The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1919-12-25


WASHINGTON. Dec 2f--Wi;h peace
dc facto if not II Il" jurr condition. the
American people tonight began the cell
rbrl ton OF Christmas in pre-war spirit.
Evidences Of the nation wide return 10
the spiri; that dominated the American
Christmas prior TO 1914. wren tho war.
although then confined to Europe. cast
reflection across the Atlantic, has
been noted in unprecedented buying OF
gifts according TO reports 10 the head.
. quarters of mercantile associations.
Christmas mails--onc Of the most exact
indications OF national participation In
tho spirit Of the holiday--havc been the
heavie1t or record. It was said tonight
by post office department officials.
At The white Kouse.
Prcsid mt Wilson. owing to his illness
Will spend tomorrow quietly. Because
of Sr. wilson's illness tho grandchild-
rcn Of the family will no; bc a: The
White House tomorrow and for ,he first
will be no Christmas tree. TIE interior
of the White House tonight, however.
was decorated Throughout in Chri5tmas
style.
have been removed by his physic;sn.
! Rear Admiral Grayson. and he VIII cat
his Chr:stmas dinner in his room.
! Members OF the presidents official
family will spend their Christmast a.
their homes. n.
Vice President and Mrs. Marshall
! went to indianapolis fer the holidays.
Secretary and Mrs. Lansing lett today
for WatcrtOwn, New York. and Secre-
,.tary and Mrs. Glass are to spend the
day at their home at LypchburG. Va
| Other cabinet members will be in
Washington.
All departments Of the government,
by executive order, closed at noon today
Tuntil Friday morning. TO permit officials
and employees 10 enjoy the holiday.
Army And Navy.
Officers and men Of the army whether
they be in camps in this country. in
| Europe, in Siberia or In the island
! possessions. had received tonight the
wishes for Merry Chrr' mas sent out
| by Secretary Baker. a Christmas din,-
| ner, more varied in It's nature than that
| of n year ago because or the lessened
war restrictions. will be served in all
camps and cantonmcnts:
Special preparations have been made
| for Christmas in the navy the navy de-
! partment today predicting that its men
whether in home WATERS or in remote
parts Of the world would have the mer-
ries, Christmas in the navy's history.
For the men OF the army, navy ana
marine corps convalescing in hospitals
! from war wounds. most elaborate prep
! arations have been made both by the
, military authorities and by grateful
, citizens OF the communities IN which the
| institutions are located
| Lansiug's Statement
! Secretary Lansing tonight issued the
! following statement, addressed to the
American people:
! "Christcndom on the 18th day Of De.
! cember celebrates the anniversary OF
| the birth OF an era which gave to man
! kind a divine message Of peace and
! those principles which have been the
! foundation stones Of modern progress
: and civilization:
To-day il is heralded abroad that we
have entered upon new era OF peace
! and Of higher standards Of international
and national life. 1t is not a new era
but the old era. which was ushered !!
BY the birth Of Jesus. perfected by hia
! teachings and consecrated by his death
/ the old era. to which VIC return after o
| time of madness, Of agony and OF evil.
Clothed in the ancient peace proclaimeS
over nineteen centuries ago on the hills
Of Bethlehem. the world, with consci;
cnce awakened by the fiery ordeal
through which il has passed. should
find renewed hope that Christian prin.
dominant force in the affairs Of mon and
! Of nations"