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BLESSING OF PROSPERITY IS GOD'S CHRISTMAS GIFT TO GRATEFUL PEOPLE IMPRESSIVE HIGH MASS SU/1Q Iffl ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES POOR OF CITY FEAST / AND ARE MADE HAPPY INSPIRING nUSIC SUNG BY GREAT CHOIRS There is an old adage that says "gratitude is a lively sense of favors to come." Christmas eve found San Francisco filled with Just this sort of gratitude and Christmas day brought with it all that God and nature have to offer in warm sunshine and the happy knowledge of the bountlfulness of a year that has been manifold in its blessings for all men of the prosperous West. Peace was on earth — the calm of the perfect ■winter day and the happy faces of the good-natured, jostling Christmas crowds proved this. Within the bright ly lighted dining halls, in the quarters of the rich and poor; in the long, un decorated rooms of the city's charita ble institutions, and even In the nar row. Impoverished quarters of the Pest house the light of human kindness en tered and brought with it a Christmas cheer that meant much td those who have to depend for opportunity to for tet their afflictions upon the unselfish ness of the charitably inclined. The Salvation Army has prepared to feed thousands of homeless ones at its dinners to-day, and great tables will be loaded down with roast turkey and good things to eat, of which California is so prolific. The orphans were not forgotten, and In every Catholic and Protestant orphan asylum the little waifs were treated to gifts of toys, candy, fruits, nuts, and they ended the happy day with feasts of turkey, cranberry sauce and abundant sweets. Special services were held in all of the churches on this and the other side of the bay. The musical programmes in most of the places of worship were extensive, and nearly every regular '•hoir was augmented by choruses of trained voices selected from among the best-known vocalists. High mass was celebrated at the Cathedral and all of the Catholic churches. There was an unusually liirge attendance of the devotees of the laith. Archbishop Montgomery deliv ered the sermon at the 11 o'clock high mass at the Cathedral. The Rev. David Kvans delivered the sermon at Grace Episcopal Church, the Rev. Wal ter M. White at the West Side Chris tian Church, the Rev. W. K. Guthrie at the First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. George C. Adams at the First <'ongregational Church and the Rev. L,. J. Sawyer at the Hamilton Baptist. Special services were also held at the Simpson Memorial, Swedish Lutheran, California - street Methodist Episco pal and Bethlehem Congregational churches. Evening services were as well attended as those of the morning. Many of the Sunday-schools had Christmas-tree gatherings, at which informal receptions were held for the old folks. About the city the day was spent in an unusually quiet manner. There was a fairly large attendance at the beach and Golden Gate Park, but travel across the bay and to near-by towns was very large. Few accidents were rpported. The garrisons of the Presidio, Fort 'Mason and the other military posts about the bay were granted two holi days, only sufficient men being detailed *to maintain the guard lines. In many of the company quarters the troops got up elaborate Christmas dinners. The pailor boys from the training ship Buf falo. Mare Island navy yard and the Terba Buena station were ashore in large squads, and had a Jolly good time on their "shore leave." A fine meal was prepared for the tars at their respective quarters. To-day being a legal holiday many persons will remain out of the city on visits to friends and relatives in the country. The sale of tickets for Inte rior towns was large. Homelife of Ration Is Rector's Theme. Rev. David Evans Lauds Great S atesmen. Th ere wa s the usual beautiful Christmas music at Grace Church, California and Stockton streets, and wiihin the chancel rails the floral dec ovations were most prettily and ef fectivelv arranged. The choir, under the direction of William H. Holt, the organist and choirmaster. rendered the sacred music perfectly, among the numbers b<-:ng Buck's "Te Deum" in E flat and •Jubilate' (Gilchrist) in A flat and for the offertory Homer Henley, solo ist and the choir rendered "Come. Gentles. Rise." the poem by David Evans and music by Horatio W. Par ker. In his sermon the Rev. David Evan?, the rector, said: The home Is the unit of civilization, and the love of country has its rise In family affec tion, eo that the force* which tend to disinte grate th« homelife of a nation are a direct tr.rnar* to the very life of that nation. In nothing have America and England ««t a betur example to the rest of the world than in this that their representative men. their prime rrinli'tprs and Presidents have for many n Ion* y«-ar been men who have reverenced i !.