Evening Star Newspaper, December 25, 1897, Page 2

He was in Spain during the last year rler’s despotism, and was consistent and courageous in opposing Weyler’s mil- itary policy. Autonomy was beyond the range of his convictions, but he decided to accept the new conditions. The queen re- gent fitted him out with fresh dignity as a srandee of Spain, and ke came home to the task of keeping in check the unruly con- servatives, the Imtrousigentes. At the palace the day after Apezteguia’s inter- view with Captain-General Blanco, I was told, in half confidence, that the marquess had undertaken a werk of great promise to the government. He proposed io make the conservative party more autcnomist than the autonomists themselves. It was to make the new regimen its own policy. ‘The conservatives’ “primaries” were held, extending througn a fortnight. In the va- rious districts the local committees met and sted “vocales” or delegates to the con- vention. They do not know what a caucus is in Cuba, but the managers understand the importance of controlling the primary irom within. es were selected from all the dis- triets in the island, which are not in the power of the insurgents. Little public agi- was felt, though the Marques of Pinar del Rio and Senor Guzman, president of the Spanish Club of Havana, were exert- ing themselves against Apezteguia’s plans. In some places rivalry was shown in the choice of delegates, but this was not often. At the meetings of the local juntas some- times speeches were made full of fervor in lefense of Spanish sovereignty, yet without finite declarations of policy. In the United States tre conservative primaries would have been called tame, except possibly these held in Havana, at which autonomy was given anathema. Platform of Apesteguin. On the Sunday before the convention the platform of President Apezteguia and the junta direction, or central committee, was ished. The marques had given up the of making the union constitutional ‘arty more automish than the antonomists mselves. The worst he hoped for now [ORIENTAL QUESTION]; |. ~~~—«*ISONG AND PRAYER Scsmesuears.y otecc"e] tercutemcoy mga mgy |g anos Gams ome QUESTION | - Attitude of the Administration in Respect to China. AMERICAN INTERESTS ARE INVOLVED Assumption That the United States Will Be Aggressive. SUMMARY OF SITUATION The course of the administration with respect to the Chinese situation is going to be watched with much interest by Con- gress. The exact meaning of the decision reached by the President and his cabinet at the cabinet session yesterday is not un- derstood. The proposition to. carefully watch American interests, but not to par- ticipate in any grab of Chinese territory may be variously interpreted. If given the broad interpretation that the situation seems to require, there will be much in the future to occupy the attention of the peo- ple of this.country. If it is merely .he usual perfunctory proposition there wiil probably be something heard from in Con- gress on the subject, and, if it amounts to nothing more, it will rouse a new political issue. This Chinese question puts a problem of foreign relations to the United States in a different light from that in which it has ever been presented before. This country is not interested in the expansion of em- pires, and the policy adopted by Wash- ingtou in the beginning and religiously ad- hered to ever since precludes this govern- ment from participating in the partition of China, if that partition is to occur. But "nt open repudiation of the sys- passive acquiescence address exhorted the were not ready to the glory of the new regimen by ac- Ive participation in it, at least not to be- come responsible for the shipwreck of Spain's nationality which might come from riment. conservatives if the The the failure of the policy. The delegates who began to arrive from the did not receive the platform They hinted a purpose of mak- » of their own. Apezteguin and his ants proved active wire _ puliers. sought 2 rea tion in advance. might be compared to that exer- umber of eminent men who on ing « Heut They and infin to use persuas tiet the opp he eve of a nat nvention in Chicago in the year 18M} thought they were going © persuace it not to auopt a certain course. The ¢ convention mei on dt had no contesting ho occasion for “‘p “viewing bag regret, -venin: elexations, no to similar pro S was lacking. embly constitu- ional” Was simply to say whether it would autonomy. Nobody who wanted to hoked off. This may be the rea- on why the session lasted till sunrise. Discurso.” speech, was called for froia he admirers of various delegates, and met with pons Some of them ja palabra, the floor several times. Most of the orators were abogados, or law- yers, though some were doctors and jour- Whatever else may have been in this convention of the conserva- no limit was put on the free- dom of debate. sion Was spiced with person- were sometimes blunt, some- 1 in irony or sarcasm. The exhaltea Patriotism of the ervent kind and breathed undying devotion to Spain's sovereignty. A hope- ful sign or the future was that most of the del . ted moderation and acquiescence in nomy were young men. But they we: few in numbers. Apezteguia Defends Himself. The convention had hardly opened when Marques de Apezteguia was asked for an ccount of his stewardship as president of he party. He was charged while in Spain vith betraying its prin ciples. To some of he « © would be said in the states, sdaimed to reply.” But his vy of keeping the party from arraying tself in open opposition to giving autonomy trial he defended manfully. He was support some delegates who re men of cha r, but they were in the m . Several times uiv’s partisans proposed a vote of anks to him, but the " came with such force that the questi 43 not put. in the discussion some hard things were United States and President 3 statement that it had the right to ir in the affairs of Cuba. The cuitory was fierce, earnest and great deal ot spontaneous eloquence was spilled. After several hours it became apparent trat Apezteguia could not commit the con- vention to any of the declarations acqut. escing in autonomy that had been formu- e and his followers took the wise lecision to keep in the front and appear to ead the forces that were pushing them along. Conferences were held with Senor ‘ who Was against some proposl- vored by the intransigentes and for thers which they supported. uia made his last speech at 5 o'clock in the morning. The platform had mtructed with little regard for his consisted of resolutions abso- sting auconomy and committing to a “retraimiento” or tempo- virawal from public affairs. The sposition had # provision which junta dircctura or central com- how t should stay drawn nell, for the ccmmittee was en to determine whether it should part in the ele 3 lex of the sent nated t © majority of the delegates. Apex- teoula and bis associates on the central or tee ng been sufficiently discip- | and the position of the party made tne nanimously re-elected. ted his friends that The failure to to autonomy may 3 ultimate will be bac ie apparent- interest in the outcome of this mvention than in the grand s drawing of the lottery. But it k portent for autonomy, for Cuba and for Spain. CHARLES M. PEPPER. a a z BUYING CATTLE FOR CUBA. Agent Pichardo Takes From 500 to 600 a Week. FORT WORTH, Tex., December 25.