The Washington herald., 1910-12-25

Continued from Page One.
sweet 'taters." while Virginia gave Lynn
Haven oysters for the turkey dressing.
Idaho sent a bushel OF white potatoes.
/ the pick Of the state, and California came
| to the front with boxes of oranges. figs,
and other fruits Oregon contributed
boxes Of her finest apples, and New York
sent down a young pig that had been fat
tened on the sweetest delicacies mat
could be procured For the decoration
OF the table North Carolina sent mistle-
/ toe. Louisiana boxes of Southern roses,
and Florida a huge wreath Of orange
| blossoms.
All Tafts at Home.
Christmas Day will De celebrated at the
White House much in manner as in thou
sands Of homes throughout the country.
The Taft children. Helen, Robert, and
Charlie. will join with their parents in
a Enthusiastically quiet observance OF
the day. Robert came on from Harvard
TO spend the holiday season. while Charlie
begged an extra day from his prepare
tory school vacation in order to have the
added time at home There will be few
guests entertained outside of the house
guests OF Miss Helen and Robert Taft.
Although the express companies have
for weeks been delivering packages hig
and small at the White House door. not
one has yet been opened. They have
come from all parts of the world, and
represent a small collection Of curios in
themselves. Mn. Taft Is a firm believer
in the custom OF waiting for Christmas
TO see what the day will bring forth.
and the President himself has not been
allowed to violate the custom. There will
be no Christmas tree, but the continued
OPPORTUNITIES Of Charlie have resulted in
the hanging up of his stocking. and, like
thousands of other boys, he viii this
morning be looking over its contents.
Just like hundreds Of other shoppers,
the President put off part of his Christ
mas shopping until yesterday afternoon.
With Capt Butt, the President went out
in one of the White House cars, and
spent several hours in Washington's
shops Mrs. Taft and Robert went out
early in the afternoon. The shopping
crowds readily recognized both the
President and Mrs. Taft, but bothered
them little with attention.
President Buys Books.
The President first visited a store at
F and Twelfth, where he purchased sew
eral books for the remembrance of
friends whose names had not yet been
stricken of the shopping list. A few
minutes were spent in a jewelry store
near by and a few articles in silver Sc
lected, after which an art gallery was
visited Mrs. Taft and her son Robert
spent about half an hour in an F. street
department store, and the choice of the
first lady of the~land was sought in
Roberts selections for classmates and
friends Mrs. Taft and Robert after
ward Joined the President and were
whirled home in the White House car
The President will attend service to-
day, with Mrs Taft, probably at st.
Johns, although he may elect 10 worship
al All Souls Unitarian Church, where he
is usually TO be found in the pew set
aside for him. The young people of the
White House have as yet made no plans
for the morning. although Miss Helen
and Robert. together with their house
guests, will probably attend St Johns
Episcopal Church.
In many thousands of Washington
homes children will inspect the contents
OF stockings, and the presents hung from
Christmas trees. Churches win be filed
with worshipers, and the old truths are
being told again in new words In mis-
sions, hymns viii be sung, and in or
phanages and asylums good cheer will
prevail. Even at the jail where are
herded the city's unfortunates, there is
Christmas greeting for all. II is Christ
mas Day, and with thanksgiving. prayer.
reverence, and happiness we celebrate
IL.