Evening Star Newspaper, December 19, 1891, Page 9

ll = cs rr THE EVENING STAR: WASHINGTON.: D.C. SATURDAY. DSCEMEER 9, 1891-SIXTEEN PAGES. SANTA CLAUS’ MATL. jr, Sings Se nes Sok | DART eo meee te Wie A orc ha Ae == As Tux Stan predicted, before any announce- aes see Vane Geer ee on liad line Rakin Son tian ea Ge ‘MARKET—WHERE THE SUPPLY Is OBTAIXED— THE MISTLETOE AXD ITS TRADITIONS—DIF- YEBENT KINDS OF TREES USED. He Sends “The Star” a Budget of His Christmas Letters. ended the conflict between the powers and s twelve club league has been the result of the clash. Tux Stan's information was of so posi- tivea nature that there was little room to TRUSTING LITTLE FOLKS. ert! ee “5 VIEW OF THE Ein erint thie eter P note: “ My little baby brother died Sods you can.” her baby sister has a rhyme in it like this: Iam 8 lovely blonde baby six months old. Thave Children Who Wrote to Zeroland—What They Want for Christmas—Some Letters That Made Santa Smile and Others That ks like the rose, Nine-year-old Carrie says: “As God has taken Caused Him to Sigh. A cunning little nose, little sister Louis ‘away from this world I will ight eyes of blue, have a very sad Christmas, but I will like to ex- And a heart fond and true. Tend you a kiss to fill you with bliss, Merry Christmas. FAITH AND A REASON FOR IT. An interesting letter bas Just been received ‘THESE MADE EITM LAUGH. by Tae Stan, postmarked Reindeer Mountains, - There! That will do for the blue notes. You ZZ Zeroland, and bearing the familiar signature of ; can doubtioss find enough misery around you a that dear old friend of both young and old, | | Here is some more faith such as I like to eee: | withont importing any from up here. Ihave SITE. Santa Claus, In view of the intense interest | “I think Santa would tell no stories. ON THE POST OFFICE SITE. ‘The Work of Clearing Off the Big Square Now Nearly Completed. The post office site opposite the office of Tux Stan is beginning to look as if the government meant business. Not only are almost all of the old structures cleared away, but there is also some active work goirg on in the way of the erection of an office for the superintendent of construction. It is probable that in a few days work will also be started on the nine-foot fence that is to be built around the square, and then things will virtually hum right through the winter. There bas been some unlooked-for delay in the approval of the plans of the building at the Post Office Department, where Supervising Architect Edbrooke seat them over a fort- night ago. They have finally passed through the hands of the board of examiners, however, gnatures e who compote the post office Secretary Foster, Postmaster namaker and Secretary Tracy, have ans not a stroke of work t one at present beid back by for it can- ost importan and thisis al plans themsely known to what extent the ve to be cut out. A contract for dation will also be let just as soon as it is determined what is the character of the soil on the square, which will be done by sounding in rious places. Test shafts will be sunk ina few dars. ‘ re have been some interesting scenes the old places that have been crumbled ay of workmen who have swarmed all over the square for the past five weeks. Dust has been raived in enormous clouds that have he avenue and made i: rather estrians. Yetas each brick I of gladness, for no one regretted the destruction of the old shells, and every one was glad to see the actual evidences of work on that long-talked-of building—the post office. OX A HISTORIC CORNER. Perhaps the main interest has centered at the corner of the avenue and 11th street, where the old auction establishment so often at- tracted crowds of eager bargain hunters. This old butlaing was a veritable relic of the past Ithada history that has not even yet been fully told. and perhaps there are chapters that never will see daylight. In fact, the whole square is filled with history that cannot be written. It is understood that the Dowlin building was erected some time about 1818. It was sed asa cholera hospital during one of the terrible epidemics of that disease early in the century. Old Peter Force, well known in Lis time throughout the country, occupied the structure with his printing establishment for some years. In its day it was the pride of the town, for, with its old gable roof and its three stories, it was a handsome building for the time._it was one of the landmarks of the avenue. For very many Fears it was tl {Tur Star, which was published there until about ten years ago, whens move was made across the avenue. As the headquarters of the best-known anc- tioneers in town for some years the corner wit- newsed some notable gatherings. There have been some historic articles sold there, libraries, art galleries and other belongings of famous men that are now scattered to the four winds of heave: saved a couple of funny ietters until the end to take the bad taste out of our mouths. That is ® good plan in many things, I believe. rank writes to say: “I will right you a fow linens I want ® puppy dog wooden siable, horse reins and « blood hound dog, to sick on Johnny Plummer.” And here, at the bottom of the pile, is # nice note froma boy named Carlton, who seems to live in @ fashionable quarter of Washington. letter so I can get it on | Ho tells me what he wants in this way: “Twonld like you to bring mera little goat “Some children don’t believe in Santa Claus, but some children do. Ifthere were no Santa Claus no one would get any presents or letters either.” that is taken in the movements and utterances of this delightful individual at this time of year, it has been thought proper fo print it en- tire just as it came. Here it is: To my dear friends of Tux Stan: Your last packet of mail, containing another hundred letters from the little ones—bless their hearte—bas been received. Do you believe