St. Nicholas/Volume 32/Number 3/League
The St. Nicholas League
“A Heading for January.” By John Andrew Ross, age 16. (Honor member.)
THE ST. NICHOLAS LEAGUE.
“My Playmate.” By Ella E. Preston, age 16. (Gold badge.)
The contributions for January have been somewhat unusual in the proportions of the different sorts received. Usually we have far more prose offerings than verse, sometimes more than of all the other kinds. This month we have fewer prose contributions than verse and more of drawings than of any other sort. This is probably due to the nature of the subjects recently given. Young people find it rather hard to write of historical things, especially of such countries as Russia and Japan, whose histories have not been generally taught in our schools. Yet these two countries and all matters relating to them have been of great interest during the past year, and such contributions as we have received from League members have been most attractive to League readers, and of course we must consider these as well as the competitors. This time, however, we will depart from the historical for the fireside, and our young writers may tell us the adventures and deeds of their favorite cats, or cats of their acquaintance, or that have belonged to friends and families. The editor is sure that there are not many League members who do not know at least one interesting cat story, and of course it is only the very interesting ones that should be sent in. Don’t think it worth while to send any little incident of every-day cat life, the first that pops into your mind, but some striking episode, something that you will remember, yourself, as long as you live. It may be of any sort, grave, gay, pathetic, even tragic, but it should be unusual, and told in a clear, simple manner. Such stories are the ones which command attention and win the prizes.
The League editor is a confiding and trustful person, and there are a great many things which he does not know. This has been proved more than once by his acceptance of work which was not original (even when so indorsed), but was copied from something which almost every one in the world but he seemed to know about. Yet there are a few stray bits of knowledge which be has picked up along the path of years, and one of these is the ability to tell a photograph that has been taken from a print instead of from an object. He does not boast of this knowledge. Almost any child has it, and the wonder is that any League member, even a very young one, should send in a photograph that has been copied from a print, offering it as original work. One D. R., whose age is sixteen, sends a picture of a moose which he is supposed to have met somewhere in the woods, and the picture is carefully indorsed as “original” in D. R.’s own handwriting. Of course he may have met this animal in the woods and photographed him there, but if so, he had a copy of a favorite magazine with him, for the photograph is from a magazine page—even the League editor can tell that; and while this is not the first time that such a contribution has been offered, the editor hopes it will be the last time he will be obliged to refer to it in the League pages, because, being a modest-minded man, and remembering the times he has been fooled in the past, he hates even to seem to appear proud of his knowledge now. He also hates very much indeed to think that any member of the League should try to win a prize in a manner so wholly unfair, not to say dishonest, which is a word that should have no place in this department.
PRIZE WINNERS, COMPETITION No. 61.
In making the awards, contributors’ ages are considered.
Verse. Cash prize, Beulah H. Ridgeway (age 15), 574 Carlton Ave., Brooklyn, N, Y.
Gold badges, Ruth Peirce Getchell (age 16), 8 Linden St., Worcester, Mass., and Edith J. Minaker (age 13), Gladstone, Manitoba, Canada,
Silver badges, Lewis S. Combes (age 8), 47 Highland St., Amesbury, Mass., and Katharine Marble Sherwood (age 13), 2123 Ashland Ave., Toledo, Ohio.
Prose. Gold badges, Hazel V. Hange (age 13), 35 Tompkins St., Cleveland, Ohio, and Dorothy Cooke (age 14), Briggs Ave., Richmond Hill, Long Island, N. Y.
Silver badges, Mary Budd Pepper (age 11), Madison, Me,, and Dorothy Bedell (age 11), 1 W. 94th St., New York City.
Drawing. Gold badge, Ella E. Preston (age 16), 1322 Fulton Ave., Davenport, Ia.
Silver badges, S. F. McNeill (age 14), 605 Jessie St., San Francisco, Cal., and Jacky Hayne (age 8), San Mateo, Cal.
Photography. Gold badges, Roland P. Carr (age 16), 338 Park Ave., Worcester, Mass.. and Arthur J, White (age 14), 3329 Powelton Aye., Philadelphia, Pa.
Silver badges, Kathryn Bingham (age 10), 440 West End Ave., New York City, and Fred Klein (age 16), 610 E. 9th St., New York City.
Wild Animal and Bird Photography. First prize, “Deer,” by Edward J. Dimock {age 14), 907 N. Broad St., Elizabeth. N. J. Second prize, “Robin's Nest,” by James Donald McCutcheon (age 10), Bemus Point, N.Y. Third prize, “Shark,” by Heyliger de Windt (age 14), Milton, Mass.
Puzzle-making. Gold badges, Katharine King (age 13), 624 S. 9th St.. Minneapolis, Minn., and Elinor Colby (age 13), Holly Oak, Delaware.
Silver badges, Estelle Ellison (age 15), 60 Prospect Pl., Brooklyn, N, Y., and Harry W. Hazard, Jr. (age 13), 16 W. Franklin St., Richmond, Va.
Puzzle-answers, Gold badge, Elizabeth D. Lord (age 14), 1274 Elk St., Franklin, Pa.
Silver badge, Marguerite Hyde (age 11), 63 Dagmar St., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
“School-days.” By Noland P. Carr, age 16. (Gold Badge.)
A Legend in Japan[1]
By Dorothy Cooke (age 14.)
