» StoS Bf tllB iVFj .Dnasmuch «! W ?-'*>,* Class ___^ ^^''~' Book ^ GopyrightN°__ ■^'"-•^ COPyRIGHT DEPOSnV THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP By LILIAN BELL Author of " The Love Affairs of an Old Maid," "The Expatriates," "Abroad with the Jimmies," "Hope Loring," "Why Men Remain Bachelors," "The Runaway Equator," etc. i^jjll JLi^.>^. >u:^^ "^n^.a.U, RAND McNALLY & COMPANY CHICAGO Copyright, 1913, By Lilian Bell 3^ /' »ro NOV 151915 ©CI.A414614 To \ All dear children of my \ SANTA CLAUS CLASS ] who were beautifully unselfish in their \ eagerness to give their own happy Christmas to j their sad little cousins over sea, and who, by so doing, j gave the most wonderful birthday present the world has ever seen to Him who saith, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto \ one of the least of these my '■ brethren, ye have done I it unto Me" ; THE CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. The Vision Splendid i II. My Appeal to the Children op America ... 14 III. The Santa Claus Class Is Organized .... 23 IV. How London Spoke of the Christmas Ship . . 34 V. How Washington Led Off 44 VI. What San Francisco Did for the Ship . . .57 VII. How THE American Newspapers Stirred the Imagi- nation OF THE World 68 VIII. The Wonderful Work of Warden Allen's Men 78 IX. What the Newspapers Accomplished in One Month 83 X. The Marvelous Tribe of Go-Hawks .... 90 XL In Which I Write the Song of the Christmas Ship 96 XII. The Whirlwind Campaign of Los Angeles . . 103 XIII. The Success That Worcester Achieved . . .113 XIV. How Chicago's City Council Indorsed the Christ- mas Ship 121 XV. What Prominent Men Said of the Work. . . 130 XVI. How THE Dramatic Profession Helped . . . 145 XVII. What Detroit Did for the Ship 158 XVIII. Baltimore and Savannah in Line 165 XIX. The Work of Generous Birmingham . . . .170 XX. What Cleveland and Moline Accomplished . .174 XXL Philadelphia's Marvelous Contributions . . .179 XXII. How Sioux Falls Reached Out 201 XXIII. Contains a Little of Everything, and Then Some . 208 XXIV. What Brave Little Sheboygan Gave . . . .221 XXV. Oklahoma's Sympathy Expressed 224 XXVI. The Beautiful Work of St. Louis 230 XXVII. Battle Creek's Amazing Generosity .... 234 XXVIII. What the State of Texas Did 242 XXIX. Omaha's Splendid Work 253 XXX. Pages from the "Chicago Herald" 257 viii THE CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE XXXI. How Champaign Honored the Christmas Ship . 271 XXXII. Stories of Self-Sacrifice 277 XXXIII. How the Public Schools Helped 300 XXXIV. The Only Interesting Statistics I Ever Read . 306 XXXV. How THE Enthusiasm of Pittsburgh Expressed Itself 317 XXXVI. Contains the Most Touching Incident of the Entire Campaign 332 XXXVII. Final Preparations 336 XXXVIII. Description of Sailing Taken from the "New York World" 343 XXXIX. On This Shore and on That 348 XL. Greatest Naval Honors in History Paid the Christmas Ship 355 XLI. British Appreciation of Our Work of Love . .362 XLII. How Russia, France, and Germany Expressed Their Gratitude 367 XLIII. Tributes to the Christmas Ship in Prose and Poetry 375 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP CHAPTER I The Vision Splendid IT CAME about very suddenly. I was sitting in my room one hot summer afternoon, look- ing at the pale blue wall paper and listening to the whirl of the electric fan. It was the 27th of August. I heard the clock strike four in the drawing room below. How hot it was! How stifiingly, unbearably hot! It was very quiet. The stillness was delightful. My house stood on such a steep hill, we seldom heard even automobiles. Suddenly, from thinking gratefully of the peace in which I lived, my thoughts flew without warning to the trenches of Europe, and instantly war in all its horrors took possession of my soul. My imagination is at once my best friend and my deadliest enemy. It obsesses me and wrecks my peace for hours at a time, causing me to live the lives of people I never have seen and never expect to see; but their sufferings are mine while the dream lasts. And so I began to experience every horror I had read about or imagined. I was in those sun-baked, water-logged trenches. I was in that bodily suffering and that mental anguish of those helpless men, driven out to meet death as best they might — only avoid it they might not. I wondered how I would feel if I knew I was going to be killed — and at any moment! I know now. I went through it all — the vicarious anguish for the helpless ones left behind. I pictured the mental suffering 2 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP of those men at the front, forced to leave their loved ones to starve — to die — or worse ; the frantic prayers going up from the anxious husbands and fathers; the sobbing prayers from the helpless women left behind; the lisping prayers of believing children, praying for fathers to come home, who even then were lying stark and cold, with sightless eyes and stiffening limbs. Oh, the prayers of the children! Taught to believe that what- soever they prayed for in faith, those things would God give in answer to their prayers ! Thousands of children were even at that very hour praying for fathers and mothers who had been torn from them and whom they would never see again. Yet the lisping prayers would go on, and on, and on! I thought of frightened babies stumbling after strange forms, thinking every woman was the lost mother they sought; per- haps alone in a forest at night — cold, hungry, and meeting God knows what fate. And these thoughts obsessed me until I sprang up with clenched hands and streaming eyes, crying out to an empty room: "Oh, God! God! God! What can I do to help those helpless ones ? What can I do ? I must do something ! I must ! I must! I must think of a way! Surely there must be a way to reach them — to reach them all, if I can only think of it! Those women and children must be taken care of! And I must do it!" I walked the floor, blinded by my tears. I forgot the heat — I forgot everything except that I must think of a way. The burden was laid on my heart in that very hour, and has never lifted since — the burden of the hapless orphans of the war! I pictured the flight of summer and the coming of winter. Every one said the war would last a year. Think, then, of the bitter cold of those north countries where the fighting was going on! It was hard enough to survive, when men worked continuously to keep the fire plenished and the larder full. Now what would they do? And Christmas was coming! In a flash which was almost blinding, I saw the desolate Christmas of war-torn Europe! THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 3 Not a smile on the face of any child in the length and breadth of that devastated land! How I wished that I could send all Europe a Christmas! The idea had begun to dawn. I remember stopping in my frantic walking up and down and looking out of my west window. The sun was sinking, and a rosy brightness was over every- thing. I do not remember objects. I only remember staring into that western glory and thinking it symbolic. Light was here ! Light was there — and for them ! How could we send a Christmas to Europe? Nothing that grown-ups could do would be permitted a neutral nation. Still there was a way! We must be careful — oh, so careful — to do nothing to draw our peaceful cotmtry into the strife. But there must be a way! How could America send Europe her Christmas? The children must be remembered — the poor little kiddies whose fathers would never come home any more. We must do for them what their daddies would do if they had lived. America must take the place of dead fathers to living orphans of the war. How different a fate theirs from that of our protected and sheltered little ones, who were in no danger whatsoever and who were sure of a glorious Christmas! How eagerly would our children share their Christmas with their little cousins across the water, if they could! How gladly they would even give up their own Christmas to the little war orphans, if only — Well — why not? If only there were a way of getting the things over to — A ship! I cried the words aloud! Then I stood still, and the Vision came. The blue walls of my room seemed to fall away and melt into the blue of heaven, and then, under full sail of purple and gold, I saw the Christmas Ship come sailing, and flying from her staff was the beautiful flag of the Christmas Ship — with its white ground for Peace, its golden star of Hope, and its motto the single word — "Inasmuch!" I saw the gallant journey the 4 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Christmas Ship would make, being convoyed safely by black- browed warrior ships past submarine mines, and with every battleship forgetting its ominous mission for one moment while it dipped its flag to the peaceful white pennant of the Chil- dren's Christmas Ship and signaled her "Godspeed!" It was the Vision Splendid. The work of children of our land for orphans of the war ! Indeed, the whole ship seemed formed of children's faces, and children's outstretched hands, and children's beating hearts, and the ocean the ship sailed on turned, under its silver prow, from an ocean of tears to an ocean of smiles. And millions of happy children were on one shore — those whose generous hearts and open hands had filled the hold of the gallant, dazzling ship; while on the farther shore were the eager, hapless hordes of orphans and widows, whose straining eyes and haggard cheeks took on new expressions of incredulity, then of hope, then of glad certainty, as the ship sailed on and on ! I saw the faces of stern war lords relax as the children's ship sailed into their ken. I saw the faces of the men in battle array — in trenches, in hospitals, on the firing line — grow tremulous with feeling, as the thought that their loved ones were being remembered relieved their sickening anxiety. I saw the faces of myriads of expectant mothers smooth into content as news came that their needs were being met. I saw the grim lines in kings' and commanders' faces relax somewhat of their sternness when they heard the astounding news that the children of America were sending a shipload of Christmas cheer to the women and children of every nation engaged in war. I saw how queens would smile and how great nobles and lords and ladies would give their best endeavor to seeing that the gifts reached those for whom they were intended. I saw the great army of the Red Cross smiling as they, too, lent their aid to the Christmas Ship. I saw the tremulous faces of the old people on this shore and on that, those hapless derelicts on the ocean of life. How glad and grateful they would be for something to do ! THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 5 Then my thoughts raced to the part we in America would play. The word "raced" is not enough. Thoughts came so fast, they came in pictures. I thought of writing an appeal to every child in the United States to play Santa Claus to some child in war-torn Europe. It would have to be printed by some great magazine or newspaper. I must have a daily paper, so that I could tell the children every day just what to do. In New York? Ye-es, if — How about Chicago? I know Chicago. I was born there. I know her people. I know the generosity of her spirit. I know the state of Illinois, with its lofty ideals and splendid capacity for doing big things in a big way. The more I thought of it, the more sure I was that I wanted to bring this beautiful idea, this glorious opportunity for the children of America to make history, back to my native city. I thought of how the churches and Sunday schools would rush to help — of the public schools. Three names came into my mind in the very first of the plan — Elizabeth Harrison, president of the Kindergarten College — I knew how she would approve; Mrs. Ella Flagg Young, Superintendent of Schools, and Lord Northcliffe, with his great string of forty-five British newspapers — I saw in a flash of intuition how he would cooperate with so humane a plan. An odd combination of names, wasn't it? Yet I am telling the story just as it occurred. I knew President Wilson would give us a ship. I knew the railroads and express companies would carry the gifts free. I knew that not a facility which could be utilized would be withheld by the grand and glorious Americans who make this country of ours the most wonderful land in the world. I trusted the children. I knew if I asked them to load a ship with Christmas toys for the little orphans of the war I would present an idea which would capture the imagination of every child who heard the plan. 6 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP That was the first requisite — to get the children interested! The next thing would be to capture the grown-ups, for without them the children could do little. I had to think about that, for all my life I have seen godly- Christian women working themselves to death in church fairs hardly paying expenses, and never counting in the doctors' bills which too often came as a sorrowful aftermath. This must be an automatic, self-feeding, perpetual-motion affair, so fascinating that we couldn't keep people from giving! Ah, that was it ! I had it at last. Tell the grown-ups they couldn't give! Tell them this was the work of the children for children — and the result would be that the grown-ups would humbly ask if they might not be permitted to give! I tried it — you remember, don't you? And it worked to a charm ! Then, when everybody would be trying to give, I again trusted the children. I knew they would be the first to see that toys were needed least of all — that warm clothing was the first necessity. That also worked to a charm. The children themselves stopped contributing toys and asked me, in thousands of quaintly worded letters, if they could not give hoods and mittens. I could n't help thinking what a parents' friend the Christmas Ship would prove, for I intended to have the children earn the money themselves, and I knew that all the things parents had been vainly trying to bribe their children to do, without results, would now be done with a rush. I could fairly see the errands run, the kindling split, the eggs gathered, the lawns trimmed, the paths swept, the dishes washed, the furnaces tended, and the eagerness to serve would be one of the rewards! I could scarcely wait to begin to tell them how to go to work. While all these plans were rushing pell-mell through my mind, I thought of the Chicago Herald — a paper made up of three or four papers which had failed, and now one of Chicago's con- spicuous dailies. The editor knew I wanted to come back to Chicago to live, THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 7 so I wrote him a letter telling him about the Christmas Ship, and the next day I got a telegram saying, "Can you get on train and talk over suggestion with me?" I knew from that that the plan had landed — that the first man to whom I had offered the Christmas Ship would take it up. I was in the act of darning a black silk stocking when that telegram came, and I must have been so excited that I carefully put it in my desk with the telegram, for when, two weeks later, I was unpacking my household goods in Chicago, I pricked my finger on the darning needle in that same silk stocking, which I found coyly tucked among bills, letters, and telegrams in the middle drawer of my writing desk! Of course I telegraphed the family that I had been sent for, and in the forty-eight hours which necessarily elapsed before I had my first interview with the editor I talked at a gallop to everybody who would listen. The train was crowded, and I had to share my seat in the Pullman with a man from Oklahoma. I tried the Christmas Ship on him, and before I got off the train at Chicago he had gallantly offered to organize his state for the work! Then I tried it on the family. I outlined everything which would happen. They sat looking at me as if they thought the madness which had always threatened me had descended at last, for I spoke of the ship as a certainty. My father kept saying: "Well, I hope it will turn out as you say. I hope these things will all come true." I got to Chicago at night and the next day at three o'clock I had my first talk with the editor. His first words were these: "How long have you been thinking of this Christmas Ship, Miss Bell?" "Since last Thursday at four o'clock in the afternoon." "You had twenty-four hours the start of me," he said. "I haven't been able to sleep since your letter came. It's the biggest thing I ever heard of in my life! How did you come to think of it?" 8 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "I have a strange feeling about this Christmas Ship," I answered. "When I am dead, the books I have written will probably be forgotten, but I want the people of America to remember me as the author of something more far-reaching than books — something which dried the tears of little children and brought smiles to the faces of despairing mothers. You may- have all the credit of helping to carry out the plan, but I want my country to remember me as the author of the Christmas Ship idea." Then I added, "If you take it up, you will be making history." His eyes snapped. * ' I wonder if you know how big it is ?" he exclaimed suddenly. "I most certainly do," I answered him. "I believe there is not a possibility to it an3rwhere that I have not thought of. It is a living sermon, preached in moving pictures from the greatest of all texts ever written — 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.' That is the motto for the Christmas Ship!" "Great!" he exclaimed. "That will catch 'em! Now go ahead and explain. Tell me all you've thought out." So then the wildfire growth of the Christmas Ship idea which astonished a world as it was spread before the public daily in the columns of two hundred of the largest newspapers of the United States, I spread in prophecy before the Herald editor's eyes that August afternoon. I outlined the way the world would receive it. I said that the Americans were in a state of mind to receive a plan such as this with positive gratitude. They yearned to help, but had no way. The Christmas Ship would make their sympathy articulate. "You, being a man," I said, "cannot possibly see the far- reaching effects of this plan as I see them. I am a woman; I have thought of things like these for years. I know how women and children suffer and feel. This Christmas Ship will go so deep down into the hearts of people, that for years after the presents have been distributed, we in America will feel the effects of their gratitude. It will open the eyes of the world to the true America. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 9 It will explain our policy in Cuba and Mexico. Diplomatists now think we are harmless lunatics. After the Christmas Ship has awakened the people, they will say, 'This nation has a heart. Possibly it also has a conscience.' Then they may begin to understand our soldiers' and sailors' behavior to their enemies. They may even understand our national ideals. Nothing that the world has ever done will have such an international effect as the sailing of the Christmas Ship. In years to come you may remember this prophecy of mine, made on August 31, 1914." I told him that news of our plan would circle the globe in a month, and that it would put the name of the Chicago Herald on the lips of every civilized person in the world inside of a year. I even said: "Lord Kitchener, himself, will take official notice of the arrival of the Christmas Ship. And queens and empresses will write us letters of thanks." The editor did not once say me nay. He seemed to take in every detail. "How would you start it?" he asked. "I will write an appeal to the children, which will take up a whole front page. I want you to use double columns and special type. I will ask them if they don't want to play Santa Claus to the poor little children whose fathers will never come home any more. I will begin by calling their attention to the fact — too often overlooked — that our fathers come home every night. It is a glad hour — the time when daddy comes home; and it will touch their sympathies to think that there will be a million orphans between now and Christmas, who will never see that joyful home-coming of their dearly loved fathers. "Then I will tell them what they can do — mention what they can give. I will visualize the Santa Claus trip for them, make them see the reindeer sleigh, feel the reins in their hands, see the lanes of rural England, the vineyards of France, the stubble fields of Belgium, the mysterious depths of the Black Forest, and the snow-clad steppes of Russia, through which they will drive! "Having thus captured the children's minds," I went on, "the grown-ups will come in of their accord, for, to paraphrase — 2 10 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 'Wherever the children are, there will the parents be gathered together.' " The editor smiled. "And what this plan will do for us, personally and nation- ally, cannot, at this time, be estimated," I said. "I believe with all my soul that the Christmas Ship, bearing the love of a nation's children to the orphans of every warring country, will so soften hard hearts that it may be the greatest factor in making President Wilson the Arbiter of Peace when the time comes. His good offices have been refused once. The Christmas Ship may bring about a reconsideration of that refusal. It will be the greatest peace factor any nation has ever put forth. The very flag I designed to fly at her masthead is symbolic of the whole beautiful idea — a white ground for Peace, the single golden star of Hope, and the motto in dark blue of 'Inasmuch! ' " The editor sat crouched forward in his chair, his hand play- ing nervously with a glass paperweight. "But, please," I begged, almost reading his thoughts, "try to keep the Christmas Ship in mind as an ideal of the American people, and do not call it an advertisement of the Herald, even in your own mind." He thrust his lips out. "We Americans are sentimental idealists," I said, "in spite of being the most commercial people in the world. We are children at heart, and we still as a nation believe in Santa Claus! You, being an editor, can't help seeing the Christmas Ship as an advertising scheme for your paper; but I see it as a world-wide philanthropy — an opportunity for the children of the Stars and Stripes to make history. You are thinking of your circulation and your advertising — you see it from the promoter's point of view. But don't lose sight of the fact that to the outside world it is an intensely humane work of love." He nodded his head. "Parents," I went on, "will see in the Christmas Ship a new and fascinating way to teach their children lessons of vital importance — such as the joy of giving, the benefits of self- denial, the sweetness of sympathy, and the dramatic contrast THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP ii between the horrors of war and the blessedness of peace. And the Christmas Ship will one day be recognized as a world-wide peace movement, which will bear fruit — no one can tell how soon — but ultimately, without a doubt. For I believe, when it is actually known that the Christmas Ship has arrived and is unloading gifts on the other side, that even soldiers on the firing line will have no stomach for war while the Christmas Ship is in their minds." The editor nodded again. "And think how school teachers will seize upon the lessons it teaches — more vital than any to be found in books, while clergymen, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, will find texts galore in its significance — especially in emphasizing peace, for they serve the Prince of Peace. * ' Oh, I can promise you that you will find yourself in exalted company, for the noblest men and women in the land will flock to our standard — educators, clergymen, teachers, thinkers, philosophers, altruists — all the mighty ones of earth, while sacrifices will be made by the poor, and letters will be written telling of self-denial which will be human documents worthy of being preserved in amber. The thought of our little American children turning from selfish plans for their own Christmas to sacrifice toys most dear to them, in order to render less sad the Christmas of a little child across, the seas whose father will never come he iie again, will wring the hearts of our nation — of all nations — as they have never been wrung before. So go softly! For you will be treading on human hearts!" "You sit down and write that out," said the editor, his eyes snapping, "and I will take it to-morrow to Washington and read it to the President. Write me a complete scenario of your plan, just as you have explained it to me; use just as nearly as possible the language you have used, for if you can get me, you can get anybody!" He got up and paced the floor excitedly. " It 's the biggest feat that ever was put over by a newspaper in the history of journalism!" he exclaimed. "It will make everybody connected with it famous ! And because you brought 12 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP it to me, I will feature you as you never were featured in your life. I will syndicate all your articles in every paper that cooperates. Now go home and write the appeal to the children to play Santa Claus. Bring in the Black Forest and that text from the Bible — 'Inasmuch' — and the desolation over there — just as you pictured it to me. You know how! And let me have it. I leave for Washington to-morrow!" How I got home I don't know. As there are no flying machines taking passengers, I must have walked east on Washington Street. I hope I did not run over anybody, for I cannot remember that my feet touched the pavement at all. I trod on air and breathed pure ozone. When I got home I electrified the family by repeating the conversation, word for word. It seemed to have been photo- graphed on my brain so that as I write these lines and read them aloud to the family (I always try things on them — poor, long- suffering, patient creatures!) they look at each other and nod their heads and say : "I remember she told us all this, the first evening when she came home!" And dear me! How excited we were! We talked all at once. We are used to that. We have done it so much, we can hear all that everybody else says, and at the same time get a fair idea of what we are saying ourselves. We told each other what would happen, and afterwards it all did. We would sit silent a moment, imaginations all a-leap into the future, and then suddenly everybody would begin to speak at once. Then we'd laugh, and say how wonderful it all was. The Ship of my Dreams was to be a Ship of Reahty! The joy of it ! "I see only one possible objection," said my sister, "which other papers will seize upon, and that is that we should care for our own poor, too!" I almost stuttered in my eagerness. "Yes, I've thought of that! But don't you know human nature well enough to see what will happen? If the Herald takes this up, what will the other papers do? Sit down and THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 13 write up war news — with the Herald printing heart throbs? No! Every paper will get up some kind of a similar charity, and most of them will be for our own ! Can't you see it ? Why, I can even read the editorials from here — each with a little side wollop at the Herald for remembering the orphans across the ocean while our own poor are weeping at our very gates!" The family began to laugh. "Furthermore," I went on, "all people need in a crisis is a leader. The moment this big, moving picture is flung on the screen for all America to see, the public heart will begin to beat. And I believe you will see such an outpouring of practical charity for our own poor and unfortunate — from churches, societies, and individuals — that this year all the neglected of the earth will be cared for as never before in the history of the world. I can see it!" There was silence for a moment. "Well," said my sister, "if I were in your place I wouldn't ask an5rthing more than the way you will feel inside, on Christmas Day, if this all comes true and, skeptic that I am on most things, I believe it will! And all that joy will have come to millions because you first thought of the Christmas Ship!" Tears came into my eyes — I was near the danger point. "Go to bed, everybody, do," I said, suddenly, "and let me get to work! I can't write a line if anybody is awake." At this cordial invitation of mine, they all stood up. "Yes, yes!" said my father. "You must work. Well, I'll go. But I'll tell you one thing. I'm glad you took it to the Herald. I believe that man will be perfectly honest with you and will keep every one of his promises." " 'Course he will ! " I responded, shooing him gently but firmly toward the door. As the door closed behind him, my mother turned back. "I bless the Christmas Ship for one thing," she said softly. "It has brought you back home to live!" Aren't mothers wonderful? CHAPTER II My Appeal to the Children of America I SAT up half the night writing. The next day I took my articles — I wrote two — down to the editor. He was all smiles and cordiality, and began at once to ques- tion me again as to my plans for transporting the gifts and as to the distributing facilities on the other side. "In England Queen Mary is at the head of the Red Cross. We can distribute through them. Some queens set different fashions, but Queen Mary leads in good works. She visits the wounded every day, and by her example she makes goodness fashionable. Queens are so wonderful! Think what influence they have! If she even so much as speaks her gratitude for the Christmas Ship, all England will loyally follow in her lead." "But how about Germany?" he asked. It is funny to look back on these conversations, for here sat this big man, knowing more of politics and the war and economics and everything in one minute than I knew in a year, yet actually questioning me seriously as to how things would happen which, I frankly explained, I had only seen in a vision. "Will Germany let Belgium have her share?" he questioned. Now, just between ourselves, I did not know how the war was going! Ever since I had gone through the agony of that afternoon when I actually saw battle fields, I had fixed my mind wholly on the Christmas Ship and had resolutely skipped war news in the papers. Still, I don't have to know things in order to talk of them with confidence! I can talk the best about things of which I know the least. Give me a good, solid clutch on an imaginary sub- ject, and I am up and away before you can say Jack Robinson. Therefore I answered, with my eyes shut, "Germany will be so touched by having her own orphans remembered that she will even assist in distributing gifts to other nations!" 14 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 15 I looked to see if the editor would contradict me. But he did n't. "And in Russia the beautiful czarina will help. And the kaiserin in Germany, and kings and queens, wherever they are, will realize what you and I have done, and will welcome the gift ship with characteristic gratitude. In Petrograd I know loads of people, members of the czar's household, professors in the uni- versity, and officers in the army. They will remember me, for I was there most of one winter. Russians are a magnificent people- Wait until you see how they receive the Christmas Ship." "You were abroad a long time — several years, weren't you?" he asked. "Yes, and I studied the people. I seem to know these orphans — to know how they will feel and act. I tell you, we have the most wonderful work in the whole world ahead of us." "We will be making history!" he said impressively. "Well, I am off. I wish you would stay in Chicago until I get back. I shall probably be gone four days." "I can put in the time! I've got to get an apartment. That means work — to any one who is as particular as I am." "Do it!" he said. "I'll telephone you the minute I get back, for we have no time to lose. I shall want an article from you, not less than seven hundred words, every day. Can you manage it while you are moving?" "For the Christmas Ship I can do anything," I replied. "You tell me what to do, and I'll do it. You won't have to speak twice!" For two days I heard nothing. Then one morning there appeared on the front page of the Chicago Herald my appeal to the children, so I knew the president had approved my plan. This was the way it went, addressed "To the Children of America": "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me. ' ' When daddy goes to work each morning you expect him to come home at night. You would be very sad if he did not, would n't you? 1 6 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Over in Europe, where kings rule, millions of fathers are being sent to work — the work of war. The kings tell them to go and fight, and they have to go, even if there is no one left at home to earn money to buy food and clothing and pay the rent. Hundreds of thousands of fathers will never come home to their little boys and girls. They will be killed by the fathers of other little boys and. girls, who do not really hate them but who kill because they have been ordered to do so. You will have a Merry Christmas. You are looking forward to the day when Christ was born. You know that father and mother will be with you on Christmas Day. You know that Santa Claus will come from the frozen north, his sleigh laden with gifts for you. Have you stopped to think what is going to happen on Christmas Day to the children of Europe, whose Santa Claus fell dead on the battle field when father dropped with a bullet in his heart — the father whose cheery "Up, lazy boots, Kris Kringle has been here!" once awoke them on Christ's birthday? For these bereaved children there will be no Kris Kringle. His sleighbells will not jingle on the frosty air in the Black Forest, and the snows of the Russian steppes will be untrodden by the good saint's galloping reindeer. Stockings will hang limp and empty in many a French cottage, and the smoky chimneys of England will know him not. No doll for little Jane and no red mittens for Brother John. Oh, what a mockery at this Christmastide ! And Gretchen had dreamed of a set of dishes with roses around the edge, and a beautiful big bouquet in the center! Ivan and Francis and Paul and Marie — all their little dreams have died in war. One million Christmas tragedies — think of it ! You children know how big they are. And there will be suffering : the dumb grief of the widowed mother, who has given her all and yet stands at Christmas time with empty hands; the physical agony of the hungry and the underclad; the "sorrow's crown of sorrow" — that of remembering happier things. Children of America, if you could help you would, would n't you? And you may! THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 17 You can be Santa Claus to those little boys and girls whose daddies died fighting for their country. You can stretch out your hands across the sea bearing messages of love and hope and sympathy to the children of a war-ridden continent — messages from fortunate America to unfortunate Europe. You can send that doll to Jane and those mittens to John. Yes, by the thousands. Ivan will not feel the cold when the stockings you knit are pulled up on his chubby legs. Gretchen's eyes may fill with tears, but she will smile through them when that big red comforter is wrapped round neck and ears. Don't you want to help? Of course you do! Listen! Let each little boy and each little girl be a Kris Kringle. Is n't that a fine thought ? Would n't you love to be that great saint ? Would n't you love to put your gifts in a sleigh and take the reins in your hands and drive the reindeer over the roofs of the houses, slipping down the chimneys and leaving your gifts for those who badly need them? Can you do it? Of course you can. You can help load the sleigh and you can shut your eyes and feel the reins in your fingers as you drive the reindeer up and down the lanes in Eng- land, lined with thatch-roofed cottages, through the vineyards of France and the stubble fields of Belgium, across the white- mantled stretches of Russia, up and down the highways of Germany, over the hills of Austria, and along the frozen Danube to the Serbian peasant's hut, stopping to leave a surprise — a catch-the-breath surprise — for your little brother and sister whose father is dead. You may live to be a hundred years old, you may travel all over the world and see its wonders and delights, but never will you have such a journey as that. How can you do all this? Just in the easiest kind of a way, but you've got to do it yourself to get the real joy of it. Earn money to buy the presents, or make them yourself. Every boy knows how to earn money that he may go to the circus. Ask father to let you split the kindling, carry in the coal, carry out the ashes, look after the 1 8 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP furnace — and make him pay you for it. Save the pennies that are given you for candy. Deny yourself something. If you are a girl, could n't you knit a pair of gloves or socks or comforters? Would n't it be fine to know that the comforters were covering frosted ears and protecting delicate throats? And you must have some toys that have outgrown their charm for you. Send them! Then there is another thing you can do. Ask father and mother to beg Santa Glaus to give to a boy or girl in Europe one of the gifts that were intended for you! "Yes," I hear you say, "I will be Santa Claus to those poor little orphan children!" And then you ask: "But how can my gift reach the child that needs it? " By the train, and by the boat, and by the train again. And then you say again : ' ' But the papers say that English ships and French ships and German ships, all armed with cannon, will stop the boat carrying my gift." They will not ! England and France and Germany intend to salute the boat that is carrying your gift — not to stop it. Your ship will be a ship of Good Will. It will be Santa Glaus' ship. And all the countries at war will dip their flags to it as such. All you have to do is to provide the gifts. The Chicago Herald will look after all other details. It will organize a bureau which will answer your questions. It will see that your gift reaches the boat that will take it to Europe. It will see that your gift is put into hands which will place it in a fatherless home on Ghristmas morning. And the Christmas Ship editor will tell every day all about what other boys and girls in our country are doing in this work of love. Just think what a brave sight the ship will make that carries your gift to Europe! Can't you picture it laden with the thou- sands upon thousands of presents from the children of America? It will be officered and manned by the fathers of little boys and girls who will take every care that it safely reaches the countries which are sunk in the want of war. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 19 Everybody who sees it will know what it is; for it will fly two flags. One will be your flag, the flag you love, the beauti- ful Star and Stripes. The other, too, will be your flag. It will be a white flag, and on its snowy surface will be a single golden star, the star of Hope. The motto on that flag will be the single word, "Inasmuch." Ask father and mother to read the sentence in the Bible which begins with that word. To Parents: Help your children to learn lessons of vital importance — the joy of giving, the desirability of self-denial, the sweetness of sympathy, the horrors of war, and the blessedness of peace. This is a world-wide peace movement that will bear fruit — possibly soon, but ultimately, assuredly. To School Teachers: In all your books can you find a more vital topic? Teach it. To Clergymen: You have texts galore. Preach this idea — for your Master is the Prince of Peace. The editor was gone four days. Then his secretary tele- phoned. Sixty minutes afterwards I was in his office. "I've got it!" he cried jubilantly. "Washington went wild over my plans. The Christmas Ship is assured! Did you read your appeal to the children of America I printed yesterday? " I nodded. "Well, you brought this big idea to me, and I'll show you how I treat my friends. I will form a syndicate of all those big papers which are cooperating, and I'll wire your articles to them. I '11 put your name and your picture and your article in every big newspaper in the United States every day! For once in your life you '11 know what it is to be featured. ' ' Then his whole body seemed to sink together. "I am tired to death," he said. "I am all in. I went to see the president and talked as I never talked to any one before in my life. He was sitting there all dressed in white, his face drawn and haggard; but when I explained to him my idea of a Christmas Ship, and he saw how it would make for peace, he buried his face in his hands and tears came into his eyes. "Did he promise us a ship?" I cried eagerly. 20 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "No; not right out. But I think he will. If he doesn't, I'll buy one." "Buy one! Oh, you can't afford ^/ja^./" I exclaimed. "You must n't think of such an extravagance. What would your stockholders say? If the president does n't give us a ship, send me to Washington and turn me loose among all those senators and congressmen and ambassadors and things, and see what I can do. I have been sent to Washington before, and I got what I went after! I could get a Christmas Ship all by myself!" "If the president won't give me one," responded the editor, ' * I could get Congress to appropriate one — even if he opposed it ! " "Now, you mustn't do that, either!" I said. "We want everybody to be our friend in this crusade. We must not make a single enemy — especially one as powerful as the president — and he could not be expected to indorse a measure passed practically over his head. No, no! We want his cooperation. I want everything about this beautiful plan to be harmonious. And just think, if he indorses it we have the cachet of government approval! Think of being able to say that the whole United States government is back of us ! Did n't you see the secretary of the navy?" "Yes, I saw him, and he was favorable. And I saw a number of senators, and all the ambassadors. Tears came into the eyes of several of the foreigners, and Congress cheered me!" "Did they, indeed?" I cried in delight. "The ambassadors accepted, unofficially, in every instance; but of course they must cable their respective governments for authority to accept officially. Several cabled in cipher, the day I W3,s there. Now — your work for the Herald begins to-morrow. ' ' "My work for the Herald began on the twenty-seventh of August, at four o'clock in the afternoon!" I said smilingly. "From that hour, every thought of my whole mind — every breath I have drawn — has been in the interest of the plan I have given you." "Yes, that is true," he replied. "Well, you understand what I want of you. Of course you must move back to Chicago. How long will you be gone?" THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 21 "Give me five days," I answered. "I shall be back at work on the morning of the sixth day." The editor looked at me in astonishment. "Are you serious?" he asked. "Can you do that?" "Barring earthquakes or cyclones, I can. I don't believe you know how I can work! I am a human dynamo, where my affections are engaged." The editor looked politely disbelieving. I could see that he expected me to be gone a fortnight, and to send barrels of apologies and excuses. My fighting blood began to rise. "Did you get a request from my secretary for your photo- graph?" "No, I did not," I replied. "Then please get your best picture to me here as soon as possible. I will run a two-column cut of you at the head of every article." "That's the way they always do in New York," I said. "Now, what about the syndicate?" "I have instructed the city editor to attend to that. Turn in your articles to him, and I will do the rest. I will write a strong personal letter to each editor who wants to cooperate, telling him that you are the only one in the world who can direct the movement, because you originated the idea. I will make an individual appeal to each one. "Now," he went on, '"this is going to cost a lot of money, and I want you to urge the children to send us cash as well as presents." "Of course," I said. "Tell them that the Herald will bear all expenses — they won't have to pay freight or express." "You won-'t either!" I interrupted. "And we will spend their money wisely." "You want me to tell the children to send you their money, that they will earn, and to promise in my signed articles that the money will be wisely spent. Will it all be spent for presents? Tell me that!" He looked at me narrowly. "Yes!" he said slowly. 22 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "You are using my name, remember, and my name stands for something with the American people. If I thought the contri- butions, the self-denials, of the children were to be used to pay the running expenses of the Christmas Ship department — " "They won't!" he said hastily. "I give you my word of honor, they won't ! My word of honor ! " he repeated. ' ' I stopped in New York," he went on, quickly changing the subject. "I never talked in my life as I talked those three days. I put every ounce of blood in my body into every word. But I got my idea over — I caught 'em! I took it to the World, and they grabbed it. They will cooperate with the Herald and conduct a big campaign. Look at these telegrams" — and he thrust a sheaf of yellow papers into my hand — "all of these big fellows are clamoring to come in!" Sure enough, I read long page-telegrams from the greatest papers in America, asking, "May we cooperate?" Then my face flushed. Tears stood in my eyes. My prophesies were all coming true. "Good-by!" I said. "I can't bear any more. My heart is so full, it hurts. I'll be back when I said I would." "Take your time," he said kindly. "I will attend to the syndicate while you are away." CHAPTER III The Santa Claus Class Is Organized CLICKETT Y-CLICK ! Clicketty-click ! My train was speeding away from Chicago, and wonderful things were about to happen. My thoughts raced Uke shuttles— first forward, planning what to do at home; then back to the Herald office, busy with Christmas Ship organization. Who my fellow passengers were I do not remember — nor the road I traveled over, nor the weather, nor anything. I was not traveling bodily, but just mentally. Reaching home, I worked twenty hours each day and got along on four hours' sleep. In addition to all the packing, I took time to write two articles a day for the Herald, for I wanted to keep a number ahead for the syndicate. Finally, however, the work was done. Dazed, but happy, I turned my back on a place where I had suffered many things, and went to spend the last night with a dear friend, from whose house we drove to the train the next morning, sped on our way by countless good wishes from the choice few. To arrive in Chicago, to unpack the car, to move in, to settle, to answer scores of letters, to write two articles a day, and to keep my head on my shoulders, was a feat I somehow managed. But I was borne up by the divine affiatus which never failed me during those days of the Christmas Ship work. It grew more and more fascinating. Sunday schools by the hundreds had agreed to help us, and day schools, secret societies, firemen, policemen, women's clubs, the Elks, the Moose, the editors of foreign newspapers published in Chicago ; and letters had poured in to the Christmas Ship editor until I could scarcely hold them. Just before I went away the editor had called me into his office and introduced the city editor to me. "He will help you in your Christmas Ship department," 23 24 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP he said. "I am going to give you an office on this floor, and as the work grows I will detail others." For a moment I did not understand. The editor was looking at me expectantly. "Is — is he going to be Christmas Ship editor?" I asked. ■ "No, you are!" snapped the editor. "He will help you.'' It was on September 7 I called my Santa Claus Class to attention with the first article by which I began to organize the fifty millions of American children to work for the Christ- mas Ship. My article was preceded by this introduction: To the Children: Miss Lilian Bell, storybook writer and friend of all the children in the world, has promised to take charge of the Herald's Christmas Ship Class and to teach the lessons the children are eager to learn. Miss Bell was bom right here in Chicago. When she grew up she traveled all over the world and visited the children who live in the thatched cottages in the deep forests of Europe. When she came home she began writing stories, and people have been reading them as fast as she could write them ever since. Miss Bell knows Christmas Day will dawn cold and cheerless for millions of children overseas who have n't fathers any more, because their fathers had to go to the wars and many of them will never return home. She knows what it will mean to these little boys and girls to have the children's great Christmas Ship go sailing across the ocean, loaded with presents from millions of children in America who will send their love and good will to their unhappy little brothers and sisters on the other side of the world. So she will take care of the Christmas Ship Class. She will teach the lessons you are eager to learn — she will tell you how to help send the big Christmas Ship. She will answer your letters — and there will be a lot of them — and she will write the stories about boys and girls who are helping, and how they are doing it. Here is her first lesson, which she teaches as only a storybook writer can: THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 25 Christmas Ship Class — attention! Did any one ever have so large a class before, I wonder? My schoolroom reaches from Maine to Florida, from the south- ernmost corner of Texas to the highest point in Alaska, and takes in all that lies between. I wonder if you can all hear me! Those who can't, please raise their hands! Ah! I see a little red-headed boy in California and a little blue-eyed girl in New York with their hands up. I shall have to speak louder. Possibly I am not quite in the middle of the schoolroom. Where shall I stand, you children who know the capitals and chief cities of every state — where shall I stand to be directly in the middle of my small but interesting Santa Claus Class? Small? Oh, well, perhaps you wouldn't call it small. It contains several millions of children — no, madam, I did not say dozens, neither did I say hundreds, nor yet thousands. I said millions, for every child in the United States who wishes to send a present on our splendid Christmas Ship is a member of my Santa Claus Class. Don't you want to join — every one of you? I see quite a number of new members in Minnesota, and still others who were in swimming in the Gulf of Mexico when the bell rang, who will be with us just as soon as they can. I see a little boy in Nevada with his hand up. What is it, John ? Oh, you want to know what we are going to do. Well, that 's what I am going to tell you as soon as you are all in posi- tion. There's a little girl in Alabama sitting sideways and swinging her feet. Face me, my dear, and listen. We are one big manual- training school — this Santa Claus Class of mine. What? Don't you know what "manual" means? It comes from a Latin word which means "hand." So we are going to train our hands to work. Perhaps some of your hands know how already — and your feet, too ! Feet know some- thing, I should hope, even if they are not supposed to know as much or do as much as hands. But don't your feet do some of the work when you are running a sewing machine or certain kinds of scroll saws? So we can use those intelligent feet of yours also, because 26 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP we are going to make things to send on the ship. And if you can make things which are too large to send, why, you can have a fair and sell them, and send the money instead. Don't you perfectly love to play store? I do. Only it isn't much fun to sell if there is no one to sell to; and often everybody wants to do the selling and nobody wants to buy. Then, too, pins are scarce and, of course, you use pins for money. But, oh, joy! In this shop of yours the grown-ups will be customers, and will pay you real money, for every one's heart is tender on the subject of the little orphans on the other side whose Christmas we are going to make. I have some dandy ideas about how to make money, and I '11 tell them to you if you will only write and tell me what you know how to do best. That's what this first lesson is about— to find out what you know how to do, and then to organize you into clubs and com- mittees and get things started. Some of you can knit, crochet, and sew. Some of you have good memories, and willing feet for errands. Some have gardens, and can make things grow. I know one boy who has an incu- bator. He is going to sell broilers. Another little girl, whose plants froze in her mother's conservatory, has planted lettuce in the pots and will furnish salad for Thanksgiving. Another boy has white rabbits for sale. Another boy has collie puppies. One little girl is knitting mittens. Another is making the cutest doll clothes — dear me, I wish I could make doll clothes like that! — handmade underwear, edged with lace, and the cunningest hat and sunbonnetl Now remember this: Keep your presents small. Don't start in to make automobiles and grand pianos and street cars. Make things that fold up into small space. And make them well, for remember, you uphold the honor of America. Let's send beautifully made things, so that hereafter Switzerland and Ger- many need not make the most of our toys. Our own boys and girls can : lako them. Oh, V' " rChristmas Ship! I am crazy about it! And to think it all to be the work of the children ! THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 27 Think of the excitement in all the countries of Europe when the children over there know what we are doing! How many- foreign languages will be spoken as they talk about it ! It would sound like a bird store if they all talked at once! Then, too, think of this : Every child, every man and woman, will send us in return a thought of love and thankfulness, and if the whole world begins to think kind thoughts, that will end the war. War is a thought in the minds of men before it begins to act and kill people. Just so, peace is a thought before it can be brought about. So let 's think peace thoughts as we sew and knit and hammer and saw! Let's set our minds on the hope that this Christmas Ship, sent by the children of the Stars and Stripes to the children of every nation engaged in this war, will help to end the war. And let our watchword be — "Peace for Christmas!" Suppose we could put in our ship, and send to the whole world, that Christmas present which came to us when, nearly two thousand years ago, was born a Babe in a manger who was called the Prince of Peace! Would n't that be beautiful ? From the first, educators saw the lessons which would be taught the children of America in thus giving them a practical illustration of the working out of joyous giving. What possible blessing our gifts would bestow on the orphans could compare with the lessons we were keeping at home? For years I have realized the futility of trying to educate the adult public on any subject upon which they have either already made up their minds, or are too indifferent to think about at all. For years I have advocated beginning any necessary education we wanted grown-ups to possess, by teaching such to the children. And for years educators have strained toward this almost unattainable point, striving to reach the children by some means which would impress itself on their minds. With the advent of the Christmas Ship, letters began to pour in upon me, some of them surcharged with almost tearful grati- tude for the dramatic value of the idea. 28 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP One from Elizabeth Harrison, president of the Chicago Kindergarten College, said : "My dear Lilian Bell: "I am so glad to learn that it was your thought which origi- nated the Christmas Ship. No more beautiful idea has come from this dreadful war, and I am proud to remember that I knew you when you were a young girl just embarking on your literary career. I well remember how you came rushing in to see me one evening — bareheaded, for we lived almost next door — with your first book in your hands. It was The Love Affairs of an Old Maid, and it made you famous. From that day you have gone straight on, my dear, giving to the world more and more beautiful books, until now you have crowned your career by the most beautiful thought of all — the Christmas Ship. "I read your articles every day, as you issue instructions to your Santa Claus Class through the columns of the Herald, and many of them I cause to be read aloud in all the classes, for they teach vital lessons. "We kindergartners, who for years have been training our groups of children in the joy of giving rather than in the selfish anticipation of merely getting, welcomed your Christmas Ship idea as a larger and more effective means of waking the public to this fatal tendency of barter and trade which has crept into the Christmas observance of to-day. This is to be seen but too plainly in the cheap and trashy display of Christmas wares that even our best stores are making to-day. "Entirely aside from the precious money thus needlessly wasted on useless objects, we felt that a greater sacrifice was being made in robbing the child of a beautiful opportunity to show his love through some form of service or self-sacrifice, even if it had to be diminutive and what, in the tired eyes of adult life, might seem insignificant. It is the spirit of Christmas we have contended for. This was being trampled under foot and forgotten in the mad rush of ignorant Christmas shopping. "When I saw the immense possibilities of your Christmas THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 29 Ship plan, followed up as it was by your charming and most effectual Christmas Ship Class, I realized that a larger force than ours had come to the rescue, and I write you now to ask you, having gained the ear of the public, if you will not continue your crusade in your same forceful and straightforward way, urging upon our nation the simplifying and the conservating of our Christmas festival that it may return to its virginal significance, with the added depth among mankind which to-day gives us. "Yours sincerely, "Elizabeth Harrison" As it would take pages to answer all that this letter meant to me, I called Miss Harrison up on the telephone, urged her sit down, lean her elbow comfortably on a table, and prepare to be talked to! I can talk sixteen to the dozen on the subject of the reforma- tion of Christmas, and I did talk until my arm went to sleep holding the receiver, and perhaps more than Miss Harrison's arm went to sleep at her end of the telephone, for I was merciless. I told her I had tried for years to get magazines to publish articles of mine on this subject, but they would n't, so I had to put it over in a book. Magazine editors would write and ask me for new suggestions for Christmas celebration, but when I offered them the ones founded on the life teachings of the Master we all claim to serve, I was gently but firmly put back in my place at the foot of the class. "But now that I've given 'em the Christmas Ship idea," I said triumphantly, ' ' I have finally got my plan before the nation in so picturesque a way that people are falling all over themselves to do what I have begged of them in vain, pleading for them just to listen a minute while I told them — and they wouldn't! "It's a joke," I went on, "a lovely joke that I have all to myself, but I am sharing it with the children of the world. The joke is that from editorial door to editorial door for years I have hawked this idea of tmselfish giving to those less fortunate 30 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP than ourselves. Yet now, lo and behold! it rides to a triumphant harbor on the high tide of public approval in the plan of a chil- dren's Christmas Ship!" Miss Harrison was agreeing with me, as hard as ever she could, at her end of the telephone, but while I had much more to say, I have a kind heart, so I rang off and doubtless the exhausted Miss Harrison tottered to the nearest couch and called for help. The next enormous body of workers to come in was the Boy Scouts, who are doing much splendid work everywhere. Then on September i8 we received word that four million Methodists had been officially pledged by the Reverend Edgar Blake, corresponding secretary of the Board. I append portions of his letter, because it helped to carry out my vision of the way the mission of the Christmas Ship would develop our own children: "The children who receive our gifts will never forget that in the dark hour of their need the children of America remembered them. It will establish a bond of affection between the boys and girls of to-day that will not and can not be broken by the men of to-morrow. As a protective peace measure for the future, the Christmas Ship is worth forty battleships and a score of Hague tribunals. "In this connection it is interesting to remember that it was only three or four years ago, in this very city of Chicago, that Baroness von Suttner, the great Austrian advocate of peace, pointed out to the National Education Association that if war is to be abolished the children must be educated in the blessings of peace. The Christmas appeal to the children of America, aside from its benevolent aspects, has an educational significance that is of the highest and most far-reaching value. "It will also help us to train our children in works of mercy and help. The slogan of modern religious education is, 'Truth never becomes a possession until it is given expression.' "We are constantly seeking ways, therefore, by which we may stimulate and train the children and young people in good THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 31 deeds. We shall use the Christmas Ship for a great educational as well as benevolent appeal to our young people. If the twenty million American children, from five to fifteen years of age, could be enthusiastically enlisted in the Christmas Ship enterprise there would be unloosed a benevolent force in America the educational value of which would be incalculable." In the same mail there came the following pathetic letter. A big official looking envelope it was, bearing in the upper left-hand corner the words, "Illinois State Penitentiary, Joliet, Illinois, ' ' and within was a pencil-scrawled letter saying : ' ' Inclosed please find one dollar and an abundance of Good Will toward the Christmas Ship fund." It was signed by "Thomas J. Bent, Convict 195." Indeed, the Christmas Ship seems to have touched the hearts of the inmates of the penitentiary as nothing else has done in years. I received several letters and the assurance from Warden Allen that the Christmas Ship would surely hear from Warden Allen's men. It did. The honor men decided to give up their evenings, after days of unremitting toil, to the making of toys for the Christmas Ship, so I wrote the following: Letters are coming to me of such unusual character that I can call them nothing less than human documents. Some of them I am going to print. But never have I been so touched as by the announcement that Warden Allen's men, the honor men of the Joliet Penitentiary, have asked if in their few scanty hours for recreation they may not contribute to our Christmas Ship! Think of it, you free men and women who are at liberty to distribute your time as you will ! These men, after days of dull routine, will work at night on toys for the orphans of Europe. They needed no urging, no descriptions of what we are trying to do. From a complete understanding of unhappiness — from a personal knowledge of the dreary hopelessness of a Christmas with the pall of discouragement and dread of the future hanging 32 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP over them — these men have shown that they understand the real meaning of the universal brotherhood of man by giving their time to help make the kiddies of war-torn Europe happy on Christmas Day. Surely these men will have a happier Christmas because of this wonderful deed of theirs than they have ever had before. It is bread cast upon the waters which they will surely find again. I wish there were some way for them to join our Christmas Ship Class, but that is only for us kids, and no grown-ups need apply. But as almost every society has what it calls honorary members, why can we not ask Warden Allen's men to become honorary members of our Santa Claus Class? Every mxcmber of the class who wants these honor men to join us, hold up his hand ! I never saw so many hands in my life ! From Maine and Alaska to Texas and Florida every child's hand flies into the air. There is no use to ask for the nays. The ayes have it. The honor men are elected. We are all trying to be trustworthy, and to help those less fortunate than ourselves, and we are all children of the one Father, so what is more fitting than that we should all work lovingly for the same end — to make Christmas a happier day than it would have been if we had not thought of our Christmas Peace Ship? You know you always think of it as carrying food and clothes and Christmas toys. But these are just the outward expressions of the thoughts which were behind them. You have to think of a thing before you can do it, don't you? Which do you think is the more important — the thought or the act ? Your thought blesses twice. It blesses yourself by making you more kind and loving, and as it blossoms into action it blesses the one who receives benefit therefrom. Good thoughts are character builders. Bad thoughts are character destroyers. If you plant good bulbs in your thought garden you will have a beautiful showing of flowers. If you plant weeds, or allow any careless wind to plant them, you know what your garden will look like! What do you think of war? THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 33 Is it a brave and gallant thing for a king or a president to order thousands of men out to fight their brothers? Do you like the thought of human blood being poured out like water? Do you approve of the custom of settling quarrels between nations by means which cause such suffering to the wives and mothers and children? Who suffers the most from a war? Is it the men who march forth in beautiful uniforms, their bayonets gleaming, the bands playing, the flags flying? How about the women who are left behind to agonize over their beloved ones liable to die at any moment— and for what? — that kings may settle ancient quarrels, acquire more territory, or extend their commerce! These are rather long words, but you might as well under- stand what war does to those poor mothers and little children. The papers say that losses in certain places amount to fifty thousand killed, or even ninety thousand. When Vv^e really begin to find out what is happening over there, we shall under- stand the horrors which now we can only guess at. Now, then, does anybody want to send toy soldiers or toy cannon or toy guns or toy swords by the Christmas Ship ? Suppose a mother had just been explaining to her fatherless children how their dear daddy died from the bursting of a shell shot by a cannon, and when she opened the parcel of American toys sent by peace-loving American children the first thing she saw was a set of toy soldiers in the very uniforms of those men who had killed her husband! Suppose the next thing she opened was a box of toy cannon! Can you imagine how shocked she would be? Suppose we of the Christmas Ship Class cut out everything which could possibly suggest war. Don't make or send a thing military. Over there children are trained to expect war, to think it is a righteous thing, a great and glorious thing. But after this war I believe that sentiment will not be quite so popular. At any rate, we won't help to make it so. Remember, the watchword of the Christmas Ship Class is "Peace for Christmas!" CHAPTER IV How London Spoke of the Christmas Ship WITHIN three weeks we had a hundred of the best papers in the United States working with us. Each one of these newspapers, after the manner of Americans, flung itself into the work as if the loading of the entire ship depended upon it alone. They appointed Christmas Ship editors, organized a Christmas Ship department, took their cleverest writers from other jobs and gave them carte blanche to work up the enthusiasm of the people, both children and grown-ups, as each saw fit. These glorious newspapers crowded from their front pages telegraph stuff worth thousands of dollars, and devoted that valuable space to the Christmas Ship. I have traveled, all over the world, and truly, I never saw any country half so wonderful as America or a people so marvelous as the Americans. What if other countries have cathedrals and ruined castles and historic wonders which are hundreds of years old? By the giving of millions of dollars' worth of space to the work of obtaining and lading a Christmas Ship in a whirlwind campaign of only ten weeks, and sending, as gifts from our children to the children of warring nations, seven million new and useful gifts to make bright an otherwise desolate Christmas Day, the Ameri- can nation has reared to itself a monument more enduring, more marvelous in the eyes of posterity, than anything I ever knew of anywhere in the world. And I would rather have been the one to prepare the plan than to have built the Taj Mahal or to have been Helen of Troy. She is dead, anyway! The London Telegraph recognized the miracle Americans were accomplishing, and the following special cable to the Chicago Herald appeared in the issue of September 20 : 34 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 35 "Americans pride themselves on being the most business- like people in the worid, but they are also the most sentimental. "We doubt if such an idea could have occurred elsewhere, or if it had, that it would have been taken up with such charac- teristic energy. "The thought was golden. "Springing from a kindly heart and taken up by a kindly people, who can doubt that it will achieve the desired result not only by bringing happiness to those who are too young, perhaps, to be sensible of their loss, but also by reminding the warring nations of the opening words of the first Christmas message?" But then, even if we are sentimental, it does seem rather pleasant to know that by interesting a warm-hearted, generous nation we are preparing to dry the tears of millions of weeping women and children we have never seen! Is n't it now? Letters from children, quaintly written and weirdly spelled, poured in to me in response to such things as the following: We have had films advertised as thousands of feet long, in fifty reels, and as costing one hundred thousand dollars. And we think, "My gracious! What a wonderful moving picture! How expensive!" Have you ever stopped to think of the moving pictures our Christmas Ship Class is making? How many reels would it take to get us all in ? Would anybody be willing to sit in a movie theater a couple of weeks without food or sleep, watching those pictures pass? Yet think! We have only been at work a few days, and already by letter, telegraph, and telephone the offers to help come pouring in — from mothers and fathers, uncles and aunts. Young ladies usually busy with their beaux, and young gentle- men generally occupied equally with business and girls, all stop long enough to say, "Let us help!" While as for the children, we never knew how much gener- osity and willingness to deny self their little hearts contained. They just bubble over with eagerness. 36 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP And the children are not standing back for any one to tell them how to start. They have started already. One little tot who read what I wrote about sending toys which fold up wrote, "My dolly's go-cart folds up. I will send that." Blessed little folding go-cart ! You are going on a long jour- ney; first you go by train, then by ship, then by train again. But when you reach that little girl— perhaps in Belgium, or possibly in far-off Russia — will you know, little folding go-cart, how to speak her language? Can a folding go-cart understand Russian, do you think? Or will wee Maria Feodorovna's cry of joy be one that all can comprehend ? Just think, you children of America, every toy you send will dr}^ some child's eyes, weeping for a daddy who marched away so bravely, never to return. You know what it is to flatten your noses against the front windows, or swing on the front gate, watching every day for daddy to come home, don't you? The coming home of father is something each child watches for every day in the year. War may rend all Europe. Stocks may fall, banks fail, prices rise, and nations fall, but to millions upon millions of homes daddy comes home every night as usual. Only — over there, the orphans this war has made watch in vain. They see their mothers stand in front of a big building where lists of the dead and wounded are posted. They hear the sound of bitter weeping. They see mother put on black garments, and the children feel the clasp of her arms in blind terror of the future. Mother sees an endless procession of sad autumn days fading into dreary winter and ending with a cheerless, empty Christmas, where once it was a day of rejoicing and peace and plenty. Then suddenly a neighbor rushes in with a newspaper in his hand. "Have you heard the news?" "No, and I don't want to hear. News has no interest for me. My man is dead, and my children hunger!" THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 37 "No, but listen, neighbor. The children of America are sending a Christmas Ship across the sea, loaded with Christmas gifts for orphans of the war!" "Well, what of it?" says the widow dully. "It cannot find my children. We are lost in the great ocean of tears." "Nay, but the American ambassador has asked for your name! Your children will be remembered! Ah, neighbor, do not doubt the good God, who watches over His own!" "Do you mean that my children will have gifts sent by the children of the Christmas Ship? " cries the mother, who a moment ago was thinking that life was over for her. "Oh, yes; it is promised by the editor of our newspaper. He says it is sure to come! A great ship, loaded with all that we need — warm clothes and food and toys!" "Do you hear that, my children? Dry your eyes, and listen to our neighbor. Read it, neighbor ! Let us hear the glad news with our own ears ! ' ' And then the good man reads the story of how the American people, helped by American newspapers, are working every day to fill the ship. They hear how safely the great ship will be convoyed past the dangers of the submarine mines. Their eyes sparkle when they hear how all ships of war will dip their flags to one Ship of Peace, and the blood tingles in their veins. Once more they want to live. Everybody lives on hope. If it were not that we keep on, hoping for all the work we do to count us something, we would lose all the joy of living. "Where there is no vision, the people perish!" And for the millions of suffering hearts made by this cruel war the children of the Stars and Stripes have raised this Vision Splendid ! Is n't that a wonderful thought? At first I made no effort to engage the interest of the grown- ups, for I knew if the children came into the movement, the parents could not be kept out. So I continued to teach my Santa Claus Class. And the way the httle things responded! 38 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP A whole scrapbook would be necessary to reproduce their dear little letters. Sometimes a mother or an aunt would do the writing, but the signature would be written by the child, and straggle across the whole page ! One child wrote : "Dear Miss Bell: "I am earning money for the Christmas Ship. My mother gives me five cents every time I get loo in spelling. This is a hard way for me to earn money for spelling is against my nature ! ' ' I answered this adorable human document "in the paper," for I thought her letter well worth printing. The children loved such talks as the following: Christmas Ship Class, organize! I am making my good-morning bow to you, my millions of Santa Clauses! Are you bobbing your heads to me? Do you know what pansies stand for? Heart's-ease! Is n't that what we are manufacturing by the ton for our Christmas Ship? And do you know what "manufacture" means? Again I will call in good old Mr. Latin Root — nice, kind old gentleman that he is! — to tell us that it comes from two of his words which mean "to make with hands." So then, manufacturing heart's-ease for our cousins across the seas means that we will make it with our hands. And isn't that what we are doing? Hold up your hands, everybody in the Christmas Ship Class! Miles of fluttering little hands! Long and short! Fat little paws and thin little claws! White and pink and bronze and brown! Some clean and some — well, some need soap! Organize ! When you have got together, find out what you are going to do. Make your plans, and then write to me. Write short, clearly expressed letters, and explain your ideas. I want to know what you think. Thoughts are things. Every time you have a loving thought for somebody else it drives old Mr. Bad Temper out and lets THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 39 Miss Bright Smile in. That pleases mother and father, so you are making many other persons happy besides our little cousins across the seas. Do you know what yeast does to bread? It takes an old heavy-hearted lot of flour and water and lard and salt and says to it: "Here! Get a move on you! Don't sulk! Don't mope! Rise up! Cheer up! You are going to find a happy home in some hungry little stomach." So little bubbles of hope begin to rise in the dough's heavy heart. It begins to lift up its head, and very soon it can see over the side of the bread bowl, and it learns that there is a big world beyond. Yeast did it. Let's be yeasters! Yeast is leaven, and it is written that a very little leaven leavens the whole lump. Europe is certainly a lump of grief and worry and pain just now, is n't it ? Let 's get the yeast of children's loving sympathy into its sad heart. Let's watch the small bubbles of hope do their work. Our Santa Claus Ship will bring a smile to the face of all Europe. And when we see the white tear-stained faces of these war-made orphans begin to grow pink and smiling, we shall be glad we are living. Living is loving! I had not been teaching the Santa Claus Class very long before Sunday schools all over the country began to join us. I suppose I must have received a hundred letters from super- intendents of all denominations, asking for instructions and pledging support. Often the Christ-spirit was revealed in the simple statement, made quietly and without ostentation, that by vote the Sunday school had agreed to give up the twenty-five or fifty dollars usually spent for its own Christmas entertainment, and to devote that money to the purchase of presents for the war orphans. The spirit of the Christmas Ship was undenominational. Jews and Gentiles, Baptists, Episcopalians, Unitarians, Congre- gationalists, Presbyterians, Methodists, and many others came in 40 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP by Sunday schools and churches, but it remained for the great body of Methodists to come in officially and denominationally. They came in as a body, four and a quarter million strong. They organized; they sent out letters, leaflets, and circulars Then Miss Helen Patten conceived the idea of further arousing the children's interest by concerted effort, so she wrote a little playlet which was printed and spread broadcast over the country, free of charge. The amount of money spent by the Methodist Board in postage and printing alone I think is worth serious thought. I wish the story of how much it cost the children of Am.erica, in money as well as lovingly given toil and self-denial, might be translated into every language and spread before the children of Europe, not in order to gain their gratitude — we have that already! — but that they might understand the depth of our sympathy and the extent of our love. I print the play in full, because it had such an important bearing on the way the Methodist Sunday schools responded. The leaflet is called "Christmas Ship Program for Methodist Episcopal Sunday Schools," and was distributed by the Board. It begins with a hymn, "Lead On, O King Eternal," and then comes the salute to the Christian flag. After that comes another hymn, "Fling Out the Banner," and then is appended the play: VOICES FROM OUR BROTHERS IN NEED A Boy of Austria-Hungary: I am a Methodist boy from the town of Ujvideck in Austria-Hungary. But the doors of the Metho- dist Church are shut. The day the war broke out, all but two of its leading men went with the army. The emperor kept calling for more men, and more men; and in our country they have to go when they are called. My father was one of the first to leave. He was in the siege at Belgrade; he will never come back. Mother sits and weeps all day. After father went with the army they demanded my eldest brother, even though his earnings were all that gave us bread to eat. Then Fritz had to go. He is only sixteen years old, but he is big, and they wanted him, too. And I go to-morrow. It has been horribly lonely. My eldest brother is in the hospital somewhere, dreadfully hurt, and we have never heard a word from Fritz since the day he marched away. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 41 I thought I was to take care of mother and the Uttle ones. There will be no Christmas for them this year — perhaps no home, and not enough to eat. When mother talks of it all she picks up baby and sobs aloud. But I've got to go to-morrow. A Russian Boy: I come from a little town near Petrograd in Russia. Did you ever hear of that city? They used to call it St. Petersburg, but when the war broke out our people hated the Germans so much that they changed the name to Petrograd, because St. Peters- burg had a German soimd to it. Is n 't it dreadful to have men hate each other so that they can 't even bear the sight or sound of the other fellow's language? The war seems to have turned this whole world into hate. But if changing the name of a city was all that happened it would not matter very much. It is when a fellow sees his father and brother go away to die that he really cares. A father and brother were all I had. They are both gone, I don't know where. I wish they would come back! Maybe they never will. If I had a mother, or maybe a sister, I might not feel so badly. But what is to become of me I don't know. I am in a kind of orphanage now — I'm too big for that, and too young to fight. I can't find a job where I can earn money. I never knew before how terrible it is to be all alone in the world. A German Girl: I don't know what the war is all about, but it is doing terrible things in our little town in Germany. Every man and boy has gone at the call of the kaiser, and none of them seem to come back. Father is with the crown prince, and we don't know what is happening. No one wants to play any more; we just knit, and make bandages, and watch for news all day long. Everything costs so much. The money is going fast — it is all we can do to get enough to eat. The Methodist Ch-urch that we belong to — such a dear little church on one side of the town — must be closed because nobody has any money left to keep it going. There must be sadness everywhere. It seems as if the war wanted to take away all the men and all the money and all the happiness in the world. A Belgian Boy: The last I saw of our home in Belgirmi was n't any home at all. The war had passed over the town and left it in ruins. Lots of the homes had caught fire and burned to the ground, and so many people were killed during the fight! The soldiers took everything there was to eat, and marched away. Father came in and kissed mother, and went off to join the army. Mother cried while we packed in a neighbor's cart the few things we had left. The next day, with a few others, we left the village that had always been our home. Part of the time I walked by the cart, and part of the time they 42 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP put me on the donkey's back. We went through other country towns. The hedges and pretty gardens and red-roofed cottages were all black and smoking, and only a few people greeted us, wringing their hands. We went on and on. It was dark, and I was so hungry and tired I could n 't help wanting to cry, with no home and no father. At last we came to a bigger town, where we slept in the street until they woke us up and packed is unto a train for a place in France. When we reached the French town the people took care of us as best they could. That is where we are staying now. They call us refugees, and there are hundreds more like us without any homes. What we shall do next I don't know. And oh, I wish I knew where father is! A French Mother (a babe in her arms, and a little child tugging at her skirts) : How can I tell you of the cruelties of war ! It struck our pretty village in France, and in one day swept away the smiles and laughter, and left weeping, and broken hearts, and broken homes. We gave husbands, fathers, and sons for the defense of our country. We saw them go forth brave and strong; we saw them return maimed, dying, dead. Hosts of them will never come back. Then one day the soldiers came upon us from all sides; there was a battle outside the town. The shells screamed over oior heads and burst in our very streets, causing ruin and death. When the firing was over the soldiers streamed into the village, seeking food and shelter. We gave all there was left to offer. Listen! My husband is one of those who will never return. For six years we lived together, saving money for a home of ova own, and for these little ones. This Christmas was to be our first in the new little vine-clad cottage. But he will never return; the cottage is in rmns; all help, all hope, is gone. My baby boy and girl are all I have left. I suffer, yes, but not alone. Thousands of women and children on this war-smitten continent, bowed in sorrow, approach the saddest Christmas the world has ever known. Oh, the dreadfiil ciurse of war! Pray for peace! Pray, pray, day and night! Pray that the Father of all will end this awful conflict, and bring peace upon the earth. The next thing on the program is called * ' Prayer and Sym- pathy Turned into Action. Plans for the School's Cooperation in the Christmas Ship Movement." Notes Costumes: The difference between the children of America and European children is so slight that little attention need be paid to costimie, other than a few distinctive touches, such as white apron and THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 43 a bit of knitting for the German girl, a Buster Brown collar for the Belgian, and a shawl over the head of the peasant woman. The general characteristic in the costume should be simplicity to the point of shabbiness. The Christian Flag: The salute to the flag, embodying the three principles of brotherhood, service, and love, exactly expresses the spirit of the Christmas Sliip movement. The words of the salute should be written upon the blackboard where all can read them. Let one boy be prepared to give the salute alone first, then call upon the entire school to rise and repeat the words in concert, with hands in position. Plans for the Christmas Ship: Instructions and suggestions to be presented to the Siuiday school are contained in the Christmas Ship leaflet sent to pastors and superintendents. More copies may be sectired upon application. If used in latinching the Christmas Ship enterprise for the first time in a school, the main restilt to be brought about by this program is the organization of every class for some definite plan of giving. Such organization could be effected during the class session following the program, and the reports handed in at once to the Missionary Committee, or to some other committee in charge. Now, simple as this plan appears, its chief value consisted in the promptness with which it was circulated, its practical efficiency, and the enormous number of men, women, and children it reached. Four and a quarter millions! And from the manner in which the gifts came in, it wotdd seem as if every one of the thousands of Sunday schools worked actively for the ship. CHAPTER V How Washington Led Off 'T^WO weeks after the Christmas Ship idea was taken up by -■- the press of the United States, it is safe to say that the thought of the world turned to the work of our children. For once in their lives they stood in the limelight of the universe. In Washington the greatest enthusiasm was displayed from the first. Little children, whose parents were prominent in the social life of the nation's capital, decorated their pony carts with flowers and paraded the streets, advertising their interest in and their loyalty to the Christmas Ship. "Ministers, big business men, and officers of charitable organizations in Washington," said the Washington Star on September lo, "are unanimous in their praise of the spirit which has prompted the influential newspapers in the United States to send a Christmas Ship, laden with toys, to the war orphans of the embattled nations of Europe. "That no nobler idea, and none conceived in a spirit of purer Christianity and good will has ever been placed before the people of Washington and the entire country, is the declaration of one and all. And that such an opportunity perhaps has never been offered to the boys and girls of the United States, as well as to their elders, for the doing of a work of kindliness, friendliness, and genuine good will is the further affirmation of many of the national capital's most public-spirited men. "The Reverend James Shera Montgomery, pastor of Metro- politan Methodist Episcopal Church, said to-day : 'The severities of the war fall most heavily on the families that are bereft of fathers, sons, and brothers. I want to give my heartiest com- mendation to this undertaking of bringing Christmas joy and gladness to the countless families in the warring nations of Europe that are now in bereavement.' "William F. Glide, president of the Chamber of Commerce, 44 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 45 said : ' The Christmas Ship to carry a little cheer to Europe's war orphans is a noble idea, worthy of the big heart of America. That the project will be a success far beyond anything its original proposer imagined I feel is certain. It is a plan in which every Washington youngster, as well as the children of the whole country, will undoubtedly be interested, and an even deeper interest is sure, to my mind, to be felt by the fathers, mothers, and big sisters and brothers of the children. God speed the Christmas Ship.' "The Reverend Earle Whilfiey, pastor of the Vermont Avenue Christian Church, heartily indorsed the idea of the Christmas Ship flying the Stars and Stripes and the pure white flag with the single golden star and the word 'Inasmuch.' 'It is an idea worthy of the nation which has advanced it — big and good and warm-hearted,' he said, 'and nobody, young or old, can, in my judgment, fail to respond to the appeal made in behalf of the fatherless little ones orphaned and in so many cases made homeless by the war that is ravaging the nations of Europe.' "Leaders in Washington's charitable work, without exception, have given the Christmas Ship their heartiest words of approba- tion, expressing the hopeful belief that such a vessel, bearing the Christmas remembrances of happy American 'kiddies' to the fatherless and brotherless girls and boys of the warring nations of the Old World cannot fail to instill a world-wide spirit of helpful brotherhood that will be a powerful factor in rendering another such conflict impossible. "Throughout Washington the movement is spreading. Children have promised their most treasured toys to go into the cargo of the ship to spread cheer to the children of Europe, and some of them have even promised to take up the needle, for they believe that the children will need clothes more than toys." A day or two later the following appeared in the Star: "Here in the capital of the nation all the boys and girls are working enthusiastically to carry out the plan of Miss Lilian Bell that gifts be distributed on Christmas Day among the orphans which the great European war has made and is making. 46 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "The idea of the Christmas Ship, flying the Stars and Stripes and the white flag with the single golden star, and laden with toys for the bereaved children of war-torn Europe, is arousing widespread interest in Washington, and hundreds of children of the national capital are planning to add their mites to the toy ship's burden. Not only are the little folk making plans to give the orphaned little ones of Europe's warring nations a bit of Christmas cheer, but the grown-ups, big public men, from President Wilson down, and the ambassadors and consuls of the warring nations themselves, have given their enthusiastic approval to the plan. "The president has expressed himself as delighted with the idea of the children of America making Christmas a little brighter and a little happier for the unhappy ' kiddies' whose fathers have given their lives in the war. The representatives in Washington of the embattled nations have said, speaking with authority, that the Christmas Ship will be safe in whatever port she anchors and on whatever sea she sails. "Warships, they say, will not molest the ship of the little ones, with its white flag bearing the golden star and the single word, 'Inasmuch.' The leaden turrets with their grimly frowning guns will be no menace to the ship that bears the Christmas remembrances of little Miss and Master United States of America to those other little ones, who, but for them, would have no Santa Claus this year. Mines that line the harbor will be charted for the Christmas Ship, and it will be guided safely past them on its mission of 'Peace on earth, good will to men.'" The editorial that follows appeared in the London Daily Telegraph of September 19, simultaneously with a column cable dispatch describing the progress American children were making in assembling the cargo: "A charming idea occurred the other day to some one in Chicago. It has already captivated the whole of the United States. It will be received with gratitude and with a tug at the heartstrings throughout Europe, and especially among the nations now at war. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 47 "The idea, as our New York correspondent describes it in a most interesting dispatch, is simply this: That the children of the United States should send Christmas gifts to every child in Europe whose father has fallen in the war. "America is enjoying the blessings of peace. Secure, and distant from war's alarms, her people can pursue their daily avocations undisturbed by the intense preoccupations of war. Her children are safe from the horrors of invasion such as have been endured by thousands of helpless children in Belgium and in France. Their homes are not subject to fire and pillage. When Christmas comes there will be all the serene and peaceful joys of Christmastide. "The American newspapers will see to the collecting of the myriad gifts; the children are to buy the toys themselves with their own money. The Boy Scouts and the Camp Fire Girls are working hard ior the scheme's success, and many of the most influential ladies in the States are giving it their active support. White House approves and applauds, and the ambassadors of all the countries now at war have promised on behalf of their governments that the gifts shall safely reach their recipients. ' ' Nor is this all. These precious gifts are not to be sent across the Atlantic stowed away in the hold of some ordinary vessel. They are to be dispatched in a special 'Christmas Ship' flying only the Stars and Stripes and one streamer which is to bear 'the golden star of Christ' and the single word 'Inasmuch.' "This ship is to sail from port to port in Europe with her unique freight, guided safely through every mine field and entering freely the most jealously guarded ports. And the toys, as we have said, are to be distributed wherever there is a child who has been bereaved by the war, irrespective of nationality and the rights or wrongs of the causes for which the combatants have fought. "What a delivery it will be! Where will the bearers of these gifts not penetrate? Great Britain, France, Russia, Belgium, Serbia, Germany, Austria — and who can be sure that even that long list will be exhaustive when Christmas comes? It will be the most gigantic distribution that the world has ever seen, and 48 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP even so, there will be other orphans of the war in Japan, in India, and in the dominions who will not be cheered by America's kindly thought. "But the thought itself was golden, springing from a kindly heart and taken up by a kindly people. "Who can doubt that it will achieve the desired result, not only by bringing happiness to those who are too young perhaps to be sensible of their loss, but also by reminding the warring nations of the opening words of the first Christmas message ? ' ' I do not doubt that similar editorials appeared in the European press, but as none reached my eye I cannot include them in this book. I can only say this. In our hearts we Americans know they were written and published, and so we are appreciative just the same. Never have I seen an idea taken up with such avidity — and by the entire nation. In California the San Francisco Chronicle and the Los Angeles Herald conducted marvelous campaigns, and each newspaper showed its individuality in the way it worked. The Pittsburgh Press, in its issue of September lo, started out with the following editorial — the most majestic and lofty of any I have ever seen: ' ' Infinitely wider in its scope than the boundaries of civiliza- tion, rising in nobility of purpose far, far above the horrid, deadly clamor of battle, the plan by which the children of the United States are to play Santa Claus this Christmas to the million of children who will be orphaned by the world's most awful war, carries with it the hope, nay, almost the practical certainty, of universal peace for all the years to come. " It is a beautiful, a wonderful thing, this pity for the suffering inflicted upon young, unoffending hearts, and any effort to lessen the grief is an enduring credit to the account of any nation, and is destined to be one of its proudest monuments. It gains im- measurably in effectiveness by being intrusted to the children THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 49 of that nation. For aside from giving them the blessed privilege of giving to their orphaned and destitute brothers and sisters, and thus early tasting the actual joys of charity, the plan will assuredly implant lessons in the heart of each little understudy of Santa Glaus that can never be eradicated, and which should operate for the benefit of all future generations. "Chief among these deeply graven impressions should be the realization of what war actually is and stands for; the tearing off of the tinsel splendor and vague glories with which childhood is wont to think of soldiers and battle fields, and the sight instead of the grisly specter of death denuded of the brave uniform. Children will realize what war and battle bring when they come into close touch with the million or more little children whose fathers were done to death on the field of battle. vStrange indeed will it be if they do not feel a lasting horror and loathing of the very name of war. Stranger still if, in the years to come, these children of to-day, the men and women of to-morrow, do not continue the role of Santa Claus in a broader, nobler scope, and give the present of peace to all mankind, young and old. "The sailing of the Christmas Ship will be an act momentous in the history of the world. With an armament of toys and childish gifts, manned with good will and impelled by love, it is likely to sweep all the dreadnaughts and destroyers and death-dealing devices off the seas for all time by rendering them unnecessary. Carrying as it does the Christmas presents sent by the children of the United States to the orphans of the war, it seems certain that the recipients of those loving tokens will conceive a warm, deep, and lasting affection for the distant boys and girls who tried to make their Christmas brighter and happier; a firm bond of fraternity which no untoward event of the future could weaken." The wording of this editorial struck me as so beautiful that I cut it out and always carry a copy of it with me. I wore the first one out and sent for another, and that one is now growing thin at the folding places! It is an example of the heights to which a man may rise when 50 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP in the grip of a powerful emotion. This was written when the idea of the Christmas Ship first shook the writer's soul. And he wrote it in the same mood in which President Lincoln wrote his Gettysburg Address. Indeed, I say without fear that this editorial from the Pittsburgh Press is worthy to be classed with that immortal literary gem. While I was still deeply moved by the effect it had upon me, I wrote to the editor of the Press, telling him what I thought of it. I did not know the result of my letter until the Christmas Ship had sailed — indeed, until it had reached the other side. Then I discovered that immediately upon receipt of my letter the Press had issued half a million circulars, printed in handsome display type and addressed to the school teachers of the entire state of Pennsylvania: "The children of America are going to send a ship full of toys and other Christmas gifts to the children made orphans by the war in Europe. "There will be a million orphans across the sea by Christmas! "Y^ou, as a school teacher, can help more than any one else. You can find no more vital topic an3^where than that one sug- gested to children's minds by the Santa Claus Ship. ' ' Read the letter to the children of America, sent you herewith. "Read, too, an editorial in the Press, which brought forth this comment from Lilian Bell, the editor of the Christmas Ship department of the Chicago Herald, and the one who started the movement: Your magnificent editorial stirred my blood as nothing I have seen printed has ever done. Your understanding of the deep underlying meaning of our crusade gives me fresh courage. Furthermore, it is a superbly written editorial. It is a prose poem. It is lasting literature. Those paragraphs of yours, evidently written by a great-hearted humanitarian, deserve being printed in school readers, that children in years to come may understand the great lessons of "Peace on earth, good will to men" which we are hoping to teach.' "Read, too, what Dr. William M. Davidson, superintendent of the public schools of Pittsburgh, and Ella Flagg Young, THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 51 superintendent of the Chicago schools, say. Their inspiring messages are also sent with this letter. "Then, after you have read these messages, read them to your pupils. Help the children learn the lesson of the joy of giving. Help them in their plans to collect gifts. Teach them the blessedness of helping others. You can help, too, by writing your commendation of this movement and sending your letter to the Christmas Ship editor of the Pittsburgh Press." On the next page was my appeal to the children of America, headed in large type by the text, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." The third page was taken up by the editorial from the Press, while the fourth contained the following words by Pro- fessor Davidson and Ella Flagg Young: "Good luck to the Christmas Toy Ship, for as long as the spirit of Christmas is kept alive in the world, and as long as a love of little children stirs and warms the human heart, just so long will good men and women everywhere continue to believe that 'God's in His Heaven — all's right with the world.' "When Charles Dickens, the great English author, died, it is related that little children wept in the streets of London and cried aloud, with genuine and sincere grief: 'Father Christmas is dead ! Father Christmas is dead — now Santa Claus will never come to our home any more!' "I fancy when this old war is ended that that childlike cry will rise from many a fireside in Germany and in France, in England and in Belgium, in Austria and in Russia. But may the sweet spirit of Charles Dickens so envelop the children of America that the Christmas Toy Ship will be loaded with their love and affection when it goes forth upon its voyage of mercy to cheer the hearts of the little children of Europe, who are waiting and watching by the fireside for their Santa Claus who will never return. "William M. Davidson" 52 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "It is a wonderful idea — this promise of a toy ship to carry 'a message from the children of America to the unhappy children of Europe. "A Christmas Ship — a messenger from America to Europe, carrying light where all is darkness, peace where all is murder and suffering, love where there is only hate ! It is a big thought, big in its immediate purpose, big in its unlimited potentialities. I see in it better boys and girls; finer, stronger men and women. I see in it self-denial and sympathy turned from abstract ideals to realized human attributes. I see in it all of these, and more. "I see fathers and mothers dwelling less on the horror and tragedy of war and more on its pitiful futility and needlessness. I see children growing to maturity with fixed ideals of love and sympathy and mutual helpfulness. I see murder turned to sympathy, horror to sweetness, and hate to love. "Of course, this is only a beginning, only a first step in a course which should be taken up and followed not only by children but also by parents and teachers and ministers and priests. Such things take time; just as all growths, all evolu- tions, take time. But the Santa Claus Ship is on the right course, its prow is turned to the rising sun, and at the end of its journey lies a greater and better and nobler world. "Self-sacrifice, love of man to man and child to child, broken barriers of race, religion, nation, and language — these will form the cargo of the Christmas Ship more truly even than the toys and clothes which comprise its material freight. No wonder that great men-of-war will dip their flags to the children's ship — for warriors, like other men, have in them that spark of the divine which needs only the breath of a single disinter- ested, selfless thought to awaken the highest and noblest that is in human nature. "Hats off to the Christmas Ship — to the flag with the single golden star! "Ella Flagg Young" I am glad, for the sake of my own soul, to get the cumula- tive effect of these millions of circulars which were printed and THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 53 sent broadcast to the most influential persons in the world — day school and Sunday school teachers. To those in America, familiar as they are with our wonderful public-school system, it will seem marvelous enough. But to Europeans, who do not handle the school question as we do, will come home with new force the knowledge of the inspiring campaign the American press conducted, for we are the only country in the world where public schools are as common as blackberries, and where truant officers are employed to report all instances of parents or children trying to disobey the com- pulsory education law. You catch all the children we have in some school or other, for the law compels them to be educated, whether they want to be or not. So to harangue the schools is to reach the youth of the entire country. Not only were city schools thus interested, but country superintendents circularized the rural schools. Many teachers wrote me that they had subscribed for the Herald, and read my articles aloud to their pupils each morning. One that they particularly liked was the following, for half the boys in America — perhaps half the boys on earth! — are interested in wireless. Do you know how swiftly thought progresses in this wonder- ful age? Time was when the telephone seemed the most marvelous invention the world could possibly imagine. It took us years to get over the wonder of hearing the human voice over a wire. Yet now what do we have? Something more incredible! Words and messages transmitted by wireless — sent through the air. I wonder if the time will ever come when I can talk to a chimpanzee in the Island of Madagascar by whispering to the back of my hand! It would seem scarcely more wonderful. Why, about two weeks ago I listened to a sermon preached in a church a mile away. I was sitting at my desk in a break- fast cap, kimono, and slippers; yet I went to church just 54 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP the same! What would the clergyman have thought if he could have seen his telephone congregation? One poor woman, who is bedridden, goes to church by telephone every Sunday. There is talk of adding an attachment to telephones by which you can see your listeners and talkers! That will boost the sale of raincoats and masks, I 'm thinking I But plain telephoning does not satisfy us any longer. This time we will use wireless. Now, there is an odd thing about wireless. I may sit here sending all I choose, but not one of you can get my message unless your minds are receiving stations. Wireless messages are flashing over our heads all the time. Why don't we hear them? Because we are not in tune with them. A receiving station must be equipped. Are your minds equipped to hear the plea the Herald is sending out for you to help us load our Christmas Ship? Are you ready for your wireless message? I am sure you are! I know that in the heart of every child in America, small or large, little girls and big boys, there are generous impulses. Possibly you do not know they are there, for what you exercise most intelligently you know most about. If any of your good impulses are dormant, they are prac- tically useless to you. Do you know what "dormant" means? No, Isabel, I did not say "door mat." A door mat is something or somebody to wipe your feet on. Personally, I have met many a human door mat, but we are not speaking of them. I said "dormant," which means "sleeping." Are any of your generous impulses sleeping? How much good are you when you are asleep? Are you very useful to anybody then? Of course, if you are noisy and boisterous during the day, you are most agreeable to the neighbors when the blankets are tucked under your chin and mother turns out the light. But, to be useful to the world at large, I should say that everybody ought to be wide awake. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 55 Suppose we wake up! Suppose we rouse our sleeping gen- erosity and unselfishness ! Suppose we begin to forget ourselves, and think of the orphans this war is making every day. Did you ever think of that? Hundreds of little boys and girls in Europe have fathers this morning who will not have them to-night. Many a dear daddy, just as kind and good as yours, dies in the field hospital every hour. Some have died while I was writing that sentence. Some have breathed their last while you are reading it. What are you going to do for the little children these brave men have left behind them? Will their widows feel much like making a Christmas for anybody? No; that beautiful work is given to you to do! Is your heart a receiving station for my wireless, which tells you to get to work? Call half a dozen little girls together — ■ you fortunate children who belong to my national Christ- mas Ship Class. There are hundreds of children who would be perfectly delighted to help, if they only knew how. Tell them! Telephone them! Talk about it at big recess! Sing it! Whistle it! Dance it! Pray about it! Keep it in mind all the time. Just think, each new person you interest, and who gives a present, makes one more orphan happy! We don't want any child left out, do we? We don't want one country to cable us: "Presents gave out before they got to us!" No! Everybody must be remembered. Nobody must be disappointed. America is rich enough, and safe enough, and grateful enough for her safety and prosperity, to wish to share her plenty with those who lack. We want money — lots of it! Clothes — heaps of them! Food — tons of it! We can use barrels of flour, barrels of sugar, chests of tea, cases of canned vegetables and fruits ! Dried fruits would be most useful. Dried beans, peas, lentils, are welcome, California could stock us with dried fruits — enough to fill two ships — with one hand tied behind her. Such a glorious big state she is, and so generous! 56 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Texas could fill five ships with grain and fuel and never know it. The magnificent Northwest, so rich in soil to grow things! It could swamp our ship with generosity. The noble South, so open-hearted! It could kill us with kindness ! But nothing is going to kill or even discourage us. We are the bravest set of persons you ever saw. We know we shall have to work day and night. We know we shall have to answer thousands of letters. We know we must be responsible for the millions of dollars we know you will send. But we are happy to do it. Our time and energy and strength are at the disposal of the children of the United States. Do your part. Organize into clubs and committees. Read these talks I write for you every day in the newspapers. And work! What a joy it was to work for the Christmas Ship! How every one of us loved to do it! Please don't thank us too gratefully, you dear people who received our gifts, for if ever a nation had the time of its life, America did while filling the Christmas Ship! The gratitude ought to be all on our side — not only that we are safe from the grief and loss which make our help a sad neces- sity, but because we literally did find it more blessed to give than to receive. CHAPTER VI What San Francisco Did for the Ship TOURING the whole campaign, whenever a club or society ^-^ wished to be informed as to what was needed, or shown how to organize for work, the city editor asked me to address it and give the desired information. I began to do this early in September, and kept it up until within a week of the sailing of the ship. Chicago is more particularly loyal to its own than any other city in the world that I know anything about. Just let Chicago discover that a Chicago woman is at work on a worthy cause, and, without any discussion, indeed without thinking or saying a word about it, every woman in town simply rises and helps. The woman looks around and finds all her sister women at her side. So it was with the Christmas Ship. The first club to invite me to speak was the Chicago Woman's Association of Com- merce. Its president, Florence King, invited me to address their first luncheon at the Auditorium Hotel. Miss King intro- duced me, and she it was who first put into words in public that I was the originator of the Christmas Ship idea. I told the club women what was needed, and how to work most intelligently. Hearing that I had begun this campaign of public speaking, the Daughters of Indiana, meeting on the same day at the La Salle Hotel, offered to send a taxi for me if I would cut short my luncheon engagement with the Woman's Association of Com- merce and hurry to their entertainment of recitations with musical accompaniment — a most delightful afternoon given by Lillian Woodard Street — and address them on the subject of the Christmas Ship. From that time I traveled all over Chicago and its suburbs, even over into Indiana and once as far down the state as Cham- paign, organizing the work. As I had no expense account, when 57 58 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP my expenses were not offered by the clubs requesting my serv- ices I paid them myself. I did all this extra work gratuitously, of course, being only too happy thus to stimulate endeavor and show the people how to make their work count. In every address I made I always called the attention of my hearers to the splendid initiative of the editor of the Herald in taking up my plan and carrying it out in so energetic a man- ner. A number of times I said that I thought I could not have selected a better man for my purpose, one who would have started in with such a rush, and I always especially mentioned the manner in which he had thrown open the plan to the whole American press. These addresses were helpful in showing the people what was being done and the extent of the work, for thousands did not know that any paper was interested except the Herald, albeit we frequently published a list of cooperating papers. California, being a wonderful state to begin with, a state where boosters are indigenous to the climate, undertook the Christmas Ship with sleeves rolled up and elbows squared away. The San Francisco Chronicle led off with the following editorial, September 28: "A great wave of enthusiastic and practical benevolence is sweeping over the golden state of California. All ages, classes, creeds, and national sympathies are being merged in a magnifi- cent effort to express the eternal truth that loving kindness for little children is the strongest emotion of our common human- ity. That wave was started when the Chronicle published the details of a scheme for sending a shipload of toys, clothing, and other useful Christmas gifts to the infants of all European nations now plunged in the crimson tide of war. ' ' It was the first useful suggestion to all who had been longing to do something more than merely talk about the blessings of peace. Everybody wanted to end the fearful slaughter, but most people realized that wishes and even resolutions were powerless. Yet they felt that they wanted to do something to relieve the misery of Europe. General charity was out of THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 59 the question, not only because the demand would be so colossal but because there was the diplomatic difficulty of possible injury to the pride of the coimtries concerned. Then came the idea of playing Santa Claus to those who have lost their fathers on the firing line. It was at once heralded as a master stroke of originality in benevolence. "No sooner had the Chronicle opened for regular business on Saturday morning than there began to pour into the office a stream, which soon developed into a flood, of packages, many by special messengers and parcel delivery, but most brought in by bright-faced boys and girls who had read or heard the story and who reveled in the thought of being able to add something to the cargo of cheer bound for ports of woe. By post came countless letters of congratulation, while the telephone was kept buzzing by people offering to organize local collecting agencies for the toys and other gifts. "It is impossible to print all the tributes received, but it is indeed gratifying to note the way in which the idea has appealed not only to practical generosity but to the popular imagination. The poetical possibilities have been seized upon, by many, who speak of the gift vessel as 'the world's great ship of peace,' 'an argosy of love,' 'a treasure ship bearing a cargo of comfort to the innocent victims of their elders' hate,' 'a galleon of God,' 'a leviathan of love,' 'a liner freighted with kindness, steered by love, and piloted by the spirit of Christ.' ' ' These are but a few of the gems of poetry found in the letters of many who were simply trying to express an honest appre- ciation of a great idea, and from the spirit they reveal it may well be concluded that the plan for carrying comfort to the poor children of war-torn Europe has brought out the truth that it is blessed to give. "The response is an eloquent justification of our faith in the inherent goodness of human nature, and strengthens our hope that with so much that is noble in man it can only be a matter of a little time when wars shall cease and "'Man to man, the warld o'er. Shall brothers be for a' that.*" 6o THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP This is the first paper I saw which put into words the thought which I expressed to the Herald editor in one of my first inter- views with him, and that was, that America's sympathy was yearning to be expressed, and that the idea of the Christmas Ship would make the sympathy of a nation articulate. The Chronicle gave its front pages to the work, appointed a Christmas Ship editor, and took special articles from Helen Dare. And then, when the work was all done and the ship had sailed, the editor, Mr. De Young, was so appreciative of what the idea had done for his paper that he presented a beautiful silver loving cup to his Christmas Ship editor, Mr. Fowler, who declares that the inscription makes the gift invaluable. This paper worked differently from the Herald. We accepted no gifts at the office, although several thousand pounds were sent there in spite of our requests. But the Chronicle people not only received gifts at their office but took them just as the children brought them in and did all the packing themselves. This gave the paper an incredible amount of work to do, but it added enormously to the human interest. A steady stream of children poured into that newspaper office for ten weeks, and the paper enjoyed it ! The whole staff worked and laughed and sympathized. Soon, however, the space gave out ; so they engaged a near-by warehouse, cleaned it up, decorated it, put some clever women in charge of its receiving department, and then boosted the plan the way California always does things. Of course it sounded funny to us to hear them call it "The Chronicle's Christmas Ship!" But each paper owned it, for the time being, and we soon got used to seeing it called "The Press Christmas Ship " in Pittsburgh papers, "The Republic's Christmas Ship" in St. Louis, "The North American's Christmas Ship" in Philadelphia, and "The World's Christmas Ship" in New York. Indeed, these last two came pretty near to being the whole truth of the matter; for it was the North Americans' Christmas Ship when it sailed, and the World's Christmas Ship when it arrived in Europe! The Chronicle got ahead of itself and tripped over its own THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 6i skirts, however, when it announced that "The Chronicle and the Chicago Herald have chartered a ship, which will convey America's good- will offerings to the countries of Europe." But nobody cared. When you talk fast you often put things you intend to do into the past tense. And this only goes to show California's generosity. If the Herald editor really had been obliged to buy a ship, as he had threatened, you can all see that the Chronicle would have joined him. I have written personal letters, sometimes two or three of them, to each of the papers which conducted regular campaigns for the Christmas Ship, and in most cases editors have sent the files I requested. Wherever I have been unable to gather material from which to vvrrite as much as I wished, I have endeav- ored to supplement the lack by reports from near-by centers or Herald reprints. But whenever the Christmas Ship editor of a paper has responded by sending a complete file, I have made it a point to sit down with that pile of newspapers and two pocket handkerchiefs, and read every line that was printed, thus thoroughly to saturate my soul with the spirit of the campaign. Before I got through, my handkerchiefs were just as saturated as my soul, for — cry? Why, I have nearly wept aloud over some of the things that have been done. Talk about writing novels ! For sheer pathos, the log of the Christmas Ship, as kept day by day in the leading papers of the United States, surpasses anything that any novel writer ever put between the board covers of a book. Charles Dickens, weeping over the death of his own Little Nell, never reached greater heights of pathos than did the San Francisco Chronicle and the Pittsburgh Press and the Des Moines Capital in their plain, every- day columns. I quote one of Helen Dare's articles in the Chronicle: "There's a pair of little bronze shoes among the contributions to the Christmas Ship cargo — baby shoes. "They are strangely appealing, curiously interesting little shoes, of a style that 's not been seen for many a year. Perhaps 62 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP mothers with sons in college and daughters who have 'come out' have little shoes like these put away in some safe place — the bottom of a box of laces or the back of a bureau drawer — from which they take them sometimes and muse over them. Mothers have a way of doing that sort of thing sometimes. "The toes of these little bronze shoes are scuffed a little — such a very little ; and there 's a crease in the heel where the baby that wore them pressed down on them with restless, paddling little pink feet. The soles are unmarked, telling that baby had not yet reached the walking stage — except to walk, with protecting arms upholding, on mother's lap. "In each little bronze shoe is a pair of fine, soft baby stock- ings, also of a vintage of a generation ago. "They were brought in in a small box, daintily wrapped, and offered across our receiving table in Christmas Ship head- quarters by a woman no longer young — quiet, careworn, and with an expression of gentle resignation — the kind of woman you would ask to do you a service or put you right on your way in a city street. "'Toys?' asked the volunteer assistant who received them, largely from force of habit and because the woman who gave the parcel did not name its contents. "'Ye-es,' hesitatingly answered the woman who gave them; and when the little box was opened to put what it contained on the toy shelf, there were the little bronze shoes snuggling close together. "Very tenderly, very gently, were they put in a safe place by the good women who give their service in headquarters — because of the 'something' about this gift that spoke of love and loss and sorrow, and then this tender sacrifice; because of that 'something' about these little bronze shoes that the woman-heart senses instinctively. "And these little bronze shoes, with their unworn soles and scuffed toes, stand for what is without doubt the most beautiful, the finest thing in this whole project of sending the Christmas Ship across the sea to cheer and comfort the children of those desperate, determined warring nations. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 63 "They tell us — mutely, but how certainly! — that the thousands of gifts pouring in for the Christmas Ship are not merely material, philanthropic offerings — not just charity from a carelessly generous people — but tokens the giving of which was actuated by sentiments of the greatest tenderness. They tell us that the feeling behind the gifts is what will make this Christ- mas Ship one of the notable things in the history of mankind — a symbol of the progress of civilization. "Came also to the Christmas Ship headquarters a parcel carefully wrapped, with its list of contents on the outside; left with us by a mother who said: 'I would not part with these things for any other purpose. They are sacred to me because my baby — that I lost — wore them, for a little while. Promise me that they will go together to one baby — to make one war- baby comfortable,' and on this promise, that will be faithfully kept, the layette of pretty, tiny garments was added to the Christmas Ship treasures. "Came a man, grave and a little diffident, who asked if toys that have been used would be accepted, ' because I lost my little girl when she was eight, and she had nine dolls and some other toys that I have kept with me; and I would like to give them to this work you are doing for those poor children whose fathers are at war.' "Came a cash contribution from Livermore, with a little note saying: 'My three little ones have passed away; so please accept this as from them.' "Pinned to a fine little silk-embroidered flannel 'pettie' for a baby was this message: 'The dear fingers that embroidered this skirt have gone to a better land, and I send it with a prayer that it may help to keep some baby warm, and that peace soon may end this terrible war.' "It is with such tender thoughts, such treasured offerings, that the Christmas Ship, carrying a nation's good cheer to children, will be laden." San Francisco did the most sewing for the Christmas Ship of any city. During the four weeks of its whirlwind campaign — 64 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP for the Chronicle did not come in until September 26, and the train bearing the enormous placards on four freight cars, "San Francisco Gifts for the Christmas Ship," left the Golden Gate city on October 2 5 — there was printed in a conspicuous part of the Christmas Ship page a list of places where ladies might go to sew. Some went all day; some half a day. Some gave single days; others were there during the entire week. This enabled those who could not give money to give their time and skill, which were worth more than money. Many smaller towns used the idea of sewing centers, and ladies neglected their own sewing to work daily for the Christmas Ship. When it became known that the Jason must sail several weeks sooner than we had planned, the work went forward with a rush that almost took the breath away. You know, a thing that requires more energy than you have and more ingenuity than you possess and more hurry than you can accomplish, never daunts an American! The more impossible a measure is, the more delightedly we rise to the occasion. Indeed, a certain breathless necessity for us to hurry our heads off, adds just that delicious zest which we, as a nation, seem to need in order properly to enjoy ourselves. Was anything forgotten? No, I think not. For, realizing that war destroys as completely as earthquakes, the San Fran- ciscans put into these last boxes scissors, needles, thread, thimbles, buttons, tape, safety pins, and patterns and, tucked in at the last minute, were bolts of cloth, some untouched and some cut into patterns there was no time to make up. Other mothers would sew those seams our fingers could not quite manage. Oh, the unfinished work of the women of the world! How, even at the last, the tired fingers try to prepare the work left, of necessity undone, that those who must take it up might find it easy! I think the unfinished work in those boxes from San Francisco is typical of all the motherhood-thought of the women of the world. When their life work is over, the last, blessed thought of women is to make the work easy for the one who will finish it. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 65 Many tears fell from my eyes as I read those last descrip- tions in the Chronicle — the pictures they presented seemed so inexpressibly touching. The following is one of the human documents of which the Chronicle was full: "It already has been pointed out that the inclosure of a letter from the American donor of toys or clothes to the European recipient may originate a correspondence backward and forward across the Atlantic of the highest educational force and value. One bright little girl of some nine summers, who poked a nattily dressed doll across the Chronicle counter this morning, stamped her foot imperiously as the somewhat blundering male took her gift from her and said, 'Be careful now, or you'll drop my letter.' "She had indeed attached a note to her present, a note which, perhaps, would be received in some poor hut on the snow-clad steppes of Russia two or three months later. It reads : ' Dear Little Sister over the Sea: I hope you will like my dolly. It is the best I've got. I am writing you a letter which I want you to answer. Tell me about your country and your house, will you? I will write back and tell 3^ou about San Francisco then. I know you would like to hear about it. I am sorry your daddy won't come home any more. You poor little thing, I would like to hug you. If you cannot read this get some one to turn it into your language. If you cannot write English, never mind. Write me in your talk, and I will have some one read it to me in English. Good-by, dear little sister, and I do hope that the awful war will soon be done.' "The spelling was not quite so accurate as that in the above reproduction, but it was very good for a child of nine. The handwriting was not above reproach; some people who have attained more years, though, have a chirography far more illegible. It was a very earnest, whole-souled little note, never- theless, and one full of the real spirit of good will." And not very long afterwards came this touching description of the way children gave: 66 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "The little girls in one of our orphanages heard about the Christmas Ship, along with all the other children in the schools, and grieved that they, having nothing of their own, could send nothing overseas; all except little Marie. "Little Marie confided to her chum that she would send her petticoat. Little Chum tried to dissuade her, with the reminder that she was wearing the petticoat. ' ' ' Never mind, ' said little Marie ; 'I '11 wait until it is laundered, and I '11 give it to the postman to take down to where they are getting the presents for the Christmas Ship.' '"Won't that be stealing?' asked Little Chum. "'No!' said little Marie; 'it is my very own. My mamma made it before she went to heaven; and I'm sure she wouldn't mind — she was so good.'" Children in San Francisco and vicinity literally gave the clothes off their backs for the war orphans. Little boys would come stamping into the Christmas Ship receiving station and ask, "Could you use such a coat as I've got on?" And upon obtaining a delighted affirmative from the volunteer ladies in charge, off would come the thick, warm coat, and with a shrug of sturdy shoulders, to show that the sacrifice meant nothing — wasn't worth mentioning; glad he was to think some boy whose daddy would never come home again would get such a good coat — out would dash the small hero, the embryo Sir Walter Raleigh, shedding his cloak that his brother instead of his queen might pass to comfort because of it. This happened a number of times. Children, both boys and girls, gave their warmest cloaks, and contented themselves with something of scantier comfort. Are n 't these things examples of the Christ-spirit, oh, you kings and queens who think wi th wonder of the riches of America, in that we could spare so much without missing it? Perhaps some things that we sent were missed! The Christmas Ship was not laden by the rich in purse. No! A thousand times, no! It was laden by the poor, or by those who know what it is to lack, while the well-to-do filled in the rest. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 67 Isn't that true, you Americans who gave and who knew? I have studied the files of every newspaper I could lay my hands on, and more and more I have come to the conclusion that the ruling contribution to the Christmas Ship was self- sacrifice, in one form or another, and spurred to increasing en- deavor by the Christly words, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." It is probable that their recent experiences with the earth- quake is responsible not only for the spontaneous generosity of San Franciscans but also for the character of their gifts. In the very first appeal the editor called attention to the number of posthumous children who would be born, and to the con- ditions of misery which would attend their birth, so that layettes were among the most frequent contributions, and literally thou- sands of complete infants' outfits came from the women of San Francisco. Oh, if I could only go among those noble women and men personally, and express in words the gratitude I feel, how glad I would be of the opportunity ! I feel an actual, living affection for them, which they must find in the pages of this book. CHAPTER VII How THE American Newspapers Stirred the Imagination OF THE World NOT a day passed that several newspapers did not ask to be counted in, as if it were a blessed privilege, while the governor of every state telegraphed his approval in words of strongest commendation. I quote a few, which came to the Herald, addressed to the Christmas Ship editor: ' ' I heartily approve your plan to send ship laden with Christ- mas gifts for widows and orphans of soldiers in war-torn Europe. I believe there will be a hearty response to your appeal. Men and women all over the world have largely the same impulses and feelings. Anything that brings feelings of one brotherhood uplifts humanity and hastens the time of universal peace. "Joseph M. Carey, Governor of Wyoming" ' ' I wish most heartily to congratulate you upon your plan to send abroad a Christmas Ship laden with gifts for widows and orphans of soldiers who participated in the European war. I believe your purpose a most commendable one. "Park Trammell, Governor of Florida" "I heartily approve the idea of the Christmas Ship. Let it bear material aid, relief, and comfort to victims of the deplor- able conditions resulting from war, but especially let it bear a message of good will, sympathy, and love from children in pros- perous, peaceful America to those in the shadow and desolation of war. Across the sea let it be the bearer of the kindly spirit of our people through the Christmas gifts of the children of this land to the distracted countries engaged in this deplorable strife. "Frank M. Bryne, Governor of South Dakota" "The proposed action of the Chicago Herald, cooperating with other newspapers, in sending a Christmas Ship laden with 68 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 69 gifts for widows and orphans of soldiers in war-stricken Europe, excites my warmest commendation. When we contemplate the anguish and the distress caused by this deplorable war, to say nothing of the tremendous toll of life and vast destruction of property, we are staggered at its enormity. The Christmas Ship will bring happiness into many hearts heavily burdened, and its suggestion comes like a divine inspiration. "James M. Haines, Governor of Idaho" "The plan you are promoting is a commendable one and will meet with the hearty approval of all persons interested in promoting the cause of peace and extending charity to our suffering neighbors. Examples of this character will impress upon all thinking people the brotherhood of man and the folly and devastation of war, and, in the end, will prove a factor in bringing about peace. "Lee Cruce, Governor of Oklahoma" "The chief benefit to be derived from the Christmas Ship seems to me to be the benefit that will come to the giver. If the Christmas Ship can carry gifts to all the stricken nations, then I am most heartily in favor of it. I wish to God that the United States could in some even larger way contribute to the lives of the mothers and children of stricken Europe. "WooDBRiDGE N. Ferris, Govemor of Michigan" ' ' I heartily indorse your proposition to send abroad a Christ- mas Ship laden with gifts for widows and orphans of soldiers of war-torn Europe. This European war, however, is playing havoc with the cotton farmers. Many of them now are living on bread and milk while gathering cotton which will be sold at less than cost of production, unless Congress will come to their assistance by depositing currency with the banks in the South and loaning it at a very low rate of interest to tide farmers over the present situation. "O. B. Colquitt, Governor of Texas" "I heartily approve the plan of sending Christmas gifts to the children of European countries, whose Christmas cannot 70 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP but be a sad one as a result of the bitter conflict in which these countries are now engaged. "Ernest Lister, Governor of Washington" ' "God be with you in your efforts to send a Christmas Ship laden with gifts to the widows and orphans of war-torn Europe. I am sure the people of our own peaceful land will respond nobly to your appeals. "James M. Cox, Governor of Ohio" "Your efforts to raise a fund to send abroad a Christmas Ship meet with my most hearty approval. Trust this movement will be fruitful with results. "Emmet O'Neal, Governor of Alabama" Other influential men and women from every corner of the country wrote or wired their approval to the Christmas Ship editor, praising the idea as one embodying countless blessings. Religious and fraternal papers, farm journals — every order, society, or body having a literary organ at its disposal, came into the work and carried news of the Christmas Ship. Then came the largest body which worked for us officially, — the International Sunday School Association indorsed the Christmas Ship plan at a board meeting. As soon as Mr. Marion Lawrence learned that the Christmas Ship idea originated with me, he made an appointment over the telephone and invited me to come to his office to hear from him personally what had been done. The International Simday School Association represents about eighteen million pupils and about two hundred thousand Simday schools. Their headquarters are in Chicago, but in every state, territory, and province there are state officers; in cities and towns, local officers. "The matter of the Christmas Ship will be presented in de- tail to the trustees, because I believe that any action they take will be the most effective and forceful indorsement that can come from the International Simday School Association," said Mr. Lawrence. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 71 "The beautiful Christmas Ship plan offers a wonderful oppor- tunity to forward the happiness of the children, and has my heartiest indorsement. Much is to be accomplished through the Sunday schools in America when a cause is worthy, and I am sure that the long list of Sunday schools will be augmented by thousands of others. "The action which trustees take on the plans which I shall present will be reported to all of the schools in the international association, which is the central organization of the Protestant Simday school forces of North America. "While its field is the North American continent, it has extended its activity in missionary and educational ways, and has contributed money to South America and the Orient. It is the chief supporter of the World's Sunday School Association. "It is an interdenominational Sunday school organization with intense spirit and purpose. This general or organized work, therefore, is related to all other Sunday school agencies and the influence is apparent. ' ' The board to which I will present the merits of the Christmas Ship plan is composed of twenty-one men who reside in the different sections of the United States and Canada, and their individual indorsement, together with their official action, will do much to spread the doctrine of the Christmas Ship." The organization's board of trustees held a meeting in Chicago a few days later. The subject of the Christmas Ship was brought before them by Mr. Lawrence. It was discussed in detail by the trustees, and as the result the following resolution was adopted: ^'Resolved, That we heartily approve of the plan of the Christ- mas Ship, inaugurated by the Chicago Herald for the purpose of carrying Christmas gifts to the suffering children and women of the warring nations in Europe, and heartily recommend the Sunday schools of North America to cooperate." There are sixty-three secretaries in charge of the work of the association in practically every state of the United States and every province of Canada. Mr. Lawrence mailed to each ^2 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP secretary a copy of the resolution, together with the following letter : "The plan of sending gifts for Christmas to the people in Europe whose Christmas will, in thousands of cases, be all too sad, is not only commendable but worthy in every way. "We trust the Sunday school people of North America will heartily cooperate in this endeavor to bring a little of the Christ- mas spirit and joy into the lives of hundreds of thousands of children whose fathers and brothers have either been killed or wounded in battle or are now in the battle line. "We understand the plan now is to send a shipload of gifts. Here is a fine opportunity to create a beautiful spirit in your Simday schools and give the pupils the joy of learning the blessed- ness of making other people happy. "Marion Lawrence" It is impossible even to think of the millions who received this indorsement and were thus encouraged to work for the Christmas Ship by the advice of the men they had honored by election to their most important offices. No greater impetus could have been received by the Sunday schools of the United States than this grand indorsement by a man of the unblemished character and lofty ideals of Marion Lawrence, and the way the Sunday schools flew to arms and massed around the peaceful colors thus hoisted by their beloved chief was ample testimony both of their regard for him person- ally and their respect for his suggestion. Sunday schools of every denomination rallied to this sten- torian call. Bible classes of grown men and women packed boxes into which went the marbles and penny whistles of the infant classes, while the mothers of "the littlest ones" saw to it that quantities of warm clothing supplemented the babies' offerings, which all went to the Christmas Ship "in His name." Indeed, the use of the verse of Scripture that in my first interview with the Herald editor I said should be the motto of the Christmas Ship and the text from which I should write all my appeals, seems to have touched the entire Christian world. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 73 It was used, stretched across the top of the whole front page, in pubHshing my first appeal to the children of America to play- Santa Claus. How it touched the young men of Racine, Wisconsin, is told in a letter from the general secretary of the Y.M.C.A.,L. C. Bradshaw: "The idea is a splendid one. I have had few things move me as the first article and picture which the Herald published concerning this worthy enterprise. "The thing that appealed to me most was the fact that it is being done in the spirit of Christ. The Y.M.C.A. officers in Wisconsin stand ready to do anything in their power to help this movement along. "I want to commend the paper especially for the verse of Scripture which was displayed in such large type: 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.' That is appropriate in this instance." Soon after this, we were delighted to hear that the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, a million strong, came in as a body and by so doing enabled the Christmas Ship project to overlap the boundaries of the United States. The Herald announced the fact in these words : "As outlined yesterday by national and state officials, the organization's part in the Christmas Ship work was a stupendous one. The initial step in the campaign was the setting in motion of four large organizations, as follows: "i. The National Woman's Christian Temperance Union, which comprises 350,000 adult workers. "2. The Young People's unions, the membership of which aggregates 250,000 young women of ages ranging between fifteen and twenty-five years. "3. The Loyal Temperance Legion, which includes more than 200,000 children under fifteen years of age. "4. The World Loyal Temperance Legion, whose membership exceeds 3,000,000 children residing in forty-six neutral nations. 6 74 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP * ' The spirit in which this great body of workers has taken up the idea is exemplified in the following words of Miss Anna A. Gordon : " 'The Christmas Ship is the happiest of ideas. " 'It is not only bringing joy to the little people over the sea but its spirit of love and the lesson of self-sacrifice it is teaching will leave a deep impression on the life of each child giver. God grant that its message may touch the hearts of the nations at war. As the vessel sails into port may the gentle, Christianizing, civilizing Angel of Peace accompany it! The National Woman's Christian Temperance Union bids it God- speed upon its errand of Christlike love.' "Miss Epha Marshall, state corresponding secretary of the Illinois union, already has set to work. Not only will we take up the work corporately but we will also carry the message of work back to every city in the state,' Miss Marshall said. ' We will arouse the interest and enthusiasm of our respective communities, urging organizations, churches, pastors, and business associations to give the Christmas Ship the attention and service it so fully deserves.' The real power of such an organization working throughout the state is obvious when it is realized that the Illinois Union comprises 560 chapters, or unions, with an aggregate membership in excess of 14,000. "The national and international campaigns will be directed from the general offices of the union in Evanston. "Details of the appeal will be sent at once to every state president of the divisional organizations, with the recommenda- tion that they take it immediately to the officials of the county and city unions. "Locally the Christmas Ship work of the organization will be taken up in the convention of the county union, which convenes this morning in the convention hall of the W.C.T.U. Temple for two days' session." ■ No work that I have ever engaged in so filled my heart and mind with joy as did my work for the Christmas Ship . THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 75 It was no trouble to write for it. Sometimes other work for the ship would so fill my time that it would be three or four o'clock in the morning before I could get time to write the article for the next day's paper. Yet I never seemed to be tired. No matter how my steps might lag, my mind went right on. Sometimes I believe I went to sleep walking on the street! Or at least, when officers tell me they slept on horseback during strenuous days in the war, I now understand better than ever before how such a thing might happen. The people tried to show their appreciation by writing to me, by making their cheques payable to me personally, and at the last even by addressing their packing cases to me ! The first of the moving pictures to flash on the screen when scenes at the warehouse receiving station were exhibited showed the largest case addressed to me! They also made me, in some instances, their conscience, and asked me how much they should give — how much I wanted and what I most needed for the ship ! Mr. David Dickson Spear, of the Regal Hat Company, tele- phoned me, asking how many fur caps he should contribute. And when I hesitated to say, he went on: "A hundred? Will a hundred do?" I hastened to stammer my thanks, for when I am excited I talk so fast I trip over my words. But before I could make him understand, he said : ' ' Well, I '11 send you one hundred and fifty ! ' ' That is just the way everything went ! In every case, I turned cheques and money over to the city editor. Even when I had been asked by personal friends to purchase certain things with the inclosed, I did not do it. I turned in the cheque with the letter attached. All that I cared for was to be allowed to work for the ship. It was inspiration to help teach the children of my Santa Claus class, and to receive their bright little letters. It was a privilege to see the children of America wake up to the marvelous opportunities which were spread before them. Never would such come again! 76 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Children from all over the United States wrote me how happy the work made them. One little tot from Iowa wrote and said : "My dear Miss Bell: "To work for the Christmas Ship makes me happier than anything I ever did before. I wonder why that is? Is it because I am doing something for some little Belgian child whose daddy will never come home any more? "Please answer me in the paper. I read your articles every day and teacher reads them aloud in school. She tells me to bring them and I do. I never forget." So then I answered her "in the paper" with the following: There is a reason for the joy all my children of the Santa Claus Class are getting out of their work for the Christmas Ship. The orphans made by this war never did anything for us, did they? We know that they will not send a shipload of gifts back to us, don't we? Well, then, that is the answer. Why is it such a pleasure to work for these little people? Why do we already love them, although we have never seen them and possibly never shall? It is because this is a work of pure, unselfish love. We don't know them, so it cannot be personality which moves us. We cannot expect anything in return, so it is not love of self which prompts us. We are doing it because of the spirit of love which pervades our hearts. Love and Sympathy make a good train of cars when the locomotive which pulls them is Quick Action. If left to them- selves Love and Sympathy would be like empty sleeping cars standing idle on the tracks. In order to be useful they must be wide-awake day coaches, not the worldly Pullmans choosing only the rich in purse, but the busy, stuffy, red-plush day coaches, which carry whole families of children and which always smell of bananas ! And they must be drawn by steaming, panting, loud- breathing old Mr. Quick Action, the black and shining locomotive who backs carefully down the track, bumping into the cars, THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP ^^ Love, Sympathy, and I-Wish-I-Could-Help, saying, as he couples himself to their inactivity and pulls them along : "You can help, you old sleepers, if you will only wake up and hustle!" Did you know that a locomotive cannot say a more insulting thing to a day coach than to call it a sleeper? The day coach always gets so mad it goes as fast as it can, to show people how very wide-awake it is. Are you sleepers or day coaches, you small Santa Clauses? I '11 tell you what let 's do. If the reason we are as happy in this work for the peace ship as your letters say you are — if the reason for this joy is because of the unselfishness of our work — that is to say, we are giving where we cannot possibly expect a return — suppose we do this: Let's form an endless chain of kindly deeds! Every day, let's do one kind act for somebody who can't possibly return it. I mean, can't return it to the one who does it. For example, if some boy of my Santa Claus Class should help a bewildered old lady across a crowded street, in all probability the old lady would not turn around and take that boy to a picture show ! And if some little girl should make a dog stop tormenting a frightened cat, the cat wouldn't immediately offer to buy the little girl an ice cream soda! Do you see what I mean? You would be pouring out kindness where no eye would see it and no ear hear of it. Yet what would happen? The one you helped would pass the kindly thought along. Perhaps even the cat would say to the next robin she was trying to catch, "I won't eat you, Mrs. Robin, because a little girl saved my life to-day from a horrid dog. Go home to your babies, Mrs. Robin ! I '11 see what is in the Smith's garbage can I I know how to knock the lid off with my nose ! ' ' Now, giving up some of your most precious toys to sad little children you never saw is the first act of our endless chain of kindly deeds. When finished it will reach around the world and bind all humanity in bonds of brotherhood. CHAPTER VIII The Wonderful Work of Warden Allen's Men ONE of the most touching incidents of the whole Christmas Ship campaign was the interest manifested by the inmates of the State Penitentiary at JoHet. Ever since the message ' ' The kiddies of Europe will hear from Warden Allen's men!" messages had reached us continually of their plans. Making everything themselves, from the posters to the cos- timies and scenery, they prepared a minstrel show, in addition to working nights on toys, shoes, and clothing to send to the ship. But the climax was reached when this bit of true poetry was sent in, written by one of those unfortunate inmates, who, although paying to the state the penalty of a crime against her statutes, yet has so sweet a soul and so tender a sympathy for the unhappy plight of women and children overseas that he could voice these exquisite thoughts: THE LITTLE TOY SHOPS By Hugh Manyte (A prisoner in Joliet) Oh, I hear the hum of labor down the gloomy cellhouse aisle; I can hear the hammer rapping, and the sing of saw and file. And the long, long row of workshops, sending forth their shafts of light, Seem pervaded with a spirit that is strangely new to-night. I incline my ear to Hsten — fancy bears me oversea, To the withered lands of tumult, rent by war's catastrophe. Where the dying fill the trenches; where the living sternly wait; Where the sacred Red Cross emblem streams its folds, inviolate. See I, too, the dull-eyed mothers scan the East and scan the West, Home returning, but to find there — Grief, the uninvited guest. In the silent marts and spaces I can see the children throng. But the ring has left their laughter, and their eyes have lost their song. 78 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 79 Stately ship of Christmas greetings! When your precious freight is stored, From the Golden Gate to Gotham will resoimd your "All aboard!" For the world will bend to listen when your deep-limged whistle blows; When, as massive hawsers loosen, proudly seaward swings your nose. So those noises come a- tumbling down the dim-lit cellhouse aisle; I can hear the mallet falUng and the rasp of saw and file. And the endless row of workshops, casting forth their beams of light, Seem pervaded with a spirit that is strangely new to-night ! Nearly three hundred years ago, Richard Lovelace wrote: "Stone walls do not a prison make. Nor iron bars, a cage." And early in the twentieth century that has been proved true by the free thoughts of these caged men, which leaped all barriers and alighted, free and equal in the sight of God, with innocent little school children, all laboring alike for the little orphans across the sea, united in the bonds of universal brotherhood by the immortal words of the Master, who said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me!" And so I do not think of these "honor men" as criminals, or even as prisoners. I think of them as men who have never fallen from their high estate — men who stand upright in the sight of their Maker and of all who strive to be like Him — perfect in the sight of God and man. Was ever action any nobler than their message to the Christ- mas Ship editor of the Chicago Herald? "The honor men at the Joliet prison will do their share toward loading down your ship. While we have no money to spend for supplies we can manufacture toys and novelties during our spare time. "The kiddies of Europe will hear from Warden Allen's men through the opportunity you have made. "Yours very truly, "Committee of the Prisoners" 8o THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP There it is — a shaft of sunlight that will fill war-shadowed hearts with comfort and cheer at the Christmas time, when only- gray skies were expected. It is this group of men — "honor men" in the great, gray, grim institution — that had asked to put its gifts of love on the decks of the Christmas Ship — that suffering little children, shivering under the bullet-raining clouds of Europe's war, may- find comfort in the sunshine of love and friendship sent across the sea. "The kiddies of Europe will hear from Warden Allen's men." The message that will go to the kiddies of Europe will be in the form of toys and novelties shaped in otherwise dreary hours by patient fingers, that will work clumsily, painfully, but happily, because they will be in the service of humankind. With the good that is in them they have bought from Warden Allen the right to go out again into the sunshine, unguarded, to work for the good of all mankind on state roads. With the sympathy they are putting into concrete shape in giving up their "playtime" to the tedious task of preparing toys for the kiddies of Europe they will buy a renewed right to unquestioned brother- hood with all mankind. Not all their gifts will be toys. Many have little kiddies of their own at home, and all remember their own childhood. Many can knit as well as their mothers did, and will make mittens, Warden Allen says. Warm caps will be made in the shops from odds and ends. Wonderful wooden boats will be carved; work benches will be built ; dancing dollies that do the most remarkable tricks when the strings are pulled will take from round eyes the fright and terror of war. "They've offered to use their own time to make the little presents for the Christmas Ship," said Mr. Allen. "I'm going to give them a little extra time for it. They're as happy over it as the children will be to get the toys. They act like children themselves. It 's an inspiring sight to see these big men, whom many regard only as criminals, working painfully over a little toy to gladden a strange child's heart. It is educating." On October 20 the Herald contained this account of the THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS vSHIP 8i minstrel show given the night before by the prisoners at Joliet for the benefit of the "war kiddies of Europe" : "In the great chapel hall of the Illinois State Prison to-night fifty honor men sang, played jokes, and acted in a minstrel show. The proceeds will go toward loading the Christmas Ship. The show was only a small part of the activities of Warden Allen's men and women. Toys have been made, clothing knitted, and notes of cheer written to accompany the gifts for the war children of Europe. " Long lines of automobiles drew up to the curb by the side of the gray stone prison building, and street cars were packed with those on their way to the minstrel show. ' ' The program opened with a chorus by the entire company. Popular songs drew round after round of applause. The honor band of thirty-two pieces kept feet tapping. For ten days it has been rehearsing for what men at the prison have termed the 'big night.' The program was concluded with a farce entitled 'A Busy Day in a Booking Office.' * ' Money taken in at the performance will go to the state to pay for material used in making gifts for the Christmas Ship. Not a penny has been donated; all has been earned by the men and women of the prison. "Before the program began the audience was permitted to enter the big room where the toys, clothing, and other gifts are being kept preparatory to shipment. * ' Nearly a carload of gifts is piled up in the room. Long tables are piled high with shoes, stockings, mittens, and little dresses, while wooden chairs painted in bright red, chairs of cane, dolls, and playthings of all kinds line the walls and are grouped in the center of the room. On the wall is painted a sign. It reads : * The Kiddies of Europe Will Hear from Warden Allen's Men. I.S.P. Honor Men's Exhibition of Presents for the Chicago Herald's Christmas Ship. For the Children of War-stricken Europe.' "Exclamations of wonder were heard on all sides at the work done by the inmates for the Christmas Ship. * * Warden Allen conducted visitors through the hall, proud of 82 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP the way his charges have answered the call of the needy. ' The boys and women have done well,' he said. 'If we had had just a little more time we could have loaded a car to the roof. Every one was mighty glad to help the Christmas Ship.' " Not long after this, an aged convict was so ill the warden went to see him. On one of these visits the old man said: "Warden, I want you to take a dollar out of my money and send it to the Christmas Ship!" The warden promised, but upon looking up the pathetic little account it was found that the would-be donor had only a single dollar left. When Warden Allen told him of this, thinking that would settle it, what was his surprise to hear the old man say, "Only a dollar left? Well, send it anyway!" Thus the last dollar that one old man had — all the money he had in the world — he gave to the Christmas Ship, that some pale little face he never would see might brighten with the smile he had sent from behind the frowning walls of a state's prison. That man's body may be in prison, but his soul is free. CHAPTER IX What the Newspapers Accomplished in One Month ON October 6, just one month from the day the editor of the Herald pubhshed my appeal to the children of America, we took account of stock, so to speak. I asked for statistics, and this is what was summed up: It is only a month since the idea of a Christmas Ship burst, full fledged, upon an eager, waiting world, where authors, actors, clergymen, teachers, philanthropists, men, women, and children all hastened to take up the plan and indorse it by distinguished names or those unknown to fame, but known equally to Him who seeth in secret and rewardeth openly. Opie Read, one of Chicago's most distinguished authors, declared the idea of the Christmas Ship to be the greatest ever evolved in the mind of man. Then he added: "It's the idea of the children that makes it big!" Only a month has this big idea been simmering in the minds of other men and women, yet in that short time the nation has been turned into a vast Christmas Ship workshop, the products of which will be happiness, love, and a human service which knows no bounds of nation, race, religion, or creed. Here are some of the accomplishments of that one month — things which already have transformed the Christmas Ship from a dream to a living, working reality: Twenty-five thousand Methodist Sunday schools, presenting an actual working force of thirty thousand clergymen and four million, five hundred thousand children, already are hard at work. A quarter million children in the vocational schools of Chi- cago have received the permission of the Board of Education to devote their time in the sewing rooms and workrooms of the schools to the making of gifts for the Christmas Ship. Seven 83 84 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP thousand, eight hundred and ninety teachers and instructors are cooperating with these children in working out the problems incident to the plan. The International Sunday School Association, with a mem- bership of eighteen million children, has promised vigorous support and cooperation through their secretary, the Reverend Marion Lawrence. One hundred and thirty thousand members of the Sunday schools and Keystone Endeavor societies of the United Evangel- ical Church are assisting on recommendation of seven hundred delegates to the general convention of the church recently held in Chicago. The National Woman's Christian Temperance Union and its subsidiary organization, the Loyal Temperance Legion, the combined membership of which aggregates more than four million workers, have set to work. The Loyal Order of Moose, with a national membership of six hundred thousand, has set aside November lo as "self-denial day," the proceeds of which are to go to the ship. The Elks of Chicago are helping. Raymond Benjamin, the grand exalted ruler of the B.P.O. Elks, has given the move- ment his indorsement. The Illinois Commercial Travelers are devoting all their energies to the success of the Christmas Ship' work. Hundreds of other organizations are cooperating corporately and individually. The President of the United States, members of his cabinet, foreign ambassadors, twenty-one governors, prominent educa- tors, clergymen, and social workers have given the project their heartiest indorsement. The list of newspapers cooperating with the Herald in spread- ing the gospel of the Christmas Ship has reached a total of one hundred. The last name added to the list is that of the Winnipeg Free Press, a newspaper which has promised the cooperation of Can- ada in the work of carrying happiness to the child war victims of Europe. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 85 This is the revised Hst : Atlanta Constitution Aurora Beacon News Baltimore (Md.) News Battle Creek (Mich.) Journal Beloit (Wis.) Free Press Ben Hur Chariot (Crawfordsville, Ind.) Birmingham (Ala.) News Cairo (111.) Bulletin Cedar Falls (Iowa) Gazette Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Evening Gazette Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Republican Cleveland (Ohio) Plain Dealer Clifton (111.) Advocate Columbia (Mo.) Inter-High-School Journal Corona (N. Y.) Queen's Chronicle Creston (Iowa) American Daily Huronite (Huron, S.D.) Dallas (Texas) Morning News Dayton (Ohio) Evening Herald Decatiu" (111.) Herald Decorah (Iowa) Republican Des Moines Capital Detroit Times Dixon (111.) Telegraph Dubuque (Iowa) Times- Journal Eau Claire (Wis.) Leader Epworth (Iowa) Sentinel Fairmont (Minn.) Sentinel Fond du Lac Daily Common- wealth Fort Worth (Texas) Evening Star-Telegram Franklin Grove (111.) Reporter Gibson (111.) Courier Grand Haven (Mich.) Tribune Hamilton (Ohio) Republican News Hannibal (Mo.) Joiunal Harvey (111.) Herald Harvey (111.) Tribune-Citizen Holland (Mich.) Sentinel Houston (Texas) Chronicle Howard City (Mich.) Record Huron (S.D.) Morning Herald II Movimento (Chicago) Kansas City Star (Times) La Crosse (Wis.) Tribune Lansing (Mich.) State Journal Lexington (Ky.) Leader Los Angeles Herald Louisville Courier- Journal Lumber World Review Macon (Mo.) Chronicle Mankato (Minn.) Daily Gazette Memphis Commercial Appeal Minneapolis Tribune Moline (111.) Dispatch Murphysboro (111.) Independent Neenah (Wis.) Friend and Guide New Orleans Item New York World Okmiilgee (Okla.) Progress Omaha Bee Osage (Iowa) News Ottumwa (Iowa) Courier Owosso (Mich.) Press-American Peoria (111.) Journal Philadelphia North American Pipestone County (Minn.) Star Pittsburgh Press Portland (Ore.) Journal Putnam Coimty (Ohio) Sentinel Racine (Wis.) Journal-News Rockford (111.) Register-Gazette Rock Island (111.) Argus St. Louis Republic San Antonio Light San Francisco Chronicle Sheboygan (Wis.) Press Sioux Falls (S.D.) Press Syracuse Herald Tacoma (Wash.) Ledger Teacher's Magazine (Chicago) The Conquest (Chicago) 86 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Tiffin (Ohio) Daily Tribune Waukegan (111.) Gazette Toledo Blade Waupaca (Wis.) Record-Leader Toledo Times Webster City (Iowa) Joiunal Trenton (Mo.) Republican-Tribune Winnipeg Free Press Vinton (Iowa) Eagle Wooster (Ohio) Daily News Washington Star World's Chronicle (Chicago) In addition to these, Mr. A. P. Goodman wrote in a personal letter that one hundred and sixty-eight papers in Texas alone were *' boosting" the Christmas Ship plan, while another story was that editorials were carried by six hundred other papers, making in all about a thousand newspapers in the United States carrying regular or periodical news of the Christmas Ship campaign. Lord Northcliffe asked for the weekly news of the Christmas Ship movement to be cabled to him at his expense. So, just as I saw him in that first wonderful hour when the Vision Splendid dawned upon my mental vision, he really did come into the plan — as I knew he would. I continued to teach my Santa Claus Class necessary lessons, and in every mail I received letters from teachers and mothers, urg- ing me to continue to "play teacher. " Here is one of my lessons : Is n't it fun to play Santa Claus? Did you ever do it before? Well, of course, you have all played Santa Claus in a small way and it was nice when you gave a tree and a jolly basket containing a whole Christmas dinner to the poor woman with six children. But what do you say to playing Santa Claus to all the poor children of Europe who have been or will be left orphans by this cruel war? People tell us that there will be a million of these little people who will have lost their daddies by Christmas! Just think! Christmas is the happiest day of the year to our nation. Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and birthdays are not in it for a minute compared to Christmas, are they? Now just stop a moment and think what a wretched day it will be for those children whose homes have been burned and whose daddies have been killed. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 87 With mother dressed in mourning, with the crops destroyed, the home gone, and possibly the baby sick, what chance have they to be happy? Can you do much of anything without money? Can you be happy without money, when any of the family are ill or dying or dead? Then, what is to be done for these people? Can't we send them a ship of joy? Can't we fill it with food put up in tins so that it will keep? Of course we can! And that is just what we are going to do. You happy, well-fed children of the Stars and Stripes, you cannot picture the want and woe that follow an army of in- vaders. The soldiers take everything! Think of that! And think of a daddy being sent away from his little farm and made to fight, whether he wants to or not. If his king or his kaiser or his czar says he must go, he goes ! He can't say, "Please, Mr. Kaiser, I can't leave my wife and babies!" He just has to pick up and march. But doubtless he says to himself: "Never mind, my good wife knows how to milk the cow, and the children are old enough to gather firewood, and, if worse comes to worst, they can eat the chickens and lambs." So he goes away, hoping for the best. He has worked hard and been very thrifty, building a little home and paying for his land, but he worked joyfully because of his pretty little wife and the bright, sturdy boys and girls who would soon grow up to be a help and a credit to him. It was hard, of course, to leave the baby, who was just beginning to walk, but hardest to leave the little wife, who was looking forward to another baby who would perhaps be with them before Christmas. Never mind! The war, he thinks, will be over long before Christmas, and he will be at home again, helping to trim their tree. Already he knows which little tree in the forest hard by will be the one. He has noticed it often, and this year it will be just the right size. So he kisses the children many times, and pats his wife's 88 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP pale cheek, which once was so rosy, and the children call him back to kiss him — one on the end of his nose, and one on the back of his neck — places especially reserved and some- times quarreled about if one child encroached on the other's preserves ! Then he runs after his comrades, and this time he does not come back. For a time everything goes well with the little family. They miss daddy, but they talk happily of when he will come home. Then one day they hear the sound of heavy firing. The sky grows black with smoke. The chickens go to roost, and the dog hides in the blackest part of the cellar, and howls dismally. The earth trembles, and the mother gathers the frightened children in her room to comfort them, while her own heart beats fast with dread. The next day she dresses herself early and walks weary miles into town. There she stands before a great building where, as fast as news pours in from the field, bulletins are posted. She hears that "our troops" have been attacked. She hears that her husband's regiment was in the battle whose big guns she heard. Then she learns that his company was engaged — her husband, then, must have been fighting. Can it be that he is wounded? Feverishly she watches the white paper bulletins with their heavy black marks. Wildly she questions every official she sees. With tenderness the men put her off. They are glad they cannot give her the answer that will take away her last hope. Suddenly there is a great hush. Another bulletin is going up — this time with names on it. She fights her way closer, and reads. Then a shriek rends the air, and other women make way for her. Tears are pouring down all faces, for others have read loved names also. She staggers blindly away. Her man is dead! She has read his name plainly. But yesterday she was a wife. To-day she is widowed and alone. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 89 How she gets home she never knows. The children weep wildly at the sight of her pale face and staring eyes. There is no supper, and they creep hungrily to bed. No one thinks to milk the cow or feed the chickens. Life seems to have stopped for all. But strange sounds disturb the night — galloping horses, hoarse commands, the sound of tramping feet. There are outcries from the farmyard, strange laughter, the clank of swords, the jingle of spurs. She does not stir. She does not care. But in the morning she knows what has happened. The invading army has passed by and driven off and stolen all her stock. Nothing remains! Stunned by this fresh calamity, she cooks a frugal meal for the children, but in the midst of it the house is surrounded, she and her children are driven out, and before her very eyes her pretty home is burned. In a week she, who once had a husband, a home, and a future, is following after the army, frantically searching for scraps of black bread or potato peelings with which to feed her starving children. Oh, children of the Stars and Stripes, can we not deny our- selves and send many thousands of big Christmas boxes, filled with food and clothing, to such as these? And after such an appeal the generosity of the children would overflow. Such self-denial as was shown! Indeed, the coming in of "The Happy Tribe of Go-Hawks," deserves a chapter by itself. CHAPTER X The Marvelous Tribe of Go-Hawks IT IS almost impossible to give dates — of how long this or that paper conducted its campaign — but I am. not sure that time counted very much. We all knew we had to hurry, and we worked as only people can work when their whole hearts are engaged. In Des Moines, Iowa, there is a lovely young woman named Miss Emelie Stapp. She is the literary editor of the famous Des Moines Capital, a paper noted for its breadth of view, its strong principles, and its philanthropies. It was Miss Stapp who originated the idea of organizing the children of Des Moines into a society called "The Happy Tribe," whose pledge was to do one kind deed a day for the honor of the tribe. The chief exalted ruler is James Whitcomb Riley, my beloved friend, with whom I was privileged to give some author's readings several years ago, and whose genius I have always revered. After appearing on the platform with him, I have declared that the stage lost an actor as fine as Joseph Jefferson when Fate made James Whitcomb Riley a poet and mixed a chronic stage fright into his birth potion. The Happy Tribers' other name is "Go-Hawk." I do not know who first called them the Go-Hawks; it may have been Miss Stapp, but it sounds like Mr. Riley to me. At any rate the Go-Hawks, being broken to the harness of Santa Glaus work, were among the first to come in. The Capital editor started the ball rolling by the following beautiful little sermon, preached from one of the most pathetic sayings of the Master. The unusual character of the Capital may be seen by the "Thought for To-day," which appears at the head of the editorial column : 90 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 91 "God nothing does, nor suffers to be done, But thou wouldst do the same Couldst thou but see The end as well as He." " 'Other sheep have I which are not of this fold.' "How small and insignificent a place seems Palestine as we study it upon the map of the world! But there was One who walked to and fro among those Judean hills and valleys whose vision could penetrate to realms undreamed of by those about Him. He was living not for His own day, but for all the days which were to come upon the currents of passing time. He was planning not for His own people, but for all the generations which should multiply upon the earth. "This mission of the Master was one of mercy, love, help- fulness. Confined to a particular sect or class, it could not survive. It was designed for 'all the world.' And so when He was admonishing and teaching His followers the nature- transforming power of divine truth. He did not forget to remind them: 'Other sheep have I which are not of this fold.' "It is the conviction of those who have taken hold of this affair (the lading of the Christmas Ship) that a great opportunity is presented to the people of America to give the world a powerfiil demonstration of what sacrificial love can really accomplish when once permitted to respond to the finer impulses which pulsate in our common humanity. "Think of what it is going to mean to the hundreds of thou- sands of European homes! Fathers and brothers upon a field of battle — probably never to return. Mothers at home, making the mighty struggle to maintain the fireside as a place of refuge for little boys and girls who can hardly realize the tragedy which is taking place, but who will be saddened if Santa Claus fails to come. "Europe's dire extremity is America's golden opportunity." Next the great-hearted governor of Iowa wrote a message to the Capital, praising the thought which inspired the Christmas Ship. Following is Governor Clark's message of encouragement : 92 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "There will be great lonesomeness next Christmas in very many of the homes of the nations now at war in Europe. There will be much sadness and grief on account of the loss of one or more who for years heretofore have enjoyed the good cheer at Christmas about the home fireside. There will be many a vacant chair at the Christmas table. The children will hardly under- stand it all, and will not appreciate the greatness of their loss; but good cheer and quite a measure of happiness can be brought to them. The mere fact of remembrance, and that there is a great human sympathy in the world, will lighten the hearts of all about these firesides. "It is a fine thought, indeed, that has inspired this great coimtry to remember on Christmas the homes of those far-away lands and to bring to them, so far as it is possible to do so, the good cheer of Christmas. Surely the whole country ought to indorse and encourage the proposition to send a shipload of Christmas gifts to these lands." The Go-Hawks are divided into small tribes, each of which has its chief. This made the work easier for Miss Stapp than I had it in organizing all the children, for she had her batch of six thousand already trained in similar work. The following conversation will explain, better than I can, the attitude of the young Go-Hawk mind: "Jake, the Happy Tribe boy who has worked all summer to help 'support' the two sick babies adopted by the Tribe, is just a little troubled these days. He loves the idea of the Santa Claus Ship, and he left another nickel all rolled up in paper on the Happy Tribe editor's desk to add to the Christmas Ship fund. In the same paper was another nickel marked ' for Mabel and Wesley,' the Tribe babies. " 'We must keep a-doin' a little sumthin' to help take care of our own babies too, must n't we? ' he asked. ' ' The Happy Tribe editor hastened to tell him that never for a minute would the Tribe neglect its duty at home, and after we fill the Happy Tribe corner of the Santa Claus Ship we shall look after the babies at home. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 93 "Jake was satisfied. 'I'm goin' to do everything I can for the Santa Claus Ship. I wish I could be on the other side and see the children when the presents come.' " Think of this precious little nickel, wrapped in paper and laid on the altar of self-sacrifice, which is only another name for many an editorial desk all over the United States during the Christmas Ship campaign ! This nickel represented as much to Jake as a million dollars would have meant to Rockefeller or Carnegie. It meant more, for it meant actual work of the hands and brain, quick action, self- denial, and a generosity which must be sacred in the sight of Him who laid His hands on little children and blessed them. I never heard of a more beautiful idea than the Go-Hawks. If ever I get my other big plan in action, the Happy Tribe editor will be the first one I shall address. Here are some extracts from the Des Moines Capital: "Your gift, with thousands and thousands of others, will be sent on the Santa Claus Ship over which will fly the dear Stars and Stripes and a white flag bearing a single golden star of Hope. "All the Happ}^ Tribe chiefs are now asked by the Capital to call meetings of their tribes to talk over this plan. This is to be our work from now tmtil the happy day the ship sails away with its load of gifts. ' ' It will mean so much more to you if you earn the money for your gifts all your own selves. Remember, each one of you must be a Santa Claus to some poor little orphan in Europe. The Happy Tribe editor knows just how you will feel about it, how eager you will all be to help. Each one of you is appointed to-day to carry the message to other children. Let us hear from you all. This is the Happy Tribe work for the faU." From that moment these thousands of children began to work to earn money for the Christmas Ship. How hard the work and how small the profits sometimes were may be gleaned from the following: 94 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "In an Iowa town the other day two small boys were seen lugging watermelons almost as large as themselves. "'Those are pretty big watermelons. What are you going to do with them?' asked a woman. " 'We're sellin' 'em to help the Santa Claus Ship. Do you want one for ten cents ? ' The yoimg merchant was ready to take advantage of his opportunity. " 'How much did you pay for them?' " 'Eight cents, an' so you see we make two cents on every one.' "This little story is told, not because it suggests an easy, quick way to make money to add to the Santa Claus Ship fund, but because it shows the spirit of the children, and their interest in this movement. " 'I would n't miss sending something for the world, mother,' remarked a ten-year-old girl the other day. In fancy, the Happy Tribe editor hears these words echoed in every home in Iowa. Is it not true?" Miss Emelie Stapp must have had the time of her life with her mail. Tears and smiles were mingled. Early in the campaign she writes: "Full of pathos was the first letter opened by the Happy Tribe editor this morning. It was from a mother whose home on Christmas morning will be silent and lonely because of the little boy who has gone away, never to return. 'Philip would have so loved to help fill the Santa Claus Ship that I am sending you, in his memory, a dollar to start the Christmas Ship fund. Our home is dreary without him. Bless you for helping in this work,' writes the mother. "What a beautiful sentiment is expressed by this mother in carrying out what she knows would have been the wish of her eager little boy, whose merry laugh would have filled their home with music on Christmas morning. Philip's gift will be bought when the time comes, and sent away to make happy a war- saddened child across the seas. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 95 "While the Happy Tribe editor was thinking of Philip, ' Ting-a-ling, ting-a-ling, ' called the telephone bell. " 'Hello, Happy Tribe editor, is it you?' "'Yes.' ' ' ' Well, it 's Jake, and I can't come in to see you 'cause I have to go to school, but I want you to use that fifteen cents of mine. It 's all saved up. It can go in the money to buy some things for the Santa Claus Ship. Don't forget. I'll be in Saturday.' "Bless Jake! He can be counted upon to do his part in Happy Tribe work just as surely as the sun rises on a summer's morning. He is the lad who made the first suggestion that the Happy Tribe adopt a sick and needy baby and support her the past summer. Jake can't give much because he has n't much to give, but no king could make his offering more freely than he. " ' I will send you a toy I love myself,' writes one of our little friends to the Happy Tribe editor. 'I 'd like it to go to some little girl in Belgium.' "Why not follow the example of the little girl who says she will send a toy she loves herself? What you love you may be sure other children will enjoy." Then came the packing and loading of the vans. The happy children, under Miss Stapp's wise guidance, were allowed to do nearly all the work, with the result that they felt a personal responsibility and the keenest interest in doing it well. It gave them experience and confidence, and I take a great satisfaction in knowing how the campaign was conducted from the first. It was one of the most generous as well as the most educational campaigns conducted in the length and breadth of the land, and with all my heart I thank the editor and Miss Stapp and all the Go-Hawks! God bless the Happy Tribe! And its chief exalted ruler! And its originator! And its editor! You dear little Go-Hawks ! I don't know whether to laugh or to cry when I think of you. I believe I'll do both! CHAPTER XI In Which I Write the Song of the Christmas Ship ONE night I was unable to sleep. I turned and tossed, then finally knew I had something to say, so I might as well get up and write it. Everybod}^ had been saying that the Christmas Ship ought to have a song and a flower, as well as a flag and a motto. I had named the white aster as the most suitable and sym- bolic flower I could think of — white for Peace, and the aster is a Christmas flower. But a song! I had several professionsl song writers cudgeling their brains; for one, even George Michael Cohan had written me that he would try to get the time to write one, when suddenly the hideous suspicion gripped me that I was planning one myself! As a rule my "pomes" are nothing short of crimes. I can't write anything except things like the jingles I put into The Land of DonH-Want-To. But this midnight marauder seemed of a different ilk. I wrote it — three verses of something (I was in no state of mind to be a judge) — and then turned in. And this time I went to sleep. On the next night was held the first entertainment of the Press Club, arranged by the wives of members. I went, not in the least expecting to receive any particular attention. The program would, I knew, be wonderful, for the most brilliant artists in the world are only too glad to perform gratis for the Press Club, on account of the advertising they get for it. And in this instance not only had the all-powerful press women requested their services, but in addition the artists felt that by giving examples of their art in behalf of the Christmas Ship they were aiding a project which appealed to them, as it has appealed to the whole world. To my surprise, I found that the first speaker was naming -96 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 97 me as the originator of the idea. I wondered how he knew. And then I remembered that he had been on the program when I had been asked to appear before the Prince of Wales Chapter of the Imperial Order, Daughters of the British Empire. The chairman of the program committee had caused the programs to be printed with these words under my name: "Originator of the Christmas Ship idea." As this was the first time I had ever seen them in print, I am not likely to forget them. It was in the Auditorium Hotel on the afternoon of Saturday, October 10. At the Press Club I was invited by the speaker to describe how the Christmas Ship idea came to me, and I did so, finishing up by reciting Mabel Haughton CoUyer's beauti- ful tribute to the Christmas Ship, called "Inasmuch." My song was to be sung the third night by one of the most beautiful baritones America has produced — Mr. Charles W. Clarke. To me it was wonderful that a man who is famous on two continents for oratorios and concerts which rank with grand opera should consent to learn my song from manuscript and sing it in the Irish brogue. But when I talked to him over the telephone — I did not even know him, but the Christmas Ship gave many of us courage to rush in where angels would hesitate even to take down the receiver!^ he professed himself willing to do that, or more, or anything to help along a work like mine. That was the spirit in which every artist on those programs responded — not only willing, but glad, to sing or dance or recite or impersonate. Then, since I had borrowed the tune, "Wearin' of the Green," from Dion Boucicault, it struck me as a particularly happy coincidence that Ruth Holt Boucicault, his daughter-in-law, should be playing in Chicago in "Lady Windermere's Fan," and still better luck that I knew her and dared call on her for help. I wanted her to come over and tell us how her famous father- in-law wrote the song and sang it in London, where it made such a disturbance that England feared an uprising and eliminated it. Just the day before I had received a letter from her which struck me as fimny. She said: 98 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "My dear Lilian Bell: "I was so delighted, when I opened the paper this morning, to see that you, too, are interested in my beloved Christmas Ship. When I first heard of it in New York I wrote an open letter to the Dramatic Mirror asking the profession to make the Christmas Ship their pet charity for the year, and I have been doing all I could for it in every city where we have played. It is too beautiful to come to Chicago and find that it has also appealed to you in the same way. Do come to see me in my dressing room after the matinee." I went, of course, and she opened her big eyes at me and said: "Why, how many Christmas Ships are there? In New York the World calls it the World's Christmas Ship ! And here it is the Herald's!'' "Oh, yes," I said. "They all do that. It is all right. They have to, I suppose." "And to think that, after all, it isn't theirs at all, but yours!" she cried. "How strange it seems! And how funny my letter must have sounded!" "It did, but I'm getting used to it now," I replied. Then she showed me her work. The dressing rooms of all the women looked like day nurs- eries. Dolls in all stages of dress and undress — it's lucky Anthony Comstock couldn't see those dolls! — were piled amid jars of cold cream and grease paint, while the prettiest girls you ever saw came hurrying to Mrs. Boucicault's dressing room to take my hand and show me their purchases and to tell me what they thought of the Christmas Ship. I had a lovely time and, best of all, when I explained what I wanted, Mrs. Boucicault promised to come. I was rather proud of my two stars, when I saw them — rather preened myself on my contribution to the program. Mr. Clarke promised to sing something else first — something which gave his voice a chance, for of course his singing my song was just to please me, and to give the song a start, for all profits from its sale were to go to the ship. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 99 When the program was nearly over, Walter Brooke, who was the speaker of the evening, suddenly announced me. I was busy talking and at first did not hear him. I saw people turning to look at me, and heard him say: "And she will tell you how she first came to think of the Christmas Ship." He was already off the platform, so there was nothing to do but to go up there and do what he had announced. It was not of my seeking. So I just told them briefly how the Vision came. As soon as I could I switched off to the sub- ject of the song, and told how I came to write it, and got them all laughing. Then I introduced Ruth Boucicault. She never looked more beautiful. She told how she had heard her husband, Aubrey Bouci- cault, describe the fear with which the original "Wearin' of the Green" was sung, and she added, very prettily, that now that different words had been written to the tune she hoped it might become more popular, and take its place with the heart-songs of Ireland. Then Mr. Clarke was introduced, and he sang the Christmas Ship words I had written : Oh, people dear ! And did ye hear The news I have to bring ? The minute that I tell it ye, Ye '11 want to dance and sing ! 'Tis the work of children of our land For orphans of the war. The presents just come pourin ' in, They come from near and far ' And they 11 be in time for Christmas, And they 11 gladden every heart That is heavy with the sorrow That 's of every life a part ! But there's hope and gladness in our news — It flies from lip to lip — "Kris Kringle's comin' over on The Children's Christmas Ship!" Oh, 't is children's hands a-reachin' out To clasp their cousins' hands. And send their love and blessed cheer 100 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP | To those of foreign lands J Who have lost their fathers by the war |j That 's changin' Europe's map . And sendin' men to die like slaves ) In many a death-planned trap. .j Oh, it's children's love that's healin' wounds ] Men make in wars of Hate ! \ Oh, it 's children's cries that reach our hearts ■ And halt the march of Fate ! | Just by sendin' word our Ship of Peace j Is on her maiden trip — ;i "Kris Kringle's comin' over on ! The Children's Christmas Ship ! " \ Oh, and then on Christmas momin' ; How happy we shall be : To think that by this time they know 1 Our love and sympathy, ,| That has gone along with Christmas toys < In letters written clear — -i The children of the Stars and Stripes J Are greetin' ye from here! | Oh, we love ye, and we think of ye ; And wish ye 'd write us back, j Tellin' us of anything we 've missed | In tryin' to fill your lack. s Ye are in our hearts, dear children all, | Don 't let this message slip ! l "Kris Kringle's comin' over on ] The children's Christmas Ship!" ■ The audience seemed to enjoy it. I don't know whether I ; did or not. I felt first hot and then cold, and I could n't let go — j my hands were gripping each other very tightly and the bridge j of my nose ached. Do you call that enjoyment? \ I was dreadfully excited, and I did enjoy what the people 1 said to me afterwards. ■ This is what I wrote about my song to my Santa Glaus Class : Really I don't know what it is about the Christmas Ship that i makes me do such queer things! ! I never tried to write rhymes in my life, but one night last week ] I couldn't sleep. Thoughts kept coming into my mind — I = THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP loi tried to put them out, but they only went around to the back door and came in through the dining room! They had all the persistence of a family cat. Did you ever try to shut the cat out when she thought you had made a mistake and reaUy wanted her to stay in? You put her out the front door, and she comes up from the cellar. You shut that door and put her out again, and she comes in from the side porch. You shut that door and put her out again, and stamp your foot and tell her to "stay out," and just as you go to turn out the hall light you find her coming down from the attic. Turn out the light and go to bed! You can't get ahead of a cat. So these thoughts of mine did just as they pleased. They persisted, and a certain tune kept pace with them ! All of a sudden I knew the worst ! This was a song knocking at the door of my mind! Why should I suddenly go crazy and feel like writing a song ? I drove the cat out for the third time, then I met her coming down the attic stairs. Oh, what's the use? I got up, switched on the light, found that the tune which was chasing me was " Wearin' of the Green" — that delicious old Irish melody. And the refrain that was tormenting me was, "Kris Kringle's comin' over on the Children's Christmas Ship!" So there was my idea for a song, and I wrote it in about fifteen minutes — humming the tune softly so that people in the next house would n't pound on the wall, 'cause it was three o'clock in the morning when I gave up and let the cat stay — and my pencil flew. I had to make hardly any changes, and the next morning I thought I would see by cold daylight just how bad it was; but what do you think? It was n't bad at all! You can sing it! I telephoned to a perfect stranger and told him how I came to write it — it was Mr. Clayton Summy, and I could hear him laughing. 102 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "I'll publish it!" he said. "And give the profits to the Christmas Ship!" "But you haven't heard it!" I cried. "Perhaps it isn't worth publishing!" "Bring it down and I'll see!" said he. "We'll give the profits to the ship even after it sails. Bring it down!" So I did. That was a week ago, and to-day it is printed and ready for any one who wishes to pay twenty-five cents for some poetry that I positively know beats Shakespeare (he isn't even in the same class with me!) and who, best of all, wishes to help the kiddies on the other side. I know what I think of it — for when Charles W. Clarke sang it at the Press Club Christmas Ship entertainment that Saturday night — well, no book I shall ever write can make me feel as I did when I heard that glorious voice sing a song I had written for the children's ship! My, but I'm glad that cat stayed! Mr. Summy was another of my telephone friends. For, really and truly, I just looked up his number in the telephone book and told him about the song, and he published it — and got out several thousand little pink slips bearing the following: "The song, 'The Children's Christmas Ship,' was written by Miss Bell, and all profits from the sale of it will go to the ship fund." No one who contributed to the Christmas Ship was more generous than Mr. Summy. CHAPTER XII The Whirlwind Campaign of Los Angeles WHEN California organized to work for the Christmas Ship the Pacific coast expected to charter a ship to carry the gifts gathered from Washington to Mexico by its great news- papers. The vessel was to sail through the Panama Canal and transfer the gifts to the Jason at Brooklyn. But two things occurred to change this plan — the serious landslide in the Culebra Cut which temporarily closed the Canal, and the magnificent offers of transcontinental railways and express companies to carry all cargoes free. Even though I predicted it in my talks with my editor, when the thing really happened, when from a quarter to a half million dollars' worth of transportation charges were taken off, and our immense freights franked so generously by these great corpora- tions, I can tell you the cold shivers ran up and down my back, and I clenched my hands and blinked my eyes and swallowed hard! I could have hugged those railroad trains — black and dusty and smelly as they were! Some may think that the Christmas Ship is a dead issue because Christmas is over and the gifts are all distributed. But to me, so long as I live, it will be as touching to think of the dear generosity of our children to the millions of little children they never saw — or expect to see — as on the day when I first thought of the plan. The Los Angeles Herald opened the campaign in that city with these words: ' ' Ninety thousand children next Monday will have the purpose of the Christmas Ship explained to them by their principals and teachers in the public schools. ' ' Each child will be invited to deposit a gift for the little ones 103 104 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP in the war zone in Europe, to be delivered by a big United States battleship. A day will be set on which these presents will be received in the public schools, and a great box will be ready in each school for the gifts." And later: "Children bearing presents ranging from dollies to stockings called at the headquarters to-day. Some of them accompanied their gifts with self-addressed post cards for a word from the child who receives the gifts. "Mayor H. H. Rose to-day indorsed the movement in the following proclamation : " 'It is proposed that the children of Los Angeles play in real life the r61e of Santa Claus to the poor little ones of Europe whose lives have been desolated by the war. " And to this end the Los Angeles Million Club, an organiza- tion composed largely of women whose usefulness and earlier public works have won them a high place in this city, has opened Christmas Ship headquarters for the collection of gifts from the children of this city for the children of Europe. " 'I heartily indorse this splendid movement as deserving of the immediate consideration of our people. I sincerely trust that the children of Los Angeles will, in their own unselfish, generous-heartedness, contribute liberally in this "hands across the sea" movement, and send their joy-gifts to the little folks of Europe whose Christmas this year will be one of sorrow and woe. " 'H. H. Rose, Mayor' ' ' Rabbi Isadore Myers, one of the leading religious teachers of southern California, to-day issued an appeal to his people through the Million Club. He said: " 'The unselfish work of the Million Club in gathering these gifts for the poor little children of Europe, whose lives have been so sadly desolated by the war, is a wonderful thing. " 'It should call forth the generous-heartedness and sympathy of all the little ones of Los Angeles. I especially commend this giving of gifts to the Jewish children of Los Angeles. Los Angeles is not alone in this campaign. Children all over the THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 105 country are giving their presents to the children in Europe, who will know no other Santa this Christmas.' " The campaign on the Pacific coast was necessarily shorter than some, but that seems to have made no difference with the generous Calif ornians, for they gave twice in giving quickly. Finally the day arrived on which the gifts must be packed. Great firms gave boxes, nails, paper, and the services of expert packers. The telephone company gave free telephone service. Truck companies contributed auto trucks — indeed, even the merchants gave double value for all the money spent, and in many instances supplemented purchases with valuable contributions. The Los Angeles Herald furnishes the most interesting pictures of any paper that I have ever seen. Such grins of pure enjoy- ment as illumine the faces of the children who are contributing would surely be hard to duplicate. ' ' Hurrah for the Christmas Ship ! "Hurrah and a tiger for the kiddies of Los Angeles and southern California, who are playing Santa Claus to the kiddies of Europe, whose own Santas are in the war! "Children from the public schools, accompanying the gifts of the pupils of each of the Los Angeles city schools, converged on the Christmas Ship headquarters to-day in a mighty army. They came in automobiles, wagons, street cars, and on heavily laden motorcycles, all bringing gifts. "The presents of the children, centralized during the week in the boxes at the one hundred and fifty schools, were heaped into the headquarters in profusion. To-day the headquarters looked like the home of Santa Claus transported from the frozen north to the sunniest of climes, and lighted with the loving smiles of the city's youth." The credit of sending the most expensive doll the Jason carried belongs to the Los Angeles campaign. The following item appeared in the Herald: 8 io6 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP " 'To a little girl in Germany.' "These words, written in English on a package about thirty inches long, fourteen inches wide, and twelve inches deep, will introduce to some little German girl next Christmas the best gift that Los Angeles has sent to the war zone. "The big gift is a doll which cost E. J. Louis forty dollars. It was given by Mr. Louis in behalf of little Ysadore R. Louis, his niece, and is declared by the women who packed the gifts to be the most beautiful doll to be found in Los Angeles. "It was dressed by Mrs. Emma R. Thompson. Its little gown is made of Valenciennes lace and beautifully trimmed. About the doll's neck is a gold chain, supporting a pendant set with topaz and pearls. "Credit for the tremendous success of the Christmas Ship movement was to-day given by the officers of the Los Angeles Million Club to Los Angeles business men, bankers, school teachers, Sunday schools, and the children who all responded so whole-heartedly to the appeal for the orphaned tots abroad. "To all these, from the unselfish women who toiled, unpaid, in the Christmas Ship headquarters, to the tiniest tot who robbed his tin bank of its pennies that war-desolated children abroad might have some Christmas joy, this credit was freely given to-day. "To Mrs. Catherine Anna McKenna, a well-known Los Angeles woman attorney, the officials of the Million Club gave unstinted praise. Mrs. McKenna is credited with having abandoned her law practice completely for the last two weeks to assume management of the headquarters. The entire work of gathering the presents was accomplished under her direction." Mrs. McKenna's unselfish gift of herself — even pushing her law practice aside that she might minister to those she loved better than herself — is typical of many other women who worked in the same way. In my mind's eye I can see them all, though I may not know their names, nor can I find them out, for some of the newspapers that conducted splendid campaigns seem to feel that the timeliness of the Christmas THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 107 Ship is past, and they have not sufficient interest in my plan to present a general history of the movement or even to respond to my requests for their files. That is why the work of many cities is necessarily omitted from this book. All I can do is to be very thankful for the splendid response made by certain papers, and to do the best I can — with apolo- gies to those I am not able to praise and exploit as I should love to! This editorial appeared in the Los Angeles Herald after the gifts of the children were started on their way: "Angels looking over the battlements of Heaven upon the deeds both of good and evil of humans on this earth, may have dropped their tears of sympathy upon the smoking, bloody desolation of Europe, but surely they smiled at the spectacle of the happy children of sunlit Los Angeles making up their packages of gifts that the little orphans of the war zone might not go Christmasless. "It was a splendid outburst of generosity which the children of this city exhibited, which is an earnest of the exemplary citizenship which the}'- will display when adult grown. Los Angeles boys and girls have practiced the precept that we find our greatest happiness in making others happy. They acted heartily, spontaneously, upon the suggestion to be generous, as soon as they learned through these columns that Uncle Sam had arranged to send a Santa Claus Ship abroad, and that the Woman's Million Club would take charge of the labor involved in preparing a Los Angeles shipment. "The Evening Herald takes pardonable pride in the fact that it was the newspaper medium which gave publicity to the Christmas Ship project and thus promoted the generous efforts of both women and children. "To the individuals who contributed to the Christmas cargo of the Santa Claus Ship a word of praise is due for the prompt- ness of their generosit3^ He gives twice who gives quickly. "As unexpected as it was unsolicited' — and therefore the more appreciated — was the kindly proffer of the Wells-Fargo io8 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Express Company to ship without cost across the continent the entire contribution of Los Angeles, and to see it safely aboard the government's ship. In this notable instance a private corporation was not one whit behind the city or the state in its warm impulse to do good unto others. ' ' Only the great-hearted can do these things, whether they be men or women or children. And to our mind it is something worthy of chronicle that a national government can be great- hearted enough to make the children of other nations happy." Now in quoting the following incidents, clipped from the files sent me by the editors of the Los Angeles Herald in response to my appeal, I can say that they conducted their campaign more nearly as was necessary for book form than any other paper. I have practically told the story of their work by using their write-ups, especially in what follows. The story of the Los Angeles work practically told itself in the excellently written columns of the Evening Herald: '"Not what we give, but what we share — For the gift without the giver is bare. Who gives himself with his alms feeds three — Himself, his hungering neighbor, and Me.' "Here are a few of the instances of love, of childish heroism in self-denial and sacrifice, that have gone into the boxes of presents designed for the Christmas across the seas. When the great American ship carries to the war-victimized tots in Europe the gifts of American children it will also take an incomparable measure of fraternity and love. "Hundreds and hundreds of children in Los Angeles have actually given up their only chance of enjoying a Christmas themselves in order to give to the homeless, fatherless tots of the war zone. "The presents vary from the wonderful forty-dollar doll to a tiny pill box of pennies tied with a smudgy string, which was the treasure trove of a barelegged urchin who has shyly worshiped it for more than a year. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 109 "But in spirit all were alike — a joy shared, a secret treasure given with a smile straight from a beating, childish heart — and if a gift or two was dampened by a tiny tear over the sacrifice it was also sweetened by the burden of love and sharing which prompted its bestowal. "Only a few of the stories of generosity and self-sacrifice can be told. No one can ever know of the thousands of scrawled or printed letters to 'A little girl in Europe' that are tucked away in the presents. No one can ever realize the number of plucky youngsters who have denied themselves their penny lunches in order to lay their coppers with the contributions toward a merry Christmas in the blackness of war. But a few stories suffice to tell the tale and to show the love with the alms that Los Angeles childhood has given to the less fortunate little brothers across the sea." "Barelegged, and dressed in half -worn overalls. Laddie Russell, a little seven-year-old boy, brought his offering to the Christmas Ship and with shining eyes cried: 'Please take this and buy a present for some little boy in Belgium.' In his hand he held fifty-nine cents. It was Laddie's treasure trove, saved penny by penny for more than a year, and hoarded in a cracked tin box. "'I don't want it's much's some kid over there does,' he explained with a slight gulp as he let the coppers slide from his hand into a yawning box," ' ' Bearing in her arms the tiny clothes which she had made for her own baby that had never lived to wear them, Mrs. A. Church, from Santa Monica, gave a complete baby layette. "*I want some baby in Europe to have them,' she said, her tears falling for the last time on the fine, tiny garments into which were stitched a mother's love and hope and sorrow. Pinned to a daintily embroidered bib was a letter which read in part: "'I hope these things will bring comfort to some mother who — even in war—holds a baby in her arms. It will be a no THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP comfort to me to know they cover the form of some dear little baby that lives.' " "Side by side with the baby outfit was placed a box containing I, TOO pennies — eleven dollars. Each penny represented the self-denial of some boy or girl of the Castelar Street School, who, to give the penny for the Christmas Ship, had gone without the penny lunch which is frequently the one hot meal these children have in a day." "One little Russian tad, his toes half out of his shoes, trotted into the headquarters with a better pair of whole shoes, albeit they were worn, too, " 'I ain't got an3rthing to give that's a present,' he explained. 'These is all I got, an' they're better 'n the ones I've got on. Won't you send 'em to some boy in Russia?'" "A small girl, her arms filled with flowers and her little hand grasping a box, asked to be allowed to send something for her sister's grave in Germany. "'I brought the flowers for that — a soldier will put them on, won't he?' she asked, as she gave the box for the Christmas Ship. 'I dressed some dollies for the live little girls over there, but I did n't want to send them without something for sister.'" "With tears streaming down his pallid face, Charles H. Cutter from Montana brought a bundle of woman's clothing. "*I bought them for my wife — a sort of second trousseau — but she died. I'd like some poor woman in Europe to have them,' he gulped. "Mrs. Cutter had been in a Los Angeles hospital for several weeks, and the husband, believing she would recover, had pur- chased a complete costume for her to wear when he took her back home from the hospital. But death turned his happy plans to ashes, and, broken hearted, he brought for the Christ- mas box the blue serge suit, the silken hose, and dainty slippers which she had never seen. "'Send them in her name,' he requested." THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP iii "Selling papers to earn money for a present to some little girl in Europe was the method undertaken by one ten-year-old Austrian girl. The child had no money, and had never earned any before; but she borrowed enough to buy the papers, and worked at it till she had paid back the loan and accumulated ten cents. Then she bought a doll, dressed it herself, and brought it to the Christmas Ship headquarters. On the edge of the doll's skirt was a letter written in the Austrian language. '"To some little girl over there that ain't got a dolly,' the little woman directed, as she gave the doll a final parting kiss before depositing it in a box." "At Macy Street School the children, many of them, volun- tarily gave up any chance of having a Christmas of their own to provide for the Christmas across the sea. Every girl in the school made one new garment, and the boys trundled the gifts from the school to the headquarters in wheelbarrows and wagons. So eager were all to do their share that they were stood in line and were counted out by one of the teachers before any would give up the privilege of bringing the bundles and placing them in a box." "Florence Heacock of Glendale sent in a tiny pill box fastened with adhesive plaster. It contained five nickels, and attached to it was a note which read, 'I think war is awful. I hope it will be over before you get this. I am hoping that something will happen so you may have a merry Christmas.' "The box was addressed to *A Little Girl without Any Home or Papa.'" "After saving his money for several months in order to celebrate Chinese New Year, David Lee, small son of the pastor of the Chinese Congregational School, brought one dollar and seventy-five cents — all his savings — to the Christmas box. " ' I guess the little boys in Europe need this more 'n I need to see a Chinese New Year, and I hope it makes some kid happy,' was the inscription on the purse." 112 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "One Chinese vegetable vendor, crippled and gray, climbed from his wagon and brought fifty cents to the headquarters. He spoke but little English, but made it understood that it was for a gift to some little child in England." "One of the incidents which illustrates the great fraternal love impelling the children to contribute to the Christmas Ship was the appearance of a small, out-at-elbows, colored boy with a present. He was asked if he knew that the things were going to white children. 'I sure do,' he answered, 'but I guess bullets hurt just the same no matter what color you are. And you can suffer just as much, black or white.'" I don't know that a single word of mine can add to this beautiful story of a beautiful city's generosity. But if I wrote what I feel in my heart, I would just say, ' ' God bless the people of Los Angeles!" CHAPTER XIII The Success that Worcester Achieved T /"ERY early in the campaign the Post of Worcester, Massachu- ' setts, started in to make history. The editor printed my appeal to the children of America, and then personally commended it as follows: "Although no words at the Post's command can emphasize the power of the simple, direct appeal of the editorial printed on the first page of this newspaper to-day, it is fitting that in this place attention should be particularly called to the remarkable human document in which Lilian Bell, of the Chicago Herald, brings before the American people the noble project of encour- aging the children of America to fill a Christmas Ship with mes- sages of good cheer to the peoples of warring Europe. For this Christmas Ship enterprise is much more than the mere collection and distribution of toys and useful gifts among the — for all practical purposes — fatherless children of France, Germany, England, and the rest. It is raising amid the discordant clashes of war the wholesome note of sweet, sane, and strong common humanity. "We are confident that the fathers and mothers of Worcester, and their children, will lend ready ears and willing hands to the labor of love that they are asked to do. "Who shall say what happy issue may not come from the example of brotherly love typified by this Christmas Ship when it sails across the seas beneath twin flags — one the Stars and Stripes, one of white with a single star of Hope, and the word 'Inasmuch'? ' ' ' Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.'" The next day the Post secured the following indorsement from the mayor, and asked the opinion of leading society women 113 114 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP and philanthropic workers. They one and all hailed the idea with enthusiasm, and went to work. "To the Editor of the Post: "I have read with much interest the editorial reprinted from the Chicago Herald in the Worcester Post of yesterday evening, suggesting that the people of the United States share their Christmas with the unfortunate children of the warring nations of Europe. Thousands of children have become fatherless since the European war began, and there is every indication that before the Christmas season there will be thousands more whose parents will have died in battle. "The devastation of war will take away from the children Christmas joys, and it seems to me that the suggestion that we share our Christmas spirit with these unfortunate people is a most excellent one. I believe that we can well afford to economize on gifts at home and thereby be prepared to send a little Christmas cheer abroad. It is a great humanitarian movement, and one which will bring its rewards to those who participate in it, for we must remember that it is 'better to give than to receive.' "George M. Wright, Mayor" Now the campaign of the Worcester Post differs from that of any other paper in two ways, but it differs only "as one star differeth from another in glory"— for aU are glorious. But the first thing which attracted my attention was this: "All money given will buy presents. None of it will go for expenses. If those who through convenience or preference prefer to contribute money will indicate the articles they wish purchased, their wishes will be observed. Any money received will be expended for gifts, and not one cent for administrative expenses." The Post of Worcester, Massachusetts, came out with this statement that not one cent of the children's contributions should go for administrative expenses. To be sure, perhaps none of you who read realizes how much that statement cost the Post. There was an enormous amount of THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 115 expense connected with the Christmas Ship campaign that no one could estimate. Telegrams, printing, stamps, stationery, crowd- ing news from front pages to make room for our stuff, handling the gifts, re-packing them, the services of reporters, a Christmas Ship editor, and so on — as I said, the editor himself probably does not know how much it cost him to print that statement. Nevertheless, I cheerfully remove the hatpins and take off my hat to him, for if there was one thing more than another which I thought iniquitous, it was to solicit self-sacrifice, name a self- denial day, urge the children to earn money, and promise to spend their pathetic Httle nickels and pennies for gifts for the orphans of the war — and then pay the running expenses of the campaign out of these trusting contributions. I know personally from some mothers of my acquaintance that their children suffered physical pain in order to earn money for the Christmas Ship. One little boy wore a painful plate to have his teeth straightened. Another child wore a brace on her leg which hurt her so that she cried. The doctor wanted her to wear it — he thought it necessary — and her mother, to coax obedience through a willing generosity, offered to pay her by the hour for wearing it. ** Editor, Worcester Evening Post "Dear Sir: The very pleasing news that Worcester is to help load the Christmas Ship has reached me. It is only further evidence that your city stands ever ready to participate in a worthy cause. "I am interested in the movement, and would like to do a little something to help. Upon advice from you I will set aside one afternoon for 'Children's Afternoon' at my Elm Street Theater. On that afternoon every boy and girl who comes to the theater with a toy, old or new, regardless of value, will be admitted free of charge. "With my best wishes for success in this wonderful American venture, I remain, "Very truly yours, "S. Z. PoLi, Proprietor" ii6 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP This offer was gladly accepted by the Post in the following words : "I acknowledge with the greatest pleasure your kindly note of October 6, with its offer of cooperation in the Christmas Ship movement. We accept with warm thanks your suggestion that one afternoon be set aside as 'Christmas Ship Children's After- noon' at your Elm Street Theater, on which occasion every boy and girl who comes to the theater with a toy to be given to the ship will be admitted free. As there should be abundant time to spread the news of your generous offer, I suggest that 'Children's Afternoon' occur on Saturday, October 24, 1914." The Worcester Post gave results in this account: "If the demonstration which marked 'Toy Day' at Poll's Theater, Saturday afternoon is any indication, the boys and girls of Worcester will certainly do all that is expected of them, and more too, in loading the Christmas Gift Ship, which is to sail from New York for the fatherless children of the warring nations. "It was the first real response to the call for help from the younger element of the city. To say that it was encouraging would be putting it mildly, for the results went far beyond the expectations of those who engineered 'Toy Day.' "The day was characterized by many features, every one of which aided in proving that many a kind thought is wrapped up in the hearts of the boys and girls of Worcester. They re- sponded nobly, and the cheerful wa^^ in which they handed over their little packages was very impressive. "The doors of the theater were not thrown open until one o'clock, but fully an hour before this time the first arrivals began to line up in front of the entrance, which was marked by a large sign reading 'Christmas Ship Entrance — You Are Welcome.' The line increased in length rapidly, and when the doors were opened there were several hundred smiling youngsters waiting to get in. Others came along later. "As they passed through the entrance they presented the man in charge with a gift for the Christmas Ship, which answered the same purpose as a ticket of admission. Some of them were THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 117 not satisfied with donating one present, but handed over two and, in several instances, three packages. "The venture was a novel one, and something entirely new in Worcester. It is not necessary to say that it was a success, for the fact that more than one thousand gifts were brought to the theater by children, rich and poor, representing at least a dozen different nationalities, is sufficient proof. "It was a day brimful of happiness for the boys and girls. They were happy to be able to help load the Christmas Ship, and they were happy to get an opportunity to be the guests of S. Z. Poli at the matinee performance in the theater. "The young patrons were not limited to any section of the theater. As long as there were seats to be had, they were at liberty to take them. The theater had been turned over to them for the afternoon, and there was nothing too good for them, in Manager Frank Whitbeck's estimation. He had assigned himself to the duty of seeing that the children were well cared for, and he carried out his part well. "A large corps of ushers was on duty to assist the boys and girls in finding seats. The little guests did not need much assist- ance, however, for once inside the theater they were not long in getting into seats. "An occasion of this kind is seldom if ever held without a few pathetic incidents. One little flaxen-haired girl approached the attendant at the theater without a package When asked where her gift was she took off her coat and, without hesitation, said: 'This is what I want to give,' and handed the attendant the coat. "Another little dark-eyed girl came hurrying up Elm Street to the theater after the others had filed in. Just as she reached the entrance she dropped a shabbily dressed doll on the sidewalk. One of the doll's arms was amputated in the fall. The little girl picked the doll up quickly, and when she saw what had happened, her eyes filled with tears. She was soon comforted, however, and as the doorman informed her that her gift was acceptable, she was admitted to the theater. "To enumerate the various gifts would require considerable ii8 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP space, but they ranged all the way from a five-cent doll to an electric train of cars. The children were not restricted as to the value of a toy; everything was accepted, whether old or new. ' ' Some of the gifts were neatly wrapped and marked with the name of the donor and to what country the gift should be sent; some of the toys were brought in paper bags, others were wrapped in newspapers, and many were not done up at all. "The gifts were taken to the Boston Store late Saturday afternoon, where they are on display to-day in one of the store windows. ' ' ' Toy Day ' is over. The children who took part in it have done their share. They have started the wheel of success in motion. Now is the time for others to unite in increasing the momentum of this great wheel. You can help, and your friends can help. If you want to boom a good cause, now is your chance." This little signed appeal is worth preserving in the history of the Christmas Ship. It is from the Worcester Post: "To All Lovers of Children: "Many of you have stood, as I did, at the window of the Boston Store, where some of the gifts for the Christmas Ship were shown, and read the messages, amusing and pathetic, from our Worcester children to the innocent victim.s of war. Doubtless you have heard stories from the teachers of how boys and girls, scantily clad, have brought stockings, caps, mittens, and all kinds of good things, including even sandwiches and apples, out of their own need giving gladly to those whose need is more dire. Many of us have seen the mittens knit for the ship by the blind lady who thus, and thus only, could give her mite. And so we might fill this paper with anecdotes to show why, instead of the expected carload, there are already more than two. "And yet when we wake in the night in our warm beds, and hear the rain and the wind, we see horrible visions — little girls wandering lost and distraught through a countryside full of war's horrors; little men living up to their childish ideals of manliness, and suffering therefor; pitiable mothers with their new-bom THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 119 babes, lying under hedges and in ditches — and then we know that though we have given much, much more still needs to be given. We cannot plead difficulties in transportation, nor un- certainty in delivery. The means are close at hand, and back of them the guarantee of the national government that every article and penny shall go directly to the sufferers from war. Let us go over our closets and attics once more, and see if we really cannot spare this or that suit or coat, or perhaps even give up a new hat, so that we can buy a few more things for our little brothers and sisters abroad. And when you tie up your package don't leave out the best part of the gift, but put a message inside that will carry comfort and hope direct to the heart of whoever receives it from Worcester, now more than ever felt to be our City of Prosperity. "Amy E. Tanner" I am so fond of using the best words to describe thought, that I append the following beautiful tribute to the Christmas Ship idea from a man who knows how to write. Herbert N. Davison, secretary of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, says: "The idea of sending abroad a Christmas Ship loaded with toys for the children of the war-stricken countries is a beautiful one and it is particularly fitting that the plan should originate in the United States and should be carried forward to success by and through the great power of the press. " It is still true that no matter how hard we try to cover it up we are still children at heart. We are childish in our hatreds, in our ambition, in the way we magnify trifles — in a thousand and one ways we testify every day that we are all little men and women still. The world at heart, too, is sound and true, just as children are. And it is to that element in us, the very highest to which we can attain, that this plan appeals. It matters not what our individual views are as to what nation is to blame for this holocaust, we can all unite in the thought that whoever else is guilty, the children are innocent. And it is to them these gifts 120 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP are going. Out of the lap of plenty Uncle Sam can pour into these sad, drab little lives rays of sunshine that they will never forget. Everybody ought to approve of this plan; everybody ought to support it. The Post has done a good thing for itself and a better thing for the community in giving all a chance at this Christmas season to show the world that the greatest thing in it is not war, or guns, or gunpowder, but love, and that when all the hate and misery and woe of this conflict are over and forgotten there will be left one beautiful memory behind — the American response to a childish need, interpreted and expressed by our most intimate companion, the daily press." This campaign, so ably conducted by the Post and assisted by churches, woman's clubs, and Sunday and public schools, resulted in a quarter of a million presents, or two large freight cars full and scores of large packing cases sent by express. I think that Worcester must have contributed more in proportion to her size than any other city in the country. But of that no one can be sure, and it is not necessary to estimate generosity which poured like a flood from every heart, with time the only limit. If we had had more time, and I had been allowed to carry out some of my plans, America would have sent a fleet of Christmas ships instead of only one ! CHAPTER XIV How Chicago's City Council Indorsed the Christmas Ship THERE is not room in this book to tell of even a tithe of the generosity which filled the Jason's hold with gifts. I sit and pore over the files of newspapers which daily keep arriving, and I select with care all I feel I must use. Then I am appalled by the bulk of material. So I go over and over it, weeding out, cutting down. If I did n't, this book woiild be the size of a dictionary and would have to be issued in sections — like Balzac's complete novels, that you buy on the installment plan and think you will read on rainy nights. In Chicago the City Council came in, and not only promised to work but were singularly unanimous in praising the thought of the Christmas Ship: "The Christmas Ship idea is a glorious one," said Alderman Nance. "What cheer it will carry to those in the very shadow of the great war, whose cups of sadness and desolation are over- full ! The movement inaugurated by the Herald should become nation-wide and all citizens should esteem it a privilege to have a part in its work. Especially should the children be interested in the plan. The whole idea spells a spirit of generosity and brotherly love." Alderman Merriam said that at Christmas time no greater expression of good will could be shown than by the sending of the ship. "The idea carries out the 'Peace on earth, good will toward men,'" said Alderman Merriam, "and no better time for this will be found than the time the ship reaches the war country." "A beautiful sentiment," was the way Alderman Harding expressed himself. "This should have the approval and aid of all." "One of the most high-minded ideas," said Alderman Littler. 122 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "Nothing can do more to cultivate the international spirit," said Alderman Krause. "The plan is a splendid one, and I for one will do all I can to make it a success." "Anything that will bring joy to orphans at Christmas time," said Alderman Bergen, "deserves the help of every one." "Everybody should get back of this plan and make it a com- plete success," said Alderman Norris. "This plan is wonderful." "I believe the undertaking is something that appeals to the mind and heart of every American man, woman, and child," said Alderman Keams. "The substantial things it aims to accomplish need but little comment." "I think the idea is a grand one," said Alderman Capitain, "and should be encouraged by the grown-ups as well as by the children. It is a big undertaking, and should have the support of all." These men, who have so much power in the city govern- ment, are in the habit of looking at ideas as to their influence and productiveness of good or evil. Therefore their recog- nition of the moral uplift and spiritual import contained in the idea back of the work conducted so ably by the Herald, indicated that they were awake to the sublime results which would emanate from the Christmas Ship in the hearts and lives of the children of the United States. A few weeks later, in regular session. Alderman Nance introduced a resolution, followed by these most significant words : ' ' The city council of the city of Chicago hereby indorses the laudable project and urges the generous cooperation of all citizens in making it an unqualified success." It was with these words that the city's official representa- tives made history. "It is rare in the annals of municipal government, either in America or abroad, that a great city has thought the suffer- ing of other nations of concern immediate enough to inspire action toward its alleviation," said Alderman Nance after the session. ' ' Never before in the history of war has a great city initiated action, or indorsed action initiated by others, to offset even in part the unhappiness and misery which follow in the wake of war. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 123 "That the council of the city of Chicago has taken such action is a fact not only of importance as an aid in the loading of the ship but also as a great moral step in the direction of the realization of civilization's ideal of universal peace. "The fact that one of the world's largest and most cosmo- politan cities has deemed international sympathy and brother- hood of sufficient importance to merit official action, is an in- fluence for good which will reach not only the people of Chicago but in time all the people of the world." Even more explicitly expressed is the commendation of the general superintendent of the United Charities of Chicago: "Christmas Ship Editor of the Herald: "Permit me to express my keen interest in your Christmas Ship idea. Charity workers know what fatherless homes mean to family life. They spell grief, gloom, and want. Now comes your plan to throw among these stricken little ones a kind of rainbow of cheer. It is a great idea, and I want to add my little word of encouragement. Two fairies in our own home, as I write, are busy at the front lawn to earn contribu- tions to the cause. "Of course this will mean money taken out of Chicago, where the needs of the poor are so great, but I am confident there will be plenty left for all. Chicago is rich, her people are generous, and their means are sufficient to meet all reason- able calls. How fitting that cosmopolitan Chicago, harboring peoples from every nation, should look with compassion upon the stricken children of all the many countries at war. Social workers ought to, and I am sure will, say Godspeed to your brilliantly conceived project. "Eugene T. Lies" While in another issue came this from the secretary of the Illinois Vigilance Association: "Christmas Ship Editor of the Herald: "To me the Christmas Ship plan seems one of the greatest influences for good I have heard of since the United States 124 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP remitted a portion of the war tax on China after the Boxer rebel- lion. It is an act of kindness and sympathy that will do more than any diplomacy could hope to do. It will do much to quiet the war spirit in Europe and make it almost impossible for any foreign nation to declare war on us while the memory of such a kindness lasts. It is a kindness to mothers and little children that will be a source of happiness to the heart of the giver as well as to the receiver. "Wirt W. Hallam" Two hundred women's clubs of Chicago, through their representatives in the executive committee of the League of Cook County Clubs, enlisted in the work of the Christmas Ship. Notice of the league's action was conveyed to the Herald in a letter signed by the president, Mrs. Charles H. Zimmerman, and the corresponding secretary, Mrs. A. P. C. Matson. The letter read as follows: "At a meeting of the executive committee of the League of Cook County Clubs, held September 15, it was voted to indorse the Christmas Ship movement." All the time I was teaching my Santa Claus Class, and 1 wrote for them as I would write had each da3^'s story been going into a book. Was there ever a more delightful play-combined-with-work and work-combined-with-play invented than all of us mothers and children sitting down to prepare such a shipload of joy? Can you imagine what the children of Europe are thinking right this minute? For already thousands know what we are doing. And the best of it is that we are all happy about it. For my own part, I wear that smile that won't come off. I smile when I am with people and when I am alone. Some- times I get to smiling so in the street car that I have to turn and look out of the window for fear people will think I am not quite right in my mind! THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 125 But we Christmas Shippers can't help smiling, can we? This smile of ours is one which will circle the earth. It begins here and there in America — possibly in Houston, Texas, or Los Angeles, California — and ripples along through the intervening states until it reaches Brooklyn, where our Christmas Ship is awaiting its precious cargo. And when it has gathered in all the children and fathers and mothers of America, this smile crosses the ocean by day and by night. Little does it care that the channels of war vessels are mined ! It slips easily past dangers which might blow a ship's crew into eternity. Possibly by its sunny aspect it disarms the cruel old mines lying in wait to blow human beings into bits. What could a submarine mine do to a smile worn by men, women, and children who are working for the Christmas Ship? So the smile which circles the earth arrives safely on the other side, and there it begins to see small, white faces, stained with tears. No smile is on those pale features, swollen with weeping for a daddy who marched away so bravely a few short weeks ago, but who now lies in a trench piled high with dead who have been mowed down by a murderous machine gun. These poor children, driven from their homes by flame and sword — mothers with little babes in their arms, leading toddling two and three year olds, who stumble along, dragging at a weary mother's skirts — this sorry procession, hungry, cold, footsore, and dumb with despair, suddenly begins to see the radiant cheerfulness of our children's smile. "What is this?" they begin to wonder. Small heads lift themselves. Tired mothers stop and rest. Every one looks and listens. What is it? It is the message of our Christmas Ship! It tells them what we are doing. It bids them take courage, for small hands have reached across the sea, and clasped theirs in kind and loving encouragement. "Cheer up, little cousins!" says our smile. "We are going to get acquainted with you. Don't cry any more. Smile with 126 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP us, for the days of your mourning are numbered. On Christmas Day each one of you is going to have a present from some little boy or girl in America, and mother is going to have a big box all filled with delightful things to cook. So cheer up, little cousins ! "These Christmas boxes have been packed with such loving care by the mothers and big sisters of the very little tots who have sent you the toys ! I am the smile which illuminated their faces while your American cousins were working to send your Christmas presents, and they sent me on ahead to tell you to get your own smiles ready. I am afraid of your tears, so please smile, little cousins! I am the smile that all American children wear when they think of you!" A smile? Every one understands a bright and loving smile! It needs no introduction. It requires no translation into French, German, or Russian. Smiles speak all languages in one, and are in turn understood by all. So the whisper of our work has gone around the world, and the smile we sent on ahead has already fastened itself on small faces which for weeks have known only weeping. But now our sad little cousins have begun to wear our smile, and already it begins to feel at home. We don't want it back. We have plenty of others left, have n 't we ? Letters poured in, telling of the most pathetic sacrifices made that a few more pennies or nickels might be added to the Christmas Ship fund. It seemed to me that nothing was quite precious enough to buy with these offerings, and that to spend this money must be an act of consecration. In many cities where campaigns were conducted, women were delegated to this task by the editors, for there is hardly a man on earth, unless he is in the business, who knows how to shop. But scores of newspapers, instead of buying in their home towns, sent their cheques to the Herald, the Cleveland Plain Dealer alone sending a cheque for nearly three thousand dollars. And there were thousands of dollars contributed by others. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 127 When the money was pouring in at the rate of thousands of dollars a day the following appeared in the Herald, under the heading, "To Ship Fund Contributors": "The Herald begs to announce to all contributors to the Christmas Ship fund that as soon as possible after the sailing of the ship it will publish an audit by Arthur Young & Co., chartered accountants, of the funds intrusted to it for the Christmas Ship movement." All this time I was still busy with my Santa Claus Class — from which have sprung so many worthy charities. This allegory I wrote especially for my class, in order to stir the grown-ups to action: There was once a beautiful queen who ruled over a great kingdom. She had gentle manners, a soft voice, and kind eyes, yet what she offered to do she never did. At first her subjects were deceived, for they thought she was as generous as she appeared. She had one son, whom she tenderly loved. The people, seeing her devotion to her boy, praised her for the care she bestowed upon him, and they said proudly: "How different our queen is from most royal personages! They turn their crown prince over to nurses and governesses and tutors, but our queen bestows all her time upon the little prince, and teaches him herself. He surely will grow up into a noble king." But as time went on, the crown prince grew into nothing of the kind. He received no lessons in generosity or in thinking of others, so that he was but a badly spoiled, self-indulgent lad, to whom no one would have paid any attention except for the position he held and the fact that he always had plenty of money to spend. There came a famine in the land. Crops failed and bread was scarce. The royal granaries were none too plentifully stocked. Still, there was much which could have been shared — very many useless luxuries which could have been given up, 128 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP had the loving heart been there to direct such generosity; but, although it was discreetly hinted to the queen, she flew into a rage and demanded to know if the prince did not need rich food and costly pleasures as much when crops failed as when food was plentiful? So the councillors retired and told the starving people that they could expect no help from the royal household. But the queen, mindful of her popularity, went among the destitute and wrung her white hands, and wept with the mothers who held starving babies on their knees, and said, in her soft voice, which deceived the people into thinking she had a soft heart, "Oh, I wish I could help you, but there is not enough for us and you!" Now, there dwelt in the swampy lands where the river over- flowed, a little crippled girl. She had a crooked back and a twisted foot, and she often suffered very much; but even when lying on her hard pallet her mind was busy with the troubles of her neighbors, and she was forever searching her thought for ways to help. To such will the Vision Splendid always be given. So the Vision Splendid came to her. She told the men to drain the swampy land and plant it. The women were as strong as men, and as all were needed for the great work, little Do-It, as the child was called, turned her neat room and tidy little fenced yard, with its bright flowers, into a day nursery. She took care of all the babies and young children, that their mothers might help in the great work of draining the land. The day came when the drains were finished. The rich black soil was planted, and in due time there came such crops that never before in the history of the land had there been such plenty. The queen heard of it, and appointed the crown prince's birth- day as a day of thanksgiving for such wonderful prosperity. Now it chanced that the day before the birthday of the young prince, poor little Do-It had one of her bad attacks of pain. She lay upon her small cot, unable to rise and do for her neighbors what it was usually in her power to bestow. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 129 Then it was that her unselfish kindness returned to her, for the poor people from far and near, whom she had helped by advising them to drain the land, came and brought her presents, so that her little room was filled to overfiowing with flowers and appetizing food and little gifts of love. The queen chanced to drive by, and seeing all the people in front of this low, thatched cottage, she bade the coachman stop, while she asked the meaning of the crowd. At first no one spoke. Then a poor woman — whose babe had died upon her knees while the queen had wept and bemoaned her, crying out, "Oh, I wish I could help you! I would so like to be of use!" — came forward. She folded her arms and said: "May your gracious Majesty please, we are gathered here to do honor to our real queen — little Queen Do-It!" "What?" cried the queen. "Are there two?" "Nay, there is but one!" answered the poor mother. The people plucked at her sleeve, and begged her not to speak, but she shook them off and went on: "You are a queen but in name! You are Queen I-Wish-I- Could-Help ! This poor child, who gave us of her great wisdom and her scanty store, is Queen Do-It! She paused not from lack, nor withheld her hand because it seemed empty; and lo! when she held out her hand to us it was filled, because divine love filled it. Now that she is ill we are trying to show how we love her, for under God, we owe all our prosperity to her wisdom and loving thought for her neighbors." The queen listened in silence, for she knew the woman spoke what the others felt. Then she sank back in her carriage and motioned the coachman to drive on. Back in her empty palace she saw the gilded walls, the costly food on the carved table, the rows of silent servants ; but love and sympathy were not in the palace of Queen I-Wish-I-Could-Help. These two dwelt in the humble cot of the little crippled Do-It. Are the members of my Santa Glaus Glass like the Queen I-Wish-I-Gould-Help, or like little Do-It?" CHAPTER XV What Prominent Men Said of the Work IV /TANY newspapers which did not carry on active campaigns ^^■^ for the Christmas Ship published their approbation of the idea. Alexander Dessewssy, editor-in-chief of Otthon (At Home), wrote : " It is a splendid idea, and the Herald may be sure that the Hungarian children of Chicago will do their share toward it. They are only too willing to do anything they can toward allaying the suffering of the children of Europe, to bring a ray of Christ- mas sunshine into the homes from which fathers and brothers have gone never to return. Every one will, I am sure, help the movement along. I will do all in my power to support it, and, among other things, will publish in my newspaper a translation of the entire article." The Queen of the West, a monthly magazine published in Chicago and devoted to the interests of women, took up the appeal of the gift ship and asked its readers to cooperate, publishing the following editorial: "When we think of the terrible war that is devastating Europe, our hearts naturally go out to the widows and orphans left in its trail, to the homes made desolate; and yet, as individ- uals, there is nothing we can do. But collectively there is much that can be done to bring a measure of joy and brightness where there was only gloom and despair. The individual gifts may be small, but the combination of all of them may be immense. This is a beautiful idea, and gives expression to what so many have in their hearts. We hope that the response will be so great that instead of one Christmas Ship we shall need a fleet of them." Colonel Henry Watterson, editor of the Louisville Courier- Journal, announced that the Courier- Journal had printed the "whole of the Herald's admirable address to the young people." 130 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 131 "There is nothing in that direction that I will not gladly do," he wrote. "My personal activities, of course, are very limited and taxed to the fullest by my current newspaper work. Never- theless, tell me what you would have me do and you will find me a faithful follower." The assistance of the Lumber World Review and the cooper- ation of ten thousand members of the lumber fraternity — the Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo — were offered the Herald in a letter from Boiling Arthur Johnson, editor and publisher of the lumber magazine. "I do not remember in thirty years' experience to have seen any suggestion made by one newspaper taken up with such spontaneity as has been this movement of yours," he wrote. ' ' Before long you will determine that just one ship will be very inadequate. It will have to be a fleet." "Fine suggestion. Put Hannibal Morning Journal on the list," wired John A. Knott, editor of Mark Twain's old newspaper at Hannibal, Missouri. Others came pleading for the opportunity of participating in such a laudable movement. In many cases insistent "wires" have kept pouring in with appeals for "appointments" in various sections of the country. "May we represent this community in the gift ship plan? Please answer," was the telegram that came from the Decatur Herald. "We must confess we like this idea, and it grows upon one as he thinks," was the editorial expression of the Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Republican. "The movement is a most commendable one, and should be joined in enthusiastically by every boy and girl in the United States," wrote the Rockford (111.) Register-Gazette. "It is a great work of love, and will bring happiness to thousands of fatherless homes in Europe next Christmas morning. The youngsters in Rockford should be prompt in doing their work." "The South Bend Tribune joins in the Christmas Ship plan," telegraphed the Indiana publisher. "The Tribune's- circulation covers' the northern part of Indiana and southern Michigan." 