there will beany more? If so put a special delivery stamp on them to hurry them along, for thegreat The old theater next to it was also a land- mark for years. It was at first one of the best theaters in town, in a small way, but it grad ally degenerated into a variety hall, and it had lost all of its former respectabil ‘When its front wall was pushed down a couple of weeks ago there were few regrets. Of a majority of the other structures on the square it were better to xay little, with one or two exceptions. The large house on 11th street SHORT AND BUSINESS-LIKE. This ono isa sample of hundreds of others in length, «0 you see they were not all such long letters as that which Annie wrote: “Please write me Christmas morning.” that now forms one of the tworemaining on the | day iscoming and I must soon stop writing let- NEVER SAW SANTA CLAUS. that is Pgs does not smell bad, and will site was for « long time the home of colored | tors and begin to pack my traps You may see that | A poor little crippled girl living in Elizabeth, | 20t butt an please bring s safety with « lan- secret societies, and thus it was a place of im-| J have great faith in the quickness of the mes-] _ J. wrote me a very womanly letter in tern anda bell and I forgot to tell you to portance. 4 senger boys of this region. It is go cold that even they have to run to keop warm. We are having a delightful :season—down to 65 below zero half of the time and then dropping to 70 the other half. But to business, Youdon't know how many times I have blessed you in the last month for having so many read- ers, for you have simply swamped me—no, that isn't the proper word for a Zerolander—I mean drifted me over with letters from the Wash- ington children, with an occasional welcome little outsider. "Why, I just had to stop right in the midst of my toy making and begin to Tread and write, and you know old eyes and old fingers like mine aré not the best in the world for the task of conducting a correspondence with fifteen hundred young people. Yes, that’s the number. Fifteen hundred letters have you sent to me here since you first printed that notice I sent down by young Chris. bring me a wagon and aset of harness for the goat. And @ nice thick tablet anda nice long pencil.” A pretty good combination, that! Well, Carlton must know in time that he asks for something that, as far as Ihave been able to find out, does not e: Goats have a natural tendency to butt and—and, well, to abstain from the use of perfumery. ‘He will probabl have to put up with some small annoyances he gets a goat. Now, my dear friends, I have ‘taken a good deal of the time that really belongs to the chil- dren in order to write to = at length, but I do not begrudge it, for I hope that you can print some of the queer things I tell you and ‘80 show the children who are to be happy that there are others who will not, and, perhaps, you can ,thake those who get but a litle to icoptenté With their fortune. You can assure which she says: Ih, how happy I should be to geta letter from your very own dear self. I would keep it all my life. “I have tried so hard to see you every Christmas eve since I can remember, but my eyes would go tight shut before you came, ough I tried my best to keep them wide open. Tam nine years old, and I cannot go to school like other little giris, for I am a poor little erip- ple, co mamma teaches me at home. _I fell and hurt my hip, so I have to wear a weight on my foot nights and a heavy brace day times, but mamma says she thinks I will be well in one Year. more.” A NAME FOR THE’ DoG. Thad to help out a youngster by naming his dog for him. He says: eee “Maggie fell down the steps yesterday and, Why, I had no idea that thero would be haif] got a bump’on her head. She is so fat she is | all that a letter will be forthcoming from me in that many, and though I’m surprised half out | ail the time falling down. Ihave little dog | few days. I have nearly finished my work on of my ulster I am just twice as bappy. Well, | and do not know what to name him. Can you| them and to make things go at allI had to go across to the pole and hire a couple of boys who aro on duty there. It's rather an off year with King Jack—you know whom I mean, of course. Oh, well, if you don’t I'll explain that Jack Frost is king up here, and he has his headquarters ino magnificent ice palace at the north pole. He has a large and interesting family. ‘This year he has bad several losing contracts down your wayand is rather down in the mouth. Well, be loaned me two boys and I put them at work cutting open the letters and arranging them forme. Poor little fellows, the work got so hot for them finally that one of them thewed off two fingers and the other lost an ey But you don’t know what fan it has all been. Making jumping jacks and croaking frogs and barking dogs and dolls that shut their cyes is nothing compared to it. Many a hearty jaugh Thave had over the queer little words and the odd little thenghts and the quaint little re- quests, but—oh, why should there always be a tell me a pretty name?” 1 shall tel! him to call the dog Shepherd, and I may send him a ribbon for his nec! WOULD HAVE WRITTEN BEFORE. This was surcly a case of hardship before May, who lives in Rockville, Md., happened to sce my card in your paper. She say! “I would of written to you before, but I did not know your address until last night and I was 60 glad to sce it in the Evening Star. Every year I have looked for your address, but 1did not see it betore Saturday night. Santa Claus, I want youto bring me a nice fur muff, asled and lots of candy. Oh, well, I leave it ail to you—Santa Clause. You know what little girls my age want better than I do.” WANTS A PHOTOGRAPH. ‘The next case was somewhat similar. May is this little girl's name, too. By the way, did it ever strike you how many girls are named May? have