The daily Alaskan., 1906-12-27
POST NEWS
Army Merrily Celebrates
 Christmas Tide
lSnacial Correspondencel

Haines, Dec. 25-An atmosphere ot Christmas cheer permeateS the entire Post, Evidence of this festive occasion is everywhere apparent. Not only in the homes of the officers and non-com- missioued staff, but in the company barracks as well, are to be seen Christ mas trees and decorations suited to the occasion. The company dtniug rooms together with those of the band and hospital were taSttu,ly decorated and the tables loaded with the good things of life. Company Els decorations were deserving of special mention and were declared by all visitors to be the most elaborate of their kind ever seen. To visit one or tive company dining rooms % an occasion of this kind would induce almost any man to enlist at the first opportunity.
 During the holidays, as is tbe custom iu most military posts, some of the drills and other unnecessary work is dispensed with, sffording the men more leisure time,
 The Christmas mass at the Post chapel this year was one of the most elaborate, and the service the most i'm pressive ever held iu the Post, if not in Alaska.
 Christmas day is the only day in the year in which the church permits three masses. The first was held a: mid night, the second at t 8. m. and the third at o'clock.
 The midnight mass was made the special feature on this occasion. aS IS the custom, and the chapel was taxed to its utmost capacity,
 Beginning ar ll:$O and continuing until the hour of midnight, Christmas chimes were heard rinring out the glad tidings of the Christmas season. Then, al the stroke Of twelve, was 10 be heard the famous Adeste FideljS played ou the corneJ by Corporal Rose of the band. immediately follow. ing which, the mass 'egan. The following was the order of service: Christmas Hymn, AdeSte Flde'iS,.
 ......................Hy the Choir Angels. We Have Heard, "........
 ......................Chorus Choir Solo, during the GospeN ......
 ..................Pet ROsenbauu Sermon. Father Ferry Ofertory, Noel Christmas Hymn.
 ................ Mrs. Reynolds Come Le, Us Adore. g Conservation. .................................C Choir 70 Lord [ Am Not Worthy" Commu.
 nion. Mrs. Reyn 1lds Holy God we Praise Thy Name'Choir
 The mass was followed by the bene- dlction with the blessed sacrament. O'Sslutaris. Mrs Reynolds Tantum Erso. Mrs. Reynolds Laudate. Q. ..........P Post Benediction
 The chapel was beautifully decorated and nothing was lacking which could possibly add 10 the impressiveneSs of the occasion.
 Following he custom of the regi- meut, on Christmas morning the people of the Post assembled at the Post Ex change building to witness the dis.ri- button of presents among the children. No detail was lacking to make this feature a success. Even Santa Claus. himself, was present, coming down through the big chimney with loads of good things for the children, while the big tree was gaily bedecke;l Father Ferry acted as master Of ceremonies and was quite as popular as Santa, him f, among the children. The regi- Sleutal band contributed very largely to the good cheer, and the little tots o' the Post went home laden down with toys and candies.
 The special pay day entertainment at the Post gymnasium Saturday, attracts ed crowded house and was a happy re hinder of the popular entertainments of last winter. The special feature of this occasion was the prize cake walk st which four prize cakes were present. ed the successful contestants. -The next monthly feature is to be the :lOng looked forward to minstres.