strength and skill and
again, it is possible, and, I hope, probable, that they will abandon
resourcefulness of the enemy generals and men whom we must
the philosophy of aggression - the belief that they can gain the
beat before final victory is won. The war is now reaching the
whole world even at the risk of losing their own souls.
stage where we shall all have to look forward to large casualty
I shall have more to say about the Cairo and Teheran Confer-
lists - dead, wounded, and missing.
ences when I make my report to the Congress in about two
War entails just that. There is no easy road to victory. And the
weeks' time. And, on that occasion, I shall also have a great deal
end is not yet in sight.
to say about certain conditions here at home.
I have been back only for a week. It is fair that I should tell
But today I wish to say that in all my travels, at home and
you my impression. I think I see a tendency in some of our
abroad, it is the sight of our soldiers and sailors and their magnifi-
people here to assume a quick ending of the war - that we have
cent achievements which have given me the greatest inspiration
already gained the victory. And, perhaps as a result of this false
and the greatest encouragement for the future.
reasoning, I think I discern an effort to resume or even encour-
To the members of our armed forces, to their wives, mothers,
age an outbreak of partisan thinking and talking. I hope I am
and fathers, I want to affirm the great faith and confidence that
wrong. For, surely, our first and most foremost tasks are all con-
we have in General Marshall and in Admiral King, who direct
cerned with winning the war and winning a just peace that will
all of our armed might throughout the world. Upon them falls
last for generations.
the great responsibility of planning the strategy of determining
The massive offensives which are in the making - both in
where and when we shall fight. Both of these men have already
Europe and the Far East - will require every ounce of energy
gained high places in American history, which will record many
and fortitude that we and our allies can summon on the fighting
560
561
138. Christmas Eve Fireside Chat on International Conferences
139. Seizure and Operation of the Railroads
fronts and in all the workshops at home. As I have said before,
the natural message of Christmas -
Cairo and Teheran Conferences, see
you cannot order up a great attack on a Monday and demand
peace on earth, good will toward
Items 128, 129, 137, and notes, this
men.
volume.
that it be delivered on Saturday.
For additional accounts of the
Less than a month ago I flew in a big Army transport plane
over the little town of Bethlehem, in Palestine.
Tonight, on Christmas Eve, all men and women everywhere
139 Presidential Statement and Executive
who love Christmas are thinking of that ancient town and of the
star of faith that shone there more than nineteen centuries ago.
Order on the Seizure and Operation of the
American boys are fighting today in snow-covered mountains,
Railroads. Executive Order No. 94¹².
in malarial jungles, on blazing deserts; they are fighting on the
far stretches of the sea and above the clouds, and fighting for
December 27, 1943
the thing for which they struggle. I think it is best symbolized by
The President's statement:
the message that came out of Bethlehem.
On behalf of the American people - your own people - I send
RAILROAD strikes by three Brotherhoods have been ordered for
this Christmas message to you who are in our armed forces:
next Thursday. I cannot wait until the last moment to take ac-
In our hearts are prayers for you and for all your comrades in
tion to see that the supplies to our fighting men are not inter-
arms who fight to rid the world of evil.
rupted. I am accordingly obliged to take over at once temporary
We ask God's blessing upon you - upon your fathers, mothers,
possession and control of the railroads to insure their continued
wives and children - all your loved ones at home.
operation. The Government will expect every railroad man to
We ask that the comfort of God's grace shall be granted to
continue at his post of duty. The major military offensives now
those who are sick and wounded, and to those who are prisoners
planned must not be delayed by the interruption of vital trans-
of war in the hands of the enemy, waiting for the day when they
portation facilities. If any employees of the railroads now strike,
will again be free.
they will be striking against the Government of the United
And we ask that God receive and cherish those who have given
States.
their lives, and that He keep them in honor and in the grateful
The Executive Order:
memory of their countrymen forever.
God bless all of you who fight our battles on this Christ-
WHEREAS the continuous operation of transportation service in
mas Eve.
the Nation is necessary for the movement of troops, materials
God bless us all. Keep us strong in our faith that we fight for
of war, necessary passenger traffic, and supplies and food for the
a better day for humankind - here and everywhere.
armed forces and the civilian population, and is otherwise es-
NOTE: Although Congressional
wanted to make his report in con-
sential to the successful prosecution of the war; and
leaders wanted the President to
nection with Christmas Eve at Hyde
WHEREAS the continuous operation of some transportation sys-
make his report on the Teheran
Park. He foresaw the early possi-
tems is threatened by strikes called to commence on December
and Cairo Conferences in person in
bility of an organization which
the form of a message to the Con-
would keep world peace, and he
30, 1943;
gress, the President said that he
wanted to tie in that objective with
Now, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me by
562
563
135. Christmas Eve Message
135
The President's Christmas Eve Message.
They have few
December 24, 1942
them to know th
war - essential to
THIS year I am speaking on Christmas Eve not to this gathering
forgotten them.
at the White House only but to all of the citizens of our Nation,
It is significant
to the men and women serving in our American armed forces
and factories will
and also to those who wear the uniforms of the other United
we have long bee
Nations.
days work goes or
I give you a message of cheer. I cannot say "Merry Christ-
So Christmas b.
mas" - for I think constantly of those thousands of soldiers and
I like to think
sailors who are in actual combat throughout the world - but I
May all it stands f
can express to you my thought that this is a happier Christmas
than last year in the sense that the forces of darkness stand
against us with less confidence in the success of their evil ways.
To you who toil in industry for the common cause of helping
to win the war, I send a message of cheer - that you can well
continue to sacrifice without recrimination and with a look of
Christmas cheer - a kindly spirit toward your fellow men.
To you who serve in uniform I also send a message of cheer -
that you are in the thoughts of your families and friends at
home, and that Christmas prayers follow you wherever you
may be.
To all Americans I say that loving our neighbor as we love
ourselves is not enough - that we as a Nation and as individuals
will please God best by showing regard for the laws of God.
There is no better way of fostering good will toward man than
by first fostering good will toward God. If we love Him we will
keep His Commandments.
In sending Christmas greetings to the armed forces and mer-
chant sailors of the United Nations we include therein our
pride in their bravery on the fighting fronts and on all the
seas. But we remember in our greetings and in our pride those
other men who guard remote islands and bases and will, in all
probability, never come into active combat with the common
enemy. They are stationed in distant places far from home.
532
135. Christmas Eve Message
e Message.
They have few contacts with the outside world, and I want
them to know that their work is essential to the conduct of the
war - essential to the ultimate victory - and that we have not
to this gathering
forgotten them.
ns of our Nation,
It is significant that tomorrow - Christmas Day - our plants
can armed forces
and factories will be stilled. That is not true of the other holidays
he other United
we have long been accustomed to celebrate. On all other holi-
days work goes on - gladly - for the winning of the war.
y "Merry Christ-
So Christmas becomes the only holiday in all the year.
is of soldiers and
I like to think that this is so because Christmas is a holy day.
he world - but I
May all it stands for live and grow throughout the years.
appier Christmas
f darkness stand
of their evil ways.
1 cause of helping
hat you can well
d with a look of
fellow men.
nessage of cheer - -
es and friends at
ou wherever you
ghbor as we love
and as individuals
the laws of God.
toward man than
love Him we will
d forces and mer-
lude therein our
:s and on all the
n our pride those
es and will, in all
with the common
$ far from home.
533
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
There was something very democratic
In the choral singing in the White
House grounds at 9 o'olock. President
and Mrs. Coolidge, with their guests,
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
gathered In the north porch, where, Led
by the First Congregational Church
NEW YORK TIMES
choir, the people sang the songs the
December 25, 1923
millar to all. Probably 8,000 joined to
the singing. while as many more were
attentive listeners.
6,000 Gather There for Celebra-
The hymns sung by the choir and
crowd were:
tion at the President's
"O Come, All Ye Faithful," "Drew
Nigh. Immanuel," "A Virgin Une
Invitation.
spotted." "God Rest Yo. Merry Gentle-
men." "O Little Town of Bethlehem."
"The Shepherd's Christmas Bong."
"The Three Kings." "The First Noël,"
and maybe a note there's
"NATION'S TREE" IS LIGHTED
"Joy to the World," "O Holy Night."
"Sleep. Holy Babe," "Holy Night,
Peaceful Night," and "Hark, the Herald
Angels Sing."
A little after the close of the White
Glant Fir From Vermont Blazes
House carol-singing the negro residents
Out at Touch of White
of Washington assembled at the com-
munity tree on the ellipse and at mid-
me
House Button.
night conducted impressive services. The
trad.
Amphion Club. a chorus from the com-
munity centres. sang carols around the
tree. As the services progressed an
COOLIDGE GREETS WOUNDED
illuminated cross was flashed on the
Washington Monument. and shepherds
marched to the cross.
Mrs. Coolidge did not forget the city's
Sends Message of Cheer to Disabled
poor. She visited the Salvation Army's
N
Veterans, Assuring Them
headquarters and personally assisted to
giving Christmas baskets to the needy.
of Country's Care.
Simplicity will mark the celebration
of Christmas in the White House to
morrow. President and Mrs. Coolidge
with. their two sons will attend the
Special to The New York Times
morning services in the First Congrega-
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24. Presidem)
tional Church and have a family dinner
and Mrs. Coolidge, in their first Christ-
later. at which there will be two guests,
mas Eve in the White House, invited
Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Stearns of
Boston. White House visitors. The for
Washingtonians to sing carola in the
mer is the intimate friend of the Pres-
White House grounds, the invitation
Ident who started him on his political
being the first of the kind ever given by
career in Massachusetts.
the head of the nation.
This gathering of from 5,000 to 6,000 to
The 50,000 Federal workers received
the White House enclosure was the atle
their pay checks today, a gift from the
max of the evening's celebration. Christ-
United States Santa Claus, who ad-
mas spirit pervaded the national ospital
vanced the pay day one week. Then
most of the day. The President decreed
came the celebration on the ellipse and
in the White House grounds.
a half holiday for the 50,000 Federal -
ployes. and at noon these workers
Christmas greetings were sent by the
swarmed into the stores and invaded the
President today to the American voe.
markets, emerging laden with greenery
erans who were disabled in the World
and red berries from the hills of YM
War. The President assured the ex-
soldiers that the nation would remember
ginia.
As the sun sank below the Potemas
its obligations to them. The letter. which
the President touched a button which
was sent to the Organization of Dia
abled American Veterans, follows:
lighted up the nation's Christmas trea
"My warm felicitations and cordial
The giant fir from his native Vermons
wishes go to the war's disabled at this
instantly blased with myriad electrics
which shone through tinsels and rods,
Christmas time. The heart of America
while those who surrounded this com-
is with those who made the great me-
rifice in defense of our ideals. Whether
munity tree, qhildren and grown-ups,
cheered and sang.
you continue in the hospitals fighting
The crowds on foot were augmented
for recovery or are battling to re-
establish yourself in civil pursuits, the
by thousands who came in motor case,
and to the music of the singers was
nation will be mindful of its obligations
added the discord of horns. For hours
to those so honorably stricken. Regard-
the people thronged to the ellipse, which
less of some irritations in the function-
ing of agencies charged with your relief.
was dark except in the spot where the
tree stood, its brilliancy heightened by
we are conscious of the duty toward
the maimed and encouraged by the com-
a searchlight which shea its rays from
tinued improvement for their rellef.
the Washington Monument overlook-
"I am confident that the fortitude
ing IL
that commanded for you the admiration
Just as the expectant little ones were
of the world will not falter during your
looking for the appearance of Santa
struggle for physical and vocational re-
Claus himself, the Epiphany Church
habilitation. That the coming year will
choir broke into song, and for three-
mark the utmost possible restoration
quarters of an hour the crowd listened
of health. happiness and fortune is
to Christmas carols. Later in the
the devout hope of the Republic for all
evening the Marine Band played ADDRESS
of you
CALVIN COOLIDGE"
priate selections.
NEW YORK TIMES December 13, 1923'
MIDDLEBURY SENDS
TREE TO COOLIDGE
College's Gift Will Be Erected
Near the White House as
'National Christmas Tree.
Special to The New York Times.
