The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1916-12-26
new YORK ENJOYS A
REMARKABLE HOLIDAY
WAR SUFFERERS AND
POOR NOT FORGOTTEN
Was Most Bountiful Christ.
mas Ever Experienced by
the Metropolis.

NEW YORK, Dec. 25.-Althou2h
Now York enjoyed perhaps the most
bountiful Christmas in it's history
thousands of persons who crowded the
churches today were not iorSeuul OF
those in the war-racked countries OIL
Europe. Beginning with a solemn
high mass In St. .Patrick's Cathedral,
celebrated by Cardinal Farley: special
services not only were held all Roman
Catholic churches, but in the churches
of other denominations, at which pray
erS were said for speedy termination
of the world war.
The city authorities. working in cob
junction with many charitable and re-
lig!ous organizations, provided on a
scale hitherto unknown tor the com
fort and welfare of the poor. and 1t
was asserted tonight that all home
less and forsaken persons had been
supplied at least with shelter for the
day and a real Christmas dinner.
The Salvation Army, Volunteers OF
America, Elks. National Guard and
other organizations distributed bas-
kets of food, toys and clothing to
thousands Of poor families, while din
ners for the poor We're given ny
church missions and political and civ
ic societies. Many police stations,
which had been turned nto store
houses for gifts intended for poor
children, continued their work OF dis
trihution late into the night.
Either turkey or chicken dinners
were provided in the iails and other
institutions maintained by the city. In
the larger hospitals. playlets were CIV
en- and Christmas carols sung for the
benefit of the patients. In the various
childrens' institutions there were
Christmas trees bearing toys, candies
and other gifts.
Besides being treated to a Christ
mas dinner, approximately 500 prison
ers in the Tombs received pipes, c1-
gars, tobacco, candy and fruits.
A Christmas tree in one OF the mis-
sions along the water front vas liter
ally covered with neckties for sea-
faring men assembled here from all
parts Of the world.
Miss Evangeline Booth addressed
several thousand people who crowded
into the armory where food and other
articles were distributed by the Saliva
ton Army. Although still indiSposed
from her recent illness, Miss Booth
remained until the last Of 1000 bas-
kets had been given away.
BIuejackets Take Part
NEW YORK, Dec. ,25--Not the least
interesting feature of the Christmas
celebration here was the part taken
by two of the largest American battle
ships, the New York and the Pennsyl-
vania, the crews Of which played Sam
Ia Claus with their vessels at the ser.
vice of the children. Between 1000
and 5000 hungry children were pro-
vided with a Christmas dinner and a
toy, made possible by collections
among members of the crews that net.
ted nearly $4,000. The chief master
boatswains Of each ship appeared in
the role of Kris Kingle. Though the
entertainment is primarily an enlisted
mans affair and receives no official
sanction from navy yard officials, 1t
nevertheless is given official assist
anse by the tacit suspension Of rules
barring children from the yard and
ships. The Christmas observance in
this city began last night with the
flashing into life of the great tree Of
light" in Madison Square. At midnight
prayers for world peace were offered
al mass in Roman Catholic Churches.
With Christmas trees in police sta
tions throughout the greater city, the
police acted as Santa Clauses to ap-
proxmately $4,000 children.
Under the personal direction Of
EYangeline Booth. commander, who,
despite her i'll health and against the
advice of her physician, undertook the
work. the Salvation Army distributed
FIVE thousand baskets. The baskets
this year have greater value than
ever before. The cost at wholesale OF
the prorender was 1850, or. S2.13 a
basket Last year the cost wos S1.T9
each.
Reports from department stores, e1.
press companies and the postoffice in.
dicate that this Christmas is record
breaker. One estimate puts New
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