(Gold Badge)
Prince Fire-Subside and Prince Fire-Shine were brothers. The former was a hunter of great repute, and the latter a fisherman. Once Fire-Subside proposed changing employments, to which his brother readily agreed. Success did not follow the younger brother, and one day he lost his hook, Fire-Shine immediately desired the return of trades. and, on being told his hook had been lost, became very angry. The unlucky brother broke his sword into thousands of pieces and offered them to Fire-Shine, but he would not accept them.
While the unfortunate boy was crying by the water-side the deity Salt-Possessor appeared, and, on being told the cause of his grief, instructed him as follows: First building him a boat, she told him to sail until he came to a castle made of fishes’ scales. By the well would be a cassia-tree, up into which he was to climb.
Following her directions with a thankful heart, he reached the castle and mounted the tree. Soon some young girls appeared that drew water from the well. He requested a drink, and on receiving it, dropped one of his jewels into it. The girls carried it to the castle and presented it to the Sea-Deity, who came out and recognized Prince Fire-Subside.
The Sea-Deity invited him to the castle, where he remained and married the king’s daughter. Three years he lived without regret, but one morning his wife told her father that, on the night before, he had heaved a deep sigh. Her father inquired into it, and the prince told his trouble.
The royal father-in-law gathered all the fishes of the sea together, and asked if any had swallowed the hook. They declared that the tai had complained of an unpleasant feeling in his throat. He was summoned, and on being examined the desired object was found.
Then the Sea-Deity gave the prince two jewels, which commanded the ebb and flow of the tide, and set him on the head of a crocodile, instructing that animal to take him safely home.
Fire-Subside returned the hook to his brother, but the ungrateful Fire-Shine still had haired in his heart, and attempted to kill Fire-Subside. The prince immediately threw out the flow-tide jewel. The waters closed in and would have drowned the malignant prince had not his supplications been heard and the ebb-tide jewel been replaced in the waters. Fire-Shine fell at the feet of Fire-Subside and pledged his allegiance and protection,by night and day, forever.
“School-days.” By Fred Klein, age 16. (Silver Badge.)
“School-days.” By Arthur J. White, age 14. (Gold Badge.)
A Welcome to the New Year
By Beulah H. Ridgeway (age 15.)
(Cash Prize.)
Came the New Year o’er our pathway, just a year ago to-day!
While, through all the nations ringing, pealed the bells out o’er and o’er:
“Welcome, happy, happy New Year! Welcome, Year of Nineteen Four!”
Over field and through the woodland where her dainty footsteps led,
It was only from the robin, and his chirp so shrill and clear,
That we heard the gladsome tidings, “Spring is here! Oh, spring is here!”
Blossomed all along her pathway; garlands wreathed her pretty head.
Ah! the days were long and sunny, and the year was in his prime,
And the world was full of beauty in the lovely summer-time.
While the goldenrod abounded in the wood and field and lane,
All the leaves, their garments changing, dressed in crimson and in gold;
Shorter were the days and chilly, fer the year was growing old,
Ice and snow were all around us, keen and biting was the air,
Crowned with mistletoe and holly, winter stood before us then,
And we heard the Christmas anthem, “Peace on earth, good will to men.”
With his courage high within him, and a smile upon his face;
And let every man and woman, every girl and boy alive,
Give a merry, hearty welcome to the Year of Nineteen Five!
“Deer.” By Edward J. Dimock, age 14. (First Prize, “Wild-animal photograph.”.)
“Shark.” By Heyliger de Windt, age 14. (Third Prize, “Wild-animal photograph.”.)
An Episode in Japanese History.
By Hazel V. Hange (age 13.)
(Gold Badge.)
One day, in 1854, an American fleet sailed into the harbor of Tokio, the capital of the fair island-empire of Japan. This greatly alarmed the Japanese, for as much as they dreaded all Europeans, they considered Americams as the worst of barbarians.
But Commodore Perry, captain of the fleet, soon calmed their fears by making a treaty with the Emperor which opened the ports of Japan to all the civilized world. He brought with him a miniature steam-engine and a train of cars as a present to the Japanese Emperor. It was a great novelty to our yellow-skinned neighbors, for they had never seen a locomotive before.
And when Commodore Perry laid the track and put the train on it in the palace courtyard, all the high officials of the empire turned out to see it run. Many of the must dignified men of the empire threw themselves sprawling upon the tops of the cars, and in that most ridiculous position went whirling around the courtyard of the palace! They were pleased with their ride, and others took one in the same way.
Perry also presented the Emperor with a telegraph system, and thus steam power and electricity were introduced into fair Japan, the land of chrysanthemums. This little episode of the steam-engine made Japan and the United States firm friends, and thus they have remained,
May that peace never be broken!
“Robin’s Nest.” By James Donald McCutheon, age 10. (Second Prize, “Wild-animal photograph.”.)
A Welcome to the Sun.
By Ruth Pierce Getchell (age 16.)
(Gold Badge.)
A sullen gray lies aver earth and sky;
The flowers that were so bright have darker grown;
The brook, now cold and drear, runs murmuring by.
Sparkling and dancing as it glided past;
But now the water that was glittering gold
Reflects the darkened sky and holds it fast.
No shadows stretch their forms among the trees.
The woodchuck and the squirrel seek their homes;
The grasses bend and quiver in the breeze.
All earth ts turned from darkened gray to gold.
The brook now glistening suns its merry way
And sings the song that never will be old.
May, like the sun, send forth a shining ray,
To change to light where darkening clouds have been,
To cheer, to warm, to strengthen through the day.
A Welcome.
By Edith J. Minaker (age 13.)
(Gold Badge.)
