Show christs village fears uprising As world celebrates nativity V k il ft NO PE PEACE ACE HERE british motorized troops patrol the streets of bethlehem to prevent disorders 0 tilde little town own of bethlehem how still we see thee lie HILE america sings of WHILE VV christs birthplace this yuletide the little palestine city of bethlehem is should erin ering under such a deep factional discontent that the event for which it is famous is being observed with cautious restraint this year Bethle hems 1939 christmas will be happier than last years however at that time a shooting melee occurred in a cafe lust just across the square from the church of the nativity british troops invaded the place which was said to be a hideout tor for arab rebels long associated with the religion of brotherly love and the gentle art of the shepherd bethlehem his has frequently v in its it 30 centuries been the scene of strife and bloodshed rachel died there its first mention in the bible is associated with death that of rachel nearly 2000 years yeara before christ tending hit his sheep around bethlehem was the boy named david who later slew his ten thousands nandi to the mere thousands of saul in bethlehem says the Ahe bible occurred hernds massa massacre ere of the infants infanta in the timi time of christ During the world war new battle lines were drawn around bethlehem when in november 1917 british and turkish gorman german forces fought for Jerusa jerusalem lenn 5 miles to the north nearly 1000 y years ears ago one of thi the turning points of the crusades oc burred at an old church just outside bethlehem where richard bichard the lion lien hearted gave way before sa ladan gates cafes encircle church in time of pence peace modern bethlehem with its people Is a prosperous town with a flourish flourishing ing tourist trade around th the e church of the nativity are cates cafes noisy with radio music soft drink establishments and curio shops selling postcards of sacred scenes crosses rosaries carved wooden camels and other souvenirs I 1 the present strife centers ar around oun d arab opposition to making palestine a haven tor for jews in accordance with great britaina Brit ains plan bethlehem and jerusalem which are connected with a modern n highway in contrast with the biblical simplicity of the surrounding country remain strongholds strong holds of arab leaders bethlehem has no factories big stores or swanky hotels but its citizens keep busy in I 1 the fields and vineyards with their flocks or at such modest local trades as tinsmiths I 1 stone masons carp carpenters and shoemakers whole families make their living carting beads and other religious articles out of mother of pearl and olivewood olive wood tor for sale to tourists everywhere in this old co country antry the new jostles the old for right of way newsboys call special edit editions ioni and Bethle hems mayor drives his bis automobile to the municipal building where his office is equipped with telephones and other modern vices an electric ster star even hangs above manger square |