The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-25
No Word from Governor shaw 10
ury Portfolio as His Gift.
TURKEYS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
EIGHTY-sEvEN DISTRIBUTED YES
TERDAY BY THE PRESIDENT.
Flood Of Packages from All Over the
Country for the Roosevelt Fam
iIy-Holiday Programme.

Special 10 the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON. Dec. 24.-While Presi-
dent Roosevelt has been trying to make
other people happy by rendering Cabinet
portfolios and other desirable offices as
Christmas presents it seems his family
has not been forgotten by the people at
large. This was a busy day at the White
House, not on account OF official duties,
but mainly because IT was the day before
Christmas, when presents are usually dis
tributed.
The Cabinet was in session a little over
an hour. Practically no business was
transacted, the whole time being occupied
in felicitations of the season. The Presi-
dent did not mention the fact that he had
rendered the treasury portfolio TO Gov
ernor Shaw at the meeting. but privately
talked with Secretary Wilson about the
matter. the latter expressing the opinion
that Governor Shaw would accept. IL
Governor Shaw accepts Secretary Gage
will suit the incoming secretary's conven-
fence about relinquishing his portfolio TO
him. When Governor Shaw is ready TO
assume the duties of the position Secre-
tary Gage will turn over the administra-
tion of the treasury 10 him. Secretary
Gage has not yet announced what his
plans for the future are. IL Governor
Shaw goes into the Cabinet the question
has been raised whether Secretary Wilson.
who also comes from Iowa. viii remain.
On this point a Cabinet officer is quoted
as saying that the President is particular
ly desirous that Secretary Wilson shall
continue in the Cabinet. His work in the
Department of Agriculture is highly sat
isfactory and the President is not desir-
Gus of losing him.
While the Cabinet was in session to-
day President Roosevelt was called into
the reception room TO Chief Justice
Fuller. When the chief justice left the
President followed him TO the door and
then stepped out into the ante-room and
pleasantly wished those present a merry
Christmas He then crossed over TO the
room in which the clerical force of the
White House was at work and extended
his greetings to the clerks.
Il wish you all a very merry Christmas"
said he, "a very merry Christmas and very
many of them"
Eighty-seven big turkeys were distributed
to the White House policemen, messengers.
ushers, servants, gardeners and stablemen
to-day with the compliments OF the Presi-
dent. Each turkey had on 1t a card bearing
the seasons compliments. The distribution
was the largest ever made at the White
House. President Mckinley always gave
turkeys to the married employees, but the
list OF recipients was never so large as
that Of to-day. The turkeys were distrib-
uted by Henry Pinckney. the White House
steward.
Express wagons. mail carriers and mes
sengers bore numerous packages 10 the
White House to-day-presents to the
Roosevelt family from friends and admirers
throughout the country. Many OF the pack
ages were for the children, who viii not
be allowed, however, 10 have them until
tomorrow.
The programme at the White House to-
lily I'm former years. There will be no
Christmas tree, as tree never has been
a part Of the celebration OF Christmas fn
the Roosevelt family. The children. how
ever, all hang up their stockings and they
will arise early tomorrow 10 visit them
and ascertain what Santa Claus has left
for them. Later in the morning the chill
dren will assemble in the library, there TO
receive gifts from their father and mother.
In the afternoon the Roosevelt Juveniles
will go 10 the home Of their uncle and aunt.
Captain and Mrs. Cowles, 10 see a pretty
Christmas tree and receive other presents.
The Christmas dinner will be served at
7:30, and only the family viii be present
On Thursday, II the weather permits, IL
Is probable the Roosevelt family. including
the President will go down the Potomac
river on a cruise. Theodore Roosevelt jr.,
is going a hunting trip with Dr. Rixey.
and is very anxious that his father should
accompany him. The President is inclined
Even If the President cannot go IL is the
present intention Of Mrs. Roosevelt and
some Of the other children TO accompany
DR.. Rixey and Theodore, jr.