~Re- ently Senor Manuel Pichardo came here from Cuba, stating that he was detailed by he Spanish government to buy cattle for he Spanish army in Cuba. He is now buy- ng “4 or G0 head a week. He said that wo of the largest cattle importers of Cuba nts on the way to north Texas to vuy cattle for Cuba shipment and they will rs » to 400 head daily. He complains that he is hindered in his work by the discriminations of the railways. JACK RABBIT FEAST FOR POOR. Three Thousand Bis Bannies Their Christmas Dinners. D VER, Col., December 25.—Parson Thomas Uzzell distrivcted 3,000 jack rab- for bits among poor people who applied for them this forenoon. These rabbits were shot in the annual hunt at Lamar, Coi. Arrangements are being made to feed 2,000 1 Christmas dinner at il Tabernacle next Tuesday. > Sensation in the Durrant Case. 3AN FRANCISCO, December 25.—The long- promised sensation in the Durrant case de- veloped when W. A. Durrant, father of the murderer, presented an affidavit to Superior Suége Sewell, in which he ae Juror Smyth with having knowingly used certain infermation not presented at the trial of Theodor Durrant in deciding the merits of the case in his myth 's) mind. pa there is more in this question as now pre- sented than the acquisition of territory or supremacy of empire. As it appears to those best qualified to judge, the United States has an interest in the fate of China and the action of the foreign powers not conceived of in the policy of isolation laid down during the youth of the republic. It is held by sume of the broadest visioned men in Congress that the policy of indif- ‘ence toward the international! politics of ropean an Asiatic powers does not ex- tend to our commercial relations with those powers nor to the action of those powers which affect those relations. Such an interpretation of that policy as would ignore an injury to our commercial development, it is held, would place restric- tio upon us which would ultimately be distinctive. Daty of This Government. It is the opinion of careful students of the situation that the duty of this government is to participate to the extent of securing in perpetuity such commercial rights and privileges in the orient as will admit of the indefinite development of our commerce on the It may be a matter of indif- ic. ference to the United States what terri- torial dominion is acquired in China by Germany, Russia, Engiand or Japan, pro- vided their extension of empire does not carry with it the power to piace upen our de—or prospective trade—with the orient such a restriction they may see fit. In other words, it is held to be our duty to claim certain commercial privileges in- dependent of the caprice of contending na- tions, as our share of the general division of Spain, and that we should not consent to the carrying out of any policy as to China which deprives us of that. This view of the situation ts one that looks into the future. In the life of a na- tion a few generations count for little. If this republican form of government is to survive, there must be no restriction upon its development whick does not rest as well upon other forms of government. A healthy devciopment for a country iike this does not involve, necessarily, terri- torial expansion. It 1s naturally confined to internal progress and advancement in production, in manufacturing and the aris, and the opening up of markets to be reach- ed with our commerce. The prote:tive policy of the administra- tion and the natural resources of this coun- try may be expected to lead to the highest internal development, and the home mar- ket will natarally expaad. A foreign ket is necessary, however, to render a able the profits of this capacity for pro- duction. In Germany, Franc, England, and in all countries outside the orient, ovr poli- cy of protection to American industries ts met by retaliation and eompetition. There is a well defined limit to the expansion of our trade In that direction. ‘he orient aione is open, or may be opened, and there the trade is undeveloped and subject to al- mest unlimited development in the future. Future Possibilities. If dominant rival powers are to dictate the tariff laws, and sign commercial treat- ies for China, to grant or take away at their will commercial privileges we may seek or now enjoy, it is foreseen that a great wall will gradually be constructed around the United States, and we will sink to a low place among nations, being the hewers of wood and the drawers of water, with a prospect of, in the course of time, finding ourselves in the condition China now Is. : ‘Those who see the situation in this light confess that they may be looking a hun- dred years or more ahead, but the fruits of a policy of government are slow of devel- opment, one generation planting for gen- erations remote. It is not felt that this government need assume an attitude of hostility toward any pewer engaged in the scramble for China, but we shouid not let foreign governments think us indifferent. The comments of the foreign press show that it is realized abroad that our interests are seriously involved, and the dispusition is manifested to assume that we will follow a more aggressive policy than is at all like- ly. This, it is thought, renders it easier to make a consefvative but firm policy more effectiv it is expected that scon after Congress mects the administration will receive as- surances of being sustained in any steps necessary to protect American interests. oo STRUGGLE IN THE EAST. United States Will Take No Part in Seramble for Territory. At the cabinet meeting yesterday affairs in the orient were seriously discussed, and it was decided that this government will keep “hands off” in the struggle between the powers of Europe for territorial su- premacy in China. It was deemed to be incumbent upon the United States to con- fine its operations {n the celestial empire to the protection of its commercial and other interests in that quarter. Jealous watch will be kept over our manifoid interests in China, however, and every proper effort made for their complete protection in