Arizona weekly citizen., 1881-01-01
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
How the Day Was spent m Tucson An Occasion Long To be Remem' bered.

Probably the Christmas Day just passed was more generally observed than any previous time in the history of the city. A notable feature of the day was the absence of any fragrant eases of drunkenness or misconduct, when it is taken into consideration that at a number of the saloons drinks were dispensed freely to the crowds, nos tO mention the usual departure. from the rules of ordinary life on such occasions. Everybody seemed to en- joy themselves to the fullest extent, and the beautiful day added no lIttle to the general pleasure.
 The churches were well attended at the morning services, that at the Presbyterian being conducted by Rev. Il. II. Messenger, the Episcopal clergyman of this city. At the Church of San Augusun, congregation which crowded the building to its ui- most capacity listened tO sermon by Bishop SaipOinte such as Is rarely heard here or elsewhere. IL is to be
 egTUJtcd that the Bishops remarks cannot be reproduced for the benefit of those who could not hear him, as the sermon was one of extraordinary merit.
 l. was a remarkably pleasant sight in the afternoon, to sec the 225 tidy pupils of the public scl B enjoying their Christmas at Levi FHall. Half past three o'clock, with darkened windows, and before them a tasteiully decorated tree, gleaming with many lights, found them awaiting the ar rival of Santa Claus. His coming was greeted with glad smiles. One iijtlc one, that had come with her big sister, could not help crying. Santa Claus good talk and better deeds soon QUieted her sobs. TheIe was a bag full of dulces for every child present. Miss Smith and Miss Wood, with some of their lady friends, deserve much praise for the taste displayed in decorating the tree and making the arrangements. The cost amounted t) SlJ: of which, $31 remained from last years subscription. Mayor Leather wood collected the funds. Bayer & Schwartz donated the use of the hall, while many kind ladies of Tucson gave cake and encouraged the enter prise with their cooperation and presence.
 The races at the Sil,er Lake Driv- ing Park were we'll attended, both on Christmas and on Sunday. The crowded state of the CITIZENS col umns prevents an extended report oi tbe enjoyable sporting events which took place. Suffice it tO say that " Kate won the running race on Saturday, and Texas Charlie won the purse Sunday.
 Al the Palace the evidences of mer- " Christmas were not wanting. In tLe morning huge bowl of egg-nogg free as water, started the festivities, and Mr. Raytield's health was drunk in many a bumper of lhe delicious beverage. No one was forgotten m the general enjoyment, and ihe din ucr-which Was @ genuine surprise to all ihe guests, especially 10 several ot our Eastern visitors, who came to Tucson with an idea that a good din- ucr was an impossible feat on the irOnticr-was more than the expected success. The bill of fare expressed naurnt but warm wish in golden letters that the guesti should have a merry Christmas, and Col. Young the steward. was thus enabled to spread ulhcralded one of the best din ucrs ever served in this city.
 At the Cosmopolitan, also MT. Pir- ami gave such dinner as will long be remembered by those present. A number of additional tables were added m the spacious dining-rooms, but vacant seats were in demand not withstanding until late in the evening.
 The boys of the CITIZEN office were by no means neglected in the general hospitality of the day. NIT West, of the Cabinet Saloon, concoc- ted for them such pitcher of egg nuer for their delectation that one universal " Yuml yumw resounded throughout the length and breadth Of the office, and the health of the donor was drunk in hearty old Christina, style. Mir. Joseph Betz, propnetor oi the Mint Exchange, added a box oi imported cigars, and the celerity witf which these Havanas vanished into smoke test fled the appreciation which they received.