< ir own homes, and realized the picture of that perfect knight of Arthur's court, who " loved one woman only, clove to her and wor rhii«>d her with yeans of noble deeds until df-ath parted them. For fifty yean Mr. Glad rt(.ne el-.owed his countrymen the example ol en idrid family. Hia great rival. Lord Bea consfleld. was devoted to his wedded wife I»rd Salifbury'B perfect attachment to the • Ruth of nl« fireside reads like an exquisite Idyl. la the White House to-day the first A rr.eriean haa enshrined an Ideal home while the hallowed memory of his jrreat predecessor will alwaye be associated with th« affection lavlsihed upon the invalid partner of his life Yet, In eplte of these usining examples the Kencral outlook to-day is of evil oraen for the fan.l!y as en institution, and It does look as though the rampant Bplrit of a sclf-wiUed individualism were fated to destroy it. and break up society Into discordant units. In very few home* to-day is there any domestic communion. Each member of the family acts independently of the others. There Is no true home life or Intercourse, and certainly nothing that can be called religion* sympathy. We hear the leading men of America, our preachers, and ttatesgnen, and aortal reformers. deploring the widespread spirit of lawlessness that is abroad in the land. How shall you wonder at it when the family is lawless, and parent*, with no religious convictions of their own. allow their children to make their own environment and grow up anyhow. It roust be understood that the weak and pliant pan»nt who does not care or know how to train up his children and govern his own household is an enemy of the republic. The message that comes at Christmas day to every Christian parent is that which was given to Boaz on the day when he took Ruth the Moh bites* to wife: •'Do thou worthily in Eppratah and be thou famous in thy home life at Bethlehem." Pro found Services At the Cathedral. Archbishop Montgomery Gives Benediction. At St. Mary's Cathedral the services were observed with great solemnity. The music in the morning was mag nificently rendered and the sermon by the Rev. Father Jerome B. Hannigan was deeply impressive. Archbishop Agius, the apostolio delegate to Manila, sang the pontifical mass and Archbishop Montgomery grave the papal benediction. In the evening the Rev. Father J. W. Sulli van of Menlo Park delivered the ser mon and said in part: All this joy coming from the Savior who is Christ the Lord is to those only who know and foilow him. Unto us indeed, a child is born. If we can say that he is our Savior, who is Christ the Lord, then we have the Joy that is given to all the people In its truest form. The more completely you know him and are like him the fuller will your happiness become. There has lived no great or pood man since his cominr who has not been influenced by his word and works. The nearer you approach to him the nobler, the kinder, the greater you are. The decorations were exceedingly handsome, the altars being ablaze with numerous lights and the superb poinsettia. Takes Three Themes . For His Sermon Rev. Haterius Explains the Celebration. There were beautiful services at the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Ebe nezer Church, Dolores street. The edi fice was crowded and the sermon by the Rev. C. J. E. Haterius, the pastor, was deeply impressive- At th£ first service the theme was "Why We Celebrate Christmas" and the Rev. Mr. Haterius said: Th« whole world before and at the time of the birth of Jesus was anxiously waltlnsr for something, or some one, to come and teach the truth and satisfy their spiritual hunger. The pagans had discarded their gods, poly theism was well-night dead, and the religious vacuum in the hearts- and conscience of the peoole cried for light and truth. Their many and excellent philosophical systems could not satisfy. They were light without warmth and life, beautiful buildings that could not be oc cupied, fountains and rivers that would not yield a drop of water for weary and thirsty souls. ,-•.