Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-24
Distribution of Turkeys to
Married Employees.
ONE CHRISTMAS TREE
ARCHIE ROOSEVELT TO HAVE 4
SPECIAL DECORATION.
Preparing for the Children's Reception
Next Saturday Afternoon-Exhibi
ton of Historic China.

Christmas eve at the White House was
without incident Of unusual interest. After
talking with Secretary Root and Repre-
sentative Cooper of Wisconsin, the Presh
dent went for his daily horseback ride
His conference with Secretary Root was
longer than he expected. and he did not
get awoy for his ride until much later than
usual.
AT the White House proper the day was
enlivened by the distribution of 125 large
turkeys, the Presidents Christmas remem-
brance to each man of family on the White
House force. Included in the number were
the White House policemen and secret serv-
ice officers. the employees of the green
houses who work in and around the build
ings, and the employees at the stables.
President Mckinley did the same thing
each Christmas, but they were given to
those Immediately in the White House.
Never before has there been such large
distribution of the holiday fowl. Steward
Pinckney had charge of the distribution,
which was pleasing to those men of fam
lily who have read in the papers that the
price OF Christmas turkey this year has
apparently been regulated by un-
Scrupulous turkey trust. Three-fourths of
ton of turkey meat was turned over to
those whose names were the list.
Arthur Simmons, the colored doorkeeper
to Secretary Loeb, was, he thinks. the most
fortunate man on the White House roll.
He received a turkey just as the others,
but one of his friends in the city sent him q
huge opossum. So far Simmons was
concerned, this 'possum distanced all the
turkeys imaginable, even If one of them
did come through the President of the
United States.
That possum certainly has my warmest
regards said Simmons. What i will do
to him tomorrow will be enough. We will
stuff him with oysters and ches.nuts and
a
flavor. Then We will dress him with celery
and lettuce"
Great heavens" interposed southern
man who was standing near IF your col
ored friends down south hear how you have
mistreated that 'possum they will never let
you return to Wilmington, N. c., again
without mot,bing you.
That's So admitted Simmons. II guess
I've made a mistake. Yes; we will just
cook that 'possum In the old-time way
roast him with sweet potatoes, vans.
Please don't say anything about the sherry,
celery ana other things, l do want TO
visit North Carolina again
Private Tree Of His Own.
The only Christmas tree at the White
House tomorrow will be a private one Of
Archie Roosevelt Mrs. Roosevelt did not
decide in favor of tree for the children,
the younger ones of whom will hang up
their stockings tonight Tomorrow morn
ing all the children will receive the pres
ents that have been received for them from
outside of Washington and that have been
selected by the President and his wife.
Archie Roosevelt, who is ten years old, had
some ideas of his own, and apparently has
rebelled from the family in the matter Of
a Christmas tree. Not being able to in
duce his mother to arrange a tree, he
bought tree of his own and has it con-
cealed. He will put it up in his room to-
night and will decorate it to suit himself.
He will place presents upon it for distri-
button, and tomorrow will invite the other
children and his friends to witness what he
has done. A few days ago when small
pine tree was taken into the White House
grounds it was wondered by those who saw
it what was to become of it. The secret
has leaked out that 1t is TO be Arches per-
Sonal and private tree and to contain orna-
ments and gifts that he has selected. He
has been busy all day collecting the orna-
kept everything concealed from the other
children and from the White House SER
wants.
Death of Presidents Cousin.
Miss Florence Locke, cousin of Presi-
dent Roosevelt, died in New York city
Tuesday night and her remains were
brought here for interment. The funeral
services were held at ST. Paul's Episcopal
Church this afternoon at O'Clock, and the
President attended. Miss Locke was an
elderly lady.
The Children's Reception.
The reception of Mrs. Roosevelt to about
COO children of Washington will take place
Saturday afternoon. Arrangements to ham
die the youngsters are being made. 1t Is
expected that the President will assist Mrs.
Roosevelt for at least a part of the time
and join as much as possible in the recep-
ton to the little ones. 1t will be quite a
task, it is expected, to handle so many
children at one time. The children invited
are the sons and daughters OF senators ana
representatives, army and navy officials
and Washington newspaper correspondents
and workers.
Exhibition of Historic China.
Visitors to the White House in the future
will. as stated in The Star yesterday, enjoy
an exhibition of the china of various ad-
ministratiens for many years back. Every
new administration is furnished with new
set of china always selected by the mis-
tress of the White House. The set used by
the previous administration is stored away.
This has been going on so many years
that there many historic sets OF emma
in the building. Prior to the time OF Fresi-
dent Lincoln there are not found any whole
sets but some valuable pieces, but since the
admins stra ton of President Lincoln there
are almost complete sets OF every admins
tration The plan of Colonel Symons, SUI
perintendent OF public buildings ana
grounds who obtained the assent of Mrs.
Roosevelt, is to place the china of each ad-
ministration in a suitable case, properly
marked and place all the cases in the east
entrance of the White House, so that vis-
itors may see and inspect 1t as they enter.
Visitors have often asked 10 be allowed 10
see the china sets, but as they We're stored
in pantries in the private parts of the
White House, their wish could not be COM
piled with.