With rocky sides none e’er could climb,
And snowy peaks above the sky,
Where some old eagle. soaring high,
May nearly reach the lofty height,
And then descend with strong, swift flight;
Which waves and rustles as you pass,
And whispers to the roving breeze,
Or to the birds and flowers and trees,
Or to the river deep and blue,
That winds the fertile prairie through;
“A welcome waits, mankind, for thee;
Though you will rob our prairies wide,
The rocky mountain’s rugged side,
And hew away the forests grand,
And shear the beauty from the land,
Helped by the sunshine and the rain;
And we are rich in mineral store,
Our bounties on you we will pour.
We ’ll help you better lives to live,
For what were living but to give?
“School-days—The Runaway.” By Katharyn Bingham, age 10. (Silver Badge.)
Welcome.
By Lewis S. Combes (age 8.)
(Gold Badge.)
Good-by to the old;
Bring us some more good times
Coasting in the cold.
With the birdies fair;
You will hear them singing,
Flying in the air.
With vacation play:
Running, jumping, swimming,
All the sunny day.
Jack Frost comes at night
Shaking down the chestnuts,
Painting leaves so bright.
All the pleasant year;
Thank you for the good things
That have brought us cheer.
“School-days.” By Gertrude M. Holland, age 12. (Honor Member.)
The Heroism of Yoshida Shoin.
By Mary Budd Pepper (age 11.)
(Silver Badge.)
During the administration of President Fillmore the United States wished to open commerce with Japan, So war-ships were sent under command of Captain Perry, carrying a gold box with a letter in it, asking for the ports to be open to the United States.
On April 8, 1854, the American squadron, the Susquehanna leading, entered Yedo Bay. The people were panic-stricken, but they soon found that the errand of the ships was a peaceful one.
It was while the squadron lay in Yedo Lay that, one morning, about two o’clock, the officer of the mid-watch on the Mississippi heard voices beside the boat, and, looking down, he saw two young boys climbing up the ladder.
Without understanding a word they said, he knew they wanted to remain on board the ship, so he took them to the commander of the flag-ship.
The boys told him that they wished to be taken to America and (a learn more about the world. He was friendly with the government of Japan, and although he would have liked to take the boys with him, he knew the Japanese were not allowed to leave their country, and it would be considered an unfriendly act. So, in spite of the protests of the boys, who said they would be beheaded, they were sent back.
The boys were put in prison and sentenced to be beheaded in five years. One of the boys, whose name was Yoshida Shoin, was turned over to the lord of his clan to be cared for.
He was friendly to the boy, and gave him a cottage under the pines, where he gathered together all the boys of his clan, and taught them, or, as one of the boys afterward said: “He did not exactly teach us, but he gave himself out to us.”
“Natures School.” By Marianna Lippincott, age 1. (Silver Badge.)
Marquis Ito, the greatest statesman of Japan, was the caretaker of that school, and Kido Koin, the greatest mechanical genius of Japan, was the elder of the boys.
Five years from that time Yoshida Shoin was taken outside the gates of Vedo and beheaded, and where he fell there is a shrine, visited by many people.
Welcome to Winter.
By Katharine Marble Sherwood (age 13.)
(Silver Badge.)
With the piercing cold and snow;
Welcome to the keen, bright air,
And the winds that round us blow.
And the skaters’ merry cry;
Welcome to the joyous shouts
Of the coasters speeding by.
Bringing gladsome Christmas cheer;
Welcome to the glorious time
When is born the blithe New Year.
“School-days.” By Louise Tait, age 13.
A Japanese Legend.
By Dorothy Redell (age 11.)
(Silver Badge.)
The Japanese believe that one of the ancestors of their race is a god. Here is a legend telling the story of his children.
When this god was sent to Japan by his mother, he married a beautiful woman. Two children were born to them.
Both of these children were boys: the eldest was Prince Light-the-Fire, and the youngest, Prince Put-the-Fire-Out.
Light-the-Fire was a great fisherman and Put-the-Fire-Out was a great hunter.
One day, however, they thought they would like a change. So Light-the-Fire took his brother’s gun, and Put-the-Fire-Out took the rod. He went to the river, baited his hook, and threw the line in. In a little time he got a bite, but the fish was strong and got away with the hook in his mouth. So Put-the-Fire-Out went home and told his brother he would give him five hooks for the one he had lost. When his brother found out that he had lost the hook he was very angry, and said he would not take a thousand fish-hooks for that one; and then he said never to let him see him again until he brought the hook back.
This made Put-the-Fre-Out very sad, so he wandered to the sea-shore and plunged in, thinking to go to Father Neptune and get the hook back. However, when he got to Neptune’s palace, he had such a good time he forgot all about the hook for two or three years; then he remembered it, and asked Neptune to help him.
So Neptune called all the fishes together, and found the hook in the mouth of one. The prince put it in his pocket and started for home. Before he went he received two crystal balls from Neptune’s wife. One, if dropped in the water, would make the water rise until he dropped in the other ball, which would make it recede.
When he got home he took his brother to the river, and there gave him the fish-hook. Instead of being pleased, his brother was going to kill him, when Put-the-Fire-Out dropped one ball in the water, and the water rose and rose until it was up to Light-the-Fire’s neck; then he was frightened, and begged so, the prince dropped the other ball, and both lived happy ever after.
“Indian School-days.” By George Grady, age 12.
Welcome.
By Alice Knowles (age 9.)
Out of the city, out of harm:
All our friends we now shall meet,
Awaiting our glad return to greet,
“Welcome, welcome!” crows the cock.
Here we are at the dear old farm.