MIDDLEBURY. Vt., Dec. 12.-A tree
given to President Coolidge by Middle-
bury College for use as a "National
Christmas Tree" was loaded into a spe-
rial car here today. This tree, cut In
the heart of the Green Mountains, will
be presented by the college to the Presi-
dent as coming from his native State.-
When It arrives In Washington the tree
will be crected upon the ellipse Immedi-
ately back of the White House. Nightly
from Christmas Rive to New Year's Eve
it will be Illuminated by nearly 3,000
electric bulbs. There will be special
ceremonies on a number of the evenings
of the holiday week. particularly on
Christmas Eye. when 3,000 school chil-
dren, accompanied by the Marine Corps
Band. will sing carols.
Paul D. Moody. President of Middle-
hury College. swung the axe for the first
blows In the fell BE of the tree. With
him were Colonel Theodore S Woolsey
of the Hoard of Trustees of the college.
and C. 1: Wells of the Society for Elec-
trical Des elopment
NUV n as 11:20 FRUM UC NELH BLDG331 151 r
PHGE. 006
GE Lighting
General Electric Company
Nela Park Cleveland, OH 44112
LAST
YEAR
11/27
Mrs.
Bush
will tup
Contact:
Heide Aungst
,Tree
Telephone: (216) 266-2818 (office)
(216) 228-4723 (home)
or
Frunk LaGuusa
Contact:
John Betchkal
Telephone: (216) 266-8954 (office)
216-266-2140
(216) 321-4143 (home)
216-932-5197
For Immediate Release
NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE
TO FEATURE 'THOUSAND POINTS OF LIGHT'
"A Thousand Points of Light" will be featured on the 1989
National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. President George
Bush will turn on the tree December 14 at the annual Pageant of
Peace ceremony on the Ellipse across from The White House.
"The 'Thousand Points of Light' design reflects the spirit of
volunteerism expressed by the President," explained tree
La-Guy-sa
designer Frank LaGiusa, senior lighting specialist, GE
Lighting, Cleveland, Ohio. "The white stars will be lighted
constantly, symbolizing the untiring efforts of volunteers
throughout the nation. The thousand white stars will be placed
approximately two feet apart to keep the points distinct.
-970m-
PROM GC NCLA BLDOGG! 131
PHGE 003
Add One
"The background lighting will cross-fade from red to blue,
producing an overall impact of red, white and blue. In
addition to the 1,000 white lighted stars, the tree will have
1,500 red lights and 2,500 blue lights," said LaGiusa. He said
hundreds of red and blue ball-shaped ornaments will add color
to the tree for daytime viewing. This is the 14th year he has
designed the tree.
A five-pointed luminous star, about 30-inches in diameter,
will top the 33-foot blue spruce. Surrounding the national
tree are 57 smaller trees, which represent the individual
states, territories and the District of Columbia. Each tree
will be lighted with a small floodlight and clear GE midget
lights.
This is the 27th year that GE has contributed the design,
lighting and decorations for the national tree.
For more information about the Pageant of Peace, contact
the National Park Service at (202) 485-9666.
-30-
NUV J 11:27
FRUM GE NELH BLDG331 151 F
PAGE 004
National Christmas Tree-Program draft
For 27 years, GE has contributed the design, lighting and
decorations for the national tree. This year's tree features "A
Thousand Points of Light," emphasizing President Bush's
commitment to the spirit of volunteerism. The tree has 5,000 lights,
including 1,000 star-shaped, white-lighted ornaments which shine
through a background alternately lighted red and blue.
"The white stars are lighted constantly, symbolizing the
untiring efforts of volunteers throughout the nation," explained
Frank LaGiusa, senior lighting specialist, GE Lighting, Cleveland, Ohio.
"The thousand white stars are placed approximately two feet apart to
keep the points distinct. The background cross-fades from red to
blue lighting, producing an overall impact, with the stars, of red,
white and blue," said LaGiusa. The tree uses 1,500 red lights and
2,500 blue lights. Hundreds of red and blue ball-shaped ornaments
add color to the tree for daytime viewing.
A five-pointed luminous star, about 30-inches in diameter, tops
the 33-foot blue spruce. Surrounding the national tree are 57
smaller trees, each lighted with a small floodlight and clear GE
midget lights. The trees represent the individual states, territories
and the District of Columbia.
This is the 14th year LaGiusa has designed the tree, having
decorated trees which were lighted by Presidents Reagan, Carter and
Ford.
THE OF INTERIOR
TAKE
United States Department of the Interior
PRIDEIN
AMERICA
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING
Reclamation and Enforcement
March
3.
1849
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
December 5, 1990
Mr. Ed McNally
Speechwriter
Office of Speechwriting
OEOB-126
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. McNally:
I have enclosed some additional information about coal mine
reclamation in the United States for your perusal. We are very
proud of the environmental progress made in recent years by the
coal industry in restoring the land to its pre-mining condition or,
in some cases, making it even it more productive.
The use of Scotch pines grown on reclaimed coal mine land for the
National Christmas Pageant of Peace is yet another success story.
We are hoping this effort comes to the President's attention as
part of the tree-lighting ceremony. The environmental message is
quite clear--as Secretary Lujan said: "These trees are proof that
we can mine coal resources and then restore the land to productive
use. "
If you have any questions, please call me at 208-2542.
Sincerely,
Havals. Marks
Howard S. Marks
Special Assistant to the
Director
Howard S. Marks
Enclosure
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING
U.S. DEPT. OF THE INTERIOR
2542
202-208-2659 OFFICE
135
MAIL STOP 233
202-842-3771 FAX
WASHINGTON, DC
8-268-2659 FTS
20240
SURFACE COAL MINING RECLAMATION:
10 YEARS OF PROGRESS, 1977-1987
A report on the protection of the Nation's land and water resources under Title V of the
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
United States Department of the Interior
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Donald Paul Hodel, Secretary
J. Steven Griles, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Jed D. Christensen, Director
COVER PHOTO: When reclamation is successfully completed, the land closely resembles the landscape before mining. This
Oswego, Kansas, mining operation disrupted the landowner's agricultural operations for only a short time.
SURFACE COAL MINING RECLAMATION:
10 YEARS OF PROGRESS, 1977-1987
A report on the protection of the Nation's land and water resources under Title V of the
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
OF THE INTERIOR
March
1849
United States Department of the Interior
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
Washington, D.C.
August 3, 1987
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, D.C. 20402
FOREWORD
In 1967, the Interior Department published a special report, "Surface Mining and Our Environment," describing
the environmental side effects of mineral production in the United States by surface extraction methods. In 1977,
the Interior Department began the task of regulating surface coal mine reclamation following enactment of na-
tional legislation that year. In 1987, acknowledging that much remains to be done, the Interior Department again
presents a special report describing how environmental protection and land reclamation have been built into the
process of coal mining in the United States, as required by the 1977 law.
Today, 10 years after Congress passed the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act into law, successful land
reclamation and environmental protection have become routine even though national production of coal has in-
creased approximately 30 percent.
Emerging from years of congressional debate, the Act was thought by many to be unworkable and an economic
disaster for the coal industry because of the increased costs of reclaiming surface mined lands. Instead, the coal
industry has generally met the challenge by utilizing ingenuity and state-of-the-art technology to operate suc-
cessfully and responsibly within the law. The result is clear, and it is a real American success story; surface coal
mining is now becoming truly a temporary use of the land. Even before surface coal mining ends in an area,
reclamation is taking place and the land is either being returned to its original shape and use, or it is being im-
proved for new uses that will benefit landowners and communities.
Implementation of the surface mining law by State and Federal agencies has not been easy. The technical prob-
lems of reclaiming surface mined land are complex, and the law enacted to protect the environment during min-
ing covers every aspect of mine operations. Many of the problems of irresponsible mining and reclamation
operators have attracted wide publicity, and little recognition has come to the majority of operators doing ex-
cellent reclamation and complying with the law. Although there are still violations, the tendency is toward fewer
of them as compliance becomes more widespread. Moreover, enforcement by State and Federal regulators is
bringing about reclamation of sites where there were uncorrected violations. Meanwhile, in reviewing the results
on reclaimed mine sites, it is clear that the surface mine law is working. Many photographs of reclaimed mine
sites in this report show no indication that surface mining ever occurred. The sites have been reclaimed and the
pictures show a landscape which is typical in rural areas throughout the country. This is the clearest evidence that
the basic intent of the law has been achieved without compromising coal production.
In the 10 years since passage of the law, more than 25,000 permits have been issued throughout the United States
for mining and reclamation operations that affect over 3.4 million acres, an area approximately the size of
Connecticut. The examples shown in this report represent only a small sample of the advances in standard mining
practices and the extent of successful reclamation that have taken place during the last 10 years. It is a picture of
achievement that Americans can take pride in, and that should reassure the residents of the coal-producing States
that they can enjoy the economic benefits of mining without sacrificing long-term environmental quality and
land productivity.
ii
CONTENTS
Page
Introduction
1
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
Performance standards
2
Permits
2
Bonds
2
Inspection and enforcement
2
Lands unsuitable for mining
2
Regulatory program implementation
Interim and permanent regulatory programs
3
State programs
3
Federal programs
3
Federal lands programs
3
Mining and reclamation today
Area mining
4
Contour mining
4
Mountaintop removal mining
5
Improved environmental protection: A national milestone achieved
Erosion and sedimentation control
8
Surface and ground water protection
12
Acid and toxic drainage prevention and treatment
14
Topsoil
16
Excess spoil disposal
18
Highwall elimination and return to approximate original contour
20
Postmining land use
22
Revegetation
28
Blasting and explosives
31
Wildlife restoration and enhancement
32
Mine waste disposal
35
Protecting historic and cultural resources
36
Roads
38
Remining
39
Appendixes
40
Glossary
Table I. Interim and permanent program permits issued, by mining type, 1977-86
42
Table II. Acreage under permit, by mining type, 1977-86
43
Table III. Acreage of reclamation bonds released, by bond type, 1977-86
44
References
46
iii
The first permanent program mining permit under the Act was issued in December 1980 by the Montana regulatory authority. The
permit authorized mining of a 1, 738-acre site by the Western Energy Co. in Colstrip, Montana. Today, with mining completed, the
site has been returned to grazing land that is being used by a local rancher.
iv
INTRODUCTION
Surface mining of coal involves removing soil and rock that
and procedures for approving permits and inspecting current
overlie coalbeds in order to expose the coal. Compared to
surface coal mining and reclamation operations; and
underground coal mining, surface mining generally costs less, is
A reclamation program for abandoned mine lands, funded by
less dangerous for the miner, and usually results in more com-
fees that operators pay on each ton of coal mined, to reclaim
plete recovery of the coal. However, it also results in much more
land and water resources adversely affected by pre-Act coal
extensive disturbance of the land surface, a situtation that can
mining.
cause serious environmental problems unless the mined land is
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
carefully reclaimed.
(OSMRE) was created by the Act as a new Federal agency under
For many years reclamation of mine sites was not required by
the Secretary of the Interior to prepare the regulations for both
law, but as surface mining became more widespread during the
programs and to assist the States financially and technically. In
1930's the idea that reclamation would have to be mandatory
addition, the agency strives to achieve consistency among State
started to grow. In 1939 West Virginia enacted the first law to
programs and compliance with the law and regulations through
regulate the coal mining industry, followed by Indiana in 1941,
regular oversight of State program effectiveness.
Illinois in 1943, and Pennsylvania in 1945. During this period
coal production was greatly accelerated and surface mining of
This report deals with the accomplishments of the environmen-
coal became much more prevalent. The demand for coal during
tal protection regulatory program during the first 10 years of the
World War II took priority over reclamation concerns, and little
law. Another report, "Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation: 10
consideration was given to reclaiming the land after mining.
Years of Progress," describes the extensive accomplishments of
Dangerous highwalls were left exposed, trees and other vegeta-
the abandoned mine land reclamation program during the same
tion were buried by waste material dumped down the slopes
period. Information on the availability of both reports can be
below mines, topsoil was buried or washed away, landslides
obtained from the:
formed on the unstable hillsides, slopes eroded rapidly because
Public Affairs Office
of the lack of vegetation, bodies of polluted water formed in
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
mine pits, streams became clogged with sediment, and streams
1951 Constitution Ave., NW.
and rivers were frequently polluted by acid mine drainage. This
image of past surface coal mining remains vivid to many
Washington, DC 20240
Americans who are unfamiliar with the way surface coal mining
(202) 343-4953
is regularly done today.
