The Washington herald., 1911-12-23

Mrs. Taft and Miss Taft spent yester-
day afternoon shopping. They went out
in the large touring car of the White
House dressed for rain, Mrs. Taft in a
plain purple cloth walking suit with a
plain toque of the same shade, and Miss
Taft in a brown walking suit with brown
velvet turban and furs of Russian fox.
They spent much time among the books
in a large department store, and were
recognized by very few clerks or Gus
toners.
Probably the most elaborate private
Christmas celebration of this year was
the Christmas tree and supper given yes
terday afternoon by Mr.. and Mrs. Ed
ward BeaIe Mclean for their son, Vim
cent Walsh Mclean, the three-year-old
grandson of the late Mr.. Thomas F.
Walsh and of Mr.. John r. Mclean, of
this city. This is the second lavish en-
tertainment this diminutive heir to many
millions has had in his young life, and
at each one his guests have been the
most distinguished people, both small and
grown-up, just as they were yesterday.
His small guests nearly all represented
millions, and they regaled themselves
just as joyousIy though millions of
dollars were the most unimpOrtant fea-
lures of life. The scene rivaled all other
Christmas celebrations in the Mclean
home. Yesterday was also the first time
he had really acted as his own host. Prep
arations were made several months ago
for the decorations, many of which were
imported from Germany, the home of
Santa Claus artisans, who provide the
world with lifelike figures of the three
wise men and of the Christ Child in the
manger.
All the preparations for the big celebra-
ton were kept secret from young Vim
cent Walsh Mclean until he was told
yesterday afternoon that he was TO play
host with his parents. and entertain
many of his friends about the big
Christmas tree and at a feast later in
the afternoon, at which all the children
had all the goodies of Christmas time
without one word of counsel or warning
from their elders.
But the Christmas tree was the great
est attraction to young and old. This
particular tree was chosen from hun
dreds of the Maine pines because of Its
ma ajestic beauty, and 1t required one o
the largest rooms in the big Mclean
home to accommodate its spreading
branches. Decorators were. employed TO
trim the tree, and after their work was
done the simple pine tree had been Won
for hours by the happy children and
their parents. The tree was the first
part of the entertainment, and the
guests gathered about its tinsel laden
branches to be received by the young
host and his parents.
Among the notable persons who were
guests at the magnificent display were
Ambassador and Mrs. Bakhmeteff who
come from the vast country ruled over
nv tho Czar Nicholas nj
Claus is said to live far north in the ice
ard snow Of the polar regions. There
were also the Count and Countess
Moltke, the Danish Minister and his wife,
who come from a country where the
round-faced Kris Kringle. or Santa Claus,
is revered by young and old.
Admiral George Dewey. the head of the
United States navy and great-uncle of
Vincent Walsh Mclean, was present to
wish a merry Christmas to the young
host and the others at the celebration.
Among the others were Senator Crane,
MIR. and Mrs. Preston Gibson, Mr.. and
Mrs. George Howard, Mr.. and Mrs. Clar-
ence Moore, Lieut.. U. s. Grant, third,
and Mrs. Grant, Mr.. and Mrs. Joseph
Letter, and many others from all parts
of the United States and Europe.
The baby host was assisted in his duties
by his beautiful mother until all the
guests had arrived, and then the young
heir to millions prattled gayly with his
hoy and girl friends about the Christmas
tree. They circled about the many COL
ored lights on the beautiful Christmas
tree. choosing the wonderful designs
which pleased each most
At the Christmas feast which followed
the gaze at the Christmas tree the chill
dren and older guests were entertained
by a Christmas staging of the trip of
Santa Claus with his team of reindeer
The reindeer galloped across the banquet
table, propelled by a hidden electrical
apparatus, and pulled Santa Claus, with
his bundle of presents for each child.
There were no roofs or chimneys for
Santa to alight on, and the distribution
of the gifts was accelerated by the ease
with which the miniature saint reached
the young guests. Shortly after o'clock
the celebration ended.
Among the little ones present were
James Mitchell and William Mitchell,
sons of DR.. and Mrs. James F. Mitchell;
Paul Moltke, son of the Danish Minister
and Nine. Moltke; James Mcmillan Glib
son, son of Mr.. Preston Gibson, the
playwright, and Mrs. Gibson; Kraig Wy
lie. Clarence Moore, jr.. son of Mr.. and
Mrs Clarence Moore; Lester Morehead