Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

weather in the Klondike is not very
comforting The wind howled around our
log house and the snow fell steadily,
piling around our sturdy little haplta-
ton a white covering that enectually
kept any draughts from finding their
way In between the interstices OF the
walls. We wanted none Of that Intrusion
to chill the warmth of our little CHRIST
mas party, for the thermometer OUTSIDE
registered 80 degrees below Zero and mat
Is cold weather. Inside we were as coy
and warm as any eastern home heated
by modern appliances could be, and IN
our quiet way, many thousands OF miles
from what we called home, we all en-
ioyed ourselves and were happy. L am
sure the men were grateful for some
homelike fireside TO gather around on
that Christmas day in the Yukon.
The next Christmas day j passed In
the Klondike-that Is to say, last CHRIST
mas. was very different TO the previous
one and approached somewhat nearer 10
the ideal Christmas of the East. we ac-
tually got up a party at the post ana
had a Christmas tree and games, ana
real, old-fashioned time. No one VINO mas
seen us on this occasion could have de-
MED that the Klondike region had adj
vanced to the height of civilization. 1t
all came about through the efforts of the
Rev. James Naylor, an Episcopal minis
ter who had buried himself in the hlon-
dixie and devoted his life to work among
the half-breeds there. He had gathered
at the post a numerous contingent or lit
the half-breed children who had been
Christianized and civilized and made per-
manent attaches OF the station. Having
taught them the meaning OF Christmas,
Mr.. Naylor decided to show them that
it was time 10 be glad and not sorry
by giving a party in which Santa Claus
was to make his initial bow to a mixed
audience of whites and half-breeds, and
go through his customary performance
of distributing toys and other gifts. But
where should we get toys In that region.
where every one was only too thankful
TO procure sufficient to eat and wood
enough to cook 1t when procured. We
secured our toys by great stroke or
luck. but before telling you about that
7 want to mention that our three little
children had not been deprived of their
presents from old Santa. We couldn't
give them much, but something had 10
be done. and so the three little stockings
were hung up on the rough log mantei
the night before Christmas and Santa
claus didn't overlook our little wood
built house. When the children awoke
in the morning they had an abundant
supply of presents and candy, procured
IN the same way that Mr.. Naylor got
his presents for the little half-breeds'
party.
The good angel was a man named VIII
son. who had recently arrived in the
Klondike. Whatever put 1t into the
dear mans head to stock his packs full
OF children's toys and candy 1 can't
think. but he was a real blessing to us,
and il paid him well. Every white mother
| In Alaska was willing to pay
| its weight in gold for any pitiful looking
| little toy that bore the trade mark OF
| a city store. Mr.. Wilson sold his toys
| and candy at his own prices, and so Santa
! Claus managed to keep his contract with
| the little folk In the klondike for one
| Christmas at least.
! Well. Christmas day. 1896. came around