Important terms commonly used to describe mining and
reclamation conditions or techniques appear in boldface type in
Following the wartime years, other coal-producing States in-
the text the first time they are used and are explained in the
stituted regulatory programs. Many required permits for min-
ing, some included inspections, and a few had operators post a
glossary. To facilitate the description of real, on-the-ground ac-
performance bond to ensure reclamation. However, due to the
complishments, photographs of actual reclamation have been
variations in these individual programs, it cost less to produce
used extensively. It should be noted that these photos are not of
coal in States with less stringent reclamation requirements and
isolated examples of successful reclamation; they show
gave operators in those States an economic advantage, generally
numerous examples of good reclamation, throughout the coun-
try, that are typical of reclamation currently being achieved
at the expense of environmental quality.
under the Act.
In some Western States, the 1970's saw a strong demand for coal
resulting from the Nation's need for increased electric power
generation and the uncertainty of petroleum-based fuels. This
increased demand resulted in a series of State laws aimed at con-
trolling the environmental effects of surface mining. States in-
cluding North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana
passed laws in the late 1960's and early 1970's.
The lack of uniformity in the State programs and the increase in
unreclaimed land and associated pollution of water and other
resources caused a growing demand for nationwide regulation
of surface coal mining, both to remove the economic inequities
and to ensure an acceptable standard of reclamation. After
many years of debate, Congress passed the Surface Mining Con-
trol and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), which was signed into law
August 3, 1977. The Act established a coordinated effort be-
tween the States and the Federal Government to prevent the
Tennessee Valley Authority
abuses that had characterized surface coal mining in the past.
The Act established a cooperative program between the States
The law also applies to surface disturbances created by
and the Federal Government to prevent the abuses of surface
underground mining.
coal mining that had prevailed in many areas. Prior to the Act
surface coal mining often left a barren, unreclaimed landscape
such as this view in eastern Tennessee. Although significant im-
Two major programs were created by the law:
provements in reclamation have occurred, many people incor-
An environmental protection program to establish standards
rectly envision today's surface coal mining as looking this way.
1
THE SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION AC"
The Act contains five principal regulatory provisions that form
Inspection and Enforcement
the basis for its implementation.
If a violation of the Act or State surface mining and reclamation
Performance Standards
laws is observed, the inspector issues a notice of violation to the
operator. The violation must be corrected within a specific time,
Performance standards are intended to ensure that all surface
and the operator may also have to pay a fine, the amount of
mining is conducted to protect the environment and the public
which is determined by the severity of the violation. If the viola-
during mining and to ensure that the mined land is restored to
tion is not corrected, a cessation order is issued that immediately
productive use following mining.
stops active coal mining, and the operator must pay a fine. If a
violation is especially serious, such as creating an imminent
Permits
danger to public health or safety or causing significant damage
to land, air, or water resources, the inspector immediately issues
Before anyone can develop a surface coal mine in the U.S., he or
a cessation order. A cessation order may also be issued if the
she must have a permit issued under the Act.
operator has a pattern of consistent violations. A public hearing
to discuss disputed issues may be requested by an operator who
An application for a permit to conduct a surface coal mining
believes that a notice of violation or a cessation order is not
operation is a detailed document that consists of descriptive text
justified.
and numeric data covering the site of proposed mining and
reclamation. Information must be furnished on premining con-
Lands Unsuitable For Mining
ditions and land use, mining methods to be used, timing for
each stage of mining and reclamation, how the requirements of
Congress recognized that certain coal deposits cannot be mined
each of the performance standards will be met, and the postmin-
without damaging unique cultural or natural resources. As a
ing land use. This site-specific data provides the regulatory
result, the Act includes protection of these resources in two
authority with the information necessary to determine that the
ways:
operation can be conducted in accordance with the performance
standards.
A prohibition of mining within the boundaries of national
parks, forests, wildlife refuges, trails, wild and scenic rivers,
Performance Bonds
wilderness and recreation areas, and sites listed on the Na-
tional Register of Historic Places, and within a restrictive
Before a permit can be granted, an operator must post a perfor-
distance of occupied dwellings, public roads, buildings, parks,
mance bond sufficient to cover the cost of reclaiming the site in
schools, churches, and cemeteries; and
the event reclamation is not completed by the operator. The
bond is not finally released until the revegetation of the site has
A process that allows anyone who may be adversely affected
been determined to be successful-after 5 years in the East and
by proposed mining to petition to designate specific lands as
Midwest, and after 10 years in the more arid West. However,
unsuitable for mining.
the bond can be partially released as various phases of reclama-
tion are completed.
When a Kansas mine operator went out of business, over 100
acres of unreclaimed mine spoil remained (below). The Nova
Energy Bonding Company, working with the Kansas regulatory
authority, reclaimed this site to productive hayland. Today,
water conservation practices, such as diversion terraces and per-
manent impoundments constructed during the reclamation,
have improved the land and created conditions that provide for
a viable long-term agricultural use (left).
Kansas Mined Land Conservation and Reclamation Board
2
REGULATORY PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
A primary objective of the Surface Mining Control and
terior, the State becomes the regulatory authority over surface
Reclamation Act is to establish uniform national standards for
mining of coal on private (non-Federal and non-Indian-owned)
reclaiming land after it has been disturbed by surface coal min-
lands within its borders. During the period February 1980 to
ing. In recognition of the wide range of topographic, climatic,
March 1983, 25 States developed legislation and regulations con-
and geologic conditions in coal-producing areas, Congress pro-
sistent with the Federal requirements and have been granted
vided that individual States may establish their own programs
regulatory authority.
for regulating surface coal mining and reclamation on private
lands.
Federal Programs
Interim and Permanent Regulatory
Both the Act and the regulatory program encourage and support
Programs
State authority over mining and reclamation. However, if a
State chooses not to develop its own program, the Office of Sur-
Congress recognized the importance of establishing regulations
face Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is required to
to implement the Act as quickly as possible, but it also recog-
regulate all surface coal mining and reclamation operations
nized that preparation of such complex regulations would be a
within that State. The agency is also required to regulate all such
lengthy process. Consequently, a two-tiered schedule was
operations if the State's proposal for a permanent program is
established. An abbreviated interim program was put in place
not approved by the Secretary of the Interior, or if the State
immediately, followed by a more extensive and detailed perma-
does not implement, enforce, or maintain its program ade-
nent regulatory program. The interim program regulations were
quately.
published in December 1977, and mine permits issued by States
Nine States with coal reserves have elected not to prepare a
after February 1978 had to conform with those regulations.
regulatory program. Of these, only Washington has active sur-
Regulatory provisions contained in the interim program in-
face coal mining. Tennessee repealed its regulatory program in
cluded 12 basic performance standards, continuation of existing
1984. Therefore, 10 States have Federal programs in effect. The
State permitting, bonding, and enforcement processes (if these
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement also
did not exist, they were not required), a Federal inspection fre-
regulates surface coal mining on Indian lands and will continue
quency of once every 6 months, and the prohibition of mining in
to do so until enactment of additional legislation authorizing
the specific areas listed in the Act.
Indian Tribes to assume regulatory authority. Meanwhile, the
agency provides technical and financial assistance to Indian
Permanent program regulations were published in March 1979,
Tribes in developing regulatory programs for tribal lands.
following extensive review and comment from the public and
the coal industry. The regulatory provisions in the permanent
program expanded those found in the interim program by in-
Federal Lands Programs
cluding implementation of all performance standards in the Act,
The Secretary of the Interior is required by the Act to implement
a new permitting process, requirement for performance bonds,
a program for all surface coal mining and reclamation on
increased inspection frequency of one per month, a new
federally owned land, a significant feature because the Federal
enforcement process, and a process of designating lands
Government owns major coal reserves. In the West, 60 percent
unsuitable for surface mining. The regulations for this program
of the 234 billion tons of identified coal reserves is federally
have been revised several times since 1979. More revisions will
owned. However, any State with an approved regulatory pro-
be made as new mining and reclamation techniques are
gram may enter into a cooperative agreement with the Secretary
developed. Such changes were anticipated by Congress, and a
of the Interior to regulate surface coal mining and reclamation
provision in the Act for experimental practices encourages ad-
on Federal lands within the State. Currently eight States have
vances in mining and reclamation techniques.
cooperative agreements to regulate mining and reclamation
operations on Federal land.
State Programs
States have the principal role in implementing the Act. For a
State to have authority for regulating coal mining operations it
must enact a program that demonstrates its capability to carry
out the provisions of the Act. Specifically, States are required
to:
Establish laws that are no less stringent than the Act and
regulate all critical aspects of surface coal mining and
reclamation operations;
Provide penalties for violations of the laws, regulations, or
permit conditions;
Create an agency with sufficient administrative and technical
personnel and adequate funding to operate the program; and
Establish a process for the effective implementation,
COAL RESERVES
maintenance, and enforcement of a permit system for all coal
STATES WITH REGULATORY AUTHORITY
mining operations.
STATES WITH REGULATORY AUTHORITY AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS
FEDERAL PROGRAMS
Once a State's program is approved by the Secretary of the In-
REGULATORY PROGRAM STATUS
3
MINING AND RECLAMATION TODAY
Mining and reclamation procedures that meet with the Act's re-
export.
quirements are illustrated on pages 6 and 7 for each of the three
major surface mining methods mining, contour mining,
The ridges formed by the dragline as it dumps the overburden
and mountaintop removal mining. The three methods involve
are regraded with bulldozers, and topsoil is spread to provide a
the same basic procedures: Clearing the land of trees and other
finished surface similar to the surface before mining. The land is
vegetation, removing the topsoil and overburden, mining the
then tilled using traditional farming methods and, as shown,
coal, and reclaiming the land. Although all three methods would
crop- and pastureland are reestablished. After reclamation is
not likely be seen in one view such as this, the mining and
completed, the productivity of the land will be similar to its pro-
reclamation methods can be compared to get a basic under-
ductivity before the mining operation began, and sometimes
standing of reclamation processes under the Act.
higher.
Area Mining
The area mining method is commonly used to mine coal in the
flat to moderately rolling terrain found principally in the
Western and Midwestern States. In this method, the overburden
is excavated down to a coal seam and then the mining area is
enlarged horizontally to expose and remove the coal. In the
West coal seams are commonly 10 to 20 feet thick, with up to
100-foot seams in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming; in the
Midwest coal seams are typically 3 to 7 feet thick and 75 to 100
feet below the surface. The life of some mines in the West may
be more than 50 years. Because of the large size of area mines
and their relatively unrestricted sites, enormous equipment is
used in removing overburden and reconstructing the land.
After a permit is issued, the land to be mined is cleared. Timber
suitable for lumber is usually cut and hauled to a sawmill. Re-
The area mining operation in the illustration is on land that was
maining woody vegetation is removed from the surface because
formerly used for farming. As can be seen, the agricultural use is
it would interfere with topsoil removal and replacement.
being reestablished immediately following reclamation. The
mining is proceeding across the land toward the left side of the
area. The initial excavation was made far enough away from the
Contour Mining
stream along the right edge of the area to prevent damage to the
stream.
The contour mining method is typically used in the mountainous
The coal under most of the area has been removed, and reclama-
terrain of the Eastern U.S., where coal seams are exposed in
tion has been completed on some of the land. For example,
outcrops on hillsides and mountainsides. First, a cut is made in
some of the cattle in the foreground and those in the feedlot
the hillside above a coal seam and the coal is further exposed as
behind the silo are grazing on reclaimed land that was initially
the overburden is removed. The mine is then enlarged by suc-
mined by this operation.
cessive cuts that follow the coal seam around the side of the hill.
