The Washington times., 1919-12-25
XMAS
NO MYTHHERE
Few Bare Spots in Blanket O..
YuIetide Spirit Cover
ing City.

music from dozens of choir lofts as
he clock struck midnight. washinS
lon entered upon the celebration Of
.hristmas with rest. and will con-
tinue 10 enjoy the holiday until the
stroke OF midnight makes 1t another
tay,
There arc few bare spots in toe
general blanket OF fuietide spirit
that covers the Natiors Capital. Ev-
eryone who has his health has been
able to provide for suitable celebra-
lion, and thousands less fSrtuntc have
been provided for through big-hearted
people who refused, at this time or
year. TO call it charity.
Plenty Everywhere.
In spite of the high cost of edibles
and other things that go to make up
Christmas cheer, there was plenty
,verywherc-plenty of everything ex-
cept liquid cheer This is the first
Christmas under national prohibition.
The difference was seen in the quiet
ness of the Christmas eve crowds, and
the absence of "hang-overs" on the
streets this morning.
Interest in the midnight mass CEN
tered at the Franciscan Monastery,
where the service was under direction
of Father Superior Godfrey Schilling,
the Rev. Anaclete Cornelissen being
ieacon, the Rev. Fidelis Reynolds sub
ieacon, and Brother Anthony Bruya
master OF ceremonies.
Solemn high mass was celebrated in
the church, which was handsomely
decorated with colored lights and
holly. Afterward, the father superior
led the brownvobed and sandalod
members of the community to the
Bethlehem grotto. a replica of the
place where the Saviour was born.
A second high mass was celebrated
at Q o'clock in the morning. Mathis
will be chanted. and the solcma bene-
this afternoon.
Many Protestant churches held
services at dawn. In most
Episcopal churches. Christmas wcr-
snip was held at IL o'c. Jck this moi n
irg.
white House Quiet.
Christmas was quietly but joyfully
celebrated at the White House today.
The day was quietly observed be.
cause Of President Wilson's illness,
but 1t was joyful because the Presi-
lent is slowly but surely recovering
and all connected with the Executive
Mansion rejoiced that he is able to
walk about the house, even though
he requires the use of a cane.
President Wilson arose early, as is
his custom, and exchanged greetings
with Mrs. Wilson and the members of
his personal staff, including his de.
voted physician and friend, Rear Ad-
miral Cary Grayson. The latter re
moved some of his restrictions on the
Presidents routine in honor OF the
lay, informing the President that he
might act as host to a family din
ner party this evening. He also gave
the President permission to use his
own discretion in the selection Of a
menu and the return to duty of a
former cook, famous for her culinary
art, indicates that Mr.. Wilson will
take full advantage of the privilege.
Many Gifts Arrive.
The interior Of the White House
today presents a holiday appearance,
with Christmas green's everywhere.
Holly wreaths with poinsetta bios
SONS hang from each window. Mis-
tletoe Is hanging from the celebrated
chandeliers, and the White House
hot houses have furnished wonder
full profusion OF the choicest cut
flowers. Christmas greetings from
all parts of the world are arriving
every minute of the day, and both
the President and Mrs, Wilson were
lavishly remembered with gifts from
intimate personal friends.
The Presidents chief disappoint-
ment was the absence of his grand
children. 1t had been his wish that
their Christmas tree should be erect
ed at the Executive Mansion this
hnt NJ nf o fa mil
held last week, II was decided that
the excitement attendant on the en-
joyment Of four such real children
as little Ellen McAdoo and the three
robust little ones of the Sayres
should not be risked in the present
stage of the Presidents GONZALES
cence. II is planned that both Mrs
Sayres and Mrs. McAdoo will be
guests at the White House after the
holidays. Miss Margaret Wilson was
the only daughter with the President
today and she has been here contin-
uously throughout It's Illness.
Mrs. Wilson Pre-ents Gifts.
Mrs. Wilson this morning. accom-
panied by Dr.. Gra: sOE, made the tr'p
by automobile over the route to tho
country club in Virginia where tn
President plays golf and in accord
anca with custom the President in.
auSri ated esveral years ago. distrib
uted ri:ts in the name of til" Pre-.
dent - the children living along ;;:n
route. The President had previously
remembered each member OF The
White House force. Executive offices
and the policemen at the White Ttri.se
with gifts OF Christmas turkeys.
Tho mel. Sers OF President Wilson's
Cabinet remained in Washington ior
the holidays. with the exception OF
Secretary Lansing, who is in Water
town. y. V, and Secretary of the
Treasury Carter Glass, who is at his
home in Lynchbure, Va.
Wounded soldiers at the Walter
Reed Hospital VII have = Christmas
dinner without Limitations. II is cs-
timated that g 900 will be spent in
the holiday feast for the wounded
heroes. Nurses at the hospital
marched through the various build
ings this morning singing Christmas
carols.
One department store in Washing
ton was open today-for a short time
from 10 o'clock. 1t was the estab-
lishment of Saks & Co. and the GUS
toners were 100 boys with their pa