The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-22

there was no Christmas under his ad- ministfation. John Tyler, who succeed . ed him, with his wife and daughters took up the social duties of the White House. Mrs. Tyler lived to celebrate only one Christmas in the White House. Mrs. Semple, daughter of President Tyler, then assumed the social duties and she planned many brilliant enter tainments for tho holidays. President Tyler then married Miss Julia Gard iner of New York, the first wedding of President in the White House, and was the only one except that of Grover Cleveland and Miss Folsom.
 In the Days of Polk
 Under the Polk administration the holidays were celebrated in the plain est way Mrs. Polk being opposed to entertaining. and Christmas was prae- tieally like any other day to her. Zach cry Taylor, whose brilliant military genius had brought the war with Mex leo to successful issue. died a little over q year after becoming President. He spent one Christmas in the White House and celebrated it in the old Ntr- ginia style.
 Fiilnore's adnlnistration was marked by personal sorrows which prevented an observation of tie no1- idays. \ short time after becoming President his wife died and a year later a daughter. his only child also passed away.
 Franklin Pieree's official life was also overcast with personal sorrow of the bitterest kind. He lost four sons three in their youth and the fourth being killed in an accident four months after the Pierce administration began.
 Buchanan's Life Blighted
 Buchanan, the grave, sad hearted President was bachelor. His sorrow was due to the breaking of an en- gagement to young woman he was to marry. The mother of the girl ob- jected to the match and it is said cir culated stories as to the character of young Buchanan that ended the TO- nance, the girl dying from the ef- fleets of the false stories about her lover. Buchanan, however. through his niece, Harriet Lane. saw to it that the happy season was made joyous for oth- CTS in his home, though he himself could not participate if them.
 President Lincoln, while a serious man and President in a serious time, took part in the Christmas festivities with the enthusiasm of a boy. Andrew Johnson, who followed Lincoln. made merry on Christmas in true southern style. Presi- dent Grant, with Mrs Grant and their four children, made the holiday week q round of home pleasures, and social en- tertainment for young people. President and Mrs Hayes made the holiday sea son one of reunion of relatives and friends. Garfield livel to celebrate. but one Christmas in the White House. Presi- dent Arthur, who succeeded him, observed the tradition of old santa Claus with his son and daughter. Cleveland's first Christmas in the White House was not able for it's simplicity in the way of eele- bration. for he was d bachelor. But the following holiday season found him hus- band And each Christmas thereafter was celebrated with true Hospitality and cheer. President Benjamin Harrison's ad- minjstration. socially and from the holiday standpoint was of no prominence. Mrs. Harrison died in 1892 and the President lost interest in social matters in his sor- row.
 McKinley's administration was marked each Christmas with appropriate cele- brations, in which Mrs. Mckinley gem erously scattered her bounty and remem- brances.
 After his first Christmas In the White House President Roosevelt celebrated the occasion with his family with enthusiasm and joyousness characteristic of the man.
 President Taft will spend the holidays this year with his family and possibly d few near relatives and close personal friends in Panama. There will not, there fore, be any particular festivities at the White House this Christmas