all emergencies. Not only will the commercial interests be safeguarded from interference in the past aad prospective seizures of territory by foreign powers, but measures will also be taken to protect the lives and property ef Americans in China, in the not alto- gether improbable event of an uprising on the part of the natives against foreigners. So far as known, Great Britain has never made any formal overtures with officials of this goverument for a concert of action in the case of China, and in view of the action of the cabinet at yesterday’s ses- sion, it is not at all likely that she will take any steps in that direction. Great Britain and the United States will stand on the same footing in this matter as the United States and any one of the other powers concerned—Germany, Russia or France. As one of the members of the cabinet has expressed it, the Policy of the United States “is to keep a watchful eye upon the situation as it Seneie in order to see that full protection may be given to the interests of the United States in the orient, as guaranteed by our treaties with China and the other countries involved.” To this end arrangements have been made to strengthen our naval forces in Chinese waters, and to distribute the ves- sels where they will be able to do the most good. The cruiser Raleigh was detached from the Mediterranean fleet for that pur- pose, and is now weil on her way to China. The gunboat Helena recently, left New York, having the same destination, an the gunboats Concord and Marietta are fi ting, out at San Francisco for duty on the Cht- THE EVENING Se EE cere ain a ee cy Bagg ve een ecb SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1897-24 PAGES. BONA-FIDE CIRCULATION. A reference to the statement he- low will show that the circulation sworn to is a bona fide one. It is easily possible for a news- Paper with an elastic conscience to swell its legitimate circulation enor- mously, in order to deceive adver- tisers, by sending out thousands of Papers to newsstands, which are re- turnable, and which are in fact re- turned, but nevertheless are in- cluded in what purports to be an honest statement of circulation. Intelligent advertisers, however, Judge by results, and bogus circula- tions don’t give them. The family circulation of The Star is many thousands in excess of any other Washington paper. Circulation of The “Evening Star.” SATURDAY, Decemter 18, 1897. MONDAY, December 20, 1897. TUESDAY, December 21, 1897. WEDNESDAY, December 22, 1897. THURSDAY, December 28, 1897 FRIDAY, December %, 1897... Total....... eee ++ 181,956 Daily average. +++ 80,326 I solemnly swear that the above statement Tep- Fesents only the number of copies of THE EVEN- ING STAR circulated during the six secular days ending Friday, December 24, 1897—that ls, the num- ber of copies actually sold, delivered, furnish- ed or mailed, for valuable consideration, to bona fide purchasers or subscribers, and that none of the copies so counted are returnable to or remain in the office unsold. J. WHIT. HERRON, Cashier Evening Star Newspaper Co. Subscribed and sworn to before me this twenty-ifth day of December, A. D. 1897. GRENVILLE A. WHITAKER, Notary Public, D. C. nese station. It is expected that they will both be ready to sail‘in a few weeks. Commodore Dewey, recently relieved from duty in this city as president of the naval inspection board, has.been placed in com- mand of the naval forces of the United States in Chinese waters, as the relief of Admiral McNair, whose time is up. Com- modore Dewey jled from San Francisco abcut two weeks ago, and if he has not already done so, wili in a few days fly ns flag from the armored cruiser Olympia, which is the flagship of the fleet and one He the most powerful vessels on the sta- ticn. QUIET AT THE WHITE HOUSE President's Recent Bereavement Precluded Any Public Function. Similar Air of Rest Pervaded All the Departments — Where the Secretaries Dined. Christmas day at the White House was the most quiet and peaceful that the man- sion has ever known since the national capital was reared on the banks of the Potomac. Through the whole of the per- fect midwinter day the doors scarcely swung on their hinges, save for the exit and entrance of the President and Mrs. McKinley, who early in the forenoon went for a short drive about the city. Owing to the recent bereavement of the Presidert, all official functions were sus- pended, and the White House was deserted by all, save a very few of the house offi- cials. The only guests were Miss Duncan and Miss Barber, who have been at the executive mansion for some days, and these shared with the President and Mrs. Mc- Kinley the quiet and homelike Christmas dinner. Policeman in Lonely Authority. Even Secretary Porter and the clerks had deserted the office, and the big policeman in uniform at the door had things entirely to himself, save for the company of half a dozen English sparrows skirmishing in the sunshine beneath the portio, and a couple ot “plain-clothes" policemen, who indus- triously held down easy chairs in the de- serted corridors. The official members of the househoid were not forgotten, however, for the President and Mrs. McKinley pre- sented to each of the married men among them a plump Christmas turkey, while ail the bachelors of the force had a ‘neat little scart pin apiece by which to remember the day. Several Christmas tokens arrived for the President, the most conspicuous among them being a big basket of pink roses, fragrant orchids and lilies of the valley. In the Departments. The departments were as thoroughly de- serted 23 was the White House. Usually even on a holiday a few of the secretaries wili be found at their desks in the great government buildings, for a holiday is a good time for quict and uninterrupted work. But this Christmas found not a single cabinet officer at his post save At- torney General McKenna, who, after early church, walked over to the Department of Justice and spent some time at his desk. The Vice President and Mrs. Hobart spent Christmas day at their home in Pat- erson, N. J. The Secretary of State and Mrs. Sher- man spent the day quietly at their beautl- ful home on K street, surrounded by the members of their household. Secretary and Mrs. Gage, Secretary and Mrs. Alger and Secretary and Mrs, Long observed ihe day by a reunion of the mem- bers of their respective families at their residences in this city, Secretary Alger, who has been ill for several days with a bad cold, was able to icin his family at the Christmas dinner. The Secretary of Agriculture and Mrs. Wilson had the pleasure of the company of their sons at dinner today at their home on S street. The Postmaster General and Mrs. Gary spent the day in Baltimore and entertained a large party of friends at dinner. The Attorney General and Mrs. McKenna have their three daughters and their son, Lieut. Frank McKenna with them for the holiaays. The Attorney General spent a part of the day at his office in\the De- partment of Justice. Secretary and Mrs. Bliss passed Christ- mas day at their home in New York and had several friends to dinner. ——————_o-____ BISHOP WARREN’S MISSION. Will Take Charge of Methodist Mis- sionary Work in Chile. DENVER, Col., December 25.