We ‘re out of the city, out of harm.
“A Heading for January.” By Clinton Brown, age 13. (Honor Member.)
An Incident in Japanese History.
By Robert Paul Walsh (age 14.)
Toward the close of a fine autumnal day, in the early part of the fifteenth century, the sun, as it sank behind the horizon, was shedding its last golden rays on the lovely sea of Japan. Not a ripple murmured over its emerald surface, not a soul stirred in the little fishing-town, now the port of Nagasaki, except a wiry Japanese guard who was climbing up a bamboo watchtower to take in the surrounding country.
As he shifted his eyes toward the sea, they met a spectacle the like of which he had never seen before: the water, about five miles outward, was literally covered with sails. Instead of strutting down the streets, and crying in a careless, unconcerned way, “All ’s well!” he hoisted the danger-lantern up the high mast, till it hung directly under the banner of the virtuous Mikado.
The little town was now all excitement—the men-at-arms hurrying to their quarters, and the sailors to their ships; the commander’s horn blowing, and the patriotic inhabitants preparing provisions for their countrymen. And what was it al] about? The fact that the sons of Tamerlane, who had lately conquered China, were casting jealous eyes toward their little island-empire had been previously rumored to the Japanese. The truth of this was now flashed upon them by a veritable Armada of well-nigh to thousand white-winged vessels, contrasted with a force of fast-gathering—black clouds.
The ever-dauntless Japanese, far from despairing, massed their small army, and their navy of about sixty-five junks and fishing-smacks, determined to defend their homes until death.
By night a fearful typhoon sprang up, creating havoc every where. The enemy’s fleet was scattered right and left.
Now the plucky men of Japan made a bold strike. Gathering their small navy of only forty vessels, they directed them into the very midst of the Tartars, and as the reaper mows down the waving grain, so the little force spread death and destruction on all sides. The confused Tartars sank their own ships, believing the enemy to he messengers from the gods who wished their fleet to be destroyed. And their weird death-song intermingled with the shouts of victory from the triumphant Japanese, for the Mikado’s empire was delivered from the greatest catastrophe that ever threatened it up to that time.
“A Heading for January.” By R. E. Jones, age 16. (Honor Member.)
A Welcome to the New Year.
By Mary Travis Heward (age 15.)
(Honor Member.)
All tales must have their ending!
Full cold he lies! so let him lie—
His life has had its spending,
The stars are gone; the sky’s a cloud;
Come, weave the snowflakes for his shroud.
And all the woods are sighing.
And all the small earth-voices tell
How the O}d Year lies dying.
The white moon wanders, sorrowing,
And weeps above her fallen king.
A stir, and then a flutter,
As if the wonder wakening there
Were more than worlds could utter
Welcome! sweet offspring of the dawn?
Thrice welcome! ts the newly-born!
And heralded with laughter,
The New Year! girded with the truth
Of joy that shall come after,
Awake! ye chimes, and o’er the blue
“Ring out the old, ring in the new!”
“A Heading for January.” By S. F. McNeil, age 14. (Silver Badge.)
Welcome.
By Ruth Greenoak Lyon (age 13.)
(Honor Member.)
When the bonfires bright are burning,
And our lessons we are learning
Once again.
We are tired of summer’s leisure;
In our books we now take pleasure,
And enjoyment, in some measure,
In our pen.
As our apples we are roasting,
And marshmallows we are toasting
Round the fire.
Welcome, then, to autumn cheery!
Who can ever think it dreary?
Who of it can ever weary,
Ever tire?
“A California January Tailpiece.” By Jacky Hayne, age 8. (Silver Badge.)
A Japanese Episode.
By Pauline Hamilton Freeman (age 13.)
In the present population of Japan there are two distinct races, the Ainos and the Japanese. Of the former there is only a small number, now remaining in Vezo and Ishikari, The Ainos are probably the original race. The origin of the term Aino is unknown, but the Japanese believe it is derived from inu, meaning a dog, and was bestowed on them in contempt. The name is net used by the Ainos themselves, but Vezo is used by them instead. They are very odd. and many stories are told about them.
In their rude superstitions, the bear seers to have a singular part, Whether their traditions concerning this animal had their origin in some earlier fear of the bear as a ferocious neighbor, it is impossible to determine. In every community the men capture, each spring, a young cub, which they bring home. It is guarded with great care and is fed upon milk, When it is too old to be further fed in this way, it is confined in a bear-cage provided for the purpose. Then, in the 
“My Playmate.” By Katharine Walsh, age 13 autumn of the following year, the grand bear festival is held. At an appointed signal the door of the cage is opened, and the bear, which has been infuriated by hunger and teasing attacks, rushes out. The assembled hunters rash upon him with bows and arrows, clubs and knives, and after an exciting struggle despatch him. The carcass is cut in pieces and distributed among the families of the community, who feast upon it with great delight. Mingled with this rough and exciting scene is much sakê-drinking, This is one accomplishment which they have learned from the Japanese. The men are all confirmed sakê-drinkers, and both men and women persistent smokers. Of the meaning and object of this bear feast the Ainos themselves are ignorant. It goes back to a period beyond their present traditions. Whether it has in it an element of bear worship it is impossible to learn.
A Welcome to the Seasons.
By Frances Hodges (age 11.))
’T is a welcoming song they sing;
We hear hem everywhere—
They are welcoming in the spring,
But of the same glad tune;
Something is coming, ’t is very near—
Summer will be here soon.
The voices, we hear them all,
Singing the same glad song—
They are ushering in the fall.