just bought 2,000 postage stamps at ee bargain froma polar bear who went bankrupt last week. Thope that every one will be satisfied. The tots should remember that I have all the world to look after besides those in Washington and they must not expect too much of me. It is nearly 2 o'clock in the morning and my blubber lamp is beginning to flicker. My old eyes are tired out and I shall have to close. With many kind regards anda wish for = very merry Christmas in Tax San office, I am, Your sincere friend, Crave. sien Agalvst Separate Bathin Pools. To the Editor of The Evening Star: Mr. Stevens first divides all the peoples into two races upon the color line, saying in effect that all who are not up to a certain standard in color raust of necessity belong to the African race. There are certainly more than two races THR WORK OF DESTATCTIOY. The workmen have been pushed to their best endeavors in the clearing process, for at this time of the year good days, though fre- quent, are like windfalls, and must be used ey come. Last night there had been twent; four working days since the contract for clear- ing the square was made with Mr. Nash. He will undoubtedly be able to complete the job before the time expires, Jannary 14. It is likely that the office for the superintendent will be finished by the new year, so that work can be beguaon the old brick building at the corner of 12th.ang D streets, where that official now is established, at least ten days before the time is up. Contractor Trott has taken hold of the erection of the offico withan energy that prom- ises a rapid completion. Aword ortwo about the man who is to superintend the gceat work of erecting the ores he | et on in Castle Jolly in Zeroland? Tt | &% in the world, and each is largely represented in — veel meray ora iy pried Pag Sagres ag B ca 1 aa ps 1| Why hundreds of my letters are signed that | this cosmopolitan city. Then there are thou- mm ‘ vata ig avy anerulp- ined! many a tear that |"4Y. It must be because the writers are all|sands of people of’ mixed blood--mu- pe te — v4 > lovely and blooming and so muck like that | lattoes, octoroons, &¢.—who have but experience in the line of the erection of large | would come in spite of me when I read of | lovely and bloom Ta aes 68, ns, 0 > structures. He is a native of Obio, having| poor chicks whose Christmas will not tiful month in spring. Well, this May | modicum of African blood in their veins been born in Delaware county in 1840. He|be happy this year, who have seldom ile resleicet ‘ k so hara | 2rd, 7hS, BO doubt would seriously was educated in the public schools and had but} known a happy Yuletide and whose ink it is real nice in you to work so hard | object to Mr. Stevens’ classification, unless he all summer and make pres When I commenced to wr to ask you for a great big jo: a big carriage, a cradle, n cet of dishes, a set of bed room furniture, a iron stove, a ‘piano, a doll house, and, Dear Santa, I have a dear little brother; be is but three years old and cannot write to you, but I don’t want you to forget him. Dear Sant, if I don’t get ail those things ave written for I won't get mad. Lam going to leave it with you. Being me just what you think I ought to have, but, Dear Santa, I would like to have them. Santa, I don’t know where Zeroland 1s, but [ am going to look it up in my Geography, but I know it is up tn a cold country where there is plenty of snow and Reindeers. I do love you for thinking of me up in your home. I do wish you would send me a copy of your photograph.” TRIED TO BE Goop. A very little letter from two very little folks, aboy and a girl, whose ages added together don’t cross the limit of ten years: “We have tried to be good this year so you would come to see us this Christmas. We will be very happy to get a letter from you. We are twins, and were four years old last April. We love Santa Claus.” HER PRAYER HAS BEEN ANSWERED. Here is good sort of letter written by a girl: “I love you ever so much because you are 80 good toall little children. Ihave been very ill, but I prayed that I might get well in time to see good Santa Claus aud my prayer has been answered. I hope the weather is as pleas ant on Reindeer Mountain, Zeroland, as it is here.” little stockings, patched and full of new holes, thin and—well,whowon't get much of anything atall on that beautiful holy day but hunger and cold. But they shall at least have one thing, and that is a note from me, whatever that may be worth, and I'll do all can to drive away some of their sadness, if even for afew minutes only. I'ma rough, white-headed old fellow, you know, and I've ‘been banging around be- hind reindeer for ever so long, longer than I'd like to mention in fact, yet I have a heert, I am thankful to say, that can hold every chick and child in the world, rich or poor. Pshaw! I'm spoiling auother bandkerchiof, Time flies and I'l have to get down to wiat I started out to say in this letter to you. I wanted to tell you of some of the funny things Ihave found in these letters. I know that you will be interested. Do you know, I don’t see how you ever resisted the temptation to open those dear little envelopes you forwarded to me. If I had been in your place I certainly should have run the risk, just for the sake of getting a peep at what the children had to say. Since you have been so good I'm going to give you some of the choicest specimens. THINKS SANTA CLAUS A NICE MAX. Here is a dear little girl named Katie, who is very frank about her wants. She speaks right out in meeting, and I'm glad she does. She saya: “I hope you are well and will bring me what Ihave asked you for. Iwant a mutt, a silk handkerchief, a big doll baby and a school bag and three handkerchiefs anda stocking full of candy. I think you are the nicest man I ever knew, because whenever I ask you for the things you always bring me