—Bishop Warren of the M. EB. Church, who is to ™make a missionary tour of several South American countries, has just received final instructions from New York city concern- ing the work, which he is to do. Besides kelding conferences he will take formai pcssession of $200,000 worth of property, which has just been donated to his church. Bishop Warren will leave Denver Janu- ary 14, 1898. Mrs. Warren and Miss lleff will acecmpany him. The party will go from Denve~ to New York city, there will take the steamship Advance of the Pana- ma Railroad and ener = Company, g0- ing by it to Colon, on the Isthmus of Pan- eee eo Rae ‘al iso on ew imperial of the Chile Steam Navigation Company. ——__ Secretary Alger’s Cold Better. Secretary Alger has been confined to his home for the past week w'th a severe cold, but had recovered sufficiently today to en- Joy Christmas festivities with his family. oo capecte te reenme- 5 duties at SONG AND PRAYER The Glorious: Ohristmas Day Oele- brated in the Churches, & sien ee THE SERVIUES HELD TODAY Midnight, Gatherings and Sunrise, Peals of Bells, WHERE THEY WERE HELD Solemn high mass was celebrated with the customary magnificent and appropriate ceremonies at a number of the Catholic churches of the city. Long before the starlight had begun to .pale or the sign of the morning sun had begun to appear the church bells had begun to ring. With but a few hcurs’ sleep, and with the pros- pect of a glad though tiring day of excite- ment before them, the faithful responded. The streets before 5 o'clock, the hour for the beginning of the church services, were filled with. young and old. The air was most frosty, but the churchgoers did not hesitate to show by deed that they were gled that the Prince of Peace had bean born this day nearly 1,900 years ago. The matter of suffering a little trifle in the way of leaving warm beds and rising at sucn an early hour was merely a trifle. While the bells rang out the tidings of great joy to all men they trooped up the steps of the sacred edifices with reverent head and en- tered the houses which had been conse- ciated to His use and His presence. Christ- mas greetings were given and exchanged, but it was done quietly and with no show of worldiness. Up the aisles, with bowed bead and lowly mien they walked, as be- fitting so solemn an occasion. In some cases eyes were wet with the memories of other Christmas days, some happy, perhaps, some troubuious. While the organ inside softly pealed in the solemn ceremonials the wind outside breathed a requiem for the repose of old intolerance, sin and hatred. Together both merged into a glad anthem, whose meaning was clear. “Unto Us a Child is Born, Unto Usa King is Given.” Inside the high altars were ablaze with lights, the censers going to and fro, in the space reserved for the celebrant and his a:sistants. Around the altars were palms and other greens, fitly commemorating the day. The scenes were most impressive in all the churches. If for no purpose of devotion, simply from a spectacular stand- point, the early morning rising world have been well repaid by this. But it is safe to assert that those who gratified their senses at the expense of their souls in this manner were few and far between. Tae attitudes of devotion, which appeared sinc- cere, were assumed by all who witnessed the ceremoniais in honor of the nativity of the Savior. Early Masses. Early high mass was celebrated at the following churghe! : St. Patrick's, St. Jcseph’s, St. Mar: St. Aloysius, St. Peter's, St. Baul! st. Dominic's, St. Tere- sa’s, Anacostia, @hurch of the Immaculate Conception, St. Augustine’s, St. Stephen’s, Holy Trinity: ‘The congregation at St. Patrick’s Church, 10th and G,jstregis northwest, filled the caurch to oyerflgwing. ‘the musical pro- gram was a femarkably fine one, prepared for the occavio! Signor Mariano Maina Girected a Sélectéd orchestra of fourteen instruments @t the 5 o’clock mass. The sing- ing was such as to hold the large audience with the cloxest attention, and the orches- tral music was a fliting accompaniment. Rev. Father Gidyd was celebrant of the mass, Rey. Father’ Stafford was deacon and Rev. Father’ McGee subdeacon. Over the altar, looking like a brilliant jewel setting for the glowing interior of the church 1t- self, was a handsome five-pointed star made of dagzling* Nights. Every eye was turned to this as-the orbs of the shepherds were directed, te-the star which shone over Bethlehem on the eventful day. It was a cosmopolitan assemblage at St. Patrick's, showing that His dominion ex- tends over the lowly as well as the ricn. There were ladies attired in seal skins, wearing costly jewels. There were others whose poverty was apparent from their ap- parel. They met on the same footing—in some cases they occupied the same pews. There was no class distinction there. In the congregation were policemen, in uni- form; the gray of the letter carrier was also evident. All occupations were repre- sented. There were whites and blacks. All listened with the utmost attention. It was one of the -nost devotional congregations probably that ever gathered together. It seemed trained as one. When the solemn intonations of the celebrant would reach the different passages in the services every knee would be bent, every head bowed. Again the congregation would rise on its feet, while the organ pealed forth exult- ingly the tidings of great joy to all men. The Sermon. Father Gloyd did not preach a sermon, that task being left to Father Stafford, who delivered an eloquent discourse, later in the day. The rector, however, made some remarks, breathing a Christmas spirit throughout. While the day was one of joy for all persons, he said, it was one es- pecially joyful to Catholics, for they were specially blessed. They were better fitted to celebrate the occasion, than those of any other denomination, he declared. ‘The tidings which the angels brought to the shepherds was the text of his dis- ccurse. He defined the two kinds of joy which characterize Christmas day, and adjured his hearers to let the spiritual kind overtop the worldly. It was good for people to enjoy themselves on this oc- casion, he stated, by giving and receiving presents, and in the various other ways, but