Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-26
WHITE CHRISTMAS IN EAST
Jingle of Sleighbells Adds to Holiday
Cheer in Washington.
OFFICIALS DINE WITH CowLEs
President and Cabinet Members and
wives Guests of Naval Omcer-
Presents for POstomce
Children.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 25.-Christmas at
the national capital was marked by an al
most complete cessation OF business, both
official and private. and in Its stead there
was substituted the time-honored observ-
ances Of the gladsome day. Nature COM
bined to give an added effect to the joy
Gus occasion by covering the city with a
mantle OF snow, and the jingle OF sleigh
bells was everywhere heard.
AS has been the case In years past. in
terest centered in what the official fami-
lies were doing. President and Mrs. Roose-
welt gave a large family lunch with few
intimate friends, and tonight they dined
with Rear Admiral and Mrs. Cowles. Most
of the cabinet folk were here. the only alb
sentee being Secretary OF War Wright and
Mrs Wright, who celebrated the day at
their home in Memphis; Attorney General
and Mrs. Bonaparte. who are at their home
in Baltimore; Secretary Newberry, who
was the guest of the Detroit club in his
native city, and Postmaster General Meyer,
who has gone on brief hunting trip. The
vice president, his daughter, Mrs John
Timmons, and the sons of the household,
remained here to participate in the days
festivities while Mrs. Fairbanks is visit
ing friends in Atlantic City.
An event Of some moment to coo children
of the officials and employees of the Post
office department occurred at Masonic
Temple, where Mrs. Meyer was the hostess
at an entertainment of music, pantomine,
moving pictures, etc. There was a large
Christmas tree to add to the delight of
the youthful ones and presents for all were
distributed.
All the churches conducted religious SER
vices and in some of them special music
was provided.
Poor Not Overlooked.
The poor and needy were not overlooked.
From known and unknown sources many
home, chilled by the wintry blasts and
made desolate by poverty, was frightened
by generous supplies Of fuel. food and
raiment The Associated Charities in most
instances had charge of the work of dis
tribution, although the Elks, Mystic Shrin-
ers and other fraternal orders, business
firms and private individuals extended in
dependent hel2.
Lang Shao VI the amb1s ador from China
on a special mission, is entertaining a merry
gathering of Chinese students during
Christmas week. They include a number
of those sent here by the Chinese govern
ment for education in American institu-
tions, as we'll as others sent here by their
parents TO the number of more than eighty
in all. The boys come from as far west as
Chicago and as far south as Atlanta.
Every opportunity will be afforded them
to see the sights of the city and to enjoy
their visit to the national capital.
Good Cheer for Thousands.
LOUISVILLE, KY, Dec. 25.-Shrewd
eyes and loving hands belonging to the
charity workers of Louisville saw to 1t to-
day that not a hungry person went unfed
|
The kettle contributions of the Salvation
Army gave opportunity for the feeding of
a host. among them being the usual horde
of transients which Louisville entertains
about this time in mild winters.
The Santa Claus association also had It's
autos occupied by real, live Santas and
filled with thoughtful and useful gifts.
| whirling through the poorer section of the
city all day. The usual salvos of fireworks
were heard all day.
| Five Thousand Bags of Toys.
| KANSAS CITY, Mo, Dec. 25.-Christmas
spirit in wholesale quantities was in evil
denced here today, when the doors of the
big convention hall were thrown open to
the unfortunate children of Kansas City
and the distribution of gifts to every out
stretched hand was begun. Immense trees
groaned under the weight of gifts collected
! by the women of this city under the super
vision of Mayor Crittenden. Five thousand
bags OF toys were distributed at the hall
and almost a thousand more at homes
throughout the city.
Dinner for Ten Thousand.
ST. LOUIS, Mo-, Dec. 25.-The new st
Louis Coliseum was given over to Christ
mas celebration today, when the Post-Dis-
patch Christmas festival association gave
dinner to women and children. Ten thou
sand tickets had been issued for the event
After the dinner presents were given &c
all the children. circus wound up the
days treat.