them. I think I have said enougli, don't you? She hus so much faith in me that I, well, promises are good things to keep to yourselves, A tot of six sendsa letter from “Frederick, Md. believe I read a poem about that place somewhere or other; butno matter, The letter is printed so well that even one of the stupid Esquimo, who live just beyond me across the glacier, could reac it. Her nameis Marion and nts me to be sure and remember her ly, who is but three. Provided 'a ‘separate pool for thom, since, if Mr. Stevens objected and his objections were well founded, they also would object and would insist on going where Mr. Stevens went. The most serious objection, however, is that it is unlawful to make such discrimination and also unconstitutional under that provision that pro- hibito the law-making power from making or enforcing any rule attainting the blood, i. e., “the descendants of certain persons being gt under a ban.” Now, that is just what Mr. Stevens would do; he would pute prohibitive ban upon many of the descendants of Washing- ton—Clay, Randolph and a host of other ilius- trious names in the'annals of this country—and who have all the culture, refinement and mental capacity that marked their illustrious ancestors. Again, it is micheivous in that it is repugnant to the'civil rights law as passed by Congress, and which the Supreme Court admitted was in full force coextensive with the jurisdiction of Congress, and, of course, in fuli force in this District. All public benefactions are tobe enjoyed by everybody ulike, free and unrestrained. Sup- pose a dark-skinned Mexican, Japanese, China- man or Italian crossed this imaginary line, or any of the mixed bloods, who by reason of their mixture might elect to go where the greater Preponderanes of their blood might dictate, where is the law to prevent them, since they are enjoying a public benefaction?’ The writer ‘hereof would not be greatly affected by any ac- tion concerning the bathing beach, since he has every facility at home, and so have the great body of white people. A bathing beach would be of great benefit to the poor people, four-fifths of whom are colored, and who, by reason of their poverty, have not bathing facili- ties at home. By all means let us have a bath- ing beach free to all, without restrictions, with proper police protection to keep order. Dayiet Murnax. —_-_- MORE BOOM FOR THE BIG FAIR. It is Proposed That Forty More Acres Bo Leased to Accommodate the Crowd. ‘The world’s fair authorities will soon have a big problem to solve. One question which has troubled the directors has been that of secur- = begun his college career when the war roke out and be went to the front in the fourth Obio infantry. After serving a c he was mustered out on account of disability incurred in the Virginia campaign, but he re- covered sufficiently to enlist again in the one hundred and seventy-fourth Ohio in 1864, and he then served until the close of the war, being mustered out in July, 1465. He went south in 1866 and gpent twenty-four years or more there, being identified with educational work, manu- facturing, building, &c. In the spring of 1890 he came to Washington from Tennessee and accepted an appointment in the census office as a special agent for the investigation of fish- eries and manufactures. While living in Nashville he was connected with the Fisk University as treasurer and busi- ness manager structed Jubilee Hall, the memorial building le of years and during that period he con- FRIENDS LOST IN ZEROLAND. I want you to notice this letter, in which I was very much interested: “You must fatten your raindear so thay can run over the snow coverd roof tops nice and fast Oh how I would like to ride with you just once what fun it must be to whirl over the hills in a great big sleigh I often think of your cold Zeroland for I am named after s brave friend of mamma's who went up there and died his name was George De, Long and his ship was the Janet some of his poor sailor men never ‘THOS. C. STEWARD. of that institution. Costing about 125,000, it is considered one of the largest of its kind in the south. Afterward Mr. Steward was ap- Pointed superintendent of construction of the United States custom house at Nashville during the term of office of S y sister Emils A good, kind aunt writes for her nieces, two little country girls who live on the eastern shore of Maryland, who want me to know that they CHRISTMAS GIFTS IN THE MAIL Postmaster Sherwood Has Some Words of Advice for Persons Sending Packages. Whatever leisure Christmas may bring to others, it only adds to the work of the city Post office employes. From this time until Christmas day the mails will be loaded down with Christmas souvenirs and gifts. The post office oficials make every effort to insure the prompt delivery of par>s's intrusted to their care, but st Christmas time, as at other seasons, much i apt to go astray on account of the careless ness of the senders. Postmaster Sherwood grew quite serious over the matter when talk- ing with Sram reporter the other day. Of ell the things one isaptto send through the mails the one he is most anxious to have reach its destination promptly is a Christmas pres ent. But the post office officials know that m and women are just as careless about writing addresses at Christmas time as at any other time. “There are some things which Taz Stan ‘ought to teli the people at this time,” said Mr. Sherwood “‘All merchandise and printed matter should bear not only the proper address of the person for whom it is intended, but should bave written also on the wrapper in the upper left-hand corner the name or address of the person by whom it was sent. That would enable the office, in case the package was held up for any purpose, to return it fo the sender. A package should be securely wrapped and tied, but so the office can inspect it to