New-York tribune., 1898-12-25
GOTERNOR.ELECT AS SANTA CLAUS
DISTRIBUTES GIFTS TO THE PUPILS OF THE
SCHOOL HIS CHILDREN ATTEND.

Oyster Bay. Long Island. Dee 2t-The pretty lttls
cove Neck school which rs within short distance
OF Governor-elec, Roosevelts home. had its annual
Christmas tree celebration this afternoon a. 2
o'clock and the Governor-clect expected
20 be present and persona'c Santa Claus large
crowd was attracted. which hlltd tho schools lars.
assembly hall On the walls were several pictures
OF coon. Roosevelt all covered with laurel. and
nanked on either side with portraits Of Washing.
ton and Lincoln.
The tree stood between the two front entrances
ard was extremely handsome one II hung
loaded with gifts for tho forty-six children who
attend this school There were toys gloves. port.
foiios. express wagons seds. baby carriages dolls
etc, all of which were In due time distributed TO
the children by the Governorelect There we're
four special awards OF prizes. one was 10 little
Miss Grace Bcdell, music sand. for being present
every school day in the year; the second ~as -
Frederick Baker. pair OF club skates. he having
missed only half day. when he had good
cuse: the third. to Benjamin VoorIs who had not
missed day. cutter sled and fourth, TO Frank
Hall, who missed only ono day. ana VINO selected
The EXERCISES were under tho superntendencs
Miss Elizabeth Tiawkhurst The assistant teacher.
For the Last dozen years Colonel Roosevelt has
given these Christmas celebrations for the school,
The school children were marched in shortly
after 3 clock and occupied seats IN the ~
The room. American flags we're plentiful all over
The hs sss Smes Sne "as ason N The Rs was ns Ts
large hunting Gag waved from tho flagstaff on the
top OF the building. -
When the Governor-eect entered Tho children
and their parents cls pped their hands heartily and
he bowed his acknov Judgements lie wore light
colored business suit but none OF ihe hahlnents
OF Santa Claus. His wife and daughter. Miss
AIic; accompanied him. They we're shown t.
front seats and were interested spectators ~ the
exnroses Of the afternoon.
About $50 o'clock tho principal gave N" signal
and the opening song WAS sung The Rev Mr
Russell Of the Presbyterian Church. invoded the
Divine bic ssing uron the new STATE administration
Theodore Roosevelt. jr.. vas ~ give 4 reclfaiion
but he was too III from attack ~ N" grip ~
speak The Rev. Henry n Wash0urn. NJ The
Fniscopal Church which the Coz error-eieci A.
tends made pleasant address TO the children and
told them what Christmas and Christmas trees
meant.
The Rev. Mr.. Russell compl mented the children
on their afternoons performance. and ihen miro
duced tho Governor elect as III" next speaker
Colonel Roosevelt said he wanted the boys N
feel as they grew I'D that ihey we're going ~ have
a good time, and 4 tho time cam" 70 neht. he cN-
pected them 10 be on hand. 70 be coward was
In his opinion. only little meaner than 70 he a
liar He told them to do their duty and hold their
own in the world. lie wanted them - he brave
and manly and meek To the girls gentle IN all
He said he very glad n soc them an and
wished them all merry Christmas. tiH then
distributed with hs own hands tho gifts from inc
tree 70 each pupil. and they all went home happy