The Washington times., 1917-12-21
PRESIDENT ATTENDS
RED CROSS BENEFIT
WITH MRS. WILSON

The story OF Christmas was told in
tableau and song yesterday afternoon.
when a distinguished audience, includ-
ing the President and Mrs. Wilson, at
tended the concert at the Belasco The
ater for the beneft OF the soldiers and
sailors Christmas fund Of the Red
Cross.
To the Motet Choral Society under
its director. Otto Torney Simon, and
to Mrs. R D. Shepherd as director
/, and John F. Leuitich as stage man
Rger of the tableaux the harmonious
Idea Is due. It was an artistic and
impressive presentation OF the sacred
import OF the Christmas time, With a
patrioticSto touch that was emphasized
by the presence in the chorus of the
khaki and the sailor uniforms.
The program opened with the Pres
idential flourish Of trumpets given by
members OF the United States Marine
Band. thus greeting the Chief Exscu-
tive of the nation and heralding the
singing Of the songs of the allies,
The Star SpanRled Banner, God Save
the King" and The Marseillaise,"
each of which was given with the hag
It represented suspended over the
heads Of the singers.
Folk Songs Appreciated.
The blend and the impressive quail
ity in the singing of the men of this
choir was shown in the "AlleluJah"
from the service Of the Greek Church,
and three folk songs were given with
most Interesting choral effects. two
Of Russia and one for male voices Of
Finland.
six choruses Of Christmas chosen
from the oratorios. four OF which
were preceded by tabbeuax, closed the
concert with an effect that seemed
TO be transplanted from the church,
for the beauty and dignity, OF the
tableauX were like frescoes telling
again OF the Angel Of Peace" a
rarely lovely Star Of Bethlehem"
the trumpeting Of Glad Tidings" and
a veritable old master quality in The
Nativity that was truly appealing.
Mrs. Gladys FfouIk smith was. the
Mary, Louis Thompson the Angel,
Dennis S. Connell was Jossph. while
the pictures were completed by Mrs.
Maude Howell Smith, Miss Helen
Stuart Griffith. Miss Virginia Byrd
Hersford, Miss Elizabeth Green, Miss
Page, Fiudley S. Hayes. Louis Nc
Henry Howe, Leo Mccarthy. Maurice
Jarvis. Henry +. Dolan, and Arthur
J. White.
Chorus Well Selected.
The chorus was rich in its haT-
monies and gave some delightful ef-
fects in the soft close OF many OF
its numbers. The singing OF the
aHoly Night with the lighted Christ
mas tree as a picture, and solo by
John Waters, baritone, brought the
spirit OF the family into the story
and the closing and splendid ''Ral-
lelujah Chorus" from The Messiah
was a fitting climax -.
Miss Elizabeth Winston, pianist. was
the soloist. In two Chopin selections
and one of Saint Saens, she showed
her delightful piAnistic delicacy,' q ia
ellie execution. admirable rhythm. and
a gratifying sense OF the musical
quality OF her compositions. George
Wilson was an able accompanist
The Christmas fund OF the Red Cross
Is to finance the work that IL al
ready being done in providing Christ
mas stockings OF good and useful
things for the soldiers in and around
Washington. The women Of the Red
Cross are doing extensive work in
making the boys feel that our
thoughts OF Christmas time are all
with them J. Mach.