On the far left of the illustration, the topsoil from the unmined
The mining extends into the hill to the point where the over-
area is being removed by scrapers, transported across the area of
burden is too thick to make further exposure of the coal
active mining, and immediately spread on the land on the right
economic. Auger mining often is used at this stage to maximize
that is being reclaimed. (Reclamation of the land as soon as
coal recovery.
practical is called contemporaneous reclamation and is required
The contour mining operation in the illustration is removing
by the Act.) A large stockpile of topsoil in the center
multiple seams of coal. Reclamation has been completed in the
background of the operation, removed from the initial mining
foreground. Active mining is proceeding around the hill in the
cut, has a vegetative cover to prevent erosion and will be spread
middle foreground. A sedimentation pond for this operation
over the last mined area to be reclaimed.
was constructed adjacent to a natural drainage swale just below
After blasting, the loosened overburden is removed by dragline
the mining area. As the reclamation is completed, such ponds
and is dumped onto an adjoining previously mined area in one
become unnecessary and will often be removed and the entire
motion. In some mining operations, overburden is removed
site reclaimed and planted.
with power shovels, bulldozers, or scrapers rather than with
After the area has been cleared and blasted, the spoil in the ac-
draglines.
tive mining area is loaded by front-end loaders into trucks and
taken to the previously mined area, where it is spread. As coal is
The exposed coal seam can be seen where the overburden has
uncovered, it is loaded and trucked to a coal preparation plant.
been removed. The coal is removed with power shovels and
Smaller pieces of equipment are generally used in contour min-
loaded into large trucks, which carry the coal to the preparation
ing than in area mining because of the restricted working area.
plant (behind the dragline). After the coal goes through the
plant, it is loaded into railroad cars, possibly for transportation
As can be seen in the right foreground of the cross section, a
to an electric generating plant, or to a port loading facility for
temporary highwall is left in the hill at each level of mining after
4
the overburden and coal have been removed, because the mining
the mining is disposed of on an adjacent area. Because moun-
operation has cut into the hill. One of the principal reclamation
taintop removal operations are isolated from other mining areas
requirements for contour mining is that highwalls must be
where this spoil can be disposed of, the spoil is usually placed in
covered after mining is completed. Spoil is trucked from a work-
a valley or head-of-hollow fill. Once the coal seam is uncovered,
ing cut, dumped on the mined-out area, spread with bulldozers
the coal is removed and trucked to a preparation plant in a
until it covers the highwall, and compacted as necessary to en-
fashion similar to the other types of operations.
sure stability of the reclaimed hillside.
In the illustration, such a fill is located in the valley immediately
As can also be seen in the cross section, a ridge of undisturbed
to the left of the active operation. Here, the spoil was placed at
natural material 15 to 20 feet wide is intentionally left at the
the head of the narrow, steep-sided valley or hollow. In prepara-
outer edge of the mined area. This barrier adds to the stability of
tion for filling this area, the vegetation and soil have been
the reclaimed slope by preventing the spoil from slumping or
removed and a rock drain constructed down the middle of the
sliding downhill.
area to be filled, where a natural drainage course previously ex-
isted. When the fill is completed, this underdrain will form a
Following backfilling and grading of the spoil with bulldozers,
continuous water runoff system from the upper end of the valley
the topsoil is spread and a seedbed is prepared. In steep slope
to the lower end of the fill. Typical head-of-hollow fills are
conditions, such as in the middle foreground of the illustration,
graded and terraced to create permanently stable slopes.
a slope disk may be used to prepare the topsoil for seeding
without having to drive equipment on the steep slope.
Hydroseeding may be used to aid in establishing vegetation and
preventing soil erosion on steep terrain. This truck-mounted
equipment makes it possible to seed the steeply sloping ground
from the base or top of the reclaimed slope without disturbing
the graded topsoil.
In the completed reclamation area shown in the center
foreground of the illustration, seedling trees and shrubs were
hand planted to enhance the wildlife habitat, stabilize the site,
and provide a long-term economic return from the reclaimed
land.
Mountaintop Removal Mining
The mountaintop removal method is used predominantly in the
East to remove coal underlying the tops of mountains. Instead
of mining along the contour around the perimeter of a moun-
tain, the top of the mountain is area mined and either returned
to its approximate original contour or removed entirely. Either
procedure results in almost 100-percent removal of the coal
seam. Removing the top of the mountain results in a unique op-
portunity to create relatively flat terrain that is suitable for
residential, agricultural, and other development in areas where
much of the natural terrain is too steep for any developed
economic use.
The flat or very gently rolling area on the right side of the il-
lustration is land reclaimed after a mountaintop removal opera-
tion was completed. Many new land uses can be established on
reclaimed mountaintop removal mining sites. The illustration
shows a mined area reclaimed for agricultural use in the
foreground and for the site of a new village in the background.
013
In the far background to the left of this reclaimed operation,
another mountaintop removal operation is underway on an ad-
jacent hilltop.
To provide a flat surface for the operation of equipment, a first
cut is made parallel to the top of the ridge after the vegetation
and topsoil have been removed. The overburden is loosened by
During active mining, large areas may be disturbed. On the
blasting, removed in a series of parallel cuts, and loaded into
Black Thunder Mine in Campbell County, Wyoming, hundreds
trucks in a fashion similar to that of contour mining. If the en-
of acres are disturbed and reclaimed annually in removing a 60-
tire top of the mountain is to be removed, the spoil created by
to 70-foot-thick coal seam.
5
0
Mountaintop Removal Mining
Contour Mining
Area Mining
and
WESTMACOTT
Surface
Coal Mining
and Reclamation
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING
1951 CONSTITUTION AVENUE, N.W., WASHINGTON, DC 20240
IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:
A NATIONAL MILESTONE ACHIEVED
Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Because surface mining removes the original plant cover from
the land and exposes the soil, snowmelt and rainfall can pick up
sediment and erode mined lands much faster than undisturbed
areas, until the mined land is stabilized by revegetation.
Sediment control is an important aspect of reclamation because
large amounts of sediment can clog streams, increase the risk of
flooding, damage irrigation systems, harm fish habitat, and
limit the use of water for other purposes. Stream quality can be
affected many miles downstream from the mine. Before the Act
went into effect, many streams were degraded by sediment from
mines that did not have adequate sediment control.
Sediment is controlled through careful planning and design in-
corporating a variety of measures that work together to reduce
soil erosion at the mine. Disturbed areas are graded, and some
areas terraced, to achieve stable slopes, reduce runoff water
velocity, increase infiltration, and divert runoff into drainage
channels so that it flows away from erodible, unvegetated areas.
Grading along the slope contour and scarifying unvegetated
slopes with bulldozer track marks help prevent erosion by slow-
ing down the water. Runoff from haul roads is controlled by
culverts and roadside ditches. Sedimentation ponds or other
forms of sediment control are required at all mines to minimize
the amount of sediment leaving the site.
Sedimentation ponds, the most typical form of sediment con-
trol, are usually constructed to collect all water draining from
the mine in order to trap sediment before the water leaves the
site. Several ponds are often arranged in series to maximize the
sediment-trapping capacity, as seen here on this reclaimed Par-
rish, Alabama, mine site (top left).
Sedimentation ponds are designed to hold water and allow sedi-
ment to fall to the bottom. After much of the sediment has been
removed, the water flows out over a rock-lined spillway at the
top of the pond. This pond under construction on a mine in
Wise County, Virginia, will drain a large, level portion of a
mountaintop removal mine. The pond will be removed after
reclamation is complete (right).
This sedimentation pond on an eastern Kentucky mine collects
drainage from nearby mining through riprap drains (left). The
muddy appearance of the water is caused by a recent rainstorm
that has carried in sediment.
At its Round Hill Mine in Laurel County, Kentucky, the
Jamieson Construction Co. has created a permanent impound-
ment from a sedimentation pond (top right). Throughout its
4-year function as a sedimentation pond, there were no adverse
impacts on designated wild and scenic areas downstream from
this mine along the Rockcastle River. As a permanent pond, the
impoundment receives clear drainage from the reclaimed site
and has been stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish.
9
Erosion control practices are also important in arid and semiarid
areas where storms are brief but intense, and wind erosion is
significant. On the San Juan Mine near Farmington, New Mex-
ico (top left), most precipitation is held in place by furrow
grading along slopes both to prevent erosion and retain all
available moisture for plant use.
A metal check dam on the Ayrshire Mine in Warrick County,
Indiana (left), prevents water surges that could cause gullies and
damage downstream sedimentation ponds.
Wide terraces at this mine near Raton, New Mexico (bottom
left), prevent erosion on the long, steep reclaimed slopes. This
drainage control technique is important in areas of limited rain-
fall because of the intensity of individual rainstorms.
This diversion ditch (below) shows the fine sediment trapped
after grading and before the revegetation stages of reclamation.
This diversion prevents surface water from eroding gullies in the
smoothly graded slopes.
Carefully positioned and properly sized riprap is one of the most
effective techniques for preventing channel erosion (bottom
right). Here, the drainage from a haul road flows over a rip-
rapped channel into a sedimentation pond.
Dave Nilson, reclamation specialist for the Glenharold Mine in
Mercer County, North Dakota, unrolls wood fiber netting to
line drainage channels at the bottom of mulched and reseeded
slopes (bottom far right). The netting prevents erosion until
grass has been established and stabilizes the shallow channel.
The material breaks down after the vegetation is established and
adds organic material to the soil.
Early maintenance work on recently revegetated hillsides can
prevent small rills from becoming large gullies. Mulching and
reseeding are done by hand to prevent additional disturbance
that could be caused by large equipment (top right).
10
&
11
Surface and Ground Water Protection
Water is a valuable natural resource, particularly precious in
arid and semiarid regions. A reliable, high-quality water supply
is vital to a wide variety of domestic, agricultural, and industrial
activities. Since passage of the Act, surface coal mining is con-
ducted so that the hydrologic balance of the mine and adjacent
areas ismaintained and the approved postmining land use for the
reclaimed mine site is supported by an adequate water supply.
Today, surface and ground water protection begins with plan-
ning for the proper handling and disposal of materials that
could cause acid or toxic contamination. Mining and reclama-
tion practices are designed and carried out to minimize water
pollution and changes in flow. Surface water quality and quanti-
ty are monitored to ensure that impacts on the hydrologic
balance are minimal.
Impacts on watercourses are avoided, when necessary, by the
practice of stream diversion. An existing stream may be routed
around the area to be mined after a detailed design study is per-
formed to ensure that the new stream course will be stable, will
provide protection against flooding, and will prevent additional
turbidity or sedimentation in streams outside the mining area.
Monitoring wells are required if there is potential for an adverse
effect on the ground water. Here, Bill Schwarzkoph, Reclama-
tion Superintendent for the Western Energy Co. mine in Col-
strip, Montana (above), examines 3 wells that have been drilled
at different depths: approximately 150 feet below the surface in
undisturbed rock, in spoil at approximately 80 feet, and in spoil
35 feet below the surface. By monitoring these wells, changes in
the ground water can be detected.
In keeping with the local environment, a riprap-lined stream bed
was constructed at the Cimarron Mine in Raton, New Mexico
(right), to divert a stream away from the underground mine por-
tal. Although this region receives less than 15 inches of rainfall
annually, some heavy rains do occur and the stream flows ac-
tively during short periods of the year.
The Act requires careful planning to prevent off-site degrada-
tion of surface water supplies. Evaluation of local and regional
impacts on water quality and quantity are necessary for permit
preparation. Data from U.S. Geological Survey monitoring sta-
tions, such as this one located near Steamboat Springs, Col-
orado (left), are used to collect basic surface water information.
12
Acid and Toxic Drainage Prevention and Treatment
Sulfur-bearing compounds, especially pyrite, and toxic elements
are present in certain coalbeds, overburden, and soils. These
materials can cause water pollution and revegetation failure if
they are not handled and disposed of properly. The sulfur in
pyrite can oxidize to form sulfuric acid when exposed to air and
moisture, and if present in sufficient quantity will result in acid
mine drainage. Acid mine drainage kills fish and vegetation and
can create high concentrations of toxic elements that make sur-
face and ground water generally unusable for livestock,
domestic uses, or irrigation.
Selective handling and placement of potentially acid-forming
materials limit contact with air and water, thereby preventing
formation of acid drainage or extremely acid mine soils. The
mine operator analyzes overburden and soil samples to identify
potentially acid- and toxic-forming materials. The analysis is in-
cluded in the permit application, along with a plan for handling
and disposing of the materials.
The regulations require exposed coal beds and acid- and toxic-
forming materials to be covered with nontoxic materials or
treated to eliminate their impact on water quality and revegeta-
tion. Exploration holes, underground mine entries, auger holes,
boreholes, wells, and other exposed underground openings must
be cased, sealed, or otherwise controlled to prevent acid genera-
tion and drainage.
Water treatment is necessary when water flowing from the mine
does not meet the Environmental Protection Agency standards
for acidity, iron, or manganese.
