The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-12-23
AMID THE GAMES AND Toys.
SEATTLE CHILDREN FACILITATE
THE WORK OF SANTA CLAUS.
Search of the shops for Christmas
PIaythings-Progres I'm the MAN.
ufacture of Devices for YOUTH
full Amusement-One More Day.

girls OF the United States and in line
of business is there a more noticeable
change from year to year Toymakers
have learned from years of experience
bitter experience to some of them-that
one essential is to keep strictly up to date.
The ordinary American child of the
present day takes an interest in public
affairs, especially those which deal with
deeds of heroism, and is naturally anx-
ious to use this idea In his play. Hence
toymakers must keep close watch for
what is likely to be popular with the
young people and conform to the idea in
making toys; an old idea, that Is, that
the mechanism of q game or toy may be
used time after time as long as the name
is connected with some popular idea.
A glance through a few of the many
toy stores in Seattle serves TO prove the
truth of this statement. The cost, accord
ing to the dealers is secondary consid-
GRAFTON so long as the child is pleased.
Many dealers cite this as an evidence OF
prosperity. More novel ideas In the man
ufacture of toys are seen this year tnan
ever before Those that are newest find
the best sale The old toys or ones that
we're seen last year are passed over. Late
inventions are extensively copied IN min
iature, many of which show marks or
great ingenuity.
First and foremost In the heart of every
young American boy stands the record of
national heroes and stories of their Prov
ess. If these stories can be graphically
told by means of some game ii Is good
seller. although the manner OF playing
trived so that there is the least suggestion
OF strife between man and man Is popu-
lar. For instance, the Christmas games
of this year tell the story of the escape
of the American legation from Picking.
This game is played with counters, and
although the unfortunate player may be
unable to rescue the legation at times,
still he has chance to retrieve himself
on the next trial.
A year ago the events of the Spanish
American war were favorite themes with
the makers of toys. Now that is thing
of the past Once in while some youthful
admirer of Vice President-elect Roosevelt
upon San Juan hill. Oftener boys want
sword, spurs and revolver Political
House," find a few admirers but not
many since the election is over.
One of the most popular games of the
season is the progress of the American
army in the Philippines. This is not such
a slow game as the actual progress of the
army might indicate, and is quite instruc-
tive. The board for playing is laid out as
a Typographical representation of the part
of the island OF Luzon where the Amerf-
can troops are fighting. The American
army is under the command of five brig
adler generals each with five companies
of soldiers. The aim of the infantry Is to
surround the rebellious Filipfnos. and
most of all the leader. The towns and
come into the public notice In the recent
campaigns are marked out as stopping
places for the players.
Aguinaido IS elusive on this board as he
seems to have even more privileges to es-
cape than are actually afforded him from
the American troops. Occasionally he IS
captured, but Ii takes careful and skill
fal tactician in the game to accomplish
this end.
The battle of Manila bay, so famous a
year ago. no longer has any charm for
the average youngster. Dewey-alas. poor
Dewey--seems to have been completely
forgotten. There are plenty of games on
exhibition In the stores which deal with
Deweys deeds. but they are seldom look
ed at or considered. Dewey has lost the
ideal place which year ago he held in
the heart of the American youth.
In all these games. however. there Is a
prominent feature which is never lost
sight of by the young American. The
American flag must be predominant in
the game and must never suffer defeat
1t is an Indispensable feature of every
game.
ten. The game that takes the place OF
the American heroes this year Is one
which deals with the more recent war in
South Africa. Beers and British are rep
resented on the board with good like
nesses of Kruger. Steyn. Lord Roberts
and Lord Kitchener. The battles of the
situations at the end OF the game may not
he at all times exactly In accord with
history but they answer the purpose of
the maker Of toys-namely, to sell the
goods.
and playing boards The favorite is one
upon which anywhere from twenty-five to
fifty different games can be played. The
number of games varies with the price OF
the board.
Toys are made 10 suit different tastes.
For the boy fond of warfare there are
guns cannons. rapid-fire guns, battle-
ships which are really good miniatures q
to run under their own steam or electric
power. and will run for even as long as
fifteen minutes, The iayorlte nan names ere
sarge Then there are military camps
fully equipped with soldiers command
ers. band, color bearer, tents and every
thing which goes 20 make UP fun en-
camunent. The soldiers can be made TO
go through many rHaneuvers ana are
source Of delight e any boy who IA IN
clined 10 admire military life.
Among the young girls nothing can ef-
face the prominence OF the ever-favorite
doll Dolls nowadays are not wanted un-
less they can give plaintive noise which
their eyes 50 a tc sleep or awake nj tho
command ~ the owner The rannfac-
ture Of dolls has advanced 50 that some
OF them can even make a few steps In an
almleSs uncertain sort Of way. For
young ladies inclined toward domestic
pursuits there are hiily furnished houses.
toy drawing rooms and kitchens. equip
ped with all the needs Of doh family.
Then there are mechanical TOYS without
number The latest ~ this line IS the au-
tomoble with small batteries that VIII
run for an indefinite length q time by
merely applying the current. These toy
automobiles are much sought after on &C
count OF their novelty The owner Is also
enabled TO govern his own machine, and
thus he an amateur electrician Other
mechanical toys are the usual steam en-
gines. with all kinds OF puiieys. which the
Ingenious boy can FIX up as small saw
mills which will saw logs Of paper, 9TH
ers are magic lanterns. with good NOV
ing ptctEr attachment. Long hirns ~
pictures accompany these.
Mensgeries stili hold high place The
animals at this date however, are not
looked for unless they can walk or are
painted in very gaudy colors. NoRhs
arks are larger and more complete than
ever before The story books with tales
Of thrilling events 81 fairy persona ges,
such as Jack the Giant Killer. BiuebeArd
or Alice In Wonderland, are more gaudily
colorea than ever. Young ones fond Of
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