see if it contains any written or unmailable matter. If & person desires to seal printed matter or mer- ehandise he can doso, but in that case will have to pay letter postage. Printed matter or third-class matter must not have any written communication. If it does it subjects it to let- ter postage and it will be held up in the office and returned to the persop sending it, pro- Tiled his address ia given sefwe can and him, otherwise the matter will be turned in to dead letter office. A person mailing such mat- ing sufficient space inside the buildings. In satisfying the demand for that another cause for alarm hasbeen created. The great ques- tion now is to secure sufficient space outside of the building. Because of an elaborate allot- ment of ground for the purpose of ontside decorations the space accorded to pedestrians has beon sonarrowed downas to make it almost useless for the purpose intended. Between the buildings and between the buildings and the lake and lagoon the authorities admit there is not sufficient space. As a consequence Chief hain of the construction department and the buildings and grounds committee are now wrestling with the proposition. The only way out of it is to do away with considerable of the space accorded for floral decorations. ven thon it is admitted the space will be insufficient, So crowded is the committee for space that President Baker is now negotiating with the owners of property directly south and ad- joining the grounds for the lease of forty acres. Chief John Thorp of the bureau of flori- culture has just returned ftom the east, where he has been to get plants and palms for the horticultural department and exposition build- ings and grounds generally. Among those who have promised to con- tribute are Jay Gould, George W. Childs of Philadelphia and many other notable col- |lectors. “Mr. Gould's contribution will be a collection’ of palms, many of which are ty-fire. feet in height and centuries old. his caligction is aaid to be the Anest in the world. Messrs. Chance of Birmingham, Eng., have sent a communication to the effect that they would be willing to erect a duplica returned they may be living yet do you ever hem Santa wandering about with the esqu- max? If you couid bring meany news of them we would all be very happy I am writing this letter all by myseli now I must say Good by from your é&e.”* have known and loved me all their lives. I re- member them very well and love them quite as heartily. They say their papa is not rich and cannot get them a large Christmas tree, but they love Christmas, for overy one tries to make thein happy. A LUNCH AWAITING IM Hatha!ha! Here is a good joke. Little Marian from Brookland, seven years old,writes this inducement for me to pay her a visit: “When you come to fill our stockings you will find on the mantel a lunch that we have put there for you.” T'm glad to know that somo one will be thoughtful in that way, forI am sure to be hungry by the time I’ reach this little ones home away out in Missouri, where she is going to live. WHAT WILL FRANCE por ‘The Powers Awaiting the Result of the Chad ouine Incident. ‘The rupture of the diplomatic relations be- tween France and Bulgaria on the pretext of the expulsion of the French journalist Chad- ouine now provesto be the initial step of a French diplomatic scheme to ask the sultan to use his suzerain right to interfere with Bul- garia in Russian interest. Advices were re- e@ivediat the foreign office in London last fight that M. Cambon, the French ambassador at Constantinople, has demanded and will ob- tain a formal conference on thesubject with the snitan today. ‘This development is no surprise to Lord Salisbury and his diplomatic allies in Vienna and Berlin. M. Cambon, in an interview with the foreign minister of the porte on Wednes- day last, was understood to intimate that as France had never recognized Prince Ferdinand the government of France must look for re- dress to the suzerain before taking directly active messures. As M. Ribot must know or expect that the porte will decline to interfere in a question conce the internal adminis- tration of anxiety pivots on what the French government will next do. The Austrian ——— probably acting in concert with Lord Salisbury and Chancellor von Capri}, supports the Balgarian bureau. Austria's agent at Sofia has incited Premier Stambouloff to address a note to the govern- ments of Turkey, Germany, Austria ro = land vindicating the expulsion of Chadouine. It is now known all round that M. Ribot does not care a straw for the expulsion or the ex- P The St. Petersburg weekly, the Vidomosti, after suggesting that it is possible that France, failing to obtain satisfaction, may, blockade FOUR LITTLE Grnts. Four little girls, who live in the same house, write nice letters that just bubble over with eagerness. Ruth is but four, so some one older than she wrote for her. Mabel is seven and she wrote herself to say: “I am so glad I know where to direct my let- ters. I have written ever so many, but always put them up the chimney.” Ethel is two years older. She “And when my big sister sh me your card in this evening's Stae I was very happy. Thave alwave loved you ever so much, and have written you lots of letters, but never knew where to direct them.” Violet, eight years old, writes: “When my mamma told me about your card I was.so delighted that Ihad to write to you before I finished studying my Sunday school lesson. Ithink you are just the dearest old Kris to write to all of us children.” LETTERS THAT MADE HDM SIGH. Did you hear me sigh thon? I suppose it must have frozen before it reached Washing- ton, Youses,I sighed when I picked up = little packet of notes, about nine or ten of them, that made me so sad when I read them that I pnt them to one side by themsélvesywith big icicle on them tokeep them from bi away. I thought that you