the true reason why the time is cele- brated should not be forgotten. In con- clusion, he asked for contributions from everyone, as liberal as could be spared. The number of persons who remained at the communion service was noticeably large. Throughout the musical service, the ‘“Adeste Fidelis” strain was woven, as a thread of gold, in a pattern of silver. When the mass was finished, the im- mense congregation passed quickly out, eack to his or her home, with grectings to friends and relatives. The east had just begun to grow rosy, with the advent of the Christmas day, wken the worshipers passed along the thoroughfares and dis- appeared in their aouses. St. Matthew's, At St. Matthew’s Church this morning a large congregation rarticipated in the im- pressive ceremony. of rolemn high mass. Rev. Thomas Lee was the celebrant. There were no Veg tas ile decorations in the church. .A few ‘garlands of evergreens abuut the altar and an expensive wreath of holly, made:amore, effective by the large bow of red. with? which it wag tied to the pulpit, covere@ itall. The choir was aug- mented by a‘string orchestra, and rendered the program*printéd yesterday in The Star. The soloists:!wer’: Mrs, Pennybaker, Mrs. Goddara, eerie Cotterill, Blanche Wood, Mamie Magee, Mrs. Hersey, Misses Davis, Tyler*4nd'Lackey; Messrs. Golden, Fitzgerald, Goodchild and Meem. Sopranos, Mrs. Pennybaker; Mrs. Goddard, Misses Carrie Cotterill, “Blanche Wood, Mamie Magee, Mrs. Hersey, Mrs. Wilmarth, Kath- leen Cooney,tisabél Sinclair, Margaret and Catharine Ayimer, Lucy Long and Mrs. Sohon. Altos, Misses Elise Davis, Eliza- beth Tyler, Matie:dackey, Annie Fleming and Miss Avery, ‘Tenors, Messrs, J. Golden, Thomas Fitzgerald, Ed. Schwarze, Michael Peters and Frederick White. Bas- sos, Messrs. Charles Goodchild, W. Silas Sheetz, Dr. E. J. Stitt, Arthur Giles, Paul Cromeiein, Meem and Gates. Organist, Miss Jennie Glennan. st. Aloysius. At St. Aloysius Church the 11 o'clock service was especially grand tm all its ap- pointments, The music was magnificent, Mrs, Kitty “Thompson-Berry sustaining the leading soprano-parta with splendid effec:. The officers of the mass were Very Rev. Mgr. Sbarretti, celebrant; Rev. = J. O'Con- leacon: Wn. ae ~ J.. a Mr. O. Gorman, Sas James Mullen, 8. J., cee of ceremon! of Christmas as used by the Catholic Church, saying the word Christmas was really no more than Christ's mass. The three masses stood for three truths, the divinity of Christ, the humanity of Christ and’Christ’s personal relations with each individual. These truths are neces- sary to teach the great lesson of Christmas. The only solution of the religious question, he, said, is to be found in a belief in the divinity of Christ and His teachings. He said that any solution of the social ques- tions which are troubling the world today will be secured only when statesmen “go to Bethlehem” and learn the lesson of the maa God, the lesson of charity, of fore- bearance and even of poverty. Other Churches. At St. Patrick’s Church, Rev. John Gloyd, pastor, high mass was celebrated at 5 and 11 o'clock, the edifice being crowded dur- ing both services. “O Holy Night” was sung by Mr. William D. McFarland as soloist. First high mass at St. Joseph Church Was sung at 5 o'clock and the second at 10:30 a.m., the musical program being elab- orate and splendidly executed. Masses were also celebrated at St. Mary's Church on 5th strect between G and H streets. During the second solemn high mass, celebrated at 10 o'clock, the ctildren of the parochial scheol sang man Christmas carcls. Masses were also celebrated at St. Peter's Church, corner 2d and C streets southeast, and St. Paul's Catholic Church, corner 15th and V streets. At St. Paul's the celebrant was Rev. Dr. Kerby of the Catholic Uni- his and the music was especially ar- istic. St. Dominic's Church in South Washing- ton was crowded to overflowing at both of the services held there today.There were also services at St. Teresa's Church, Anacostia; the Immaculate Conception Church, corner 8th and N streets northwest; St. Augustine, 15th street northwest. At St. Augustine's Church solemn pontifical mass was cele- eee by Right Rev. Bishop Curtis at 11 o’cloc At the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, corner of 11th and K streets north- east, Rev. Thomas J. Kervick, the pastor, celebrated high mass. The music accom- panying the service was exceptionally fine. The services at St. Stephen’s Church and at Holy Trimty Church, Georgetown, were also very largely attended. — EPISCOPAL SERVICES. Beautifal and Elaborate Exercises Were Held Today. The Episcopal churches of the city cele- brated Christmas day with beautiful and €laborate services. In many of the church- es three services were held during the day, and in all of them special attention was paid to the musical and choral features of the service. St. John’s Church was beautifully deco- rated with seasonable greens, and the altar embellished with flowers. The church was crowded at the 11 o'clock service, but seats were found forall who came. An elaborate musical program had been arranged, and | was executed by the choristers and the | crganists. The program was as follows: Processional, hymn 49, Adeste Fidelis, Read- ing; Venite, in G, Garrett; Gloria Patri, in D, Tours; Te Deum, in A, Westbury; Jubi- late Deo, in B flat, C. Villiers Stansford; holy communion; introit anthem, Behold! I Bring You Good Tidings, Cross: Kyrie, plain song, Warren; Gloria Tibi, plain song, Gounod; hymn Smart; offertory an- them, Sing, O Heavens, A. R. Goul; ascrip- tion, Praise God From’ Whom; Sanctus, in A, Camidge; hymn 224; Gloria in Excelsis, in C, Atkinson; Nunc Dimittis, in A flat, Wood; recessional hymn 5i, Mendelssohn. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Meckay-Smith, the rector. His topic was the Infant Savior as typical of the humble- ness of the Christian religion. It was won- derful that a little babe, the personifica- tion of all that was gentle and helpless, should come to dominate the world. Christ never raised a finger to enferce His will, yet the dominant races of the world have followed Him. Rome, the mistress of the world, was fiually led captive by him. Italy, the land of learning; Germany, the home of science, followed Him. There was nothing in His character of the flavor of eee rene on ead yet the most enterprising race, the Anglo-Saxon race, a Him as its Lord. ee Benighted races, in selecting their re- ligion, choose a god who is fearful, power- ful or revengeful. They demand outward and visible signs and make for themselves idols uf hideous detign. The intelligent race demands to seck for the hidden and ‘ob- scure, and finds no difficulty in accepting a little child as the sign of God’s power. Therefore it happens that if one could be in India today he would witness two wide- ly different sights upon the same spot. He vould see the H:ndoo worshiping idol of hcrrid mien, some fearful, revengeful or evil spirit. A little distance away a group of English officers, some of them vice regents over 30,000,000 of people, would be kneeling in adoration over the cradle of an infant. Dr. Mackay-Smith said it was in the ranks of the humble people that the most loving worship of the Christ child is tound To these peopie it is Christ the consoler. Borne down by weight of trouble, poverty and woe, they st themselves upon the Savior. He is their friend and comforter and their recourse. Ascension Church, The holy communion was celebrated at 7:30 o'clock this morning at the Church of the Ascension, 12th street and Massachu- setts avenue. The Chapter of Praise sang at the service, which was well attended, despite the early hour. At the conclusion of the service which began at 11 o'clock there was a second celebration of the holy communion. Both services were conducted by Rev. John H. Elliott. At an early morning serv- ice the assistant rector, Rev. Thomas W. Cooke, was present, but became ill and was unable to be present at 11 o'clock. His place was taken by Rev. Mr. Bourne. The feature of the services was the mu- sical program, rendered by the vested choir of thirty-nine men and boys. Mr. Francis Edward Camp, the organist and choirmas- ter, was in charge of this feature, and the congregation has not heard in many days a more perfect program. Dr. Elliott announced that the offering would be for the Christmas festivals of the Sunday schools of the church. The con- tributions were large. Dr. Elliott preached from the 14th and 15th verses of the 14th chapter of Matthew. The sermon was brief, but dealt appropri- ately with the day. He spoke of the ad- vent of Christ to the world and of His benedictions. He then narrated the work of Christ in Jerusalem—the healing of the sick, blind, weary and weak; the comforts of all kinds showered upon the afflicted. The most glorious gift of this Christmas day, he said, is that Christ is still the Healer and Comforter. Midnight Service. A beautiful and impressive midnight serv- ice was held last night at St. Michael's and All Angels’ Church, Rev. William R. Tur- ner, rector, 22d street near F northwest. A large congregation was present. The church presented a handsome appear- ance. Above the altar, which was brilliant- ly Muminated with lighted gas jets, there were placed trailing vines, holly and flow- ers, while the walls were festooned with cedar and decorated with wreaths and crosses made of holly or cedar. ‘The exercises began at 11:15 o'clock, at which time the vested choir began sing- ing the processional. At first the voices scemed as though 2 long way off, but pres- ently the members of the choir, followed by the rector, entered and took their places in_the chancel. Prayer was offered by Mr. Turner, and the responses in the litany were recited in a beautiful manner by the choir. The con- gregation sang “All My Heart Tonight Re- joices,” after which Mr. Robert Keeling sang a baritone solo. Other hymns sung by the congregation were “Oh, Come, All Ye People,” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” A short but eicquent sermon was deliver- ed by Mr. ‘urner from the words of the prophet Eseias, “For unto us a Son is born.” Mr. Turner spoke of how the prophet foretold the coming of Christ 600 years before the event occurred, and in conclusion wished all present a joyous Christmas. ‘The congregation at the morning’s serv- ices was large. The exercises were ap- te. Other Charches, Christmas services at St. Sti "s Church, 14th street and Columbia Heights, began at 7 a.m. with holy communion. At the 11 o’clock service the vested choir, un- der the direction of Prof. Nicholls, ex- ecuted a mvusical program. A large con- gtegation was present to listen to the ser- mon by the rector. At the Chapel of St. Matthew, M and Half streets the length of the musical program the services te begin at 10:30 o'clock. The sermon was by the pastor, Rev. J. M. E. McKee. The service of music was under the direction of Mr. Henry Tavender, the precentor, with Miss Rose Kuhn, Miss Mabel Rosweil and Miss Mary Birch, organists. At Emmanuel Church, Anacostia, the Principal service of the day was held at 11 eres The choristers executed a pleas- & program of music under the direction onDe Hollingsworth ene Mrs. E. G. Pyles, organist. Rev. W. G. Davenport, the pas- tor, preached the sermon. At Christ Church the 11 o'clock service Was marked by a notable musical program by the members of the choir, Miss Taylor, Miss Kahlert, Mr. James S. Smith and Mr. R. J. Lowry, with Mr. J. F. Richards, or- ganist. Rey. Arthur St. Johns, the rector, preached the sermon. ‘There were two services at Epiphany Church, holy communion at 8 a.m and the full morning service, sermon und holy com- munion at 11 a.m. At this service a mvsi- cal festival was a notable feature. The choir, under the direction of Mr. H. Clough- Leighter, was ass y a chorus of thirty mixed voices. The church was crowded, and the sermon was preacaed by the rec- tor. Christ Church, Georgetown, held a musi- cal service at 11 o'clock, which was exe- cuted by the chorisiers, under the direction of Mr. James Watson, choir master, snd Miss Atleen Bell, organist, assisted by Mrs. John H. Roche, soprano soloist, and Mrs. Wilson Young and the Misses Gilbert, Mix, Allen, Sawyer and Ratcliffe. Holy communion was held at 6 o'clock this morning at St. Luke's Church, 16th and Madison streets northwest, and was repeated at the 11 o'clock service, with a choral celebration, Rev. Owen M. Waller, the rector, ——— the sermon at the 11 o'clock service. At the Church of Our Savior, Brookland, the services were well attended. The spe- cial of music was appropriate and entertaining. The services were conducted by the rector, Rev. J. T. Crowe. The services at the Pinckney Memorial Church, Hyattsville, began with morning prayer, foHowed by holy communion at 11 o'clock. The male vested choir, under the directiion of Mrs. S. K. Yeighter, rendered the pregram published in yesterday's Star. The singing was effective and pleasant. Rev. J. B. Perry, rector of St. Andrew's Church, 1ith and Corcoran streets, con- ducted services at that church at 11 o'clock. The music was unusually well rendered. The sermon of the rector was in keeping with the day. The vested choir of Grace Church, corner of 9th and D streets southwest, gave ap- prepriate selectioins under the direction of Mr. E. H. Daniel. Rev. Thomas O. Tong.e, the rector, conducted the services. Trinity Church, corner of 3d and C streets