132 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Assistance in South Dakota was proffered in a message from the pubHsher of the Sioux Falls Press. The editor wired to learn how to handle contributions. "The Press announces to-day cooperation in the Christmas Ship plan," telegraphed the editor of the Beloit (Wis.) Free Press. "If this paper can be of service to you in the campaign, I shall be proud to be so advised," wrote H. C. Austin, editor of the Ossage (Iowa) News. "Call upon me for assistance any time. I can assure you a good contribution from Osage." Ministers, laymen, politicians — every one — wrote letters to the Herald, commenting upon my appeal to the children. "Christmas Ship Editor of the Herald: "I have read your sublime and Christ-like letter, 'To the Children of America.' It is an inspiration. You are near the Kingdom. "F. W. Maguire." This is what a few religious workers of Chicago thought about the Christmas Ship plan : The Reverend John Timothy Stone, pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, saw in the plan the upbuilding in the Ameri- can child of a spirit of sacrifice and human service. "It is a beautiful thought," he said, "this plan of sending a toy ship across the seas as a messenger of peace and good will from the children of one continent to the children of another. The child who makes a personal sacrifice to brighten the life of some other little child will have given more than the toy he has given up, for he will have given a little of himself to humanity." "The Herald's offer to send a Christmas Ship to the war- ridden nations is a fine act and deserves the commendation of every one," said the Reverend William H. Car war dine, pastor of the Windsor Park Methodist Episcopal Church. "It is a mag- nificent undertaking for an American newspaper, and will be a grand success. The Herald has taken this step at an appro- priate time, and this wonderful expression of Christian spirit is bound to be taken up throughout the entire American nation," THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 133 The Reverend Dr. Johnston Myers of the Immanuel Baptist Church said: "The plan is splendid. It will have a wholesome effect on the senders as well as on the receivers. Care should be taken to send presents that will make the children really happy." "The sending of a toy ship to Europe freighted with gifts for little children of nations at war is the most divinely beautiful suggestion that I have seen in recent years," said the Reverend John P. Brushingham, pastor of the South Park Avenue Meth- odist Episcopal Church. And after the clergymen came men prominent in the business world, all pausing to pay tribute to the Christmas Ship idea: "I think the Christmas Ship an institution of inestimable good," declared John F. Smulski. "We will have it called to the attention of the Association of Commerce. I believe it will appeal to the members as the best concrete expression that could be devised of American love for the peoples of the old country and of American hope that they will cease striving against each other." George M. Reynolds, president of the Continental and Com- mercial National Bank, enlisted for the campaign. " It is a beautiful idea, ' ' said the banker. ' ' What a wonderful spirit it instills into the youngsters of America! And what a wonderful effect it will have on the youngsters abroad ! There is no way to estimate the results of such a stupendous act, but the happiness alone that will grow out of it among the children of Europe is enough to fire American youth to the greatest efforts. Race and creed are for the first time in history welded into a brotherhood of man which I wish might last." Jacob M. Loeb, president of the Chicago Hebrew Institute and a member of the Board of Education, was a "booster" for the Christmas Ship. "It is a project which has for its objective the relief of little children, and as such should have the unified support of the entire nation, officially, collectively, and individually," he said. Mr. Loeb's view of the objects to be attained by the sending of the Christmas Ship was a broad one. In a brief interview he outlined for the Chicago Herald what he characterized as the four 134 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP great benefits which would result from the plan — the giving of happiness to helpless, unhappy children; the moral education of the children of America ; the promotion of international peace, and the development of the ideal of universal brotherhood. "Any one of the four is worthy enough in itself to warrant the enthusiastic support of the project by every red-blooded American," he said, "but taken together they form an opportu- nity so rare, so dominant, that America cannot afford to neglect it. "However, there is another aspect of the plan which should not be overlooked by Chicagoans. It is this: The Christmas Ship originated in Chicago. Naturally the broadness of its appeal has caused it to grow until now it encompasses the entire nation. Still, our civic pride should guarantee that Chicago's part in the cargo of the ship will be the greater part. "There is nothing of selfishness in this desire. Nor is there anything of provincialism or narrow complacency. It is only a call to duty which Chicago should not fail to answer. There are many in Chicago who have taken an active interest in the Christmas Ship. There are many who are sacrificing time, money, and personal interests to make it a success. But there still are many passive agencies and individuals. "I have seen enough of the working out of the plan to know that the Christmas Ship will be a success. Still, success itself will be a tragedy unless it represents the most it is within our power to do." Mr. Loeb was the first one to recognize a most important part of my original plan of the Christmas Ship. I brought the idea to Chicago because I was born there. I am a Chicago woman, and I wanted the most beautiful thing which has grown out of the w^ar to come from my native city. I told the editor of the Herald these things in my first inter- view with him, and no one pays a more sincere tribute to his energy in carrying out my plans than I do. Possibly no other editor in the country could have done it so completely. But Mr. Loeb recognizes the civic pride I had when I brought the idea a thousand miles in order to start it in Chicago. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 135 The Chicago Herald gave this account of how a church convention indorsed the Christmas Ship plan: "The Christmas Ship was unanimously indorsed yesterday by seven hundred delegates assembled in Moody Church in the first general convention of the Sunday schools and Keystone Endeavor societies of the United Evangelical Church. ' ' Sentiment of the delegates as expressed in resolutions drawn up by R. G. Munday, chairman, and adopted unanimously, will be forwarded to one hundred and thirty thousand young people in the United States, who are actively engaged in the work of the two organizations. "At the conclusion of the regular program Bishop U. F. Swengel of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, spoke of the Christmas Ship plan. The Reverend J. Q. A. Curry, president of the general managing board of the church, then read the resolutions. "When he had finished he said, All who are in favor of the resolutions, signify by raising the right hand.' Instead of responding in the way designated every one in the large auditorium arose and lifted his hands heavenward. "'To-day's meetings were among the most enthusiastic we have yet had, and the adoption of the resolutions was a fine way to close so profitable a day,' said Chairman Munday after the indorsement of the Christmas Ship plan had been included in the minutes of the convention. 'I have read daily the develop- ments in the campaign being carried on by the children of America in behalf of the war orphans and am immensely pleased that the opportunity to indorse the plan in behalf of the thousands of young people of our church should arise at this time. The action of our body is particularly significant because the delegates have been listening to our missionaries, who have just returned from the war zone.' " One of the boys in the Christmas Ship department of the Herald used this clever caption several times with great success: "Do Your Christmas Shipping Early," Libby, McNeill & Libby, Chicago packers, expressed their 136 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP interest in the Christmas Ship in a practical way, this one Chi- cago concern making provision for the comfort of two hundred European famiHes at Christmas time. The plan by which it accomplished this end is revealed in the following letter: "To the Editor of the Herald: "Your plan for a Christmas Ship filled with gifts for the widows and orphans of Europe caused by the war, enables us to demonstrate in a practical way our deep sympathy for these poor sufferers. "We have prepared and will hold for your shipping instruc- tions two hundred individual cases of assorted canned foods, each case to contain the following items: One can Libby's corned beef One can Libby's corned beef hash One can Libby's pork and beans One can Libby's apple butter One can Libby's Vienna sausage One can Libby's deviled meats One can Libby's Tall Red salmon One can Libby's tomato soup One can Libby's jam One can Libby's jelly "Wishing you every success in this very worthy enterprise, we are, "Yours truly, "LiBBY, McNeill & Libby, "Per Edward G. McDougall" The way in which the schools took up the idea may be gained from the following in the Chicago Herald: "American school children are destined to play an important part in the loading of the Christmas Ship. In Chicago, in the remainder of Cook County, in Illinois, and in uncounted cities in other states, the schools have officially taken up the work vigorously. "Missouri is perfecting plans for a state-wide campaign in THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 137 the public schools. The University of Missouri, high schools and grade schools, country schools and kindergartens will unite to load the ship. "It is probable that two days will be set aside in the schools as 'Christmas Ship' days. "J. M. H. Frederick, superintendent of schools at Cleveland, is perfecting similar plans for application among the school children of his city. "Monday was 'Christmas Ship' day in the public schools of Rock Island. The children were asked to give one cent each. When at the end of the day it was found that the children had given (four thousand of them) $84.52, Superintendent E. C. Fisher admitted that there must be something wrong with the multiplication table. "In Hammond, Indiana, the four thousand children in the public schools are working under the direction of Superintendent of Schools C. M. McDaniel. They are devoting their manual- training and domestic-science hours to the manufacture of gifts. "Boston has taken up the work through its kindergartens. Under the leadership of Miss Caroline D. Aborn, director of kindergartens, the children have been busily engaged for more than two weeks. Miss Aborn promises ' big results from Boston.' "The quarter of a million children in the Chicago schools have made a good start on their part of the ship's cargo. In their sewing rooms and workshops they are giving a good account- ing of every minute of their time. Under the guidance of Edward F. Worst and Miss Ida M. Cook, supervisors of manual training and household arts, respectively, neither the practical nor the purely sentimental gifts are being overlooked. "One thousand teachers of the Cook County schools outside of Chicago will perfect plans for the county schools' part in the Christmas Ship work at a mass meeting to be held in FuUerton Hall to-morrow. Meanwhile the seventy thousand children under their direction are already hard at work." We would no sooner smile over such cheering news than a surprise greater than anything we had yet encountered would 10 138 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP come to our attention. It seemed as if every nation on earth wanted to contribute to the Christmas Ship! Japanese residents of Chicago — consular officials, students, and business men — rallied to the support of the Christmas Ship. The following letter, in which was inclosed seventy dollars, was received by the Herald from Saburu Kurusu, imperial consul of Japan : "In accordance with the request of the supporters of your Christmas Ship plan among the Japanese residents of Chicago, I have the great pleasure of sending you herewith seventy dollars donated by our people in this city and its vicinity. "The collection of this fund was started by several organiza- tions of local Japanese inhabitants, namely, the Mutual Aid Society, the Japanese Young Men's Christian Association, the Japanese Mission Homes, the Japanese Club of Chicago, the Japanese Business Men's League, and the Japanese Club of the University of Chicago, in response to the bugle call of your paper, which moved us to the highest pitch of the spirit of universal love and cosmopolitan brotherhood. "Though the amount collected is insignificant, it is really from our heartiest sympathy toward those helpless children in Europe that we ask you to receive the same to purchase something which will lighten the saddened little hearts of those boys and girls. "Would you please accept the same and see it duly sent, with our best wishes, to those unfortunate sons and daughters of our European brothers?" Was it any wonder that I found it so easy to write for the Christmas Ship as follows ? I know a little girl who has more toys than she ever plays with. I told her about the Christmas Ship — in fact, she heard about it before you did — and she immediately decided to send her doll's bed. Now a doll's bed does not sound very much, does it? But THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 139 this doll's bed is some pumpkins ! It is about four feet long, and a child of six could sleep in it. But this is the most interesting part to my Christmas Ship Class: Although this doll's bed looks exactly like new, still all the bedding must be made over. The mattress is to have a new tick. New feather pillows are to be made from one of mother's old ones which has leaked and grown so pale that we might as well assist at its obsequies. New sheets are to be hemmed by patient little fingers. The blankets will be washed. An eiderdown comfort which has shed its silk cover is to have a new one — blue, she thinks — and the whole will be covered with a white spread cut down from a grown-up spread whose comers whipped out in the wind. I wish you could see those cute little pillowcases! Why, when that bed is finished it will be so unutterably fascinating I shan't want to see it go out of the United States! I wish I were small enough to sleep in it myself, but I would have to fold double to fit in it, and I am afraid I should be uncomfortable. But do you know what I hope will happen to that doll's bed when it arrives in Europe? I hope those in charge of the distribution will give it to some poor mother with very small children, who can sleep in it. For do you know how many, many poor children sleep? The father and mother take the middle of the bed and the children are tucked round the edges. Two children are often at either side, and two at the foot. I 've often wondered what would happen to the small fry of a family, who all slept in one bed in this way, if the father sud- denly got nightmare and kicked and thrashed. I can hear the small heads bumping on the floor right now! Can't you? Once, when my train was rushing through the darkness of a winter's night with the thermometer forty degrees below zero, and we were between Petrograd and Moscow, I saw many a little hut crouching in the snow — huts of only one room, with one door and one window, from which shone a crimson glow, evidently cast by the firelight. 140 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP In such one-room huts whole famiHes Hve. When I was in Russia there was no war, and children had daddies who went every day to earn their ten or twenty kopecks, which kept the family alive; but now the czar — the Little Father as he is called in Russia — has ordered all such men to the colors, which means that they have been obliged to leave their families utterly desti- tute and go to fight people they know nothing of. These poor men do not hate those they are ordered to march against. They know nothing of the causes of the war. They don't want to fight, and most certainly they do not want to be killed. Yet the czar orders them to go, and they must go. These men of Europe have been trained from childhood to prepare for war, to expect war, to study to be soldiers so that when war came they would make good ones — that is to say, so they could kill men more quickly than they could be killed. We don't do that over here. We think war is horrible, and we do not compel our boys to do military service as they do in Europe. Is n't it a far more beautiful thought to bring children up to see how peaceful they can be instead of studying to be warlike? Which is the more civilized country — the one which keeps the soldiers armed and trained so that in an hour's time they can be marching out to kill their neighbors, or a country which gives land to any one who cares to go and live on it and which lives so completely at peace with the world that its neighbors are not afraid of it? I think the United States is the most civilized country there is on the face of the globe, because we do not teach war. We stand for peace, and every peace thought that my boys and girls of the Christmas Ship Class can think or act brings universal peace just that much nearer. Men in Europe are war-crazed. Crowds paraded the streets of certain great cities and shouted for joy when war was declared — war, that would make half a miUion women widows and their children fatherless. Now, do you realize what one Christmas Ship will do ? It will make these war-crazed men stop and think. They THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 141 will say to themselves, "What is this? What have we done that a nation of children should be obliged to reach out in love and sympathy to the orphans we are making every day?" Men cannot ignore its message, or drive it away. It is there, before their eyes — a great ship, sailing safely through mined seas, laden with the most precious freight a ship ever bore, and under the Stars and Stripes will float our own flag — the white flag of Peace with its golden star of Hope and its one-word motto, "Inasmuch." Just after I wrote this the Christmas Ship was indorsed by many public officials as a "mission of mercy." "The Christmas Ship project has been indorsed as a 'mission of mercy ' that should receive the support of every man, woman, and child of the nation," said the Chicago Herald at this time. "County officials have given such an indorsement. County commissioners were unanimous in their commendation of the plan; individually, they pledged their support. * ' Some of them were glad to admit that it was their children who first brought the matter to their attention, and that the children were responsible for the hearty indorsement of the movement. "'I must confess that I had been too busy with a political campaign to pay much attention to the Christmas Ship plan, but my youngsters did not let me overlook it,' said one. "'It is a capital idea,' said Alexander A. McCormick, presi- dent of the county. 'It is a merciful mission in which I think the children of the entire nation will participate, and there is no more commendable thing in which they could be engaged." '"A magnificent idea,' was the comment of Avery Coonley of Riverside, a Progressive member of the County Board. 'It will have a greater effect on our future international relations than any of us realize. After all, it is humanitarianism that rules the world, not arms.' "'It is a fine thing,' said Peter Bartzen. 'It is a fine, charitable Christian idea, and the man who evolved it is a man of a big heart, and he can call upon me for any assistance in my power.' " 142 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP When it came time to turn the attention of the children from a surfeit of toys to more useful contributions, I wrote the following in the paper : I have a new pretend game, children of my Santa Claus Class ! You are forever writing to ask me what is most needed — what to make — what to send! Bless your dear, generous hearts! You want to do just the right thing for them, and the very best you can, don't you? Well, now, if you will play this game with me you will learn what is needed from inside your own minds, and all I shall do wili be to draw it out — which is education. You remember, a long time ago, I explained that the word "educate" comes from two Latin words which mean "to draw out," don't you? Well, here goes some of that kind of education! Let 's pretend that you and I are playing Santa Claus to some poor widow in — let's say France! You be Santa Claus, with a big Christmas box from the Santa Claus Ship. The ship, you understand, has been laden in New York harbor, has safely sailed the sea, and is now bumping back and forth, tied to the great stone pier at Marseilles. I am a poor widow with six small children, and my pretty home has been destroyed. I am living in a barn which the sol- diers tried to burn; but it did not burn entirely, so I took shelter here after the army had passed on. I cried all night, for the baby is sick and I have no money and no food, and it is very cold. I have no blankets to cover my five larger children, but I covered them with the hay which the soldiers expected to burn with the barn. I am holding the baby in my arms, and sadly wondering if we will all be alive when night comes. The children come to my knees, crying for food. And I cry, too, when I have to tell them I have n't any. Just as despair fills all of our hearts, I hear a cry from my eldest boy. He is twelve years old, and his name is Gaston. He has run to the door and heard news of a miracle. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 143 The village pastor has told Gaston that the American children have sent a shipload of good things and that no one who is in need will be forgotten, Gaston is wild with joy. He races in, calling: "Maman! EcoutezI" And then in French (for please remember I am a French widow, and can speak no English) he tells me that we are to be remembered, and before he ceases to speak a cart drives up to the door and some rosy-cheeked children from the United States climb down and come running in, their arms piled high with toys. At first we are too bewildered to speak. "Here," cries a little girl, "is a lovely wax doll for — • "Marie!" I say, seeing that she wants to know my little daughter's name. "And here," cries another American child, "is a beautiful set of doll's dishes for—" "Emelie," I say, pointing to my little five-year-old girl. "And here," cries a boy, "is a fine pair of skates for — " "Baptiste," I say, to introduce my ten-year-old son. My children take the beautiful toys with fingers blue with cold. "Why," cries the little girl in English, "see how cold your hands are! Where are your mittens?" "HelasI" I say, in perfectly gorgeous French, "they have none." "Why are you here — in a barn, with no fire and no food and no blankets?" "The soldiers burned our house," I answer, "and there is nothing left." The American children rush back to the cart. "This is no place to give toys," they say. "This poor woman, (me, you know!) needs bread and milk and potatoes! She needs a stove and candles and hot tea and warm blankets! She needs a shawl to put around her shoulders, and her children need coats and mittens. The baby needs a flannel petticoat and a warm sleeping bag! And they need — why, they need 144 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP everything. They have nothing! They have only the clothes they are wearing! They have no money! Here! Open those boxes! Our mothers packed them for just such people as this poor widow with six children! (Me, you understand!) Hurry, and hand us those tins and cans and bottles!" Pretty soon I see the American children come running back to me. In their arms this time are the most wonderful things! There are mittens to fit us all! Shoes and stockings for all my boys and girls! A fire is built in the yard. The American children gather the sticks, and a Boy Scout builds it. They make hot tea and give me some. And they open tins of meat and feed my children, and when they have given me some money to buy things I need, they climb back in the cart and drive to the next place. They left us with some Christmas toys too, but somehow — toys — when one is starving — ! Now do you see what our Christmas Ship needs? I have ceased to be a French widow now. I can speak English again. And the play is over! This changed the work more than pages of appeals or hun- dreds of letters of instruction. Children are more easily reached by stories which stir their imagination than by anything else in the world. CHAPTER XVI How THE Dramatic Profession Helped IV/r EMBERS of the theatrical profession are so notoriously ■^^■^ generous that it was no surprise to me to find that Margaret Anglin's company, in taking toll of every one connected with the play to fill a box for the Christmas Ship, simply set the ball rolling. Such generosity is contagious. Ruth Stonehouse, one of the beauties of the motion-picture world, wrote me a letter offering to dress dolls, and when I accepted the offer with enthusiasm, she made good by sending us nearly a roomful of dressed dolls of all sorts and conditions — mostly the work of this busy young woman's hands. After that, things theatrical went with a rush. Will J. Davis, Jr., manager of the Illinois Theater, and Miss Jennie Dufau, prima donna of the Chicago Grand Opera Company, each sent a cheque for one hundred dollars to the Christmas Ship fund. Miss Dufau recently made her way from her father's home between the firing lines in Alsace-Lor- raine, where she narrowly escaped being shot as an alleged spy. On her return to America she stated she had come to sing that she might earn money to help relatives and friends made desti- tute as a result of the war. Mr. Davis did not stop here. The Midnight Girls Company was at the Illinois at the time, and when they wanted to do something for the Christmas Ship he sent over to me to ask if I could suggest a way in which some of the prettiest girls in the company could be utilized. I have always thought I would shine as a press agent, for at such a chance my brain just buzzes. The wheels that my brother always accuses me of keeping in my belfry tower go so fast I can hear them. I suggested that four girls from the chorus of "Red-Cross Nurses" be put in a specially decorated automobile and sell the Christmas Ship flower, the white aster, at the noon hour in the loop. 145 146 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP They took it up with a will, with the result that four beautiful girls — Mona Sartoris, Marie Newton, Cleo La Moyne, and Fay Arthur — decorated the car with flags and bunting, with the words, "We are Doing This for the Christmas Ship," along the side. A. L. Simmons, the florist, hearing of the plan, sent over enough white asters to fill the car. It was a lovely sight. The girls were out only one hour, but they cleared forty-four dollars and proudly turned the money over to the Herald. Then Miss Bertha Mann, who was playing at the Princess Theater in "To-day," wanted to do something for us. She consulted the manager of that smart little playhouse, Mr. Sam Gerson, and between them a most novel scheme was evolved. Miss Mann's uncle, in the South, had sent her a bale of cotton. She decided to advertise that she would auction it off after the matinee, and give the proceeds to the Christmas Ship. Mr. Gerson cooperated with her, and the plan was told on our page. When the day came the pretty young actress was her own auctioneer and sold the cotton for fifty-five dollars to Mrs. W. H. Bogart, of the Hollenden Hotel, Englewood. The appreciation Mr. Berezniak had for the idea of the Christmas Ship deserves recognition and a place in this book: "Here is an opportunity to help the Christmas Ship," said the Herald. "It is given by a man who has attached no strings to his offer and is actuated solely by a desire to help. "He has set aside the matinee performances in the Royal Picture Theater, at 1369 Milwaukee Avenue, this afternoon and every succeeding Tuesday afternoon, as Christmas Ship matinees. "The man who made this offer to the Christmas Ship is Leon A. Berezniak, president of the company which owns the theater. He did not ask for this publicity. He has nothing to gain by it, for every cent of the proceeds of the play will go to the Christmas Ship. "This is what Mr. Berezniak has to say about the project: 'The Christmas Ship plan appeals to me strongly. It seems to THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 147 me the most wonderful idea advanced in recent years. Nothing I can conceive of is finer than helping, in some measure, to make the season of peace and good will have some cheerful meaning for the thousands of poor children rendered fatherless by this horrible war. I am truly grateful to the Herald for giving me the opportunity of aiding this magnificent project.'" Then Laura Rountree Smith, author of the Bunny Books, wrote me the following: "My dear Lilian Bell: "Hurrah for your Christmas Ship! When I heard about the scheme I put on my thinking cap, like Bunny Cotton-Tail, and sat down in the comer and wondered what in the world a busy author could do. "But, oh, joy! I have been dressing dolls all my life, so I de- cided to dress as many as possible, all sweet little crochet creatures with fluffy dresses and caps — everything to come off, of course. I have twenty-one ready now. "We are so delighted with your letters every day, and lend our paper to those interested, and to those who would be inter- ested if they only knew of the good work. ' ' We are working here. The old ladies are making hoods and mittens. The little children are meeting together on Saturday, running to and fro with their workbags on their arms. The school children are interested, and we are all so glad to help. "'My fur and whiskers!' says Bunny Cotton-Tail. 'I can take a nap while the author is so busy with the dolls.' "I really believe he has curled up in a comer and gone to sleep with all the rest of the Cotton-Tail family." This busy author actually carried out the generous plans, and at the last she sent a great lot of most beautifully dressed dolls. If the children who received those dolls could only have known that the Bunny Book lady, who has given so much pleasure to our children, cut, fitted, and sewed those dainty garments, how much more valuable they would seem! 148 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Author ladies can sometimes do other things than write! I got many a good laugh out of my mail, for some of the letters were very funny, but nothing struck me as more amusing than a letter written by Mrs. Emma De Vault from La Rose, a little village in Illinois with only one hundred forty inhabitants. She wrote in part as follows: "Every one is enthusiastic and eager to help, and various and original are many of the plans. "The churches probably will contribute money, which can be used to better advantage in the city marts of trade. The Sunday schools will take up a collection, and some member will be delegated to visit our near-by city of Peoria to obtain a gift worthy the donors. ' ' The ladies' aid societies are making warm little garments ; the 'movie' company has advertised a benefit show for October lo; the young men will give a charity ball; the girls plan to make aprons for their forlorn little sisters across the sea; boys of the ages of four to twelve years will have a pigeon sale, climbing to the belfry of the old Methodist Church after the birds; the schools have provided a 'penny box' into which the pupils will drop their pennies. "A pie sale will be held very soon, each woman in town contributing one pie. "We plan at the close of the campaign, after all the gifts are in, to have a social affair, serve light refreshments, charge a small admission, and have all the presents where the public may view them before starting them on their long journey. "We are all busy and happy in the work, and you may save a good-sized space on the ship for the consignment La Rose expects to send." I think the originality of the steeple-climbing and pigeon- selling idea deserves being immortalized. But what struck me as so killing was that, after each one of the one hundred forty inhabitants had contributed — for between the pies, the pigeons, and the aprons not one soul might escape! — then, if THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 149 a thrifty citizen had managed to conceal a nickel where the Christmas Ship fund would not be likely to look for it, he need not hope to evade giving it up! For lo! an evening was to be set aside when all who had given might come and pay to see their gifts stacked up for shipping. Wasn't that funny? And clever? The best part of it was that they made good. They filled and sent a huge packing case into which went one hundred twenty-two pairs of stockings, twenty- two suits of underwear, twenty-five yards of goods, and twenty-five cans of condensed milk, besides hundreds of other gifts. Topping this came a cheque amounting to $26.75, behind which I can see pies and pigeons and ingenuity and enterprise and generosity beyond the telling. If every city had given in proportion to its inhabitants as did La Rose, the cargo would have filled every ship afloat. At least, that is the way I make up my statistics! Off hand! Just like that! It saves lots of bother to figure that way, and is far more satisfactory to the feminine mind — of which mine is one. I only wish I had heard of every act of self-sacrifice that I might tell of it. I can only record those I have found by search- ing the files of the papers sent to me. But in the Herald I find this: "Girls employed in the office of the Municipal Engineering and Contracting Company have decided to give up part of their Christmas this year that they may send cheer to the war orphans. The following letter, with a cheque for nine dollars, has been received by the Herald Christmas Ship department: ' ' ' Please use the inclosed cheque to provide useful gifts to be sent on the Christmas Ship. It has been our yearly custom to have a Christmas celebration and present gifts to each other, but this year we decided to do without our presents and devote the money we might spend in that way to a fund for those less fortunate than ourselves.' And the letter was signed, 'The Girls of M. E. & C. Company.'" 150 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Generosity of the real kind is this, for there is not a name signed. I wonder what was bought with that cheque? If / had been intrusted with the shopping for the Christmas Ship, I should have kept an account of all such, and published a list in my column afterwards, telling what was bought, that those who literally went without, in order to send their con- tributions to the Herald, might know exactly what went with their money. Dollars such as these are different from cheques written by rich men and women. The sacrifices of the poor are actually sacred in my eyes, and should be handled in a different manner. What do you think of this letter from El Paso, Texas? "Tithe-giving was revived at the Elephant Butte Dam project in New Mexico, where the Order of Elephants, composed of workmen and officials in charge of the government project, raised funds for the Christmas Ship, each giving a tenth of his earnings. One hundred woolen sweaters, mittens, and stocking caps were purchased for the Belgian children. "Two thousand packages have been expressed to Brooklyn. Another shipment went forward to-night, and to-morrow pupils of the girls' school will wrap and tie hundreds of bundles for the Christmas Ship car, which leaves Monday. To-morrow will be Christmas Ship Sunday. "One package sent to-night contained a red sweater suit, cap, leggings, and mittens from two-year-old Norman Walker, Jr., who used the Christmas money he was saving to buy his grandfather in Indiana a present. "A little Mexican girl brought a live parrot in a wicker cage for 'los ninos en Europe treste' (the little children in sad Europe). "Many bundles addressed in Spanish to the Christmas Ship have been shipped from this city to the Bush Terminal in Brooklyn. The gifts come from residents of Ciudad Juarez, in war-ridden Mexico. "Christmas greetings in English, German, and French were supplied by citizens in El Paso. "When it was announced across the border that the greeting THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 151 cards had been printed, there were many requests for them, and practically every present was accompanied by a greeting. "A former chief of police in Juarez requested fifteen greetings, saying in Spanish that his little 'ninos' had heard of the 'ninos pobres en Europe,' and wished to send some presents. Several days later he brought in a number of packages containing Mexican dulces, or candies, made from cactus, nuts, and goats' milk, and a number of dolls and chairs of mesquite wood. "Other Mexicans have been equally active, and when the entire consignment reaches Brooklyn there will be enough Mexican gifts to cheer several hundred European orphans." Verily, the Christmas Ship idea seems to have had the power of a magician's wand ! You just could n't keep people from giving ! If you went to buy things with Christmas Ship money you hardly had to pay cost for the things, if you told what you wanted and whom it was for, as this from the Chicago Herald shows : "Several days ago the chairman of the board of directors of one of the largest railroads entering Chicago telephoned the president of one of the city's largest shoe manufacturing firms: T wish you would pack five dozen pairs of boys' and girls' shoes and fifteen pairs of stockings. Send them to the Pugh warehouse for the Christmas Ship.' Evidently the order touched the heart of the manufacturer, for when the invoice of the order reached the Herald ship department it was accompanied by a second invoice for twenty-four pairs of girls' and boys' shoes, the gift of the manufacturer." I was so impressed with this sort of giving that I wrote the following : Verily, it is true that "a little child shall lead them"! For the idea that the Christmas Ship is the work of little children has opened the hearts of the American people as no other idea on earth has ever done. 152 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Whenever I tell the story of the Christmas Ship I do not have to ask for money. Purses fly open as if by magic, and it is freely offered me. I believe if more money were to be needed than we already have, and I were permitted just to go about telling the American people what the children of our country have done for the orphans of the war — of the self-sacrifices, of the hard and unaccustomed work little hands and feet have performed — that I could get a million dollars. Just let me give you one example: On Sunday morning I was at the station waiting to take my train to Champaign to tell fifteen thousand people of the Christ- mas Ship idea, when I heard the words "Christmas Ship" spoken by one of a group of ladies. Those two words have power to galvanize me into instant action, no matter under what circumstances I hear them. They sound in my ears like the name of a beloved child ! So I turned in their direction, and immediately the ladies came over and introduced themselves. One had been in my audience when I had addressed the Prince of Wales Chapter of the Daughters of the British Empire when they applauded to the echo my announcement of Lord Northcliffe's interest in the Christmas Ship, and his splendid cooperation. It did not take me more than a few breathless moments to bring the progress of the Christmas Ship idea up to date for these ladies, and before I had finished telling of the sorrowful condition of the expectant mothers who are refugees from Belgium, one purse flew open, and one lady pressed some money into my hand, crying out: "Take this! Oh, take this! It isn't much — how I wish I could give more! But take it. Miss Bell, and see that it buys something for those unborn babies!" And there were tears in the eyes of all of us, for her earnestness and heavenly pity were contagious. There are only a few days more before the Christmas Ship — my beloved child — sails. But money may be sent later. If there are any who have not heard that baby things are among our greatest needs, please THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 153 remember that your cheque may be sent to the editor as late as November 7 and still sail on the Christmas Ship, bringing comfort to some sorrowful expectant mother whose "man" has been killed, and who, in the hour of her greatest need, has literally nowhere to lay her head! These appeals never failed to bring what was suggested, and I love to think that many a terrified expectant mother's anxiety was allayed, and her wants provided for, by the power of a pen wielded in a quiet room thousands of miles away out of sheer love for a sister woman. About this time came the wonderful offer of the Liebler Company to divide with the Christmas Ship the profits of all performances of "Joseph and His Brethren." We opened a box office in the Herald building, and every one boosted the movement. The management sent me a box, so I went, and was so enchanted with the loftiness of the lessons the play taught that I introduced it to the members of my Santa Claus Class in the following : I suppose all the Chicago boys and girls who read these lines were at the Auditorium yesterday afternoon at the children's matinee of "Joseph and His Brethren." I have seen many gorgeously beautiful spectacles on the stage, for when I lived in New York I did dramatic criticism for two years and had to go to the theater every night except Sunday — but I never saw any play so wonderfully staged as Louis N. Parker's "Joseph and His Brethren." We sit in front of the stage and see the curtain go up and down, and scene after scene of richest oriental splendor unrolls before our eyes, but we pay most of our attention to the actors, and the text of the play. We are interested in its story, and in the action of the men and women taking the different parts. The time will come when you will make a study of the history of Egypt, and then you will realize that the decorations are as marvelous as the play itself. 11 154 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP All the carvings, arabesques, scarabae, garments, jewels, wall hangings, images, sculptures, and even the mosaics in the floor are perfectly accurate, and represent more time spent in careful research than it would take you to skip a grade. So if you observe carefully you will find that the play is very educational. Did you ever stop to think that a careful producer could ruin an oriental play of the time of Joseph by introducing a telephone into the last act? He could! The audience would completely forget all that had gone before, and would go out remembering only that ridiculous mistake. I remember once in New York sending for the manager of a play supposed to take place in rural England in the month of July, and calling his attention to the use of an American calendar, having the glorious Fourth represented by a great red four! In England they don't call any especial attention to the fourth of July ! Do you know why? The manager wrung his hands when he realized what a blunder that would have been if discovered, and it is safe to say that an English calendar replaced the American on the second night of that play. Every one who writes knows that the Bible is not only the most wonderful book ever written, but the most replete in dramatic material and the richest in language. If a would-be author should ask me to crowd the most instruc- tion as to mental equipment into a single sentence, I would say, without hesitation: "Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the Bible." A man or woman who has thoughtfully absorbed the spiritual import of the Bible, and who understands its imagery aright, has the best equipment for secular authorship that I know any- thing about. Why? Because, as in Shakespeare, you will find in the Bible every plot known to modern literature. You will find the richest and THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 155 most varied imagery. You will find the loftiest sentiments expressed. You will even find sardonic humor. Did you ever realize that Job says in bitter irony to his would-be comforters: "No doubt but ye are the people and wisdom shall die with you!" In our language that would be: "Don't think you are the only pebble on the beach!" for Job goes on in the next verse to say: "But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you!" There is the thought which has been the subject of so many of our American slang phrases. Yet it is in the Bible! And as to running the gamut of human endeavor, the story of "Joseph and His Brethren" includes it all. Hypocrisy, jealousy, envy, greed, unlawful love, sedition, mischief making, idolatry, theft, and murder are on one side; while on the other are pure and innocent love, gratitude, filial obedience, reverence for old age, family affection, uplifting faith, and an understanding of God's power and might, which finally shows in a united family, prosperous and happy because of Joseph's obedience to his father's teachings. Joseph's mental pilgrimage is well worth commending to grown-ups as well as to children. He harbored no revenge against his brothers. He accepted without murmuring, or per- sonal rebuke, his sore bondage. Even when betrayed by Zuleika he forgave her. When cast into prison he was still gentle with his jailer and his brother captives. When summoned to the jail yard at sundown, to breathe the air, the other prisoners broke into bitter revilings and lamenta- tions, whereas Joseph lifted up his eyes to heaven and thanked God for His mercies. This state of mind was what made him overlord of Egypt — an elevation which was not in the least due to the chief butler's having tardily remembered him. And this is what I wish to call the children's attention to the most carefully. Think what it was which made Joseph such a powerful, rich, 156 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP and wise man, so that the great King Pharaoh of Egypt gave him almost unHmited power, even to the declaration: "Only on the throne shall I be greater than thou!" Joseph bore his tribulations meekly, realizing that his endur- ance of rebuke was being tested. Then his obedience, his true humility, his gratitude to God for blessings which most persons would say he had not yet received (for he blessed God while he was yet in chains in a dark prison cell), and his everyday dependence on his understanding of Immanuel or God-with-us, were the things he was finally rewarded for by having his freedom from bondage, by riches and honor, by having the woman he loved for his wife and his aged father to dwell near him, with the good will and gratitude of all Egypt and its kind. Surely that was sufficient reward, and the best of it is that this is a true story — a Bible story, and one we can prove to our own satisfaction if we behave as Joseph did when similar things befall us in this life. Isn't that a wonderful thought? Of course the company caught the contagion of the Christmas Ship, so they had a Christmas Ship day, and if anybody con- nected with the play or the Auditorium let the day go by without contributing, I did not hear of it. We printed this description of it on the Christmas Ship page of the Herald: ' ' Members of the 'Joseph and His Brethren' company forgot all about lines and 'Qs' for the time being, and spent the day wrapping bundles of presents for the children of Europe. The presents were purchased with money contributed by members of the company and attaches of the theater. Every one, from Katherine Kaelred, the leading woman, to those in the cast playing the most minor parts, and from Harry Askin, the theater manager, to the apprentice stage hands, gave to the cause of the Christmas Ship. "That portion of the stage in which the 'wrapping party' THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 157 was held was soon piled high with bundles. Each bundle contained a complete outfit of clothing for some boy or girl, the ages ranging from one to fourteen years. "Each bundle also contained a toy, a little doll, or a set of doll dishes for the girls, and a gayly colored express wagon or a box of games for the boys. Many of the dolls were dressed by young women members of the company. "Among those who took part in the 'wrapping party' were Jane Farrell, Ruth Rose, Ingrid Hunter, EHzabeth Diggett, Mercedes Desmore, Jean Grey, Lillian Menagan, Grace Massey, and Mme. Brignole. ' * Boxes of candy to go with the presents were contributed by Miss Farrell and Ben Gregory, who is the wigmaker for the company. "More presents are to be purchased and wrapped this week, and next week the company will hold a 'packing party,' when the bundles will be packed into boxes, ready for shipping." These bundles were extremely well packed and the contents plainly Hsted on the outside on stout tags. Where this happened it greatly facihtated the work at the Bush Terminal, for such boxes were shipped without repacking. But nobody cared! Whether the packing had to be done over or not, nobody complained. The generosity was so wonderful it covered all minor defects, and in that generosity the theatrical profession stands well in the limeUght of prompt and joyous giving. CHAPTER XVII What Detroit Did for the Ship "P^ETROIT and northern Michigan came into the Christmas -*-^ Ship work through the Detroit Times, and Tom May's cartoons were wonderful all through the campaign. I not only reproduce the splendid editorial which led off, but I choose to copy the paragraph which heads the editorial column. When a paper tries to be clean and help others to be clean, I think every one should give its efforts publicity: "The Times does not accept liquor and cigarette advertising or other advertising of an objectionable nature. Every advertise- ment in its columns is printed with full confidence in the character and reliabiUty of the advertiser and the truth of the representa- tions made. Readers of the Times will confer a favor if they will promptly report any failure on the part of an advertiser to make good any representation contained in a Times advertisement." "It is the children who must go forth in the morning of their lives without opportunity for education, without time for play, without preparation to make strong and healthy their frail bodies; go forth to toil in mill and factory and who, as they come to manhood, will find resting on their shoulders the great debt of a devastated country. ' ' But the future offers problems we cannot hope to solve now. There is a problem, a great throbbing problem, that we of America and of Detroit can help bring into shape and write 'happiness' where a grim hand is waiting to write 'disappoint- ment.' We can give those million orphaned children of Europe a Christmas made bright by gifts. To baby arms outstretched we can bring a doll, a book, a toy, a little something that will prevent the tumbling to earth of the child's rainbow castle of belief in Christmas. "The ship that is to sail from New York in December with 158 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 159 gifts from America to the little ones is a great ship, and there is much room. It should be filled to the uppermost deck. "We don't have to wait for the coming of snow, the hanging of holly, the chime of sleigh bells, the words of pastor and priest. The spirit that is alive then can be awakened now. The love that prompts the giving is just as great in golden October as in white December. "Time is fleeting, seas are stormy in winter, and the territory to be covered wide. The ship must sail many days before Christmas, and many days before that must be spent in buying the gifts and packing them aboard. So you who have deter- mined to give to the fund that will load the ship, and you v/ho have the spirit of Christmas sleeping in your breast, do not hesitate or put off. The time is now, and the need is great. "The Times is asking for the little children, the innocent ones who are resting secure in the belief that they will not be forgotten by the Christ child, by Santa Claus, by Kris Kringle. "The old saint will be busy soon — maybe too busy. So here in Detroit and in Michigan, why not mold a path across the seas that his reindeer steeds may bear away from us to the children of Europe, whose hearts are already burdened with a great grief, a Christmas remembrance?" From the first the Times gave space on its front page to the Christmas Ship, and its appeals were so stirring that results were obtained, because nobody could help responding to a call like this: " 'I saw a little child dead by the road, a great bullet wound in her breast.' That was what a traveler wrote to a friend in New York a few days ago in describing his trip through northern France. "Dead by a bullet — a little child, a creature of sunshine and joy, an innocent one who thought the world her friend and who tripped along the same road a few weeks ago plucking flowers and tossing their gleaming petals in the path of darting butterflies. i6o THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "And that is war. That Httle one is sleeping, and the bed of grasses will be changed for a casket and her brief chapter of life will be closed as the earth opens to receive her. The thunder of guns, the smoke of battle, and the flow of the crimson blood are not even a vision of the past for the child that lay beside the road in far-away France, a babe with a bullet wound in her breast. "Over nineteen hundred years ago another Child lay in a manger, and above His head angels chanted, 'Peace on earth, good will to men.' Because of that Child, each year has seen the coming of the joyous Yuletide. The love whose seed He planted back across the centuries bloomed most perfectly then, and its expression came in gifts, the giving of happiness to one another, and most of all to those of whom the Child said, ' Suffer them to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.' "Oh, you in happy America, can't you hear the cry that echoes even above the roar of battle, the sob of little children whose lives must be darkened by the shadow of the Red Dragon ? See their little hands held out to you, their clear eyes made dim by tears! They are seeking love and comfort, and they need each ray of sunshine we can send. "The Christmas Ship! The vessel that is to bear away from our shores a great load of toys and gifts! What a ship and what a mission! Won't you help weight it down? A few pennies, a dime, a dollar. Toss them into the cauldron where the fires of humanity are burning, and let the alchemy of life and love bring forth its gold." Is n 't that a glorious editorial ? And is n 't it good writing f The state was in the throes of a political campaign, but one candidate for governor was not too busy to think of the Christmas Ship. I would have voted for him if I had been given a chance, just because of the following: "Chase S. Osborn to-day contributed one hundred dollars toward the Christmas Ship fund, with the request that the THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP i6i money be used to buy heavy, warm stockings for the children of the warring European nations. The RepubHcan candidate for governor said: " 'When I was a boy I could not have many stockings. There were ten children in our family, and we were poor. It kept father and mother busy supplying needful things. Our stockings were home-knit, and the boys and girls were taught to knit them. On Christmas Eve we hung our stockings before the fireplace in a log cabin, and next morning we were eager to find what Santa Claus had brought. Always it was a red apple. How nice it looked, and how sweet and juicy! Even apples were scarce, and they were a treat to be remembered. Sometimes there was a wonderful stick of striped candy. That was a treat indeed! There was war and woe then in our dear land, too. How I wish a big, red Michigan apple could go with each of these stockings ! There will go with them our American love, and our prayers for peace and good will. May they be answered in good time so that fathers may come back to their tearful little folks. '"But many will never come back. They will be in un- known graves. Always the dear little foreign children will remember what the good American Kris Kringle sent, and when manhood and womanhood fruits, there will be kinder hearts, and sweetness will offset the bitterness of these tragic days. "'What a noble thought — this Christmas Ship! How it has blossomed into a flower that will perfume the whole world and make it better! God will chart this loving Christmas Ship and send it safe to the ports of hunger and sorrow and pain!'" It is so much better to vote for a man who feels this way, and backs it up by a neat little hundred-dollar cheque, than to bother about his views on the tariff or the ship subsidy, is n't it? Here is another editorial from the Detroit Times: "Tuesday night, as a fog crept in from the river lands and was beaten down by the cold chill of rain, two little newsboys 1 62 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP curled up in a doorway on Gratiot Avenue, and went to sleep. A gust of wind blew open the door, and their huddled forms were revealed in the light of a street lamp. "Fifteen minutes later those two little chaps were wolfing down food at a lunch counter, and clinking half a dozen coins in their pockets. Hurrying pedestrians had noted them — the roisterer on his way to fresh drinking places, the painted ladies, the leather-coated chauffeurs, the gamblers, the gangsters, birds of the night life — had halted in their milling to give comfort and to relieve the sorrows of the little fellows, because they were children. "It was a worthy deed enough, and all hail to the men and the women who gave! But if this was a token of the heart of the city and of the people, how much more should that heart respond to an appeal that is going up to heaven from the lips of a million little children. "A million orphaned babies in Europe will know, before the green spring comes again, the chill of the night air; thousands will go hungry and ragged and weeping, their father a memory, their home a house of sadness. We of America cannot do all that we would, but there is a day wherein we can help, and that is the day of the children — Christmas. ' ' The old world is spinning on and on in its track, and nearer and nearer is drawing the Christmas morn of 19 14. The day is not far away when the children will again consult the picture books with Santa pictured in furs and pack, when plans will be formed for family gatherings, for the gifts that will go one to another, for all the happy tumult of the holidays. "The good ship that is to sail next month for Europe with its great load of Christmas gifts for Europe's orphans is already preparing its hold. In answer to the appeal in the Times the people of Detroit and Michigan have already started the gold and silver stream that will make up our share of the gift, but it must come even faster, for Michigan and Detroit are rich, and the need is great. ' ' So hurry, hurry, hurry ! Don't wait for the peal of Christ- mas bells and the red, red glow of holly. It will be too late. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 163 And you do not want to think of a little child on Christmas morn weeping because Santa Claus forgot, or was so busy that he did not have time to answer the voiceless appeal." Every paper in the United States which contributed to the Christmas Ship campaign mentions the flag not once but many times. And when it comes back to me how I saw it in my waking dreams — how my eyes seemed to see it floating from the main- mast, how I did not have to sit down and puzzle over a design, but how it suddenly appeared, already designed, and billowing valiantly in the breeze, I can only pause in wonder at the glory of the vision. Finally came an end to the time only. If the sailing of the Jason could have been deferred one month, instead of seven million gifts we could have sent three times that number because the people only hurried toward the last. The Detroit Times wrote: "The appeal to Detroit and Michigan for gifts for the Christ- mas Ship has not been in vain, and Thursday afternoon a train will rush away into the East bearing gifts for one thousand little folk in Europe, orphans of the great war. From the x\tlantic to the Pacific has poured a great harvest of toys and gifts, and in the Bush Terminal in Brooklyn are mountain-high piles of goods. "Detroit's and Michigan's gift will be unique. Word came from New York that toys were there by millions, and the need now was clothing for the little folks who have to face the chill of a long winter. In addition to that, the majority of those who wrote to the Times asking that their gift be used in a specific way, asked that clothing be bought. "So on Wednesday the fund was turned over to a competent buyer, who went among the stores and looked and looked and planned and figured, and at last got a combination that would be hard to beat. Here it is: A thousand sweater coats, a thousand stocking caps, a thousand pairs of gloves, a thousand pairs of stockings, and a thousand suits of underwear. 1 64 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "Now, what do you think of that? ' ' One thousand shivering Httle bodies clothed in the warmest of things, with a gay stocking cap to top it all. No need for the kiddies to stay indoors, even if Christmas be cold and snowy. The cap pulls down over the ears, the sweater coat buttons tight about the chin, and the gloves fit snug about the little wrists. "A thousand mothers who have worried over the chill, and shed many a tear, will give you thanks none the less genuine because they do not know the personality of the giver. "Next Tuesday the great ship Jason will sail for Europe, her hold filled to the decks with the gifts — dolls and Teddy bears and sleds and skates and candy and nuts and clothing. The great white flag of peace with a single golden star in the center will snap from the mainmast, and the Stars and Stripes from the stem. "The flags of other nations will dip in passing cheer should the war vessels of the combatants meet this Mercy Ship. They are manned by fathers, too, who will give Godspeed to the Christmas Ship. "You will not see the joy light the faces of those children in far-away Europe or hear their shouts of glee as the little fingers tug at strings and knots, but you can have the sure knowledge that the faces did light and the shouts of glee did sound in the humble cottages, and that the mothers blessed you." Thus, the campaign of the Detroit Times ended. I have not had space to reproduce all of its whirlwind work, — I have taken the cream of it. But I read it all, and appreciated every word. And I glory in spreading the name and the fame of it to the world. CHAPTER XVIII Baltimore and Savannah in Line OAVANNAH, Georgia, became interested in the Christmas ^ Ship through the splendid campaign conducted by the Baltimore News: "Down in Savannah, Georgia, the boys and girls are as happy and busy as those in Maryland, over their plans for the Christ- mas Ship. Mrs. H. H. Breen, the chairman of the Christmas Ship committee for Savannah, has written Mrs. B. J. Byrne, the Baltimore chairman, for further directions for sending the gifts. 'So many people want to know all about it,' Mrs. Breen says, 'and will enjoy sending more if they can find out the details.' "In her reply to Mrs. Breen, Mrs. Byrne explained that the Red Cross is to have charge of the distribution among the kiddies in the war zone. That means that every country will share alike, and there will be absolutely no favoritism. This will also insure the gifts being given to the children who need them most — the little fatherless and homeless tots, not those whose fathers have not been called to the war and whose homes lie outside the paths of the fiercely battling armies." It is a bright, cheerful story that the News tells, and very interesting ! The campaign in Baltimore was in charge of Mrs. B. J. Byrne, and from the account of the various activities I do not see that she had time to eat or sleep. It just goes to show how marvel- ously the Christmas Ship took hold of people's hearts when a woman with nothing in the world to gain except the supreme joy of doing good, would work as Mrs. Byrne did. "Mrs. Byrne, chairman of the Christmas Ship committee of the Suffrage Bazaar," said the Baltimore News, "will appear 165 1 66 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP before the School Board this afternoon and request the Board to permit the principals of the grammar schools to tell the children about the Christmas Ship and ask them to help. "Mrs. Byrne is particularly anxious to reach the tots in the primary grades, who are not far enough advanced to read the newspapers. These children get the news of the Christmas Ship secondhand from their elders, or not at all." The editor of the News on October 23 published on its edi- torial page this beautiful tribute to the Christmas Ship : "How the soldiers of the opposing armies will fare in the trenches at Christmas is all too certain. But the suggestion originating in America that hostilities everywhere in Europe be suspended on that day is a happy and sympathetic one, however forceful the fear that the armies would use the respite to their military advantage. "At all events, the men, or those who may be living at the Christmas time, will have learned that, in spite of the horror through which they have passed, there are still kind thoughts in the world. They will know of the Christmas Ship from this countr}^ and of its precious cargo for the children. Many of those children have witnessed the misery that we on this side of the water know only from description; many, too, have felt the anguish of the war in dreadful personal loss — fathers, brothers, kindred — beloved dead upon the field, never to be seen again, voices ever more to be silent. "The ship will bear the gifts over the ocean, and will bear also hopes and prayers that the tenible deeds that we read about daily may cease. It is the generation growing up that will suffer by the war as well as that taking present part in it. A cruel legacy awaits those little folks for whom the story of life is just beginning vdth such a hideous impressiveness. "Never sailed a ship, we may say, upon a holier mission, and is it too much to believe that angelic ministers will guide her way? Christmas will be sad in Europe; but the coming of the Christmas Ship will lift something of the burden of gloom from the many stricken hearts." THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 167 The campaign was short but spirited in Bahimore, and that beautiful city sent a most generous contribution to the Jason: "When the big wagons of the American Express Company- called at headquarters to haul away the clothing and gifts for the Christmas Ship yesterday afternoon," said the Baltimore News, "the men who came to get the things were frankly astounded. First they sent a hurry call back to their office for a third wagon; then they rolled up their sleeves and went to work. "It was one o'clock when the wagons arrived. It was after four when, the last huge bale had been hoisted on the wagons and had started on its way to the station. In those three hours the brawny and good-natured men pulled and tugged and hammered and packed as if their lives depended upon it. This is not in their regular line of work, but when they heard that those big boxes would bring a happy Christmas to the little refugees, there was no stopping them. "While one of them hammered the lids on the unfinished boxes, another painted the address on the outside, and others carried them out of headquarters and lifted them on the wagons. They thought of the fun the boxes would bring to the war refu- gees, and whistled as they worked, "All day yesterday the gifts were arriving. Some of the kiddies came in groups. Every now and then a class of bright- eyed lads and lassies, chaperoned by a teacher, would march in, each bringing a little personal gift for some little Belgian, French, German, Russian, or English child. "A dear old lady who described herself as 'too old to go to shop' inclosed a dollar with a sweet little note. The girls of Miss McCulloh's Oldfield School, through Mrs. Charles Mackall, sent forty- two dollies which they had dressed in their recreation hours after lessons were over, to gladden the little fatherless children in Europe. In addition they had donated enough money to buy one hundred pounds of sugar and four barrels of flour. "From St. Paul's Lutheran Church came two sugar barrels 1 68 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP and one big wooden box chock full of snug winter wraps and underwear, and Miss Thompson of Longwood Road, Roland Park, sent a fine box of toys. "Even when the last box had been addressed and lifted on the wagon, and Mrs. Byrne and her busy assistants had time to catch their breath, the gifts still came. "American flour, American canned goods, American choco- late, beans, and soup will be distributed among the refugees when the Christmas Ship arrives in Europe. From Baltimore a big shipment of groceries to cheer the war refugees was packed among the clothing and gifts that left the Baltimore Station at eleven o'clock this morning. "Among other donations which were received to-day were two large boxes from Perry ville and Havre de Grace, and a donation from Cantonville. The Havre de Grace box was filled with winter clothing made by the little girls and young women in the Havre de Grace Presbyterian Church." Last of all came the second beautiful editorial containing the editor's tribute to everything and everybody connected with the Christmas Ship. For it, as well as for all else he and the Bal- timore News did to help the work, he has my sincere thanks. "The offerings for the Christmas Ship closed yesterday, and in ten days the vessel will sail upon her merciful and wonder- ful mission, bearing Christmas gifts for the children abroad with wounded hearts and bereft by war, and for the older people stricken, impoverished, and in many instances homeless. "The whole of this great country has cooperated in the storing of this blessed ship — the government, the railroads, the agencies of trades and commerce, the American people of all classes and creeds. Day by day the story has been told of the gathering of the cargo of this sanctified vessel— of the generous gifts of clothing, of hats and shoes and underwear, of the boxes and bales of things useful and comfortable — and finally of the playthings for the little folks. Here is treasure indeed, such as the Spanish galleons of romance never carried, and with it goes the message of affection. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 169 "The enterprise, from the moment when it was first sug- gested, has been an immense and amazing success. Like wild- fire flew the happy thought; the newspapers took it up, women bore it along with enthusiasm, children heard of it with delight, men were eager with practical aid. It is pleasant to note the generous and important share of Baltimore, led by Mrs. Byrne, in the work. Sometimes such undertakings are carried to success merely through the contagion of sudden enthusiasm ; but this was accomplished in the most earnest and serious mood. It was felt that the purpose was one of the highest and noblest — to help those of our fellow-beings upon whom has fallen affliction as great as any recorded in human history. "Prayers and warm wishes will follow the noble ship as she speeds upon her voyage. 'The purple testament of bleeding war,' of which the great poet speaks, has been opened, and no one can tell when it will close again; but the journey of the American vessel, with her offerings for the Christmas time, may touch the hearts of some of those who control the destinies of empires and kingdoms abroad, and may lead to kinder thoughts than lately have filled them, and through that, to some assuage- ment of the horrors of the last three months." 12 CHAPTER XIX The Work of Generous Birmingham AWAY down south in Dixie, the Birmingham News took up the Christmas Ship work for Alabama and the surrounding country. Mrs. Juha T. Bishop was appointed Christmas Ship editor, and a regularly splendid one she made. Birmingham sent thousands of presents to the Christmas Ship, and by its daily articles, most excellently written, it stirred all the South to come into the work. Here is how Mrs. Bishop wrote it: "The Christmas Ship is launched! The children of Bir- mingham and Alabama, through the Birmingham News, will join with the children in other sections of the country and try to make as happy as possible the foreign children made destitute by the terrible war. "Isn't it a wonderful thing? Doesn't it bring the tears to your eyes? "All through this astounding war, how your heart has ached for the soldiers being shot down by the thousands, lying torn and mangled on scores of battle fields, while we are absorbed in baseball and playground sports, in outings to the Country Club, in society affairs, and visitors, and what not! "Poor, dead soldiers, swept out of life so needlessly and horribly ! "Yet if we could have asked each one of them, Russian and German, English and Austrian and Belgian, just before he breathed his last — if we could have asked him what was his dearest wish, he would have told us he would pass on peacefully if he knew that some one would take care of his children. "And if we could journey to any one of the many homes left desolate because the soldier had been killed, and ask the 170 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 171 sad-faced woman there what was her greatest trouble, she would cry, with tears running down her haggard cheeks, 'Oh, now there is no one to care what becomes of the children!' "But this year, in thousands of those poor homes, there would have been no Christmas gift for any of the little Olgas and Gretchens and Fritzies if it had not been — "Oh, if it had not been that Lilian Bell thought of a Christ- mas Ship ! "The children and the grown-ups of Birmingham are going to help load this ship It is going to be loaded with toys — with everything that will bring pleasure to the hearts of any child the world over. "America, which is not fighting with any country, is going to send to all the countries a message of peace and good will; and is going to send it by the hands of little children. "Can you fancy the sailing of this great ship? Never has the world seen anything like it. There it will go across the ocean, and the great warships of hostile countries will dip their flags in salute when they see it coming. "It will fly the Stars and Stripes, the great symbol of a great country; but it will also fly a flag that means still more — a snow-white flag with a golden star in the center — the star of Hope — a flag that will be saluted and passed by all nations. Can you think of anything finer than that? That white flag will say to all the warring nations : ' Look at this ! This means that Christ was born, the God of Peace and Love. In His name we are going to your war-desolated countries to show to your little children that there is still love in the world, because Christ was born.' ' ' The children of Birmingham will help to load the Christmas Ship. They will not be denied a part in the great joy of knowing that the Christmas given to the dead soldiers' children of Europe was given by them also. "At last the keynote has been sounded, and the people are being stirred to the very heart. In every direction one hears of those who are working for the Christmas Ship. "When the Christmas Ship editor took up this work she did 172 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP it with a full heart. It seems to her that never had such a beau- tiful thing been thought or done since the shepherds watched their flocks by night and heard the Message!" Mrs. Bishop got the same point of view that I did of the spectacle of many monster newspapers, forgetting all thoughts of politics, sectional differences, or journalistic policies, and uniting to work for the children. This is what she wrote in the Birmingham News: "Just think of it! More than ninety newspapers of the United States are working for the Christmas Ship! "Busy newspaper men, who are not supposed to have any great amount of sentiment, are giving their space and their work and their money to forward a movement that was founded on sentiment, and out of a spirit of pure altruism will give the best that is in them and in their paper — for what ? To help a great army of sorrowing children across the sea to have a happy Christmas! "The story of all these newspapers forgetting political dif- ferences and working together for this one beautiful cause is one of the most beautiful stories that has been told in a hundred years. "The News is glad to belong to such a band of workers, and is doing its best to add greatly to the cargo of the Christmas Ship." When the work was finished, I received a charming letter from Mrs. Bishop, part of which I quote: "My dear Miss Bell: "The story of the work that was done will take long to tell. When the news began to come in, it flooded the editor's desk, and shows an almost unparalleled interest in this work. "Away on outlying farms, little children picked cotton in the fields to get a little money which they might send in — twenty-five cents and fifty cents at a time; and even in some cases ten cents. One of the mothers, sending in this smaU THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 173 hoard, wrote : ' I hope you may be able to do some good with it, for these were good children that sent it.' "One lonely woman, living in a mining camp eight miles from a railroad, sent a large box of clothing and toys. Women in small towns rallied their Sunday school and mission forces to make up big boxes of gifts for the ship. One of the leaders in a town fifty miles from Birmingham was a little crippled girl, who not only packed a box for herself, but so enthused the people of the town that they gave with the greatest liberality, and one of the largest contributions from any town came from that place. "Among the most liberal donors of the city were two Jews, both merchants, who filled large boxes with all kinds of clothing for men, women, and children. "Pretty society girls joined in the work, and gave toys and articles of clothing. "It was to be noticed, however, that a great deal of the giving was done by women and children who had to make some sacrifice in order to spare the money for the gifts. This gives the deed an especial beauty, and sets the Christmas Ship campaign away at the head of altruistic efforts. "The amount collected and sent by the Birmingham News was estimated at about ten thousand dollars in value. When one remembers that this has been an unusually hard winter financially, one sees how the Christmas Ship idea appeals to the people. Not only that, but never has the giving to the poor been so generous in this city as it has been during the Christmas season. It seemed that the spirit of giving descended upon them, during the Christmas Ship campaign, and made them more generous, more sympathetic, more ready to listen to the cry of need. "I hope you will meet with the greatest success with your book. Every one who contributed will surely want to read it, for the sake of the great idea which you originated, and the manner in which it took hold of the hearts of the world. "Sincerely yours, "Julia Truitt Bishop" CHAPTER XX What Cleveland and Moline Accomplished RIGHT willingly would I have devoted more space in my book to the magnificent work of the Plain Dealer of Cleve- land, treating their campaign as I have others, but in response to my several letters all I got was the following, compiled and sent in "as is." It gives the work of Cleveland and the surrounding country in tabloid form instead of allowing it to be set forth in more or less detail. The generous cheque for almost three thousand dollars arrived but a few days before the Jason sailed, and there was great excitement in the Christmas Ship department of the Herald when it came, for it was the largest cheque received from any one source. "Cleveland, that has been called the 'City of Good Will,' and the 'sixth in population and the first in humanity,' gave abundantly to the cargo of the Christmas Ship. "The call of the Ship of Cheer was first sounded in the Plain Dealer on October i. That evening the first response, a doll from a little girl who wanted to share her blessings with the children of war-stricken Europe, was received. Twenty- eight days later two carloads of gifts had been shipped from Cleveland to the Jason's dock in Brooklyn, and nearly three thousand dollars had been added to the Christmas Ship fund of the Chicago Herald. "It was an enterprise that united all races and classes of people. Cosmopolitans who were divided because of their nations' differences found a splendid spirit of neutrality in the Christmas Ship. The rich gave liberally; the poor added their small but nevertheless sincere contribution. "It was primarily to the children that the plea was made. 174 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 175 And they responded. From every school building great piles of offerings were gathered by automobiles and club volunteers, and transported to the receiving station. To describe the thousands of gifts would be useless. Everything that a child's heart could think of was included. "But older people would not allow their children to do all the work. They came, in automobiles, in street cars, and on foot, bringing clothing, shoes, gloves, stockings, underwear, flannel, blankets — everything new, substantial, and warm. The children gave the toys, but their elders knew that something else is needed where war rules. "One day came a gray-haired woman with the face of a Madonna. She said : ' Let us make outfits for the unborn babies of Belgium. ' "It was done. For two weeks forty women cut, sewed, and basted, making thousands of little garments for children whose mothers cannot prepare them. Was there ever before in one package so much real love as in the big packing case that car- ried those baby things away? "And the people of the footlights — the wandering enter- tainers in whose hearts the love for fellowman is always beating — they helped. From all the theaters in Cleveland they united one day in a benefit matinee. They danced and sang and mimicked just for the love of it, and the love of humanity. And chorus girls sold Christmas Ship asters on the street. "At last the work was finished. One hundred thousand givers had filled one hundred big boxes. Cleveland and all northern Ohio had heard the call of Lilian Bell to work for the Christmas Ship, and had answered. "Down Euclid Avenue at noon one day, moved a strange procession. It was a long caravan of trucks bearing Cleveland's contribution to the cargo. In front marched the letter carriers' band, playing 'Onward, Christian Soldiers.' In Public Square the procession halted, while city officials explained the signifi- cance of the movement. Then a prayer was offered, and the trucks moved on to the railway. Cleveland's Christmas Ship had sailed!" 