The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-25
.EIks and Churches Have Trees
 for Children,
LITTLE ONES MADE HAPPY
PhIlanthropic Organizations Actively Engaged in Work-Unted Chari- ties and Other Institutions
 Providing for the Poor.

With the blowing of whistles and the ringing of bells this Christmas of 1902 was ushered in at P o'clock, midnight, the usual hour. and over the city there were thousands of people eagerly awaiting that time. In many instances the visit of santa Claus was just completed, and the stock ings had just been filled when the bells rang and the whistles blew.
 Thursday promises to be a Christmas such as has never been celebrated in Birmingham before. Never has the city, and never have the people, been in such prosperous condition. The amount of money spent for Christmas presents is far in excess of that of any previous year.
 The poor people of Birmingham and those at the various charitable organiz- ations have not been forgotten any more than the children, and without exception some Christmas celebration mas been ar ranged for them and they are to be the recipients of some remembrance of the glad holiday time.
 The Mercy Home, the Boys Industrial school, St. Vincent's hospital the Salva- tion Army, several of the churches and the EllSs have all planned celebrations or Christmas trees at which the poor of the city will be remembered in one way or another. In some instances they vii be provided with food, as at the Salva- tion Army and the United Charities, while in other instances they will be given presents to make the hearts of the little ones glad, as the Elks have arranged to do this afternoon at o'clock.
 Yesterday afternoon an entertainment was given at the Mercy home under the direction of the Women's Christian Ten- perance union, and every one of the in- mates was remembered. Those old enough to enjoy the music and tableaux were in the hall, while the youngsters were given toys with which to entertain themselves. Invitations have been extended to them to visit several of the Christmas trees and other entertainments, and this after noon the Elks will remember each and every one of them with a present from the Christmas tree.
 The Christmas tree at the Church of the Advent last night was brilliant affair and hundreds of little folk were made happy.
 Tonight, at the Boys Industrial school. there will be Christmas tree and the boys will have something hanging there on. The Loung Ladies Sewing Circle is in charge of this entertainment and has raised a considerable amount for the boys.
 At the United Charities yesterday a number of baskets were distributed. There were only about fifty calls for baskets, by far the smallest number ever asked for in the history of the so- clety. According to the ladies it showed that the poor of Birmingham are in bet ter condition this year than In the past. or that they are being more generally looked after and cared for by other charities than in the past
 The Salvation Army likewise gave away a number of baskets yesterday, each Of which contained sufficient food to feed five people bountifully for their Christ mas dinner. About noon today the Sal vation Army will open its headquarters at 1720 First avenue and a repast will be spread for 5oO people on the long tables which will be arranged fin the room. It Is estimated that no less than 1500 will be given a hearty Christmas din- ner by the army.
 A special dinner will be furnished the prisoners of the county jail today by Sheriff Burgln. He has made arrange ments for some extra dishes which will be one of the best ever served in a jail in Birmingham.