The Washington times., 1902-12-24


is safe TO say that Archie and Quentin
will know what Santa Claus has LEFT
for them long before the other mem
bers OF the family are ready to find
out how they Jared. The giving of
gifts. however. Will not be confined 70
the Roosevelt circle. for it is the GUS
tom Of the gracious woman Of the
White House to remember each Of the
numerous employees about the big es-
tablishment There will be a present
for old Jerry. the champion negro cook
OF Washington. who has been busting
the White House furniture since
Grants time: there will be a present
for the steward, Pinkney. who also
acts as as a personal bOdyguaru for
Quentin; there will be a present for
Arthur Simmons. the faithful messen-
ger. who has stood guard between the
great public and the President for the
past forty years; there Will be pres
ent for Nathan. the negro messenger
who delivers Mrs. Roosevelt's invita-
tions to receptions. there will be a
present for Watts. the gardener, and
something for each of the attendants
on duty at the big white building
Baby McKee's Tree.
The first White House tree celebration
within the memory OF the oldest employe
was in 1889 when Baby Mckee was in
itia'ed into the wonders of this form Of
entertainment. There had been children
in the White House before the time Of
the Harrisons. but most OF them we're
Of an age when the Christmas tree ceased
to be a source Of fascination. Andrew
Johnson brought to the executive man
sion four or five grandchildren. each Of
his married daughters. II is not related.
sons and daughters. II is not related,
however, that there were Christmas tree
celebrations during the term Of President
johnson or that Santa Claus was seen
about the place. Tad Lincoln was too
old TO be fooled by a bogus Santa. and
cared more for his theater on the second
floor Of the White House than for a tree
loaded with tinsel and toys When Nellie
Arthur lived in the White House she
was too big to enjoy a Christmas tree.
ings in the rooms Of the White House on
Chri tmas eve, and on one occasion young
Scort Hayes enacted the role of Santa
Claus. There was no tree celebration.
however, in the Hayes regime. There
was more known to the public OF the
childish doings in the mansion during
the terms Of President Harrison than for
some years prior or thereafter. General
Harrison and his wife we're devoted to
their grandchildren. They practically
made their Christmas one great frolic for
the youngsters and some wonderfully
decorated trees were seen during their
time.
When the CIevolands spent their sec
ond term in the White House Christmas
was always a great event. There was
tree celebration on the Gath, and the
White House employees tell Of what a ane
Santa Claus President Cleveland made.
Mr.. Cleveland always made Christmas a
home festival. and. in fact. other Presi-
dents have observed the same rule.
Santa Claus left word at the White
House today that he had heard Of Quen-
tin Roosevelts passion for electricity.
and therefore gratihed &C.
Among the presents he left for Quentin
Is an electric railroad OF imposing size.
train runs on a circular track nearly
five feet in diameter. and is propelled by
electricity. The train IS started and
stopped by turning a button. A mirror
within the enclosure made by the rails
represents a lake. which is dotted with
islands.
Il is hoped by White House employees
the boy will keep so busy with his train
that he will cease his experiments with
the electric lighting system Of the
White House
The White House attendants are sure
that nature intended Quentin to be an
electrical engineer, and are glad he has
received the toy