The times., 1899-12-26
IN THE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.
How Christmas Day Was Observed
by the Inmates.


At the various charitable institutions, he
workhouse, and. The jail Christmas was OBJ
served. though ar the latter place there was
no ceIebration-tba is. none Of general
character. There we're the usual religious
services. but no feast, no Christmas dinner,
and scarcely any privileges. Those ac-
cused Of murder who had friends and rela-
tives were allowed to receive them and ac-
cept such offerings as turkey, eranberrles,
celery, potatoes. and other such food as
went to make up q wholesome meal Can
dies, nuts rajsins, and other such delica-
cies however. were not allowed TO be de-
livered.
AT the workhOuse. where the petty Of
tenders against the laws of the District
are confined for short terms. treat was
enjoyed. There were few visitors and con-
sequently few inmates received any food
or delioacy from the outside world. There
was. however. a feast spread, and those un-
fOrtunates who have eaten nothing for days
but the regular workhouse fare yesterday
reve-ed in the luxury of roast pork, sweet
potatoes. and white bread, with butter. In
jendant Stoutenburg had made extensive
preparations for the enjoyment Of his
charges and nothing was left undone that
might have added to the celebration of
Christmas in the institution. All told, 2I9
prisoners were feasted and allowed privil-
eyes which are granted but once IN year.
The almshouse which Is also presided
over by Mr. Stoutenburg, and the Wash
ingt0n Asylum Hospital, which is directly
under his charge. each had a Christmas
celebration. At the former institution the
inmates were given turkey and a feast
was enjoyed by all. About 2S9 indi-
gents who are dependent upon the charity
of the District were allowed all the enjoy
meuJ possible. Their dinner was a huge
success. as was their supper, and many of
the uDI0rJunatss whom fate has decreed
shall be paupers for the remainder of their
days sought their cots at night happy at
least in he thought that within their little
world. bleak and desOlate as il is, Christ
mas day had reigned.
There Is little 10 be said Of the oele-
braJion al the asylum hospital. There the
eighty-siX patients were feasted but in a
mild way. The inmates are not only in
digents but. as a rule, chronic sufferers
from one malady or another. These condi-
tions, of course, precluded any possibility
Of the partaking OF the usual Christmas
viands Provision had been made for
them. however, and all such delicacies as
We're not injurious were freely partaken OF.
Possibly the most enjoyable celebration
held at any Of the Government or charita-
bic institutions was that at the Insane
Asylum. There . 500 feeble-minded pa
tients not only enjoyed Christmas dinner.
but were treated to an entertainment and
found untold joy in the beauty OF an enor-
nous Christmas tree. The entire day was
given over TO pleasure and the patients
who. through the routine of their daily
lives. find little Of more than ordinary in
tarest. reveled in Joy like innocent children.
After the day had passed DR.. Richardson,
Superintendent Of the institution and his
assistants looked back ever what had trans
pired and they were gratifed at the pleas
ure and enjoyment they had afforded.
The bad boys and girls, or at least those
children who are confined in the reform
schools because OF previous misconduct,
were not forgotten in the Christmas cele-
bration. All were fessted and allowed the
privileges deemed advisable on such an
occasion. At the Boys Reform School
there were religious services conducted by
Frank Wilson assisted by Mrs. Fred Cook.
There were also a Christmas tree and a
sumptuous dinner. Addresses Of an in
structive character were delivered and
they, together with music, the feasting.
games. and sports Of every variety, and
special entertainment in the evening, went
10 make up a most enjoyable day.
At the Girls Reform School much the
same condition Of affairs prevailed There
are only twenty five inmates Of this insti
tuition. The deficiency in numbers, how
ever, did not deteriorate from the extent
Of the enjoyment. and it cannot be said
thar the boys had any the best Of the day
The III children ct the Washington City
Orphan Asylum enjoyed a Christmas din
neT, a large tree. and numerous presents.
together with an entertainment which
closed the day. The little ones at the Ger
man Orphan Asylum in the Good Hope
road, at ST. Joseph s. s.. Vincents 5, s.
AIMS, and st. Roses Asyulms enjoyed like
festivities, ana even the tots. twenty
in number, at the Found ing Hospital
were not forgotten. II the Iast-named in
sJituton two Christmas trees were p-o-
yided one Tor each Of two wards, and the
little waits, whose ages range from a few
weeks TO three years, were treated in many
instances TO an initial Christmas.
The Childreu's Hospital in Thirteenth
Street also had its Christmas celebration
and the tiny patients who were sufficiently
convalescent 10 taste Christmas de.icacies
We're permitted 10 do so. These other pa
tients who were too Ill to enjoy candies
nuts, and other things so dear 10 the hearts
OF little ones. were provided with je,lies,
fr11fte and other foods