176 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP From Cleveland it is a big jump to Moline, Illinois, but a letter from the city editor of the Moline Dispatch so speeds me on my way that I quote a few lines: "Dear Miss Bell: "Let me know when your book comes out. A history of the Christmas Ship movement will be hailed by every news- paper having taken part in the campaign. "In response to your appeal, I sent you Moline's contribu- tion to your splendid Christmas Ship idea. I wish you every success in the world. "Very truly yours, "L. R. Blackman, City Editor" "The Christmas Ship," said the Moline Dispatch, "that wonderful vessel which was going to carry to the children all the things they dreamed of for months before the happy Christmas time, typified to the children of Moline something almost greater than they could understand, but they fully understood what Christmas without father and without the material things that to them made Christmas a joy, would mean. Little bodies contain large hearts, and it is only a small proportion of the children of Moline, and that proportion made selfish through the mistakes of parents and friends, that does not love to share the joys that come to them. "There was little need to work up the Christmas Ship in Moline because the cruel sufferings brought about through the war in Europe had already touched a large percentage of the people, through relationship with those in the war, as a large number of Belgians reside in the city. Moline also has been to the front in sending money and supplies through other channels to the seat of war, both to the Belgians and the English, since with them the necessity seemed greater. "That it is to those who have known need that such things appeal the soonest was shown in the small and modest offerings which came in at the opening of the campaign, and the children of those people who have not all they could use sent in their THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 177 contributions with a faith that was touching, that the mite sent with love and good wishes would bring its full blessing. Later came the people who had waked up, and then, at almost the eleventh hour, there were heaps and heaps of great warm blankets, shoes and hosiery in dozens and dozens, new suits for boys, warm dresses for girls, caps, mittens, coats and mufflers, canned goods of every sort, and then, as if the fear had seized them that there was not yet enough, more soft, warm things to fill in the corners of the big boxes, until the list sent by one mother, in the name of her son and daughter who had never known what it was to wish for a thing without almost instantly receiving it, mounted up into hundreds of dollars. "Despite the fact that there were those who announced, every time any plea was made for the Christmas Ship, that there was want enough at home without sending away to another country to find it, there was a great universal chord touched when the appeal was made for the children — an appeal that brought forth not only beautiful toys, with wonderful dressed dolls sent in boxes by the dozens, but books, tablets, knitting material for mothers and grandmothers, and even sweaters and caps for the boys who are almost big enough to be called out to fight, and who may be if the wanton waste of life goes on. "Sunday schools took the matter up and raised money, as well, bringing to the Christmas Ship office great loads of toys, books, and pretty packages wrapped in tissue paper and tied with delicate ribbons, packages of which the workers never knew the contents but which, unwrapped, breathed Christmas. "The greatest feature of the Christmas Ship, however, was that the spirit it represented did not die with the sailing of the Jason, did not die with the passing of Christmas, even though there was, perhaps because of the Christmas Ship, even greater giving to the poor at Christmas time than ever before, but it still lives on, and continues to give warm-heartedly to the many needy whom the hard winter and lack of work are making destitute. Thus the Christmas Ship, which originated in the mind of Miss Lilian Bell, promises to leave in Moline a train of good deeds which will last throughout the year of 191 5 and make 178 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP the spirit of generous giving more ready to wake at the next need brought to its door. "There are famiHes who never joined the Society for the Prevention of Useless Giving that this year denied themselves the pleasure of exchanging presents among themselves in order to send to those across the water. There are those who long to open their hearts and homes to some of those little ones to whom the gifts were sent, and who may be permanently bereft of a home in the fatherland. Has the giver of the smallest gift to the Christmas Ship failed to receive a tenfold blessing for his share in the Wonder Ship which to American children in the years to come will be more wonderful than any tale of fairy princess or Arabian Nights ? ' ' One of the greatest satisfactions connected with the Christmas Ship work came to me many weeks after the ship had sailed, and from a strange source. I was called to do special work on a paper which had not taken part in the Christmas Ship campaign, and the managing editor was questioning me closely as to how the work was handled. I gave him a brief history of what came under my own observation. Finally he came out with this: "The funniest thing about the Christmas Ship was what you made all the other newspapers do! Look at what you made us do! We never gave such a Christmas spread before in our lives ! We gave nearly eight thousand Christmas baskets to the poor of Chicago. You might as well take the credit for that, while you are about it, for you did it. Every other newspaper in the United States which got up a stunt of its own, in order to be in it with the Christmas Ship, was due to you — and not one of us knew it!" Verily, I am blessed by such words, more than if somebody gave me a million dollars. For more than a million little bodies have been warmed and fed by these great agencies, and if that is not worth more than a dollar apiece — say fifty per cent satisfaction to them to be comforted in their bodies and fifty per cent to me to be happy in my mind — then I don't understand true values! CHAPTER XXI Philadelphia's Marvelous Contributions TN PHILADELPHIA, that city not only of Brotherly Love -■■ but of magnificent generosity, the North American took up the work of the Christmas Ship, and one of the first to indorse the plans was Miss Anna Jarvis — the woman who instituted Mother's Day, now almost universally observed. "Miss Anna Jarvis, founder of Mother's Day," said the North American, "yesterday gave hearty indorsement to the plan of sending a shipload of Christmas gifts in the name of the chil- dren of the United States to the soldiers' orphans of the warring nations of Europe. In addition, she has offered her service in the work of collecting presents for Europe's fatherless children. " 'The plan suggested by the North American and other prom- inent newspapers certainly is worth commendation,' she said. 'I do not hesitate to say that the idea is one of the most stupen- dous of which I have ever heard. I do not think any but American newspapers would undertake to execute a charity of such magnitude.' " The North American is the first newspaper which has come under my notice as predicting what I thought from the first — and that was, that Art will in some manner commemorate the sailing of the Christmas Ship. I hope that some of the men and women whose brushes have made me proud of American genius will recognize the limitless field the Christmas Ship presents, especially in mural decoration, and preserve the historical sig- nificance of the idea as it deserves. Or may some sculptor use it as a gigantic suggestion for a fountain at a World's Exposition! Or some skilled worker in bronze. The Philadelphia North American appeared with this: "Not all the argosies that have swept the seas since the 179 i8o THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Jason went in search of the golden fleece exceed in interest the Christmas Ship, which will sail from this country to the strife-rent nations of Europe. The imagination quickens at the thought of it. The whole world pauses in its horror over the war to welcome the idea of a joy-laden vessel from a land of peace to a land of war, carrying the gifts of the children of America to the orphans of Europe. Perhaps a great mural decoration will commemorate its passage. Certainly the historians of the future must devote chapters to it, and it will be told of in song and story. "It is a wonderful opportunity for the little ones of this country to stretch their toy-laden hands across the sea to clasp the empty hands of the children on the other side. It is a supreme moment, not only in their lives but in history, for the spirit which makes all children kin, and every woman a mother of the race, to express itself in a beneficent outstretching of human sympathy. "Of course the women will be the chief contributors to the Christmas Ship. Without the work of their brains and hands, without the infinite resources of the mother mind and the mother heart, the vessel would not be a real Santa Claus ship, carrying real Christmas happiness. The fathers, too, must have their share in freighting it, for it is to comfort the orphans for the loss of fathers that the good ship will be fitted with every need and help to happiness that can be devised by American hearts, backed by American pocketbooks. "The Christmas Ship movement is but a couple of weeks old, but already it has caught the popular imagination and appeals to everybody's desire to alleviate in some way the universal suffering in Europe. The idea originated with Miss Lilian Bell and has been taken up by the leading newspapers all over the country. The North American, according to an announcement made recently, will open a Philadelphia bureau for the collec- tion of gifts, and will act as a clearing house for ideas as well as presents. "The North American has placed the management of its bureau in the hands of the logical person, Polly Evans, whose THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP i8i long association with children, whose big heart, and whose capacity for executing tasks make her an ideal partner for Santa Claus. "President Wilson, in the midst of the perplexity and respon- sibilities which the war has thrust upon him, as the head of the most powerful neutral nation in the world, has been glad to turn from the consideration of diplomatic problems to the simple and humane one of providing a real Christmas for the war orphans. Foreign ambassadors have been able to agree on this proposition ; the secretary of state, the vice-president, and foreign diplomats have found a chance to meet on safe grounds, and the idea, like a dove of peace bearing the olive branch, is hovering over the country, ready to spread its wings and carry a Christmas message of good will to nations which are tearing at each other's throats. "The ship must be laden with gifts typical of the generous spirit of the American children who sent them. They should be practical and durable and beautiful. The high spirit of generosity which has animated the movement must be carried out in the least details, and into every gift the children and their elders are asked to put their best thoughts and efforts. "Thousands of little garments will have to be made, and the practical thing to do now is to begin to cut them out. They should be made of good material, warm and cozy, following simple and artistic lines. We of America must remember that the little French peasant girls wear homespun garments which have descended from generation to generation; that the German child is clothed by the best industrial workers in the world; that the French needlewoman is renowned in all parts of the globe; and that Belgium is the seat of arts and crafts, as it is of learning. Therefore we wish our gifts to take to the foreign homes a message of American thoroughness and ability, and to stand the test of wear and usage." Polly Evans, whose real name is Mrs. Quennell, persuaded the Pictorial Review to contribute its choicest patterns gratis to any one working for the Christmas Ship, so all you had to do if you needed a paper pattern for anything you wished to send 1 82 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP as a present, was to write to the Pictorial Review and tell what you wanted. Then you got it — free — which I think was splendid, both of the editors of the Pictorial Review and of Polly Evans. When I read her article about sleeping bags for babies I told about it in my column. And then when Professor Comstock, prin- cipal of the Shakespeare School here in Chicago, invited me to address the Mothers' Club of the school and tell them about the work, I used a sleeping bag — no! no! not to wear! — to show them how they were made. With her own money Miss Jennings, the English teacher, purchased material to be made up by the sewing pupils, and when Professor Comstock wished to pay it back to her out of the school funds for the ship she would not let him. She said that was her contribution to the Christmas Ship. She chose to make many sleeping bags, and it was one of those I used for my illustration. "The Child Federation," said the North American, "has taken complete charge of the packing and assembling of gifts for the Philadelphia district, and the paviHon in the City Hall Courtyard will be opened by them as a receiving station for the district. "Every large city in the country is organized to aid in this, one of the most unique and extensive movements of its kind the world has ever seen. Hundreds of workers, busy with needles and thread, cutting and sewing garments for the child victims of the war, have been waiting for this announcement. "The offer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company to carry the gifts from this city to New York was followed by that of another company, which generously offered to carry the gifts from the Trenton people to this city. The offer came from the Trenton Transportation Company, which operates boats on the Delaware, and all Trenton contributors can have their gifts carried to this city without expense. "Another New Jersey town, Millville, is planning a big campaign in aid of the Christmas Ship. They propose to make THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 183 one thousand warm flannel dresses for children one year old and younger, to send to the children of the war countries. A commit- tee is already at work, and a mass meeting will be held this week. "A big wrapper company has offered to do the cutting if the women will sew the dresses. Millville is going to make it a community enterprise, and the town is in a bustle of preparation to finish the task on time." Such interesting things happened all over the United States when the news was heard that a Christmas Ship was to be sent ! It went to the hearts of rich and poor, high and low alike, and it nearly kills me to have to pick and choose, and not use all the material I have! Listen to this from the North American: "Back in the Perry County lumber camps the big, brawny men who fell the trees have been talking of the war. In this particular camp, at Millerstown, there is scarcely a man who does not know the war country, because he is a native of one part or another of it. They are the type of men who are making up the armies that are lying in trenches and battling their way through foreign cities and towns. "Yesterday these men sent a contribution to the Christmas Ship which they asked to be forwarded to the children of Austria. It was signed by the names of twenty-three lumber jacks. Opposite each name was a cross, signifying that the man had made his mark, and that the dollar he had been credited with had been duly turned in. "The collection of that twenty-three dollars was attended with pomp and ceremony — you see that from the nature of the letter that accompanied the gift, written laboriously by the man who is probably the leader of the camp, Jonah Facer. Some names have the ring of Hungary in them, such as Ynon Preado, Semi Palo, Lucicia Yanasi, and Wesllia Movack, while others seemed Germanic. Whatever their nationality, these men entered into the spirit of the Christmas Ship. Their gifts will be sent as they requested — for the relief of the Austrian little ones. 1 84 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "This is the last day of the reception of gifts for the Christmas Ship at the Child Federation Pavilion, in City Hall Courtyard. Yesterday the courtyard was a scene of great activity. While the city was breakfasting, the courtyard was a Mecca for express companies, for special-delivery wagons, for messenger boys, and for automobile trucks. When the city went to sleep last night the workers were still busy counting and sorting, separating and listing the hundreds of thousands of articles which came in during the day. "There were all sorts of incidents that lifted up the hearts of the workers, that warmed them when the chilled atmosphere of the receiving station had almost paralyzed their hands and feet. ' ' One man came in with a twenty-dollar gold piece, and left it 'in memory of my only son.' Another man stepped up to the counter and placed fifteen dollars in one of the bowls, saying, 'That is from the lighthouse keepers of New Jersey.' "Think of it, the men who guard the coast, who live in isola- tion in their remote lighthouses, taking up a collection for the unhappy little ones of Europe! "The Christmas Ship has brought to the top all humanity and tenderness, all the buried treasuries of love and sympathy that lie beneath the hustHng American exterior! It has called forth the spirit of domesticity that lies in the heart of every woman, it has set shopgirls and stenographers, women working in mills and factories, women of the leisure class, all to sewing as though there was nothing else to do in the world but to make warm clothing and nighties for the European orphans. "One of the first consignments of Christmas Ship gifts to arrive yesterday came from the Harrisburg Patriots, from their receiving station for the Christmas Ship. Thirty-one boxes, containing every kind of clothing, things to fill the needs of hun- dreds of children and to bring to their mothers' hps the first smile since the outbreak of the war, were shipped by the manager of the Patriots, Richard M. H. Wharton. Harrisburg's gifts represent an expenditure of twenty-one hundred dollars, but they also represent priceless treasures in the way of sympathy and compassion. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 185 "Every one knows that Cape May Court House is not very big; but it must have been a very busy place during the last week, judging from the amount of work that has gone into the preparation of its gifts for the war orphans. E. L. Ross, who acted as collector and shipper for the residents of the town, sent in yesterday a box containing six hundred and twenty-six articles, which have been collected during the last week. There were things for babies, clothing for little boys and girls, shoes and stockings and underwear, knit goods, mittens, and mufflers. A box of Christmas presents, every one of them beautiful and useful, came from the residents of Belleville, Pennsylvania. "The Campfire Girls of Haverford sent in a contribution. The First Baptist Church of Danville gathered together toys and clothing for the little ones in the war-stricken nations. The Alfred Hayes Bible Class of Lewisburg, the women of Claymont, Delaware, the Ladies' Bible Class of the Olivet Methodist Episcopal Church, Coatsville, the State College Women's Mis- sionary Club, and the Tuesday Afternoon Club, of Somerset, sent boxes which spoke eloquently of the feeling the appeal has aroused. "Pupils of Mrs. W. J. Hulmes' class of the Upland Baptist Sunday school brought in thirty dollars, the result of a moving- pictm"e show given for the war orphans. The Christmas box of the Civic Club of Waynesboro breathed a spirit of tenderness in every little garment. One box opened yesterday contained several dozen pairs of pajamas. In the pocket of each pair some motherly person had placed a pink and blue washrag, so that there won't be any necessity for those little orphans to have dirty faces!" If I had Aladdin's lamp I would give it a rub and wish that I could have seen the making and gathering together and packing and loading of every box that went into the Christmas Ship! I don't see how any of you who had that wonderful work to do can forget it. As for me, I did not see one single gift that went into any box, or a box packed, or a receiving station, or anything ! And it breaks my heart, even yet, to think that I missed it all! 13 1 86 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "Christmas week began two months ahead of schedule yes- terday for the good people in and around Philadelphia who are going to have a part in the stocking of Uncle Sam's big ship Jason, for its voyage of peace and mercy to the suffering European orphans," said the North American in another issue. "At noon the Child Federation, which has entire charge of assembling and packing gifts for the Christmas Ship in and around Philadelphia, opened its pavilion in the City Hall Courtyard as a receiving station. Six hours later, when the pavilion doors closed on the first day's work, a long table stretching from one wall to another was laden with warm clothing, and packages and bundles of a hundred shapes and sizes. "In addition to the gifts of clothing the Child Federation received $77.70 in money during the day, including $31 sent to J. Ernest Richards, at the West End Trust Company, and $9.20 received through the mail. So many people stopped at the pavilion and asked the workers to accept money donations that the Child Federation is going to station a cashier there each day. A total of $37.50 was left at the pavilion yesterday. "This was the Philadelphia districts' first day's contribution to the Christmas Ship, a movement which is causing similar activities in every large city of America. The Christmas Ship fraternity is shopping early. "And every gift has a story behind it. One of the first pres- ents taken over the counter came from the Baptist Home. Mrs. J. M. Morley has had every woman in the home busy with needle and thread. The opened packages revealed mittens, shawls, shirts, caps, and games. One parcel, pink and blue flannel nighties all done up with ribbons and Christmas cards, had this note pinned to it: 'Auntie Snyder, ninety-eight years old, made these.' Some little Belgian is going to sleep, on a night not long hence, with a prayer on his lips for good Auntie Snyder. "Two children, brother and sister, brought a boy's suit of clothes and passed it over the counter. 'There is a little money in one of the pockets,' the boy whispered, 'and please don't take it out. I want some little boy to be surprised when he puts his hand in the pocket of his new suit and finds the money.' THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 187 "Edward W. Bok, president of the Child Federation, sent his secretary out during the afternoon on a ' Christmas shopping' expedition. Shortly after six o'clock she came back with an auto- mobile load of bundles containing caps, sweaters, coats, stockings, games, and toys. Another Christmas shopper went to a store and ordered a. suit of clothes and an overcoat delivered at the Christmas Ship pavilion. "While the greater part of the gifts received consisted of warm clothing for children, there was just enough of an assortment of games and toys to keep both the givers and the war orphans from forgetting that it was Christmas. "Willing workers aided in receiving and assorting the various gifts. They were Mrs. Thomas Robins, Miss Gertrude W. Pennington, Mrs. Mary Coolbaugh, Mrs. Albert Cross, and Miss Elsie Stewart. Polly Evans, who is just as much at home help- ing children thousands of miles away as she is providing pleasant summer days for children in Philadelphia, was another aid, ' ' The pavilion will be open every day except Sunday from eight o'clock in the morning until six at night. Each night the Curtis Publishing Company will send a big automobile truck and two packers to take the gifts to their warehouse, where they will be prepared for the shipment to New York. All this the Curtis Publishing Company is doing for the Child Federation without charge. "At the warehouse the gifts will be loaded into freight cars for the New York port of shipment. The Pennsylvania Railroad, in a letter from J. L. Eysman, assistant general freight agent, offered yesterday to transport the gifts free from this city to New York." Some of the things that happened are just like things you read of in books. The things people did for the Christmas Ship do not sound like everyday life — they sound like stories people write — and sell for money ! Here are some told in the North American: "An old gentleman wearing the little cross of the French 1 88 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Legion of Honor, and showing in his bearing and in the cultured tones of his voice that he was 'to the manor born,' walked into the Child Federation receiving station yesterday. 'My wife is ill,' he said. 'She is an invalid. She made these things for the unfortunate of la belle France. They are not m.uch; they are all she could afford. You will send them, won't you, with our heartfelt sympathy?' He bowed with courtly grace and left the pavilion. The bundle contained an outfit for a little girl, everything handmade and finished with exquisite French dainti- ness. The invalid had put her little hoarded bits of lace and treasured embroidery on collar and cuffs of the dress, and thou- sands of stitches went into the plain but pretty undergarments. " 'I can't offer you any help,' said an Englishwoman, who looked with blurred eyes at the piles of garments which were being sorted and packed by the workers who acted as receiving committee at the City Hall Courtyard. 'My aunt lives on the border between Scotland and England, and she is taking care of three hundred Belgian refugees on her estate. They are living in the peasant cottages, and she has a big cauldron of soup pre- pared for them every day. They are destitute, with only a rag on their backs, many of them. I have given up my apartment at the hotel this winter, and am living in a boarding house to help her take care of them. I just want to tell you that you can never know — you can never tell — the horror of this war. It is a blessing from God that you can't.' "All day long an endless procession passed in and out of the pavilion, every man, woman, and child carrying a bundle. Mothers came with offerings for Belgian mothers. Several brought packages containing the little clothes they had made for their own babies who had died. One woman put a layette in the hands of one of the committee, and watched her with the look of thwarted maternity as she placed the linen and flannel with the other pile of baby things. "Those who did not bring their Christmas gifts sent them in by mail, and on each one was a message to some mother in distress. A note written in French on a layette, such as a wealthy woman would have gathered together for her own little THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 189 one, read, 'From one who lost her own two Httle girls on the day of their birth.' Another mother sent a jaunty blouse and some pretty and sensible clothes for a Belgian boy, 'that he may be as brave and as patriotic as his king and his sires in defending his country's honor!' " 'Fur Kinder,' was the message on an outfit for an Austrian or German boy sent by one who stanchly supports the fatherland. Several German offerings came in during the day. One woman came in with her arms laden with gifts for little Hansels and Gretels, and said her mistress would be in from Germantown to-day with her contribution. "There was something heartbreaking about the doll a woman brought in and left without designating the country it was to go to, or giving her name. The doll wore a diamond brooch and a string of beads. Its shoes and stockings were bright pink and its dress a radiant blue. "It will be simply impossible to describe the boxes, barrels, trunks, and hampers that came in by express and were opened and repacked for shipment to the Bush Terminal. Sew- ing circles, churches, clubs, and individuals — whole towns and villages — are represented in the great packing cases which were filled to their limit of capacity with clothes that will stamp their donors forever in the eyes of the Europeans who received them as possessed of exquisite tact and good taste. Not one ugly garment has been received since the Child Federation opened the pavilion of the Christmas Ship. Nothing slipshod or untidy or illy made or poorly selected has been sent in. "Two things that caught your attention and wrung your heart yesterday were the number of children who have made sacrifices for the children in the warring countries, and the way in which the workers of the city and state have responded to the appeal. Late last night three girls from the Bell Telephone Exchange came in with several dozen pairs of stockings, gloves, and shoes they had bought for the Belgian orphans. The loopers of one of the big hosiery mills sent in a donation of clothing; workers in one of the Trenton potteries expressed a box of beautiful gifts. 190 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "Early in the morning a little boy brought in eighteen pennies he had saved for the Belgian orphans. The children of the Presbyterian Orphanage saved up $7.37 and turned it in. Their teacher said they would have to do without treats and trolley rides for many a day to make up for their self-sacrifice. "The Methodist Ladies' Aid Society, of Betula, Pennsyl- vania; the Tabernacle Epworth League of Camden; the public- school children of Big Stone Gap, Pennsylvania; the Disston Memorial Sunday School of Tacony, and the Church of Christ, Oriston, Pennsylvania, were among the innumerable contributors to the ship. "Albert Cross, managing director of the Child Federation, announced yesterday that twenty-one hundred dollars had been collected since the opening of the pavilion. Here is "A Christmas Hint for the Christmas Ship," by William T. Ellis: "There is but one further touch needed to complete the true Christmas and American character of the Christmas Ship. That is for every giver to make his offering on the highest plane of Christmas good will and American neutrality, that it will exem- plify the magnanimous spirit of the occasion of the national life. "The way to do it is simple. Let each giver mark one of the gifts for the nation he is in least sympathy with. If the giver is bound to Germany by any sort of tie, let him send a gift to the British children. If for any cause he favors France, Russia, or Great Britain, let a gift be tagged for Germany or Austria. "Such giving would be a pledge of broad-minded sympathy and neutrality; it would reveal the human love of mankind, which rises above all partisanship. No more definite proof could be given of the sort of patriotism President Wilson has enjoined upon America, and it would breathe the innermost spirit of the Christmas Ship. "Of course, every such gift would be a message of American good will to the land for which it is destined. The news that the same giver had designated his friendly offerings for each one of THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 191 the warring nations would spread far and wide in vindication of the reahty of American neutraHty and world friendship. "As always, the greatest benefit would insure to the giver himself. The act would be a token that he had risen above all bitterness or narrowness of partisanship. Added to that personal satisfaction would be the consciousness that the gift was made in the spirit of the Christ, who gave us Christmas Day and who said, 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you.' " The last day at Philadelphia must have been exciting! See how well it was written up in the North American: ' ' If all the people of America who have been working to pack the Christmas Ship are as generous as those in and around Philadelphia, the good ship Jason will steam out of New York harbor on November 10, literally loaded to the gunwales. "Yesterday, announced as the last day for receiving gifts at the Child Federation's Christmas Ship pavilion, City Hall Courtyard, was the greatest day of the biggest thing Philadelphia has ever seen. The pavilion, after the last visit of the postman and the expressman last night, was buried under an avalanche of gifts. Nearly a hundred packing cases, averaging five hundred pounds each, have gone from the pavilion to the freight yard, packed as full of children's clothing and toys as they could be stiiffed. The number of individual givers and gifts runs into the tens of thousands. There are few towns or districts in Penn- sylvania or New Jersey which have not had some part in the filling of this ship. "In addition to the clothing and toys, money to the total of at least five thousand dollars has been turned over to the move- ment; this will be used to buy more clothing and toys. The amount received up to the time the bank closed yesterday totaled $4,485.14. After the bank closed fully five hundred dollars additional was received at the pavilion between three and six o'clock in the afternoon. "That's the kind of business they were doing at the pavilion yesterday. It's a pity every child who has had some generous 192 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP part in filling the Christmas Ship, and every child across the sea who is to share in its joy, could not have caught a peep at the pavilion and its gifts. "From eight o'clock in the morning until nearly midnight the pavilion was busier than a toy store on Christmas Eve. At certain hours during the day the little space which had not been filled with cases, coming and going, was crowded by persons who were attracted by one of the most wonderful sights the city has ever seen. Hundreds stopped on their way through the City Hall Courtyard to stare and marvel. "In the center of the pavilion was a heap of clothing as big around as a house and so high that a man had to stand on a counter to reach the top of it. The pile of clothing reached almost to the top of the beams in the pavilion. This, too, was all yesterday's collection. Tuesday night the pavilion had been cleaned out spick and span, ready to start a new day. Sixty- four big packing cases had been loaded and carted away to the warehouse before yesterday's pile started to grow. "Just to give you some idea how the big packing cases came in during the busy day, twelve women started to work at ten o'clock yesterday morning unwrapping parcels. They worked like beavers until seven o'clock last night. Behind the counter other women took in parcels at the rate of one a minute during the day. The postman made a visit to the pavilion once an hour. The parcels post auto truck backed up to the pavilion door ten or twelve times during the day. Late in the day the truck came loaded to the roof with parcels. ' I must hurry back, for we have two more loads to bring here,' said the driver. Expressmen came so frequently that one wagon coming to the pavilion usually met another going away. This does not include the hundreds of children and grown-ups who carried their own gifts to the pavilion. "That's how the pile in the middle of the floor grew so fast. A group of men was kept busy all day unpacking the cases that came in by freight and express. The twelve women sorted the parcels as they came from the cases, the postmen, and the expressmen, and tied them in bundles and marked them. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 193 "You may think these workers were so busy during the day that they did not have time to find any stories in back of the bundles and parcels that piled up so rapidly. They did, though ; a story in almost every gift. "For example, there is one story that will interest the hun- dreds of friends of the North American Sanitarium children at Ventnor. A big box came addressed to the Christmas Ship pavilion yesterday from the little boys and girls with the bent legs and lame backs in the sanitarium. The nurses there have been telling the children about the war orphans, and the children have sat by the hour begging to hear more about the little Belgian boys and girls whose fathers went away to war and never came back. They wanted to help, and their pillows at night were wet with tears because they could not. And your heart would have cried out if you had seen that box from the sanitarium when it was opened yesterday. Perhaps you have heard the story of Jennie, one of the sunshine girls at the sanitarium; if you have, you will recall the little basket she clasped so firmly in her hands. This basket was Jennie's treasure, everything she had. Jennie's basket was in the box that came from the sanitarium yesterday, which means that Jennie's heart was there too. Every child who had a part in filling the box gave just as Jennie did. There were tiny little dolls in boxes, games, little dolls' furniture woven out of reeds and willows. Each of the nurses at the sanitarium sent a warm garment. "Then there was the German woman who came in yesterday and gave a dozen pairs of stockings. Pinned to each pair of stockings was a note. 'My husband's brother disappeared several years ago, and we believe he is in Germany. I have put a note in each pair of stockings giving his name, and asking every one who receives one of these gifts to send any information concerning him to me.' "A week ago several girls who have charge of the Court Aid Society, undertook to make some things for the Christmas Ship. Their gifts arrived yesterday, a large box of knitted caps and slippers and warm clothing. "Several towns in Pennsylvania and New Jersey made 194 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP the Christmas Ship movement community affairs. One of these towns was Wellsboro. The expressman brought three big boxes packed in Wellsboro under the direction of Mrs. C. C. Bennett. "Roebling, New Jersey, sent four cases, with which every one in the town had something to do. Rising Sun, Maryland, a town of five hundred, sent a box, and an offer from one of the merchants in the town to be one of the group of Americans to stock the ship with flour for the widows and orphans of Europe's war countries. "A box of clothing from St. Andrew Reformed Church, Allentown, Pennsylvania, was really a community gift. The church supervised the work of collecting and packing, but all Allentown and Lehigh Valley had a part. The contents of the box was valued at one hundred and thirty dollars. 'The box was large enough for the goods we had, but no box could contain the love and sympathy that the donors feel in their hearts for these poor unfortunates,' wrote the Reverend Robert M. Kern, pastor of the church. "Cash gifts came in almost as rapidly as did the clothing and toys. Late in the afternoon an envelope containing $102.63 was left at the pavilion, a gift from the girls at the Agnes Irwin School. "Ten-year-old Isabelle Bailey of Collingswood, New Jersey, brought $11.50 to the pavilion. Isabelle, with three little friends, Alice Carson, Lillian Depui, and Ruth Clark, had collected the money by house-to-house visits among their friends in the town. The Williamsport Sun sent $192.84, which that newspaper had collected for the Christmas Ship. "A group of girls in the Land Title Building sent a practical gift. It consisted of seven cases of canned soup, each case containing forty-eight cans. The girls at the Telephone Ex- change at Oak Lane sent a box of clothing. A woman came to the pavilion yesterday with a story of how hard she had tried to get something to send on the Christmas Ship. 'I haven't anything to send,' she said, 'but if you will let me, I would like to scrub out this building or do something to help.' THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 195 She's coming this morning to play her part in the Christmas Ship on her knees, scrubbing the floor of the pavilion. "No movement so vast in extent in recent years has been handled with such a minimum of expense and maximum of efficiency. The Child Federation proved itself capable of undertaking big things and carrying them through. The pur- chasing committee, headed by Miss Elsie Stuart, will spend the cash donations on more clothing and on toys. "Under the directions of Mrs. Thomas Robins, chairman of the woman's committee, workers have labored early and late in the pavilion, putting into the parcels some of the same kind of love that prompted the givers to send them." When everything was over and the magnificient consign- ment from generous Philadelphia was on its way, this editorial, headed "Two Wonderful Cargoes," appeared. I quote it in ftdl in order to show what else the Philadelphians did, besides sending two carloads of presents to my Christmas Ship. Listen to what the Wanamakers did! They certainly do deserve their wealth if anybody ever did! "Across the wintry sea two ships are speeding from this country to Europe freighted with strange cargoes. They are neither commissioned for war nor chartered for trade. They are on a mission of benevolence, of human helpfulness and loving kindness. No craft was ever employed upon voyages more glorious; none ever was followed with such heartfelt good will. "On Thursday, from Philadelphia, sailed the mercy ship Thelma, laden with food for famine-stricken Belgium. On Saturday, from New York, left the United States Wonder Ship Jason, her hold packed with Christmas gifts for the war orphans of eight nations. The cargo of the freighter came from the big-hearted people of Philadelphia and near-by communities; the government vessel was loaded with gifts from scores of cities throughout the country. "The thought of the Christmas Ship, which was the first 196 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP to be suggested, was more than a brilliant conception; it was nothing short of an inspiration. Its appeal was universal, and its influence will be felt in blessing throughout the world. "The power of this simple idea was so great that every warring nation, deaf to all other appeals involving unity of thought or action, yielded to its charm; so great that the United States modified its rigid policy of inaction and supplied a naval vessel for the transportation; so great that the ministers and ambassadors of the belligerent powers, otherwise implacable in their official antagonisms, exerted themselves eagerly to forward a project designed to benefit war victims of all the nations. "More than all this, the gracious spell of the idea subdued for the time the rancor of partisanship. Those contributors who in blood or sympathy are German or English or French or Austrian or Russian did not seek to favor their own kind. The picture they saw was of forlorn little children; and they did not ask whether their gifts were to bring light to the darkened homes of friends or foes. "It is not strange that a thought so touching, yet so practical, should have been born in the heart of a woman. No- where else is there such intuitive yearning to childhood, such understanding of the tender meaning of Christmas, such sym- pathy with the blank grief that the festival must bring to uncounted homes shadowed by death or the terror of it. "Lilian Bell, whose suggestion started the movement, knew instinctively that it would bring a generous response. For what could be more appealing than the opportunity to assuage the sorrow of children on the day whose joy is the world's heri- tage from the Babe of Bethlehem? "But an idea of this magnitude needed to carry it out a man of rare vision and capacity, and it found its ablest champion in the editor of the Chicago Herald. This journalist, who be- lieves that a newspaper should be more than a lifeless mirror of events — should have a heart as well as intelligence behind it — put his genius for organization into the movement, and worked tirelessly for its success. "He enlisted the cooperation of more than two hundred THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 197 newspapers of the country. Through them the Christmas appeal was made on behalf of the little war orphans, and the big- hearted American people did the rest. When the great ship, under the protection of the American flag, the Red Cross emblem, and all the sea patrols of the warring nations, sailed on her cheerful pilgrimage to the ports of the war-torn countries, she carried ten thousand big cases and ten thousand additional express packages filled with articles of clothing and Christmas gifts — enough, the army officer in charge of the shipment declared, to give something to seven million women and children. "The North American had the honor of being selected to promote the plan in Philadelphia; and its readers responded, as they always do, with splendid generosity. No less than to the public, however, is credit due to the Child Federation, which unselfishly volunteered to take over management of the enterprise. It was the wonderfully efficient work of this organization in receiving and transporting the countless gifts that made Philadelphia's contribution of two carloads for the Christmas Ship's cargo notable for its completeness and com- petent handling. ''The response to the appeal was so bewildering in its extent and diversity that a thousand thrilling and touching stories would not do justice to the great outpouring of sentiment and generosity. "It is impressive enough to say that more than six thousand dollars in money was contributed and turned into clothing and shoes that will keep hundreds of little ones warm during the winter of war; that there were nearly twenty-five thousand pairs of stockings; seven hundred suits of underwear; one thousand four hundred infants' outfits, each with eighteen articles; one thousand three hundred blankets; four thousand sweaters; three thousand eight hundred pairs of gloves, and mittens, and many other articles, making a total of one hundred sixteen thousand items; that newspapers, schools, churches, and organizations innumerable in this and near-by states joined in the work. "But mere statistics do not tell the story; they do not record 198 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP the eager, personal sympathy of men and women and children for little ones they will never see ; the sacrifices represented in gifts from those who could ill afford them; the pitying messages sent to the far-off sufferers from war; the unspoken sorrow that found surcease in helping in this work of love. "The daily scene at the headquarters made a wonderful picture of the democracy of good will. Here was a woman in worn clothing, stinting herself to give a day's wages 'in memory of my little boy ' ; next to her, perhaps, a well-groomed business man passing over a substantial sum with a cheery word; then a bereaved mother, offering little, dainty garments that her own lost baby would have worn; then a big bronzed man with an offering from the lighthouse keepers; or an eager child emptying a few pennies, warm from his hand. "Surely the big heart of the American people never had a finer expression than in this demonstration of humane feeling. The appeal to which they responded was of singular force. It carried a picture of little lives not only darkened by grief and privation, but by the shadow of Christmas — the day of the Child — giftless and cheerless. "There was peculiar pathos even in the thought that these fatherless ones live in countries that have taught all mankind the joyousness of the season, and have wreathed its sacred festival with the garlands of tender, poetic custom. "So the Christmas Ship sailed on its journey, bearing a little happiness to unnumbered homes where sorrow broods, and carrying a message of peace and good will that sounded like an echo of the song that woke the herdsmen of Judea on the first Christmas night. "No less, surely, will Philadelphia follow with pride and sympathy that other ship, more peculiarly her own, whose mission is to save the lives of famine-stricken Belgium. The idea of the Thelma was the inspiration of a man; and John Wanamaker supplied not only the big idea but the big ship. ' ' The splendid initiative and the transportation cost were his contributions; then, as in other cases, the appeal was made by the newspapers — all the Philadelphia journals working together THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 199 — and the making of the cargo was left to the public. Never, we confidently declare, did a community make such a response. It was on Saturday morning a week ago that the first announce- ment was made. Inside of forty-eight hours the cargo had been provided for, in cash or consignments of food. By Tuesday night the contributions totaled one hundred and forty thousand dollars and on Thursday the Thelma sailed, loaded to the hatches with a cargo of supplies valued in the manifest at one hundred and forty thousand dollars. Another vessel for the war sufferers, known as the 'Thanksgiving Ship,' is already under charter by Mr. Wanamaker. ' ' The outpouring of charity on behalf of Belgium tested even the admirable arrangements made to meet it. Men and women and children thronged the headquarters, and money piled up so fast that it was impossible to record it. The rich gave of their abundance and the poor of their poverty. The contribu- tions ranged from cheques with four figures to the pennies of the newsboys. Inmates of homes, of orphanages, and of hospitals sent their gifts. Churches and business organizations, clubs and lodges, and groups of office, store, and factory workers added their offerings to those of unnumbered individuals. The very prisoners in the penitentiary from their scanty earnings sent twenty-six barrels of flour to the ship, and there were countless other gifts that meant not only life to the famished victims of the war but the sacrifice of comforts by the givers. "The swift loading of the Thelma was a demonstration of the limitless benevolence of Philadelphia, the more striking because it followed so closely and exceeded in magnitude the consignment of gifts for the Christmas Ship. But her right to the name of the City of Brotherly Love does not rest upon these two enterprises, splendid as they are. Philadelphia has a long and noble record of philanthropy, of the open-handed charity that vaunts not itself but is ever ready to answer the call of suffering humanity. "The two ships that have gone will do more than relieve stiff ering and lighten sorrow; they will give to the word neu- trality a greater meaning than a proclamation could give, and 200 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP will spread, we know not how far, teachings of brotherhood that will never be forgotten. For the drawing together of America and Europe in this hour of stress shows that deep down beneath the ruin wrought by war there is a foundation of human sympathy among all the races of men. It is upon this that civilization rests, and will remain unshaken when the storm of hatred has spent its fury and passed away." I consider the campaign of the Philadelphia North Ameri- can to have been brilliantly conducted, and its articles most appealingly and sympathetically written. CHAPTER XXII How Sioux Falls Reached Out CAROL DOTSON of the Sioux Falls Press took up the Christ- mas Ship work with enthusiasm, and, by urging all the other Dakota papers to come in, was largely responsible for the showing the Northwest made for the cause. Here is the opening story, under the heading : ' ' The Christmas Ship Lady's Talk to the Children," written by Miss Florence Fox: "Here's a greeting to all the boys and girls working for the Christmas Ship! "Of course, by now, you have read of the Christmas Ship and for what it stands. You know that Miss Lilian Bell, of the Chicago Herald, asked the boys and girls of America to start work for a Christmas Ship that would carry gifts from the children in the United States to the children in Europe whose fathers are away fighting in the terrible war that is waging there now. And then she asked the editors of newspapers in all parts of the country to take up the idea and urge the children in their particu- lar locality to help. So the editor of the Press wrote an article in the Press telling of the beautiful idea and reprinting Miss Bell's appeal, and that is how you boys and girls of all this splendid state of South Dakota have an opportunity to help in this wonderful project. ' ' I get so wildly enthusiastic planning for it that little thrilly feelings keep running up and down my spine. Think of the fun we are going to have getting that ship ready to sail, and think of the fun those fatherless boys and girls are going to have receiving these gifts we are getting ready! "You know that the reason we have Christmas at all is because almost nineteen hundred years ago the little baby Jesus was bom in the city of Bethlehem. And the Bible says : 'Behold, there came wise men from the east . . . saying, Where is he that is bom King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the 14 201 202 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP east and have come to worship him'; and when the three wise men followed the star to where it rested over the stable where the tiny Jesus lay, the Bible goes on to tell us that 'they rejoiced with exceeding great joy . . . and they fell down and wor- shiped him; and when they had opened their treasures they presented to him their gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh.' The names of these Wise Men were Caspar, Balthasar, and Melchior, and tradition tells us that one came from the east, one from the south, and one from the west. "There are three divisions, geographically, to our country — the East, comprising all the states east of the Appalachian Mountains and bordering the Atlantic Ocean; the West, taking in all the Rocky Mountain states and those of the Pacific coast ; and, biggest and best of the whole country, the Interior, or Middle West, where we live. "Now I can plainly see you are beginning to catch my idea! "The three divisions of the big United States will represent the three wise men; the East, Caspar; the West, Balthasar; the Interior, Melchior. And we'll call the Christmas Ship the Star, because it will bring hope and joy to thousands of sorrowing homes just as the Star of Bethlehem did so many hundreds of years ago. And the East and the West and the Interior will send gifts on the Christmas Ship to the boys and girls of Europe because of the baby Jesus whose star Caspar, Balthasar, and Melchior followed long ago ! And in giving these gifts of ours we are really giving them to Him, for He said, 'Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me!'" There was a breeziness about the way the West went to work. Nothing seemed too big for it to attempt. It never does on any subject, for that matter. I am proud of the West. Miss Fox did not waste a moment. "Boys and girls," she wrote in her talk to the children, "I have a great scheme, and I want to tell you what it is: I want one thousand dollars to come from this state besides the toys and mittens and caps and other things that you children are THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 203 preparing, and five hundred of these dollars are going to come from right here in the city of Sioux Falls. Only think of the bread and sugar and potatoes that will buy ! And if every city in the Union gives one thousand dollars, how many more potatoes and sacks of sugar that means! "You can't send too many gifts to the Christmas Ship, for there will be thousands upon thousands of little bodies to cover, thousands upon thousands of stomachs to fill, thousands upon thousands of little minds to divert from the booming of the death guns." Here is an editorial from the Sioux Falls Press: "The appointment of a United States navy vessel to carry abroad the Christmas gifts the children of America will send to the children of Europe was one of the things needed to be done to complete the prestige of the movement as a national undertaking. Nearly two hundred newspapers in the United States are lending their active support to the idea which originated in the fertile mind of Miss Lilian Bell of the Chicago Herald. These papers wired an appeal to President Wilson last week, urging him to give the children of America a ship to carry their presents to the sorrowing children of the Old World. Secretary of the Navy- Daniels, with the approval of the president, has given the promise of the navy department that this will be done. "Thus has a movement, begun by one newspaper, joined by others, and now spread among the churches, fraternal organiza- tions, and societies, become a national institution. We will dispatch a war vessel to enter harbors patroled by other war vessels; but ours will bear on one mast the Stars and Stripes, and on the other the white flag bearing the golden star and the word 'Inasmuch.' The holds and magazines of the ships across the sea will be packed with shells and powder; the holds of our ship will be laden with gifts for children who otherwise would have no cheer on Christmas Day. The ships that are stripped for battle and charged with death will respectfully salute the ship that flies the ensign of peace and good will, and is charged with good Christmas cheer. 204 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "As one of the newspapers of the United States interested in the work, the Press, on behalf of the children of South Dakota, desires to thank President Wilson and Secretary Daniels for their decision to place a vessel from the nation's fleet at the disposal of the children of America. Now let South Dakota work diligently to fill the ship thus commissioned to aid this great undertaking." And work she did, with all the energy and generosity of the West with its inheritance of enthusiasm! Read what Florence Fox says : "Did you read in the papers yesterday morning about the splendid Christmas Ship contribution that came in the night before — a gift from the Greek colony here? Seventy dollars from the men who have come from the heart of Europe recently enough not to have forgotten the awful horror of war ! You and I here in this blessed land of peace cannot even imagine to ourselves the desolation that this maddest of all the kings' diversions leaves in its wake. 'But war's a game, which, were their subjects wise, kings would not play at.' "Now here is what we bought with that seventy dollars. First we went to the Peoples Department Store. I went up to the manager and told him who I was, and he said, 'Go right through the store and pick out what you want and I '11 give you a liberal discount on the amount purchased.' "Next we went to Delaney and Berdahl's clothing store, and Mr. Berdahl told us we could have at cost everything we bought. Was n't that better yet ? I love anything to keep getting better instead of worse, don't you ? You should have seen the mammoth bundle that came up from there! "With $5.72, F. H. Weatherwax and Company were asked to make the best offer they could, and for that amount the clerk wrapped up thirteen caps with warm earlaps for small boys, and eight pairs of flannel pajamas. "With the last purchase made we filled one large packing box, and at four o'clock had it ready for the drayman. ' ' Now this is the way our last box is going. Mr. A. F. Pilcher, THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 205 the passenger agent for the Rock Island Railroad, induced his company to suspend one of the most stringent rules, and the box of good cheer was sent on its way as baggage. The only thing exacted by Mr. Pilcher was that handles should be placed on the box, and Adolph Ziska, a native of Austria, volunteered to do the work. The thought of the many children who would be made happy brought cherished memories to Mr. Ziska's mind, and more than one tear fell on the box as he worked. "Over two hundred dollars have been spent, and for this two hundred dollars, thanks to the generosity of Sioux Falls' merchants, about four hundred dollars ' worth of presents have been bought." That is what I enjoy — hearing just what was bought with the seventy dollars those Greeks sent. And when little nickels came, wrapped in paper, or a dozen pennies in a tiny box, I used to wonder if any present could be purchased precious enough to use that money for. It seemed consecrated to me. Evidently Miss Fox shared my sentiments, for she writes this: "Now those of you who sent money to be spent are eager to know how it went, and here's the tale. Early in the morning I went downtown and started in buying at Fantle Brothers. I told Mr. Gill, the manager, that I was buying your presents and mine for the Christmas Ship, and he said he thought we ought to have a discount on all we bought so that they could have a share in the giving also, and the upshot of the matter was that they gave me a twenty-per-cent discount on all I bought there. Now don't you think that was splendid? There I got sweaters and stocking caps and mittens — oh, such warm looking ones! — ■ and nice comfy looking woolen shirts for boys, and between two and three dozen sets of fleece-lined winter underclothing that will make the eyes of each little Russian or Belgian or German, or whoever gets any of them, shine. "Then I went down to the Leader Department Store, and as soon as I told them who I was, I was given the twenty-per-cent discount on everything I bought just as I had been at Fantles'. 206 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "From the Leader Department Store I went to Shriver and Johnson's and started in at the cloak department. There I purchased four lovely warm coats, and then I bought more underclothing, suitable for very small youngsters this time. The floor walker escorted me downstairs and explained to Mr. Johnson the purpose for which I was buying, and he told the clerk to give me twenty-per-cent discount on everything she sold me. "Well, right after lunch I came down to the Press and started doing up bundles, but more money came in, and they kept saying to me, 'You will have to quit wrapping and go shopping again' ; and then up from downstairs, where they were packing the boxes, would come a call for more packages, so I 'd have to stay on and keep wrapping bundles. Then after a while there got to be such a rush that the night editor and one of the men from the business ofBce, and finally the society editor and all, were busy wrapping bundles, and even then we could n't get through fast enough. The managing editor was piling the packages in the boxes as fast as we could shoot them downstairs, and every little bit he 'd get caught up and he 'd rush upstairs and tell us to hurry. And hurry we did ! At last all the gifts were packed, and it remained to go out and buy what we could with the money we had. So the advertising manager took the $27.75 that came in from the high schools and went to the F. H. Weatherwax clothing house, and this is what he got for the amount, due to the kindness of this and two other stores, the T. J. Fosdick and Sons clothing house and the E. C. Olson clothing house: Four dozen pairs of hose for boys of twelve years and under, seven over- coats, six sweaters, and fourteen fleece-lined union suits. Ordinarily this purchase would amount to fifty-two dollars, so you can see for yourself how much these clothing stores helped the Christmas Ship. "I was too busy to go over to the station to see the boxes loaded on the trains. But the managing editor and the night editor borrowed the publisher's automobile and hustled over to see that everything went smoothly. They told me there was no need, however, of their being there, because Mr. J. A. Hurley, the THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 207 agent of the Illinois Central, was simply fine and personally looked after the great big boxes his generous railroad company is carrying free. "These boxes were profusely covered with gay yellow labels proclaiming that they were for the Christmas Ship, Pugh Terminal, Chicago, Illinois. The labels were given us by the H. C. Sessions Printing Co." I have had to write several times to Mr. Dotson, in reference to the file he so obligingly sent me. In everything I have found him most courteous, and he believes that the interest of the American people in the Christmas Ship will never die out. He says he wishes the opportunity to help distribute The Story of the Christmas Ship. He shall have it! CHAPTER XXIII Contains a Little of Everything, and Then Some BISHOP FALLOWS, noted for his deep insight into motives and his lofty point of view, wrote as a foreword to T. H. Russel's book on the war a notable tribute to the Christmas Ship. This is what the Chicago Herald said about it : "The following tribute to the Christmas Ship appeared in the introduction which the Right Reverend Bishop Samuel Fallows wrote for The Great War in Europe, by Thomas H. Russel, just published by L. W. Walter & Co. " 'One of the most gladdening and practical conceptions for the happiness of the children who are suffering from the great European war now raging is the Christmas Ship to sail from our loved America to the land beyond the sea. " 'The movement began as a purely local one in the city of Chicago. It has now become national and international in its scope. It has not only been enthusiastically received by the pulpit and press throughout the land, and by various humani- tarian and benevolent organizations, representing all faiths and shades of opinion, but by other neutral nations besides our own. " 'The idea is an epoch-making one. It is fully carrying out the spirit of Him who cam.e as a little child among men, who took little children up in His arms and blessed them, whose advent in the world was heralded by the angelic choir and the song, "Peace on earth, good will to men." ' ' ' Surely the angels will help convoy this vessel to its destina- tion! What untold expressions of gladness and thankfulness will rise from the hearts to the lips of the saddened ones who shall receive the benefactions! " 'Rainbows of hope and trust shall gleam from the tears of the widows, and heaven itself shall be reflected in the sparkle and glow of children's eyes. 208 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 209 " 'Fill the vessel then with the timely gifts! With them send the fervent prayer for peace, founded upon righteousness.' " Indeed, never have I heard of any one philanthropy which enlisted the good offices of so many different clergymen of various denominations. Race and creed were forgotten in the work for the Christmas Ship, and all united as brethren, bound together by the gentle magic of the word, "Inasmuch." If Christendom could work in all things as it has done for the Christmas Ship, we should have the millennium! " 'A little child shall lead them!' Christian churches and Christian men should cooperate to the fullest extent of their abilities in making the Christmas Ship a messenger such as Europe will never forget." This is the keynote of a statement made by the Right Reverend Walter T. Sumner, Dean of the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul of the Protestant Episcopal Church. "The idea of human brotherhood and Christian service finds beautiful expression in this ship which is to carry Christmas happiness from the children of one nation to the children of another nation," he said. "It is an opportunity which America cannot afford to overlook. For there is in it a moral cement, which is bound to bind the American nation into closer bonds of sympathy and understanding with the nations across the sea. "The dream of universal peace seems farther from actual realization than it ever did before in the present almost world- wide war. Yet it is a dream which some day will come true. And no movement in modern times has been better calculated to hasten that day than has this idea of the Christmas Ship. To me it seems a great beneficent Providence stretching out its hands across the sea to relieve the sufferings, bind the wounds, and minister to the hunger of a struggling, unhappy people. "However, the supreme beauty of the proposition lies in this — that it is being done in the name of little children — the children of America. What a beautiful and fraternal conception those words will come to have to those who were helped when help was most needed! "Churches and religious organizations of all kinds should 210 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP throw the full force of their influence behind the Christmas Ship, for it is the material embodiment of the ideals upon which churches and Christians stand. "Human brotherhood — the love of man for man, the love which knows no bounds of race, religion, nation, or creed — what more beautiful expression than this could there be in a time of cataclysmic war! "There is another phase to the project which should appeal to the parents, teachers, and ministers — to every one who has the interest of the American children at heart. It is this — that in working for the Christmas Ship American children will be putting into practice the ideals of selfless human service and sacrifice to which Christ gave His life nineteen centuries ago." The Episcopal Church was well represented in work for the Christmxas Ship. The St. Andrew's Messenger, a monthly maga- zine published by St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and edited by the rector. Reverend Frank E. Wilson, published the following plea for the Christmas Ship: "The Chicago Herald is sponsor for a plan which offers an excellent opportunity for expressing the Christmas spirit in a way that will appeal to all and will fill a most pathetic need. "What better evidence could we give that the love and good will of our blessed Lord are true realities to us than that of sending some few remembrances to these children across the sea in the name of Him who is the friend of all the children?" Then the Standard, the Baptist weekly, came out with this: "Many of our American newspapers, under the leadership of the Chicago Herald, are cooperating in a plan whereby the children of America shall present Christmas gifts to children of war sufferers throughout Europe. It has been arranged that a special ship, flying the Stars and Stripes and underneath it a white flag bearing the w^ord ' Inasmuch,' shall convey these presents to some neutral portion of the continent. The State Department is said to have made inquiries from the ambassadors of the warring nations and found that this will be welcomed by the powers." THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 211 Many were the prayers offered for the success of the work, and on October 19 the following was flashed by telegraph to each of the two hundred newspapers cooperating: "This prayer for the Christmas Ship was said in the House of Representatives to-day by its blind chaplain, the Reverend Henry N. Couden. " 'Our Father in Heaven, we thank Thee that out of the untold misery entailed upon the innocent men, women, and children of the war zone the Christ spirit is working in the hearts of the people to lessen the misery by deeds of generosity and kindness. ' ' * That the spirit has found its way into the hearts of the people, who are busy preparing for the Christmas Ship every- thing that will tend to bring comfort and pleasure to their little brothers and sisters who have been bereft of father, brother, and even their homes, we thank Thee. ' ' ' Encourage, we pray Thee, the work of the Good Samaritan, that not only the suffering may be alleviated but that our hearts may be filled with brotherly love, that the Christ spirit may do its perfect work and thus increase the desire for everlasting peace in the hearts of all men, that Thy will may be done. For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.'" The foreign newspapers, that is to say, the newspapers printed in other languages, were extremely cordial in approving the Christmas Ship plan. In every case they carried news of the work and commented editorially. Here are some expressions of opinions by the editors : Paul F. Mueller, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Abendpost, wrote: "I most certainly approve of the plan of sending a Christmas Ship to the children of Europe, and the spirit in which the Chicago Herald has organized the movement. I do not see how it will fail to be approved by every one." This is what John R. Palandech, editor of the United Servian, the Servian Courier, and the Balkan World, had to say : "I think the Christmas Ship movement started by the Herald is the great- est thing a newspaper has ever organized. It is sure to meet 212 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP with tremendous and immediate response on the part of the chil- dren of America. I intend to cooperate in every way I can, and will use Miss Bell's appeal in full in all of my newspapers." Karl Eitel, chairman of the financial committee of the German and Austro-Hungarian Relief Association, said: "It is a splen- did idea, which appeals to everybody. It will be an education to the American children. It will foster good will throughout the world, and be appreciated across the sea." John Benson, chief editor of the Scandinavian, had this to say : "The idea is excellent and will undoubtedly win the cooperation of the children of America. The presents will long be cherished by the children abroad as an expression of sympathy and good will from the children of America." Andrew Tosst, editor-in-chief of the Svenska Tribunen, com- mended the plan: "A beautiful and noble idea. I am in full accord with the plan. I am certain that the Swedish children in America will help to make the Christmas Ship a success. The plan will have universal appeal." Antonio Parisi, managing editor of II Movimento, said: "It is an excellent and original plan. We indorse the project and will do all we can to further it. We think it is one of the best things any newspaper has done at the present time. I hope that the other Chicago papers will assist." Joseph Jesian, war editor of Dziennik Norodowy (National Polish Daily) , was strong in his approval : "I believe the move- ment started by the Herald is the most timely and worthy of any originated by any newspaper with regard to the war. Among the children of Poland are many orphans, for whom the loving hearts of their little brethren on this side of the water will be glad to make any sacrifice. We appreciate what the Herald is doing, and congratulate Miss Bell on the idea. We will do whatever we can to support it, and will make an appeal to the Polish children of Chicago to do likewise." A striking expression of the Herald's Christmas Ship idea is the following from the pen of Harry A. Lipsky, editor of the Jewish Courier and a member of the Board of Education. Mr. Lipsky writes to the Christmas Ship editor: THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 213 "Your appeal, as broad as humanity itself, will be answered by all who have hearts that feel and minds that understand. Jew, Gentile, agnostic, or infidel — who will say nay to your plea for the children of war-harassed Europe? Each will answer in his own way, and for a different reason — yet each will respond. "The Jew will send gifts because his people are scattered all over the entire continent, battling in every army and dying for every flag. The nation without a country, fighting for many fatherlands, will have its widows and orphans to provide for in every corner of Europe. They will answer your appeal because the 'Feast of Lights' occurs about Christmas time and is itself a time of giving gifts, and thus the Jewish religious sanction will lend itself to your more general plea. "A cheerless Chanukah it will be indeed to the millions of Jews in Europe. Not merely the gifts to children to make a holiday cheerful will be our task; that will be but the beginning of our work. Hundreds, aye thousands, will need aid that the widow and the orphan, the aged and the infirm, the wounded and the crippled, may not suffer. "Your plan will be successful, for its basis is humanitarian, and because it is so broad, see to it that all who wish to send cheer abroad may do so not because of any sectarian appeal that may be made, but because the request comes in the name of a humanity which is larger than all the sects and all the faiths that mankind has evolved for itself. In such circumstances it seems that such a plan as that of the Christmas Ship surely must have divine inspiration. God grant that never again shall there be a need for another Christmas Ship. But if such a time does come, grant that there will be men and newspapers like those led by the Chicago Herald who shall be able to inspire a whole continent to an expression of brotherly love and compassion." The Elks were particularly generous, as they always have the reputation of being. Chicago Lodge No. 4 of the B.P.O.E. voted one hundred dollars out of the general fund to be used with individual Christmas Ship contributions of members. "As I predicted, the Elks are responding to the call from the 214 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP children of Europe," said Exalted Ruler A. W. Johnson. "The lodge has selected a live-wire committee that will not overlook a single detail in making the contribution of the Chicago B.P.O.E. significant of the spirit which ever governs the actions of all true Elks." "A circular letter detailing our plan has been sent to every member of the lodge," said Mr. Cohn, chairman of the committee. "It is proposed to use all money received in purchasing outing flannels, buttons, thread, and braid to be apportioned in packages to make undergarments for a mother and four children." "Lodge No. 250 B.P.O.E., Manistee, Michigan, is among the lodges that have sent contributions to the Christmas Ship. Six cases of drygoods of various kinds have been forwarded to the Pugh Terminal, in the name of Charles J. Doval, chairman of the Christmas Ship committee of the Manistee lodge. Many Elks are giving money, and will do so until next Monday, when the entire amount will be sent to the Christmas Ship." About this time I wrote the following in the Herald: Here is the first of the human documents I knew would come in. This is a sort of thing those who go over with the Christmas Ship will bring back with them. What stories they will have to tell us! Dtnard, France "As an American woman who has spent nine happy summers with many other compatriots in this beautiful corner of France, I feel that we all owe it a debt in this hour of adversity. "Day after day I see hundreds of refugees pour in from Belgium and France, starving, ragged, despairing, from scenes of carnage and murder, bereft of homes, relatives, and resources. They are largely peasants, but many from Lou vain and Charleroi are cultivated, finely bred men and women and children of all ages. They are thrown like bits of wreckage by the ^torm raging over Europe up to this isolated comer of Brittany, where even the rich find money scarce, and where, in a few weeks, coal and wood will be scarce also. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 215 "We Americans and English, having laid aside fine raiment and social pleasures, are at work at the once smart Hotel Royal, now a hospital for the wounded that arrive daily by the hundreds, two deep on straw. "These refugees are adrift, like leaves in a storm, shorn of everything that makes life possible. They sleep also on straw and in garages, cafes, and villas whose chatelaines succor them. "Last night, in the garage of the Grand Hotel, slept seven little girls, all under seven, whose ragged daintiness proved former love and luxury. They have lost all — parents and home — and do not even know the names of their villages. Their feet are bleeding from tramping the fields; their tear-stained faces pinched from starvation. "Four others, more fortunate, came seventy miles in a Belgian bread cart, pulled by a dog. "With our best efforts we cannot clothe the hundreds who increase in number daily. Troops at the front send for food. Our horses and motors have been requisitioned by the army, and this formerly bright little town of luxury and gayety is now just a shelter for the hunted at bay against misfortune. What will become of them? "I beg of you in happy, safe America to deny yourselves a cigar, a theater seat, and an extra hat, and help us to help them. "Ten cents will buy a child ten rolls of bread. Fifty cents will cover little feet which never again will be caressed by a mother. A dollar will buy a shawl for a widow. "In the name of pity and human sympathy, I implore your aid, for America is the only place to which we can turn now. "Nina Larrey Duryea" Mrs. Martin Kerns, of Philo, Illinois, writes that she will go without one Christmas and send twenty-five dollars to Dinard direct, that members of her family will bring the sum up to forty dollars, and that she will adopt a Belgian orphan! And she asks others to do the same. There is still time for any one who is touched by this picture to send boxes of children's clothing direct to Dinard by the 2i6 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Christmas Ship. Also, any money intended for this specific town will go safely and speedily by the Christmas Ship. Who will help the brave American woman, Miss Nina Duryea, in her attempt to care for the babies and innocent sufferers whom she has under direct charge? In response to this appeal, I received, of course, many cheques and money orders, begging me to see that the money went to Miss Duryea. I held it until I managed a personal interview with the editor of the Herald. Then, to my great distress, he told me to turn it into the general Christmas Ship fund, as no money could be sent to any one direct. I failed to understand why, but I was obedient to his request and turned the money over to him personally. I take this opportunity to state to the donors why I was unable to carry out their requests. From far-away Honolulu, came the following: ' ' Honolulu is taking a star part in the loading of the Christmas Ship. A telegram received from the Honolulu Advertiser reads: 'Informed sailing date of Christmas Ship changed. May Honolulu consign through you?' ' ' Many letters have been received from the Hawaiian capital giving details of the Christmas Ship work as it has been carried out in that city. The Women's Auxiliary and the Guild of St. Andrew's Cathedral are directing the work. "According to an editorial in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, a large cash fund already has been collected and is being forwarded to the ship." My brother is stationed at Honolulu, but unless he learned it from some one besides myself, he never knew that I had anything to do with the Christmas Ship, which he undoubtedly helped, for I have been too busy to write. But I know that the army officers and their wives contributed. I may send him a copy of this book (if I ever finish it) and then he will know. It's nice to get news of the family — in one way or another! THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 217 ' ' Citizens of Evanston, led by Mayor Smart and City Comp- troller Leon J. Hamilton," wrote the Chicago Herald, "are preparing for a whirlwind finish in the Evanston Christmas Ship campaign. Comptroller Hamilton, who also is director of the Evanston Civic Association, will be in active charge of the work, assisted by members of the Evanston Commercial Association. Additional rooms have been obtained for use as receiving stations. These will be placed in charge of individuals authorized to receive donations of money as well as packages of gifts." And from Fond Du Lac came this: "Fond du Lac gave itself up to-day to the cause of humanity. It was the first of two days set aside for collecting and packing gifts for the Christ- mas Ship. The work was undertaken by the Priscilla Society of Plymouth Congregational Church, and the response to its call was generous. Merchants loaned delivery wagons as well as the services of employees for the collection. The large Sunday school room in the church was set aside as the Christmas Ship center. An hour after the collection was started, the room was full. Over the door of the church hung a Christmas Ship flag, bearing the golden star and the word 'Inasmuch.' "General stores gave boxes, wrapping paper, cord, and post cards bearing Christmas greetings. Officers of the O'Brien Dry Goods Company selected from their stock the contents of several boxes. This firm expected also to send a cash dona- tion of from fifty dollars to seventy -five dollars to the Christmas Ship fund being collected by the Commercial National Bank. "The packing of the gifts will continue to-morrow in relays. Men are working hourly shifts, assorting, marking, and pressing the gifts in order to make the boxes brimful." While from WoodhuU, Illinois, we had the following: "WoodhuU, Illinois, is working corporately and individually for the Christmas Ship. Under the leadership of the Reverend Lewis Charles Voss, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, the village is striving to make its share in the ship's cargo a large one. Members of the church and Sunday school have an- nounced a Christmas Ship social and entertainnent to be held on Hallowe'en. The proceeds will go to the ship." 15 2i8 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAvS SHIP And from Huron this : "One hundred and eighty dollars and fifty-four cents, a large box, and a barrel of clothing comprised the Christmas Ship donation of Huron, South Dakota. 'Huron is not a very large place — about seven thousand — but I think we do not lack enthusiasm for any good work,' wrote Mrs. C. F. Koepp. 