The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1909-12-26

Celebrated in a more elaborate man.
ner than ever before and with larger
crowds out enjoying the day, Christ
mas in Pensacola nevertheless passed
off quietly. Services at the churches
were largely attended, and excellent
sermons and musical programs heard.
Business was practically suspended
the entire day, the merchants. who
had done a tremendous business dur
ing the holidays, giving their clerks
and employees a deserved day of rest.
The government Offices also closed,
and even the hard-worked pOstofffce
employees had a little time to remain
at home with their families. In their
cases It is to know that with today
they will again encounter hard work,
for much of the Christmas mail, con-
tanning packages and gifts are just ar
irving and will have to be handled.
MANY CHRISTMAS TREES.
There were many Christmas trees
given during the day, while charitable
organizations made many Door families
happy by distributions.
The Mission conducted a very pretty
affair on West Government street. a
large crowd gathering for the Christ
mas tree and program which followed.
The small boy was in his glory, as
well as some Of the older ones, and
the explosion of the cannon cracker
could be heard from daylight yester-
day morning until midnight last night.
The police had busy day and night
of it, but all of the arrests were for
minor violations of the law, and no
crimes or casualties of a serious ma
tUre were reported. Many fingered
too long at the baTrOOms, which were
about the only places which did not
close all day, and when they began
their journey homewaTd found they
had imbibed too freely, and were given
a ride to the police station, and in
many cases a nights rest there.
Chief Sanders stated last night that
while a large number of arrests had
been made, none had been arrest ed
except where absolutely necessary.
Sellers of fire crackers prohibited by
the mayors proclamation, as well as
parties who fred them. were arrested
in large numbers, and there is no
doubt but that the activity of the de-
partment in going after these violators
probably prevented a number Of bad
accidents.
THOUGHT JAIL A HOTEL.
An amusing incident occurred at the
city Jail about 10 o'clock last night
when a cOuntTyman mistOOk the Jail
for hotel and desired a room for q
friend
My friend is a little under the in-
f1uence Of liquor" said the country
man, when he reached the door, adj
dressing Chief Sanders, whom he sup
posed to be proprietor Of the place
That's all right" said the chief;
bring him along He viii take care
of him"
The cOUntryman disappeared. but
returned in few minutes with his
friend, who was about twothirds
drunk
Here he is" said the COuntryman.
Now put him to bed and he'll be all
right soon III pay for the room, ana
how much is it,"
"Oh, We won't charge you anything
this time" said Chief Sanders.
Won't charge anything exclaimed
the surprised COuntTyman- why, this
is a mighty funny hotel"
This is no hotel. my friend. This
is the city jail replied the chief. But
Wen take care Of your friend, though"
For moment the countryman
seemed dazed and gazed intentIy az
the chief, as though he could not be-
lieye what he had heard
City jail, city Jail" he repeated to
himself. Then, as though suddenly
realizing what he had done. he ex-
claimed: Give me my friend. Give
him here I don't want him put in no
jail"
He got his friend and half dragging
and half carrying him, he disappeared
through the door