The voices again are singing;
Something is coming along the snow—
’T is winter that they are bringing.
A Japanese Episode.
By Margaret Dow (age 13.)
Once on a time there were twin brothers. Now, that sounds like a fairy story, does n’t it? But this is going to be a true story that I am going to tell you.
Well, the father of these two brothers was the Emperor of Japan, and so these men were princes.
After a while their father died, and then there was a great commotion. Of course, there always is when a great man dies; but this was unusually interesting, Which brother would be emperor?
if they had been men common to that time, they would have plunged all Japan into a great civil war, and this was what Japan was afraid of.
But these two wise men decided on a strange way of settling the question.
The Japanese, as you probably know, are great wrestlers. Their muscles are like steel, so strong and springy. The twin princes hired the champion wrestlers of the country, ant had them wrestle it out! And, still more strange, they stuck to their bargain.
I can’t tell you which one won, because I don’t know myself.
“A Heading for January.” By Archie MacKinnon, age 13.
Welcome to Winter.
By Catharine H. Straker (age 12.)
(Honor Member.)
The sledging, the skating, and all that is nice!
We ‘ve passed our lessons, exams and their fears;
So now for vacation and Christmas—three cheers!
Spring is inviting, with flowers so sweet;
Autumn is beauteous, the leaves are so gay;
But winter is coming—so hip, hip, hurray!
But they pass very quickly, and others are here.
Let ‘s enjoy the cold winter and snow while they last,
And then welcome the sunshine and spring when they ’re past.
The sledging, the skating, and all that is nice!
An Episode in Japan.
By D. Walker (age 14.)
In the twelfth century a bitter civil war was raging in Japan between the two great clans or families of Minamoto and Taira. When peace had been proclaimed and the family of Taira had been victorious, Kiyomori, the head of the Taira family, raised himself to a pinnacle of nepotism and patronage. All the Minamato, therefore, at the head of whom was Yoshimoto, conspired to over-throw the arrogant Kiyomori. They were, however, detected. Yoshimoto was at once put to death. His young wife, Tokiwa, and his three children were able to escape, and fled across the country in the hope of saving themselves from Kiyomori.
One day Tokiwa, with her three boys, one of whom she carried in her arms, was seeking some refuge. It was bitterly cold, the snow was falling fast, and the children were crying with hunger and fatigue, In this forlorn condition they were met by one of the Taira officers, He was so moved by the sight of Tokiwa’s great beauty that he took them to a place of shelter, where they might live in comfort. One day, however, the sad news was brought that the mother of Tokiwa had been taken captive by Kiyomori. Now, from their earliest childhood the Japanese are taught to hold their parents in the greatest respect, so that Tokiwa thought that she ought at once to give herself up to Kiyomori and obtain her mother’s release. But when she considered that this step would probably result in the death of her innocent children, her heart failed within her. At last, however, she decided to surrender herself to Kiyomori and trust that her beauty would move him to pity. Fortunately, what she had anticipated came to pass. The tyrant Kiyomori was softened by her beauty, and promised to spare her and her children if she would become his wife. She consented and was spared, while the bays were placed in different monasteries, The youngest of them, Yositsuné, afterward escaped from the monastery, became a great general, and is now one of their national heroes. One of the many legends concerning him tells how a noted robber-chief tried to kill him as he was crossing a bridge. They fought, and Yositsuné conquered, while the robber was ever after his devoted servant.
Welcome the New Year.
By Dorothy Kerr Floyd (age 12.)
The trees stand naked and drear,
And the world is whitened and frozen
As we welcome the glad New Year.
So gracefully to and fro;
On the hill the children are coasting,
And making boulders of snow.
A shout and a laugh sound clear,
And we know that the skaters and coasters
All welcome the glad New Year.
The Pluck of Michiari.
By Katharine J. Bailey (age 14.)
The early Chinese and the Japanese were on very friendly terms, and peaceful communications were kept up for several centuries. But about 1200 the Mongol Tartars overcame the Sung dynasty and conquered many surrounding nations.
Instead of keeping up a friendly intercourse with Japan, as their predecessors had done, they immediately sent envoys to the island-empire demanding tribute and homage. These the plucky little nation refused to give, and war almost directly ensued.
A Japanese captain named Michiari was overjoyed at the prospect of war, as he had long hoped, wished, and even prayed for a chance to fight against the Mongols.
The Japanese quickly collected an army and made fortifications on shore, so as ta be ready for an attack.
One day, coming cut from behind the breastworks, Michiari defied the Tartars to fight. As none of them accepted his challenge, he filled two boats with his companions and started forth toward the gigantic fleet of the enemy.
The spectators on shore, who were eagerly watching each action, thought that Michiari must certainly have become insane. The Mongol leaders, seeing the two little boats coming steadily toward them, could imagine no other purpose than that of intended surrender, so they refrained from firing at the gallant little company.
When Michiari's little band had nearly reached the fleet, the men suddenly threw out ropes with grappling-irons attached, and sprang on board the Tartar junk or ship.
Instantly all was confusion, for the Mongols were not prepared for the onslaught; and had they been, their bows and spears would have been no match for the two-edged swords of the Japanese.
The native soldiers, quick in all their motions, set fire to the junk, and were off before the slow-moving Tartars could close in around them.
Many captives were taken that day, among them one of the highest officers of the Mongol army.
“My Playmate.” By Margaret Dobson, age 13. (Honor Member.)
Welcome.
By Helen W. Wyman (age 11.)