would like to get & glimpse of the tears of Christmas time as well as the smiles, A very little boy nimed Harry writes appro- priately in blue ink thus: “I see in the Evening Star you say you will send poor children Christmas letters. I ama poor boy and ain’t got no fathe: Isn't that plaintive enough to. make even a reindeer hang his head, I'd like to know? Two letters come from the same dreary hot ‘The elder child is a girl, Helen, and she writes like this: SATISFIED WITH ANYTHING. Here is a good littlé housewife whoevidently knows what atroublesome affair moving is, for she writes from Lewinsville, Va., to say: “I wrote a letter to yousome time ago and di- rected it to the Rocky mountains. I saw in Tae Evexixo Srax where you had moved to the Reindeer mountains, Zeroland. When I wrote to you before I told you what 1 wanted, but { guess you did not receive it, soI will say since Jou,have been moving I expoct you are yery yusy, so please bring me whatever you can. Lucy is right, I did live in the Rocky moun- tains once upon a time, but that was long ago, before the white men ad driven awar the {n= dians, who did not know anything about Christ- mas and never bothered me. So I worked away im peace until the cities began to grow up around my mountains and I had to get out and travel northward to this bleak region, FYROM A NINE-YEAB-OLD. How is this fora letter from a nine-year-old boy named John, who writes in red ink: “Me ama little boy nine years old I would like to have a nice Christmas gift, my mamma wants tohaveatree but my bad ‘old papa wont let her, so I would like you to bring mevomething every night the old bad tom cats run over our tin roof and I all way light for the steamers and from the world’s fair. ———~+e-___ No Contempt Was Committed. ter containing writing 1s liable, under the regu- Shink that it is Sante | “ss i =e. results thus the peace of Europe is over. Clause be sure you answer this.” tt ond eee san,8%° | pany to punish for contempt the president of “A great many packages purchased at stores} The Novosti says that the Chadouine inci- scent ieialan cache vaciopate. got no work and I noo wount bave-eny the New York stock exchange for refusing to bare coly ¢ thin paper rapping not eutable | deut may render is incumbent om France and | 7. ,ON==rute BER MrT sen [foe ca a ean bare ier pe chip ten eitie OE te eomat Frings for mailing. Often packages thus insecurely | Russia to intervene to prevent . e " comand see me My poor mother is bin sik | change not to interfere with the service of wrappedare broken opes anddo not reach | being made acenter of agitation by the drei-| Christmas fora birthday! She writes: soe long She ses Sho will not have eny thing | stock quotations to the’ Gold and Stosk their destination on account of the manner im| bund and base for Austria's advance upon the} “I hope I shall hear from you as I bave read | °™ give me and my brother Peleas Send me s.|-Compacy, which they are wrapved. Persons Balkans. 4 of you in Tae Stan. ” ; indge’ that: order parchase thon avd Sal them cs watiy Lense | ene ontoome of the eta a ets | “Eshall be nine years old on Christmas day." |'"Litte Milton is tho brother. He writes fi'| worse mageholds thatas the order of injunction urchase them and mail them as early as poasi-| the outcome of the present difficulty may be ‘THE CHIMNEY MAIL ROUTE. this way: ‘been disconnected Bis'is onder to give the office and the railway | the incident shows that Russia is right in re- hold the clerks a chance to get them to their | garding the Coburg regime in Bulgaria, sup-| Another boy of five had his mamms hol: tion in time. “Tt should be remembered | ported by the dreibund, as a permanent dan- | end of his pen and then he tells me that he ean | 1008 Lette, one, Ybat cotbing bu: bona fide samples of mer- can be sent to foreign countries. If merchandise for foreign places is sealed it will ye stamped “liable to customs duties” The speak six pieces, sing alittle song and every night he says his prayers He says: that he | the hopes to get some toys, which, ho adds: “I — — - he ume oun t ee ray chim coay inch eae ‘aight and vile “y -omes iso from for- ign lance. 11 is all stamped at the New York iocning er eee near eee m wed bare in the preseuce ef the. eadreame bp cee ow as ian conten teens foticer. tng is not oe —_ ie eet: EZ ree shed jo mail anything unless bona eam) Going to send mame, letter is sent Soupthdeg eebugr Oh e@lian anenmuioe te senior es you might print in e fit of absent-mindedneas. | says: air Yustoms duties. I wouldn't have little Annie’ for] “Tama “There are a few that I would: like to ® good snow storm. This is the letter: “Iam | is dead and papress on Be sure that the address so glad that you gave us an invitation to write ten and correctly, be sure that the to you and ¥ dé so with pleasure, I love jackage is securesy tied and that the amount of you dearly and have always wanted to seo | remember is correct Then if the package is You. 1 want the letter, too. I have never ro- | never knew jailed in time the post oBice will see that it is ‘ceived a letter from Santa Claua and think that} Wouldn't promptly to the right Siait be ness bent tonssing zom: es ee Lyte ‘both? ve not even told you who Iam, oman Gertrude Rankee, aged seventeen was eave Tam a little twin girlnine | write mea to death by the explosion of s lamp in years old. My twin oy Aber thw bev ‘o! Pittebarg. iz yearsg Iam in the grade at school, 3 over . It isa pretty sight. Ono visiting the market now can feast his eyes upon the thousands of bright evergreens that always come at this see- eon of the year in place of the flowers to help in the celebration of Christmaa The display of evergreens is larger and finer this year than basever been known. ‘XMAS TREES ON B STREET. One of the features of the display is that of the pine and cedar trees, or, as the youngster