St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-12-26
footed A TOY OF TIN,
Thus We're Christmas FESTIVE
ties Begun at the White
House.
From Grandpa to Benjamin
Baby Mckee Every One
Got Gifts.
Quiet Home Gatherings Of the
Official FamilieS--A G. A.
r. Feast.
England Experiences a Day Of
Fog, Sadness, Gloom and
Disaster.

WAsHTN GTON, Dec. 25.-AS has al
ways been the custom, Christmas day
was observed at the national capital as
a close holiday. All the government de-
partments were of course closed. as.
with scarcely an exception, were the
stores and other business houses
throughout the city. AS soon as con-
gTess adjourned last Wednesday many
members started at once for their y
spective homes. Many others left town
yesterday, so that, with the exception of
those who have their families here.
Washington haa been temporarily de-
serted by the legislative branch of the
government. The footing of tin horn
III a series of more or less musical notes
was the signal for the commencement
of the Christmas celebration at the
White house this morning shortly after
10 o'clock. When Mrs. DimmicN blew
this juvenile instrument, faces came
smiling from every door around her in
the corridor up stairs, and soon all the
members of the presidential family had
assembled in
= Laughing Procession.
AT the head of it were the president
and Dr. Scott. Master Benjamin and lit
tie Mary Mckee. A stream of light
shOne from the library door, and away
in the corner of that historic apartment
glistened like a thousand stars the
Christmas tree. On a table lear the
tree were copies Of Master Benjamin'S
address on the occasion TO the Christ
child. brought forth under the inSpira-
ton of the children'S gOverneSS, These
were handed to the little ones, and
spoken III German. Their audience was
Just as appreciatiye as if every word
was understood.
After this formal part of the pro-
gTamme everybody had a chauce to in
Spect their gifts. The children found
their presents arranged around the floor
under their tree. One side, devoted to
Mary's gifts. had full set of baby doll
furniture. with dolls, kitchen outfit
and any quantity of other necessaries in
the world Of babydOm. while Benjamin
had sham engine. a couple OF trains
of cars, full set of armOr, books, pict-
ureS and all manner Of things to tickle
his fancy.
On table near by, were Mrs. Har-
risOn'S gifts. and all the members of her
family, as well as many prominent peO-
pie all over the country, were repre-
scented by valuable tokens. Three or
four other tables held presents for the
president, Mrs. Mckee, DR.. Scott, Mrs.
Dimmick, Mrs. and Mr.. Parker. Mr..
HalfOrd, Miss Sanger and all the house
hOld retnue.
The president yesterday presented to
each emplOye of the household an order
for turkey or pair of gloves, and
Mrs. Harrison added to this by per-
SOnal gift. Russell Harrison came on
from New York this morning and was
at the White house IN time to eat break
fast with his parents. Mr.. Mckee ar
rived later i'll the day.
The Official Families.
The vice president and Mrs. Morton
ate dinner with their five daughters and
a few friends. Secretary Blaine and
Mrs. Blaine had late dinner, at which
were present Miss Hattie Blaine. James
q. Blaine Jr., and Mr.. and Mrs. Walter
DamrOsch. Secretary Elkins spent his
Christmas with his family at Elkins,
W. Va. Secretary Tracy, Mrs. Will
merding and Miss Alice Wilmerding
formed a quiet family party at their
residence on Kstreet.
Secretary Noble and his wife had as
their only guests the Misses Halstead,
sisters of Mrs. Noble. Secretary, Mrs.
and Miss Foster spent the day quietly.
They dined together for the first time
since the secretary's illness. Secretary
and Mrs. Rusk had the principal Of
ficers of the agricultural department at
dinner with them tonight. Attorney
General and Mrs. Miller. their two
daughters and their son. had an old
fashioned Indiana Christmas dinner all
together. Postmaster General Wanna
maker celebrated Christmas at Linden
hurst, his country place near Phila-
delphia, with members of his family.