'We all feel grateful to the Herald for having originated the big idea and for allowing us to share in the happi- ness the Christmas Ship will carry across the sea.' " Then this came from Aurora : ' ' Monday and Tuesday after- noons have been set aside in Aurora as Christmas Ship Movie Day. W. D, Biurford, manager of the Aurora Theater, will give the exhibitions and forward the receipts to the Christmas Ship department of the Herald: "The Woman's Club of Aurora has taken charge of the work preliminary to the movie program, and its efforts have been rewarded by a successful sale of tickets. The superintendent of public schools has indorsed the matinee as an ideal means to raise funds for the Christmas Ship and has arranged that every child shall have the opportunity to witness the film plays." To me it kept getting more and more wonderful. And I had to talk about it. So I wrote this in the Herald: Did you know that the idea of the Christmas Ship was only a month old? For a month-old baby it seems very lively. In fact, this is the only month-old baby I ever saw who could talk and walk and run the way this one can! I believe it flies. Perhaps that is because this baby idea of ours has such millions of nurses! All over the United States, from Maine to Texas and from Alaska to Florida, are boys and girls and men and women bouncing this baby idea on their knees and talk- ing to it, and bragging to the neighbors of how fast and strong it is growing, so why should n't it be the wonder it is ? Children always like to play nurse, and I never saw a little girl who did n 't love to play mother to a baby. To play Santa Claus to half a world is the best idea of all, and every child THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 219 in the United States who knows about it has joined my Santa Claus Class and begun to work. It is inspiring to think about it. Just suppose we could take a census of the workers we have! Nearly two hundred of the biggest and best newspapers in the United States have opened their columns to a history of our daily progress and are cooperating with us in every way they can. How big-hearted of these editors! In fact, if you could read their telegrams and letters, actually begging us to let them get into oui Peace Trust on the ground floor, you would realize that the editor was submerged in the man — the man who would crowd war news from his best paying front page and give our Christmas Ship plan the place of honor. There is greatness for you! The hearts of these men behind the newspapers have been touched by a feeling of human sym- pathy with the army of weeping women and children — innocent victims of this horrible slaughter — and there is nothing for us to do but help them — help them in any way we can to get what will keep life in small, frail bodies during the bitter winter. There are young mothers with their first babies, ignorant of how to find work by which they may live. There are mothers with half a dozen small children, bereft of husband and father, left penniless and without a roof to shelter them. There are feeble old people, blind and helpless, giving their stalwart sons to be hewn down like so many strong young saplings. There are the sick, the bedridden, the crippled children — all of these, who once had men in the family to earn bread for them, now cast adrift — without the barest necessities of life. I met a young Russian girl on the train coming to Chicago. She had just come from Petrograd by way of Norway. Tears were in her eyes as she said: "Do all you can for them! Only God Himself knows the state of things over there and how the women and children are suffering!" Such hundreds of thousands there are for us to help, and they need so much! 220 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP If we had three years in which to prepare instead of three months, we still would be rushed for time. Yet each day our army grows. Literally, millions of small fingers are flying in aid of our beautiful Christmas Ship. The stupendousness of what we have attempted sometimes appals me. It is only when I realize that we have all of America at our back that I am encouraged to know that, huge as the plan is, it will succeed. And we shall be ready on time. The London papers, in commenting on the idea, say that we Americans pride ourselves on being strictly business-like, but that we are also very sentimental! I will go further and declare that we are the most sentimental nation on earth. No wonder London says that nowhere in the world except in the United States could such an idea have spread so like wildfire and practically have circled the globe in a fortnight. It is because we of the Christmas Ship are on the King's business. No earthly potentate could have summoned such an army of workers in so short a time. Race and creed are welded in the one bond of the universal brotherhood of man, and the reason for this is twofold. First, because of the suffering of women and children to whom our gifts are going; second, because the work of alleviating this suffering has been intrusted to the children. Men and women, no matter how earnestly they might have striven or how noble their motives, could not have won the instantaneous attention of the whole civilized world as was done when word ran around the globe that this was to be the work of children for children. When the children called, the whoie world listened. Warring races, quarreling creeds, lifelong enemies, and bitter foes have dropped their weapons, laid a finger on the lip, and listened to the call of the children. Perhaps this is the beginning of the millennium of which Isaiah dreamed when he prophesied: "The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them." CHAPTER XXIV What Brave Little Sheboygan Gave SHEBOYGAN, Wisconsin, conducted a very successful cam- paign for the Christmas Ship, and my articles frequently appeared in the columns of the Sheboygan Press. The Press did not appoint a Christmas Ship editor, but conducted the campaign editorially, as will be seen from the following : "From all over the country comes the news that governors, state and federal officials, public men, pastors, societies of men, and organizations of women are all in favor of the Christmas Ship. "Each day adds well-known names to the list of those who wish the Christmas Ship a heavy cargo, a quick passage, and a prompt bestowal of her stored-up happiness on the war-made orphans of Europe. Each day brings assurance that an appeal to the great heart of the American people is never made in vain — that it beats responsively to the claims of stricken childhood — that it has faith in what it feels. "The Christmas Ship's reception by people and press shows how ready Americans are to unite for a good cause — how quickly they embrace the opportunity to rise above the things that divide them and join forces on the clear high ground of humanity. "Nothing good is impossible— no injustice can be perma- nent — in a country where such things can happen." The people of Sheboygan rushed to the work with a will, as may be seen from the following from the Press : "That Sheboygan has never been backward in any worthy movement was never better exemplified than right now in the great movement for sending gifts to the orphans of Europe. 221 222 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Up to this morning over fifty boxes and packages had been deHvered to the Jung Building, and it is safe to say that this is only a? start and that before eight o'clock, when the campaign closes, the number of gifts will run into the hundreds. In order to accommodate all of the people who have become interested, the Press has made arrangements with the Jung Carriage Com- pany whereby the doors will be kept open until eight o'clock this evening, and a man will be in charge there. All day Friday will be consumed in sorting out the various packages and putting them in boxes so that each country will receive the gifts without delay after the boat touches port. "Remember, gifts for the ship are Christmas gifts, so inclose a Christmas greeting. The little German or French or Belgian child will not be able to read your message without the aid of an interpreter, but these will be at hand, and, anyway, Christ- child or Madonna or Jolly Old Nick post cards are all in the same language. "Don't forget the little touches in this last day of hurry, but first of all, be sure to hurry!" Sheboygan surely has a right to be proud of the large amount her generous citizens contributed, and Mr. Broughton may be congratulated on the part he played. The Press was one of the first papers to come in. This editorial appeared the day before the Jason sailed: "Now on the eve of the departure of the Christmas Ship Jason, with more than seven million gifts for war-stricken Europe, the people of Sheboygan may well feel proud. They have played a part in that great undertaking. Fourteen boxes of gifts were shipped from this city, several from Plymouth and Sheboygan Falls, and, in one instance, that of the Sunday school of St. Peter's Episcopal Church of the Falls, the boys and girls contributed twenty dollars, dispensing with their Christmas tree this year in order to cheer the hearts of the unfortunates of Europe. "The Press first made the appeal in the summer months, and the people of Sheboygan rallied to the cause. The latter THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 223 part of October the J. and W. Jung Co. donated their building on Pennsylvania Avenue for the collection of gifts, and the Press looked to it that the goods were packed and shipped, the Chicago & North Western making no charge for transporting the goods. All of those of Sheboygan and vicinity who aided in the move- ment will be happy in the thought that as the good ship Jason reaches the warring nations the little boys and girls comprising the Sunday school of St. Peter's Episcopal Church of Sheboygan Falls will gather, not to have a Christmas tree, but to spend an evening together, happy in the thought that they played a part in the great drama for Peace. On that occasion nothing would be more appropriate than a brief address on the accom- plishment of the Christmas Ship through the efforts of our people. But let us not forget the Christmas Ship. Let us each year do some similar service for humanity." Some day I am going to St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Sheboygan Falls and tell those children what I think of them! CHAPTER XXV Oklahoma's Sympathy Expressed WHEN I read the list of the papers cooperating with the Herald, I was interested to know how the citizens of Okla- homa would respond to our appeal, and how an Oklahoma editor would go to work. So it was with feelings of the liveliest interest that I sent for the files of the Muskogee Phoenix. I received a most courteous letter from its editor and a com- plete story of the work. It started with this stirring editorial addressed "To the Children": "You have heard of the Santa Claus Ship, haven't you; the big Christmas Ship that is going to carry gifts to the poor little children of Europe whose fathers have been killed in the war ? No one will be able to keep you from sending a gift to your little brothers and sisters, when you understand. "But listen, children. You want your gift to be a nice gift, a pretty one; you don't want to give little Hans or Jean or Alice something that you have tired of and do not longer wish. You want your present to mean something, to represent a sacrifice. Think how much happier it will make you on Christmas Day when you know that you — really you and not your papa or mamma — have made some other little boy or girl happy. There are many ways you can do this. If you are a little boy, tell your father you will carry in the wood for a week or a month, if you wish, if he will give you money with which to buy a little toy for your far-off brothers and sisters. Or, if you are a little girl, tell your mamma you will help her with the dishes or about the house if she will give you the money with which to do your share to load the Santa Claus Ship. Or, tell your papa and mamma that you want them to tell Santa Claus to send one of the presents to the orphans in Europe that Kris Kringle was going to bring to you. "That's what it means to 'give.' Ask your parents or your 224 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 225 teacher to tell you what the Bible means when it says, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.' "The Phoenix is just acting as Santa Claus' agent in gathering the toys. The Phoenix will not take your money ; you must buy the toy yourself, then you will know just what share you are playing in spreading the blessed tidings of Christmas among the sorrowing children of Europe, and your happiness will be so much greater. For after all, the greatest joy of your giving will be yours. You must act quickly, and have your present in by Saturday." The next day came this: "A most interesting collection of gifts was received to-day from children of the Franklin School. A little wagon loaded to the brim with toys, books, and clothing and other useful presents was drawn up to the Phoenix doorway by two little boys, and the gifts were carried to the desk of the Christmas Ship editor. "The Christmas Ship plan was heartily indorsed at the Teacher-Patron Club meeting in the Irving School. Super- intendent Monroe urged the mothers to help their little ones contribute their share of the Muskogee quota. Principal Roy F. Hannum and Superintendent W. O. Stewart of the blind school both indorsed the plan in their talks at the meeting. "The Coweta B.Y.P.U. telephoned the Phoenix yesterday that that organization would prepare a big box of presents gathered from the people in Coweta and the members of the organization for the Santa Claus Ship. The president of the B.Y.P.U. said that the box would arrive here Monday. "A grocery store sent a hundred-pound box of candy to the Christmas Ship editor yesterday afternoon. A local wholesale grocery company promised to send another hundred-pound box to-day. Caps, sweaters, mittens, underwear, and hosiery were all included, and another great box from an anonymous source was delivered yesterday afternoon. "One good woman interested in the cause sent two large boxes of toys and other gifts to go to the Deutsch children. 226 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "Money contributions continued coming in yesterday. In amounts ranging from twenty-five cents to five dollars grown-ups contributed to the fund. To-day some church woman interested in the Christmas Ship will be selected to buy useful presents with the money which is contributed." Not only Muskogee, but all the country round about became interested and sent boxes of gifts to the Phoenix office: "By mail, express, and messenger, Christmas gifts for the Santa Claus Ship came in thick and fast yesterday. All day long school children carried boxes of presents to the Christmas Ship editor. The room which the Phoenix has set aside to house the presents as they are brought in is rapidly being filled. "A notable addition to the list of gifts sent in yesterday was a three-hundred-pound box of toys and clothing from Eufaula. The box came in by express already packed for the Santa Claus journey. "The constant addition of smaller gifts made the pile grow rapidly. Muskogee women doing their afternoon shopping bought small gifts for the Christmas Ship on their shopping tour. Children on their weekly school vacation trooped to the Phoenix office in flocks to bring their gifts. "From Stigler comes a contribution from the Fortnightly Club with an appreciative letter of the work of giving the children in Europe a happy Christmas. "'Dear Christmas Ship editor,' reads a letter, 'it gives me great pleasure to contribute in the name of the Fortnightly Club of Stigler to the Christmas fund in which you are taking such a vital interest. With this small contribution go the hopes and prayers of the club that the war clouds will have risen and that the Jason may unload its gifts upon a continent of peace.' "To-day the Christmas Ship spirit will be spread from the pulpits in Muskogee. 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me,' the motto adopted by those in charge of the Christmas Ship work in Chicago, is the text which has been suggested to every pastor in the city." THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 227 Such stories as these need no comment from me or any- one else. They speak for themselves of a boundless gener- osity. Here is more from the Phoenix: "The school children responded yesterday in a way un- equaled last week. The teachers in the Sunday school classes told their boy and girl pupils of the Christmas Ship. Yesterday the results were shown by the number of presents which the children brought in. "From the pulpits of Muskogee on Sunday the story of the Christmas Ship was told. Every churchgoer was told the meaning of the Christmas Ship. Some ministers devoted their whole sermons to the topic, while others mentioned it only in their announcements. But in every church the pastors urged the children especially to help in making a Merry Christmas for their little friends across the sea. "The Musical Coterie of Stigler sent in a large box of gifts gathered from the members of that club. Accompanying the box came a letter to the Christmas Ship editor expressing the sentiment of the club in regard to the Santa Claus Ship: "'We have expressed you a box of toys to be sent to the children abroad. Trusting that they will lighten a few hearts and that they will reach their destination safely, "'Very respectfully, "'Stigler Musical Coterie' "Superintendent Monroe, in asking the teachers to mention the Christmas Ship to their classes, explained fully that the children were asked to bring new, useful things as presents, and that no cash donations will be received from school children. "Seventy-two pairs of children's stockings neatly packed in red boxes came to the Phoenix office by messenger yesterday afternoon, all labeled for the Christmas Ship, the gift of a well- known business man. Contributions from the grown-ups began to come to the Christmas Ship editor in five-dollar amounts. All such contributions received will be spent with Muskogee merchants to buy useful gifts to accompany the children's presents." 228 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Surely nothing that the express companies of America ever did gave them so much free advertising as their really hand- some offer to carry the Christmas Ship gifts free. Every paper heralded the fact, and gave them full credit for this generosity. I was particularly glad they did this, because, when I pre- dicted it to the editor of the Herald, he did not seem at all sure that they would. Here is what the Phoenix has to say about it: "The American Express Company, which won the gratitude of the Americans stranded abroad when war was declared by honoring and paying in cash all letters of credit, and which has aided materially in the transmission of Red Cross funds, again came to the rescue of the sufferers in Europe yesterday by volunteering to express, free of all charges, Christmas presents which the children and grown-ups of Muskogee and western Oklahoma have gathered for the little orphans of the war. "The pathetic cry of 'Inasmuch' has reached to the heart of Kentucky. Mrs. M. Howlett, of Stithton, Kentucky, who receives the Phoenix, sent her contribution to the Christmas Ship editor yesterday with this letter: 'I saw your call for the Christmas Ship for the children of Europe. I send my mite, and the good women of Muskogee can get whatever present they think suitable for the "kids." My son, who lives in your city, sends us the paper. I am seventy-three years old. I send one dollar.' "A collection of gifts from the Missionary Society of the First Baptist Church was received yesterday. The church women held a meeting Tuesday afternoon, when the gifts were collected and packed. "The school children of Fort Gibson took a very active part in collecting toys for the ship. A miscellaneous collection of toys, books, and dolls particularly was made at the Fort Gibson schoolhouse, and the packages sent to the Phoenix yes- terday. The little children in the second, fourth, and fifth grades were the ones who made contributions." THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 229 The loyalty with which each town remembered its own merchants, and spent its contributions among the different shops, was one of the pleasantest things about the Christmas Ship work. But it is safe to say that from a commercial stand- point no merchant welcomed the Christmas Ship shopper, for not one of them could have made a cent on the purchases. Discounts were freely offered, many things sold at cost, and frequently a generous contribution from the merchant himself went into the parcels wrapped for the ship. All honor to these merchants, say I! A few more words from the Phcenix: "The most unique gift received so far at the Phoenix office was brought in yesterday by a Muskogee stenographer. In the top drawer of her desk the stenographer has always kept a glass jar. Into this jar she places all of her pennies received in making change, particularly in taking advantage of 'ninety-eight cent' bargains. Exactly 278 pennies were in the jar which the young woman brought to the Phoenix office. "A big collection of presents was received yesterday from Wagoner. The box bore the inscription 'From the Merchants of Wagoner.' A letter of explanation from Virginia White, solicitor, told that the merchants had each contributed to make up one big box. Half a carload resulted." This, then, is the way Oklahoma does things! CHAPTER XXVI The Beautiful Work of St. Louis ST. LOUIS responded through the Republic of that city, which on October 25 printed on its front page my appeal to the children of America. The editor gave the middle columns of his front page to this : "Active work to get presents for the Christmas Ship which will carry gifts to the war orphans of Europe was opened in St. Louis yesterday. Miss Frances D. Robb took charge of the Republic's downtown depot, under the direction of Mrs. F. H. Ingalls, head of the local W.C.T.U., which took active manage- ment of the movement under the auspices of the Republic. "From every source it was learned that gifts were being prepared. Mail from out of town indicated great interest. Ten letters were mailed yesterday instructing inquirers what to do to enable them to have a part in the nation-wide movement, which originated with Lilian Bell. The publisher of the Chicago Herald, on September 6, printed her famous appeal to the children. "Churches and Sunday schools of every affiliation will take up the movement to-day. A. C. Thomas, director of reHgious education of the Second Baptist Church said : 'We have a cheque ready for you, in addition to gifts for the children of Europe.' Reverend Z. B. T. Phillips, rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, declared the movement a fine one, and that he would bring it to the attention of his parishioners. Sunday school superintendents as well as pastors all over St. Louis will ask for gifts." The work went with a rush. St. Louis had a short campaign, but how efficacious it proved may be learned by the carload of gifts, valued at five thousand dollars, which it assembled in a few weeks. Everybody worked — even fathers! — and the result was told from day to day in the Republic: 230 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 231 The Vandalia Railroad yesterday announced it would trans- port the gifts of St. Louis, free of all charge, to Bush Terminal, Brooklyn, where they must arrive by November 3. Every child in St. Louis, and every grown person for that matter, is invited to use the service. "The Christmas Ship movement was originated September 6, when the Chicago Herald published Miss Lilian Bell's touching appeal 'To the Children of America,' which was republished by the Republic. It became necessary to get the Interstate Commerce Commission to make a favorable ruling before the railroads could transport, free, the gifts of American children to European war orphans. "St. Louis and Missourians, under the auspices of the Republic, yesterday afternoon shipped to Brooklyn a carload of five thousand dollars' worth of canned foods and fruits, boxes of new clothing, and barrels of candies and toys to be taken to children in the European war zone by the Christmas Ship. "The cash receipts yesterday amounted to $118.22, making the total cash receipts up to date $310.79. Money was used to purchase clothing and canned foods by teams of purchasers sent out under the personal direction of Mrs. Ingalls. "B. H. Dally, division freight agent of the Vandalia Line, was the hero of the day. He acted as trafHc manager for the committee, and personally checked off each of the boxes. "When the work was over, Mrs. Ingalls thanked the Republic in these words : As president of the Woman's Christian Temper- ance Union, I want to extend thanks to the St. Louis Republic for the great success of the Christmas Ship; to B. H. Dally, division freight agent of the Vandalia, for acting as traffic manager; to Holbrook-Blackwelder Real Estate Trust Company for donating headquarters; to the Missouri House and Window Cleaning Company for keeping headquarters tidy and clean; to the May- Stern Furniture Company for furnishing it ; to the Carleton Dry Goods Company for boxes; to the Banner Sign System for the sign; to the Dennison Manufacturing Company for papers; to J. C. Pringle and the Langan-Taylor Moving and Storage Company for packing the cases for shipment; to the Vandalia 232 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Line for transporting the cases to Brooklyn, and to each and every contributor who made the event possible; to the blessed W.C.T.U. women who are always glad to help make lives brighter and homes happier.'" Not satisfied with speeding its own car, the Republic helped the Austin car on its way. "A carload of Christmas gifts for the children of Europe was speeded on to Brooklyn yesterday by the Republic. It will be in timxC to become a part of the cargo of the naval collier Jason. "The car came to St. Louis over the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad from Austin, Texas, where it had been assembled. The Republic was notified, and instantly got into touch with the complicated situation, and the Vandalia Line, as a result, is now speeding the carload on to Brooklyn. "A Republic reporter located the car in East St. Louis. As the ship sails next Tuesday it was a question if the car would reach Brooklyn in time to catch the Christmas Ship, to which St. Louis contributed a carload of toys, clothing, and canned goods last week. "The Republic telephoned B. H. Dally, division freight agent of the Vandalia, and Mr. Dally at once had the car green- tagged for export. Last night at eight o'clock it started with No. 2, the fastest freight train on the Vandalia Line. Mr. Dally said yesterday: 'Barring accidents, that carload will be at the ship's side Monday noon. We will keep behind it until it arrives at its destination.' * ' In the meantime the American Express Company had been notified, and Mr. Marston, the general agent, was getting ready to send half of the carload, dead head, over the express line, when it was learned that the car would be handled promptly by the Vandalia." Was n't this splendid work? "All contributions of toys, food, candies, and clothing intended for the Christmas Ship to Belgium must be at the THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 233 headquarters before one o'clock to-day," said an editorial in the Republic. ** Money contributions can be received somewhat later, but the St. Louis consignment leaves this city for Brooklyn this afternoon. This is the last chance St. Louis people have to take part in a charity so full of meaning and so charged with human kindness that all of the railroads in the country and the government of the United States through the Navy Department are taking part. No country in the world to-day is so bitterly in need as Belgium, and no children are, or have been in generations, so cruelly cut off from childhood's right to happi- ness as the Belgian children. The Christmas Ship should bear a generous, an overflowing load of gifts from America to them." Nothing is more significant of the aristocratic St. Louisans than the quiet but effectual manner in which they handled their Christmas Ship campaign. They made little display and no noise, but a carload valued at five thousand dollars was the result of their generosity and earnestness. The work was beautifully managed, and carried out like a skilled general's campaign. 16 CHAPTER XXVII Battle Creek's Amazing Generosity BATTLE CREEK, Michigan, conducted a campaign for the Christmas Ship which deserves special mention. The Battle Creek Journal was one of the first to take up the idea, and its editor appointed a very clever young woman, Miss Lisetta Neukom, to be Christmas Ship editor. Every day valuable space in the Journal was given to pub- licity for the Christmas Ship, and to my request for data a most prompt and generous response was made. Miss Neukom even sent me two files — I having cheerfully lost the first one; I'll probably find it put away with my best hat or sealed up with my furs. When I hide a thing for safe keeping I certainly do hide it ! And from the way I hunted for that envelope of clippings. Battle Creek stands out in my mind as a city about the size of London and of the importance of Paris. But I got a second helping of that Christmas pie, and here it is. Heaven bless the girl for sending it to me, without a single reproach for my carelessness! "A whole shipload of dolls is what the children of the Battle Creek Sunday schools are planning to contribute to the Christmas Ship. "The doll ship will not sail. It will float in the air in the gymnasium at the Sanitarium. The dolls will hang on the ship, suspended from the rudder and the sails. They will fill the hold and the cabins; in fact, there are some optimistic people who are confident that the local children will give so many dolls that there will have to be an extra ship to hold the overflow. "The movement is being pushed by Mrs. Emily Walker- Herr, a social secretary of the Sanitarium, who has sent a letter to every Sunday school in the city asking that each class send one doll. She does not say what kind of doll, large or small, elaborate or simple. All she asks for is one doll from each Sunday school class in the city. 234 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 235 "The doll ship will sail through the air at one of the biggest functions ever held at the Sanitarium. Particulars of this affair are being kept carefully guarded, for a time at least. This is being done so that when the grand announcement comes, the people will have an interesting surprise. ' ' The response on the part of the children of the First Metho- dist Sunday school will no doubt be an incentive to the others. The Methodist children have formed twenty-five clubs to secure funds and clothing for the Christmas Ship, which is backed locally by the Journal. "Still more good news for the Christmas Ship! "The Post Theater of Battle Creek is aiding in the movement, too. It has been suggested to Manager E. R. Smith that on November i the management give to the Christmas Ship twenty per cent of its gross receipts. Think of it! Twenty cents out of every dollar taken in at the box office!" I shall never taste squash again that I shall not think of the odd and interesting way Mr. Belden took to aid the Christmas Ship, as told in the Journal: "Mr. Belden had been reading of the Christmas Ship in the Journal. Immediately he thought of the squashes he had raised in the rows between the young fruit trees he is cultivating for pleasure. During the hours he is not writing he works out of doors among the fruits and vegetables. "As soon as he thought of the plan of selling those squashes for the Christmas fund, Mr. Belden came to the office and said, 'I have about a ton of squashes which I will gladly give you for the Christmas fund. I will give the squashes, and I am sure that some of the grocers in the city will be willing to sell them and turn over the proceeds to you to send to Europe.' That was several days ago. Last night Mr. Belden returned to the office to say that the grocers were cooperating with him, and that W. E. Woods of Washington Heights had agreed to haul the entire ton to the city to the four stores as his share of the present to the Christmas Ship. "These squashes will be picked just before the first real frost. 236 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Mr. Belden suggests that all who want perfect, fresh Hubbard squash notify one of the four grocers to deliver them as soon as they arrive. He says he knows that squash is bringing only two cents a pound, but that he believes many who want to give to the Christmas Ship will say, 'Please send me five pounds of the squash and charge me five or ten cents a pound, for I want to help with the Christmas fund.' "Mr. Belden is so optimistic over the attitude of the people of the dty that he says he thinks the fund ought to be increased about one hundred dollars by the 'squash fund'!" The churches responded wonderfully: "Twenty-five Christmas Ship clubs were formed by the unanimous vote of six hundred representatives of the First Methodist Episcopal Sunday school yesterday morning. This means that hundreds of homes will cooperate to make the offer- ing sent the Christmas Ship, through the agency of the Journal and nearly two hundred other American newspapers, a wonderful success." As it is always interesting to know what those think whose war orphans are to receive our gifts, this from the Battle Creek Journal is appended: " *I think it is perfectly ripping of the Americans to send us a Christmas Ship. It is a grand idea, and I tell you the women and children of Europe will appreciate the spirit of the thoughtful people who send things for us.' "Such is the message which Miss Dorothy Pearce Gould, a young Englishwoman, sends from England to Reverend George E. Barnes, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. Miss Gould is enthusiastic about the Christmas Ship idea and writes in glowing terms of the spirit that prompts Americans to send aid to the unhappy women and children of the war-infested con- tinent. All Miss Gould's brothers and her father are now in the English army, fighting for their country." Not content simply with indorsing the idea, one very THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 237 energetic and capable clergyman, Dr. Barnes, did a practical thing which brought in much money, as told in the Journal: "The 'widow's mite' for the Christmas Ship is to have its inning here Sunday. At that time all who want to help out on the fund, but who have been hesitant because of inability to give large amounts, will have an opportunity to give what they are able. "In each of the Protestant churches small envelopes will be passed, into which one can put his contribution, large or small. Nobody will know where the gift comes from, unless the giver desires it. Any amount, from a penny up, will be welcomed. In this case it is not the amoimt given but the spirit with which it is given which cotmts. As demonstrated by Lowell in his Vision of Sir Launfal, it is the one that gives all he can, with a loving spirit, who will get the blessing, not the rich giver, who carelessly tosses out a large amount from his store. "The Reverend George E. Barnes of the First Presbyterian Church, one of the most progressive ministers who ever lived in Battle Creek, is sponsor for this idea. He proposed it to the Journal, and the paper in turn put it up to some of the other churches. As a result all have taken hold of it. "The following churches will distribute envelopes: First Presb3rterian, Rev. George E. Barnes, pastor First Baptist, Rev. Robert L. Webb, pastor First Methodist, Rev. F. S. Tincher, pastor Maple Street Methodist, Rev. William Chapman, pastor Upton Avenue Methodist, Rev. Charles Nease, pastor St. Thomas Episcopal, Rev. Walter J. Lockton, rector Independent Congregational, Rev. Thornton A. Mills, minister Seventh Day Adventist, Elder W. A. Westworth, pastor "In addition to this the girls of the Baptist Church gave ten dollars from their play. "Not to be outdone by the Baptists, the Sanitarium girls and boys made a quilt — such a quilt as never was made before, as this story tells: " 'Real practical Christianity and sacrifice, as well as a great 238 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP deal of love, will be carried to war-stricken Europe in the quilt which the boys and girls of the dining-room force of the Sanitarium have made to give to the Journal for the Christmas Ship.' "When one takes into consideration the fact that nearly all the young people working in the dining room are rushed almost to the limit of human endurance taking their regular college courses, working their way through college, and studying, their sacrifice puts to shame those who have done nothing to help the sufferers abroad. "The quilt story is one of near pathos. The idea was started by Mrs. A. Canfield and Mrs. Sallie Montgomery, both greatly beloved women at the Sanitarium. They read of the Christmas Ship project. The young people, when told of the movement, became deeply interested and volunteered their services. "Accordingly, a collection was taken and the materials purchased. The quilt was kept in a room adjoining the dining room. Boys and girls ahke devoted their spare moments, between serving breakfast and going to class, between their last class in the morning and serving dinner at noon, and between classes and lectures and dinner at night, to the quilt. Many of them were unable to work more than ten minutes at one time, but the cooperation and love put into those stitches and tyings on that quilt will mean much to them in after years, for they know what it all meant to them in sacrifice. "Although the young people have been working every spare moment for days, they were unable to get the quilt done by noon to-day. When they heard that the last things would have to be sent by this noon they were greatly disappointed, thinking their work had been in vain. Nothing daunted, they decided they would take a collection and get blankets from one of the stores and send them. But they were much gratified to find that through the courtesy of the Adams Express Company, which has volunteered its services gratis, the gifts to the Christmas Ship can be received as late as next Satur- day noon." THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 239 Finally all the great work was done, the boxes packed, tagged, and shipped. And thus the big campaign was summed up in the Journal: "Pathos such as brings tears to the eyes and a lump to the throat have featured many of the gifts to the Christmas Ship. When little children come to give all the pennies of their small store; when old gray-haired men come with warm clothing; when the youth and the maiden with the soft glow of love in their eyes stop in the preparation for their coming wedding long enough to contribute, then men and women working for the Christmas Ship project believe, and believe fervently, that Christianity has not failed in at least some instances. "People must not get the idea that all the goods sent on this car to-day were bought. Nearly one thousand garments, in addition to many dolls and other toys, were contributed by private individuals. It is estimated that the carload sent out to-day is valued at over three thousand five hundred dollars. "The appended is the list of foodstuffs and merchandise purchased by the committee appointed to spend the money collected by the Journal for the Christmas Ship fund with the $361.47 given them to invest, the committeemen secured merchandise inventoried at $2,153. The immense quantity of garments contributed by individuals is not included in the following list: 300 pounds of Binders' choice sugar-cured bacon 1,000 pounds of hand-picked navy beans 700 suits of women's and children's knit winter underwear 486 pairs of women's and children's stockings 283 women's and children's coats 270 pairs of boys' and girls' wool gloves and mittens 150 pairs of boys' heavy winter trousers 60 women's house dresses 54 boys' and girls' cloth and knit winter caps 65 women's and children's wool knit sweaters 10 women's wool skirts 10 women's heavy suits 135 yards of flannel for making clothing 240 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 49 women's and children's outing flannel gowns 88 men's and boy's shirts 25 youths' and boys' overcoats 23 women's knit shawls 8 girls' winter dresses 29 boys' heavy winter suits "One boy who deserves special mention for his contribution is Raymond KJnight, who sells papers on the streets each night. He had no money to give. When told that a woman wanted to give some flour to the Christmas Ship, and that she had no way of getting it to the Journal office, he volunteered to get the flour and bring it downtown. "One of the biggest individual contributors was the Kellogg Toasted Corn Flakes Company, which gave five cases each of Toasted Wheat Biscuits, Drinket, and Krumbles. These will keep well on the ocean voyage, as they are all in 'waxtite' sealed packages and wrapped for exporting. "Without exaggeration, no town in the United States is giving more in proportion to its size than Battle Creek. Com- mittee members specially request that mention be made of the fact that L. R. Greusel, of the Central Electric Company, gave his time and his automobile to take the committee around the county to buy up one thousand pounds of new hand-picked navy beans. "Each box sent in the car to-day bears two tags prepared by the Journal, one addressing the package to the 'Christmas Ship,' and the other taking the Christmas greetings of local citizens to the sufferers abroad. "The Christmas card reads as follows : ' The contents of this package were contributed by the people of Battle Creek, Michi- gan, for the benefit of the needy, suffering, unhappy women and kiddies of war-scourged Europe, and with each gift of provisions, clothing, toys, or what not goes a Merry Christmas wish and "May God Protect You!"' "To the Journal: "Wonderful Battle Creek! "Again that true and wonderful spirit of liberality and good THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 241 fellowship for which Battle Creek and its citizens are noted has been put to the test and found not wanting. "On the contrary, our citizens have done themselves proud. Merchandise to the value of thirty-five hundred dollars for the European war sufferers is on its way. This vast quantity of useful foodstuffs and substantial winter wearing apparel for women and children has been contributed by the citizens and merchants of Battle Creek. "Your paper turned over to this committee $361.47 in cash, which was spent at home with local merchants. We make the statement that in our opinion $361.47 never before bought so many useful articles, the actual fair estimate of the value of the goods purchased being $2,153. "For the great kindness and consideration shown this com- mittee by all those who were called upon, the members extend their thanks. "Committee work as a rule is a thankless job. In this case, however, our fellow citizens made the committee like the work. Hence the committee wishes to thank the Journal for the privilege of having served in this good cause. "J. C. TOELLER "R. J. Bolster "Fred C. Sterling "H. J. MULRINE "Christmas Ship Committee'' Such a showing as this is nothing short of wonderful! CHAPTER XXVIII What the State of Texas Did TEXAS has a heart as large as its area. No sooner had my appeal to the children of America been published by the Chicago Herald than it was responded to by Mr. A. P. Goodman, the circulation manager of the Houston Post, who wired the Christmas Ship editor offering to gather a quarter of a million bags of Texas peanuts and pecans to send as their contribution to the Christmas Ship. We gladly accepted his offer and then Colonel R. M. John- ston, the president, and Mr. G. J. Palmer, the vice-president, of the Post, made a personal appeal to all the other publishers in the state, to its important banks, and to every commercial body in Texas. The standing of the Houston Post among newspapers gave the enterprise dignity in the minds of the people, aside from the Christmas Ship appeal to their hearts. Then the idea was taken up with the other Texas editors, who joined in quickly and gladly. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram said of it: "The children of America are going to make a Christmas for the children of Europe. They are going to play Santa for the milhons who otherwise would know no Christmas. How? Why, that's easy. The children of America are going to send a Christmas Ship to Europe. They're going to send the little dolls that Santa Claus brought them last year, the little red wagons, and the toy dogs. They'll get bigger and better ones from Santa Claus this year, and these little toys will make the hearts of the httle children in Europe leap with joy. "Texas children are going to do their share. They are expected to supply a million quarter-pound packages of pecans and peanuts for the Christmas Ship. It sounds big, doesn't it — one million packages? But it isn't. It won't take long to get a milHon packages if every Httle boy and girl just stops 242 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 243 for a minute to think of the happiness that will come to him with Christmas, and of his little brothers and sisters across the water and the sorrow that will be theirs." The Waco Morning News is presided over by F. E. Burk- halter, and on the first page of that publication was this announce- ment of the fact that the News was in line: "We read much of the disruption of business, the financial strain, and other features of the European war, thinking little, perhaps, of the poverty and desolation that are being wrought in millions of homes and of the fact that the slaying of thousands of men will leave their wives back at home widows, and the children fatherless. "Christmas is coming on, and Miss Lilian Bell in the Chicago Herald has suggested that the people of the United States send a shipload of toys to Europe to be distributed in the homes of the children made fatherless by the war. President Wilson readily assented to the plan, and the federal govern- ment has agreed to contribute a transport to convey the presents across the ocean. "If you want really to enjoy the Christmas season yourself, lend a hand in making it happy for others. "The concentration stations throughout the state are as follows : Austin: Austin American Cuero: G. H. Harris, secretary, chamber of commerce Cleburne: The Enterprise Coleman: C. F. Sanders, commercial club Fort Worth: The Star-Telegram Houston: The Houston Post San Antonio: John B. Carrington, general secretary, chamber of commerce Waco: The Morning News" The Post then began to issue certificates, which proved of great interest throughout the state. They were prepared by Judd Mortimer Lewis, Post poet and children's friend, to be given each child or adult joining or contributing to a Christmas Ship club: 244 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP RECEIVED For little ones in distant lands : A heart throb — reaching out of hands; A bending down to dry child eyes That would be tear-wet otherwise. A gift more rare — a gift more sweet Than can be shown in a receipt. Love, reaching past the fields of slain, To help to soothe a baby's pain. Every day the Post sent out its splendid appeal: "When this war is over the fathers who do come home will want to seek other homes where their babies when grown up will not be in danger of the peril that surrounds them now. The area of Texas is slightly larger than that of Germany. Germany's population is sixty-five million and that of Texas five million. Texas has room for a home for them all. The package of pecans or peanuts was suggested because it would enable every man, woman, and child in the state to participate in this wonderful philanthropy. Texans will have a Christmas of their own to look out for. The expense to each individual who participates in providing Texas' share of the Christmas Ship's cargo will be so small that no one will be excluded because of the cost of contribution. The opportunity is made to order for Texas. If you wanted to, you could not reach these people across the sea at this time except by the Christmas Ship. Just think what one million invitations to come to Texas will accomplish, wrapped into delightful Christmas packages." That real sacrifices were made for the Christmas Ship may be seen from the following in the Post: "The churches of Calvert will dispense with their annual Christmas trees and gifts for children this year, using the money usually appropriated for this purpose as a cash donation for the purchase of Christmas gifts for the children of war-stricken Europe. This movement, started by the Calvert Civic League through its officers, Mesdames Harry Field, E. J. McGuirk, and THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 245 Robert Frazer, has met with a hearty response from churches and other organizations here, and it is thought several hundred dollars will be raised. "Though children of Calvert will miss their tree and little gifts this year, they will be happy in the knowledge that the pleasures they were to enjoy are being enjoyed by an equal number of little ones in far-off war-stricken Europe. "The little Sunday school children of Florentine, a Swedish settlement near Pasadena, have always looked forward to their birthdays as the biggest time of the year, because on that day they received many presents. This year they are going to be happier than ever because they are going to use their birthday money to give away some presents to a lot of other little children across the ocean. Sunday they voted that the contents of their birthday box, five dollars, should go to the Christmas Ship which will bring cheer to the kiddies whose daddies have gone to war. A letter from Otto Kruse, superintendent of the Florentine Sunday school, was received by the Post saying that the children had no pecans, but thought that the money would be useful. "One man at Bellaire wrote the Post that he will give his relatives no presents this Christmas, but instead will spend his Christmas present appropriation for the orphans in Europe. His letter follows: " 'Every cent I would spend on relatives and friends this Christmas will be spent on the children of war-stricken Europe. The packages will consist of mittens, stockings, canton flannels, stocking caps, and so on, and some nuts — whatever seems most useful. I will purchase and bring them to you ready for ship- ping whenever you are ready for them. My relatives and friends are not to spend any money on me this Christmas, but give it to the destitute European kiddies. " 'Please send me some Judd Lewis Christmas Ship certifi- cates. '"L. C" "Following are some of the most recently received descrip- tions of the work that is being done: 246 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP " 'I think this is the greatest movement that was ever started. I am going to try to visit as many schools in the county as I possibly can and arouse interest in this great movement, and I ask you to send me a few of your Christmas Ship certificates in order that I may show them to the children. I hope to have all packages sent to the Enterprise here, and I will then forward them to the Houston Post Christmas Ship bureau. " 'With kindest personal regards, I am as ever, your friend, " 'W. L. West, Polk County Enterprise''' "The Fort Worth Star -Tele gram announces that when Dean Colby D. Hall at chapel requested every member of the Texas Christian University faculty and the student body who would help the movement to stand up, every man, woman, boy, and girl arose. The Star-Telegram says that practically every organization in the Texas Christian University has allied itself with the m-ovement. The men of the Young Men's Christian Association will furnish the nuts, and the girls will furnish the bags and pack them." The Star-Telegram addressed this appeal to the teachers of Texas : "Here is an opportunity to do good that will bring joy to your pupils and give them a character lesson as well. "What is the Christmas Ship? It is the shortened name for the great movement started by Lilian Bell, in the Chicago Herald, that has for its object a real Christmas for the million little boys and girls in Europe whose fathers have been taken from them to fight for what they know not, and whose homes have been made desolate by the horror that has swept the land. The children of America are behind the Christmas Ship movement. They're the ones who are going to make a real Christmas for their little brothers and sisters in the lands across the seas. That's what they are going to do. The movement is sweeping the country. Its success was assured from the start. "And here is where you can help, teacher! "Tell your children about the movement. Tell them about THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 247 the hungry little children of Europe, whose fathers have been forced into war and who will know no Christmas unless the children of America make it. "You will be doing good, and the children, with the shaping of whose lives you are intrusted, will be learning one of the greatest of all lessons — real service." Next the Cleburne Enterprise sent the following to the Houston Post: "A gentleman whose philanthropy is as comprehensive as his heart is big, came in and asked the Cleburne Enterprise as a special favor to take up the charity of the Christmas Ship. He brought with him a clipping explanatory of this most excellent plan to bring Christmas happiness to the hearts of the little ones across the sea whose homes are unprotected and who will have but little of the joy of this season if we who are more fortunate do not come to their rescue. For this worthy purpose the true apostle of real benefit to humanity placed a five-dollar bill on the editor's desk. All day the plain, workaday office has been glorified and the 'petty cares which infest the day have folded their tents like the Arabs, and as silently stolen away.' What difference if the way seems hard ? What matter if it does take days of writing and hundreds of papers with pleas for some move of betterment ? A rift in the clouds brings fresh inspiration to the editor who is striving to hold tightly clasped high ideals and hope for higher things, all the while carrying the problems of a big responsibility and the details of getting out a daily paper which should carry every day, besides its quota of news, something which will tend toward the uplift of the readers. The five dollars which has already been speeded on its way to its destination has served a double purpose ; it will bless those for whom it is given and it has brightened and encouraged the one whose pleasure it was to look deep into the big-hearted, generous soul of a man who does his charity with a prayer, making the simple reservation that he may be imknown in giving. "There is goodness in the world, there is true charity. Who will be next?" 248 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Little did I think when I saw "Hanky Panky" in Chicago that the next time I heard of it would be in this connection. The Houston Post said: "The Post has made arrangements for an open-air concert to boost the movement to send a shipload of peanuts and pecans from Texas for the Christmas doings among the little ones of Europe. The Texas circulators' original plan was to send two hundred and fifty thousand pounds of nuts ; but Houston may be able to send that many without help. "The 'Hanky Panky' company is to be in Houston next week, and the Post has arranged for an open-air concert at the Post comer, Texas Avenue and Travis Street, at five o'clock next Thursday afternoon. At that performance, which will continue for about forty minutes, the girls will sell peanuts and pecans for the benefit of the Post's Christmas Ship fund. If the purchasers don't care for the nuts a big hogshead will be provided wherein they may be deposited, and later they will be included in the ship- ment to be made. The money realized will be used to purchase further supplies along the same lines, and there will thus be double benefit for the Christmas Ship. "Two big motor trucks will be made into an open-air plat- form, and there will be a piano for the music. There will be singing by girls who know how to sing, and there will be dancing — the tango and the maxixe, and the hesitation — and there will be some spiels made by the girls and not by any of the professional after-dinner speakers of Houston. ' ' Being a citizen of Texas, you are invited, no matter whether you buy any of the pecans and peanuts or not. If you don't care to contribute and do care for the concert, come along. It is the Posfs treat. "The 'Hanky Panky' company is carrying an aggregation of good lookers, good dancers, and good singers. The concert will be well worth while. No reserved (or any other sort) of seats." The day after the unique concert it was described: "It rained on the Texas Avenue side of the Post building Thursday afternoon — and it rained hard. Several hundred THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 249 Houstonians know it, but they are glad they got 'wet.' It rained mirth, showered melody, and poured with comedy, and it reached the floodtide in girls — and such girls! "Between the patter, songs, and dancing, petite, demure, and girlish girls circulated through the throng with sacks of peanuts and pecans, selling them for what they would bring. And many of the small parcels brought one dollar, and a greater number half dollars and quarters. "One party of 'good fellows' seated in an auto in bald-headed row bought until they emptied their purses. Each one insisted on patronizing each and all of the pretty salesgirls at least three or four times around. "From the street the girls invaded the office buildings in the immediate vicinity of Travis Street and Texas Avenue, and it was not until the improvised stage was pulled away at dusk that they finished their quest, with hands and pocketbooks chinkling with coins. "As the party — for that was what it was more than a charity matinee — progressed, the crowd and the girls began an inter- change of merriment that wound up with bags of peanuts and pecans being playfully tossed back and forth, until the manager, E. L. Bloom, announced the finale. ' ' ' Where the Edelweiss Is Blooming, ' was sung by the Edel- weiss Quartette, and was generously received. Al Stedman uncorked another gallon of fun that almost caused a looker-on across the street to tumble from his resting place on a third- story windowsill. "In this wise those who heard the concert proved their good fellowship, for when the receipts of the five-minute sale were turned in there was $48.13." I only hope, when actors give benefits for the down-and-out of their kind, that the public will remember how more than generous the profession was to the Christmas Ship, and that actors' efforts to raise money for their dependent and helpless will meet with the same open hands and open pockets which they themselves have always offered. 17 250 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP All the railroads and express companies deserve praise for carrying the Christmas goods free, but I wish to call attention to General Hulen's remarks in the Post: " 'Certainly our road will help out the Christmas Ship enter- prise, ' said General John A. Hulen, general freight and passenger agent of the Trinity and Brazos Valley line. 'And so will every other railroad in the state if you ask them. If any of the Christmas Ship boxes should happen to come in with charges, just send the hills to me, and I will pay them myself! It is a big thing, the Christmas Ship idea, and a mighty good idea, too. Go tell Ed Combs of the Katy to take care of the stuff north of Waxahachie, and I will take care of this end of the line.' "At the Missouri, Kansas and Texas, Mr. Combs immedi- ately got in touch with the man higher up, with the result that a promise was given that the Katy would assist." To those of you who, like Jo Weber, "have never been to Texas," I may say that "Katy" is not the name of anybody's hired girl, but means the K.T., or the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad! They pet everything in Texas — even an old railroad! Take notice, girls! Just before the campaign closed, the Post printed the follow- ing, a story written by a man who had seen the little orphans and who tells of their need for Christmas cheer: "There come to me in little flashes of memory, blurred by fatigue and want of sleep, pictures of weary women tramping along the country roads with babies and bundles, ever pressing northward from the glare and guns; of mothers who sobbed in churches and railway waiting rooms, sobbed over the loss of little ones from whom they had been separated in the rush and confusion, and who would not be comforted; of children who cried for food after I had emptied my pockets of bread and chocolate, which I was always buying; of unknown mites only a few weeks or months of age who had been found unclaimed in the railway carriages, and had been carried to shelter by ever splendidly tender Dutch soldiers. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 251 "But babies, who in the tidal wave of war have been washed out of their wrecked homes, are cast on no inhospitable shore, for there is hardly a mother in Holland who will not adopt a little Belgian war baby if efforts now being made to trace its parents fail. "The Amsterdam Telegraaf is opening its columns free to refugees who wish to advertise for relatives from which they have been separated in flight. The first notice appears on behalf of a baby girl five weeks old, and asks, in her name, if any one will claim her. There follows a description of her appearance and clothes. "Separate and overwhelming are the tragedies that every one of these tens of thousands of refugees represents. I have just been trying to utter some words of hope and comfort to a young mother who is hunting through every shelter in Am- sterdam, after vain searches in Rosendaal and Rotterdam, for two of her children. During the flight from Antwerp her husband fell dead at her side under spattering fragments of German shells." Then came shipping days, and the great work of Texas for the Christmas Ship was over. The Post said this: "A great message of good cheer went out from a siding of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas in Houston Saturday — a message that will help feed, clothe, and make joyous the hungry and grief -stricken children of Europe. "Sealed doors marked 'Christmas Ship' closed on enough commodities to supply a small village: grain, flour, sugar, sirup, peanuts, toys, dolls, stockings, and clothes. Some from com- mercial houses and employees of various industries, and much from private homes, made up the contents. "Twenty-five dozen children's stockings filled with pea- nuts; thirty-five thousand bags of peanuts exclusively from Houston; ten dozen cases of sirup, two thousand nine hundred one-pound packages of Texas rice, five hundred barrels of corn meal, and one box of ten suits of new clothes were some of the largest contributions. Besides, there were thirty-one barrels 252 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP containing individual donations of small size, and fifty packing cases holding clothes, nuts, and merchandise. With no place to store the goods, Mr. Patrick used his own warehouses, without charge, and his men's were the willing hands that loaded the car." The Fourth Estate commented upon the work as follows: "Nine carloads of nuts were shipped from these concentra- tion stations, together with thousands of bundles containing clothing, cases of Texas sorghum, and barrels of Texas-grown rice. "A line drawn from Texarkana, through Denison, Memphis, Coleman, Big Springs, Sweetwater, El Paso, Laredo, Browns- ville, Port Lavaca, Cuero, Victoria, Houston, Port Arthur, Beaumont, and Jefferson would include the area sending con- tributions to the various concentration points, an area equal to that of the German Empire. "It was the biggest newspaper stunt of its character ever pulled off in Texas, surpassing the Houston Post's 'Buy a Bale' plan for helping distressed cotton farmers, which is said to have led to the sale of one hundred and fifty thousand bales of cotton at ten cents per pound, and rescued that many thousand tenant farmers from actual want." CHAPTER XXIX Omaha's Splendid Work NEBRASKA was one of the most generous states in con- tributing to the Christmas Ship, The campaign was con- ducted by the Omaha Bee, which on October 25 came out with the following stirring and well written editorial: "The Christmas Ship typifies both the symbol and spirit of the work of love that will shower the far-away fatherless children of war-enthralled Europe with Christmas gifts from the children of free and peaceful America. "When these gifts of useful comforts, and toys too, have served their material ends and gladdened aching hearts, may the whole magnificent scheme then stand forth in bold relief against the dark, forbidding background of hideous war as a melancholy monument to this crime of the ages perpetrated by enlightened nations, not one of which is now, or ever will be, able to satisfy its own conscience for its part in the slaughter. "Little short of a miracle can now end hostilities before Christmas, when again the nations of the earth will lift their voices in the anthem of 'Peace on earth, good will toward men.' But to what people, save of the United States, will this shepherd song bring the spirit that it bore as it echoed from out against the Judean hills on that first Christmas morning? It is not enough that we shall feel the depths of all this meaning; our prayer is that Europe may feel it stronger, if possible, than we do — and feeling, shall some day, surely before another Christmas rolls round, cease firing. With all the strained constructions put upon His words, the world, regardless of creed, must come to believe that the One in whose name all this is done meant — as He said to an impetuous disciple on a crucial occasion, 'Put up thy sword' — that His kingdom was not to be propagated by violence. "So we of America, whatever our religious professions may 253 254 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP be, are growing deeper in the doctrine of peaceful arbitrament. And we stand as the good friend of all nations, ready to serve any. The Bee is rejoiced to have had a part in furthering this superb mission of peace, of altruism, of stem, practical philan- thropy. And as it comes to its glorious climax we desire to hail in a spirit of genuine fellowship and appreciation all those fine little folks, and their elders, who joined so nobly in an enter- prise whose immediate and future benefits are not for us to estimate." I give herewith a charming letter written me by Mr. T. W. McCullough, managing editor of the Omaha Bee: "My dear Miss Bell: "Your note of the 13th is before me. I do not understand exactly what you want for your book. Am inclosing a copy of the editorial which appeared in the Bee on Sunday, October 25 last, which fairly sets forth the attitude of the Bee toward the Christmas Ship. "Our campaign was a very satisfactory one. We found the readers of the Bee eagerly responsive to a request for donations, and very likely would have been able to have secured a good deal more than we sent had it not been for the early closing of con- tributions. We loaded one of the biggest freight cars owned by the C. B. & Q. Railroad Company, in addition to which we sent the following week, by express, about six thousand pounds of donations. "I do not know that I can add anything to what I have already set forth further than to say that interest in the Christmas Ship still abides, and we find that our readers have eagerly watched its progress from the time it left New York until it reached Salonika, which, I understand, is to be its last port. ' ' The spirit of giving then engendered still persists, and many generous and liberal donations for the relief of the suffering people of the war-stricken countries are still being sent out from Nebraska. We have not headed any list other than that for the Christmas Ship, nor is it likely that we shall. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 255 ' ' If you think of any further information that I could possibly give you, or require a more detailed statement than I have made, please let me hear from you. "Your idea was a splendid one, and I am sure you must take great personal satisfaction in the glorious outcome of your project. Your history of the movement will be eagerly read by all who contributed, and will be a lasting memorial of your great work. "Wishing you every success, I am, "Very truly yours, "T. W. MCCULLOUGH, "Managing Editor" From the Chicago Herald: "A furniture car packed to the roof and now on its way to the coast represents the contributions of the people of Nebraska and neighboring states to the Christmas Ship cargo. Many other packages are going forward by express. "The Omaha Bee, edited and published by Victor Rosewater, cooperated with the Herald throughout the Christmas Ship campaign. "Omaha's sixteen thousand school children contributed over five hundred dollars. This sum was expended by a committee of principals for shoes and stockings. Council Bluff's children added many gifts. "The little village of Syracuse, Nebraska, sent two packing cases, which contained eight hundred dollars' worth of new goods, in addition to two boxes and a barrel of gifts. Woodbine, Iowa, was another small town which contributed very liberally. Eight dozen girls' and misses' coats were sent by the girls of the Peru (Nebraska) Normal School. "The Burlington Railroad transported the big car to Chicago. Express companies have carried more than five thousand pounds of presents, and more are on the way. Shipments were received by the Bee from points as far west as Green River, Wyoming, and Salida, Colorado. "Decorah, Iowa, sent the following: 'Hearts of America's 256 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP school children have been deeply touched by the need of their Old-World brothers and sisters.' A draft for $115.46 and seven large boxes of gifts, weighing 1,650 pounds, represent the work of the public schools of Decorah, Iowa. H. H. Green, superin- tendent, writes: 'Inclosed is a draft for $115.46 from Decorah. We have shipped via the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul seven boxes of goods. If anything more is received, we shall forward it immediately.' * ' And this touching incident is related from Oregon : Little Miss Shirley Overholt brought in a big yellow box contain- ing her beloved roller skates, a top, a knife, and other toys, the Portland (Oregon) Journal relates. Not satisfied with this gift, she solemnly removed the lid, opened up her little purse, and shook out the contents in a sort of baptism of pennies and dimes. Then she put on the lid and walked out, just as if little girls giving their fortunes to war sufferers was an everyday occurrence." Thus the Omaha Bee drew material from all the surrounding country and sent a well-filled car, as calmly as if such a monster contribution were an everyday occurrence — all in the day's work — hardly worth speaking about. But these things take my breath away when I try to write about them! CHAPTER XXX Pages from the "Chicago Herald" T WAS so stirred by the news which came pouring in to me -'- from all quarters, that I wrote the following in the Chicago Herald: With universal war raging in the hearts of men, the universal cry in the hearts of women is for peace. If all the women in the world could be consulted in an instant, their verdict would be for the wholesale murder to cease and peace to reign. War is no longer a gallant thing. It never was, but once personal bravery stood a chance. Now all that is required is a blind courage to march out to certain death, for machine guns, turning on pivots and sweeping from side to side, give little chance for any to escape. Do women bring sons into the world with anguish unspeakable, to sacrifice them by families to such wholesale murder? Do women toil and sacrifice and deny self all the weary years to feed and clothe and educate stalwart sons to sacrifice to a modern Moloch? Do women willingly send their men to die at an autocrat's will? But one word was spoken : War ! And instantly a million — two million — of the flower of the world's manhood marched out ■ — to die ! They leave only the weaklings to live. The war is of the world's making. But two thousand years ago the gentle Nazarene prophet — the Savior of the world if men would but see Him! — spoke these remarkable words for just such a time as this: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth give I unto you!" Not as the world giveth, yet peace is at hand — the inward peace which must first be attained before the outward peace between nations can be manifest. In the midst of war's alarms was born the idea of a Christmas Ship, which is often on men's 257 258 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP tongues as the ship of peace. It was born of a tremendous travail for peace, and of the yearning of a great compassion for the unrighteous suffering inflicted upon the helpless children. And because the same thoughts were in the minds of other women and men the idea spread like wildfire and circled the globe in a month. The great compassion was already in the hearts of the people. The idea of a Christmas Ship made that compassion articulate. Then came the thought of letters — letters written by children who have always been taught that war was glorious — now turning in horror from the results of carnage and with eagerness to thoughts of peace. No matter whether the bitter lessons the children of Europe are daily learning will disgust them with war or not, this much is sure: As the result of the sending of this Christmas Ship the United States is safe from war with any country whose orphans receive its gifts. For what does the ship of peace carry besides its cargo of gifts ? Literally, a million letters which will knit human hearts together in the bonds of universal peace! Messages of every sort and description — tags, post cards, greetings, words of love and sym- pathy, but all breathing the suggestion of peace. And what else? Self -addressed envelopes for the little foreign children to use in answering these letters and responding to the gifts. These childish letters will form friendships which will last a lifetime. Marriages will take place ten or fifteen years from now between men and women who were introduced to each other as children, by letters — these same letters which are even now speeding to their destination on the Christmas Ship. The children of America and the children of Europe, thus introduced, will grow to love each other, to study each other's countries, to learn each other's customs, and then — Suppose the men of either Europe or America should suggest war! What would be the result? Our children know each other! We may war on neighbors we hate, but we will not war on friends we love! THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 259 Aggression must come from them and not from us, but even so — it will be futile. It will not bear the fruit of war. We are a nation of peaceful intent and peaceful ideals. We are free here. No one man may plunge us into wholesale murder if the body of American women does not wish it. We are free! And never before have we known the majesty and the bodily safety contained in these immortal words of one of the greatest of Americans: "A government of the people, for the people, and by the people!" For now the word "people" includes women. Directly after this I received the following from the Hammond, Indiana, schools and used it on my page: "Writing letters to be sent on the Christmas Ship with gifts for the children of Europe has become a part of the curriculum of the Hammond schools. "Ever since the school board of that city sanctioned the Christmas Ship movement the children have been busy gathering and manufacturing presents. As they worked, the personal element became a factor, until it was decided the sending of letters was needed to express the feeling of international friendship. ' ' ' After reading the letters I have come to the conclusion most of them will touch the hearts of their recipients in a way even the gifts cannot,' declared Superintendent C. M. McDaniel. " * I believe the children will remember them long after the gifts have worn out, while replies received by the boys and girls here always will be a tender memory.' "Each letter is marked with the name of the school and grade. "Typical letters from grade 3 A of the Lafayette School are as follows: "'Dear Child across the Sea: " * I am an American girl. We are sending you presents. I am 26o THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP in school now. I am very sorry for you. We send you these gifts because we love you. I hope before our letters come to you the war will be over and your father will come home. We wish you a happy Christmas. "'Your friend, '"Marjory Downing' "'Dear Child across the Sea: " ' I am an American boy. We are sending Christmas gifts because we feel sorry for you. We hope you will have a happy Christmas. "'Your friend, "'Alfred Freyman' "The following is from a pupil of grade 7A: "'My dear Unkown Friend: ' ' 'As it is growing near Christmas time, I hope our ship will bring you just what you want. All of us American children feel very sorry for you, and wish to make you a happy Christ- mas Day. ' ' ' When the children of America celebrate Christmas, we first think of the birth of Christ, our Savior, who cares for us all. Whenever you or any of your friends feel bad over anything, remind them of Christ and tell them Christ is ever watching over all of you and cares for every one. If you pray to Him He will hear you praying and help you. " * So when you feel bad just think of us children over here and think of how we are thinking of you. In our school work we think of you and talk of you, and wish the war was settled and every one prospering. ' ' ' But it will soon end, so brighten up and when it is over please write to me and tell me how happy you are. ' ' 'All of us children over here across the ocean hope you will have a happy Christmas, and hope Santa Claus will bring you just what you want. He will not forget one of you, I am sure. This letter was written by Violet Stinson of Hammond.'" THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 261 In addition to these letters, which are among the most touching which came to me, West Hammond also did its part. Ninety-two dollars and twenty-eight cents were raised by the children of the West Hammond schools in an eight-day Christmas Ship nickel campaign. Several days before the opening of the campaign, Superintendent A. G. Deaver sent a letter to all parents in West Hammond, requesting them to give each child a nickel, the plan being that the pupil invest the nickel, and at the end of the period turn in the amount to the Christmas Ship fund. The two children who earned the most, Richard Zimmerman and Sarah Pease, were awarded prizes at the conclusion of a special Christmas Ship entertainment given by the schools. On the same day that I received the following telegram, I got several others from personal friends in San Francisco, and in them they said that men and women wept as the procession wound its way through the streets of San Francisco. ' ' Christmas Ship Editor, the Herald, Chicago : "There was tremendous interest on the streets of San Fran- cisco to-day when a procession of twelve four-horse trucks, loaded with cases and headed by a band of music and a squad of police, paraded on their way to the railroad depot. * ' More than four hundred cases, containing over two hundred and twenty thousand articles, consigned to the war orphans of Europe, were on these trucks. The cases contained thousands of dresses, all new; thousands of shoes for men, women, and children, and purchased with the money subscribed by the people ; thousands of babies' and children's dresses, caps, and hats, and hundreds of layettes made by women in San Francisco, each layette containing a complete outfit for a baby and tied with ribbons. "Many of these contributions were marked for the baby unborn. These four hundred cases will leave to-night on a passenger train for New York, where they will be transferred to a ship, and will arrive in Brooklyn on November 5. This will be followed by a smaller and clean-up shipment made on Monday. 262 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP The distance of San Francisco from New York compels this rush shipment to reach the Bush Terminal in Brooklyn in time for the Christmas Ship. "M. H. DeYoung, "Editor, the San Francisco Chronicle" Think of a contribution from these gallant old soldiers! The following letter from William T. Beadles, chaplain of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home at Quincy, Illinois, tells a story into which is woven the real spirit of the Christmas Ship : ' ' Inclosed please find Chicago Exchange for fifty- two dollars, the contri- bution of the veterans of the Civil War, now members of the Illi- nois Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, to the Christmas Ship fund which is being raised for the needy children orphaned by the European war." The generosity of school children everywhere was remarkable — none more so than that of the boys and girls of Clay County, Iowa, as shown in the Herald: "A draft for $616.56 has just been received by the Christmas Ship department from the school children of Clay County, Iowa. The draft was forwarded by Miss Mary Riley, superintendent of schools. Miss Riley sent out only one circular, which was reproduced in several of the papers of the county. She asked for cash donations only, and confined her appeal to the children who attend the schools. "One rural district with only twenty-five pupils gave forty- five dollars, and another, of eighteen pupils, twenty-one dollars. "The showing of the Spencer schools is one of the most spectacular of all the many striking cases of enthusiasm that have been demonstrated during the Christmas Ship campaign." About this time The Living Church, the official organ of the Episcopal Church, printed this editorial: "Happily, a desire to give effect to our brotherly sentiment toward the whole world is observable in many quarters. The Chicago Herald has lately devoted much space to a plan whereby the children of America THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 263 shall present Christmas gifts to children of war sufferers through- out Europe, and arrangements have been made for conveying these in a special ship flying the Stars and Stripes, and under- neath it a white flag on which will be inscribed the word 'Inasmuch.' " Indeed, never was a philanthropy so widely commended by the church and church-going people as the Christmas Ship. And the reason for it is contained in just such wonderful acts as that of "Self-Denial Day," described in the Herald: "Six hundred thousand men will deny themselves something on November 10 and give to the Christmas Ship the money they might have spent. The men are members of the Loyal Order of Moose, an organization which has for its two major ideals the principles of unselfishness and human service. "They have constituted Tuesday, November 10, as 'Self- Denial Day.' For the twenty-four hours, beginning at midnight, November 9, until the corresponding hour of the following day, no Loyal Moose will indulge in any luxury. Tobacco, expensive dinners, theater parties — everything save the bare necessities of life — they will deny themselves for this one day, and the unfortunates abroad will reap the benefits of their sacrifice. "The plan originated with the Christmas Ship Committee of the local lodges of the order. It will take the place of a ball, which the order had intended to give for the Christmas Ship fund. 'There is something in the idea of the Christmas Ship which made us feel that giving a dance would be incompatible with the merits of the charity to which we intended to devote the proceeds,' said James Barron, chairman of the committee, yesterday. 'Gifts made in the name of the Christmas Ship we felt should involve a sacrifice on the part of the giver. For that reason we devised the plan which conditions the amount of the gift upon the personal sacrifices of our members.' "The real depth of the spirit with which the Moose fraternity has taken up the idea of the Christmas Ship is revealed in the following incident: "In Mooseheart, Illinois, one hundred and twenty-five 264 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP dependent children are being cared for and taught trades at the expense of the order. 'These children either are homeless or their relatives are too poor to support them,' said Rodney H. Brandon, superintendent. 