nerthwest, was well filled when Rev. Alex- inder M. Rich began the services. The mu- sical program was an exceptionally fine one. At St. Mary’s Chapel, 23d street between G and H northwest, the early morning service was held at 7:30 o'clock. At 10 o'clock there was a celebration of holy communion and an address by Rev. O. L. Mitchel, vicar. Mr. Samuel E. Payten was the lay reader. The choir consisted of Miss Cecil Frances McKee, organist; sopranos, Charles Turner, Theodore Turher, Reltrick Dishman, Fred Crusoe, James Mahony, Jas. Mack, Moria Saunders, James Chase; altos, Edward Dorsey, Harry Saunders, James Kidrick; tenors, Willam H. Goodrich, Edw. Morton, Robert Mattingly, Samuel Matting- ly, Leon Turner; tasses, James Gray, Ralph Riigeley, Hiram Gray, Howard Johnson. Christmas services at St. James’ Church, 8th street near Massachusetts avenue northeast, began last night at 7:30 o'clock with vespers. This morning at 11 o'clock the reguiar services were held and the ser- mon was preached by the rector. St. John’s Church, Georgetown, over which the Rey. C. E. Buck presides as rec- tor, celebrated the day at the 11 o'clock ser- vice with music and a sermon. The choir consisted of the following: Sopranos— Frank Smoot, Alden Smoot, R. Tucker, Mitchell, Orton, Burrows, Robinson, Ma- ‘uder, Barbarin, Davis, Middleton, Buck, ‘ouser, Middleton, Powell, Garrett, Dugan, Kidwell, Grover, Roach, Roach, Holzberg. Altos—Mise Dodson, Miss Ross, Miss Kear- ney. Basses—R. L. Cox, R. Lucker, Ran- dail, Bell, Weaver. Tenors—W. C. Lucker, Minnick, Draper, Donohue, Cropley. Or- ganist, W. E. Middleton; assistant organ- ist, C. L. Cropley. The Church of the Advent, Le Droit Park, held service at 7:30 a.m., followed at 9:30 by a Sunday school carol service, and at il by full morning prayer and holy com- munion. The Rev. E. M. Mott preached the sermon. St. Paul’s Church, Rock Creek parish, provided for its congregation an extensive musical program. At the 11 o'clock service the Rev. David Barr, assistant minister, preached the sermon. There was holy communion at 7:30 o'clock and again at 11 o'clock at the Church of the Incarnation, N and 12th streets north- west. Rev. Wm. T. Snyder, the rector, conducted the morning prayer services and preached an appropriate sermon. The large and splendidly trained choir rendered a program in keeping with the services and the day. The day’s services at St. Thomas’ Church, corner of 18th and Madison streets, began with the holy communion at 8 o'clock. At 11 o’ciock there was morning prayer and holy communion again, with a sermon by the rector, R The rec- tor and his E and Ames, ect Ei both services, were attended by large congregation! musical program had been carefully pre- pared, and was, of course, of a festival na- whien The ture. The services at St. Paul's Church, 23d street near Washington circle, were in keeping with the day. Rev? Alfred Hard- ing, the rector, and Rev. Phillip M. Pres- coit, assistant rector, conducted holy com- munion at 7:30 and 9a.m. At 11 a.m. there was morning prayer and nigh celebration, with a sermon by the rector. The choir was composed of thirty voices, and was ac- companied by organ and orchestra. Rev. Richard Lewis Howell, rector of St. Margaret’s Church, Coanecticut avenue, conducted the morning exercises at his church. Mrs. Margaret B. Harvey presided at the organ and the choir was led by R. I. Geare. The sermon told of the day and the duties of Christians. LUTHERAN CHURCHES. Services This Morning and Some To- morro’ The great Christian holiday was observed today in about all of the Lutheran church- es, although in some of them the principal Christmas services will be held tomorrow. In those churches in which 11 o'clock serv- ices were omitted today, services were held in most instances at 7 7 o’clock this morn- ing. These early morning exercises con- sisted for the greater part of readings from the Scriptures and the singing of Christ- mas carols. Ail of the churches were taste- fully @ecorated with plants, flowers and evergreens, znd as a rule the services were well attended. The music rendered was a most attractive feature of the exercises. At St. Paul's English Lutheran Church, lith and H streets, the pastor, Rev. Dr. Domer, preached to a large congregation. His text was taken from Matthew li “And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, ‘Go and search diligently for the Young Child, and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and wor- ship Him als Dr. Domer pointed out that Christmas is a festival for the home, and remarked that there are two great forees at work in the worili—one for the de- struction and the other for the salvation of humanity. The Child of Bethlehem, he said, stands for the great saving force of the world, and the Christmas idea touches, first of all, the home, and especially the children of the home. Dr. Domer said he is not one of those who would rob children of the idea of or belief in Santa Claus, be- Heving it to be unnevessary, particularly when it is remembered that ‘n that dearly beloved mythical person is represented the icea of giving, which in turn represents the great gift of Christ to the world and the benedictions of Christ to the world. ‘he Sunday school anniversary will be celebrated at this church tomorrow evening at 7:30, when exercises tending to give the children an object lesson In the matter of the Christmas festival will take place. At today’s services an excellent program of music was rendered in fine style by an ugmented choir. ox Christmas festival service was held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 320 4% arene southwest, at 11 o'clock this morning, w! the pastor, Rev. George Breiibane preached in German on “The Wise Men Out of the East.” The choir rendered an enjoyable oe a Sid mornirg at e pastor will preach in Germanon* “TheInnocent Chitdren of Beth- leLem,” and tomorrow evening’ at 7:30 the —. school will hold interesting ex- SiServices mere held at Ii this morning at the Concordia Lutheran Church, the Rev. Paul Menzel preaching the rendered was of a high character. will be a communion service tomor- row morning, and Tuesday evening at 7:30 seth children’s Christmas festival will be held. Services were held this morning at o'clock at the Lather Memorial Place Church, the Rev. J. G. Butler, pastor, read- ing from the prophecies and gospel of Christ. Christmas carols were also sung, The chief Christmas services will be held &t 11 tomorrow morning, when Dr. Butler will preach from Matthew, 1, 2% “They shall call His name Immanuel, which ts, be- ing Interpreted, God with us.” Dr. Butier will speak of the three incarnations: First, God incarnate tn Christ; God incarnate in the heart of the