Arizona republican., 1918-12-26
NEW YORK CANNOT DO ENOUGH 1l6 1 JOY
 KHAKI AND BLUE
Republican A. p. Leased Wire]

NEW YORK, Dec. 25.-New York today celebrated it's greatest Christmas since war clouds enveloped the world. In every church was poured forth praise that peace had come again to mankind. while in homes without num- Der were offered prayers of thanksgiv- ing for loved ones spared in the fierc- est conflict of all time.
 The spirit of unselfishness was abroad as never before. The trials which the nation had endured in the anxious months before Germany was beaten to her knees, apparently had purged the city's millions of petty de- sires and had taught them the true joy of giving. From the Bowery to Fifth avenue New Workers joined in common celebration.
 Soldiers and sailors were feted at every hand, and while the celebration centered on the military, the civilian poor were not neglected. Welfare or ganiZations entertained thousands from dawn until far into the night and countless men and women, without formal alliance, took boys in khaki and blue into their homes to share their own Yuletide cheer. The spirit of giv- ing reached even to the water front, where on the giant Leviathan and oth- CT ships, thousands of orphaned chil- dren were made to feel that Santa Claus was indeed very real person.
 Fleet Crews Dance
 In the Hudson, where the home fleet lay at anchor, ready to welcome to- morro wthe American warships re- turning from overseas, approximately 10000 sailors ate their Christmas din- ner at noon in mess rooms gaily decor ated with holly and wreaths. The meal ended, the bluejackets joined in sing : ing carols and later cleared the hall for "stag" dances. made possible by jazz" bands organized among the crews.
 The men were given shore liberty and by dusk only skeleton crews remained aboard.
 Tonight great Christmas trees, | ablaze with electric bulbs, were scat tered through the citys squares, from the Battery to the Bronx, and grouped around each tree were thousands who, in giving or receiveing, found there the real spirit of Christmas.
 Red Cross Everywhere l l He ReQ cross OlStrlDuIeQ presents to and provided entertainment for 42,- 900 soldiers and sailors in hospitals and camps. Ten thousand families | opened their homes to one or more service men, who were provided holi day dinners. At war camp community 1 huts throughout the city. 15,000 sol diers were beneficiaries of gifts amusement and food. At many Broad way theaters. the men found admit l tance free. The Y. NJ. c. A., Y. w C. A., Salvation Army and other swar work organization contributed similar l ly to make this day a joyous one for doughboy and tar. In every hospita, where these men lie sick or wounded bundles of presents were placed at tht bedsides.
 Individual Red Cross gifts to sol. diers included swagger sticks. eacl bearing silver band with the inscrip- tion American Red Cross, 191S."
 Men of the allied merchant marin, found their welcome at the seamen'. church institute, where 66S Christina. dinners were served and presents dis tributed.
 The Salvation Army abandoned it. customary program of dinners fo
 down and outs" and instead proyidet 40,000 meals for needy families, ant presented safety razors to army an, navy men who visited the organiza tion's headquarters.