Z2711: Custodian

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PAGE 4 WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24, 195—8.

llPeace And Goodwill“

The Christmas message is at once so simple that a child can un derstand it and so difficult that wise men have been trying to decipher it for centuries. It can be read as a gentle pastoral, of shepherds keeping watch by night and of an infant cradled by an anxious moth- er'gin a manger. It can be pondered as w a paradox—for the same star that led the wise men to His cradle shone down on the slaughter of the innocents. But it is a great deal more than that. It is an earnest of man’s hope that springs eternal and of a conquering force so mighty that neither powers nor principalities have been able to prevail against it.

If men and women are naive and child-like in their Christmas celebrations, that is quite appro- priate; it is to a Child that they do honour. If, in the expression of their deepest longings, they are a bid obscure and ‘inarticulate, that is a natural reaction to the super- natural. There is a logic about Christmas, but it is the logic of the heart, not of the head.

The mind tells us that the more we give the less we will have left. The heart says otherwise, and at Christmas time it is the heart we listen to. The emphasis is on friend- ship, brotherhood, and love. Neg- lected neighbors are remembered, and thoughtless I, discourtesies re- medied. Many an old wound is healed and many a forgotten day recalled under the spell of this blessed time. More than any other, it is a festival of the home, call- ing back to the family hearth all the members who have left it or strayed. It speaks a special word to

the children and many of the oldest” and most beloved customs are for’

their delight.

For some, however, the joy will be overcast With sadness. A loved one gone, an illness, a disappointed hope—the many trials which ac- company life on this earth, will dampen the mood of the day. For such, there will be sympathy and understanding, as none of us is im: munc. _,But still there will be the color, the lights, the music, the cheerful expressions of people’s ,faCes, which set Christmas apart from common. days. Hope still] speaks to the gentle heart; promise of Christmas still moves toward fulfillment.

Once again men and women will listen, as men and women have listened once each year for more than nineteen centuries, to the church bells echoing around the world the same promise that the angels heralded so long ago above the fields near Bethlehem.

Moral ResponSIbIIIly President Eisenhower’s simple Christmas message from a four-ton rocket travelling with electronic ex- actness in outer space is, indeed, a. marvellous development of modern scrence. The world must hope, against dark forebodings, that the advance .Will help to contribute, as the Presi- dent said, to “peace on earth and

goodwill to all men everywhere.” The possibilities, like the uni- verse itself, are limitless. It may well be that within another generation. Perhaps within a very few years. constant communication from 'the earth to the moon and other planets and back again will be commonplace; just as familiar as telephonic connec-

tions between towns and villages are '

now. It is highly probable that future colonization will be “up among the stars.”

But back of the scientists’ satis- tion at the imminent conquering of space is the grim thought that the new power might not be used for “peace on earth and goodwill to all men" but for terrible strife, for hitherto unheard of torments amongr the nations. In fact, at the moment, the Burdens and the. Americans. with their Sputniks and their Explor- ers, are thinking and planning in terms of military advantage in outer

space. To that end, primarily, their scientists are expending their genius and their resources.

The scientists, however, are not to blame for this emphasis on mil- itary force and potentialties. Whe— ther it be on the earth or in the im- measurable reaches of space, they merely provide the tools of explora- tion and development. It is for the conscience of mankind to decide to what purpose they shall be used. At present the discoveries of science

.seem to have outdistanced man‘s

moral sense. The crucial problem fac- ing us is not one of science. but one of philosophy, or, perhaps, one of theology. The future course—whe- ther towards fulfilment of the dream of, peace on earth or towards univer- sal calamity and destruction—will depend on whether man’s moral sense, with all that implies in faith and social action, is able to keep up with, and make its servant, the great and- ever;increasing (technological power.

The Changing Sanla

According to Donald Ludgin, editor of the Holiday section of the World Book Encyclopedia, even Santa Claus is not what 'he used to be. '

The original European Saint Nick was a tall, thin, hungry-look- ing, individual who roamed the countryside on a thin, hungry-look- ing horse. He wore a ragged cloak and a black Skullcap. He was very charitable but not very merry.