We ’re glad to see you back again,
Covering up the trees and bushes
With the snow so white and clean.
For the ponds are frozen hard;
Get your hats and coats and leggings,
Come and play out in the yard.
With your icicles and snow.
We will ne’er, oh, ne’er forget you
When the winds of summer blow.
The New Years Welcome.
By Louisa F. Spear (age 15.)
Brought darkness to a close,
When off against the cold, gray sky
A tiny speck arose.
I heard the children say:
“Here comes the little Nineteen Five,
Oh, this is New Year’s Day!”
The New Year rode in state.
Four fairies rushed to do his will:
They loved on him to wait.
’T was made of autumn leaves;
And underneath his tiny feet
Were nuts and golden sheaves.
And fruits and yellow corn;
And as I passed the little prince,
He blew his silver horn.
Bright New-Year thoughts revive,
And with clear voices send abroad
Three cheers for Nineteen Five!
The Welcome Snow.
By Mabel Fletcher (age 17.)
Out of the sky;
Children are laughing
As they float by;
Some on the tree-tops,
Some on the grass,
Some on the cheeks of
Each lad and lass.
Busily whirling,
Feathery white,
Each has its work to
Finish ere night.
Shining and round;
Stars in the heavens,
Stars on the ground;
Where the great tree-limbs
Rose by the gate,
Clothed in white samite
Shining nymphs wait.
Oh, merry springtime,
Summer or fall,
Winter with snow is
Best of you all!
Welcome to the Year.
By Marguerite Weed (age 13.)
’T is the bell’s chime, soft and low,
Ringing, in the quaint old steeple,
O’er the white and glistening snow.
And the bells grow loud and gay.
All the world seems bright and better,
On this happy New Year Day.
Ring the bells of far and near;
Let us join, with happy voices,
In their welcome of the Year.
The Roll of Honor.
No. 1. A list of those whose work would have been published had space permitted.
No.. 2. A list of those whose work entitles them to honorable mention and encouragement.
VERSE 1.
- Maud Dudley Shackelford
- Margaret Norton
- Carmelita Clark
- Gladys Nelson
- Freda M. Harrison
- Doris Francklyn
- Madge Smith
- Mary Elizabeth Mair
- Natalie D. Wurts
- Florence L. Adams
- Arthur Albert Myers
- Helen Janet Smith
- Blanche Loeming
- Joseph R. Gousha
- Nannie Clark Barr
- Harold R. Norris
- Alma C. Jones
- Grace Leshe Johnston
- Margaret Drew
- Georgiana Myers Sturdee
VERSE 2.
- Emmeline Bradshaw
- Gleeson McCarty
- Marguerite Stuart
- Helen Potter
- Georgia Justeen Spears
- Jessie Freeman Foster
- Marjorie Macy
- Joseph P. D. Hull
- Elizabeth A. Steer
- Henry Sonneborn, Jr,
- Katherine G. Kurtz
- Emily Rose Burt
- Eleanor E. Moody
- Annie Johnson
- Melicent Eno Humason
- Marguerite Eugenie Stephens
- Elsa Solano Lopez
- Cora L. Merrill
- Alline de Maret
- Mary L. Douglas
- Elizabeth Templeton Cunningham
- J. Horton Daniels, Jr.
- Louise Clemens
- Bessie M. Blanchard
- Marjorie Wellington
- Enid Pendleton
- Mary A. Woods
- Lucia Beebe
- Dorothy Smith
- Phyllis Brooks
- Lucile Woodling
- Gladys Frisch
- Nellie Clements
- Alma Liechty
- Ione Casey
- Lucile Bocage
- Ruth H. Matz
- Helen R. Brown
- Margaret Brooke
- Dorothy Cathell
- Delphina L. Hammer
- Virginia Coyne
- Ruth Sterry
PROSE 1.
- Francis Marion Miller
- Margaret Minaker
- Gerald Jackson Pyle
- Stella F. Boyden
- Mildred Newmann
- Heien J. Simpson
- Elizabeth Wilcox Pardee
- Elizabeth Toof
- Mildred L. Smith
PROSE 2.
- M. R. Busse
- Elizabeth L. Jackson
- Mary E. Hatch
- Marguerite McCord
- Ray Murray
- Marguerite Jervis
- Margaret M. Albert
- Mary Pemberton Nourse
- Kemper Simpson
- Vincent Imbrie
- Sylvan Blumer
DRAWINGS 1.
- Phoebe Hunter
- Herman Louis Schaeffer
- Ernest J. Clare
- Robert H. Gibson
- Shirley Willis
- Ruth Evelyn Hutchins
- Hester Gordon Gibson
- Kathleen Buchanan
- Richard M. Hunt
- Melville Coleman Levey
- Susan Elizabeth Brady
- Gladys L’F-Moore
- Martha F. Fleck
- Helen Gardner Waterman
- Victor A. Sears
- Robert E. Andrews
- Daisy Burroughs
- Katie Nina Miller
- Lucy E. B. Mackenzie
- Bessie R. Wright
- Guinevere Hamilton Norwood
- John Butler
- Margaret Lanz Daniell
- Mary Powell
- Esther Brown
- Augusta Wight
- Jean Wolverton
- Marion Osgood Chapin
- Dorothy Ochrman
- F. Manon Halkett
DRAWINGS 2.
