New-York tribune., 1901-12-26
CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND.
RAINY WEATHER MAKES THE .HoLI-
DAY A GREEN ONE.
sERvICES IN LONDON CHURCHEs-MR.
AsToR'S GIFT TO THE RIFLE
ASSOCIATION


Copyright; 1901: By The New-York 7ribune1
TBT CABLE TO TEE TRIBUxEl
London, Dec 20, 1 a. m.-Yesterday was
green Christmas Day. All traditions of the sea-
son were wanting, and hardy swimmers who
bathe all the year round in the Serpentine in
Hyde Park had no Ice to break Early in the
morning rain fell piJilessly. but shortly before
noon the clouds cleared away and fine balmy
weather prevailed for the rest Of the Gay
Special services We're held in nearly all the
churches Of the metropolis for the due obser-
vance of Christmas Day. St Paurs Cathedral
was tastefully but net profusely decorated for
the occasion After celebrations in the crypt
and North West and Jesus chapels high morn
ing service took place under the dome 20
Come All We Faithful" served as a professional
hvrnn. While the Te Deun and Renedictus
were rendered to music by Harwood in A fiat
the tntroit being "Hark. the Herald Angels
sing" Owing to the illness of the Dean Canon
Newboalt occupied the pulpit Dean Brady
preached in the morning at Westminster Abbey
from the we'll known text in Isaiah: For
unto US a child is born: unto us son is given
81 St Margaret's. the Westminster Church OF
the House of Commons, which was effectively
decorated with evergreens and the choicest
flowers, Canon Hensley Henson preached from
the text Prince of Peace"
The King and Princess Victoria attended
private service at Marlborough House Chapel in
the morning, but the Queen was not we'll
enough 10 be present.
Mr. Astor's 10000 Christmas box for the Ma
tional Rife Association will enable that organ
ization TO persevere with its scheme for start
ing rife clubs throughout the country. so that
every man physically fit may have the opportu-
nifty Of becoming an efficient n1arksman. This
was a subject TO which the Prime Minister once
directed attention. The National Rife Asso-
citation, after inquiry and with the sanction of
the War Office. promulgated a scheme to enable
societies consisting Of not less than twenty
members to be formed in af1lation with the
central body. Recent returns show that since
the initiation Of the movement two years ago
about two hundred and twenty clubs have been
affiliated. and this number will, it is expected,
now be greatly augmented
This has been a good shipbuilding year in
Great Britain, but there has been q noteworthy
diminution in the number of warshps built for
foreign powers The vessels included in this
years return are principally for Japan. and at
the present moment there are practically no
large ships building for foreign navies- The
falling off in orders is attributed to political
considerations.
1t Is reported from PeBlns lDdI SlT
Hart, whose influence with the Chinese is in
creasing in Importance, favors the consideration
Of Russia's claims on Manchuria in regard to
mining and railway privileges, railway defence
being a military necessity.
THE POPE CELEBRATES MIDNIGHT MASS
Rome, Dec. 25.-The Pope celebrated midnight
mass at the Vatican last night and assisted at
two other masses. The health of his holiness
has improved and he will resume diplomatic
audiences tomorrow.