Today, drilling is conducted before mining begins, to obtain
of the reclamation process. Placement of ash materials in the
rock samples that will be analyzed to determine the acid- and
reclaimed area can effectively provide safe disposal for the large
toxic-forming characteristics of the overburden and coal
quantities of this waste.
(above). This information will allow the mine operator to plan
for the segregation and proper placement of acid and toxic
Acid mine drainage can be chemically treated with a variety of
materials during reclamation. Proper disposal will prevent acid
materials to neutralize the acidity and precipitate the iron and
drainage and degradation of ground water quality and will help
manganese. At this Pennsylvania mine (bottom center), treat-
ment includes caustic soda that is dripped from a small hose into
achieve successful revegetation of the site.
a sluice carrying the mine water.
Rock layers identified as being acid forming have been
segregated and are being buried during backfilling of this Ohio
Acid mine drainage flows through sphagnum moss in a man-
made bog near Davis, West Virginia (bottom right). This ex-
contour mine (left).
perimental treatment project was designed and developed by the
This mine in Moffat County, Colorado (bottom left), provides
Buffalo Coal Co. and researchers at West Virginia University. If
surface mined coal to a mine-mouth electric powerplant. Ash
successful, the plants will remove excess acidity and iron from
generated at the plant is being disposed of in the mine pit as part
the acid mine drainage before it leaves the bog.
Buffalo Coal Company
15
Topsoil
Topsoil is important in reestablishing native vegetation and
crop, forage, and timber production. Subsoil and weathered
rock overburden beneath the topsoil supply additional nutrients
and moisture for plant growth. The removal and replacement of
all topsoil is required by the Act unless it is demonstrated that
selected subsoil or spoil is better suited to grow plants. Topsoil is
removed as a separate layer before mining and is either spread
on nearby regraded areas or, if necessary, temporarily stockpil-
ed. Topsoil is spread to the appropriate depths for the approved
postmining land use. Prime farmland topsoil and subsoil may be
handled with special care by using spreading techniques that
minimize compaction that would hinder root penetration and
water absorption by new seedlings.
TOP SOIL
STORAGE AREA
Before mining, topsoil is removed and stored nearby for use in
reclaiming the site. Since the topsoil is so vital to the success of
the reclamation, it is carefully separated and marked. Here,
OSMRE Reclamation Specialist Wayne Dempsey (bottom left)
inspects the temporary vegetative cover that prevents erosion
and degradation of the stored topsoil.
At the Pratt Mining Co. in Kanawha County, West Virginia,
topsoil is being hauled to the reclamation area to be spread after
final grading of spoil (left). Bulldozers are used to spread the
topsoil evenly over the land surface (top right).
Topsoil that is temporarily stored under proper conditions re-
tains much of its value for growing plants. This prime farmland
topsoil being examined by OSMRE Reclamation Specialist Jack
Simpson at an Illinois mine (center right) is being spread over
the lighter colored subsoil to ensure productive crop yields.
Topsoil removal and handling are especially critical in the
Midwest where prime farmland must be restored to its former
productivity level. The Freeman-United Industry Mine utilizes a
bucketwheel excavator to move soil without the compaction
common to other types of equipment. The dark, organic-rich
topsoil deposited by the bucket wheel on the lighter colored sub-
soil is ready to be spread by bulldozers with minimal compaction
Because of the importance of prime farmland reclamation, the
Pittsburg & Midway (P & M) Coal Mining Co. has set up ex-
perimental plots in Missouri and Kansas to test its soil-substitution
technique. Here, Mark Premo (left), engineer at the Midway mine
near Amsterdam, Missouri, shows Kansas Soil and Revegetation
Specialist Bill Joseph a test plot of newly planted grain sorghum
(bottom center), This plot has a total of 16 inches of replaced
soil that contains a layer of topsoil and a layer of subsoil. An
adjacent plot contains 40 inches of the same material, plus addi-
tional subsoil. Based on productivity results from these test plots,
new soil-substitution practices may be allowed.
17
Excess Spoil Disposal
Mining operations, in removing overburden from above the
coalbed, blast or break up the layered rock into angular, broken
fragments. The volume taken up by the spoil is generally greater
than that occupied by the rock before mining. In steep slope
areas with hard sandstone or limestone overburden, the volume
of spoil is much more than needed to return the site to its ap-
proximate original contour. Excess spoil must be disposed of in
a safe and environmentally sound manner. Before the Act, ex-
cess spoil was often pushed or dumped from the mining bench
onto undisturbed steep slopes below, resulting in hazardous and
environmentally damaging slides.
Excess spoil is now disposed of in valley fills in the upper reaches
of valleys adjacent to the mined area. The fills are carefully
engineered and constructed for stability. Terraces and diversion
ditches on the fill control surface water flow to prevent erosion.
Ground water that seeps into the fill is channeled through inter-
nal drains following the original drainage pattern.
Today's mine operator disposes of spoil that is not needed for
velocities. Smaller rock was used at the top, where flow velocity
reclamation in valley or head-of-hollow fills. This valley fill was
would be least, and larger rock was placed downslope, where
constructed by Cumberland Colleries in Wise County, Virginia,
velocity would be greater. These stable slopes blend gently into
on their mountaintop removal mine (bottom left). The terraced
the original grade and result in a landscape characteristic of the
surface is being revegetated to reduce surface erosion. Riprap-
natural terrain.
lined channels along the side of the fill drain surface water. It is
The Colowyo Mine in western Colorado removes several coal
easy to see how the terraced fill slopes blend into the reclaimed
beds in its operation, creating large amounts of excess spoil.
area in the foreground.
Under an experimental practices permit, normal valley fill
A terraced valley fill that includes 2.5 million cubic yards of
designs were modified by the construction of a series of backfill
spoil at the Sorg Mine in Noble County, Ohio, was designed and
layers up to 200 feet in thickness (top left). This successful valley
constructed by the B & N Coal Co. (above). Diversion ditches
fill technology has been approved by the regulatory authority
are lined with handlaid riprap sized to match anticipated water
for future use on this mine.
19
Highwall Elimination and Return to Approximate Original Contour
As overburden and coal are removed a highwall is formed, with
a flat working bench at its base. Highwalls can be more than 100
feet high and can extend thousands of feet. Exposed highwalls
can be a safety hazard, and may have coal beds and acid- and
toxic-forming materials open to weathering and the consequent
formation of acid drainage. Highwalls also can be a barrier to
movement across the area.
One of the most widespread and dramatically visual problems
prior to the Act was highwalls that were left exposed when a
mining operation was completed. Unreclaimed pre-Act surface
mines throughout the country resulted in a variety of conditions
involving highwalls that were left exposed and overburden that
was pushed down the hill or piled in ridges without regrading.
Over the past 10 years, operators have improved overburden-
handling techniques that result in effective regrading. Even
under steep slope conditions, reclamation has resulted in stable
slopes that cover the highwall and provide a finished grade that
resembles the premining conditions.
The Act requires that all highwalls created by current mining be
covered. Generally this is accomplished by placing spoil against
the highwall and grading it so that the contour of the land, after
the highwall is covered, approximates the original slope. Also,
the Act requires that backfilling and grading, followed by top-
soiling and revegetation, are to be coordinated with mining and
completed as quickly as possible.
Unreclaimed highwalls and overburden pushed onto the
tion in Pike County, Kentucky (left), has been blended with the
downslope are practices of the past. On this Ohio mine a
surrounding terrain.
bulldozer moves spoil to cover a highwall before regrading, top-
The final reclaimed slope at the Hacker Mine in Laurel County,
soiling, and revegetation (top left).
Kentucky (above), closely approximates the original contour of
A regraded and mulched slope at the Helena Mining Co. opera-
the land, leaving no trace of the highwall.
21
Postmining Land Use
With proper reclamation, mined land can be returned to its
premining use, or a new use can be developed. The Act provides
several ways that coal mine operators working with landowners
can take full advantage of postmining land use opportunities
while meeting all regulatory requirements. A variance from the
requirement for regrading to approximate original contour is
available when the operator reclaims the site to support an im-
proved use that is better for the landowner or the local com-
munity. For example, the opportunity to shape the land to a
form and condition more suitable for certain uses can be
allowed. Steep premining conditions of unimproved forest can
be reclaimed, under a variance, to provide flat land that can be
developed into valuable real estate.
Generally, coal mining does not occur close to developed towns
or villages. Thus the opportunity for urban uses is limited.
However, in Pikeville, Kentucky (below), a town located in a
valley surrounded by steep terrain, mining is providing a unique
opportunity for needed building sites. At the edge of town, the
Clark Elkhorn Coal Co. is completing a mountaintop removal
and contour mining operation. Working with the land-
owner/developer, home sites are being developed through a
combined planning and reclamation effort. The reclaimed mine
will provide over 100 acres of flat land with views of Pikeville
and the surrounding eastern Kentucky mountains in the
distance. One county resident remarked, "More money will be
made from the sale of building lots on the reclaimed land than
was made from the sale of coal."
Because mining is a temporary use of the land, one of the basic
objectives of the Act is to see that operators return mined land
to its original use or a higher alternative use. This Laurel Coun-
ty, Kentucky, mine was reclaimed to farm land that is com-
pletely integrated into the existing agricultural landscape (left).
Slopes were graded to provide gently rolling hay fields draining
into a permanent impoundment that is stocked with fish.
Land reclaimed for hay production is another common use
throughout the country. On the Clemens Coal Co. mine in
Crawford County, Kansas (above), the operator is managing the
land prior to bond release by cutting hay and using it for mulch
on other areas of the mining operation.
One of the most common postmining land uses is pastureland.
On the Cannelton Industries Mine near Charleston, West
Virginia (top left), cattle are grazing on recently reclaimed land
that was previously unimproved forest.
23
Following reclamation by the Lyons Coal Co. in Wise County,
Virginia (right), the landowner has established an apple orchard.
Reclamation of this mine provided a broad valley with soil and
drainage conditions that are more productive for apples than
before mining.
An unusual use for western grazing land, developed by a mine
operator in Montana, includes raising buffalo on reclaimed land
(top right). Begun as an experiment, the herd has grown rapidly
and shows promise of being more economically productive than
cattle.
Another innovative postmining land use is the Oliver County,
North Dakota, airport constructed by the Baukol Noonan Min-
ing Co. on the bed of an old haul road (top center).
On reclaimed land in Washington, Douglas-fir Christmas trees
have grown to harvest size in only 6 years (top left). Christmas
trees were often grown on mine spoil prior to passage of the
1977 Act, but the unreclaimed spoil slopes were so steep that
harvesting was very difficult.
North American Coal Corp. Permit Coordinator Louise Wat-
son takes time off to catch a large bluegill from a permanent im-
poundment that had provided water for the operation of an
underground mine (bottom left).
24
Alternative land uses possible under State and Federal regula-
tions have resulted in a range of land improvements. Oswego,
Kansas, landowner Rod Monroe constructed his home and farm
equipment buildings on reclaimed land where the Oswego Coal
Co. had its coal loading facility (right). The disturbed land at
this site has also been very successfully returned to cropland and
intensive forage production (far right).
Mining began at the Washington Irrigation and Development
Co., Centralia, Washington, in 1971. Before mining, the steep-
sloped mountain terrain supported mixed conifer and hardwood
forests that produced 10,000 board feet per acre of timber on a
60-year rotation. The principal thrust of the reclamation pro-
gram is to return 11,000 acres affected by mining to a timber
production of 30,000 board feet per acre on a 55-year rotation,
using hybrid conifers (above). To achieve this high yield, the
land is being reclaimed to a more level condition, making full
use of the requirement to separate, store, and reuse topsoil.
Additionally, the company is enhancing the fertility of some
mine soils by adding activated sewage sludge from Olympia and
Seattle, thereby providing a valuable disposal service to regional
population centers.
26
Revegetation
The Act requires the establishment of a healthy, permanent
vegetative cover on all land affected by coal mining. Stabilizing
the soil with permanent vegetation is one of the principal means
of minimizing erosion and reducing stream siltation, and it is
often critical to the postmining land use. Generally in the West,
the plant species used are native to the area and capable of self-
regeneration on the site. Introduced species are often used in the
East for specific postmining uses. The types of vegetation,
specified in the permit, are based on the premining vegetation
and the postmining land use. Straw or hay mulches or chemical
soil stabilizers frequently are applied during or after seeding to
prevent erosion and retain moisture. Operators are responsible
for maintaining new vegetation until it is determined to be suc-
cessful - for a minimum of 5 years in the East and Midwest and
a minimum of 10 years in the semiarid West.