- • - Christ came according to the promises, and was born in Bethlehem, the Savior of the world. And therefore we celebrate Christ mas. At the second service the theme was "How Shall We Celebrate Christmas?" and the Rev. Mr. Haterius gave the an swer that we shall consider what we are and what we need and what "we want We are Blnners, he said, and we need a Savior and we want to be saved. The theme at the evening service was "What Benefit Does the Right Celebra tion of Christmas Confer?" to which the pastor replied: The benefits are spiritual contentedness and hai>r>in«ES. The spiritually contented and har^y is always rich, get what ho needs day br day, dees not need to worry, lays all care and sorrow at the feet of his Savior, has a bright future, a very large inheritance, a beautiful home awaiting his arrival — only a short Journey and he will be there. Rev. I. Williams Sees Truer Sympathy. Believe? a Nobler Love Will Cheer World. Simpson Memorial Methodist Epis copal Church was handsomely decorat ed and the service was intensely Im pressive. The Rev. James H. N. Wil liams, the pastor, In ?- eloquent ser mon said: Tar back In the world's history — two thous and years now— in the quiet little village of Bethlehem, in the land of Palestine, there occurred an event, which for significance and far reaching importance has had no parallel, and can have no, parallel In all ths affairs of men. It was the birth of the world's redeem er. Every multiplying decade and every in creasing . century but adds to the world- wids significance of that event; and in its far-ex tending celebration this Christmas will witness the widest interpretation of its true and es sential meaning the world has ever seen. Cnrist'a banners will float . from more hill tops, Christmas carols will be eung in more valleys, the gospel story will be repeated In more villages than ever before since the dawn of our era. A truer sympathy, a broader phll anthrophy, a nobler love will cheer and warm this old world of ours this Christmas tide than erer before. • / • _ ■ This muet be true, since Chriet's plans to up lift the world have not - and cannot • fail ; ' and •lnc« his truth, as a great moral and spiritual force, silently, mightily • and pervasively ex tends itself further/, and further .with each successive year. ' " . . When the * Christ ' came only » ' few humble shepherds flr»t knew the - fact. Tien came the magi guided by the star, and to the in fant - King they paid ' their homage and pre vented their gifts a» they; worshiped, him In the manger .where , be was- cradled. ■ Now the multiplied millions, ' gathered as his ' followers from- among all the nations, will lovingly bow at hia . feet and : worship him . whom . in : the ir faith and devotion they willingly and joyously THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, MONDAY, DECEMBER 26. 1904. crown King of Kings and lord of lords. The wilding star led those who followed it to Eethlchcm, where they found an infant in his mother's arms: but more than infant — a King, King of the Jews, their King; King of the world. Their hopes were met, and they returned U> their own country satisfied with the result of their long and perilous Journey. They saw the star, but desired him — "where is he?" The star was an Inspiration, a guide. It led to Christ. All pilgrimages fail that do not lead to him. Finding him we find the world's great door of hope. He reveals man to himself and God to us all. He is QoJ manifest in the flesh. He is the son of Mary — most honored of women; but he is also the son of God. He is divine — the god-man. With out him Christianity is foundationless. and has no claim on our faith. With him it is a.miracu lous system full of God; full of man; full of love; full of life. He has found «i? y 0 ., • and 9lowlv the world Is finding him. All hall 1 . Our King, our Savior and our Lord! Savior Is the World's Greatest Leader. Rev. G. HouQh Explains Meaning of Day. "Significance of Christmas" was the subject of a profound sermon by the Rev. George A. Hough at the Cali fornia-street Methodist Episcopal Church, who, in part, said: Christmas commemorates the central fact of history— the birth of a babe at Bethlehem. An Insignificant event, you might have eaid had you stood that day and looked into his baby face. But his little hand came to hold a scepter mightier than that of Alexander and his childish lips spake words that shook the world. Christ was both son of God and son of man. He brought God down and lifted man up so that God and man met in him. He was an ambassador from the city of the *kics on a mission of mercy and love. He was an ad vocate with the Father pleading .for a sinful world. And thus his coming meant more to humanity than wac realized on that first Christmas or is realized by us nineteen cen turies later. The angels knew, for they eang '•Glory to God. on