Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-12-16
ND FORMAL TRUCE
 ASKED FOR XMAS

Washington, Dec. 13.-So far as is known, no suggestion will be made by any of the warning nations this year looking to an attempt to bring about a formal truce over Christmas Day in the theatre of war. During the first cussion in England and elsewhere in regards to such truce over the Yule- tide season, but 1t came to nought and consequently is not likely to be re- newed this year. But this does not mean that the boys in the trenches will be deprived wholly of their Christmas celebration. Last Christi mas, by tacit consent, both sides re- trained from induleing in any serious fighting on the holiday, and it is likely that the same custom will be observed this year. The soldiers will be per- mitted to feast and to be as merry as they can, and each will celebrate the day, as far as possible, according to the customs of his own land.
 It will be Europe's fourth Christ mas at war. According to reports, al' of the warning nations, with the ex- ception of Turkey, are striving to bring some small part at least of the usual Christmas happiness and good cheer to the men at the front, the un- fortunates interned in the prison camps. and the sick and wounded con fined in the great military hospitals.
 In England, France and other of the European countries, as we'll as in the United States, the loving hearts of the women at home have been guid- ing their busy needles and the chil- dren's little fingers, to form the mul- titude of gifts which are being dis patcmhed to the different armies in time for Christmas.
 Faiths differ, and with them the observance of the Christmas celebra- tions, but all countries have their pretty legends, quaint beliefs and odd superstitions which from time im- memorial have attached themselves to the ancient festival of Christmas. Many of the American boys who are now making their first acquaintance with France and the French people will be delighted with some of the customs with which the Yuletide is observed in the land of. the tricolor.!
 In France, as in other Roman Cath olic countries, the midnight mass on the night before Christmas is one of the most impressive services of the year. The altars are made beautiful with myriads of glowing tapers and fragrant with the perfume of flowers and burning incense. The custom is common on the night of the nativity to have a miniature representation of the Holy Babe in the manager. The creche is often quite complete, not only having the figure of the infant, but also dolls to represent the Virgin Mother and St. Joseph, and little crudely shaped animals.
 Another of the pleasing, Christmas customs in France consists of glvlng special welcome to the first babe left on Christmas morning at the door o1 the founding homes. A handsome era dle and fine soft linens are made ready, and the poor little waif is taken in and given a ceremonious welcome in the name of the Christ Child.
 While little American and English children delight to hang up, thell stockings at bedtime near the chimney on Christmas eve. the boys and girls of France place their shoes in a cor ner, or near the fire, that the gooe
 Pere Noel, or the little Christ Child may come and fill them with goodies l in times of peace no country of thF
 world makes more of the Christina:
 festivities than do Germany and Aus
 tria. The day is made an occasion for ioy and sprightly commemoration iIt is essentially a family festival, bu
 there are also carnivals and othe'
 public festivities. musicals and win
 But in these days of war things ar
 vastly different in the lands of th two emperors. Last year and th
 year before all public functions wer discontinued by tacit agreement, pub lie dancing was prohibited and tn people of the middle classes devoted their holiday to modest home pleas nres and the solace of chuch worship