The Act requires that revegetation closely follow mining, to help
prevent environmental impacts. Second-year growth of grasses
in the foreground and bright-green first-year winter wheat adja-
cent to the active mining (top left) reflect immediate reclamation
at the Sequatchie Valley Coal Co. mine in eastern Tennessee.
After topsoil is replaced, seed must be spread over the soil and
stabilized to ensure germination and establishment.
Hydroseeding, shown here (bottom left). spreads a mixture of
seed, water, and fertilizer without driving mechanized equip-
ment over the site. Using this technique, even steep slopes can be
seeded.
A tractor-drawn tree-planting machine is used to plant seedlings
on this moderate slope area (above).
Bulldozer tracks across the slope provide niches that trap runoff
for use by grass seedlings (top right center).
Native plants are used almost exclusively on western reclamation
sites because of their endurance in arid and semiarid climates
(bottom right center). Native plants are also planted in the
Midwest (right center) and become naturally established on
many reclaimed eastern mines (bottom far right).
The Richland Coal Co. has seeded this reclaimed contour mine
in Scott County, Tennessee, with both grasses and legumes (top
far right). These plants have provided a very rapid cover that
prevents erosion, increases soil fertility through natural nitrogen
fixation, and provides a root structure that stabilizes the soil on
the steep slopes. Native maples and other trees are rapidly
becoming established and will eventually become the dominant
tree cover.
28
29
An unusual revegetation technique eliminates planting by cut-
ting existing vegetation, including trees, into a thick mulch,
followed immediately by removal and redistribution of the top-
soil mixed with the mulch. Small pieces of the woody vegetation
sprout and rapidly become established. This reclaimed slope on
the Eckman Park Mine in Routt County, Colorado (left), il-
lustrates the success of this revegetation technique. A native
plant community containing many hard-to-establish species
such as big sagebrush, snowberry, serviceberry, aspen, rose,
silver sagebrush, and currant was successfully established.
OSMRE Reclamation Specialist Scott Fisher evaluates an aspen
tree established in this manner (bottom left).
Shrubs are an important part of many natural plant com-
munities and have particular value as food and cover for
wildlife. A front-end loader is used at the Trapper Mine in Mof-
fat County, Colorado, to transplant shrubs from land that will
be mined to areas being reclaimed (below). Bruce Hamphries of
the Trapper Mining Co. reports very few losses of shrubs
transplanted in this manner. Large deer and elk herds inhabiting
the permit area and surrounding lands make extensive use of
these shrubs.
30
Blasting and Explosives
Mining requires the use of explosives to break up rock layers in
the overburden and sometimes the coal itself. To prevent
damage to nearby dwellings and other structures, blasting must
be carefully planned and carried out by qualified blasters. Prior
to the Act, blasting was sometimes performed by untrained per-
sonnel and occasionally damaged nearby dwellings. Now
blasting can be done only by State-certified blasters. A
preblasting survey of dwellings within a half-mile of the mine is
performed to identify any conditions that may require special
procedures. Signs and audible warnings are provided before
blasting. Access within the blasting area by unauthorized per-
sons is restricted.
A truck-mounted drill is boring holes for explosives used to
blast the rock above a second, lower coalbed in a pit at the Jim
Smith Contracting Co. Providence Mine in Webster County,
Kentucky (right).
After three warning calls from a siren to alert all persons nearby
that a blast is imminent, the explosion sends smoke billowing
high into the air (bottom right). After the blast, the loosened
overburden is removed by front-end loaders and trucks.
The audible and ground vibratory effects of blasting on
residences in the vicinity of active mines are carefully monitored
by mining companies. Here, the Taft Coal Co. used a
seismograph and recorder to ensure that blasting effects from its
Dixie Springs Mine in Walker County, Alabama (below), were
within permissible levels.
31
Wildlife Restoration and Enhancement
People do not usually picture wildlife when they think of the
landscape that results from surface coal mining reclamation.
However, wildlife habitat is actually one of the more common
postmining land uses. Many mining operations using accepted
reclamation techniques reestablish or even improve those
habitats. Among the techniques used are:
Contouring the land to better suit desirable species of wildlife,
including game species;
Introducing adapted and selected species of plants to provide
browse and forage;
Creating impoundments with safe, clean water that will at-
tract and support a variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals;
and
Stocking fish in impoundments to provide recreation oppor-
tunities for the public.
Such achievements reflect the intent of the Act to minimize the
adverse impacts of coal mining on fish and wildlife habitats and
to enchance those environmental values where possible.
UMR
©AMAX
ROLLA
32
Revegetation frequently includes the establishment of plants
that provide food and cover for wildlife. Here in western Ken-
tucky, OSMRE Reclamation Specialist Glenn Wyatt examines
vegetative cover that includes hairy vetch, fescue, and lespedeza
that provides enhanced habitat for upland game birds (top far
left).
On a mine in Mercer County, North Dakota (bottom far left), a
tall-shrub community including chokecherry, American plum,
woods rose, and silver buffaloberry was established on re-
claimed land in 1985. Today, shrubs in this area provide food
and cover for grouse, pheasant, and deer.
To encourage reestablishment of bluebirds, mine operators fre-
quently provide nesting boxes in wildlife reclamation areas.
Here, Mike Ellis, Environmental Engineer for the AMAX Coal
Co., sets up a nesting box in Indiana (bottom center). By pro-
viding both a nesting site and plants that provide cover, the
reclamation professionals ensure that bluebirds become per-
manently located on the reclaimed site.
Major efforts are being made to establish native shrubs that pro-
vide browse for deer on reclaimed land in the Western States.
Deer that frequent the edge of reclaimed areas are encouraged to
reinhabit the site (below).
On the York Canyon Mine near Raton, New Mexico, Reclama-
tion Biologist Mike Coates examines rodent and rabbit habitats
that were created by leaving small rock piles on the reclaimed
area (left). Small rodents are an important link in the natural
food chain, and without these rock dens the native birds and
animals that prey on the rodents would not reinhabit the area.
Permanent impoundments are frequently constructed on
reclamation sites. Although they are not specifically designed to
enchance wildlife habitats, most of them provide excellent cover
and a water environment that together increase the potential for
wildlife to quickly become established on these sites (bottom).
Many impoundments create an aquatic habitat where none ex-
isted before mining. Careful planning of such structures, as re-
quired by the Act, can significantly enhance their wildlife
value.
Small mammals such as this marmot are commonly found on
reclamation areas in the West (left).
Mine Waste Disposal
Mine waste includes the rock and clay that must be removed
from mines during development and mining and the noncoal
residue from coal cleaning. Such waste, particularly the coal
cleaning residue, often contains a large amount of pyrite or tox-
ic material which must be carefully disposed of to prevent pollu-
tion of surface or ground water. Tremendous progress has been
achieved over the past 10 years in developing and applying en-
vironmentally safe disposal practices. Two of these practices are:
Conducting extensive premining surveys to select disposal
sites that will minimize infiltration into ground water; and
Sealing the waste material with clay barriers to further
eliminate infiltration.
Surface mines are often used for the disposal of refuse or waste
material generated by the mine's coal-cleaning process. In this
Indiana mine (right), refuse is being placed in a pit that is being
backfilled. The refuse will eventually reach the level indicated by
the stake next to the mine engineer standing on the left slope of
the pit. This elevation is predicted to be the top of the water
table that will be reestablished after mining has been completed.
Placing the refuse below the water table will minimize the for-
mation of acid mine drainage by reducing the contact with air.
Another method of disposal of coal refuse includes surface
disposal in piles that could be the source of acid or toxic
drainage if not properly reclaimed. The 40-acre Powhatan No. 5
refuse disposal site in Belmont County, Ohio, before reclama-
tion (bottom left), and after 129,000 cubic yards of soil were
spread on the refuse material (bottom right).
The North American Coal Corp.
35
Protecting Historical and Cultural Resources
Before mining can begin, the State identifies areas which are un-
As archeological sites are identified during the permitting proc-
suitable for mining. Operators then plan the mining to avoid
ess, they are evaluated for their importance. Those sites that are
any such protected areas; they design the operation so as not to
found significant and may be impacted by mining have those
interfere with the functions or values that are vital to the pro-
impacts mitigated. Mitigation covers a range from avoidance,
tected areas.
the preferred measure, to large-scale excavation with the goal
being to collect important information about past cultures (bot-
tom left).
Small family cemeteries are common on mine sites. To protect
them, the Act requires that mining be kept at least 100 feet from
cemeteries. On a mine in Wise County, Virginia, a cemetery was
found in a wooded area located on a mountaintop removal mine
site (below). Mining was completed leaving an unmined area
surrounding the small group of head stones. As the site was
reclaimed, the backfill was graded to provide a gentle slope that
allows easy access from all sides of the cemetery (bottom right).
Protecting the remains of an ancient Indian dwelling beside a
dry stream bed near Farmington, New Mexico (bottom far
right), required careful design and construction of the access
road to a mine and powerplant.
This midwestern church in the middle of an active mining area
remains as it did before mining (right). The mine operator left
the rectory, church yard, nearby cemetery, and surrounding
church property intact by mining around them. To the people of
the congregation, the goodwill shown by the company far ex-
ceeds the value of the coal that was not mined.
1056
36
37
Roads
Haul roads to mines constitute a significant percentage of the
land used for surface coal mining. These are usually well-
engineered roads designed for heavy-equipment use in all types
of weather. Precautions must be taken during their design and
construction to ensure adequate drainage of surface water from
the road surface and right-of-way, to minimize erosion and
water drainage to the road base. Regulations describe the
specific standards for locating, grading, surfacing, and main-
taining mine roads and associated structures such as drainage
ditches and culverts.
Parts of the mine road system that can be kept to serve the
postmining land use can represent a significant benefit. If roads
are not left in place for the postmining use, the area is re-
152
claimed. Road reclamation entails regrading, topsoil replace-
ment, and revegetation so that the former roads blend into
adjacent reclaimed areas.
This haul road in Alabama has a raised berm. Disturbed areas
were quickly mulched and reseeded to prevent erosion (below).
Runoff from the road flows into a riprap-lined ditch with closely
spaced check dams across the water flow. These dams slow the
water and reduce its erosive power.
Road surfaces must be maintained to ensure haulage of coal and
passage of equipment. Spraying water on the road controls on-
site dust, improves visibility, and prevents off-site fugitive dust
(top right).
This set of tire tracks through the vegetation is the otherwise in-
visible trace of a former Ohio mine haul road (bottom right).
Where haul roads are not retained for permanent use, they must
be reclaimed to the same standards as other disturbed areas of
the mine site.
38
Remining
As a result of pre-Act mining - when reclamation was the excep-
tion rather than the rule - millions of surface mined acres were
left in a condition which adversely affects the environment. If
the environmental impact of an abandoned mine site is extreme,
or if the site constitutes a health and safety hazard, it is eligible
for reclamation through the Abandoned Mine Lands program.
Unfortunately, most sites are not eligible and there is doubt that
there ever will be sufficient funds to provide for restoration of
all abandoned sites. A partial solution to the problem has been
remining, which entails the reopening of an abandoned mine by
extending either the length or the width of the cut and incor-
porating reclamation of the abandoned mine lands into the
active-mine reclamation process. Remining also may involve the
elimination of shallow underground mine workings. Removal of
abandoned underground mines, referred to as daylighting, has a
large environmental benefit because a significant volume of acid
mine drainage is generated by such abandoned underground
workings.
Coal mining companies have voluntarily reclaimed many aban-
doned mine lands while mining adjacent properties. Potentially,
many additional sites could be reclaimed through remining. The
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
recognizes the present economic limitations and currently is
Pre-Act abandoned mines, such as this one in Pennsylvania
advancing several initiatives encouraging industry to apply re-
(above), are remined both to maximize coal recovery and to
mining techniques and to extend the voluntary reclamation of
reclaim previously disturbed areas to an improved environmen-
abandoned coal mines.
tal condition (below).
39
Glossary
Access road See Haul road.
