Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-12-23
CHRISTMAS At WHITE HOUSE.
It is Said President Roosevelt Will
Act as Santa Claus.


Washington, Dec. 21.-The president
and Mrs. Roosevelt realize the keen in
terest which the young people take in
the Christmas plans of the Roosevelt
children and therefore permitted the
publication yesterday of the general
outline of the program. Notwithstand-
ing the Impotence of the youngsters to
view their Christms gifts they Will be
confined to the nursery until about Z in
the morning. The president and Mrs.
Roosevelt will then accompany the
members of the family to the family
sitting room, where the mantel and
fireplace will be adorned with the we'll
filled stockings.
This will be family affair and full OF
merriment, as the rule will be rigidiy
enforced that all, including the ail-pow-
erful president himself, starts evenly
with the rest. in the examination of his
stockingful of gifts
There will be no Christmas tree at the
white house. The officials saylit would
have been kind of the writer's who have
glowingly described the tree to have
provided sufficient room to plant It,
After viewing and comparing gifts
the family will breakfast together and
then attend church services at their re-
spective places Of worship At o'clock
luncheon will be served. and the dinner
for the family is scheduled for In the
afternoon.
In the evening the family party will
proceed to the residence Of Commander
Cowles, where brilliant Christmas tree
will be lighted for the benefit of the
IA to- lit I'M n q
but with a knowing air, that the presi-
dent himself will play Santa Claus at
this merry gathering. and that he will
wear rough rider uniform, because 1t
has number Of convenient pockets.
The day after Christmas will be de-
voted to various pleasures. Theodore,
Jr., will not accompany the babies on
the merry cruise of the Dolphin. He
will be accompanied by DR.. Rixey to
one of the best hunting grounds down
the river and will put in few days in
the open air, proving his prowess as q
nimrod.
President Roosevelt hopes to ar
range state affairs 80 that he can give
his eldest son the benefit Of his exper-
fence in the field on this occasion.
Theodore will arrive In Washington to-
morrow and will complete the family
circle.
Mrs. Mary Ledwith, known to the
Roosevelt children as Name" has ar
rived at the white house. Besides her
personal belongings she brought five
mysterious trunks. These are shrewd-
ly supposed to contain the gifts Of the
entire Roosevelt family connection.
There are at least 200 relatives Of the
president and Mrs. Roosevelt.
Mrs. Ledwith was the nurse Of Mrs.
Roosevelt's mother. OF herself, her sis
ter and Of all the Roosevelt children.
Henceforth Mrs. Ledwith will live at
the white house, and during the busy
social season will assume the direction
OF the children. Beside the gifts under
the guardian care of Mrs. Ledwith
scores OF presents are arriving at the
white house.
It is stated that Mrs. Hay, Mrs. Root.
Mrs. Knox, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Hitchcock
and Miss Wilson have jointly purchased
an exquisite piece Of silver for Mrs.
Roosevelt. The selection was recently
made by Mrs. Hay at Tinany's. It
will be beautifully engraved and will
bear the names of the donors. The
cabinet officers have selected Individual
tokens for the president.
One Of the handsomest gifts in Santa
Claus presidential stock is string Of
pearls and dimond pendant for Miss
Roosevelt. It is family remembrance
to the debutante and will be worn
for the first time publicly on New
Years day.