earth peace, good will toward men." \ Humanity will never outgrow the old sweet story. The babe of Bethlehem was' God's greatest and best gift to man. Chriat -will ever be the world's Ideal character, its in comparable leader and man's perfect Savior The , programme of civilization is but to work out and realize the ideals , that . he brought' to us. Christ in you the hope of glory is true of the individual soul and of the race. - - He catr.e to save; to make us God's chil dren, brothers all; to drive selfishness up the creaking steps of the gallows and to lead love through the marble stairway to the golden throne. This is the. spirit of Christ and of Christmas — love regnant. • In the dominance not of law but of love, lies the hope of the race. Then ring ye Christmas bells the chorus of the Bkles: God Is my Father, Christ my Savior, man my brother. Message of Angels Is Given Anew. Dr. W. M. White Delivers Profound Sermon. "The Message of the Angels" was the theme of the sermon delivered by the Rev. Walter M. White, D. "D., at the West Side Christian Church! Dr. White said: The birth of Jesu« was of universal mo ment. All earth and heaven was challenged to give glory to God on account of this, the greatest of all events. The angels declare that there is no part of the whole universe where praises unto God are not to be rendered for the gift of his son to save a lost and perish inp world. On earth .there must be peace, for the prince of peace 'has come — not peace in the sense of cessation of war and strife be tween man and man — no. for they shall con tinue until the end of time. TH« American revision of th« New Testament says. Peace unto men— "men in whom, he is well pleased." The prime requisite of acceptance' with God Is faith. They that believe in him will strive to do his will, and to such is "the message of the angels" — peace among men in • whom he is well pleased. These angel messages! What welcome news they have borne: To the oppressed they have declared a deliverer at hand; to the despair- Ing, hope: to the poor and neglected, the promise of food, clothing and a home; to the sinner, a savior, and .to the whole world th« message of a better time coming. Poinsettia Gorgeous Color Adornment. Rev. Guthrie Preaches 'Mid Flowers. The customary Christmas services were held at the First Presbyterian Church, .on Van Ness avenue. V The handsome Gothic interior, with its nat ural wood finish, was beautified by'dec^ orations of green fir boughs," to ' which were added gorgeous dashes of color from red Christmas berriesand the rich red blooms of the poinsettia. The ; service was mostly choral, the chants and anthems of Christmas tide being delightfully rendered by the choir. The Rev, William Kirk Guthrie took as the theme of his sermon the story of Jacob's dream at Bethel and brought out with force and beauty the analogy of the ladder of the dream and the liv ing way by which air men may climb from earth to heaven. • „ He said in Jesus Christ, whose birth the whole world unites in celebrating to-day, we have the ladder let down by God from, heaven.to earth..; , Its.:, foot rests on earth among men In Christ's humanity and its top rests on>- the throne of God in his divinity. -.5; v-- : * The most blessed message this'Christ mas day brings . to ". us < is that we ' may all by Christ climb; to God; .the- sad dest fact, that; so ■. few (have \ begun ?to climb. ' Once / again t God's %. grace . and mercy speaks ; to ; .us ' and we i may '■■ hear the. Savior's voicer saying to -us with'all the added power of his victory, "Fol- Rev. Geo. C. Adams' Profound Sermon Pulvit Decorated With Choice Flowers- '" The "Rev. George, CA Adams, pastor of the First Congregational Church. Post arid Mason streets, delivered a most profound sermon on Day." The great church>was r crowded and the music was exceedingly . beau tiful. ' The choir, under the direction of the organist, Samuel Mayer, sang the su perb festival ' numbers with grand-, ef fect. "V . The decorations were exquisite, there being around the pulpit a wealth of beautiful winter flowers and green ery. WeaLth of Flowers Beautifies Church. Baptists Attend Fine Festal Services. There were impressive services at Hamilton-square Baptist Church,; the Rev. Louis J. Sawyer, pastor.. The music, as is usual at this church, was exceptionally fine, and the congrega tion was large.- As in all the churches, the decorations were handsome and consisted of the most beautiful of the season's riowers. ./■""■' . ','■"-.'?