Acid- and toxic-forming materials Rock or coal layers containing significant amounts of pyrite or other minerals which, if
exposed by coal mining, will cause acid or toxic drainage to form when acted upon by air and water.
Acid mine drainage Any water, having a pH less than 6.0, draining from coal mines. Water is often orange in color
because of the presence of oxidized iron.
Approximate original contour. The surface configuration achieved by backfilling and grading the mined area so that the
reclaimed land closely resembles the general surface configuration before mining and blends into and complements
the drainage pattern of the surrounding terrain.
Area mining A surface mining method that is carried on in level to gently rolling topography on relatively large tracts of
land. Active area mine pits may be several miles long.
Arid and semiarid regions Lands, generally west of the 100th meridian, where water use by native vegetation equals or ex-
ceeds that supplied by natural precipitation, and rainfall is insufficient to support agriculture. Annual precipitation is
normally 20 inches or less.
Auger mining A mining method often used by surface mine operators when the overburden gets too thick for the coal to be
mined economically. Large-diameter (usually 2-4 foot) horizontal holes are drilled as much as 300 feet into the vertical
face of the coal bed by an auger. Like a bit used for boring holes in wood, coal augers consist of a cutting head with
screwlike extensions. As the auger turns, the head breaks up the coal and the screw carries it back into a conveyor that
loads it directly into a truck.
Backfilling The operation of refilling an excavation using material removed during the mining process.
Bench The level or flat working area at the base of the highwall that is excavated between the exposed coal seam and the
original surface of the ground.
Bucket wheel excavator A continuous-digging machine using a rotating vertical wheel with buckets for large-scale stripping
and excavating.
Contemporaneous reclamation Restoration of mined land as soon as practical after mining.
Contour mining A mining method commonly used in eastern mountainous topography where coal is removed in a narrow
strip around the hillside. The extent of the cut into the hillside is determined by the depth of overburden at the
highwall compared with the thickness of the coal seam.
Daylighting A term used to describe the surface mining procedure for exposing abandoned underground coal mine work-
ings to remove all of the remaining coal underlying the surface. Daylighting is followed by land reclamation.
Dragline An excavating machine, usually used in large flat areas, that drags a huge bucket (holding up to 220 cubic yards
of material) toward the machine for loading with spoil and then hoists it with a boom up to 350 feet long, allowing the
machine to excavate wide benches by depositing the spoil hundreds of feet away from the highwall.
Grading The process of smoothing the disturbed areas of the mine site, after the coal is removed, to closely approximate
the premining landscape.
Haul road Any road constructed, improved, maintained, or used by mine operators and located within the area of land
affected by mining.
Head-of-hollow fill See Valley fill.
Highwall The cliff-like excavated face of exposed overburden and coal in a surface mine.
Hydroseeding Planting of seed mixed in a water medium. Water, mulch, lime, fertilizer, and seed are blended and sprayed
onto regraded soil.
Impoundment Permanent pond frequently formed from a sedimentation pond.
Legumes A group of plants valuable for both food and forage and used in reclamation plantings due to their nitrogen-
fixing characteristics. Commonly used reclamation legumes include clovers, alfalfa, lespedeza, and vetch.
Mountaintop removal mining A mining method commonly associated with Appalachia conditions where 100 percent of
the overburden covering a coal seam is removed in order to get complete recovery of the coal. Excess spoil is hauled to
a nearby valley and deposited in durable valley fills. The reclaimed mine site resembles a mesa or highland plateau.
Outcrop The natural surface exposure of a coalbed or other identifiable rock layer.
Overburden Rock material overlying the coal deposit, but excluding soil materials which are generally removed separately
for use in reclamation.
Performance bond A financial guarantee posted by a mine operator to ensure faithful performance of the requirements of
the Act and the completion of land reclamation. Bonds are returned to the operator upon successful completion of
reclamation. If the operator fails to complete the required reclamation, the bond is forfeited and the money is used to
reclaim the site.
40
Permit A document issued by the regulatory authority, giving approval to operate a surface coal mine under conditions set
forth in the Act and the implementing regulations.
Permit area The area of land and water within the boundaries specified in the mining and reclamation permit. At a
minimum, this includes all areas which will be directly affected by the surface coal mining operation during the term
of the permit.
Preparation plant A facility at which coal is cleaned or processed before being shipped or used.
Prime farmland A special category of highly productive cropland that is recognized and described by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture's Soil Conservation Service, and receives special protection under the Act.
Pyrite A yellowish mineral, iron disulfide (FeS2), commonly found in coal beds and associated rocks, that results in acid
drainage when in contact with air and water.
Regulatory authority The State agency, or OSMRE, which has responsibility for administering the Act in a given
geographic area.
Riprap Large-size broken or crushed rock placed on earth dams and in drainage channels for protection against the erosive
action of water.
Sedimentation pond An impoundment constructed on the mine site to remove suspended solids from surface water before
it leaves the the permit area.
Spoil The overburden, not including the soil layers, that has been removed in surface mining to gain access to the coal
seam.
Steep slope Areas with slopes greater than 20 degrees, commonly requiring special mining and reclamation techniques due
to the difficulty of stabilizing reclaimed land and preventing erosion.
Stream diversion The temporary or permanent rerouting of a stream. Acceptable relocation involves the reconstruction of
existing streambed features such as riffles, falls, and meanders.
Terrace A depression across the face of a steep hillside to slow the flow of surface water and minimize soil erosion.
Topsoil The dark, fertile uppermost part of the soil.
Valley fill A stable, designed disposal area for spoil not needed for reclamation, placed in the uppermost part of a valley.
No significant area of natural drainage occurs above the fill.
41
42
TOTAL
1986
1985
1984
1983
1982
1981
1980
1979
1978
TOTAL
OTHER
UNDERGROUND
SURFACE
TOTAL
OTHER
UNDERGROUND
SURFACE
TOTAL
OTHER
SURFACE
TOTAL
SURFACE
TOTAL
SURFACE
TOTAL
OTHER
SURFACE
TOTAL
OTHER
SURFACE
TOTAL
OTHER
SURFACE
TYPE OF
* EXAMPLES OF OTHER OPERATIONS: ROADS AND PREPARATION PLANTS.
UNDERGROUND
OTHER
UNDERGROUND
OTHER
UNDERGROUND
UNDERGROUND
UNDERGROUND
OTHER
UNDERGROUND
SURFACE
TOTAL
UNDERGROUND
OPERATION*
2,227
36
5
3
28
25
1
2
22
56
3
4
49
92
6
4
62
277
60
217
427
33
334
412
101
311
442
EL
699
460
82
378
ALABAMA
1
1
1
ALASKA
71
4
4
3
3
2
2
9
9
11
11
10
2
8
6
6
OL
10
16
16
ARKANSAS
93
11
2
9
3
7
4
3
15
10
5
13
5
8
8
3
5
15
8
-L
15
11
COLORADO
4
6
9
3
323
29
7
9
16
47
13
14
20
55
16
8
31
24
5
5
14
14
2
1
11
19
3
2
14
74
26
36
12
69
OL
5
24
22
1
21
ILLINOIS
981
46
2
2
42
82
5
2
75
127
11
9
110
60
1
1
58
71
12
187
187
139
139
138
138
131
131
INDIANA
48
2
1
1
4
3
1
7
1
1
5
16
2
2
12
3
3
2
IOWA
2
5
2
1
2
9
9
3
3
41
1
1
11
11
11
11
18
18
KANSAS
8,616
301
13
107
181
633
43
245
345
1,619
211
746
662
387
17
213
157
131
7
25
66
1,868
219
505
1,144
1,689
96
515
1,079
1,497
83
647
767
491
16
120
355
KENTUCKY
7
1
1
LOUISIANA
1
-
4
4
1
1
Table I. Interim and permanent program permits issued, by mining type, 1977-86
105
6
9
9
9
6
2
7
21
6
12
12
1
11
61
1
18
7
7
25
5
20
MARYLAND
142
17
17
13
13
22
22
21
21
35
35
2
2
10
10
8
8
14
14
MISSOURI
42
3
3
4
4
8
8
5
5
3
3
3
3
2
2
6
MONTANA
1
8
5
1
4
23
6
9
2
1
1
-
-
3
3
1
1
3
3
7
NEW MEXICO
1
9
101
7
7
8
8
12
12
13
13
13
13
6
6
5
5
26
26
8
8
NORTH DAKOTA
1,675
164
65
1
86
161
L9
1
93
279
08
15
184
192
25
167
129
129
146
146
171
171
234
234
199
4
20
175
OHIO
458
9
9
8
1
7
23
3
20
16
16
29
29
12
71
146
146
96
2
94
63
3
09
OKLAHOMA
3,715
231
22
39
170
683
58
13
612
633
73
4
556
278
278
544
544
341
1
340
300
10
290
366
366
339
339
PENNSYLVANIA
1,006
54
299
15
10
23
7
7
6
94
11
00
35
33
2
6
22
204
20
12
113
150
9
28
116
143
1
12
130
151
14
137
172
4
168
TENNESSEE
31
4
4
1
-
1
1
3
1
2
4
4
6
1
8
2
2
5
5
2
TEXAS
2
45
3
3
9
9
7
2
5.