It was the early English settlers in North America who started to

make him over in the image of what

they thought he ought to be like in a new and relatively prosperous land. The English children adopted the legendary figure, in part, from the Dutch; but they found it hard to say “Saint Nicolous”. Gradually the name was changed to Santa Kalous. It was a short step‘ from that to “Santa Claus”. .,

It was Washington Irving, the noted American author, who really tackled the job of rte-creation in earnest. In 1809, in his “Knicker- bocker’s History of New Yor ”, he described Santa Claus, the “guard- ian of the city", as a more or less jolly fellow. He was the first—and this is very important—to persuade him to Smoke a pipe. Not long af- ter, this movement was, given im~ petus by the theological professor, Clement Clarke Moore, who wrote

the classic “A Visit From St. Nich- ~

olas”. From then on it became fashionable to picture the great and benevolent man as one with “a broad face and a round little belly, that shook, when he .laughed, like a bowl-full of jelly.”

Pre-Holiclay warning In a pre-Christrnas safety cam-

,paign, the US. Safety Council calls

attention to a survey which show- ed that a drinking driver was in- volved in 55 per cent of the holiday accidents last year. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not the ob- viously drunk motorist who causes the most accidents, though he causes a good many. It is the driver who has taken “a couple of drinks” who dOes the most harm. The rea— Son is that car weavings of the drunk driver can often be detected in time; but the motorist who has had a “couple” appears normal un- til his wits fail him in an emer- gency.

According to Council officials, at least three hours are needed to work off the effects of two average— size drinks. Coffee is a good substi- tute for liquor—from the safety angle—but is useless as a “chaser”. Only time will eliminate alcohol from the bleed stream.

The Council also warns that no one is liquor-proof, although some persons can tolerate alcohol better than others, due to body weight and other physical factors. But even a slight impairment can be a life and death matter at the wheel. Apparently, the man who says he can drive “better” after taking a drink or two is a very dangerous man on the road.

EDITORIAL NOTES

To all our readers, young and old, at home and abroad—a Merry Christmas!

t I l

A Halifax school official says that it is a good idea for teachers to have witnesses present when they strap students. What about a prosecutor and defence counsel?

'sive entertainment of it during

its LIGHT UNQUENCHED

The Chrislmds Spirit

Christian Science Monitor

Like the “other wise man”—the one in the Henry Van Dyke story who never got to Bethlehem— the Christmas idea moves among us all the year, perhaps uniden— tified but always effective. It gives a lift here, helps heal a hurt there. lts motive works hum- bly, with no sense of monopoly on virtue. It is quite willing, as Jesus suggested, to accept a good example from a Samaritan

For many of us our celebra- tion of Christmas seems like sud- den awakening to our obligations, as well as being a more posi- tive and spontaneous participa- tion in a sort of collective joy- ousness. In the Christmas season we concentrate on the active ex- pression of our good 'will, as dis— tinct from an often rather pas

the rest of the year.

ONE RESULT . One result is an overlaying of

the Christmas idea with attrac-

tive, glittering. colorful symbols

of our regard for it. Not. a bid-

ing of it by any means. But

sometimes a stress on it, an ov-

erstatement that, like most over— statement. somewhat distorts, somewhat downgrades the mo- tives we are tryiny to voice.

Fortunately for our good inten- tions. the Christmas idea is so powerful that it cannot be bur- ied. not’even under a superfluity of luxurious giftqglvlng. It always outshines the tinsel.

Also by its steadfastness, by the very power of its inner still— ness and tranquillity, it ouvtmatch- es mankind’s erratic and fervid maneuvers for human power po- sitions.

BERLIN CRISIS

The Berlin crisis, untimely div- isions in the Western world, ra- ciall problems in the United Sta- tes, contests for the control of labor unions, the threats of in- flation—hardly for a moment do men and women feel that they can take their eyes off these con- tinuing challenges. And often they feel that such pressures too con- stantly divert their attention. from values they want to build into their owu lives and into family

Those Sonic Booms By Paul I). Davis North American Newspaper Alliance

Sonic booms are here to stay. They will be here as'long as there are a i r c r a ft flashing through the sky “faster than the speed of sound.

