The Washington herald., 1907-12-26

LlOuStlnu
TO limit the matter to that many at the
start. yesterday celebrated Christmas
The substance of the celebration-the
spirit Of good cheer and kindliness-was
probably the same in Washington and
elsewhere in 1851 and 1907.
The form, however. was most likely
different, but at least the form OF the
day just passed was good and satisfying
10 those who participated Beginning in
many missions. churches. and in -some
private residences Tuesday night the cell
ebration continued through the early
hours Of yesterday morning. and ended
in several grand and contemporaneous
finishes at night
The Christmas IN thousands OF homes
was probably the most vital feature Of
the day but in churches In charitable
associations. in those institutions in
which the criminal or the insane are kept
away from society the day was in some
manner observed.
The Interest Divided.
Theaters and halls, the delight OF
watching a play or of dancing to the
music Of some hard-pressed orchestra.
divided the attention Of many with that
which all bestowed on the gift-giving
that is customary. The streets We're not
crowded but those who were upon them
seemed happy and contented with their
Christmas.
The hotels Of the city. famous al over
the country. We're almost deserted. all
men seemingly who could spend the day
at home. wherever that might be, pre-
ferring 10 do So
The public buildings. deserted early on
Tuesday. wore the desolate air which only
an untenanted structure, usually buzziug
with human industry, knows truly how 10
wear
The parks in spite of the fairness Of
the day, were not crowded. although
many of them in the better section Of the
city were comfortably filed at times with
men and women who desired 10 rest a bit
from the labors Of Christmas.
The old Christmas custom Of visiting
friends-not SO general perhaps. on this
day as on the second year-end holiday
that Of the first Of the year-was not for
gotten. and many were the old friends
who exchanged greetings Of the day and
wished each other more of the same.
One OF the offsprlngs Of this custom Of
visiting. that of also dining with ones
friends. was not forgotten either. and
many were the quiet little home dinner
parties. in which the usual tinsel OF an
elaborate affair was left out. and the sim
pie cheer Of the day was the main fea-
ture.
In Clubs and Elsewhere.
In the clubs and other places where
those who are alone in the city congre-
gate with some. possibly of those who are
more fortunate. the same merry scenes,
subdued 20 some extent but still evident
We're 10 be witnessed.
At the Government Hospital for the In
sane there was a Santa Claus entertain
ment and dance both Of which were en-
joyed by almost 700 OF the inmates. The
hall in which both the entertainment and
the dance were held were decorated IN
true Christmas style.
The annual Christmas dinner given by
the institution was an affair on the Gus
tomsry scale. and included most all Of
those prominently mentioned 'eatables
found all over the country on the day Of
this celebration. Last night at tea 500
pounds Of fruit cake. sauce. candy and
fruit were served. Cigars and pipes were
provided for the men who desired 10
smoke.
At the Rupert Home for the Aged and
1nhrm, near Anacostia, there was an
other celebration Of the day. The twenty
three inmates were all remembered with
gifts and a bountiful Christmas dinner
was served. at which all sorts OF holiday
foods were laid out for the consumption
OF the diners
In spite Of the fact that many Of the
children at the German Orphan Asylum
in AnacOstia. were permitted 10 leave the
place yesterday 10 spend the day with
some surviving relative or friend. Christ
mas was observed In the usual manner by
the distribution Of gifts and a holiday
dinner
Next Is the Aftermath.
However, next Sunday a dinner at
which ali the children are expected 70 be
present, VIII be given. At this time there
will be the aftermath. in so far as the
dinner is concerned. Of the Christmas sea
son.
The thirty-four children who are quar-
tered at the Bell Home I'm Anacostia
were also remembered by those who have
the direction Of the institution 4 Christ
mas tree. laden with gifts suitable to
children, was a feature of the celebra-
tion.
Bishop Henry Yates Satterlee preached
yesterday morning in St. Marks Church
10 a large audience. Bishop Satterlee took
for his text a verse from St Luke, And
this shall be sign unto you; We shall