The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-30

As the Christmas holidays pass we have many pleasant echoes of the WorK for the benefit of the less fortunate m other cities as we'll as our own. One particularly interesting account Is from Mobile, where they held public celebra- ton and Christmas tree
 You doubtless know that for many years New York has the giant tree that gives gifts and good cheer to so many persons in that city, and know how the custom has spread over the west and south.
 The plan in Mobile embraces no other ceremonies than the singing of Christmas music by as many voices as we can mus ter-no speeches, no presents-a Christ mas assembly with a chance for each Mo- bilian to wish the others a Merry Christ mas and to be keenly conscious for the time of the common bond of neighbori-
 ness that holds us together too lightly, perhaps. in common fellowship" said a circular letter sent by the Home Eco homie club of that city requesting coop eration of the choirs and congregations of all churches in the community, sOn Christmas Eve Mobile joined the list of 800 cities to hold public Christmas celebrations with tree and ceremony in Duncan Place.
 The Mobile Register gives the follow ing description of the festivities: "The local programme began at e;30 o'clock with the blowing of trumpet by George E. Drago. A few minutes later the stately tree, provided with lights 1,xrID al Mobile Electric company, became a pie ture of dazzling beauty. Bright colored lights appeared all over the tree, with large five-pointed star at the crest of the tree. Chief Electrician McCocker supervised the dressing of the tree. The programme was spendidly ar ranged by the Home Economies club, who evolved the idea of the public celebration. Those taking part marched from the courthouse. The Woman's Musical club led the parade, Mrs. Charles Dunster in charge.
 Tt is planned to have the tree llumi- mated nightly, between now and New Years. from p. m. to 10 D. m.. and it can be used by any local organization for their tree The celebration will be re- peated each year hereafter.
 1, After the trumpet call, and before the turning on of the lights the Wom- ans Musical club sang, Q Come All Ye Faithful The Rev. Matthew Brewster, rector of Christ church. gave the invoca- ton. The hymn 'Hark. the Herald An gels Sing, was then rendered followed by o Little Town of Bethlehem by the school children. The audience then sang Joy to the World The Rev John W. Phillips, pastor of the First Baptist church, gave the benedction"
 The sick people of Mobile that could
 not attend the tree were also not for gotten. There was a total of 3i4 diners consisting of persons under the care of
 the City hospital, the county asylum for the poor. the Hannah home Boys Deten
 ton home and the Colored Old Folks nome. The menu consisted of turkey.
 nam, oysters, cake, bread, pies. apples grapes. oceans and candies.
 This was the second dinner of this year
 under the same auspices the first being
 thanksgiving. These dinners were do
 mated by the merchants and professional
 men men of the city. The total cost of the
 Thanksgiving dinner and the Christmas
 $500 'o 'oSt
 Propably another Christmas, Birming-
 nam may be in line with the other 800
 e'ties' and have municipal Christmas
 tree also. The entrance to Capitol park