%'■ YMM^I'M Christmas Tree Festival. The Sunday-school of- the First Eng lish Lutheran Church on Geary street, near Octavia, will give; its Christmas tree festival on Wednesday evening, December" 28, commencing at "7:45 o'clock sharp. In anticipation of a large attendance complete arrange ments have been made for the accom modation of. all and a most unique programme will be presented. Admis sion will be free*. GOTHAM UNDER SNOW MANTLE. NEW YORK, Dec. 25.— New York City was treated to a Christmas snowstorm, accompanied by a high wind and a de cided drop in the temperature.^ . Shortly after noon the first flakes began to fall. With the snow came a; gradual increase in the velocity of | the -wind, which '-by, 10 o'clock to-night was ; blowing thirty miles an • hour. '. : At . that, time ; between four and five inches of snow, had 'fallen," which brought the record for the mo'nth up • to . twenty-nine inches, the heaviest snowfall for December recorded here in many years. In spite of the storm there was no lack of ; interest in the celebration of Christmas, throughput the city, al though i the festivities were toned down by • Sunday solemnity and in some i in-" stances were held in abeyance until to morrow. Churches werejwell attended and religious services , were , held in nearly all the charitable institutions and at [the Police Court . prisons. Miss i Anthony's Old Age. Susan B. Anthony at . 8 4 is more alert, physically and mentally, "than most women ■ a ; quarter; of a century younger. The ; veteran woman suf-' f ragist ihas benign sympathy,.-not:en tirely, unmixed.- with;, scorn, ' for, the faddists; who; for many years, have: ad r vocated a multiplicity of !rules ! for.: the maintenance - of : health'.* among r mem bers of her. sex.'-- She, has never swung dumbbells,"* eschewed* corsets,: pattered over \wet' grass in her bare f eet,l taken , to ; vegetarian *.diet~- or i, been^ kneaded andirubbed'by ■ a" masseuse. V Miss 'An thony j smilingly, declares that : she J has never v.known* a day; of j real* illness.— Exchange.' ' .-•. \ '. ' ■ \ ."■' : EMINENT tLERGTMEN OF SAN FRANCISCO WHO YESTERDAY PREACHED CHRISTMAS SERMONS. AND URGED THAT THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIS TIANITY BE NOT FORGOTTEN IN THE STRESS OF MODERN LIFE. */• * QUIET HOLIDAY FOR PRESIDENT Roosevelt Enjoys the Day With the Members of His Family at White House HAS BUT ONE GUEST Christmas Tree at the Home of Mrs. W. S. Cowles, His Sister, for the Children WASHINGTON, Dec. 25.— Christmas day : passed uneventfully in x Washing ton." The weather was cloudy and raw. Most people remained indoors during the day, but large numbers .attended the churches where especially prepared programmes of Christmas music were rendered.. ■■ ■"■>•.':' • -. • • 'At the White House the day was ob servedasa-family holiday. . The Presi dent remained in the house the greater part 6t the : day. In the afternoon. j in company with his two eldest sons and a friend;' he went out for a walk. The dinner to-night was limited to the members of the family, and R. H. Fer guson, an intimate friend from New York, who, is a guest , at the White House. The members - of the Presi dent's family exchanged gifts, but there was no Christmas tree. In place - of this the children enjoyed the Christmas tree at the house of Mrs. W. S. Cowles, Roosevelt's sister. BOY'S NARROW ESCAPE. Badly Burned While Acting as Santa Clnns. PORTLAND, Dec. 25. — The lighted candle. of a Christmas tree set fire to the inflammable disguise of 14-year old Earl Albright while-he .was play ing; Santa Claus to-night at* a party at' his parents' home,''-7 07 First street. In" an instant the terrified boy was the center 'of a shaft of flame. •i.Thefire licked up the cotton batting like 'dry powder and barely, missed set ting 'the tree -afire as well. : Had not several: cool headed people thrown a rug about the boy and smothered the flames he would have suffered fatal injuries. As it was his face and hands are frightfully burned. FOUR CONVICTS PARDONED. Governor of Illinois Hands Out a Few -"--...; Christmas Gifts. CHICAGO, Dec. 25. — Christmas presents to four, prisoners sentenced-to life ; imprisonment in the Illinois Peni tentiary-were given by Governor. Yates to-day in" the form of orders for their release at • noon. ; ; The - men released are: .; John\Oram, convicted in 1895; William; R. Gilmore, convicted in 1896 of : the murder of ; his wife; Frank Jones, • another wife - murderer, and Rola Lewis, a Clay County convict. '* London Remembers the Poor. Dec.' 25.—^Christmas day passed: quietly throughout i the .