'They are children who generally receive lots of gifts at Christmas time, but who rarely give — for they have no money, and no relatives to whom to give.' ' ' The children are given one picnic a month, and look forward to it as the supreme joy of their existence. Yet one of them, a twelve-year-old boy, rose at a meeting of the children and said : 'Boys, I move we give up our picnic this month and give the fifteen dollars to the poor kiddies who have lost their fathers.' "His motion was put. It carried unanimously." The spirit which moved these one hundred and twenty-five boys differed not at all from the spirit with which their protectors, the members of the Loyal Order of Moose, voluntarily have set aside one day on which to make sacrifices in the service of others. There is something wonderful to me in the thought of six hundred thousand business men setting aside a day in which to deny themselves some luxury that by so doing they may help load the Christmas Ship for little children they will never see ! It would have been far easier for them simply to move that a certain sum be taken from the treasury and sent to us. But no ! They knew the spirit of self-sacrifice would be worth more as a spiritual asset if managed in this way. And the first result was the inspiring sight of their own orphaned charges emulating their noble example. That alone, if made known to all of them, must have been compensation for all they gave up. The Royal Arcanum came in also, marvelously understanding, as all these great fraternities are, of any message which contains an incentive to further the brotherhood of man, which is the basis of their orders. "The Royal Arcanum, one of the largest fraternal and beneficial organizations in the United States, will help to load the Christmas Ship," said the Herald. "The working force of THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 265 the society comprises more than a quarter of a million members organized into two thousand councils, scattered throughout every state and in almost every city and town in the Union. "The organization's intention to share in the work of making Christmas happier for the war siififerers abroad was voiced by speakers at a banquet of the grand council of Illinois in the Hotel LaSalle Saturday night. ' ' ' The Christmas Ship is a beautiful and a noble conception, which we, as members of a great fraternal organization, are bound to support morally and actively,' said C. Arch Williams, supreme orator of the order. 'We stand for universal peace — and the Christmas Ship stands for that also. We stand for brotherhood — and the Christmas Ship meets us more than halfway. We stand for charity, for sympathy, for love — and it is on these very ideals that the Christmas Ship is founded. " 'There is something big and inspiring in the thought of a great nation settling down to work and sacrifice in the name of a principle which reaches out beyond the barriers of race and nationality. ' ' ' Expressions of charity and human brotherhood have not been rare in the history of the world. But, in this time of almost world-wide strife, suffering, and bloodshed, selfless service on as great a scale as that contemplated by the Christmas Ship seems almost epochal.'" I particularly like what these men say of the idea of the Christmas Ship. And what Mr. Benjamin, Grand Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, says of it is very well worth printing: "Charity is always beautiful,' he said in the Herald, 'because it is the expression of love and of understanding. But there is something in the Christmas Ship which is bigger than charity — which is love itself. "Love, after all, is disinterested, willing service — and that is the Christmas Ship. Love is brotherhood, a human bond which knows no differences of race, nationality, or creed — and that, too, is the Christmas Ship. 18 266 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "There is something strikingly beautiful in the thought of giving to children — the thought of the children of one great nation sacrificing something that the children of other nations might be happier. It is a big opportunity — not only for children but for grown-ups as well — to render a selfless kind of human service. For the Christmas Ship stands for selflessness, for service without hope of personal recompense either direct or indirect. The gifts it carries will be offerings from the very heart of the American nation. And because they will be offerings of that sort they will mean greater happiness to the children across the sea than the gifts alone could possibly mean. "Service for its own sake is the greatest and most beautiful function which it is within the power of man to perform. Service of that kind involves two determinate factors — sacrifice and self- submersion. ' ' What a big, fine world this would be if, without the stimulus of great disaster and tragic suffering, human nature would rise in its might and transmute the beauty of such a plan as the Christmas Ship into the human material of everyday! But that day has not yet come. And it is to ideas like that of the Christmas Ship that the world will owe the beauty of that day when it dawns." As long as time endures will be remembered what these fraternities did for the Christmas Ship. Indeed, it was the thought of the universal brotherhood of man which inspired me to write the following to my Santa Claus Class: I little dreamed when I was traveling in Europe and writing for the magazines a light-hearted history of my adventures, for what real work I was preparing myself. I believe now that all that time I was getting ready for the idea of the Christmas Ship. I saw and learned to know many of the peasants in the different countries through which I traveled. I talked to them; I visited some of them in their huts. I talked with noble men and women who are working constantly with them to teach better ways of living. In Moscow I met the great Tolstoi, and talked hours with him about the moujiks in Russia. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 267 I met the beautiful Princess Sophie Golitzine, who was the one to open the first woman's exchange in Russia. She took the famous lace those peasant women made by hand and showed them how they could get money for it with which to buy necessities. They had been selling it for almost nothing, but she called it to the attention of her rich friends, and saw to it that proper prices were paid. But I thought less of the lace than I did of the splendid brown faces of the lacemakers. I learned how they lived. I heard about their children, and how they expect their husbands to treat them. Life is so hard for the peasants of Europe! It is no wonder they come to us by thousands. Tolstoi's whole heart was with the common people. Although he was bom into the nobility, and was a count, his friends were the liberated serfs. He wore their costume — a blue blouse, a white linen smock, and high, coarse leather boots. His wife and daughters wore velvet and satin, and his wife cared very little for his work, but his sons and daughters were more like him. He asked me many, many questions about America, of our public schools, and of you children — how we are educated, what the poor have to eat, what wages they are paid for this and that — and fortunately I could answer most of his questions. I told him how eagerly we read his books and how America would welcome him if he should come over and tell us about his work of making life a little easier for the poor of his great country. He never came, but this I know — he would have been the most glad of any one on the other side if he could have known of the Christmas Ship, for he also believed that works should go hand in hand with words, and he lived his doctrines — working side by side with his people, although he was born a great noble and might have lived in a castle if he had wished. There are ever so many ways of giving. In fact, the way people give is indicative of their characters, and those who are in need often find to their sorrow that gifts or offers to help may really be insultingly given. The best way to give help is to begin by analyzing three 268 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP words — pity, sympathy, and compassion. Pity is not a pleasant thing to receive, for it always looks down on its object from a height above. Sympathy is an expression of brotherliness, and reaches out from a level, so sympathy, properly expressed, is always acceptable. But sympathy is merely mental. Com- passion is the loftiest sentiment of all, for it not only includes sympathy, but it carries with it a material expression of help. To be sorry for the hunger of a starving family and to carry a basket of food on your arm is to have compassion on them. Don't you remember in the Bible, when the Master had been talking to the multitude for many hours (for it says, "when the day began to wear away"), the disciples asked Him to send them home so they could get food? But He answered: "Give ye them to eat." They said they couldn't. So then He "had compassion on them," and fed them by calling on His Father to supply their needs. Why did n't He pity them and not do anything ? Or tell them how sorry He was that they were weak and faint from hunger and many miles from where food could be bought? Why did He "have compassion on them" and feed them all they could eat while He sympathized with them? Because that was His way — the way He wants us to do. Talk and feed at the same time! It would have to be a pretty good line of talk that would feed empty stomachs, would n't it? Yet I suppose the Master could have healed them of their hunger by prayer just as easily as He raised Lazarus from the dead — only He did n't. He fed them. And in every other place in the New Testament where it speaks of "having compassion," works accompany the oral expression of sympathy. That is why we are sending a Christmas Ship to Europe to relieve the want and woe which fall on women and children of a war-devastated land. Another fine thing about it is that we are not waiting for them to ask. Perhaps they never would have asked. They THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 269 may be too stunned by the horrors they have undergone. They may not know whom to ask or how to go about it. Perhaps they think, as long as we are a neutral power, that we are paying very little attention to their war, or that we do not realize what is happening over there. There are ever so many reasons why they have not asked us for help. With cables cut, telegraph offices watched, and every line people write censored, it might be that no plea for help would be allowed. But we have not waited for that ! We are sending help before they ask. You know, in America, when a great disaster befalls a town its mayor sends out word for other cities to help, and he tells what they need. We did n't wait for that. We got their mental cry. And we sent out a mental wireless to all America for help. What happened then? Every boy and girl, every mother and father, got that mental wireless because their minds were all perfectly equipped receiving stations. They began to imagine what these boys and girls needed (for no one has come over to tell us). They formed mental pictures of the wants of the mothers of little babies and the children too small to work. This whole enormous scheme was — is — mental. By using our minds we learn how to work with the greatest wisdom. So many letters come asking if I will not suggest something to be made for the little orphans of the war, and everything is offered from toys for the little children to clothes and shoes for the big. But there is one kind of orphan whom we have not as yet considered, one sort of widow who is not yet provided for, and that is the poor soul whose ' ' man ' ' has been killed ere he saw his last-born child. Think of this, you children of America. There are many, many tiny new-born babies who will never see their daddies. What shall we send to them? 270 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP One of the most awful aspects of this cruel war is the picture in our minds of newly-made or expectant mothers, and among the things we need most of all are outfits for the new-born babies. As it is now, every town is a city of dread, and no matter how much safety, how many luxuries, or what tender care these women could have purchased once, this is a time .when even money is practically useless and powerless, for safety and convenience cannot be purchased. In sheltered and peaceful America we cannot form any picture of how destitute these women are. Their condition is one which should rouse every woman in the United States to bestir herself and do something. If we sent over ten thousand outfits by our ship we would not provide for the babies which will be born between now and Christmas to wives whose husbands will be killed before our gifts can reach them. Life and death are running a race, and death seems to be winning. So if we do our best to prepare for the little lives which are on the way, we still cannot provide for all. A few days after such an appeal as this, my mail would con- tain cheques and money orders and letters begging me to purchase the things I had asked for, showing me that my talks to the children bore fruit quickly. The following came by the Associated Press. In Paris alone it was estimated that thirty thousand babies were expected before January i, 1915. "Paris papers comment in touching terms upon the antici- pated voyage of the American Santa Claus to European ports on one of Uncle Sam's vessels to bring Christmas presents to the children of sorely tried European families. It will not be the soonest forgotten of the minor incidents of the war." It was estimated that fifty thousand gifts on the ship pertained to the wants of new-bom babies or expectant mothers. That alone was enough to justify the signal, "Godspeed!" CHAPTER XXXI How Champaign Honored the Christmas Ship IN going about the country, addressing clubs and societies, I made many delightful friends. I received a request from Ralph Merrill of Hinsdale to address a mass meeting to organize the work there, and I went. I found him to be a live wire, who from the first was head and front of the Christmas Ship enthusiasm in Hinsdale. He is president of the Sunday Evening Club there, and was elected chairman of the Christmas Ship Association. Under his leadership they held a series of entertainments at which all sorts of interesting and unique features were carried out. Mr. Merrill not only invited me to suggest plans, but he made use of my ideas, and by cooperating he won enthusiastic praise from his colleagues f 6r the way he snatched victory from apparent defeat— the town having committed itself to another charity before the Christmas Ship Association was formed. From the first, this young man was awake to the full signifi- cance of the idea and he, more than any other I worked with, understood what I was trying to do for the children of two continents. He conducted a sale of my song, and materially added to its popularity by his efforts to bring it before the public. That Hinsdale was able to make such a handsome showing was largely due to his efficient leadership. When it was all over, on Christmas Day, he was the one to send me a card thanking me for my work on the Christmas Ship. I shall not forget that. One day in the Christmas Ship department, Mr. W. W. Cha- pin, the publisher of the Herald, entered. He at once came over to my desk, holding out his hand and saying, "Miss Bell, I am Mr. Chapin. I have often seen you, so now I must introduce myself." There were a number of gentlemen in the office, and when he asked permission to introduce them and I gave it, he 271 272 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP said: "Gentlemen, this is the lady who invented the Christmas Ship. She imagined it. She originated it. She planned it all out. In short, gentlemen. Miss Bell is the Christmas Ship. She is the whole thing in this office!" When I was in Champaign, the guest of Dr. Edmund James, the president of the University of Illinois, Dr. James was asking about the personnel of the Herald staff and finally he said, "What kind of a man is Mr. Chapin?" "Well," I said, "he is the sort of man who thinks if a woman wants a thing that is reason enough for her to have it!" At which all at the table broke into applause, and Dr. James said, "Bully for Chapin!" A day or so after this Mr. Chapin's secretary, Mrs, Powell, saw me with a package of letters I was taking home to answer. There were about two hundred of them, and I had to carry them home in a box. She heard me ask for the use of a stenographer. The next afternoon she came into the Christmas Ship depart- ment and asked if I had to answer those letters in longhand, and when I replied that I did, she said: "I have a friend, a young girl named Ruth Inness. I told her I believed you needed a secretary, and she says if you will accept her services, to answer your letters will be her contribution to the Christ- mas Ship." As I had been up nearly all night, trying to do justice to those letters, my gratitude must be imagined. Mrs. Powell, not content with this service, must needs send a typewriter from the Herald to my house, so that, owing to her kindness, I had, for those two hundred letters, a secretary. About this time a monster rally was arranged for at Cham- paign, participated in by the Urbana Commercial Club, the Champaign Chamber of Commerce, and the University of Illinois. Dr. James wrote me a most delightful letter outlining the plan and suggesting that every college and university in the country could do likewise. But only a few of them did — because college presidents like Dr. James are few and far between. He invited me down to this meeting to speak on the subject of the Christmas Ship, and not realizing that I might just as well THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 273 be asked to stand on top of Mt. Blanc and address Switzerland, I accepted. I heard that it was to be held in the new armory, but did not realize how large it was, for the letter Dr. James wrote me at the Herald office explaining it did not reach me until the rally was a thing of the past. It began by Mr. J. K. Eggleston's suggestion of a Christ- mas Ship day, and through his enterprise it became the largest celebration held anywhere in the United States. Mr. Eggleston and Dr. James featured me as the originator of the Christmas Ship idea. They sent to the Herald for a cut of me, and used it on the program, and advertised it far and wide that the one who first thought of the Christmas Ship would be present in person and address them, telling how the idea came and how it grew to be such a mighty thing. They issued hundreds of thousands of circulars, giving a list of speakers, headed by President James and Vice-president Kinley of the university, describing what sort of presents to give, telling of the chorus of twenty-five hundred voices which would sing the national hymns, and stating that the entire plant of the university would be thrown open to visitors. The circular ended with these significant words, showing that they understood that books would describe this wonderful campaign and that many years from now people would still be interested in its unique history: ' ' If your school, lodge, church, or organization is to be repre- sented, immediate action must be taken; do it to-day. Let it be a matter of future pride to you, when history books relate the sending of a Christmas Ship to beleaguered Europe, with its message of good will, that you had part in the undertaking," It was signed by the Gift-Ship Day Executive Committee — J. K. Eggleston, chairman; S. E. Amsbary, F. C. Amsbary, J. M. White, R. E. Zombro, Joseph Keller, and G. L. Kizer. It was about this time that Mr. Eggleston wrote me about the small flags I mentioned in a previous chapter. Miss Inness had helped me so much with my private corre- spondence, as well as that of the Christmas Ship that I already had at home, that I asked her if she would not like to go with me to Champaign, and she was delighted. 274 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP The day was perfect. It was Sunday, November i, and as we left the train a howHng mob of students had taken possession of the station to welcome back home the football team which had just defeated the University of Minnesota. We could not get through the crowd at first, but finally Professor Phelps, Dr. James' secretar}^ rescued us and took us to a waiting automobile. We were taken to the president's house and there beautifully entertained at dinner. After dinner Dr. James took his other guest, Dr. Ball, and Miss Inness and myself for a tour of the buildings. I have visited many universities and known many presidents thereof, but never have I found in any of them more lofty ideals, practically worked out, than in Dr. James. No other university that I know of is doing work of more vital import, bearing upon the economic problems of the day, than Dr. James has inaugurated at the University of Illinois, and I speak of him and think of him always as the man with the Vision. He is building for the future. After a tour of the university buildings our automobile began to encounter such vast crowds of people that we finally stopped. Dr. James was plainly disappointed about something. Just then a policeman made his way to us and said: "It's no use. Dr. James! You can't get through this crowd. There are too many women and children!" So we got out and walked. "I had planned," said Dr. James, "to have you drive into the building. The regiment is waiting just inside to form an escort for you." I must have looked my surprise, for Dr. James laughed and said: "You haven't seen your audience yet!" We were ten minutes making our way to the rear of the speakers' platform. I had to step on a chair and be pulled up to the rostrum. Then I had my first view of a real crowd. Fifteen thousand men, women, and children were massed, standing, in that enormous armory. A chorus of twenty-five hundred voices was behind us on the platform. The student band, the best I ever heard, was just in front of us. A sounding THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 275 board was over our heads. A megaphone lay on the speakers' desk. I never saw such a sea of faces. The addresses were merci- fully short — not over two minutes, some of them. Mine was about five. I don't remember what I said. I only remember seeing women lift little children in their arms, and the gratitude I saw in their faces, because of my thought of a Christmas Ship by which their sympathy had been made practical, was a reward for all that had gone before. Dr. James spoke, and Dean Kinley. Then the plan for our entrance, which had been frustrated by the crowd, was carried out on our departure. Dean Kinley took the megaphone and shouted: "You will please not make an effort to leave the armory until the automobile containing Lilian Bell and President James has circled the building and passed out of the east entrance." But they did not obey. They all surged forward. So he again addressed them, saying, "If you move, you will cause a riot, and women and children will be injured. Stand where you are!" This time they obeyed. Our automobile was at the end of the platform, and as it slowly nosed its way out through the crowd, men and women pressed near to shake hands with me, and I saw tears in the eyes of many. Presently I became aware that we were passing soldiers. And there, drawn up the long way of the great armory, was the student regiment, and as we passed them they presented arms. This time there were tears in my own eyes, for too well I know that military honors are seldom paid to a woman. Dr. James was plainly proud of his boys. As we passed out of the east entrance, the regiment fell in behind us and followed our automobile a mile. Then, as we halted. Dr. James said to me, "Will you stand up and review them?" "Oh, shall I?" I gasped, in such excitement that my friends laughed. But I did just that. The regiment executed a fancy drill, 276 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP and again presented arms to me, and I was wild because I could n't take my hat off as the colors were carried by ! But I saluted the flag — that was the best I could do. It was so beautiful. I shall never forget it. The afternoon sun was just going down, and it glanced on the shining bayonets and lighted up the strong splendid faces of the cadets in a way I shall always remember. And, best of all, there was Dr. James, the head of this great university of my native state, who had planned this honor to give me pleasure. When it was over a number of people came to the train to see us off, among them the Champaign representative of the Chicago Herald. He congratulated me generously and said: "Miss Bell, I have just sent off the greatest story about you that I ever wrote about anybody! I wired three columns, and I played you up strong. I described everything that happened, especially your reviewing the regiment. That was great ! You ought to be awfully proud, for I ' ve never seen anything like it ! " "I do not believe," said Dr. James, "that anything like it ever happened before, in the history of our country. If it did, I never heard of it. It was unprecedented, and she may well feel proud." "Indeed, I do not feel proud," I said earnestly. "On the contrary, it makes me feel very humble, but grateful — so grateful that I have been allowed to launch a plan which has attracted the attention of the whole world, and I thank you for what you have tried to do for me in writing it up." This rally at Champaign was the most tremendous held anywhere in the United States, and Mr. Eggleston told me that the doorkeepers declared fully seven thousand were turned away. The kindness of those in charge of it, especially Dr. James and Mr. Eggleston, I shall never forget. On the day the Christmas Ship sailed, I obtained my greatest comfort from the recollection of my day at Champaign. CHAPTER XXXII Stories of Self-Sacrifice T FEEL as if I knew all those who worked for the Christmas -■- Ship, as indeed I did, otherwise how did I know the sym- pathy for the distress of Europe which was burning in your hearts — the sympathy which leaped forth like a flame as soon as I told you of my idea of a Christmas Ship ? I knew that what I felt, you felt, and that as soon as a way was suggested, millions of tender hearts would respond. The cargo of the Christmas Ship was personal. Every woman mentally put herself in the place of the mother who would receive her gift, and the result was that every need of the newly born was thought out. Even daintiness and beauty were added to the joy of the expectant mother on the other side, for pink and blue ribbons garnished the tiny slips, and not one of the little stranger's tender wants was forgotten. The most precious part of the precious cargo, however, was not the work of living men, women, and children. It was the giving by mothers of dead children's toys and clothing. Precious souvenirs which, in some instances, had been laid away in lavender for years — things so precious that no living eye except the mother's had viewed them — things wept over in moments of heartbroken loneliness with only the eye of the pitying Father in Heaven to see — these things were brought forth in the spirit of those who, for such a cause, would break the alabaster box of ointment and do for the least of these what they would do for Him who loved little children and blessed them. Nothing else in all this world could so have pulled at the heart strings of grieving mothers as the misery of the little ones of war-torn Europe, for out of the very chamber of death, all over the land, stole ghostly figures, laying their precious tributes in the lap of the Christmas Ship. The Herald received many such. The first was this: 277 278 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "'Christmas Ship Editor of the Herald: 'In his name,' the only son, who died before he learned of Santa Claus, I send you twenty dollars. '"G. B.'" This one came from the Worcester Post: "One very pathetic situation was revealed yesterday after- noon when a representative of the Post called at a home in response to a telephone call to get a box of toys. The woman who came to the door said she had recently lost a seven-year-old daughter, and the box which she wanted to put on the Christmas Ship contained all the playthings that were once so dear to the little girl." Think what a tug must have come to the heartstrings of these mothers because of the plight of the little orphans of the war! Nothing else on earth could have caused them to open these shrines to their blessed dead. From the Philadelphia North American came this: " 'For a Belgian baby, from Baby John, who didn't stay.' This inscription was written in a woman's hand on the label of a Christmas Ship box brought into a Philadelphia receiving station. The woman who brought the box laid it down on the counter. 'I wish these things to go — to go — she said. Her voice died away. " 'I can't tell you,' she faltered. 'I got them for my own little baby. He — he did n't live — he did n't stay. They are just as they were — just as I had them ready for him. He never needed them. Will you see that some other baby gets them?' "Then she turned away and left the pavilion." The following came to me, and was printed on our Christmas Ship page: "A Chicago mother whose own little girl has died has hit upon a plan for making other little girls happy. She has gathered up THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 279 a few of the toys which used to belong to her daughter, and has asked that they be included in the cargo of the Christmas Ship. " 'One of the things in the box is a little sewing machine,' she explained yesterday. 'It may be the means of making some little girl happy.' "There is no name, no address written on the package. There is only one little sentence. It reads : ' From a woman in America to a little girl in Europe.'" As was this also: " 'For the Christmas Ship, from our little boy who has gone before.' The above was received yesterday by the Christmas Ship department. It came in a small plain envelope and in the simple, impressive message was pinned a two-dollar bill. There was nothing to identify the sender." And the sacrifices of little children in prosperous sections of the country to help our own, were also touching. "A novel plan for raising money for the Christmas Ship fund has been originated by Miss Lillie S. Cooper, principal of the Springfield (South Dakota) school. Under her direction children of the school have undertaken the task of raising 'a mile of pennies to help fill the Christmas Ship with cotton from the Sunny South.' "Strips twelve inches long, each to hold a dozen pennies, have been distributed to every school child in Springfield. In a letter to the Herald, Miss Cooper announced her intention of purchasing cotton goods with the money, 'so helping the South as well as the children abroad.'" Things like these are what make the story of the Christmas Ship momentous in the history of this country. Every one who contributed is still talking of it. Everywhere I go I hear echoes of the happiness it gave all sorts and conditions of women to work for the ship. They dwell lovingly on the memory of it. They lay stress on the privilege they consider it to have been allowed to help. 28o THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP It is beautiful — the way the people still continue to think of the Christmas Ship. "Among the articles that were sent to the Christmas Ship from Chicago yesterday," said the Herald, "was a substantial contribution from the Women's Auxiliary of the Chicago Press Club. The contribution consisted of the following: Two thousand five hundred sweaters, assorted sizes; 504 crocheted hoods, 96 children's dresses, 96 boys' overalls, two boys' suits, 48 pairs woolen stockings, 48 pairs of cotton stockings, one case of shoes, 100 knit caps, and 3,600 toys. "One of the most generous boxes sent to the Herald office to be forwarded to the children overseas is that contributed by the Prince of Wales Chapter of the Daughters of the British Empire. The contents of the box are valued at more than six hundred dollars. "There were dozens of suits of underwear, sweaters, stockings, mittens, wristlets, caps, jackets, nighties, petticoats, shirts, baby blankets, and all manner of practical things for the tiny morsels of humanity so sorely in need. "The children on One Hundred and First Street made nine linen scrap books, dressed nine dolls, and packed away not a few playthings to delight the souls of the war children. "The spirit that prompted the voyage of the Christmas Ship met with enthusiastic response from both old and young, and the children vied with their elders in little acts of thoughtfulness and generosity." "The Christmas Ship campaign continues to meet with success in Milwaukee. The following letter was received from Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Watrous, who is a Milwaukee supporter of the Christmas Ship cause : " 'Milwaukee has fallen in love with the Herald's Christmas Ship enterprise, and there is promise that a good deal of space in the ship will be required to meet the demands from Milwaukee. The Marquette Woman's League, six hundred strong, has launched the campaign and, as in other cities, the idea has captured the multitude. The wife of Judge M. S. Sheridan, THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 281 Mrs. J. H. Hackett, Mrs. Edward G. Paine, and Mrs. J. H. Derse have thrown open their homes as receiving stations, and are doing much toward the success of the project.'" "Children of the Sunday school of the Church of the Redeemer, the Episcopal Church of Hyde Park, have sent a wagonload of happiness to the unhappy children of Europe. "Two weeks ago they set to work. They not only kept busy themselves, but interested their parents and friends. Sunday they filled a corner of their assembly room with gifts. "Older members were invited to attend the exhibit. They came in force, with the result that the number of packages continued to grow. Yesterday the Reverend John Henry Hop- kins, rector, asked the Herald to send a wagon for the gifts." "There are not many school children in a town with a total population of one thousand five hundred, but when they are all wide-awake youngsters it is possible to accomplish much. The truth of this statement was proved yesterday by the receipt of a huge Christmas Ship package from children who attend the schools of Woodbine, Illinois. In the package were three hundred and fifty-seven articles." You simply couldn't stop people from giving. Cheques fairly poured in. "Among cash gifts received yesterday by the Herald Christ- mas Ship department was a cheque for two hundred dollars from the Wholesale Grocers' Association of the United States. The following letter from Oscar B. McGlasson, president of the association, accompanied the cheque: ' ' ' The wholesale grocers of the United States approve of the spirit that prompts the sending of the Christmas Ship and, desiring to aid in this good work, I am, as president and by authority of the executive committee of the National Wholesale Grocers' Association, sending herewith a cheque for two hundred dollars, to be used in furthering the work in such manner as is thought best.'" 19 282 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Two large boxes containing clothing and toys have been filled and sent to the Christmas Ship by the school children of Audubon, Iowa. "In the making of every gift," says a letter from F. W. Johansen, superintendent of the Audubon public schools, "there was some sacrifice on the part of the children." The Christian Science Distributing Committee wrote me a letter offering to make linen scrapbooks containing pictures from the children's page of the Christian Science Monitor. I very gladly accepted this suggestion, and some wonderfully attractive books were the result. Christian Scientists were also liberal to the fund through other channels. "Rudolph Miller is a big-hearted citizen of Macon, Missouri. When he first learned of the Christmas Ship he communicated with his daughter Vera, a member of the American Girls of the Redpath Lyceum Bureau, and asked her to arrange for a benefit concert in Macon. "The concert was given, and the share of the Christmas Ship amounted to fifty dollars, but Mr. Miller's activity did not cease at the conclusion of the concert. He took the proceeds and came to Chicago, where he spent the entire day seeking gifts he thought would be most appreciated by the children of Europe. Then he came to the Christmas Ship department of the Herald and reported that he had purchased one hundred and twenty woolen garments and twenty-five pairs of shoes. No one can estimate the influence of such as this: "Grade pupils of the sewing department of the Haines Practice School, a Chicago industrial center, will follow reports of the ship eagerly, from the time it leaves port. They feel confident it will carry about eighty garments made by their childish fingers. They realize the joy which has been theirs in the making and giving will be reflected in the hearts of the sad little European children with whom they sympathize," writes a representative of the school. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 283 At the last we were almost overwhelmed with the rush of gifts. "Miss Olive May Wilson, Philadelphia's 'Santa Glaus girl,' is going to be in the van of those who will aid in sending the Chicago Herald's Santa Glaus Ship to war-ridden Europe to gladden the hearts of thousands of orphans whose fathers have fallen in the mighty conflict now raging there. " ' I think that it is one of the finest ideas that I have ever heard of, for the children of this great country, in the midst of their peace and prosperity, to remember the little ones across the ocean who are suffering through no fault of their own, and I for my part will do all that I can to help this good work along. "Miss Wilson's extremely valuable work in disseminating sun- shine last year met with great interest in all parts of the country, and she was accorded an interview with President Wilson." Miss Wilson was an ideal girl to work for the Ghristmas Ship. We were proud to have had her help. This is one of the best ideas which came : "Hundreds of picture books are to be sent to the children of Europe from the pupils of the Hamilton School. The follow- ing letter has been received from Miss Elizabeth Parson of the school : " 'Inasmuch as a majority of the children of Europe do not understand the English language, and inasmuch as pictures are the universal language for all children, the pupils of the Hamilton School of Ghicago are sending as their Ghristmas present to the children of Europe hundreds of picture books made by the pupils of the school as construction work. " 'More than one thousand children have been engaged in this work of love, and each child has been encouraged to help in some way to extend to the little ones of Europe the Christmas spirit.'" The generosity of school children was limitless. "Superintendent John E. Baggett of the public schools of Lake Forest last Wednesday morning asked the children whether 284 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP they wished to help the Christmas Ship. 'Remember, the time until the ship sails is short,' he said. 'If you are going to help, you must do so to-day.' And between the time the schools closed Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning more than one hundred dollars had been collected. Of this amount the kindergarten children contributed twelve dollars. ' ' The entire amount, in accordance with a suggestion given the children, was spent for suits of underwear. One hundred and sixty suits, for children from five to twelve years of age, were bought." Sometimes I would just like to photograph our Christmas Ship page. It reads like a story out of Arabian Nights, or a fairy tale such as we used to believe when we were children. Here is one of my Santa Claus Class lessons: When I was in Moscow a Russian princess gave a beautiful reception for me. As one guest after another came in, the whole company spoke the language of the latest arrival. I heard seven languages spoken by practically everybody at that one reception. The Countess Tolstoi and her daughter were there, and they spoke perfect English with me, because I could n't speak one word of Russian without choking to death. This courtesy to the latest comer is one of the beautiful customs of Russia. Another thing I observed was that wherever I went, if people questioned who I was (for of course they could see that I was a foreigner), my guide would say: "Americanski!" And then the people would smile at me. I was surprised, for in many of the countries I traveled through I found that Americans did not get smiles from the inhabitants. I asked why this was, and my guide said: "It is because of the American wheat ships!" You are too young — you children of the Christmas Ship Class — to remember that some years ago, when the crops in Russia failed, a number of our philanthropic men (can you pronounce that word? It means charitable — loving-hearted) loaded wheat THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 285 on ships and sent them saihng away, across the broad Atlantic, through the Mediterranean, up through the Black Sea, until they reached Odessa, where they were unloaded and their contents distributed to the starving peasants. Well, now, if a whole nation continued to be grateful for several years for a few shiploads of wheat, what do you think will happen when a dozen great countries, stretching across all Europe — from Great Britain to Turkey — will have their children remembered at Christmas by the children of the Stars and Stripes ? I think many tears will fall from many millions of eyes, but they will be tears of joy. So think over the sort of toys and games which will be useful as well as amusing, and send those! Doubtless there are many big brothers who have shown great skill in making elaborate doll houses for little sisters. These skillful brothers have taken great pains to cut windows and fit in real glass. They have built an upstairs and a downstairs. They have put in windows and doors, and I have even seen one doll's house with a reservoir on the roof, and a pump, if you please, which pumped real water to a kitchen sink. I was so delighted with this doll's house that if I had not been obliged to go home and write on a book I would have squatted myself in front of that kitchen and been playing with that toy sink yet. I love to play dolls. Don't you? When I was a little girl in Atlanta my mother had a doll's house built for my sister and me. It was made out of a huge dry goods box and had four rooms — two upstairs and two down. I must have been an ingenious kid, for I can remember buying cheap doll's furniture and upholstering it in black velvet. It must have presented a weird appearance, but to my childish eyes it stood for splendor unspeakable. The dolls who lived there were all china dolls about three inches long. The mother, I remember, was named Delphine. I have forgotten the father's name, but I distinctly remember his clothes. I made them myself, and sewed them fast to his 286 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP noble form. They were made of dark blue cashmere, and his cuffs and the hems of his trousers were edged with white lace. You see, I had a vivid imagination even then, for I do not believe I ever had seen many real men whose garments were similarly adorned! Yet I remember that I was pleased by the edge of narrow lace in the bottom of Delphine's husband's trousers. And she never complained. Their infant daughter was a china doll about one inch in length, and I made elaborate clothes for her. I can remember fitting her caps on the end of my little finger. But the dull, monotonous life of a perfectly healthy baby did not satisfy my story-writing mind, for, in order to stir things up a little, I had the baby die. I made her a coffin out of stiff white writing paper, and painted a wreath on the lid with green paint. From somewhere I 'had managed to get some real crepe, and I swathed Delphine in the deepest mourning. If she had been burying seven husbands and a couple of dozen children, she could not have plunged into more violent mourning than I provided for her. Again, my artistic eye ran away from plausibility and roamed in fancy. I was such a sincere player that I worked myself and my sister into a frenzy of real weeping as the funeral progressed, in the midst of which my father came home from his bank and, hearing us crying, came in and most ruthlessly broke up that funeral and drove the mourners out to play in the yard. It has always remained in my mind as a most unnecessarily disturbed function. I was having such fun! It didn't sound like it, of course. But I was. Oh, indeed I was! Many years have passed since that momentous day, but I can see those rooms in that doll house as plainly, as I sit writing about them to amuse other children, as I could the day I wept my face to quite a satisfying pulp, weeping over the grandest doll funeral ever organized to grace a Roman holiday ! Ah, well, let 's get on with the story ! Here is one of our Herald pages : THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 287 ' ' Dr. Frederick R. Smith, imperial potentate of the Order of the Mystic Shrine, who is making an official visitation tour of the United States, is an enthusiastic supporter of the plan of the Christmas Ship. ' ' ' The thought that the children of America are working to carry happiness into the dark corners of the nations at war appeals to me as one of the biggest and most disinterested movements ever initiated,' he said." "E. E. Taylor, editor of the Traer (Iowa) Star-Clipper, is one of the newspaper men in Iowa who is doing much for the cause of the Christmas Ship. He, however, is not content to pubHsh news only of the Christmas Ship in his paper. He is also issuing circulars to individuals in the county other than the twelve thousand who read the Star-Clipper. As a consequence, practi- cally every one in Tama County is a Christmas Ship campaigner." "O. M. Heath of the Englewood High School has devised a plan to add to the feeling of brotherhood and good will which, is sure to result from the sending of the Christmas Ship. Mr. Heath has had tags printed which are to be attached to every gift which goes from the Englewood High School to children in Europe." "Children of the training department of the Wisconsin Normal School are planning to send fifty outing flannel petticoats and dresses on the Christmas Ship. The boys of the school are running errands, raking leaves, and saving their earnings for the purchase of the outing flannel, which will be made into children's clothes by the girls in their sewing classes." "In Deep River, Iowa, hundreds of gifts are being assembled under the direction of the Sunday schools and of the Record. A. P. Hughes, the editor, has been devoting much of his time to the Christmas Ship. He has made addresses before practically every organization in Deep River, and his talks and editorials have caused much enthusiastic comment, now being turned into concrete help for the Christmas Ship." 288 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP ' ' Two hundred and sixty-three dollars and ninety-eight cents will purchase a great deal of happiness for a great number of war orphans. This amount, the contribution of the school children of Clinton County, Iowa, was brought to the Herald office yesterday by George E. Farrell, superintendent of schools of that county. "Mr. Farrell, during his fourteen years as superintendent, has earned the reputation of being one who does things. The hundreds of children and scores of teachers in the schools of Clinton County are proud of Mr. Farrell, and he is just as proud of them. When they get together on a project it generally goes through with colors flying. "Ten days ago Mr. Farrell sent a circular to teachers with a request that it be read to their pupils. Each boy and girl was asked to take a penny to school to be given to the Christmas Ship fund. "'We expected sixty dollars in this way,' said Mr. Farrell. 'But a few hours passed, however, when it was realized a respon- sive chord had been struck in the hearts of the children. Before the first day had passed much more had been received than we expected. Each child brought at least a penny to his teacher, and the majority brought more. One school contributed twenty- five dollars and forty-six cents.' " This is what I wrote about the Clinton County children in the Chicago Herald: When a plan like the Christmas Ship is inaugurated, which is so gigantic and far reaching, we are prone to think results will be slow in coming. But in Iowa things mature rapidly. When Mr. Farrell, county superintendent of schools for Clinton County, was in Chicago I had an interesting and instruc- tive talk with him. He told me that when he first heard of the Christmas Ship he was tremendously taken by what it seemed to mean. But he took several days to think it over, and finally he sat down and wrote a circular letter, had it printed, and mailed it to all his schools. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 289 Now the teachers in these schools had been complaining that the children thought altogether too much about the war. They heard it talked over at home, and they came to school reflecting their parents' partisanship. The boys played nothing but war games. Not infrequently they played with too much sincerity, and bloody noses and black eyes were the result. They fought their battles with due regard to popular prejudice, and Germans and allies met in right royal style. Suddenly, from out the blue, came the appeal of the Christ- mas Ship. The effect on the children was almost instantaneous. Fights ceased. No longer was the playground a battle field. No longer did certain school pocket handkerchiefs show red. No longer did the troops of kaiser and king clinch in battle at "big recess." Peace was declared! And the spirit of the Christmas Ship did it! Mr. Farrell says that from the moment his appeal reached the children their thoughts were turned away from the darker side of war and toward the goodlier blessings of peace. I am most grateful personally to Mr. Farrell for obtaining so thoroughly what I call the true spirit of the Christmas Ship, and spreading it broadcast through the great state of Iowa, which has been one of the most active and has responded so generously from its every corner to the work of loading our Christmas Ship not only with tangible presents, but also with its myriad letters received by me, all breathing the spirit of "Peace on earth, good will toward men." "Galesburg will have a share in the Herald's Christmas Ship. The Board of Education has given its consent to the Galesburg Woman's Club to present the matter to the city schools. Already the Children's Room Association of the Galesburg Hospital, numbering one hundred and fifty women, has plans to make articles for the little sufferers in Europe. It is also proposed to interest the Sunday schools. General cooperation by the children is anticipated." 290 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP This is the story of a "Hve wire," and the loading of the Christmas Ship. "Parks & Rivers are partners in a business firm of Harve3^ lUinois. When the Christmas Ship project was announced more than a month ago the heads of the firm set to work. Their first step was to place a Christmas Ship advertisement in the papers of Harvey and surrounding towns. They appealed to the people in that section of Illinois to help work for the ship. Since that time one of the members has visited every Sunday school, church, and theater in Harvey and vicinity. Recently Mr. Rivers led a Christmas Ship rally in the Congregational Church. Another night he visited a theatrical performance in Harvey. Between the third and fourth acts he mounted the stage and addressed the audience on the Christmas Ship." "Money continues to come for the Christmas Ship from lighthouse keepers in the employ of the United States. The second group of donations sent to the Christmas Ship department within the last few days was received yesterday from four keepers of lighthouses on the Gulf of Mexico. Those who contributed are John McNamara, Morgan City, Louisiana, five dollars; and C. W. Heartt, Jefferson D. Miller, and Alfred Rodi, one dollar each." "The workrooms of the Artcraft Institute Guild will be thrown open Monday afternoons from now until November 5 for the use of Christmas Ship workers. ' We have all the equip- ment necessary for the manufacture of practical Christmas Ship gifts,' said Mrs. T. Vernette Morse, honorary president, yester- day. Any one interested may bring material there and so take advantage of our facilities.' " "Thousands of stores that patronize Butler Brothers have started Christmas Ship sales, and hundreds of others daily inquire for details of the plan formulated in the sales department of the firm. "Display and circular advertising are being supplied by the THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 291 department to every store in the United States that wishes to avail itself of the opportunity to conduct Christmas Ship sales. "Merchants conducting campaigns state that the larger posters suppHed by Butler Brothers are doing much to promote the purchase of articles to be sent on the Christmas Ship. "The poster is printed in three colors — red, green, and black. Across the top of the page are the words, 'Christmas Ship Sale,' and beneath them is a picture of the Christmas Ship. The side borders and a panel at the bottom picture various gifts and the types of children who will receive them. "The text of the poster is printed in large letters and is as follows : " A Christmas Ship is going to sail in a few weeks, under the direction of the Chicago Herald, with presents for the thousands of war orphans in Europe. " 'Don't you wish to send something, and be a Santa Claus to at least one of these poor kiddies? "'Buy a gift at our store. We'll pack it for you, inclose your card, and see that it reaches the Christmas Ship safely and on time. " 'Let's make the gift cargo heavy.' " "Smaller circulars and descriptive literature have been sent to two hundred thousand merchants in all parts of the United States." "Several weeks ago members of President Wilson's cabinet sent out circular letters commending the ship project to various branches of their departments. "One of these letters sent out by Secretary of War Lindley M. Garrison was received by First Lieutenant H. S. Brinkerhoff, officer in charge of the signal corps general supply depot at Fort Wood, Bedloe's Island, New York. Yesterday the Christmas Ship editor of the Herald received a cheque for seventeen dollars, accompanied by this letter from Lieutenant Brinkerhoff : "'Please find inclosed my personal cheque for seventeen dollars, the amount of contributions made by employees of this depot in response to an appeal issued by you in your letter to 292 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP the Secretary of War, under date of September ii, 1914, for funds to be devoted to the procuring of gifts for the orphans of the European war on Christmas Day. " 'Every employee of this depot, both civiHan and enHsted, tendered his contribution to me, and I am using my cheque merely to facilitate the sending of this money to you.'" "The Christmas Ship Association of Green Bay, Wisconsin, has received a tremendous response to the appeals sent out some time ago. The following quotation from a letter written by Lucretia Fink, an active worker in the Christmas Ship Association and a member of the staff of the Green Bay Gazette, describes the spirit with which the campaign has been taken up : "'For once all races, all nationalities, and all creeds have met on a common plane, without thought of wealth.' " "Thirteen hundred dollars for the Christmas Ship is the record of the eastern half of Dane County, Wisconsin. Eight hundred dollars of this amount was contributed by the rural schools of the county's first district, and the remainder by the city of Stoughton. "Work in the schools was carried on under the direction of Sylvanus Ames, county superintendent, who sent a circular letter to all county teachers. Seventy-five schools immediately plunged into the campaign, told by the superintendent to follow any plan deemed advisable. "The principal method of raising money was by the promo- tion of box socials in county school buildings. These affairs were supported enthusiastically by farmers and residents of the villages, one social in the town of Pleasant Springs netting thirty-five dollars. "The campaign in Stoughton was carried on under the direc- tion of W. H. Lindereed, chairman of the Stoughton Christmas Ship committee and city editor of the Stoughton Daily Courier- Hub. Mr. Lindereed, in sending the Stoughton contribution, wrote the Herald as follows: " 'As chairman of the Stoughton Christmas Ship committee THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 293 I take great pleasure in reporting that this little city of five thousand has raised a cash fund of $509.55 for the Christmas Ship. " 'In addition, we have received numerous contributions of children's garments. Five large boxes of clothing were sent a week ago, and since that time we have sent a large quantity of merchandise direct to Brooklyn via the Wells Fargo Express Co. ' ' ' Never have I known of any campaign in this city that has met with such cordial and generous response as this one for the Christmas Ship. All classes have joined in contributing. ' ' * Let me thank the Chicago Herald for the part it has played in this movement. It is something to be thankful for that we have great newspapers that are willing to devote their energies and space to things more uplifting than the endless chronicling of murders, scandals, and corruption.' " Members of the Sunday school of the Congregational Church in Grinnell, Iowa, contributed two hundred and twenty dollars to the Christmas Ship fund. "We are much pleased that your suggestion of a Christmas Ship has met with such hearty response," writes H. W. Somers, the superintendent. Mrs. Helen Ruhman Ransom of the Centralizing School of Music was the one to suggest to the principal, Mrs. Gertrude Radle Paradis, that the pupils should give a concert for the Christmas Ship. Mrs. Paradis at once consented, and I was in- vited to make the address and explain how the idea came to me. The concert was one of the most successful given anywhere in Chicago. The beautiful auditorium of the school was packed, many standing. Over a hundred dollars was spent by Mrs. Paradis at the wholesale houses, and the purchases were packed and forwarded to Bush Terminal direct. At the last came the splendid offer of space in the Pugh Terminal. Mr. Pugh was, from the first, one of the most enthu- siastic in his appreciation of the Christmas Ship idea, and 294 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP expressed himself as cordially indorsing the Chicago lierald for carrying out the plan. "An entire section of the Pugh Terminal warehouse, the largest building of its kind in Chicago and one of the largest structures of its kind in the world, was set aside yesterday as^ the central receiving station for gifts for the Christmas Ship. "The use of the section, which is capable of holding more than forty carloads of merchandise, was the contribution of James A. Pugh, president of the Pugh Terminal Warehouse Company. It will be ready to receive the gifts to-day. "Mr. Pugh returned from Europe only a few weeks ago. He went there with his new racing motor boat, the Disturber IV, intending to take part in the regatta at Cowes. This was post- poned because of the war. While at Cowes, Mr. Pugh observed many of the preparations being made for the war — also a number of the war's effects. ' ' * One day a troop ship filled with wounded soldiers came to Cowes,' he said. 'What I witnessed on that occasion I am not likely to forget for some time. " ' In view of the terrible things that are happening on the other side of the Atlantic, it is my opinion that the Christmas Ship idea is a splendid and humane one. I am glad to help it.' " And then came the generous offer of packing boxes : "Packing boxes in which the gifts of the children of Chicago may be sent to the war children of Europe were contributed yesterday to the Christmas Ship," said the Herald. "They are the donation of Harry R. Gibbons, president of a Chicago box manufacturing and supply company. Mr. Gibbons owns the largest box-hauling automobile truck in the city. This vehicle, piled high with boxes strong enough to withstand the effects of the rolling that even the worst sea can give to the Christmas Ship, brought its first load during the day to the Christmas Ship section of the Pugh Terminal warehouse." ' ' Here is a complete list of transportation agencies which have volunteered to carry Christmas Ship gifts free: THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 295 ''Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul; Lehigh Valley; Erie System; Chicago & North Western; Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapol's & Omaha; St. Louis & San Francisco; Union Pacific System; Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific; Chicago Great Western; Great Northern; Goodrich Transit (Steamship) Company; Traders' Dispatch (Nickel Plate & Lehigh Valley) ; Illinois Central ; Chicago & Eastern Illinois ; Chicago, Terre Haute & Southern; Elgin, Joliet & Eastern; Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie; New York Central Lines ; Southern Pacific ; Texas Central ; Trinity & Brazos Valley ; Missouri, Kansas & Texas, the 'Katy'; Pennsylvania Lines; International Great Northern; Santa Fe; Chicago, Milwaukee & Gary; Chicago Tunnel Company; Texas & Pacific; San Antonio & Aransas Pass; Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville; Chicago & Alton; Northern Pacific." Harry S. McVicker, superintendent of the Keokuk County (Iowa) public schools, directed an efficient and successful cam- paign for the Christmas Ship fund. In a letter inclosing a draft for $253.40, Superintendent McVicker wrote to the Herald: "We got in at the last moment to do what we could for this great charitable movement, and the response has been hearty, generous, and overwhelming. Children, teachers, and friends have been anxious to give, and we are proud of their generous American sentiment. "Little baby girls and boys have taken from their savings banks. Philanthropic women and old men have surprised us with voluntary and spontaneous offerings. Public schools have responded liberally. The cooperation manifested has been of the universal type that links us all in brotherhood throughout the world." The following letter from Miss Juanita Elston, a pupil of the Nicholas Senn High School, tells of the activity of the sewing department in the Christmas Ship work: "When the classes met several days ago there were stacks of sheep's wool and many yards of daintily figured silkaline, from 296 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP which baby blankets were to be made for the children whose fathers are at war. "The girls set to work eagerly, and for two days all the classes cut, tied, and bound those dainty little quilts. When we had finished we had seventeen of them. The girls of the Senn High School hope that at least seventeen babies will be comforted by their gifts." One of the large drafts received by the Herald for the Christ- mas Ship fund was for $509.30, sent by James M. Thompson, president and treasurer of the Item Company, publishers of the New Orleans Item, one of the leading Christmas Ship newspapers in the South. In addition to more than two tons of Christmas Ship gifts collected in Cleveland by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, that paper sent a check to the Herald Christmas Ship fund for $2,387.45. This is the largest cash donation received in Chicago. From the Herald: "The Chicago office of the Methodist Board of Sunday Schools has handled one hundred and twenty-five thousand gifts for the Christmas Ship, according to the final estimate made last night by Miss Helen P. Patten, in charge of the board's Christmas Ship Bureau. The number stated is exclusive of thousands of packages sent direct to Brooklyn or to the Herald. "During the last few days over three hundred large express and one hundred freight shipments have been made. These consisted of presents packed in large shipping boxes. One thousand specially wrapped packages, valued at ten dollars each, also were sent by express. Gifts handled in the Chicago office are appraised at an amount in excess of thirty-five thousand dollars. " 'This is a conservative estimate,' said Miss Patten. 'The checkers were instructed not to exaggerate in any instance. In many cases the value was placed at a figure probably much lower than the cost of the articles. ' "Many Sunday school workers sent in cash, although no THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 297 appeal was made for funds. Five thousand, four hundred and forty-one dollars and seventeen cents was received by the Chicago office. This amount was expended in Chicago for the following articles: 1600 sweaters, 136 girls' coats, 400 shawls, 221 chil- dren's coats, 72 baby sweaters, 600 pairs of mittens, 400 pairs of leggings, 261 flannel shirts, 450 yards of flannel remnants, 2,544 articles of underwear, 94 baby creepers, 340 rompers, 227 sleepers, 72 woolen dresses, 200 knit jackets, 1,272 boys' blouses, 1,272 pairs boys' trousers, 2,688 knit caps, 1,548 pairs of hose, 50 neckties, 494 blankets, and 200 baby blankets. "The fund of $5,441.17 does not include any of the money received by the Methodist Christmas Ship office at 150 Fifth Avenue. Miss Patten stated that she had not learned the exact amount received in New York, but that she was convinced that it was approximately two thousand dollars." "A large consignment of knitted caps and sweaters has been contributed by the Lake Superior Knitting Works of Appleton, Wisconsin." "Six hundred knitted caps sent by the Bradley Knitting Company of Delavan, Wisconsin, will be welcomed on Christmas morning by the children of the warring European countries. W. H. Tyrrell of the knitting company, in a letter to the Herald's Christmas Ship department, states that the fifty dozen caps have been forwarded to Bush Terminal by the Wells-Fargo Express Company." "A large consignment of gifts and forty-three dollars in cash have been received from members of the Equitable Fraternal Union of Neenah, Wisconsin. D. W. Dunham, editor of the Friend and Guide, official organ of the order, writes to the Christ- mas Ship Editor of the Chicago Herald: ' ' ' We are proud to have been enrolled among the workers for this great humanitarian movement. You are entitled to credit for the conception and development of what has become a nation- wide effort to relieve the distress and suffering of hundreds of 20 298 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP thousands of innocent persons who are in no wise responsible for the hellish conflict that is devastating vast areas of land and sending millions of vigorous men to the slaughter fields of Europe.'" "A little homemade scrap book which tumbled out of a gayly wrapped package in the Christmas Ship department at the Herald office attracted attention. It bore the message: 'This book was made by a little girl eight years old. She is interested in the Christmas Ship, and this is the best she can give. Hoping this will bring pleasure to some little boy or girl. From Sarah Gray, 4231 Tower Avenue, St. Bernard, Ohio.'" This is what I wrote in praise of the labors of American little ones for their European cousins: Each day the touching letters come piling in, telling me how the smallest members of my Santa Claus Class have earned the precious pennies which have gone into the Herald Christmas Ship fund. Some of the money has been earned in such pathetic ways that hardly anything is sufficiently valuable to buy with it. How glad I am every penny these children have sent in will be used to buy warm clothing for the suffering children across the seas! How thankful I am that not one dollar of it must go for freight or express or any other expense, for the money has been earned in such truly touching ways. A child's hand is to me one of the most appealing objects in the world — so small, so helpless, yet more powerful in its hold on the human affections than anything else on earth. Even the sight of a little newsboy offering me a paper in a small hand grimed with dirt brings a sting to my eyes and an ache to my throat. The little hands of children! Clinging blindly to mother's hands and mother's skirts, clutching at the hearts and affections of grown-ups wherever the soft warmth and dimpled beauty are felt or seen. And, lo ! a great ship has been laden by children's hands I THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 299 Small fingers, never before trained to work, hitherto always engaged in play, have halted in preparation for their own Christ- mas and turned their inexperienced energy toward making some child, bereft and friendless and suffering, happy with an unex- pected happiness on Christmas Day. The Christmas Ship is the work of children's hands. As it sails from its pier next Tuesday, it will carry the most precious cargo ever carried from our shores. There are crates and boxes and barrels, to be sure, filled with warm clothing and gifts for the poor orphans on the other side. But with it all go our chil- dren's love and eager childish pity. It is a shipload of sunshine and heavenly compassion — that compassion which, while it offers sympathy, takes, along with it, a way out! It is a shipload of beauty and gladness — the joyful giving of children in this, their first national Christmas. The ship sails! What a vision! For instead of decks and bulwarks of steel and wood, the Christmas Ship is formed of children's beating hearts, and fluttering aloft, raised in a universal prayer for peace, are myriads of little children's hands. o CHAPTER XXXIII How THE Public Schools Helped NE of the stories my Santa Claus Class liked the best was the following: Seven long weeks have elapsed since I called my Santa Claus Class together — seven long weeks of earnest, honest toil for little fingers unaccustom^ to work, but working now for a holy cause. And such splendidly telling work! Work which packs itself into boxes, barrels, and crates! Work which crowds big freight cars to the door, piles up on trucks, fills express wagons, and causes great railroads to sit up and take notice! "What under the sun," say the big railroads, rubbing the lenses of their headlights, "what under the canopy are all the children about, to give us so much extra work?" And then the boxes, and barrels, and crates all begin to talk at once and tell the railroads who they are and where they are going. "I," says a big square crate, "I am filled with dozens of pairs of shoes and stockings and hoods and mittens. I am packed so tight I can scarcely breathe! I am fairly stuffed with flannel nightgowns and warm petticoats for the little children of Belgium, who have not only lost their fathers but have been separated from their mothers, and kind-hearted people have taken them in. Think how happy they will be when I unpack myself. Come on, Mr. Railroad! Help me to get aboard that big brown freight car. I want to be on my way!" Then the Railroad, thinking of course that only one box wants to ride, says "All right!" and starts to let the crate get aboard. But then he hears a shout, and about ten thousand other boxes and barrels come tumbling and rolling up, all crying for the Railroad to wait and let them get aboard, too. With that sight and sound the Railroad begins to wake up. 300 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 301 At all connecting points are great freight cars with their sides covered with big white signs, saying: "On our way to the Christmas Ship!" The Railroad blinks his eyes. He thinks of the thousands of American children who have worked as I know you must have worked, and he thinks of the weary and sad little orphans on the other side of the water to whom these wonderful gifts are going. Then he goes into the telegraph office and calls all the railroads and express offices in the United States, and he says: "I am not going to take a single ticket from any of these boxes and barrels and crates!" ' ' Ticket ! ' ' answer the other Railroads . ' ' You mean freight ! ' ' "No, I don't," says the Railroad. "These boxes are all alive! I have heard their heartbeats! They are the hearts of our children beating with compassion for the suffering of the little orphans of the war! I am going to let them all ride free, for they are the Christmas presents of the world!" The other Railroads clear their throats and blink their eyes, and in very husky telegraph voices they all join in and declare that no money is needed to carry the work of my Santa Claus Class to the big ship that is waiting for it. And the wonderful men — the railroad presidents and vice- presidents and general managers and traffic managers — the kind, big-hearted men at the head of the express companies — what shall we say to them for letting our boxes ride free? We can't give them three cheers, but I tell you what we can do: Every boy and girl and father and mother who wishes to join me in thanking all these wonderful people for their princely generosity can take out his pocket handkerchief and give these gentlemen the Chautauqua salute! There, look at that! Did you imagine there were so many white pocket handker- chiefs ? They look like millions of little fluttering flags of peace! God grant that peace may attend the transit across land and sea of these, the Christmas presents of the world! 302 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP The showing made by the pubHc schools of Chicago was nothing short of wonderful. Read what the Herald said: "When the Christmas Ship sails it will carry among other items of its cargo one hundred and ten large packing cases containing gifts and messages of love from pupils in Chicago's public schools. "Six immense packing cases filled with dolls were supplied by girls, who fashioned dolls' clothes while at work in the sewing classes. The boys were equally busy making dolls' beds and furniture in the manual-training departments. "Superintendent L. E. Hesse and his assistant, Robert W. Stewart, in charge of the School Board's supply department warehouse, used the entire sixth floor of the building for the work of repacking the 1,288 boxes sent from the city's educational institutions. "Several days' work by thirty men under the direction of Chief Clerk Arthur Holtsberg and P. C. Peters, shipping clerk, were required to sort and repack the gifts. ' ' Only new articles were sent. Articles of the same kind were placed in separate boxes, and the contents marked on the cases. "Many out-of-town schools near Chicago also made and shipped gifts." The appended letter tells its own story. It came from the Reverend W. Poyskoi, general missionary of the Episcopal Church : "I take great pleasure in forwarding you the inclosed ten dollars toward the Christmas Ship. This contribution comes from a little Sunday school in Ralph, which is a community of about six families, situated in the heart of the primeval forests of the upper peninsula of Michigan. "This little Sunday school is maintained through the con- secrated labors of a good woman who is a ministering angel to all who know her, and who for fourteen years has bravely endured the hardships of pioneer life in the rigorous climate of this district. ' ' I pray that the little mite from Ralph Sunday school will be THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 303 increased a thousandfold, and that your beneficent work will bring gladness and joy to the lives of the thousands who are now sad and sorrowful in Europe. ' ' The vice-president of the United States indorsed the plan of the Christmas Ship and sent his personal cheque for twenty-five dollars to the Christmas Ship editor. This is his letter: "I have no children of my own, but some of my personal and political friends have done me the honor to give my name to their children. "Some of these little ones are not financially able to send anything on the Christmas Ship. I know they gladly would do so if they could. "Will you not take the inclosed cheque and buy for these little ones some small gifts for their suffering and sorrowing kin across the sea? "Sincerely yours, "Thomas R. Marshall" One of the pleasantest mail-order friendships I made through the Christmas Ship was with Mr. Irving G. Bush, whose generous offer of Bush Terminal in Brooklyn enabled us not only to load the Jason conveniently, but permitted the repack- ing and sorting of the gifts. I have never met Mr. Bush, but in the rush of arranging final details we exchanged frantic and friendly letters and telegrams, and it is largely through his courtesy in writing me exactly how things went, that I know what the Christmas Ship looked Hke when she sailed, for I was not in New York on the sailing day. As soon as it became known that space for storing the Christ- mas gifts was needed, Mr. Bush offered Bush Terminal. The following appeared on the Christmas Ship page of the Herald. "The avalanche of gifts made Mr. Bush's offer of storage space in the Bush Terminal not only timely but also a solution 304 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP of the situation that might have ended in chaos. The Bush Terminal, with its empire-Hke grasp on all shipping problems, has the facilities to receive, store, and transmit these gifts with the minimum of confusion. "Here is a closely knit industrial community that covers two hundred acres in South Brooklyn, in direct and immediate touch with all the great railroad systems and with docking facilities for forty-two lines at one and the same time. The Bush Terminal has its own postmaster, its own railroad engines and trolley service. "A superintendent or assistant says casually the Bush collection of piers, warehouses, factory lofts, and trackage represents twenty-five million dollars. You see, Mr. Bush did not start out to establish a twenty-five-million-dollar business community, because he was a healthy-minded idealist whose ambition was to implant a tremendous idea in some sand lots in South Brooklyn. ' ' Mr. Bush had inherited these lots, and put up the first unit of his plant to the polite amazement of some of his friends. He knew and realized transportation was the handmaiden of manu- facturing, and that between the mistress and the handmaiden there was between two hundred and three hunderd per cent loss, representing so much in trucking. "When he built the first of his plant they say he went into Michigan and bought hay. This hay he had consigned by different roads to the new Bush Terminal in Brooklyn. 'Bush Terminal,' asked the railroads, 'and where may that be?' They found out about the terminal, which was what Mr. Bush desired. "As the years went on and the Bush Terminal began to gain its tremendous proportions, Mr. Bush developed that great idea of his, thinking in units of service and not in units of money. He kept and still keeps close tab on the well-being of his employees. "In Buildings 19 and 20, in which Christmas Ship gifts and Red Cross supplies are being stored — space that would cost three thousand dollars — is to be found the most striking instance of Mr. Bush's condensed Utopia." THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 305 Milwaukee had responded generously through her citizens, but the school children came near being left out. It is always the way. At the last of everything there is a rush to do in a moment what might have been taken easily except for some oversight, but in this case the children rose most manfully to the occasion, as is here described in the Chicago Herald. "Milwaukee public school children, on a few hours' notice, were able to raise more than a thousand dollars for the Christmas Ship. A total of $1,140.28 was sent by telegraph to-day to New York to aid the movement to bring Christmas cheer to child sufferers from the war in Europe. "Failure of the Milwaukee schools to do their entire share was due to an oversight somewhere in the school department, but the authorities were gratified with the result of the emergency call for assistance. '"This shows,' said Walter Allen, assistant superintendent, 'that Milwaukee school children were alive to the beautiful spirit of the Christmas Ship and were ready to do their part to help the children across the ocean.' "The School Board last week authorized a collection in the schools for the Christmas Ship, but in some manner no notifica- tion was sent to the schools. The omission was discovered Monday morning, and every school principal notified by tele- phone. Each principal then passed the word along to the teachers, who took ten minutes of the morning to explain the Christmas Ship idea to their charges. The children took up their collection in the afternoon. "Donations ranging from one cent to one dollar came from high school to kindergarten. The money was dropped into a box placed in each classroom so that there was no embarrassment to those who could not give. The various grade schools col- lected from ten to twenty dollars. West Division High School raised thirty-five dollars. Philip Lucas of the superintendent's ofhce took charge of the fund and forwarded it." CHAPTER XXXIV The Only Interesting Statistics I Ever Read JUST as I prophesied to the Herald editor when I explained my plan of a Christmas Ship to him, every express company in the United States volunteered to rush belated gifts by their fast trains to Bush Terminal. "Straining at its moorings as though eager to be on the way," said the Chicago Herald, "the Christmas Ship is waiting for the message of peace and good will the children of America are sending to the war-stricken innocents of Europe. "Millions of gifts are speeding across the continent in freight and express cars to be loaded in the hold of the ship chosen by President Wilson for the wonderful mission. Draw a straight line on the map from New York to any part of the United States. From every point the line touches, countless gifts are being sent. "Railroads and express companies are making every effort during these last few days before the ship sails. Tug-boat whistles are screaming in the harbor where the Statue of Liberty stands as they steam back and forth with lighters loaded with freight cars carrying the gifts. The creak of machinery blends with the cries of stevedores while the thousands of boxes are being swung into Bush Terminal, where they are being held for the loading of the ship. "Chicago's contribution is one million packages, averaging one pound each, or a total of five hundred tons. ' ' San Francisco has two hundred and fifty thousand packages on the way, Philadelphia five hundred thousand, and New York has given one million. Five whole carloads are on their way to the Pugh Terminal in Chicago, and will be transhipped at once to the Bush Terminal in Brooklyn. "J. E. Propper, contracting agent for the Erie Railroad, who is directing the Christmas Ship traffic east of Chicago, estimates that more than four thousand tons are in transit. ' ' Letters and telegrams giving notice of shipments are pouring 306 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 307 in to the Herald office hourly. These are samples of the energy and enthusiasm shown: " 'Forward to-day thirteen barrels, two hogsheads, forty- eight boxes to Christmas Ship, Bush Terminal, New York.' — Fort Worth Star-Telegram. " 'Apparently all Texas and southern Oklahoma moving somewhere since Sunday night; some straight up, west, east, and south. Texas will shoot through St. Louis direct to Brooklyn.' — Goodman Post. I " 'Ship to-night, billed Christmas Ship, care Chicago Herald, 'C.B.&Q.'— Omaha Bee. " 'Waco sends three thousand pounds pecans and peanuts for Christmas Ship, going forward by American Express. Com- mittee will forward one hundred dollars cash to help complete equipment of Christmas Ship.' — Waco Morning News. " 'St. Louis sends carload for Christmas Ship valued at five thousand dollars, via Pennsylvania. Should arrive November 3.' — St. Louis Republic. "Telegrams from committees and organizations report that because of the short time remaining funds raised will be sent to purchase suitable materials instead of buying articles and shipping them. "Never before has there been so generous and spontaneous a response to a humanitarian plan. Men and women in the streets of San Francisco, so recently stricken by a terrible calam- ity, wept when they saw a procession of trucks carrying cheer and good will for the war-darkened homes of Europe. "From Maine to California, from Washington to Florida, the sublime purpose of comforting the afflicted little ones whose fathers and homes have been taken from them by the ruthless business of war, had enthusiastic welcome and has brought indications that the Christmas Ship may prove the foundations of a lasting peace for the coming generation." Perhaps one of the most interesting issues of the Herald during the whole campaign was the one which gave the contribu- tions from the different cities. 