The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-25
ROMPS WITH KIDS.
Santa Spreads Christmas Cheer
at White House.
President Plays With Grand
children About Big Tree.

Washington, Dec 25.-President
Wilson Joined with his grandchildren
today in celebrating Christmas at the
White House. Sitting on the library
floor beneath a magnificent tree. the
president was initiated by Francis and
Ellen Sayre into the mysteries of cleo
trio railroad trains and mechanical
dolls. Mrs. Wilson and other mem
bers of the White House family Joined
in the fun.
1t was early and rain instead of
snow was pattering on the roof of the
executive mansion when little Francis
and Ellen stirred in their beds. 1t
was not long afterward that the pres
ident was ruthlessly reused by the
youngsters and ordered to open the
mysterious doors of the library.
soon the whole mansion was astir
at the call of the youngsters and short
ly after O'Clock the library doors
were opened. There stood great tree.
silver and gold tinsel shimmering thru
the green fir branches. It's boughs
were laden with gifts for the grand
children, Mrs. Wilson. the president
and their relatives. .
Plays With Children.
Forthwith the president was forced
Ivy the children to seat his executive
self on the floor, and for nearly an
Irou~ he played with the children uu-
der the tree.
This is the presidents experience
every Christmas, and it is the one time
when his entire attention is taken
away from affairs of state. Again in
the evening, after the coffee has been
served. the big family dinner, the
president accompanies the children to
the library and participates in last
play" before the youngsters go to ped
And. while the White House and
cabinet homes were ruled by fortunate
children, Mrs. Wilson, in big Wmte
House auto, laden with toys ana
CANDY. sped out along the Virginia
road and stopped at numerous houses.
She carried the annual remembrances
of the president to children who greet
him daily as he drives to- his golf
game.
Secretary Tumulty were the first call
ers at the White House today to con-
vey Christmas greetings to the execu-
tive family. This afternoon the man
sion doors will be thrown open to
members of the cabinet and their
children who may wish to come and
see the tree.
One hundred and twenty-five tur-
keys went to employees of the White
Hou , today-each a gift from the
president.
War is curtailing the celebrations
of the elders at the White House and
old Santa on the job this year as
usual.
Peggy. Betty and Jack, children of
Secretary Baker. found just what they
wanted-Betty desk, Jack a longed
for telegraph apparatus and Morse
code book, and Little Peggy "booful''
doll.
Gee, Santa, Was Scarce.
Morgan Frank Daniels, IA, and
Jonathan Worth, two younger sons of
the secretary of the navy, received
one present each from their parents
the former a sweater and the latter a
French dictionary.
The other sons. Joseph of the
marine corps and Worth Bagley of the
University of North Carolina, COM
pleted the family circle.
Humphrey, son of Secretary of
Commerce Redfield. received the
greatest gift of his life this season
a bride, who is Miss Amy Louise
Cowing of Cincinnati, Ohio. Young
Redfield is now in Cincinnati for the
ceremony which takes place January 5.
Miss Nancy Lane, 16. daughter of
the secretary of the interior. cele-
brated her holiday by feeding Is war
orphans out of her Christmas allow
anCo