believer, and, third, God dwelling among men in the coming king- dom of righteousness and peace, which is to fill the whole earth. The music tomorrow morning will be of a Special character, under the direction of Mr. John H. Seiffert, who has charge of the chorus choir, with Miss Ella Butler as organist. In the evening, at ). the Sun- day school exercises will be held, consist- ing of the singing of carols and recitations, in charge of Miss Mary Butler of the pri- mary class and Superintendent W. H Finckel. Thursday evening there will be & pound party for the poor, and also a dis- tribution of gifts. Morning services of the same character were held at the Keller Memorial Lutheran Church today, the Christmas services to be held at 11 o'clock tomorrow morning. when the pastor, Rev. C. H. Butler, will Preach, and a fine musical program will be rendered. At 7 o'clock tomorrow evening the Sunday school exercises will be held, and Wednesday evening a Christmas cele- bration will take place, when toere will also be a donation party for the poor. The Christmas services will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation, Rev. Dr. W. E. Parsons, pastor, tomorrow morning and evening, when an unusually attractive musical program will be ren- dered by an enlarged choir and overture. THEY REJOICED. Christmas Services at Cove Swedenborgian Charches. A special Christmas service was held to- day at 11 o'clock at the Church of the Covenant, and was attended by a congre- gation of good size. The usual form of ser- vice was carried out with perhaps a more ‘extended musical program than usual Mrs. Hattie Mead Smith sang the @ell- known aria, Rejoice greatly from the Mes- siah and night of nights by Vande Water. At the offertory Mr. F. B. Reeside, the pre- centor of the church, sang Gunod’s Noel The selections for the organ prelude and povtlude were suggestive of the season and were from the Messiah. A brief sermon was delivered by the pastor, Rev. Dr. Ham- lin, and the entire service was within an hour's time. The theme of the sermon was the fullness of the time, reference being made to the fitness ot the time for the coming of Chrisi as indicated by the corruption in the mor- als and customs of the Roman people, who were at that time the rulers of the world The preacher also spoke of the toleration with which the new religion was received and thet the civil authorities did not inter- fere with its propagation as long as it did not threaten the stability of the govern- ment. He said that the day of Christ's birth was not specially observed in church- es of the denomination or order to which the Church of the Covenant belongs, as it waf suppoied gratitude for the gift of Christ was something for daily remem- brance. The preacher thought that if any inspiration came from participating in the church observance of such a festival as Christmas that it was proper for all Chris- tians tc avail themselves of the opportu- nity. The offering was for the poor at Peck Memortal Chapel, the mission connected with the church. Swedenborgian Charch. The services at 11 o'clock today at the New Church (Swedenborgian), 16th and Cor- coran streets, were largely musical, the selections rendered by the choir being ap- propriate to the day. The choir was un- der the Cirection of Miss Maud A. Sewall, who is the organist and director. Among the selections rendered were the chant, O Zion That Bringest; Mozart's Blessed ts He, which was sung by the quartet, and at the offertory, O Thou That Tellest Good T.dirgs, from the “Messi ” Holy « munion was observed. pastor of the church, Rev. Frank Sewall, officiated. Yesterday afternoon at o'clock members of the Sunday school of church enjoyed a Christmas festival. carols were sung, and there mas story and recitations. deccrated tree was a feature that cially delighted the children. the the Olt was a Christ- A handsomely espe- _ HAS GONE TO SEA. News Received of the § Montgomery. The Secretary of the Navy received a telegram this morning from the com- mandant of the navy yard, Pensacola, Fla., which may or may not be significant. It simply said that the cruiser Montgomery had gone to and perfectly silent to her mission or destination. Conse- ntly it is not known whether she in cted filibustering s merely off on qu actual pursuit of a susp expedition or whet! an ordinary cruis pliance with general instruc department to assist in the enforcement » the neutrality laws. The impression pre- vails, however, that her movements ar? based on information regarding one of the many expeditions said to be fitting out aiong the Florida ccast for immediate de- parture for Cuba. eee LUETGERTS NEW DEFENSE. Wil Try to Show His Wife Wandered Away Insane. CHICAGO, December 25.—The Attorneys for Adolph L. Luetgert have received a report from the superintendent of the in- sane asylum at Pueblo, Col., on the men- tal condition of Herman Bicknese, the brother of Louisa Luetgert, who disap- peared twenty years ago, and was recently discovered locked up in the Colorado State Insane Asylum. The defense will endeavor to put this document in evidence, and if the court refuses to admit it the supert tendent of the asylum himself will be brought here to testify. According to the superintendent's report, the mental aberration of Mrs. Luetgert’s brether was brought on by excessive drink- ing rather than 4s an inherited trait, al- though, in the opinion of the superintend- ent, a family tendency to insanity might have been aided by the liquor habit. Bicknese disappeared from Chicago twenty years ago after his wife had ap- plied for and secured a divorce on ac- count of his bibulous habits. It was be- cause of the fatter, it is said, that no effort was made to trace him by the rest of the family. It was known he had gone west, and nothing was heard of him till the Je- fense received word from the Colorado asylum that Bicknese had been there at different times for ten years. —_s—__. SLAP AT EASTERN COTTON MILLS. Denver Factory Secures Contracts in Boston for Produc DENVER, Col., December 25.—The Over- land cotton mills of this city have carried the war “into the enemy's country” with a vengeance by securing contracts which will place their product in Boston, Mass. They have also secured, in close competition with the eastern manufacturers, the contract for furnishing Claus Spreckles material for su- gar bags. This contract alone is sufficient to keep a large mill in almost constant op- eration. SERELEE > SERIPIDTEE DDE —_>—_—_ Made Happy. Forty or more poor families of Washing- ton were made happy today, who other- Wise would hav had but little to make merry Christmas over, by generous con- tributions from the Confederate Veterans’ Association. A large number of donations