New-York tribune., 1901-12-27
LITTLE CRIPPLES HAPPY.
AN ATTRACTIVE CHRISTMAS ENTER
TAINMENT AT THE FORTY-SECOND
STREET HOSPITAL.

There were many healthier, but II may be doubt
ed whether there were many happier, children IN
the city yesterday than those who shared in the
celebration the hospital in East Forty-second-st
for ruptured and crippled children.
In the middle OF the great room at the top OF the
building stood a that reached almost 10 the
ceiling. and at each side of the door was smaller
tree. And such fruit those trees bore was never
grown except where Santa Claus was gardener!
Guttering ropes of tinsel, beautiful angels wltc
gauzy wings. coored bulbs Of electric light, dolls
Of all sizes and ages cornucopias Of candy and
other delights almost crowding another
in their abundance. while around the trees were
packages innunerable, each one bearing the name
OF little sufferer.
One hundred and eigaty children sat facing this
splendor, the girls the right and the boys
the left the front rows occupied by the smallest
and those compelled to lie down. With few ex-
ceptions, however, the pale faces looked CHEEKY
and bright, as if the time all ills forgotten
and they were wrapped in the Joy of Christmas
The entertainment consisted Of singing and reel
taticns by children who had evidently received
careful training they sang tunefully and recited
intelligently.
Margie West began with Christmas greeting
that had d touch Of shyaess. and as she lirnped
back to her the children sang a carol Anna
Ferricl1 a victim OF hip disease, whose leg was
supported by a steel brace, recited little poem
called Why and John Lynch gave THE Christ
mas Dream" 4 sad tale Of overeating and its
frightful consequences, that won appreciative ap-
piause. John Lynch IS Of the show patients
IS he has severe case of spinal disease and had
not been able 20 walk for several years before he
entered the hospital eight months ago. Yesterday
with plaster support 20 his spine and with head
he'd in place by braces, ne walked platform
An interesting was a series OF Christmas
quotations by different patients whose variety OF
accents limited the many naIiOualities cared for
The stirring g.ar song When the Bows Go
Marching BY, sung with such enthusiasm
that q whole % baDies kept time with tiny
ISIS: 1hen came q RECITATION by siX-yeaT old May
Shiels, followed by Hide Behind the Door" a
by Annie Gilrrertin and Annie White The children
all 1oined il! the chorus which vas accomDaniad nv
appropriate action, and q colored girl. who
looked not more than three ears old attracted ali
formance. As the shiny little hid itself behind
an arm or emerged from il, the motions Of rock
was utterly absorbed IN the song that she made
a fascinating picture. and could hear every
side: DO look et the col0red baby, Isn't she the
dearest thingt"
John Hansel and Archie Shaw gave the concud-
The children could not TO the tree. the
presents We're taken to them by nurses. friends.
physicians and the two directors who were present
Frederick Sturges and John D. Wing
MI wing carried a large package 10 the colored
large, prettily dressed doll and a picture book in
colors and TO the and surprise of those
who were near the child vouchsafed hardly glance
diately.
Some daring contributor had sent a dozen or more
drums, and the boys who received them lost
time in organizing an impromptu drum CORDS with
ear splitting effect II was the chidren's day, how
ever. ana they were allowed TO do they pleased
Indeed, it was evident all times that they are
treated with tenderness that makes them feel
permit
There one hundred and ninety children now
Ia the hospital and all but ten Were present at the
The officers are: William B. Isham president;
Aorian Iselin, Samuel Thorne, William NJ. Kings
ian0. John s Kennedy and John T Wiets vice
presidents; Frederick Sturges treasurer and Will
lam Cnnrch OSBORN. secretary. Chauncey NJ. Depew
Is on the board OF directors.