- Ethel Messeroy
- Winifred G. Smith
- Bertha V. Emerson
- Anna Zucker
- John Blair
- Anna B. Carolan
- M. H. Fewsmith
- Eleanor I. Town
- Marion K. Cobb
- Rhoda E. Gunnison
- Emily W. Browne
- James Waters
- Josephine Arnold Bonney
- Elmira Keene
- Fannie Tutwiler
- Annie Constance Nourse
- Constance Whitten
- Sara A. Parker
- William Whitford
- Raymond Rohn
- Olga E. Dieckhoff
- Aurelia Michener
- Henry Neuman
- Stanley C. Low
- Anne H. Gleaves
- Albert Hart
- William W. Westring, Jr.
- Mildred Willard
- Olive Mudie-Cooke
- Evelyn Auger
- Frank Leslie Crouch
- Frances Kathleen Crisp
- Max Bernhardt
- Elizabeth M- Robinson
- Ethel Irwin
- Florence Baker
- Mervyn Joy
- Anna A, Flichtner
- Mary Taussiz
- Anne Atwood
- Elizabeth E. Thomas
- Frances T. Carr
- Clara P. Pond
- Harold Castle
- Ruth L. Rowell
- Leona Triebel
- Vera M. Demens
- Dorothea Thompson
- Dorothy Dodd
- Ruth Thorne
- L. Fred Clawson, Jr.
- Raymond Foley
- Katharine Carrington
- Margaret D. Carpenter
- Bessie B. Scyron
- Ruth Cass
- Carl Wetzel
- Samuel S. Buckman
- Winifred Hutchings
- Sadie Dorothy Stabem
- Alma Seyinour
- Clara Brabant
- Theresa R. Robbins
- Derothy Thompson
- Bessie Bocage
- Sarah J. Appleton
- Ellen P. Andrews
- Gilbert Palmer Pond
- Julia EK, Reyer
- ivan Oshom
- Laura G. Gibson
- Charley F. Fuller
- Clara B. Fuller
- Irene Ross Loughborough
- Grace Wardwell
- Nannie Louise Gail
- Charlotte St. G. Nourse
- Louise Converse
PHOTOGRAPHS 1.
- Jeanette E. Perkins
- Joseph S. Webb
- Richard S. Bull
- Luna Ada Thatcher
- Natalie Mason
- Margaret M. Sammond
- Lawrence H. Riggs
- Ellen C. Du Pont
- Marion R. Pitt
- Marjorie Miller
- Arthur Drummond
- Mary W. Woodman
PHOTOGRAPHS 2.
- Fulvia Varvaro
- Annie MacMahon
- Julius Potter
- Louise Holmes
- George Mastick
- Celestine Waldron
- Howard L. Seamans
- Alice G, Peirce
- W. Caldwell Webb
- Willie E. Crocker
- May L. Smith
- William Norwood
- Martha F. Garrett
- Mary Dean Pierce
- Ralph Crozier
- Derothy May Newell
- Donald Armour
PUZZLES 1.
- Mary E. Dunbar
- Enid Hately
- Madge Oakley
- Priscilla Lee
- Edith Macallum
- Marion G. Russell
- E. Adelaide Hahn
PUZZLES 2.
- Louisa Henderson
- George Dumcan Mathews
- Ruth M, Hapyood
- Edna Krouse
- Edith M. Andrews
- Helen Dean Fish
- Olga Maria Kolff
- Tyler Barrett
- Florence I. Miller
- Agnes R. Lane
- Bertha Struck
- A. William Goetz
- Leonard Limmer
- Caroline C. Johnson
“My Playmate.” By Evelyn Buchanan, age 12.
League Notes and Letters.
A number of the letters which follow will show how unwise it is for any one with the inclination to write or draw, or to do any other sort of League work, to be discouraged. There are very few prizes won on the first or second or even the third attempt. It more often happens that many trials are made even before Roll of Honor No. 2 is reached. Slow and sure progress may be a little discouraging at times but it is all the more gratifying in the end.
Every month there are contributions received without the age of the sender. These members perhaps wonder why their names do not appear on the Roll of Honor. We have decided to make another roll therefore, by which they may see for what reason they have been omitted even when their work was deserving of mention. Here is the list. We will call it
The Roll of the Forgetful.
Mary Ellen Willard, John Martin, Will Byrnes, Dorothy G. Stewart, Carolyn Sherman, Fred L. Purdy, Helen K. Brown, Elizabeth Rattle, Ruth Allen, H. Ernest Bell, Edward K. Hale, and Milford Brooker.
Dear St. Nicholas: I received my badge and want to express my thanks for it. It was a pleasant surprise as I had no idea of winning a prize, having tied several times without success.
But I am encouraged new and shall try again.
Thanking you very much, I remain, sincerely yours,
Dear St. Nicholas: I am an American boy. I was born in New York. I was very small when I left America so I do not remember anything about it. I have lived in Brussels, Ostend, and Ireland, but I would much rather live in America. I like the “Comedy in Wax” very much, because I have been to Madame Tussaud’s and seen all the figures in the tale. I also like the “Story of King Arthur and his Knights.”
I have taken St. Nicholas: for three years, and like it very much, I am looking forward to the new serial.
From your intLewis Wilmot Johnson (age 8¾).
My dear St. Nicholas: I want to thank you most sincerely for awarding me the first prize for “Wild-Animal Photography.” I do not think I deserved such an honor. It was quite unexpected, and my surprise was exceeded only by my delight.
I have always taken a great deal of interest in League work, and 
By Margaret Reeve, Age 8. shall always continue to do so, although, to my sorrow, I have only a little less than a year before I am too old to be a member.
Thanking you again, I am,
Olive C. McCabe.
