The evening world., 1891-12-25

ably set, and upon II was performance such
as should have touched the heart Of every
lover Of children.
Supt 4. W. Moore and members Of his stan
sat up all night to set that stage. They were
Still there when the distribution was going
on They We're good workers and 1t was an
orderly process TINT went on at tho Peoples
so far as the inside was concerned.
outside It was different. There the afore-
said disciple OF realism could have found a
mob scene to surpasS his widest eXpecta-
tions. Not a destructive mob, however. A
big, jostling crowd OF eager children, with
here and there IA mother, who carried her
babe In arms. A picturesque and curious
gathering, but not mischlcvous enc.
They made lively work, those children, for a
squad Of big policemen, and once word was
sent to the Eldridgc street station for re-
enforcement OF bluecoats. The human tide
was carefully directed through the side door
ot the theatre however. and the boys and
girls went In single fle to and across the
stage and then out at the rear door in Chrys-
tie street.
As they went across the stage they passed
between two rows OF improyised tables, on
which were piled the candies and other pres
cnts. Barrels OF apples were there, too, and
of popcorn. Each child received from prompt
hands a share ot christmas stock and went
happily on to make room for the next
The first thing an applicant got was box
OF candy. Then. II girl might come, doll,
or something appcrtalning to dolls play II
n boy, he might get popsnn or some other
handy toy. Ana so the distribution went on
amid the greatest OF good cheer.
A real Christmas tree stood near the front
OF the stage. but II was delusion and snare.
The real richness was Oh those tables and In
those barrels.
Most of the actual stage scenery was tucked
away or hauled up out OF sight. At the right
ana rear, however, loomed the big PROV o
the ship used In "1he Power Of tho Press,
| and In another corner were the clever imita
tions Of the Manhattan Athletic clubs BIZ
door-lnmps also used In that play.
| The theatre cat stalked about and viewed
| the proceedings with mildly complacen
mir. Supt. Moore was here, there and every
where, directing and suggesting and assist
! ing. 81 like It," said he. "Thc only thing
care about is that It's n matinee day."
Assisting IN the distribution were Mrs
lam Martin, Miss Mack, Mr.. Royal veith, Franl
whiting and numerous members OF the the
atrc stan.
Big Policeman Donnelly was there, too
keeping one end OF the line OF childrel
straight. lie pcrspired and struggled for al
hour IN full uniform, and then following tn
campaign example OF one Mr.. Fassett he tool
on his coat and laborcd In his shirt sleeves.
The distribution began at about $50 an,
Tapped q little over the two hours It wa
booked to run. supplies for fully 5000 chill
drcn were given out.
The difference In expression between tn
anxious faces that went IN at The Bower
door and those that came out into Chrysti
street would have made a study for painter
Last to be passed along the line were tn
popcorn barrels. 1t was backward boy
indeed, who didn't MI his cap with the snow
naky cdlbles and sally forth bare as to hi
head, but well sheltered as to his innermos
consciousness, In the grand satisfaction
which the occasion brought to him.