4
4
-
-
23
23
1
1
UTAH
2,006
124
5
84
35
118
21
56
41
503
125
285
93
344
84
197
69
242
42
135
65
113
17
99
40
241
18
162
19
321
26
273
22
VIRGINIA
3
1
1
-
1
1
1
WASHINGTON
3,564
256
01
L6
119
270
LG
16
122
249
56
94
66
512
180
230
102
380
94
162
124
640
175
276
189
486
127
213
146
357
16
130
163
414
48
154
212
WEST VIRGINIA
72
7
7
10
-
6
12
12
6
6
11
1
10
9
9
9
9
5
5
9
WYOMING
1
5
5
1
1
2
2
CROW TRIBE
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
HOPI TRIBE
5
2
2
1
1
1
1
h
1
NAVAJO TRIBE
25,407
1,185
183
274
728
2,215
259
477
1,389
3,325
490
973
1,862
2,209
376
759
1,074
2,237
261
470
1,506
4,143
541
950
2,652
3,764
370
852
2,542
3,698
250
994
2,454
2,721
180
584
1,957
TOTAL
Table II. Acreage under permit, by mining type, 1977-86*
TYPE OF
OPERATION**
ALABAMA
ALASKA
ARKANSAS
COLORADO
ILLINOIS
INDIANA
IOWA
KANSAS
KENTUCKY
LOUISIANA
MARYLAND
MISSOURI
MONTANA
NEW MEXICO
NORTH DAKOTA
OHIO
OKLAHOMA
PENNSYLVANIA
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
UTAH
VIRGINIA
WASHINGTON
WEST VIRGINIA
WYOMING
CROW TRIBE
HOPI TRIBE
NAVAJO TRIBE
TOTAL
1978
SURFACE
22,103
413
1,134
4,297
21,316
1,231
889
23,250
5
1,511
5,980
6,273
1,450
11,874
8,050
5,995
7,622
25
1,500
17,456
13,398
2,148
157,919
UNDERGROUND
1,144
2,248
98
563
32
1,620
1,201
311
7,217
OTHER
517
4
786
265
2,111
649
4,332
TOTAL
22,620
413
2,278
4,301
21,316
1,231
889
26,284
5
1,511
5,980
6,371
1,450
12,702
8,050
6,027
7,622
25
5,231
19,306
13,709
2,148
169,469
1979
SURFACE
28,107
385
2,158
19,835
39,675
1,345
1,103
65,536
27
1,013
6,518
10,533
43,158
9,679
20,318
27,597
5,435
16,167
3,592
15,078
15,654
22
332,935
UNDERGROUND
1,038
677
33
8,891
12
4,361
132
2,287
810
1,140
19,381
OTHER
269
1,736
4,231
943
1,003
8,182
TOTAL
28,376
385
3,196
22,248
39,708
1,345
1,103
78,658
27
1,013
6,518
10,544
47,519
9,679
20,318
27,597
5,567
16,167
2,287
5,346
17,221
15,654
22
360,499
1980
SURFACE
30,993
381
9,094
6,539
49,825
150
844
103,450
1,395
8,482
1,992
8,480
52
15,378
18,528
4,076
5,532
2,123
15,557
7,154
625
9,000
299,650
UNDERGROUND
2,242
16,252
11
8,306
65
7
199
2,184
29,265
OTHER
699
12,061
150
4,961
9
35
419
2,979
21,313
TOTAL
31,692
381
11,336
34,852
49,825
311
844
116,717
1,404
8,482
1,992
8,480
52
15,378
18,528
4,176
5,532
7
2,741
20,720
7,154
625
9,000
350,228
1981
SURFACE
38,491
1,216
10,751
5,681
67,872
111
2,434
83,312
29
125
66
6,587
9,331
7,736
12,559
12,352
3,988
44,901
3,552
18,110
12,372
341,575
UNDERGROUND
9,235
1,174
6,703
265
981
2,262
20,261
OTHER
579
33
188
787
7,757
113
75
1,285
6,940
17,756
TOTAL
39,070
1,249
19,986
7,043
67,872
111
3,220
97,772
29
125
66
6,587
9,331
7,736
12,559
12,352
4,366
44,976
5,818
27,312
12,372
379,952
43
1982
SURFACE
25,309
141
25,700
6,294
6,092
379
3,039
6,072
1,136
18,862
5,673
11,772
7,205
15,813
15,135
6,982
46,033
3,822
16,044
57,016
3,068
42,068
323,654
UNDERGROUND
3,973
39
292
697
34
735
2,013
7,783
OTHER
348
930
23
130
468
1,374
2,494
5,767
TOTAL
25,657
141
29,673
7,263
6,092
379
3,062
6,494
1,136
18,862
5,673
11,772
7,205
15,813
15,135
8,147
46,033
34
5,931
20,551
57,016
3,068
42,068
337,205
1983
SURFACE
26,905
1,000
75
1,030
13,447
42,944
2,232
886
19,933
29,573
314
2,606
4,320
13,961
19,631
1,507
1,121
6,685
13,056
9
12,910
81,440
295,586
UNDERGROUND
387
31,360
2,989
6
342
83,920
129
93
3,377
6,613
110
129,326
OTHER
404
3,705
63
150
23
423
132
2,371
51
428
10,400
8,534
26.684
TOTAL
27,696
1,000
75
32,390
20,141
43,013
2,724
909
104,276
29,573
446
2,606
4,450
13,961
22,002
1,507
1,265
7,113
26,833
9
28,057
81,550
451,596
1984
SURFACE
14,020
21
2,441
30,721
53,480
1,326
655
80,714
661
3,710
5,145
8,040
4,314
24,340
5,850
53,558
1,909
55
4,417
9,709
64,833
176
3,969
374,063
UNDERGROUND
76
8,283
3,337
663
810
225,868
2,393
25
235
643
377
2,524
245,234
OTHER
298
9,153
5,634
40
10,719
12
4,719
767
307
579
1,246
3,447
36,921
TOTAL
14,394
21
10,724
43,211
59,777
2,176
655
317,301
673
3,710
5,145
8,040
4,314
31,452
5,850
54,350
2,451
55
1,222
6,040
15,680
64,833
176
3,969
656,218
1985
SURFACE
4,167
227
3,590
15,892
17,239
1,944
43,211
277
3,110
46
6,740
2,178
12,699
4,529
115,998
1,868
4,104
14,160
15,765
59,397
327,141
UNDERGROUND
15
6,619
5,523
2,500
61,254
5,114
190
142
8
154
70
933
1,223
5,529
89,273
OTHER
119
126
3,115
1,256
3,043
3,094
1,568
124
150
753
2,477
15,825
TOTAL
4,301
227
10,335
24,530
18,495
4,444
107,508
277
3,110
46
11,854
2,178
15,983
4,671
117,574
2,146
150
70
5,790
14,160
19,464
64,926
432,239
1986
SURFACE
6,862
91
17,275
5,842
80
1,053
28,416
423
6,121
3,116
24,570
6,552
11,681
3,486
41,887
920
12,995
422
16,254
18,512
13,700
220,258
UNDERGROUND
77
3,381
19
1,770
24,515
4
25
594
654
1,240
32,279
OTHER
145
2.524
17
304
953
4,961
2,110
505
1,202
12,721
TOTAL
7,084
91
23,180
5,878
1,850
1,357
53,884
423
6,121
3,116
24,570
6,552
16,646
3,486
44,022
2,019
12,995
654
422
18,696
18,512
13,700
265,257
TOTAL
200,890
1,000
2,983
119,918
186,769
311,976
14,571
12,040
908,894
29,634
7,007
55,455
43,923
121,566
53,128
162,853
97,176
215,946
36,164
140,643
4,298
63,729
14,591
187,008
335,724
2,971
3,068
68,737
3,402,662
TOTAL ACREAGE MAY DIFFER FROM SUMMATION OF INDIVIDUAL ACREAGE DATA BECAUSE OF ROUNDING OF DATA.
EXAMPLES OF OTHER OPERATIONS: ROADS AND PREPARATION PLANTS.
Table III. Acreage of reclamation bonds released, by bond type, 1977-86*
TYPE OF
BOND
RELEASE
ALABAMA
ALASKA
ARKANSAS
COLORADO
ILLINOIS
INDIANA
IOWA
KANSAS
KENTUCKY
LOUISIANA
MARYLAND
MISSOURI
MONTANA
NEW MEXICO
NORTH DAKOTA
OHIO
OKLAHOMA
PENNSYLVANIA
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
UTAH
VIRGINIA
WASHINGTON
WEST VIRGINIA
WYOMING
CROW TRIBE
HOPI TRIBE
NAVAJO TRIBE
TOTAL
1978
INTERIM
INITIAL
3,293
89
939
8,569
7,292
20,182
FINAL
2,418
2,193
152
1,364
12,208
8,590
26,925
PERMANENT
PHASE I
PHASE II
PHASE III
TOTAL
5,711
2,193
241
2,302
20,777
15,882
47,106
1979
INTERIM
INITIAL
27,264
608
1,182
55
8,190
2,930
9,423
49,652
FINAL
26,988
1,040
163
982
8,227
1,121
16,963
55,484
PERMANENT
PHASE I
PHASE Il
PHASE III
TOTAL
54,252
1,040
771
2,164
55
16,417
4,051
26,386
105,135
1980
INTERIM
INITIAL
32,753
75
955
258
12,173
2,815
9,928
58,957
FINAL
25,966
2,065
271
825
22
5,208
1,711
6,304
14,304
11,285
67,960
PERMANENT
PHASE I
PHASE Il
PHASE III
TOTAL
58,719
2,065
345
1,780
280
17,381
4,525
6,304
14,304
21,213
126,917
1981
INTERIM
INITIAL
29,899
479
917
962
403
12,520
3,289
15
9,176
57,660
FINAL
29,344
1,799
100
2,775
1,156
62
11,689
3,792
6,590
14,718
72,025
PERMANENT
PHASE i
39
39
PHASE II
PHASE III
22
22
TOTAL
59,243
61
1,799
100
3,254
2,073
1,024
403
24,209
7,081
15
6,590
23,894
129,746
TOTAL
PERMANENT
INTERIM
1986
PERMANENT
INTERIM
1985
- PHASE
PERMANENT
INTERIM
1984
TOTAL
- PHASE
FINAL
= PHASE
FINAL
INITIAL
III PHASE
PHASE -
PHASE -
PERMANENT
INTERIM
1983
PERMANENT
INTERIM
1982
TYPE OF
PHASE III
= PHASE
INITIAL
TOTAL
PHASE III
TOTAL
PHASE =
FINAL
INITIAL
TOTAL
PHASE III
PHASE =
FINAL
INITIAL
TOTAL
PHASE III
= PHASE
- PHASE
FINAL
INITIAL
BOND
RELEASE
TOTAL ACREAGE MAY DIFFER FROM SUMMATION OF INDIVIDUAL ACREAGE DATA BECAUSE OF ROUNDING OF DATA.
321,505
29,926
357
339
5,928
18,592
1,710
18,960
348
812
12,769
5,031
17,304
7,820
9,484
23,811
9,855
13,956
56,579
22,809
33,770
ALABAMA
ALASKA
515
106
23
62
60
20
15
221
ARKANSAS
21
85
30
2
5
2
35
13
60
148
496
496
471
COLORADO
25
20,626
3,151
1,007
2,106
1,352
321
1,031
5,272
2,882
2,390
2,602
2,602
1,152
1,152
ILLINOIS
38
15,050
6,749
3,444
1,134
2,171
8,301
4,060
4,242
INDIANA
2,016
\
693
404
255
1,015
IOWA
34
148
48
68
20
12
476
250
250
39
60
60
6,120
422
35
231
93
245
KANSAS
93
63
93
183
62
586
154
289
143
164
56
347,192
32,861
4,438
20,253
8,170
87,243
74
2,374
68,932
15,863
130,431
273
116,903
13,255
51,944
35,205
16,739
44,713
95 31,929
13 12,784
KENTUCKY
LOUISIANA
59
4
4
5
5
50
14
18
18
15,378
917
134
670
114
1,810
64
429
853
465
1,485
915
491
79
1,213
689
1,633
MARYLAND
524
999
978
7,982
2,073
616
509
948
1,444
282
544
618
1,005
175
282
548
503
188
201
1,598
1,513
MISSOURI
114
85
MONTANA
LG
57
57
24,217
24,217
24,217
NEW MEXICO
6,205
2,050
10
992
771
19
258
1,959
834
834
291
703
703
1,048
1,048
NORTH DAKOTA
41
41
171,246
19,219
1,034
6,795
8,287
3,104
15,162
305
2,430
9,585
2,842
12,703
898
6,083
5,652
19,947
8,550
10,768
25,432
10,098
15,335
OHIO
02
629
36,133
3,698
58
138
2,123
1,133
246
1,078
5
267
321
484
1,724
257
1,130
377
6,290
197
192
182
3,333
2,385
7,686
113
4,697
2,876
OKLAHOMA
122,411
24,710
2,649
10,222
11,839
39,741
2,316
14,657
22,768
32,978
4,644
12,432
15,902
24,982
3,970
21,012
PENNSYLVANIA
15,618
2,928
112
1,170
1,646
2,189
1,765
7,527
6,119
2,403
TENNESSEE
424
556
7
233
111
205
113
797
498
11
180
160
2,052
46,076
428
428
33
33
665
255
410
38,646
38,646
TEXAS
UTAH
49
41
41
8
8
53,307
6,541
93
6,449
12,170
12,170
6,717
6,717
6,985
6,985
VIRGINIA
WASHINGTON
6
174046 6
9 13,829
4,761
264
4,749
2,804
1,251
15,620
56
33
4,111
9,067
2,353
20,967
168
859
14,249
5,691
25,267
13,174
12,093
10,988
5,761
5,227
WEST VIRGINIA
2,694
2,694
2,694
WYOMING
372
372
372
CROW TRIBE
HOPI TRIBE
NAVAJO TRIBE
1,389,379
168,592
8,826
16,557
43,170
79,979
20,060
201,718
2,888
16,403
35,329
114,331
32,766
239,285
4,821
13,233
20,415
162,370
38,446
172,528
387
192
1,965
84,919
85,066
198,351
140
68
402
123,173
74,547
TOTAL
REFERENCES
U.S. Department of the Interior. Surface Mining and Our Environment. Washington, D.C. 1967. [Out of print.]
U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration. Coal Data: A Reference. Washington DC 20585. 1986.
U.S. 95th Congress. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-87). [Copies containing all revisions
through May 1, 1986, are available from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Washington, DC 20240.]
Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs. Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation: 10 Years of Progress. Springfield, IL
62701. 1987.
U.S. Department of the Interior. Small Surface Coal Mine Operators' Handbook. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement, Washington, D.C. 20240. 1980.
46
Surface mining of coal is a temporary use of the land. Three years ago this area was being actively mined by the Sequatchie Valley
Coal Co. in East Tennessee. Today the land has been reclaimed and is being used for hay production.
47
Helena Coal Co. mine operator Rusty Justice has said with proper planning mining can be economical and reclamation can be
effectively achieved. On his mine in Eastern Kentucky, spoil is handled once and reclamation is an integral part of the mining
operation. Here recently mined land has been immediately reclaimed, leaving a hillside that closely resembles the original topography.
48
Now that reclamation has become common practice. it is often difficult to recognize where mining has occurred. In Laurel County.