Dear St. Nicholas: I ought ta have acknowledged before the beautiful badge which you sent me, but illness prevented my writing until now. I don't think I was ever so surprised in my life as when I saw my name, with the words “Gold Badge.” opposite it, in the September magazine; ar so delighted as when the precious badge itself arrived. I shall prize it all my life, not only for its own worth, but for the encouragement it has given me; and I shall always think gratefully of St. Nicholas as having been the first to help me.
Hoping I shall always deserve your approval, I remain, sincerely yours,
My dear St. Nicholas: I hope you will acknowledge that thanks are better late than never, especially when they come from down deep in the heart I presume you receive so many letters of gratitude that they mean little to you, but nevertheless no one so delighted as I to win a gold badge could neglect thanking you without a very troubled conscience. It is so beautiful that really I am afraid I have become a little vain, for I am not the least modest when people admire it. However, that is not my fault, but yours!
My school work is very absorbing or I would have time ta compete oftener. These are my studies and I enjoy them very much; Cicero, plane geometry, and advanced German.
Wishing you the best of success until magazines are no more.
I am always, your friend, admirer, and lover,
Dear St. Nicholas: You have been so good to me, and I feel toward you as to an old fiend, so I am sitting down to have a nice little talk with you, and to thank you.
At first you encouraged me in my work, and placed my name on the Honor Roll. I was, that first time, very pleased and jubilant. But imagine my feelings later when, not without same persistent endeavor, I was awarded the Silver Badge. And last, and best, you have placed in my hands that bit of gold and blue that means so much to the St. Nicholas Leaguer.
So, you see, although I live so far from that great metropolis, New York, in a town on the wide prairies, in this great wheat country, the Golden West, still, because I have touched hands with you, when you placed my prizes in my eager palms, and because you have of so much pleasure and benefit to me, I feel that really in my heart I am as near you as any of your readers.
And although I am a loyal and patriotic Canadian, still I am sure you will find a place for me in your big heart, that embraces so many boys and girls the world over, and that you will regard me as one of your ardent admirers, who will ever be,
Your most sinceMargaret Minaker.
Dear St. Nicholas League: My beautiful badge came the other day, and I spent so much of my time looking at it that I did not have time to prepare my lessons. When the St. Nicholas came with my name, and “Gold Badge” in italics under it, I proceeded to become 
“Tailpiece for January.” By Katharine Gibson, Age 8. what my less fortunate friends called “luny,” and may I often have such good cause for lunacy.
I celebrated the winning of my silver badge by coasting on my sled all day—and this time, when I won still greater honor, I played several games of croquet with a friend and was so excited that I lost every one of them. I am sure all the croquet-lovers of the League will realize my extreme joy.
Hoping for many, many years of prosperity for the League, when my name and work can no longer appear on its pages, I remain,
Your prize-winnerRR (age 13)
N. Clark Barr (age 13).}}
Other welcome letters have been received from Margaret Sargent, Mary H. Dunton, Maud Dudley Shackelford, Clinton H. Smith, Consuelo Müller, Virginia Hoit, Virginia Mayfield, H. Ernest Bell, Edmund R Brown, Benjamia L. Miller, Helen L. Scobey, Jack Johnstone, Erwin Janowitz, Ruth Greenock Lyon, Morris Gilbert Bishop, Florence Alvarez, J. I. Tiemann, Winifred H. Littell, Dorothy Grace Gibson, Alice Garland, and Helen F. Bell.
Prize Competition No. 64.
The St. Nicholas League awards gold and silver badges each month for the best poems, stories, drawings, photographs, puzzles, and puzzle-answers. Also cash prizes of five dollars each to gold-badge winners who shall again win first place. The last provision does not apply to “Wild Animal Photograph” prize-winners.
Competition No. 64 will close January 20 (for foreign members January 25). The awards will be announced and prize contributions published in St. Nicholas for April.
Verse. To contain not more than twenty-four lines. Title: to contain the word “Rest.”
Prose. Article or story of not more than four hundred words. Title: “The Story of a Cat.” Must be true.
Photograph. Any size, interior or exterior, mounted or unmounted; no blue prints or 
“From Nature.” By Raphael Hamilton, age 11. negatives. Subject, “Trees in Winter.”
Drawing. India ink, very black writing-ink, or wash (not color), interior or exterior, Two subjects, “Study from Animal Life” and a Heading or Tailpiece for April.
Puzzle. Any sort, but must be accompanied by the answer in full.
Puzzle-answers. Best, neatest, and most complete set of answers to puzzles in this issue of St. Nicholas.
Wild Animal or Bird Photograph. To encourage the pursuing of game with a camera instead of a gun. For the best photograph of a wild animal or bird taken in its natural home: First Prize, five dollars and League gold badge, Second Prize, three dollars and League gold badge. Third Prize, League gold badge.
RULES.
Any reader of St. Nicholas, whether a subscriber or not, is entitled to League membership, and a League badge and leaflet, which will be sent on application.
Every contribution, of whatever kind, must bear the name, age, and address of the sender, and be indorsed as “original” by parent, teacher, or guardian, who must be convinced beyond doubt that the contribution is not copied, but wholly the work and idea of the sender. If prose, the number of words should also be added. These things must not be on a separate sheet, but on the contribution itself—if a manuscript, on the upper margin; if a picture, on the margin or back. Write or draw on one side of the paper only. A contributor may send but one contribution a month—not one of each kind, but one only. Address all communications:
The St. Nicholas League, Union Square, New York.
- ↑ Several versions of this legend were received. Two have been selected for use and prize awards.