Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-25
WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS.
How President CIeyeIand's Little Ones
Will ENJOY the Day.
Christmas Tree Party 10 Be Given by Three
misses Cleveland.

MISSES CIeveI1n0.
Washington, Dec 24-Great prepare
tions are being made to celebrate
Christmas at the White House. and the
day will be made much Of this year, be-
cause the children are old enough to
appreciate the sentiments Of the day
and enjoy the joyous occasion. Mrs.
Cleveland throughout the last three
and half years. has been particularly
careful to keep the children as much
out of public view as possible. and has
avoided all unnecessary display or
newspaper notoriety. Her little house
hold has been family circle, and the
children have been kept as much as
possible within it. She has made much
of the holidays and fete days. not only
of the nation but of the church, and
the children are looking forward with
great interest to Christmas DAY.
Already large number of boxes con-
tanning presents from friends all over
the country have been received, and it
is more than probable that this Christ
mas will bring more gifts to the chill
dren than ever before. This is the last
Christmas the President and Mrs.
Cleveland will spend in the White
| House, and they intend to make it
| special one, so the children can re-
member it as one of the greatest days
ever spent in the Executive Mansion.
Santa Claus comes to the White House
just as he does to other homes. and
Ruth, Ester and little Marian all in
| tend to hang up their stockings.
They are to have a big Christmas tree,
| and this will he placed in the large
| corridor on the second floor of the build
| ing, which is fitted up as a sort of re-
ception hall. and is devoted to the family
| solely. 1t is separated from the office
| portion OF the House by large glass
| doors. and is luxuriantly furnished with
| heavy rugs. easy chairs, sofas and sub
stantial furniture. The Christmas pre-
sents will lee placed in the library. and
| the children VIII not see them until
| Christmas morning. This year it is ex
pected that hundreds of doll babies will
| he sent To the little girls. because last
] year the two older received nearly 200 al
| together. This year as there are three
| children old enough TO appreciate doll
| babies. the number will no doubt be
| threefoid that Of last year.
| on Christmas afternoon. the httle
| kris have their Christmas tree party.
| and the big tree is lighted up with
rcd. white and blue lamps and candles,
and the gifts to the children's friends
ere distributed. Mrs. Cleveland always
| invites a little party 70 this celehra-
| ton. and besides the children Of the
| Cabinet. a number of little friends Of
| tuth and Esther. as well as Marian.
| are hidden TO the feast. The afternoon
| Is spent in playing games and other
| childish amusements. and after supper
| H. served the little ones go home. be-
| fore it is dark. only the Presidents
| family is expected a the White House
| this Christmas. and the President is |
eoing to be as much with his little |
GIRLS as possible on that day.
| The Vice President and Mrs. Steven |
| son will have with them their son. Mr. |
Lewis Greene Stevenson. and his wife |
and their daughter, Miss Stevenson |
who will spend the holidays here.
Secretary and Mrs. Olney and their |
daughter, Mrs Minot. will contribute |
10 the pleasures of Master Frank |
Minot. the interesting young man of |
the household. They will probably en- |
terrain a number of intimate friends at |
a dinner gathering.
Secretary and Mrs. Carlisle will have |
with them Mr.. and Mrs. William X. |
Carlisle and their two lovely daughters |
and son, Master John G. Carlisle. Jr.. |
from Chicago. 1t is an annual custom |
for the family To come to Washington |
to spend the Christmas season. There |
is usually tree and a beautiful col !
lection of gifts.
Secretary and Mrs. Lamont will have |
g tree for their interesting group of |
four daughters.
The Attorney General and Mrs. Har-
mon will have a happy family reunion |
upon that day. as Mr.. and Mrs. Ed
mund Wright. their son-in-law and |
daughter. of Philadelphia. with their |
interesting young son. will join the |
family circle Mrs. Wright will remain
with her parents throughout the gay |
season.
The family of Postmaster General and |
Mrs. Wilson will spend the day with a
delightful family reunion. to add to the |
joyous celebration in this very happy |
household.
The children of Mrs Micou daughter |
of Secretary Herbert, will make the |
day as bright and cheerful as a num-
Der of happy little souls always do
Secretary and Mrs. Morton will |
spend the day pleasantly at their
apartments at the Portland Miss |
Morton celebrates Christmas and her |
birthday anniversary about the same |
time.
Secretary and Mrs. Francis will have
their five sons with them, to make
their first Christmas in Washington
official life lively and interesting.