pute it, “the Christmas trees,” which is sup- posed to mean anything in the shape of an evergreon tree on hand just prior to Christ- man The supply this “year promises to be Rreater than the demand, for already the Space usually allotted to them is filled on loads are coming in every ere are fir trees, cedar trees, pine trees, holly trees, and, for the bon ton, cultivated Norways. These trees come mostly from the surrounding counties of Virginia and Maryland and any morning these days on the roads leading to the city you can see old colored men hauling their loads to the market Prices range from 5 cents to $5. Medinm size trees are in demand for families and the churches get the big ones A reporter of Tur ‘Stak ran across one of Santa Claus’ agents the other morning. He was a tall, well-built man, with a kindly face covered with a long white beard. He was just in from Fairfax county with a large supply of Christmas trees. “Well, what are the prospects?” asked the re- : “I heard “Good enough,” was the reply. from Zeroland the other day, and Santa Claus will be here ou time with a bountiful supply of toys. I received @ special commission from him to furnish the trees. have been pretty good daring he says be eh If all of the mistletoe is sold that isat present in the market there will be room enough under it for all the girls in Washington. ‘This beau- tiful and tender parasitic evergreen shrub is found in abundance in the woods of Virginia and Maryland. It is usually attached to the oak, although it has been found clinging tenaciously to other trees. The mistletoe is a peculine ‘Plant and in olden times was much venerated. A custom bas been handed down, although its origin was long ago forgotten, that during the Christmas festivities @gentleman who catches a lady under the doubt the realization of the prediction. In brief, base ball affairs had reached euch » state im this city that something hed to be toalmost every other large city in the coun- ‘The boys and girls the past year, going to do his besk to pisens done. What was true of Washington applied try. Base ball clubs were being ran at loss, owing to many causes, some of which were that % fering big inducement to others to do the ame, a general fealing of insecurity prevailed among players, rend: impossible good and faithful work, and salary lists grew beyond the limits warranted by clul receipts, In the American Association a resolution hed — ted abolishing the system of giving ing clubs@ percentage of gate rece and it, was decided that clubs should retain all of their home receipts. This move was ing tothe clubs in the larger cities, but the smaller ones, Columbus in particular, did not like it, It could not support « first-class club on home receipts abd frankly eaid so. At once ‘there was division in the association ranks. Washington and other clubs were tired of car- rying the smaller cities. It was at this juncture tity brilliant season, But the Athletics without any association to play in were worth nothing. Consequently the Wagners had to look out for purchaser. Thus one thing hastened another until every association club but the new one in Chicago thathad never suffered the losses of @ season was willing to give up. WASHINGTON'S PROSPECTS. The prospectsfor Washington are brighter than ever before. A telegram from Director Scanlonat Indianapolis says that the sale of the Natioual Club stock to George Wagner of Phila deiphia has been concluded. Mr. Wagner will install Mr. Wm. Barnie here as manage transfer the best of the Athletics here. 1t isnot known whether this will mciude Kichardson and Connor or not. Mr. Wagner has the reputa- tion of liberality and the way in which he Barnie toengage base ball stars shows that he believes in obtaining the best possible material. THE NEW LEAGUE CoNsTITUTION. ‘The constitution of the new base ball league starts out with a provision that the league shall de composed of twelve clubs, which namber may not be diminished or increased for ten years. In case of a vacancy during the championship season, majority vote will admit an aj The membership of a club may be terminated by resignation, accepted by a three-fourths Vote, failure to present a team st the opening of the championship series; by selling pools or allowing them to be sold; playing with disquali- fied clubs and throwing games or permitting them tobe thrown. The individual clubs are not restricted in the exercise of discipline or Management of business and the board of di- rectors is made the sole tribunal for the settle- ment of every dispute. Right of territory is granted to every club five miles from the corporate limits of the city where it is located. ‘A contract with = Player in writing or by telegraph is valid, and each club may reserve fourteen players, which forfeiture of member- ship for any cause releases. Each club must play twelve or more games with every other club each season. ‘Tue admission is to be 50 cents general and 25 cents special, and rain checks must be given until the fifth inning is played. The annual meeting shall be com- posed of two representatives from each club, and shall be held the first Wednesday in No- vember. The terms of settlement with the dropped clubs were satisfactory and the money is to be paid from asinking fund created by the pay- ment of 10 percent of the receipts of cach game. Boston isto receive $35,000, the Ath- Totes €45,000, Philadelphia $43,000, Columbus $18,000, Chicago $14,000 and Milwaukee $6,000, & total to be paid out of $118,000. ‘The 50 per cent plan in-the division of receipts was adopted. This was all accomplished at the Thursday night session. At noon yesterday the new league resumed its business and continued in session till 3 o'clock, when final adjournment was taken. ‘EW COMMITTES. Nick Young announced the following com- mittees, which were approved: On schedule—Byrnes, Von