faces ebbed towards the Christmas Tree from which gentlemen commenced to distribute among the crowd the fruits which had grown thereon so suddenly. It was loaded with articles both useful and ornamental with supplies for soul and body; and what it could not hold in its arms was kindly sheltered at its feet. A nd, in addition to all this, Mr. Ballou, the Superintendent of the Sabbath School, announced, in behalf of Santa Claus, that if any of the children had been forgotten they should be remembered the next Sunday. So that while the generous old saint made a gracious bow to all the company he bestowed his "distinguished consideration" upon some three hundred as an evidence that he had neither "suspended" nor "asked an extension" but was determined to cash all his obligations at "maturity," and keep his customers in good humor. T he articles upon the tables were t h o r o u g h l y disposed of, but we trust the wants of all in this respect were supplied. At any rate, all seemed to enjoy the occasion largely and conducted themselves with as much propriety as we have ever witnessed in like circumstances. We were favored with beautiful instrumental music under the direction of Mr. Thomas Paine; and the festivities closed about twelve o'clock with a brief dance in which many joined, while others looked on quietly or retired to their homes.

T he Festival held by the Universalist Society on Christmas evening was a most successful affair. A thousand persons participated in the joys of the evening and all seemed happy. At 8 o'clock the audience joined in singing the hymn "Joy to the World" etc. after which Mr. Boyden, the Pastor, made a few remarks congratulating the company present, complimenting Mr. Harris for his energy and taste in rearing such a building and expressing the obligations of the public to those who thus minister to the sense of beauty in the human soul. He then pointed to the Christmas Tree, which as an evergreen was nature's prophecy of immortality, and as bearing the gifts of affection, a beautiful illustration of that religion which was heralded by the birth of the Redeemer. After this the audience sang the hymn, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"; and, then, turning towards the gallery, were entertained with a "merry Christmas" in Tableau. The old gentleman was seated on the wooden horse, holding a tight rein, and his fair spouse was delighted with the antics of a dandy monkey, while the children seemed equally delighted that Santa Claus had afforded such rare amusement for the "old folks at home." T he next was Minne-ha-ha. There was something solemn and impressive in the calm dignity of the dusky maiden as she stood apparently breathless, her right hand resting on her trusty bow. Such scenes always awaken the sympathy we have long cherished for that people who at last "Shall sit on the great ocean's shore, And sing to the waves that their race is no more." This exhibition was concluded by a beautiful piece entitled "The Fairy Queen." A dozen little girls, beautifully dressed in white, came upon the stage and sang; then, turning, they all knelt when a curtain in the rear rose and the queen appeared, holding in her hand "the magic wand." A fter singing Old Hundred the sea of

Next day’s newspaper story