From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Dec. 23, 1914:

• “The consideration of the gasoline ordinance which has been suggested to the commissioners was taken up in a special meeting of the city commission this morning and it was discussed from different points of view…. The commissioners find that the cleaning houses in Lawrence handle gasoline in such a way that all possible danger of an explosion is eliminated and they are doing all possible to make the situation the best possible…. The commissioners also took up a proposition of constructing a cinder path from town to the Oak Hill Cemetery. The City Attorney was instructed to give the commissioners a written opinion as to whether or not they could construct this work out of the cemetery fund. If it is found that they will be able to do this it is probable that the work will be started as soon as the snow is off the ground…. Cleaning the snow off the bridge over the Kaw River was taken up and discussed. City Attorney Harley told the commissioners that it was the city’s duty to take care of the bridge. Complaint has come to the officials that the sidewalk and road on the bridge has become so slick that it is very dangerous to cross the bridge. The commissioners provided that some action e taken this afternoon to relieve the situation. It was thought best to remove the snow from the bridge entirely.”
• “A Christmas Tree for the Firemen is the latest happening at the City Hall. It is necessary for the firemen to stay on duty at night and it will be impossible for them to get away to attend any of the festivities that will be held on Christmas eve. Consequently they have planned to have a celebration of their own and will have a Christmas tree. This will be held in their comfortable quarters on the second floor of the City Hall…. The men who are there to protect the town want to enjoy the season the same as people who do not have to be on duty…. On Christmas eve two years ago the firemen were called out twice during the evening to put out fires that had originated from burning decorations.”
• “With the temperature hovering near zero last night the fire department was called to 305 Maple street, where a fire was raging when they reached the house. The firemen applied the hose to the hydrant and soon had a stream of water playing on the fire. In working with the water the firemen got it all over their clothes and it froze seemingly as soon as it struck. The fire was extinguished in a short time and a dozen shivering firemen hurried back to headquarters for their warm beds.”
• “One hundred and twenty rabbits and one crow were killed by the men of Pleasant Valley on their annual hunt Tuesday. George Griffith killed the largest number of cotton tails. Crissie Richardson made the shot of the day. The proceeds of this hunt will go to an oyster supper.”
• “No explanation of the mysterious firing of a shot through the window of the office of J. C. Lovejoy has been made. From the direction the bullet came it must have been fired from or over a building across the street. Mr. Lovejoy is of the opinion that someone was guilty of carelessly shooting pigeons in the business district of the city.”
• “What’s the use of going to all the trouble of getting a big dinner on Christmas Day when you can get a better one for yourself and family at about one-half the cost at the Eldridge House. The Eldridge is not the largest hotel in the country, but you can get good things to eat there and they are served in real style. Give your wife a holiday on Christmas and try that big 75-cent dinner down at the hotel.”
• “Washington. – The Hobson resolution to submit a constitutional amendment for national prohibition to the state legislatures, was defeated in the house last night, 197 members voting for and 189 against it. An affirmative vote of two-thirds was required to adopt the resolution. Party lines were wiped out in the struggle. Democratic Leader Underwood and Republican Leader Mann fought shoulder to shoulder at the head of the forces opposing the resolution…. It was at the conclusion of one of the most stirring contests of recent days in congress and following votes on several amendments that the final vote was reached…. Immediately after the announcement of the vote, the house adjourned, the crowds which had packed the galleries throughout the prolonged debate dispersing with mingled expressions of regret and jubilation…. It is the first time in the history of the republic that the question of national prohibition has gotten upon the floor of the house…. Rep. Henry of Texas, chairman of the House rules committee, who vigorously opposed the Hobson resolution predicts that as a result of the vote in the house the question would not be again brought up on the floor of Congress as a national issues for twenty years.”