der Ahe and Hart. On players—Young and Phelps. On rules—Reach, Vonderborst and Brush. ylunational agrocment—Phelps, Rogers and ‘oun; ‘A. G. Spalding of Chicago was givens con- tract for furnishing the balls. Its period is five years, The duties of the committee on national ‘agreement are to form a plan for the protection of clubs in the minor leagues in reference to players and to foster their growth. The schedule committee will meet the first Wednesday in March at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York city. DOUBLE SEASON PLAN. ‘The committee will at that time submit two schedules, one for # series of 132 games and one fora series of 154 games. Thelong-talked- of plan of two series of seventy-three games, each in season, will doubtless be tried. ‘his wil give six or ‘seven games with each club in every city. ‘The committee on players met at $ o'clock in executive session for the apportionment of players. From that hour until 9 o'clock the committee continued ite work, finally di of every man. A meeting of the organization was called for 9:20 last night and the commit- tee made its report. The doings will be kept secret for some days. WHERE SOME PLAYERS WILL Go. Zack Phelps, the arbitration committee on the apportionment of the players, tackled their tack, which was only @ little less arduous than that of the ‘committee. session until 9 o'clock. Just what they did can only be conjectured. The Nationals will be re- inforced by the addition of Knell, Richardson, en See Sere Bee, (03 rm people im America had done « great deal the cause of home rule, and it was power to dos great deal more. “If need any further belp, and if we lose belp afterward will have come too late. aw the time to Join the federation and do good before it as too late.” ELECTIONS ON THE OTHER GIDE. Speaking of the elections and campaigns the other side he said that all the trouble not happen in Ireland. They have trouble the English elections The occasion to say something of sent to this country, and he said all poisoned at the other end for ernment The news, of course, is in good faith, he said, and the old system of mingoverning Ireland is again in vogue in the Manner stated. “The absurd stories about the Parnellites, “said Dr. Fox, « lt all ere is some rowing in Cork, but give us home rule and we will guarantes quiet elections. (Applause } great show {a made tn Corkby’ to the police and soldiers when such a is not at all necessary. The barracks is oo elevation and barrels could be down ‘that would scatter any mob. Fifty men could keep order in the city at anytime. All the re- Ports received are exaggerated, and it is — to believe them. 1 beg of you not to believe them unless you take « good complement of salt with them. THE GOOD THAT HAD BEEN DONE. Following this the doctor told of the good that bad been done and how much was still to |be done. There are many persons in Ireland, | he said, who differed with him in religion, but who were good friends of the home rule people. He cited one instance of @ Presbyterian minis- ter who was « good friend of the home rulers | and who made many concessions on account of the tendeney in thi many members of direction. There were ar.aud be assured his bearers that Rot asingle dollar would go astray. “Let me urge you,” be ch of the Federation here anc Dr. Fox said be would willingly answer an; questions asked by those preseut and some ous im the audience asked him if the Parnellites were good home rulers, His reply was that be would not aay that they were not, but if they were they had way of showing it. He then told of » combine they once made with the orangemen to put in the latter's candidate for high sberiff and to give their candidste the mayoralty. He spoke of the power of the sheriff to summon the juries Wbo had to try the people and said that many of them were put in jail under the slightest pretexts, A TRIBUTE To GLADSTONE. Capt. Patrick O'Farrell was called for and he since he mas old enough. The cause of Ireland, he said, was improvi ht along, and he Miought the man to thauk for a grest deal of the forward movement was that good old man, Gla one. oom Gladstone's name was received with ap- planse. Continuing, the captain said be had great faith in many’ Englisiimen and he thought they were to be trusted. Some worst enemies of were and other Irishmen putting out tenants while the English people are coming over and ing us. It's all nonsense to say that we can ui faith im the English and we oan's trust the Organization, the speaker concluded, means everything. Fifty men can organize and inzoagh «crowd of 1,000 men like « streek ‘of ightuing. Organize and give Ireland a belp- ing hand. © PARNELL'S NAME BRINGS SOME TROURLEA Mr. P. C. MoCort, an elderly gentleman from ‘New York, arose and made afew remarks. He SS Oe ee eee the meeting with any such purpose, but be had been inspired the remarks of Capt. O'Farrell, After ~4 the audience that be bad been fe ti ing on the object of the meeting, voting bis time to the Parnelis. ing was not called for the purpose of ing Parnell snd bringing divorce scandals thought the speaker was entirely out of order. Mr. Parnell, he said, was dead and everything about him ought to be forgotten, except his service for his country. . postal io nd booting eonp auapebs teenie Gladstone. eration was nm, nearly per- sons joined the organization. Dr. Gallagher was selected as temporary presif@ent and Mr. Donovan consented to act as until the Janent organization e etleotsk, Capt ‘arrell was selected treasurer. ‘Tue next meeting will be held the first Bum- Carroll Institute. day a January at: —_—— ENGLAND'S POOR, Report of the First Year's Workings of Gem, Booth's Keltef Scheme. ‘The of the first year's working of Gen, Booth's “in Darkest England” scheme shows that during that time £25,000 has been ex- z f F i & 4 E i £ 5. ne