^United Kingdom, fl The ; most ; notable t feature of T theTday was ; the ' large 'amount : of charityidistributed as the result ■ of ; the generous sums , of money, collected f or this^pufpose tthrough -the newspapers andiother. channels. * .; SPECIAL SERVICES HELD BY THOSE OF PROTESTANT FAITH WHITES BATTLE WITH NEGROES Two Policemen Fatally Hurt and One Seriously Injured in a Kow in New Jersey BLACKS EESIST ARREST Their Action Draws Citizens and the Firemen to the Assistance of Officers NEW YORK, Dec. 25.— Two police men fatally injured, a third badly hurt and four negroes locked up is the re sult of a battle that took place early \to-day in North Plalnfield, N. J., be tween firemen, policemen and citizens on one sideband a. gang of negroes on the other. Marshal Joseph Flack and Special'.Policeman William Kelin are dying in the Muhlnberg Hospital, the former with a deep knife thrust be low the right shoulder and the latter with razor cuts over his entire body, sixty stitches having been required to close the wounds. A third policeman, Walter O. Smalley, is at his home, his face battered and bruised. The prison ers are Samuel Hunt, Walter Terns, Albert Tunstall and Joseph Hender son, all residents of Plainfleld. The negroes had been standing on the street corners yelling "Merry Christmas!" at every one who passed and demanding money to buy drinks. Two policemen attempted to arrest the gang and were knocked down and beaten. They did not shoot for fear of hUting onlookers. The firemen and citizens joined in the battle, which was waged for nearly half an hour. When the negroes were about to be taken to Jail there were cries from the crowd of "Bring a rope!" and "Lynch them!" The policemen warned the more ex cited citizens to keep away, but mem bers of the crowd got close enough to strike the negroes. A crowd stood about the jail (for hours. All through the day and in both Plainfleld and North Plainfleld there were frequent tilts between white men and negroes. CHEER FOR IMMIGRANTS. Christmas Trees, Gifts and a Feast at Ellis Island. NEW YORK,. Dec. 25.— Owinr to the | late arrival of Saturday's ships 4000 immigrants were obliged to remain at Kills Island "over Saturday night and to spend their Christmas morning there. The first surprise came at breakfast- On the long tables were a large number of little Christmas trees. All the children received toys and can dy and the women fruit and candy,' and the men pipes and tobacco, cigars and cigarettes. r. • • Thousands of pounds of turkey was used in preparation \ of the afternoon! feast. The dining-rooms of .the build ings on Ellis Island were trimmed with evergreens. . Miss Passay— The idea of , Mr. Hoam ley, asking me if I couldn't learn to love; him! • * ; -*: Miss > Pepprey— Why - not ? One - is never too .old to learn.— Philadelphia Press. C1TY*S CHARGES FEAST OX TURKEY AND GOOD THINGS At the County Hospital, Almshouse und Jail the Inmates Live High for One Day. Bountiful tables were set at all the city's public- institutions yesterday. Turkey and all other edibles that are Included on the Christmas menu served. The Inmates of the City and County Hospital feasted to their hearts' con tent. Turkey held sway, but other fowl were found on. the table, along with other luxuries. Like hospitality was generously be stowed on the residents of the Alms house. The members gladly welcomed the change in the bill of fare and ate turkey with relish. It was certainly a day of happiness at this Institution. Turkey and chicken were substi tuted for the regular menu at th» County Jail. The prisoners showed their delight in the change by eatins liberal quantities. Robbed by Chance Acquaintance. John Brousted of 328 Eddy street complained to the police that ha had been robbed of $50 yesterday by two men whom he met- in a saloon at 112 Taylor street. Brousted says ha was drinking in the place soon after mid night when the tiro men engaged him in conversation. The three soon be came friendly and they remained in the place until after 7 o'clock In the morning. Then Brousted invited the pair to accompany him to his room. While he was out of his apartments for a moment one of them went to a bureau drawer and took out $50 con cealed there. Both then made their escape, but A. M. Simpson, one of the men, was arrested by Policeman Fograrty last evening and taken to the Central station. ADVERTISEMENTS. Heat your once 2*j . . ~ This weather causes pneu- monia, grippe, colds, etc. If your stenographer, book- keeper or clerk gets sick, lays off for one day, it loses more money for you than a dozen heaters cost. Then, too, how about yourself? 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