Arizona silver belt., 1902-01-02
AN ARIZONA MONTE CHRISTO.
Mr. ! Q. Moore Dispenses Happiness Among the little ones of Tucson on Christmas Day

or all the beautiful features of the recent celebration of Christmas m this city, says thc Tucson Star, without a doubt the one that gave the most measure, both to participants ana spectators, was tha distribution or presents and money to the poor chii- dren of Tucson, who assembled m great mass in front of the San Angus tine hotel at o'clock last Wednesday afternoon.
 A short time before this hour the childrenS friend and second Count of Monte Christo, Mir, J. D. Moore, hove into view on one of the main streets of the town, driving team of beauti- full milk-white horses with milk-white harness. Sitting in his buggy, the horses prancing and rearing, MT. Moore, his face radiant with the spirit of Christmas joy, led the procession to the plaza. Mir. Moore's buggy was fol' lowed by a float, drawn by team Of black horses, and filled with oranges, popcorn. and presents of every descrip- tion. The Mexican orchestra known as the Five Rats, which was perched upon the wagon, discoursed lively airs which, like the strains from the reed pipe of Hamlin's wizard, played in the long age, attracted the children by droves.
 Down one street and up another the procession marched, until the open space in front of the hotel was reached.
 Then the show began. Prizes were given to boys who succeeded in climb ing greased pole also to the boy who could eat an apple in the shortest time. Other sports were added to the amuse- ment of the audience.
 The second number on the program was the distribution of presents. First the little girls were attended to then came the little boys, and finally the girls and boys uf larger growth-ano some of the big ones had long since passed the age of callow youth. All though the line had been previously drawn on children of twelve and oyer, MT. Moore refused no one, big or little, who applied, and, owing tu his eener- osity, there were presents for all.
 But, like the wine at the marriage feast. the best part of the show was reserved for the last. After separat ing the boys and girls into groups, ac' cording to their respective ages, and with a few preparatory words in which he said he was about tu circulate through the air some of Uncle Sam 's good coin. the count asked the audi epce for mascot. A little culured boy about eight years old, who answers to the name of 'Sambu, " was hoisted on to the platform and seated up0na box. ''Sambo.n with little toy sword held upright in his hand, sat unmOyed aud contented through the whole ot the wild scramble that ensued. It may be well to mention, however, that the mascors palm lor rather tongue was we'll greased for his services, for at the frequent inlermissionS which NIT. Moore was obliged to indulge in on sc- count of sheer fatigue, the darkeys mouth was filled with nickels, dimes and quarters.
 It was indeed treat to witness the surgiDg crowd, as it rushed madly af- ter the fleeing coin. At times there was perfect hail Of it. It came so thick and fast that many ladies stand ing on the porch of the hotel caught it nimbly as 1t descended upon them. They say they will keep the coins as souvenirs Of a unique event
 Two thousand nickels, just from the mint, and with the date 1901 stamped on them were scattered recklesSly among the crowd.
 When the count began to throw away dimes. quarters and half dollars, the scene exceeded in wild excitement any football game ever played on C1Ilckc Cdupuo' ht uiSpiOuei'i wound up with the pitching of some great big dollars, which shone and glittered as they sped through the VfternOon sunshine.
 The entertainment was concluded by a nice little speech from MT. Moore, who wished all the little ones very merry Chrstm Is, and hoped to be able to meet them on Christmas Day of 1902.
 The day was as beautiful ds if 1t had been made to order, and the scene en- acted in front of the old cathedral will long be remembered by the spec tatOrs.
 Mir. J. D Moore has long been known as d great friend of the children, espe- cially. of the poor ones. Two years ago, in company with MT. EzraC. Bart. lett, he furnished a Christmas tree, loaded with presents, for the poor children of Tucson and on Christmas of 1900 he drove through the streets of the city scattering money broadcast among the youngsters, and finding Laap anioymeDt in seeing them Scram-