Norwich bulletin., 1916-12-26
GOOD CHEER FOR US.
 TROOPS IN MEXICO
Continued from Page one)

the headlights of a score of motor trucks posted in advantageous places.
 The tree itself started in the center Of six-pointed star outlined by a hedge Of fur branches adn was an example of what American enterprise can accomplish when put to the test against seemingly insurmountable ob1- stacleS.
 Trees Hauled 35 Miles.
 There are no big trees like those used in municipal celebrations any where near camp but one sixty foot fir in the center of smaller ones makes an impressive tree with cone-Iike propor- tions. These trees were hauled B miles west of the camp in eighteen motor trucks.
 Bridges had to be constructed, cuts filled in and brush chopped to bring them in.
 Chorus of 400 Voices.
 At each corner of the star stood a. small tree. When the troops had as- sembled, a chorus of four hundred which had been practicing for weeks began the programme by singing Joy to the World" to the accompaniment of the massed bands. Chaplain c. c, Moore, of the Seventh cavalry then delivered a brief soldierly prayer, the concorse led by the band and chorus, chanted the Lords prayer, the 7,500 voices voices rising and falling in great diapason of sound, the Battle Hymn of the Republic" and America in which everybody joined ,, then ''Pancho Villa,' the expeditionary song, brought the musical numbers to a close.
 Two Dozen Santa Clauses.
 Two dozen grotesquely costumed Santa Clauses then escorted the big gest Saint Nick" of all into the center space under the tree and took their places at the corners of the star, while Sergeant. Ole Larson of 13Oth Cav airy, noted for the quality of his voice, presented the key of Dobeville to the patron saint of the ceremony.
 Distribution of Presents.
 After completion of the sergeant's address, distribution of presents was. begun. Openings in the hedge form ing the star were made at the six points and the soldiers filed through. Those doubters who expected only a himsy gift, were agreeably disappoint- ed, for each of the 7,50O big paper bags contained. what many at home would have been delighted to receive. 1000 Cigars, 11,ooo Pounds of Candy.
 The principal present, generally was one of the comfort bags the various chapters of the Red Cross had sent. To this was added a few of the fl, coo cigars and some of the 1000 pounds of candy and other dainties that. had T was a book which, when read, was sup posed to be given to his command. presentation of the gifts brought the. regular programme to an end. Se
 Amusement Features.
 The troops were then ordered to fall out and the various amusement feat ures that had been arranged got into full swing around the glowing pits Of coals where two beeves had been barbecued. There soon gathered a. throng, each with his pc ce of hard tack. At other points were stationed motor trucks, each a miniature stage. Opposite each truck with its headlights illuminating the stage, was another truck. There were dancers on one truck, on others vaudeville entertainers. and while the thousands cfrcled from one truck to another, there was a live ly bartering of points, which did not cease until long after the massed bands stopped playing, the9 movies ffickeredd their last, the tired entertainers stop-a ped from sheer exhaustion and thes lights on the tree that had shone on the greatest celebration the Ameriacn. army had held outside the borders of the United States, were turned out.