Since it has no choice but to continue flying supersonic air - craft that create some booms that tend to make people puz — zled, frightened and angry, the air force finds itself in a dilemc ma. It now is engaged in a ma- jor effort to convert the public to its own conviction that the booms are not only inevitable but harmless.

As to their inevitability, here are the facts as explained by an information specialist and a test support pilot assigned to the Air Force Cambridge Research cen- ter at Hanscom field, Bedford, Mass.

Today‘s fighter planes of the so-called Century series are all. supersonic aircraft, which halbit- ually fly faster than the speed of sound.

MILES FROM PLANE

A tactical squadron of F-lM’s -—one of the Century series—now is based at Westover air force base, near Springfield, Mass. The F-104 not only achieves speeds up to about twice the speed of sound, or 1,400 miles an hour, but does so with such ease that the pilot: is not even aware when he pass- es through the so - called “sound barrier,” unless he happens to be watching his air speed indi- cator.

In the days when a plane could exceed the speed of sound only while in a dive, the air pressure wave that produces the boom reached the ground—and people’s eardrums—only in the small area directly in line with the angle of the plane's dive.

HEARD EVERYWHERE

But today's fighter planes are producing shock, or pressure, waves whenever they fly above the speed of sound. Whenever and wherever these waves strike the ground—and the area can be many miles away from the plane itself—the sonic boom is heard.

A common misconception pic- tures the boom as a sort of ex- plosion that occurs at a given point in the sky through which the plane has passed. Actually, the boom occurs for each individual who hears it at the particular moment that the pressure wave strikes his eardrums.

This explains why many oer ~ sons. who are subjected to a sonic boom without knowing what it 15. are certain that there has been an explosion in their immediate

neighborhood. WEAKFTR, THE SHOCK

'l'hcre aw many variables in the picture. The most important one. as fur as people on the

ground are concerned. is the a}. tilurlc of the plans. As a caudal

the time it reaches the ground. Shock waves generated at alti - tudes of 40,000 or 50.000 feet and above, where modern military planes most frequently operate, will, in all likelihood, be complete- ly dissipated before they reach the ground.

Sometimes people report in at they hear two booms, one right after another. This is because any plane flying s-urpersonically creates two major shock waves, roughly comparable to‘ the bow and stem waves created by a boat as it moves through the water.

Under certain conditions, the air force says, these two waves may reach the ground at points widely enough separated to pro- duce two distinct booms.

What about reports of wide - spread and serious damage caus- ed by sonic booms?

Just another facet of boo-m my- thology. says the air force.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee.

W5} 2

.- x #3. Dan 90

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s y niTiET-Te

lll|lla

irinorrtcl IIHIIPIS.

0’ (AVIADA,

o'rIcEs in "warm. ctr-(s

rule, the higher the plane is, the ‘

weaker its shcok wave will be by,

The Age Old'Slory I

see ilSDOC l

and community life, values of sympathy, affection, kindness, supported by deeper moral and

spiritual qualities. SHADOWS DIFFUSED

But at Christmastime whatever shadows world events cast over human thought are diffused. As they fall on the scene of everyday living they are mottled with light, and by this patterning tell us that the bodies that cast them are not necessarily so dense, so cohesive, so impenetrable as we may sup- pose them to be. And so We look toward the light that shines through ordinarily frightening shapes. And then the wonder: nothing afterward looks quite the same.

Having really confronted the Christmas idea instead of our own preoccupations even briefly, we face yesterday's preoccupations with a new, or renewed. sense of proportion, and tomorrow’s burden is cut down to size.

The colored lights that fringe great city buildings, the candles on\ cottage Christmas trees, the comings and goings with boxes or messages—all this is the mer- est token part of Christmas, of course. But what happens to us when we look beyond this into the tranquil, steady glow of the idea itself, this is Christmas come

Don’l Stuff Bird Too Soon

By Herman N. Bundesen, M.D.

CHRISTMAS is a gay time for the youngsters, Mom and Pop— in fact for just about everybody but the poor turkey. The gobblers who missed the Thanksgiving ax are apt to wind up on the dinner table tomorrow.

With all the excitement of wrapping packages, buying last- minute gifts and preparing the big dinner, you might become a little careless about the food.

