Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-11-28
BOOK TELLS STORY
OF CHRISTMAS SHIP
Part Played by The Bee and Its
Readers in Great Charitable
Enterprise Related.
WRITTEN BY LILLIAN BELL


Christmas ship, laden with yuletide
gifts from America, for the little
children OF Europe's war-stricken
region, who would otherwise lack
Christmas cheer. OF course. at that
time no one had any idea that the
war would be continued over an
other Christmas, or that the number
of hapless children Swallowed by
sorrow would be so great by this
time as to render repetition of the
Christmas ship impracticable.
The inception Of the project belongs
to Lillian Bell Of Chicago. who enlisted
the support first. OF the Chicago Herald.
and of a large number OF newspapers
throughout the county. including The
Bee. The story of the Christmas ship
Is now told In handsome book Just off
the press. and the important part played
by The Bee and its readers is told In
this chapter. entitled "Nebraska's SPLEEN
did Contribution" which is timely re-
view Of the Christmas ship Of last year:
Nebraska Generous.
Nebraska was one OF the most gener-
ous states IN contributing to the Christ
mas ship. The campaign was conducted
by The Omaha Bee. which on october
% came out with the following stirring
and well written editorial:
The Christmas Ship typifies both the
symbol and spirit OF the work OF love
that will shower the far away father
less children OF war enthralled Europe
with Christmas gifts from the children
Of free and peaceful America.
when these gifts of useful comforts.
and toys too, have served their material
ends and gladdened aching hearts. may
the whole magnificent scheme then
stand forth in bold relief against the
dark. forbldding background OF hideous
war as a melancholy monument to this
ctime OF the ages perpetrated by en-
llghtened nations. not one Of which Is
now, or ever will be. able to satisfy It's
own conscience for its part In the
slaughter.
Little short OF a miracle can now end
hostlities before Christmas, when again
the nations OF the earth will lift their
voices In the anthem of Peace on earth,
good will toward men, But to what peo-
pie save the United States, will this
shepherd song bring the spirit that II
bore as It echoed from out against the
Judean hills on that first Christmas
morning. II Is not enough that we shall
feel the depths OF ali this meaning; our
prayer Is that Europe may feel II
stronger. IL possible. than I'VE do-and
feeling. shall some day, surely before an
ether Christmas rolls round, cease firing.
With all the strained constructions put
upon II words the world. regard q
ct creed must come to believe that the
Ill T.. {. .a... at
-as lie said to an impetuous disciple on
crucial occasion. Put up thy sword
that Il kingdom was not 10 be propa-
fated by violence.
so we Of America whatever our relig-
i,us professions may be. are growing
aeepcr in the doctrine OF peaceful arbi-
/ ament. And we stand as the good friend
g.; all nat ons. ready 20 serve any. The
Ice Is rejolced to have had a part In
turlhering this superb mission of peace,
"a altrulsn, OF stern, practical philan-
ropy And as II comes 10 It's glorious
climax we desire to hail In a spirit OF
genuine fellowship and appreciation all
those fine little folks. and their elders,
who Joined so nobly In an enterprise
whose immediate and future benefits are
not for Us to estimate.
How Ime nee
Il give herewith a charming letter
written me by Mr. T. w. Mccullough,
managing editor OF The Omaha Bee:
Your note OF the 18th is before me-
] DO not understand exactly what you
want for your book. Am enclosing
copy OF the editorial which appeared in
The Bee on Sunday, October Is. last.
which fairly sets forth the attitude Of
Vla
"'our campaign was a very satisfac
tory one. We found the readers OF The
Bee eagerly responsive to request for
donations. and very likely would have
ben able TO have secured a good deal
more than We sent had It not been for
the early closing OF contributions. We
loaded one of the biggest freight cars
owned by the Chicago. Burlington &
Quincy Railroad company. In addition TO
which we sent the following week. by
express, about 5000 pounds of donations.
(" 4 don not know that can add any
thing 10 what / have already set forth
further than 10 say that interest in the
Christmas ship sim a6ides. and we find
tat our readers have eagerly watched
is progress from the time II left New
ork until 4 reached Saloniki. which,
understand, Is TO be the last port.
Tho spirit OF giving then engendered
stil persists. and many generous and lib
eral donations for the relief OF the suffer
ma people of the war-stricken countries
are still being sent out from Nebraska.
III you think OF any further Informs
ton that could possibly give you. or re-
oulTe a more detailed statement than l
lave made. please let me hear from you
Your idea was a splendid one. and
am sure you must take great personal
satisfaction in the glorious outcome OF
your projec. Your history OF the move
iaent will be eagerly read by all who
contributed and will be lasting memo
i.al Of your great work
MANAGING EDITOR"
Tribute from the sponsor Paper.
From the Chicago Herald; nirnl
ture car packed TO the roof and now OF
rs way 10 the coast represents the con
trIbutions Of the people OF Nebraska anS
peighboring states TO the Christmas shil
cargo. Many other packages are goinl
forward by express.
The Omaha Bee. edited and publishe,
10 Victor Rosewater. eo-operated will
the Herald throughout the Christina
fhip campaign.