The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-12-15
ditions. Prosperity has been plentiful,
despite the reform, and prosperity pro-
duceS hordeS of Santa Clauses

ditions. Prosperity has been plentiful,
despite the reform, and prosperity pro-
duces hordes of Santa Clauses.
In other cities there has been less re-
form along other lines but more atten-
ton has been given to the Santa Claus
question. There are rules and regula-
tions enough to make the life of an aver
age Santa Claus as full of trouble as
are those of other mOrtalS. And there
are plenty of Santa Clauses at that.
In other cities this year Santa Claus
must wear an asbestos coat or keep
away from the Christmas tree. He can
wear furlined coat provided he keeps
1t buttoned up and does not expose the
fur And in case he does not wear a
coat of asbestos and whiskers of the
same material he cannot get near the
Christmas tree, but the work of taking
the presents from the tree must be done
by some of his local assistants. He can
muffie his voice and crack a few jokes
but that is as far as he can go in dis
pensing Christmas cheer unless he COM
plies with the safety rulings A Santa
Claus properly equipped looks more like
the driver of a racing automobile than
the pictures in the story books. But
such a Santa will not be seen here
There is reason for this simplified
dress for Santa Claus. Hundreds of
SaHtas have buried to death before hor-
rihed audiences and precaution is con-
S1dered necessary elsewhere. But be-
cause there has never been a serious
Christmas accident in Topeka the risk
which is elsewhere considered too great
Is taken here.
All IS preparation for Christmas in the
churches. Kids are practicing their
stunts, choirs are burdening the even
ing and afternoon air with their carols
and fond mamas are trying to find a
hiding place for Christmas presents
that have alreay found their way into
the house. Arrangements are being
made the SRffine rf "a rads md
where the electric light is used instead
of the deadly candle for illumination
purposes special wiring is being done
Toys Without End
All the toys ever manufactured to
amuse and instruct children are on the
chants believing the municipality to be
generally prosperous. have laid in
complete stock anticipating no trouble
in disposing of them.
The stock is an enormous one, and en-
braces ideas that are a delight to the
child Everything from polar games
which are based on the Cook-Peary con-
troversy. to dolls and mechanical toys
are to be found in the stock. 1t is con-
coded that among the places that have
received the best consignment of Kris
Kringle's toys are the toy shops of
Topeka.
Mechanical toys on the market this
year make that department of the
stores wonder. There are electrical
motors for the mechanically inclined
boy, steam engines. and winding trains,
friction toys, which include airships and
other miniature methods of locomotion.
For the girl, there are coils, and dolls
and dolls. The tin baby kind sell for
enc cent, and from that figure gradual
ly swell in price until they reach as
much as SO or more. The latter are
the imported ones. and are magnificent
examples of skill in manufacture.
What is expected to be one of the
best sellers this Christmas is the Brer'
Postum, a furry plaything which has
supplanted the Teddy bear. While the
storekeepers say that the latter will
always remain staple, yet the former
will be the principal seller of the two
this season.
There are also novel arrangements in
building blocks, and picture books, in
door games, and what not All is in
readiness for the Christmas shopper.