WORD 0F CAUTION

So let me issue a brief, but timely word of caution along with my wishes for a Merry Christmas.

Turkeys are a very perishable type of food. They should be kept either very cold or very hot. .

I don’t want to come into your kitchen and tell you how to do things, but I advise against stuffing the bird until immediate 1y before roasting. The cold air of therefrigerat-or, you see, will not penetrate a stuffed bird quick ly enough to insure that there will be no spoilage of the dress— ing.

HOW TO STORE

However, you can make the dressing a day in advance and store it separately in the refrig- erator without any danger.

When roasting a turkey, the safest procedure probably is to use a meat thermometer with the bulb inserted into the centre of the dressing.

The roasting should continue at a temperature of 250 degrees un- til the thermometer shows an in- ternal temperature of 165 degre- es. Then you know it is safe.

N0 CHILDREN '

I strongly urge that you keep the children out of the kitchen as much as possible while you pre- pare the Christmas dinner. For your own safety, be careful with knives and other sharp utensils. And when cutting anything, be sure to make all. cutting strokes away from your body.

USE BAKING SODA

Incidentally, i-f fat should catch fire in a pan or in the oven, Sprinkle some baking soda on the flames. Not only will this put out the fire, but it won’t spoil the meal. The baking soda can be washed off cooked meats with out leaving a taste.

Now I realize that tonight is Christmas Eve. That means ex- citement and plenty of it. ’But try to get to bed fairly early. You will need ample rest to be properly prepared for tomor- row’s big day.

And again, a happy and healthy Christmas to all of you!

QUESTION AND ANSWER.

N.M.L.: W'ill gallbladder trouble cause female disorder, such as a vaginal discharge?

Answer: There is usually no direct connection between gall- bladder disease and vaginal dis- charge.

MAXIMS

“A pure heart is an excellent

to every one of us.

thing—andsoisacleanshlrt.

138 Kent Street

.WHI‘TLOCK TIRE SERVICE

We’re ioining sum. In sending best wishes for a very happy holiday to everyone, mrywheu]

Dial 6112

We extend our warmest greetings with the hope that this Holiday Season brings you and yours a full measure of good health and happiness. May all the joys of Christmas remain with you throughout the coming New Year.

N. D. MchEAN

FUNERAL DIRECTOR (‘IIA RLOTTETOWN

NOTES BY THE WAY T

Two causes of colds among school children have reportedly been identified by medical science. We had always summoned everybody knew what the two causes were-«the child on the right and the child on the left.— Wiunclpeg Tribune

WI

HOW FAR IS IT TO BETHLEHEM?

How far is It to Bethlehem? Not very far,

Shall we find the stable-room Lit by a star?

Can we see the little Child,

\‘Is he within?

If we lift the little latch May we go in?

May we stroke the cream there, '

0x, ass, or sheep?

May we peep like them and see

Jesus asleep?

If we touch His tiny hand

Will he awake?

Will he know we've come so for Just for His sake? ,

Great Kings have priceless gifts, And we have naught;

Little smiles and little tears Are all we brought. .

For all weary children Mary must weep,

Here, on His bed of straw. Sleep, children sleep.

God, in His Mother's arms, Babes in the byte,

Sleep, as they sleep who find Their heart’s desire.

—Frances Chesterton

To celebrate our 13th

callfree

Note to teen-age (Elven m it. may concern: I! you want to go around corners on two wheels, ride a bicycle.— Kitchener’Wat. erloo Record

OUR YESTERDAYS

(From The Guardian Flies)

TWENTY—FIVE YEAR! mo (Dec. :4. 1933)

Mr. Arthur J. \Howlatt, while working in the railway "mg yesterday afternoon, receiv'ed very' painful injuries to the um chest as a result of being M ed between a box car and the freight shed. The injured man was rushed to the City Hospital where X-rays revealed that no bones had been broken.

Major D. A. MacDonald has sold the Russ Hotel to Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Mac‘Lean, who for- merly managed the Strathcom Hotel, and they will take chum. of their new property on Thurs- day. Mr. MacDonald will continuum in business as a contractor and farmer.