308 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP I quote it intact. I suppose I must have read every word of it at least fifty times! "Approximately — no one can tell exactly — seven million gifts valued at more than two million dollars comprise America's response to the appeal of the children's Christmas Ship. Some of the Herald men who have been working on the ship insist the total number of gifts will be greater by a million, but if so there will be that much more joy and thankfulness in the war-ridden countries of Europe on Christmas day. ' ' If the gifts were purchased at retail the value would be much more than two million dollars. "More than thirty-five thousand dollars in cash has been received by the Herald for the ship, and the merchants of Chicago have cooperated so generously that for every dollar spent there have been received practically two dollars in value. "The generous donation of service by the railroads, express companies, warehouse owners, teaming corporations and other business men who have given freely, probably represents service valued at more than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. No vessel could make the delivery trip to be undertaken by the United States collier Jason for less than fifty thousand dollars. It is due to this generosity of nation, corporation, and individual that the cost of handling and forwarding the enormous number of gifts — at least seventy carloads — has been kept at a low figure, "A complete statement of the fund by Arthur Young & Co., chartered accountants, will be furnished by the Herald just as soon as it is possible. "Never before in the history of the country has there been such spontaneous response to an appeal as followed the Herald's original announcement two months ago. More than two hun- dred newspapers joined the Herald in spreading the movement from coast to coast, and millions of children, men, and women enlisted in the loading of the ship. ' ' Miss Lilian Bell certainly started something when she wrote to the Herald suggesting the Christmas Ship. "By freight and parcels post and express, by steamboat and THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 309 ferry and van, the vast Christmas Ship freight has been moving toward the Atlantic seaboard. From Manitoba, from Sas- katchewan, from the Hawaiian Islands, and from Cuba it traveled to Brooklyn. Seventy-three carloads were followed in their journey across the continent by a traffic expert, who sat at the end of a telegraph wire in Chicago and checked their passage from town to town, from state to state. Thirty-seven carloads originated in con- centration centers. "In addition to all these the express companies have hauled approximately half a million gifts. "Sixteen carloads were packed at the Pugh Terminal in Chicago and shipped to New York via the Erie Railroad. These were followed by four express loads distributed among five of the leading express companies. Thus the number of gifts con- centrated at the Pugh Terminal within the last two weeks has aggregated more than a million. "Following are states, cities, and communities that sent a carload or more of gifts, or its equivalent in cash: Texas 5 New York City 7 San Francisco 2 Washington, D.C 3 Philadelphia 2 Portland, Ore i Battle Creek, Mich i Cleveland, Ohio 2 Toledo, Ohio i Des Moines, Iowa i Lansing, Mich i Champaign Co., Ill i Minneapolis i Omaha, Neb i Rio, Wis I St. Louis, Mo i Sioux Falls, S.D i Traer, Iowa i Dane Co., Wis i South Dakota 5 "Contributions from a number of other cities ranged from one half to three quarters of a carload each. This vast quantity of merchandise was collected by newspapers, commercial organi- zations, secret and fraternal societies, churches, Sunday schools, and more than a million individuals. "Towns, cities, and counties in many instances made cor- porate contributions; even the United States government, through its post offices. War Department, and Department of the Interior, assisted in the collection of gifts. 310 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "Who can compute what the arrival of these milhons of gifts will mean to the saddened, hungry, ill-clad women and child victims of the war in Europe? Who can say they will not play some tremendous unforeseen part in the future history of civili- zation? Who dares to reduce to concrete estimates the effect this great selfless service will have on the men, women, and children of America who united in it? "Here are a few stories of the Christmas Ship work as told by the editors of sixty odd American newspapers. They are reproduced as they were received — in telegraphic form: Aberdeen, S. D. : Aberdeen American shipped two packing cases and five smaller boxes; 1,500 presents in all: toys and clothing; cash donations forwarded, $146. Athens, Texas: Three hundred and fifty pounds of gifts; 500 presents. — Athens Review. Baltimore, Md. : Gifts sent Nov. 2 from Baltimore for Christmas Ship through Just Government League of Maryland amounted to little over three wagonloads, six large packing boxes, fifty smaller boxes, thirteen bags and about three barrels; thirty-five of the smaller boxes and the bags contained canned goods and groceries; the rest clothing and toys. — Evening News. Battle Creek, Mich.: Battle Creek's response to Christmas Ship through Journal is magnificent. Already more than $300 have come in and nearly a carload of provisions and clothing; money and other contributions still poiiring in. We ship first installment to-morrow. — Journal. Big Springs, Texas: Big Springs' contribution to Christmas Ship was 1,000 one-half pound sacks of peanuts. — Herald. Birmingham, Ala.: Christmas Ship gifts sent through the Birmingham News weighed approximately 2,000 pounds. Impossible to judge individual niimber, as several large boxes were packed by Sunday schools outside city. Probably himdreds of presents in seven- teen boxes. Two largest boxes contained clothing from large firms here. Cash amounted to $266.60. — News. Bloomington, 111.: Bloomington sends two large packing cases and $157.73 cash. In addition many packages were sent direct by citizens. — Pantagraph. Brenham, Texas: Half -ton Christmas Ship gifts from Brenham. Mostly peanuts and pecans; $25 cash; 500 contributors; 2,000 pres- ents. — Banner Press. Burt, Iowa: One thousand articles; 300 packages; value $400. — Monitor. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 311 Calimar, Iowa: Christmas Ship cargo one box, one barrel, ten dozen articles winter clothing. — Courier. Cedar Falls, Iowa: Eleven drygoods boxes wearing apparel for women and children; 1,500 individual presents; $202.50. — Gazette. Chicago: Four boxes sent Monday. — Collier's Weekly, Chicago Office. Cleveland, Ohio: One and one-haJf carloads of gifts were sent from Cleveland to Christmas Ship. Approximately 100,000 givers, including fund contributors. Donations largely new clothing for children and babies and many toys. Check for $2,387.45 mailed to Herald. — Plain Dealer. Clifton, lU. : Sent 270 pounds underwear, sweaters, caps, socks, mittens, and shoes. — Advocate. College Station, Texas: Students sent 1,000 pounds bulk peanuts via Houston; ladies, $34 assorted boxed presents via Bryan. — Datallion. Dallas, Texas: Dallas' contribution to the Christmas Ship approximates half a carload. About five hundred people, mostly children, contributed pecans, peanuts, toys, and clothing. — Times- Herald. Decatur, 111. : Decatur and Macon county gifts made half a carload, estimated number 5,000, largely clothing, toys, candy, and foodstuffs . — Herald. Detroit, Mich.: Times is sending foiu" large cases via American Express, consisting of 1,000 suits of underwear, 656 sweater coats, 204 stocking caps, 1,000 pairs stockings, 1,000 pairs gloves, and numerous miscellaneous articles. — Times. Deep River, Iowa: Three boxes, 280 potmds, comprising about 175 individual presents, clothing generally, and $21.50 in money. — Record. Des Moines, Iowa: One carload of gifts from Go-Hawks Happy Tribe. Approximate niunber gifts from Happy Tribe children, 4,000, including clothing, food, toys. — Capital. Dubuque, Iowa: Dubuque contributed 2,100 packages to Christ- mas Ship. Contents largely clothing and gifts for children. Forty per cent gifts to Belgitim, remainder distributed equally to Germany, France, Russia, England, Ireland, and Austria. — Times-Journal. Ellenburg, Wash.: Citizens of Ellenburg, through City Federa- tion of Club Women, contributed $137.50. — Evening Record. Erie, 111. : Three boxes shipped. Goods to value of $400. — Inde- pendent. Eau Claire, Wis.: Twelve hundred pounds goods shipped to Christmas Ship. Chiefly wearing apparel, new clothing, shoes, caps, mittens, woolens, for children. Individual gifts, including school children donations, must have totaled 1,500. — Leader. 312 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Fairmont, Minn. : Two boxes, weight 200 pounds. Two hundred and eighty-nine individual packages, mainly clothing, books, and toys, value $174. Drafts mailed aggregating $158.07. — Sentinel. Fond du Lac, Wis.: Four boxes, 460 poimds, 400 donors, 700 gifts, mostly underwear, sweaters, hoods, shoes. Additional cash gift, $113. — Daily Commonwealth. Fort Worth, Texas : Approximately carload sent. Four thousand packages from Cleboume. Individual presents approximately 30,000, mainly nuts, toys, and clothing. — Star-Telegram. Franklin Grove, 111.: Amount of merchandise sent to Christmas Ship comprised two boxes 3 feet by 4 feet. Clothing and toys included. Value of total gifts, $125. Also $32.75 in cash. — Reporter. Gibson City, 111.: Methodist Sunday school has donated to the Christmas Ship goods valued at $50 and $35 in cash. Other offerings were individual and have been reported to the Herald direct. Guthrie, suburb, gave $10. — Courier. Green River, Wyo. : Green River sent fourteen packages of clothing and dolls and seven packages of frmt. Cash contributed $91.46. — Star. Hamilton, Ohio: Gifts from Hamiltonians through Republican News to Christmas Ship weighed over 1,300 poimds and occupied over third of car. There are about 350 toys for children, forty boys' suits, and assorted clothing for men, boys, women, and children. — Republican News. Hillsboro, Texas: Hill County sent six large cases containing 2,000 individual packages of Texas pecans weighing about eight oimces each. In addition there were several packages of imderwear, shoes, and wearing apparel. — Evening and Weekly Mirror. Houston, Texas: One car from Houston Post. 35,000 packages of peanuts, 5,000 pecans, twenty-nine himdred-pound bags rice, 500 bags com meal, 200 cans sorghtim, three cases condensed milk, 1,000 pairs children's woolen stockings filled with nuts, 200 poimds beans, 100 old men's two-piece underwear, twenty-five suits small boys' clothing, twenty-five pairs girls' shoes, two gross women's stockings; fifty packing cases 4 by 4, from various Houston Christmas Ship clubs, Sunday schools, and societies containing women's and children's clothing, toys; equal number small boxes. My estimate, 75,000 different packages from Houston and fully 1,000,000 from entire state. Sixty-eight newspapers first responded, but believe before Nov. i every newspaper in state carried at least one story, and 200 com- mercial bodies and fifty banks assisted. Line drawn from Texarkana through Denison, Memphis, Coleman, Sweetwater, Big Springs, El Paso, Laredo, Brownsville, Neville, Victoria, Cuero, Port Lavaca, THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 313 Brazoria, Angleton, Houston, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Nacogdoches, Timpson, Tyler and Jefferson will include Texas contributing territory. Area large as Germany. Concentration points, Star-Telegram, Fort Worth; Morning News, Waco; and Enterprise, Clebiime; Commercial Club, Coleman; the El Paso Herald; the Commercial Club, Cuero; the Commercial Club, San Antonio; the American, Austin; the Houston Post, Houston, where carload shipments were made up. Railroads, Texas Central, Fort Worth & Denver, the "Katy, " the Santa Fe, the Southern Pacific, the Trinity-Brazos Valley, the International Great Northern, the San Antonio and Aransas Pass; the Wells-Fargo and the American Express companies. All wearing apparel new, contributed mostly for Belgium. Biggest newspaper stunt ever pulled in Texas. — Post. Jackson, Minn.: Jackson Pilot sent 379 pounds Christmas gifts by express on Oct. 28, about 1,200 presents, mostly children's cloth- ing. — Jackson County Pilot. Lansing, Mich.: Three great truckloads, containing thousands sweaters, caps, underwear, stockings, and toys. — State Journal. Lexington, Ky. : Hundred pounds sent for Christmas Ship; about 100 presents; toys, canned fruit, and clothing. — Leader. Mineral Wells, Texas: Christmas shipment about 500 pounds; himdred individuals, largely pecan nuts placed in stockings. Warm clothing for children. — Index. Minneapolis, Minn.: Christmas gifts from Minneapolis Civic and Commercial Association, one half carload divided; one fifth toys, three fifths children's wearing apparel, one fifth women's clothing. At least 3,000 pieces. — Tribune. Moline, 111.: MoHne sent wearing apparel for Christmas Ship valued at $1,000; suits for boys, dresses for girls, underwear, stockings, caps, shoes, hats. Ever3rthing new and of good quality. Also some toys and candy and $99.03 cash. — Dispatch. Muskogee, Okla. : Nine boxes and large package containing gifts for Christmas Ship went forward to Bush Terminal by American Express as Muskogee's and eastern Oklahoma's contribution to the orphans of the Em-opean war. Believe you will find this shipment one well worth while. Contains many toys, but also much clothing and many useful gifts. Goods are new. Collected by the Phoenix in practically a little less than week's campaign. Few small packages will follow by express to-morrow. — Daily Phoenix. New York: The way donations are coming in now we expect to have about seven carloads before the end of this week. We cannot tell you the number of separate packages. Most of the stuff comes in big packing boxes. For instance, to-day we got $5,000 worth of blankets offered to us for the receiving ship. The general character 21 314 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP of the goods delivered is wami clothing for women and children. As a matter of fact there are very few toys. We have preached it into the public to send nothing but useful presents, and they must be new and we believe they are.' — World. Omaha, Neb.: Omaha sent a mammoth carload, containing 148 big packing cases, sixteen smaller boxes, two barrels, and two bales of gifts, in addition to more than 5,000 pounds express. Clothing, shoes, and underwear predominated. — Bee. Osage, Iowa: News sent abroad 1,100 pounds of presents and $20.50 cash in addition to about 1,000 individual packages containing small articles of clothing, some canned goods, and few toys. — News. Ottawa, 111.: Christmas Ship shipments aggregated 1,000 potmds, including 1,000 articles, mostly clothing and shoes for children; some toys. — Republican Times. Owosso, Mich.: Owosso sent eleven large boxes and several smaller ones; individual presents number about 5,000, mostly wearing apparel. Few toys. — Press- American. Parker, S.D.: Parker's contribution to Christmas Ship shipment two drygoods boxes clothing, dressgoods, toys, games, dolls, etc., given by school children. Some children wrote Christmas notes. Approximately 300 articles. Some cash subscriptions, spent for clothing . — Press-Leader . Peoria, 111.: Sent ten big drygoods boxes. About 3,000 in- dividual gifts. Minimum value, about $2,000. Money collected, $101. — Journal. Philadelphia, Pa.: The Child Federation, acting for us, has shipped to the Bush Terminal 175 cases, making two carloads, for Christmas Ship. Several additional packages sent by express. Cases include 116,732 individual gifts. Four cases containing toys; others new clothing for children, from birth to sixteen years. Shoes, stockings, coats, suits, dresses, sweaters, knit hoods, baby outfits, hats, etc. — North American. Pipestone, Minn.: Pipestone's two Christmas Ship boxes con- tained gifts for 200. Women's and children's sweaters, shoes, mufflers, caps, mittens, etc. No candy or toys in shipment. All new articles bought at stores day of shipment. — County Star. Pittsburgh, . Pa. : Pittsburgh sends 35,000 gifts. — Press. Portland, Ore. : Sent Union Pacific baggage car filled to capacity. New clothing, toys, candy, and fruit. — Journal. Prairie du Chien, Wis. : Goods sent were one big box of clothing and $10 cash. No individual presents. — Courier. Racine, Wis.: Boxes; about 30 individual gifts; toys, clothes, and some money. — Journal. Rio, Wis. : Shipped one box car clothing and toys. — Badger Blade. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 315 Rock Island, 111. : Rock Island shipped out 500 pounds of goods, consisting of first-class material, and sent a contribution of $232 in cash. — Argus. Salt Lake City, Utah: Salt Lake and Utah sent sixteen packing cases, about four feet square and weighing 3,002 pounds, or about one third carload. Gifts mostly clothing, shoes, socks, and other useful articles; nimiber not available. — Herald-Republican. San Francisco, Cal. : Four largest sized baggage cars filled. Eleven great truck loads first consignment. Quarter million individual gifts. Five hundred and twenty packing cases clothing, toys, blankets, etc. School children alone gave 100,000 gifts. Offerings came from social, civic, and religious organizations, individuals, and schools. — Chronicle. Sioiix Falls, S.D.: Total shipment by Press from Sioiix Falls about one car. South Dakota probably sent four cars. Sioux Falls shipments mainly clothing, stockings, mittens, caps, etc. About 5,000 articles. — Press. Stoughton, Wis.: This city of 5,000 has raised a cash fimd of $509-55 • In addition received numerous contributions of children's case ents. Shipped five boxes clothing, shoes, and blankets and one garmof condensed milk. No other soliciting campaign ever met with such cordial response here. — Courier-Hub. St. Louis, Mo.: St. Louis sent $5,000 carload to Christmas Ship. Must be about 750 individual presents in sixty cases sent, containing toys, clothes, shoes, candies, canned fruits and vegetables, canned goods. Quite a favorite with St. Louis. — Republic. Syracuse, N.Y.: Syracuse Herald shipped hali carload substantial gifts, clothing, supplies; raised also $1,132.32 cash. About 375 cash gifts and 200 contributors clothing. Total contributors cash, probably 800, many giving together. — Herald. Sheboygan, Wis.: Fourteen large boxes shipped; number of gifts 500, mostly wearing apparel. — Press. Traer, Iowa: Tama County sent approximately $600 in cash and seven large boxes of merchandise, containing mostly bedding and clothing for women and children. Warm garments for children pre- dominate . — Star-Clipper . Terrell, Texas. Sent by Commercial Club at Terrell to Christmas Ship, 871 quart bags of peanuts; also $15 cash to Red Cross. — Com- mercial Club. Texarkana, Texas: Shipment for Christmas Ship gone forward from this city representing $1,000 in value. Represents offering from children of public schools, Sunday schools, and private families to- war orphans of Europe. — Texarkanian. Trenton, Mo. : Expressed 850 pounds, Adams Express to Chicago;, 3i6 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 240 pounds, American Express to Brooklyn. Ninety-eight per cent clothing. Sixteen hundred individual packages. Mailing approxi- mately $ 1 50. — Republican-Times. Waco, Texas: Waco sent 2,500 pounds pecans and peanuts, bulk of them in small packages, about 3,000 in number, and $102.82 in cash to the Christmas Ship. — Waco Morning News. Washington, D.C. : Washington's shipment filled one forty-foot car to capacity. One thirty-six-foot car goes Thursday. Approxi- mate weight 25,000 pounds. Ninety per cent of shipment is clothing of all lands for boys, girls, women; balance, toys; ten cases shoes included. Approximately 14,000 individual contributors, aside from those who gave cash. Clothing nearly all new. My instructions to contributors were if even single button was off garment article would be rejected. More than 50 per cent of all contributors expressed desire gifts be sent to Belgians. Am informed by Department of Commerce cash contributions of $1,100 is on way to Star from children of Hawaii. If it gets here in time will be used buying clothing, etc., in New York for Jason. — Daily Gazette. Worcester, Mass.: We have shipped two big freight carloads; Nov. 3 and 4 six to eight more cases went by express. Individual presents numlDered, we estimate, nearly 250,000, as 50,000 to 75,000 people took active part and every bundle or box contained very many gifts. General character of gifts excellent. Toys and great quantity of new wearing apparel, especially for babies and small jchildren. — Evening Post. CHAPTER XXXV How THE Enthusiasm of Pittsburgh Expressed Itself IF you were to read the story of the Christmas Ship work as it really took place in all the cities at once, my pages would be the size of a billiard table and we would use the parallel column system. I have saved the campaign of the Pittsburgh Press until the last, because I have a sense of dramatic values. It was most brilliant and spirited. Mr. W. H. McVicker was made Christmas Ship editor. He made such an excellent one that the Press sent him on to New York two weeks before the Jason sailed, and he sent back the most interesting of stories from there. Letters written by prominent persons to the Christmas Ship editor of the Pittsburgh Press: "I cordially approve of the Christmas Ship idea. I approve of anything that shows sorrow and sympathy for the unfortun- ate. These gifts, when sent, will do as much good for those who send them as for those who will receive them. The movement is one in which all should join. The little children of this coun- try who in this way are taught kindness to their little sisters and brothers who are in such misfortune, will benefit all their lives by the lesson. "Andrew Carnegie" "Your letter in connection with the Christmas Ship idea is now before me. I have read the letter of the originator of the plan. I am tremendously impressed by it. So much so that you can count on me to do all within my power to influence the children of my parish. I am also writing to thank the Christmas Ship editor of the Herald for her letter — which is really a sermon that searches one's heart and also demonstrates that we men who have given our lives to the ministry of the Greatest Friend 317 31 8 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP of the boys and girls — we have hardly begun to teach the chil- dren, while they are such, to practice acts of unselfishness. We have rather gone in the other direction — giving, giving, giving to the boys and girls, and thus stirring up their selfish tendencies. How can we expect the men and women of to-morrow to be con- siderate of others unless we materially change our tactics in dealing with the young under our care? The Christmas Ship idea is one of the greatest lessons that we can inculcate, "Very truly yours, "William Porkess, "Rector of Grace Episcopal Church" "Your letter relative to Christmas gifts for the children of Europe to hand. ' ' No greater thought ever took concrete form than that which engenders the good and friendly spirit toward the orphan child throughout Europe. It is an expression of love and sympathy born of a true heart, who long ago said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "With best wishes for a hearty and generous response to your noble appeal, I am, "Fraternally yours, " M. Arthur Spotts, "Pastor, St. Marks English Evangelical Lutheran Church" ' ' I have read the wonderfully effective letter of the Christmas Ship editor of the Herald and think it most admirable. " It is a happy thought to engage the enthusiastic interest of children by suggesting that they convert themselves into 'Kris Kringles,' and thus bring joy to countless hearts on the birthday of Him who took little children in His arms and blessed them. "Very truly yours, "COURTLAND WHITEHEAD, "Bishop of Pittsburgh" "It will glorify the childhood and brotherhood of man, and the Prince of Peace in a sentence 'writ in water' clear across THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 319 the sea. But the writing will stand to all eternity in civilization and in God's book of remembrance. "John Royal Harris, "Pastor, Shady Ave. Presbyterian Church" "The idea of sending a ship full of toys, clothing, and gifts of all kinds to the children of Europe made orphans by the war, is certainly a beautiful idea, and should bring happiness and blessing in its train. Every child who helps make the load of the Christmas Ship bigger will realize an additional happiness from the happiness he or she is bringing to the dear little orphan. ' ' God bless this Christmas Ship ! May it do more good than even its promoters anticipate. "Mrs. John H. Armstrong, "President, Congress of Women's Clubs of Western Pennsylvania" "A ship full of toys from America's children to Europe's orphans — 't is a happy thought that must have been born in heaven right near the Prince of Peace. Yes, let the precious cargo be heavy — heavy as the good ship can bear — and may the angel of God's mercy attend and carry each gift to the soul that needs it most. "S. S. Baker, "Assistant District Superintendent" "Having read the appeal to the children of America, I am sure the Christmas Ship enterprise is one of the most humane that has been inaugurated in years. The Pittsburgh Press de- serves great credit for its prompt action in this great cause. "I am at your service to help this great movement with all my heart. "Yours humanely, "James S. Bell, "Supt., Western Pennsylvania Humane Society" 320 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "A shipload of toys sent by the happy, prosperous children of America to bring at least a ray of sunshine and a little Christ- mas cheer to thousands of children far across the sea! Truly the idea is a splendid one, and worthy of all commendation. All credit to the one who conceived the idea and to the great news- papers which are helping to carry it out. That it will be a grand success, no one who believes in the teachings of the Master can for a moment doubt. " H. L. Roberts, ''Secretary, The Animal Rescue League" "I have read the appeal to the children of America with much interest and not without emotion. " It is a beautiful idea, and one which I most heartily approve. I am sure that every child who sends a Christmas gift to the orphan children of Europe will receive as well as bestow a blessing. The plan appeals to me very strongly. "Frank W. Sneed, "Pastor, East Liberty Presbyterian Church" That the children of America should send toys and Christmas cheer to the little tots of foreign lands made desolate by the havoc of war is indeed a beautiful idea. By all means encourage the children to do this. It will serve as a never-to-be-forgotten lesson in sympathy, self-denial, and generosity, "Mrs. William D. Hamilton, "President, Twentieth Century Club" "Your letter, with that of the Christmas Ship editor of the Chicago Herald, was read before the executive board of the Pittsburgh Teachers' Association this week. They desire me to say that her plan, as well as yours, meets with their hearty approval. We shall be pleased to do all in our power, with the sanction of the board of control, to join you in teaching objectively the true Christmas spirit. "Cora Miller Fraser, "President, Pittsburgh Teachers' Association" THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 321 "The gracious and happy thought that prompted the Christmas Ship editor of the Chicago Herald to start a movement to provide Christmas cheer for the children of Europe made orphans by the war will certainly commend itself to all warm- hearted and noble-spirited men and women. It will give to our children an opportunity to learn the pleasure of giving, to awaken a sympathy for those in trouble, and to inculcate in them a love for peace. " ' There 's a space for good to bloom in Every heart of man or woman. ' "Very truly yours, " Chas. Reisfar, Jr., "Director, Dept. of Compulsory Attendance, Board of Public Education" "I have received a copy of Miss Lilian Bell's appeal 'To the Children of America,' announcing the fact that the children of America are about to send a ship full of toys and other Christ- mas gifts to the children of Europe made orphans by the war. "The letter, independent of its religious aspect, is one that awakens the tenderest sympathies of all humanity regardless of creed or color. It is a practical and tender suggestion of the common brotherhood of all mankind. "Yours sincerely, "JosiAH Cohen. "Judge of Common Pleas, Courts of Allegheny Co." "The nobleness of purpose that prompts such action thrills me. God speed the Christmas 'Ship of Love'! Here's my hand and heart to her who first conceived and suggested this Christ-like deed, and to the splendid Pittsburgh Press, for its hearty cooperation, thereby making it possible for the kindly disposed of this great city to respond, and yet be relieved of the burden that transportation of the gifts must surely impose during this terrible European war. ' ' Sincerely, "J. Alex. Agnew" 322 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "The Christmas Ship editor of the Chicago Herald should have the thanks of all lovers of children (and who does not love them?) for the happy thought of putting forth an idea that will bring joy untold to thousands of dear children across the seas. "All honor to the Pittsburgh Press and the other newspapers in the plan, for causing at least a ray of sunshine in those desolate homes. "Very truly yours, "Samuel Andrews, "Assistant District Superintendent" The following splendid letter came from Pittsburgh's mayor : "The Christmas Ship project of the Pittsburgh Press and two hundred other newspapers throughout the United States, by which one million or more war orphans of Europe will be made happy during the Yuletide season, is one of the grandest and most commendable enterprises ever originated. That it will meet with success is my earnest wish and belief. A more noble project would be hard to imagine, and it is not to be wondered that millions of children in this country are now at work in an unselfish endeavor to share some of their Christmas joys and happiness with the little tots across the great Atlantic. The indorsement of the plan and donation of a ship for the transportation of the gifts by the United States government is another proof of the hold this great project has taken on the hearts of our countrymen. "The Christmas Ship has my hearty cooperation, and I hope and believe it will form a binding tie between this country and those which are now in the throes of the greatest and most terrible war in the history of the world." In a private letter to me, Mr. McVicker has said that he never wrote on any subject which so stirred his enthusiasm as on the time he spent in New York watching the scenes at the Bush Terminal, and he was kind enough to express a wish that I, too, might have seen the wonderful sight. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 323 Mr. Bush also wrote me, saying the same, as did Mrs. Leonard Wood. But I am fortunate in having Mr. McVicker's stirring descriptions of the activities I can easily imagine I saw. I believe one of my chief regrets for not having been in New York to see my Christmas Ship sail was the fact that I could not view the flag, which was part of my vision on August the 27th, flying from the masthead under the Stars and Stripes, those two flags embodying the most complete idea of practical compassion a neutral nation has ever sent forth in the history of the world! Think of their meaning! The Stars and Stripes meant our country, free, at peace, and neutral; while the flag of the Christ- mas Ship, with its white ground for Peace, its gold star of Hope, and its motto, "Inasmuch," signified that the compassion every man, woman, and child felt for the innocent sufferers of the world's most useless and most terrible war had taken form, and under this blessed emblem was sailing forth over troubled seas, with danger on every side and even from the sky above, to shed its beneficence in every forgotten home on Christmas Day. What a sight the Christmas Ship must have been as she sailed away! This story of Mr. McVicker's, written on November 6, shows that the Lawtons got the full significance of the way the entire work had been done all over the country. "So rapid is the delivery of gifts for the war orphans of Europe, at the Bush Terminal, Brooklyn, that arrangements were completed to-day for an additional detail of forty United States soldiers from Fort Hamilton and a squad of one hundred marines from the Brooklyn Navy Yards. "When it was found that the detail of forty-eight privates and eight non-commissioned officers who were put to work yesterday was insufficient to handle all the presents. General Leonard Wood, commander of the Department of the East, was again appealed to with the above result. He went fur- ther in his offer, however, saying that should the ninety-six soldiers and one hundred marines prove too small a force. 324 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP as many more men as necessary would be detailed on the work, "Major F. H. Lawton, who is in charge of the soldiers working in the Bush Terminal, is of the energetic and tireless type of man best fitted for a project of this kind. Many years of his life have been devoted to similar enterprises. He was placed in charge of the relief work during the big San Francisco earthquake, and in 191 2 was sent to New Orleans by the govern- ment to look after and take care of the sufferers from the great flood of that year. He has seen service in all parts of the world, having taken part in the Spanish-American War, and the Boxer uprising in China, and for some time was stationed at the Panama Canal. "He is being ably assisted by his wife, who insists upon going to the Bush Terminal daily. From early morning until late at night she may be found among the packers, working with feverish energy. She was completely overcome this after- noon by a message discovered in one of the packages she opened, and was found by her husband softly weeping over the pitiful note pinned to a set of baby's garments. "Here is a message from the little inmates of the Home of the Friendless, East Park Way, Northside, who so unselfishly gave up their toys, their only possessions in the world, for the European war orphans. While unpacking and assembling some of the thirty-five thousand gifts sent here by the residents of Pittsburgh and surrounding towns through the Pittsburgh Press, the worn dolls and toys donated by the Northside waifs were found. The soldier who had unpacked the huge case immediately placed them on the pile of used articles, many of which it will be impossible to send abroad. "Finding them there, the writer immediately told Major Lawton the manner in which they had been sent, and the un- selfish sacrifice made by the little tots. The story touched the big heart of the grizzled warrior, and with his own hands he took the score of toys from the pile where they had been placed and deposited them in a packing box containing several hundred brand new toys which had been shipped in. " 'I wouldn't have had those toys left behind for anything THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 325 in the world,' said the major. 'In my estimation, that donation is the biggest and most valuable that has been received here to date. When I think of what great sacrifices those little waifs made, my heart is touched. I will personally see that the box in which they have been placed is among the first to be lowered into the hold of the Christmas Ship.' "Later in the evening, at the home of Major Lawton and his wife on Governors Island, Mrs. Lawton asked about the wonderful gift that came from Pittsburgh, her husband hav- ing told her the most valuable donation had been sent from the Steel City. When she heard of the sacrifices made by the little friendless children, prompted by a story of the Christ- mas Ship told them by a kind-hearted woman, she wept like a child. "Another touching incident came to light to-day. In 114th Street, New York, there resides a little girl whose mother is grievously ill. Owing to this, the little girl feared that the present she had prepared for a little war orphan might not be delivered in time to be placed on board the Christmas Ship. Getting up early to-day, she started downtown with the package safely tucked under her arm. Having only ten cents, she was unable to ride downtown, but walked the entire distance from 114th Street to the Battery. Here she inquired as to what ferry would take her to Bush Terminal in Brooklyn, and upon being directed to the 39th Street Station, she shoved five cents through the ticket window. She sank down on a bench on the ferry, completely exhausted. Arriving in Brooklyn, she went ashore and dragged her weary feet to the Bush Terminal, and handed her gift over to Major Lawton. "She then started to return, but after making a few steps she sank down upon the packing cases with which the place is strewn and began to cry. When asked as to the cause of her sorrow she told what she had done. In an instant at least a hundred men offered her carfare to return, which she refused. After much persuasion, however, she accepted ten cents to use for carfare from the Battery to her home. To-night there is no doubt that she is the happiest little girl in Greater New York." 326 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP I find that I get just as excited in re-reading for the ninth or tenth time the stories I am using in this book as I used to be when I was working day and night on the original story of the Christmas Ship. It never loses its charm for me — never grows stale — and I can cry just as hard over its pathos to-day, and whenever I read it, as I did when everything was news which must be got into to-day's paper or it would be a gray -headed left-over, twenty-four hours old, and therefore suitable only for monthly magazines, or a bound book! Here is another of Mr. McVicker's excellent written articles^ dated November 7 : "It is quite impossible to describe the enormous quantity of articles that has been sent here and the work entailed in preparing them for transportation. Hundreds of soldiers, marines. Red Cross workers, and Bush Terminal employees are working in day and night shifts. It is true that rapid prog- ress is being made, but many additional consignments are being received from every part of the country. These are coming from persons who delayed until the very last moment, and with a smaller force at work it would be impossible to send them all abroad. For this reason word is being sent out to all the newspapers that took part in the project to tell their readers to discontinue sending gifts. There are at present as many articles as can be stowed on board the huge collier, and it is quite im- possible to send more than one cargo of gifts to the war orphans. "There arrived from Texas to-day case after case of pecans and peanuts tied up in new stockings. There were easily ten thousand quarts of nuts wrapped up in this manner. Another huge box was opened, and found to contain three thousand soft collars. A new baby buggy was also received. In a new roasting pan was found a whole smoked ham, while in another was found a side of bacon. Two huge bags of onions were also delivered, and ten sacks of flour. "The soldiers taking care of the unpacking of articles are perhaps the happiest workers in the terminal. Each instant THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 327 they are receiving surprises. The toys that come to Hght are of every imaginable variety. In some packages are found hundreds of marbles, while there are many boxes filled to the top with games. There have been received about ten thousand dolls, most of which are provided with two or more complete changes of costume. A huge Teddy bear was delivered yesterday, and later a hobby horse as big as a fair-sized pony was brought in by an express wagon. ' ' A package of eleven letters was received in a box of presents sent in by little girls residing in Ridgway, Pennsylvania. In these letters to the war orphans were inclosed clean sheets of correspondence paper, which may be used by the little sufferers in answering the notes of their kind sisters in America. In order that nothing should prevent their letters being answered, they have also inclosed international stamp coupons which, upon being presented at any foreign post office, will allow the bearer sufficient postage to send a letter to America. "The half holiday enjoyed by many workers to-day was taken advantage of, and the Bush Terminal warehouses were filled with visitors. Many prominent men and women strolled about the large storerooms for hours. Those in charge of the work received much praise for the able manner in which the millions of articles were being handled. So great did the crowd become during the latter part of the afternoon that Major Lawton detailed several soldiers to do nothing else than keep the visitors out of the way of the workers and to answer their questions. "Following the call issued several days ago for the donation of Christmas trees to be used in decorating the Christmas Ship, several were sent in to-day. Many more are expected, and when the Jason steams down New York harbor on its way to Europe, it will be properly decorated. There will be room for several hundred of these trees, many of which will be tied to the masts and rigging. " 'I am the happiest man in the world!' said President Bush after looking over the monster piles of articles received. Any person who could look upon this wonderful collection of gifts 328 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP and not be thrilled with the unselfish sacrifice that prompted them is not human. The very fact that I was able to help this enterprise just a little is enough to give me happiness.' "The scene at the Bush Terminal to-day was beyond descrip- tion; the horde of soldiers, marines, Red Cross workers, and warehouse employees seemed to work in an almost frantic manner, yet there was absolutely no confusion. The wonderful system inaugurated by Major Lawton has been proved the only feasible one that could have been used in handling such a tremendous amount of gifts. Many more wives of United States army officers stationed at Governors Island and in New York City had offered their services, and the following have been busily engaged to-day in sorting and packing: Mrs. Wood, wife of General Leonard Wood, commander of the Department of the East; Mrs. Black, wife of Colonel William Black of the United States engineering department, and her sister, Mrs. George Young of New York City ; Mrs. Truby, wife of Major Truby of the United States medical department; Mrs. Lawton, wife of Major Lawton; Mrs. Dorey, wife of Captain Dorey, who is an aide to General Wood; Mrs. Smith, wife of Chaplain Smith, stationed at Gov- ernors Island; Mrs. Glenn, wife of Colonel Glenn, who is chief of staff under General Wood, and their daughter. Miss Glenn; Mrs. Ballinger, wife of Colonel Ballinger of the United States quartermaster's department; Mrs. Saltzman, wife of Major Saltzman, and Mrs. Wells, whose husband is Captain Wells. "A man arrived here to-day with a cable money order for $1,595, sent by the children of Hawaii to be used in purchasing warm clothing for European war orphans. "Countless visitors wended their way to the Bush Terminal to-day, and many left with tears streaming down their faces. The soldiers who are working here, many of whom are used to heart-rending scenes of all kinds and who might be expected to be hardened, seem to be greatly affected. They are gluttons for work, and are seemingly tireless. As soon as one duty has been performed they report to the one in charge of the squad in which they are placed and are directed to do something else." The best description of the Jason that any newspaper carried THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 329 was the following, which appeared in the Pittsburgh Press, written by Mr. McVicker on November 10: "A giant among pigmies. "This was the impression I received yesterday when I had my first glimpse of the United States collier Jason, the vessel desig- nated by Josephus Daniels, secretary of the United States navy, as the Christmas Ship which will carry across the Atlantic Ocean the millions of gifts for the war orphans. "There she rode at anchor, one of the five largest colliers in the world, surrounded by five torpedo boats, six torpedo-boat destroyers, and the submarine E-2. In fact, the only vessels near to which she could be compared were the dreadnaughts Florida and Wyoming. After getting permission to go on board, I was turned over to an officer who, when he was made aware of my mission, fairly bubbled over with delight and went to no end of trouble explaining the wonderful mechanism of the huge vessel. To a 'landlubber,' every step revealed something more wonderful than that preceding. "First we inspected the hold, which is so deep that in it were stowed eight thousand tons of coal, which the Jason will carry to the battleships Tennessee and North Carolina, stationed in foreign waters. "No part of the vessel was overlooked. After descending from the bridge we went below to the engine room, where the tremendous motive power necessary to force the vessel through the water is generated. Then we went down three more flights of iron stairs to the stoke and boiler rooms, which are twenty-five feet below the surface of the water. The huge propeller shafts were pointed out, each as thick as a man's body. In this room the heat reaches 160 degrees when the ship is in motion, and the stokers are able to work but a few minutes at a time. "In addition to the long-distance wireless system, the Jason boasts of a complete telephone system connecting every part of the huge boat. From the bridge the officer in charge is able to increase or diminish the speed of the boat at will, by means of complicated mechanism. The Jason is propelled by twin screws, each independent of the other. If one of these is put out of 22 330 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP commission, then the other is put into service. A speed of sixteen knots, almost twenty miles an hour, can be maintained with both screws working. It is expected that the coming voy- age will take a little over ten days, with the vessel averaging about twelve and one-half knots an hour, twenty-four hours each day. "The Jason can carry fifteen thousand tons cargo and one million gallons of oil. It is five hundred and thirty-six feet in length, sixty feet wide, and forty feet in depth, and draws thirty- two feet of water. It is practically new, having been put in commission last year. Shortly after it was built, in 191 2, it was damaged by an explosion of three hundred tons of dynamite on board a Danish craft at anchor in Chesapeake Bay, near Baltimore. The Jason has seen active service, being stationed at Vera Cruz during the recent Mexican trouble. From Vera Cruz it was ordered to Tuxpan, and carried two hundred and seventy-two refugees to New Orleans. It returned to Vera Cruz, and carried Consul Stillman to Norfolk, Virginia. It was stationed at the latter place four months, and then ordered to the Brooklyn Navy Yards to carry coal to United States battleships abroad and gifts to the war orphans of Europe. ' ' Its crew of thirteen officers and one hundred and four seamen are overjoyed with the mission ahead of them. On every hand are seen smiling, boyish faces, and the main subject of conversa- tion is the coming journey. "To describe the many gifts received here would be quite impossible, but they are as varied as numerous. A farmer in Indiana sent several barrels of cabbages. A local merchant donated a case of grapejuice, while scores of barrels of apples are on hand. Candy has arrived by the crate. Perhaps the oddest present received at the terminal in Brooklyn was an organ. Just what good this instrument will do the little sufferers who have neither clothes nor roofs to shelter them has not yet been fathomed, but the intentions of the donor were the best and the organ will probably be placed on board the Christmas Ship. Nothing that has been sent here will be destroyed or allowed to go to waste. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 331 "The Alliance, a Panama steamer, arrived here yesterday with two large cases of toys for the Christmas Ship. These were donated by the children of the Isthmus of Panama. ''From every comer of the world the presents come to fill the Christmas Ship." And at the very last came this letter: "My dear Miss Bell: "Every day I read your column about the Christmas Ship, and I am so interested. I think it is just splendid to think of making the poor suffering people of Europe a little happy. "I am a hard-working girl, fifteen years old, and I send you one dollar hoping it will make some one happy. It is n't very much, but I give it with all my heart, and hope it will help along. "Maris" You give it with all your heart, do you, my dear child? Yes, and doubtless, you dear hard-working girl of fifteen, you give it with your straining back and your toil- worn fingers as well ! How much does one dollar represent to this child — earning her living at fifteen? What she has denied herself in order to send this precious dollar to her less fortunate sisters on the other side, no human eye may see, and the glory of her giving is expressed in the wording of her letter. I consider this a very blessed dollar. Maris, and I wish I might tell the one who receives it what it represents. Go! Brave little dollar! Carry your message of love to some suffering child, and tell your story — if you can. "It isn't very much, but I give it with all my heart!" " Inasmuch! What ye do for the least one of these! Inasmuch! Ye have done it for Me!" CHAPTER XXXVI Contains the Most Touching Incident of the Entire Campaign I HAVE often been asked what touched my heart the most in my work for the Christmas Ship. I can give the answer unhesitatingly. It is tacked on to a telegram from Minneapolis. It came late; no one featured it. It got neither headlines nor capitals, but to my mind it was the sweetest and most touching incident of the campaign. One child, hoping to conceal from some sad-hearted little orphan of the war that her daddy would never come home any more, marked her offering "From Father!" — the sweetest thought any loving little heart could put forth. "From Father!" Here is the telegram containing it: "Thousands of contributions were sent from Minneapolis to-night to the Christmas Ship carrying the spirit of good fellow- ship from the people of this city to the war sufferers. It is estimated a total of sixteen thousand gifts will be sent from this city. "Christmas cheer in large and small packages poured into the ship headquarters on the first floor of the McKnight Building to-day in a continuous stream from early morning until the closing hour at noon. Packages, boxes, and cash contributions were received from Kensington, Olivia, Albert Lea, and Detroit, Minnesota. "Those in charge were highly gratified over the showing, particularly with the practical usefulness of everjrthing received. Clothing constituted the greater part of the offerings, largely for children, and new. One fifth was toys. "In order to reach the Christmas Ship before sailing time it was necessary to stop receiving contributions by noon. A packing force has been working all day, and to-night the boxes were started toward their destination. 332 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 333 "Scores of children brought their own toys. One little girl carried a small bundle wrapped in brown paper. Three sides of the package bore this inscription, 'For a girl,' and on a Christmas card tied to it was a note reading, 'From Father.'" I wish I knew the name of the child in whose heart that tender thought was born. The last story I wrote for my Christmas Ship was the following : For three months the men of Europe have done little but mobilize for fighting! For two months the women of America have done little but mobilize for blessing! War broke out the first of August, On the 27th of August, at four o'clock in the afternoon, the idea of a Christmas Ship was born, and on September 7 the news of its birth was published to the world. Then began the most peaceful mobilization of the greatest number of women and children the world has ever witnessed. And could we keep the men out? Not by any means whatsoever! They declared themselves "in" from the very first. And with the customary chivalry of American men, they put the women in front of the movement, while they stood modestly back and only helped lift. The Christmas Ship army has made a wonderful picture on the world's canvas. It has written a marvelous chapter in the world's history. It has graven a golden image in the minds of the universe. From far and near ; from hamlet to city ; from merchant prince to the poor, the imprisoned, the crippled, the blind; from the society woman, silken shod, to the barefoot urchin on the farm; from the church to the jail, and from the school to the alms- house have come the myriads of volunteers to our women's mobilization for peace. "You are mobilizing! We know it!" was the cry of fear one ^reat nation thundered to another at the outbreak of the war. To-day ten thousand newspapers, printed in every language. 334 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP use the same words in heralding the saihng of the Christmas Ship — the cry of war-torn Europe to the smihng hordes of America's women and children. "You are mobilizing! We know it! And we bless God that it is so!" Oh, you men, women, and children of compassionate hearts who have laden the Christmas Ship ! More than forty centuries look down to-day upon your noble work! Millions of human hearts, so sore and wounded that no human pen can estimate their pain, are turning toward you to-day in gratitude. Streaming eyes and piteous, clasped hands are lifted heavenward, calling down numberless blessings on your heads, for the Christmas Ship soon sails! Marvel of the century she is. No such ship ever sailed before — none ever will sail again. Laden with smiles, good will, and happiness, sent by a nation at peace to the children of nations at war, destined to dry the orphans' tears and to send its beacon light into darkened homes now cold and desolate! The ship will sail — a Christ idea — bearing not only its cargo of earthly comfort, but to all who have the seeing eye and the hearing ear its loftier mission of heavenly healing, fulfilling the sacred promise : "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. ' ' For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes ! ' ' Dear Christmas Ship ! Godspeed ! America's dream of the Christmas Ship has become a reality ! Less than ten weeks have elapsed since the Herald first announced that it would send a Christmas Ship loaded with the gifts of American children to Europe's war-made orphans. And now our work is over. The children of America have responded more liberally than even the most optimistic of us had dared dream. But, much as we are sending, there is the knowledge that it is only an indication of the broader compassion which lies back ^f the Christmas Ship movement. Our nation has only begun THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 335 its beneficent work for the relief of the stricken women and children of Europe. The Christmas Ship is the first. It has served to call the attention of the world to what may be done. But it will not be the last. For, springing out of the Chicago Herald's campaign of beneficence, will come a myriad of other philanthropic plans for the amelioration of the condition of the orphans of the war. Other newspapers all over the country will inaugurate charitable undertakings, until to America all of suffering Europe will turn as sick children creep into the arms of a tender mother. For America is maternal. She has the mother heart. There never has been a disaster or calamity anywhere that the United States has not led the world in ameliorating the distress. And so the Christmas Ship leads! Filled by the children of a nation at peace, safe, sheltered, happy, and well cared for, it sails to the relief of a dozen nations who daily make the plight of their children more pitiable. The Christmas Ship is literally the only ray of light in the darkness of the orphan's night. So with tears in our eyes and an ache in our hearts we watch it sail. But we are smiling through our tears ! We have labored faithfully that others may reap what we have sowed. Sail quickly, dear Christmas Ship! For your coming will ease the pain in many a heart ! There 's a sail on the sea that 's a stranger to all Of the warrior ships there at bay. She speaks from afar, and they answer her call And salute as she goes on her way. For the flag that she flies is as white as a dove, With the gold star of Hope for its crest, And the word "Inasmuch" is the message of love That she bears to the nations oppressed. "Inasmuch! What ye do for the least one of these ! Inasmuch ! Ye have done it for me ! " Oh, bravely this flag is afloat in the breeze. For this ship has no Joe on the sea! CHAPTER XXXVII . Final Preparations I WANTED to do in Chicago what San Francisco, Cleveland, Washington, and many other cities had done — have a band and an escort of soldiers and a squad of mounted police to carry the shipment of gifts to the Pugh Terminal. In short, I not only wanted a parade in Chicago but I wanted to give the Christmas Ship a dramatic send-off in New York. I wanted General Wood to lend us some regulars from Fort Hamilton, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard to send a fine showing of United States marines; I wanted New York and Brooklyn to join in a celebration, fitting the wonderful voyage of the Christ- mas Ship. I wanted half a dozen bands and Mayor Mitchell. I wanted all the editors of all the papers who had made the cam- paign so wonderful to be invited to New York a day before the sailing, and I wanted a banquet and toasts and speeches. I wanted all these editors to be gathered into a private car and sent in a proper manner to and from New York, and if I had been turned loose I could have managed every bit of this plan and more. I kept thinking, "What would England do if she were sending a Christmas Ship to us?" She would have every band, every bit of gold lace, every uniform in the land, and every picturesque official from the Lord Mayor up to the king, or his personal representative ! Trust England to seize on a dramatic opportunity! So I wrote to Mr. Irving G. Bush and Mrs. Leonard Wood. "Do something," I wailed. "Invite the mayor! Get a band! Send some soldiers ! Decorate the Jason. Don't let my beautiful Christmas Ship sneak out into the ocean like an old scow! " And Mr. Bush bestirred himself, and sent me letters and telegrams saturated with soothing sirup, telling me that every- thing should be done which was humanly possible. 336 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 337 I wanted to have a parade that would block traffic. I never think anything is much good unless it can block traffic ! The following log of the Christmas Ship appeared on the front page of the Herald in large type : "Ten weeks ago to-day the Herald published Miss Lilian Bell's message 'To the Children of America.' Seventy days have elapsed and the Christmas Ship has passed from the Port of Dreams to the Land of Reality. "Its cargo is unique in the history of the seas. A million children of a nation at peace are its consignors; seven million children of seven nations at war its consignees. "Deep in its hold and high on its decks are piled its seven million gifts. "In the gathering of this great cargo, the value of which probably exceeds two million dollars, two hundred and twelve American newspapers united. Forty -four great railway systems and six big express companies transported this cargo to the seaboard. From Alberta and Saskatchewan they gathered it; from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine; from cities and towns and villages in every state in the Union; and from the Hawaiian Islands and Porto Rico, from Mexico and Cuba. "Private citizens and public officials, schools, counties, cities, and towns, departments of the national government, churches, Sunday schools, fraternal organizations, prisoners in penitentiaries, lonely women in institutional homes, lighthouse tenders, people of the mansions, people of the tenements, chil- dren of the rich and children of the poor and hungry — these gave the gifts with which the ship was freighted. "To attempt to reduce the result of their efforts to statistical, form would be almost sacrilege. "The total amount of cash contributions received for the Christmas Ship was $42,862.38. ' ' So far nearly seventy thousand articles of wearing apparel have been purchased by the Herald with money sent in for the Christmas Ship fund. Thousands more will be purchased Monday with money that has come in at the last moment. 338 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "These goods were purchased in Chicago and have been for- warded to the Bush Terminal in Brooklyn, where they are being loaded aboard the United States collier Jason — the Christmas Ship." Things went with such a rush from this time on that it almost took people's breath away. This was in the Herald on November 2 : "All the resources of the government are being placed behind the Christmas Ship movement. Instructions have been given by the State Department to all American representatives accred- ited to belligerent European countries to take necessary measures for the reception and distribution of gifts. "Cablegrams have been sent to the various governments announcing the coming of the Jason on its mission of comfort and cheer, and requesting them to permit the vessel to enter the ports designated with the usual courtesies extended to a naval vessel of the United States. "This is a purely formal notification to prevent any embarrass- ment in connection with the arrival of a foreign man-of-war in the nation of a belligerent country. "As all the governments have announced that they would gratefully accept gifts of the American children for the orphans of the war, it is expected that without delay cablegrams will come back stating that the Jason will be admitted with pleasure." To the American charge d'affaires in Petrograd, and other foreign representatives of the United States the Acting Secretary of State, Robert Lansing, sent the following instructions : "Charles S. Wilson, Esq., American charge d'affaires, Petrograd. ' ' Sir : It doubtless has come to your knowledge that through a movement initiated by the United States the children of the United States are engaged in contributing Christmas gifts to the children made orphans by the war in Europe. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 339 "Arrangements have been made by the Secretary of the Navy to have the gifts carried to Europe on the collier Jason, which will touch at Falmouth, England ; Bordeaux or Marseilles, France; Genoa, Italy, and Salonika, Greece. "The department is informed that, through an arrangement made by the committee in charge with the British ambassador at Washington, the British government will receive the gifts for Russia and convey them to Bergen, Norway ; and the department has authorized the American ministers in Norway and Sweden to apply informally to the Norwegian and Swedish governments respectively on behalf of the committee for the free transportation of the gifts from Bergen to the Finnish border. ' ' This generous and beneficent action on the part of the chil- dren of the United States doubtless will being comfort and pleas- ure to many households, and the department feels confident you will take pleasure in giving your cooperation in the proper way. "I am, sir, your obedient servant, "Robert Lansing, "Acting Secretary of State" Thus everything was done by the government to see that the Christmas Ship gifts should arrive at their various destinations. "Before the Bush Terminal, where soldiers and sailors are sorting gifts for the war orphans of Europe, a large group of chil- dren gathered to-day," wrote Mr. McVickers on November 8. "'Mister, give me one of them beautiful dolls,' urgently asked one little girl. " 'I can't do it. Don't you know what the gifts are for?' " 'Yes, sir; but one won't be missed,' — this tentatively. " 'And would you deprive a little girl who has lost her father of a single one of the things upstairs ? ' " 'Oh, go on. Mister. I was only kiddin' you. I got a father, and they ain't.' "A bluejacket found among the toys one of the devices which, when blown up, unrolls about two feet and curls up as soon as the air is exhausted. 340 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP '"I'll bet that'll open a kid's eyes,' he said delightedly as he packed it away. "Mrs. Leonard Wood, wife of the commanding general of the, military Department of the East, and other ladies from Governors Island spent to-day in sorting several hundred boxes. 'Look at this beautiful stuff,' exclaimed Mrs. Wood, as she ran her hand through a pile made up of woolen sweaters, dresses, underwear, and stockings. ' Think of the comfort that will bring ! ' "These are a few of the incidents which took place to-day in the huge rooms where the sorting and repacking are in progress. It is wonderful how quickly the work is progressing. This is due; in large measure to the careful way in which the donors packed their gifts, and again to the industry of the soldiers and sailors.. The former are hustling on the second, the latter on the third floor. On the fourth floor are dumped the boxes ready to be carted away and placed in the Christmas Ship. Thousands upon thousands of packages wrapped in paper came by parcels post and express. Necessarily, these had to be placed in boxes according to their character. "For purposes of sorting these general divisions were made: toys, children's clothing, women's clothing, men's clothing, caps and hats, shoes, blankets and material of similar character, and foodf stuffs. "To look at the thousands of big boxes, the contents of many of which are a mystery until opened, it seems only a hopeless task to sort the gifts. Mrs. Wood said to-day that it was a stupendous task, and it is. But there are willing workers. The soldiers and sailors, equipped with nail pullers, saws, and hammers, attack a section of boxes as they would an enemy. During the lunch hour a soldier and sailor engaged in a bragging match. "'Why, we can eat you alive,' said the Jackie. 'We can do two boxes while you are beginning on one.' '"Ah, say,' responded the soldier, 'before you get down from the Navy Yard in the morning we have done more than you do the whole day long.' "The truth of the matter is, that the spirit of the Christmas THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 341 Ship movement has entered into the souls of both detachments. They manifest the greatest interest in the work. One of them will put a bonnet jauntily on his head and strut around for a minute or two for the enjoyment of his comrades and, the play over, will tuck the hat carefully into a box and then fall to with greater zeal. "Another will play a popular air on a mouth organ, while waiting for another box to be opened, and set the hammers going in unison. There is no drudgery. There is joy in the doing. The natural result is dispatch amidst a great cheerfulness. There is joy packed in every box along with the contents." This appeared in the Herald on November 8 : "The question of how the gifts intended for Russia are to reach their destination has been happily settled during the day. It will be recalled that the original plan called for the transporta- tion of these gifts on the Jason to Falmouth, England. At this point they were to be transhipped to an English man-of-war and conveyed to Bergen, Norway. The Norwegian and Swedish governments had agreed to furnish free transportation from Bergen to the Finnish frontier. "The danger from floating mines, however, caused the British government reluctantly to come to the conclusion that it could not transport the gifts. The Herald thereupon was forced to seek another avenue for reaching Russia. It was found that the Russian- American Steamship Company was still operating. An appeal to this company produced an immediate willingness to supply free transportation on the steamer Korsk, which will sail November 18 for Archangel. "That is to say, the Russian gifts will go through the Arctic Ocean, down the White Sea, to the far northern port. The Korsk will be forced to go through fields of Arctic ice, but the way will be made easy by the ice-breaker which will be sent to meet her. Upon the arrival of the Korsk at Archangel, the gifts will be unloaded and sent by rail to Petrograd. From that point the distribution all over Russia will be made. "It will take the Korsk two weeks to reach Archangel. As 342 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP the Russian Christmas is thirteen days later than that in the United States and other Christian countries of western Europe, the Red Cross society in Russia will have ample time to prepare distribution of the gifts on Christmas Day." ' ' Lieutenant-Commander Courteney prepared a memorandum to-day of the wonderful cargo on the Christmas Ship, and here is what it said: ' ' ' There are ten thousand cases aboard, and this is what they hold: Fourteen cars of children's clothing, five cars of women's clothing; one car of men's clothing; five cars of toys; two cars of shoes ; two cars of foodstuffs ; one car containing thirteen thousand dollars' worth of merchandise bought in New York; twenty-three cars of miscellaneous merchandise; twenty-nine cars of assorted goods — a total of eighty-two carloads of Christmas presents! There are about eighteen carloads of small packages, making the total number of Christmas presents placed on the Jason an even one hundred carloads of Christmas happiness,'" CHAPTER XXXVIII Description of Sailing Taken from the "New York World" NEVER did a ship sail from this port with so many good wishes and words of praise as did the U.S.S. Jason, the World Santa Claus Ship, which is now on her way to Europe with a cargo of Christmas presents from the people of the United States to the more than a million children who have lost their fathers on the battle fields of the war. Thousands of men, women, and children flocked to the wharf of Norton, Lilly & Company, at the Bush Terminal, Brooklyn, early yesterday. There the big naval collier had been loading Christmas gifts for a week. Shortly after nine o'clock a steamer brought women and officers from Governors Island who had worked hard to make the Santa Claus undertaking a great success. First came Major F. H. Lawton of the quartermaster department, who earned untold credit in having the Christmas cargo of the Jason handled and put aboard. Commander Courteney went to the gangway to give hearty greeting to a little blue-eyed woman. She was Mrs. William Draper, head of the Red Cross Society in this city, who has looked after the welfare of the Christmas Ship with the keenest interest. When the Jason reaches European ports, representatives of the Red Cross Society will distribute its cargo. All this time men, women, and children climbed the gang- plank and the Jason was thick with "shore folks" eying every- thing aboard the first real Christmas Ship. The pier swarmed with detectives sent from Brooklyn headquarters, and many uniformed policemen were on hand; but they had nothing to do. While the band was playing the police boat Patrol brought the official representatives of the city, who had been sent by Mayor Mitchell to wish the Jason and her officers and crew Godspeeds 343 344 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Mayor Mitchell was detained in Philadelphia, but had delegated his secretary, Theodore Rousseau, to act for him. On the Patrol were Mr. and Mrs. Rousseau and Miss Herta Fremerey, President McAneny of the Board of Aldermen and Mrs. McAneny and their son Arnold; Borough President Mc- Cormack of Richmond; Dock Commissioner Smith; President Bishop of the Iron Steamboat Company, at whose pier. No. i North River, the World established the largest receiving station for donations; Bridge Commissioner Kraacke; H. O. Beatty; Fire Commissioner Adamson; President Irving T. Bush of the Bush Terminal, who gave to the Santa Claus Ship, free of charge, all his big plant afforded; and S. S. Norton, of Norton, Lilly & Co., who had given free use of the dock where the ship was loaded. In the train of these came an army of ordinary photographers and moving-picture makers. In the cabin Secretary Rousseau, in behalf of the mayor, addressed the assemblage. "I am very sorry indeed," said Mr. Rousseau, "that Mayor Mitchell cannot be with us. Before leaving this city, however, he instructed me to say to you, Commander Courteney, to you, Captain Meriwether, and to all the officers and the crew of this ship, that he wished them all Godspeed and a safe and pleasant voyage across the Atlantic. "He also wanted me to thank all those who have aided in making this grand undertaking a success; he wishes to express to the World and to the other newspapers that have worked for Admiral Santa Claus his highest appreciation. Mayor Mitchell told me that it was his desire that President McAneny should represent him upon this occasion." Mr. McAneny said that, as acting mayor, it gave him the greatest pleasure to bid Godspeed to the ship in the name of the City of New York. "Back of this great enterprise," said Mr. McAneny, "was the beautiful thought of a woman and the energy of a man. It was a beautiful thought that in the midst of the horror of war the little children should not have been forgotten. We must thank the Red Cross for what it has done for this THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 345 undertaking, and we must thank our own New York World, of which we are justly proud, for having such an important place in this blessed work. "We wish you Godspeed, and we trust your reception on the other side will be as great as the farewell we accord you here, and that this wonderful cargo which you carry shall reach every- body, no matter how distant, to make Christmas just what it ought to be." Commissioner Smith, Mr. Rousseau, and Major Lawton succeeded in dragging Mrs. Draper forward. ' ' It has been possible for the American Red Cross to share in the work of getting the Christmas Ship loaded and ready for sea," said Mrs. Draper. "This ship will meet with the proper Christmas spirit. When Admiral Ward came back with the Red Cross ship he told me everybody on the other side wanted to help, and even the stevedores who unloaded the cargo she carried would not accept pay. We in New York are happy that it came to us to do our small share in this big work." Finally the big siren of the Patrol, which had taken off the official guests, was blown as a farewell to the Christmas Ship. Then came the hardest work, to get the visitors ashore. The children, especially, did not want to go ashore. "If we could only sail with Santa Claus," they pleaded. Finally the decks were cleared, and a few minutes after noon the Jason cast off her lines, and amid the blowing of steam whistles and cheers from thousands on the piers, and the music of the band, the World Christmas Ship pulled into midstream and headed for the sea on her voyage of mercy and happiness, flying the flag of the greatest admiral — Santa Claus. The President of the United States sent the following message to the U.S.S. Jason, "The Children's Christmas Ship": "The White House, Washington, D.C., November 14. — My best wishes for a safe voyage. May the good ship carry comfort and relief to the distressed and suffering. "WooDROw Wilson" 23 346 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Now I quote from the account Mr. W. B. McVicker sent to the Pittsburgh Press. "Amid the strains of martial music, the shrill blasts of hundreds of whistles, the tolling of bells, and the shouts of thousands of persons, the U.S.S. Jason — the Christmas Ship — laden with millions of gifts for the war orphans of Europe, donated by the children of America, was slowly pulled away from pier No. i. Bush Terminal, Brooklyn, at 12:08 p.m. to-day by six tugs, and started down New York harbor on the first lap of her journey across the Atlantic Ocean. "Never before in the history of the world has a ship started across the ocean under similar circumstances and on a similar journey, and its departure was marked with fitting ceremony. "Old and young, rich and poor, had contributed presents with which her hold was filled. From start to finish the pro- ject, through which the million or more war orphans will be comforted and made happy, was a tremendous success. Nearly every city, town, and hamlet in this great country of ours responded to the appeal of the little sufferers with the result that the Jason, one of the largest colliers in the world, started on her journey loaded to the hatches. "Such a departure as made by the Christmas Ship was never before witnessed in New York or in any other place in the world, it is believed. Thousands of persons crowded to pier No. i, at which the Jason was moored. Many of them arrived early in the morning, seeking points of vantage where they could witness the departure of the history-making vessel. At 9 A.M. visitors were allowed aboard and, in a few minutes the huge collier, one of the five largest in the world, was a mass of humanity. Shortly after 10 a.m. good-byes were said and all but officers and crew were forced to leave, and a short time later the vessel was towed out into New York harbor. "As the Christmas Ship slowly left the pier, the band, composed of fifty pieces, struck up the 'Stars and Stripes,' and in an instant every man present, including the officers and sailors on the Jason, had bared his head. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 347 "There they stood, thousands of hatless men! Down the faces of many streamed tears, and they were unashamed. Women sobbed aloud, while the children wildly cheered and clapped their hands. On the decks of the Christmas Ship the crew stood at attention until well out into the harbor, when, at a given signal, they snatched their round, white hats from their heads and returned the cheers of those on shore. "Slowly at first, and then faster and faster, the vessel speeded until well out, where the lines of the tugs were cast off and the Christmas Ship, under her own steam, started down the harbor. Just as the ship was leaving the pier, three tri-colored signal flags were run up the foremast halyard. In code these meant 'Godspeed.' "From the flagstaff in the stern floated the Stars and Stripes, while from the bow was unfurled the snow-white banner on which was the word 'Inasmuch.' Above the jackies on the lower decks could be seen the officers on the bridge. A full head above these stood Lieutenant-Commander Courteney, while those of lower station stood in the rear. At the first notes struck by the band these men removed their caps and stood uncovered until well out into the harbor. "Thousands of hats and handkerchief s waved in the air, and a mighty cheer which fairly shook the pier was sent up from the throats of the assembled throng. "Every vessel in the harbor then began to whistle, and bells in all parts of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn tolled out * Godspeed. ' A more impressive sight would be hard to imagine. ' ' Can't you picture the brave sight she made? I frankly say that I would rather have been there to see it with my own eyes than any sight ever conjured by my imagination, and if tears streamed out of the eyes of those who witnessed the Christmas Ship's departure, you need n't think they were the only tears which flowed. I contributed a few choice specimens myself! CHAPTER XXXIX On This Shore and On That T^ROM the mayor's office in New York the following message -■" was given out on the afternoon of the sailing day: "The Christmas Ship which sails to-day, bearing gifts for the children who are the greatest sufferers from the war in Europe, is a fine testimonial to the generosity of the American people. I am told that the contributions have come in great numbers from every section of the country, from persons of every station of life, even from the very poor. The men and women whose work has made possible this kindly undertaking are to be congratulated on its splendid success. "The U.S.S. Jason, which the government so generously loaned for this purpose, will carry with her a freight of good wishes and kindly thoughts in addition to the thousands of practical remembrances beneath her hatches. I wish for the Jason, her officers and crew, a safe and speedy voyage, and hope that her cargo will help lessen the misery which winter must bring to the people in the countries at war. "John Purroy Mitchell" Secretary of the Navy Daniels issued the following official statement on November 14: "The collier, Jason, carrying a double cargo of 'black diamonds' for the bunkers of the Tennessee and the North Carolina, which are now in the Mediterranean waters, and of Christmas presents, more valuable than real diamonds because of the spirit which led to their sending, for European children in the war zone, who would otherwise miss the annual visit of Santa Claus, sailed from Bush Terminal, Brooklyn, at eleven o'clock this morning for Falmouth, England. "The presents were collected from all parts of the United States through the instrumentality of about two hundred and twelve daily newspapers. The secretary of the navy sent the following radiogram after the Jason weighed anchor: 348 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 349 "Gommanding officer, U.S.S. Jason: "My hope and prayer is that the Jason may have clear skies and fair winds on her auspicious voyage to Europe, laden, as never ship before, with precious Christmas cargo, prompted by the generosity and hallowed by the sympathy of American childhood. Tiny Tim has his counterpart in thousands of orphaned little ones in the Old World to-day, crippled by ruth- less war, not actually, but in present happiness and future opportunity. God bless them, every one, and may the Christ- mas spirit which actuates American children to send these gifts, help to hasten the day when 'peace on earth, goodwill to men' shall be a blessed reality, and when nations shall go to war no more. "JosEPHUS Daniels" Editorial from the Chicago Herald: "The Christmas Ship sails to-day. Save for the transport of the gifts, America's work is done. Nobly has she responded to the call of humanity. Nobly has she proclaimed her un- dying devotion to the cause of peace and human progress. The ship's voyage to European ports must soon end. But after that it starts upon a voyage to last throughout long years to come. It will touch at many ports, for the hearts of men are many, and to each it will deliver the message it bears to-day. "As sponsor for the Christmas Ship the Herald rejoices at this happy consummation. It is proud to have been a humble instrument in this great work. It rejoices to have the privilege of cooperating with so many Americans filled with zeal for the service of humanity, with enthusiasm for ideals that perish never. And it takes this occasion to express its thanks to all whose unselfish labor and high enthusiasm have made the Christmas Ship possible. "Thanks are due to President Wilson. His prompt and sympathetic response to the first suggestion of the Christmas Ship lent the enterprise powerful encouragement. Thanks are due to the members of the cabinet — and especially to Secretary Daniels of the Navy Department. They have done much to 350 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP make it a success. Thanks are due to the members of the Inter- state Commerce Commission. Their recognition of the enterprise as a charitable undertaking, under the terms of the statute, paved the way for the railroads' generosity. "Thanks are due to two hundred editors of the United States who cooperated in the movement. They spread the appeal broadcast throughout the land. They gave of their newspaper space and their professional services freely. They encouraged, day by day, the various efforts to raise funds and collect gifts. Without them the magnificent response that came from the appeal would have been impossible. "Thanks are due to the great railroad and express systems of the country. They willingly consented to place services at the disposition of the Christmas Ship movement, free of charge, which would ordinarily have cost thousands of dollars. No appeal was made to their generosity in vain. Their assist- ance meant that a great sum was saved to the little orphans abroad. "Thanks are due to the great transfer companies' for aid most generous. Thanks are especially due the owners of the great Pugh Terminal in Chicago and the great Bush Terminal in New York. They placed their magnificent facilities at the service of the Christmas Ship movement absolutely without charge — not for a day or a week, but during the entire period of Christmas Ship gift collections. Only those who have had to do with the interior workings of the movement can appreciate the value of these services. "Then there are the soldiers and the sailors who have helped to sort the Christmas Ship gifts and load them aboard the vessel at Brooklyn. There are the ladies of the officers of the army and navy who have lent invaluable assistance in the same field. There is the Red Cross, which put its facilities in New York at the disposition of the Christmas Ship. There are the ambassadors and other representatives of the warring nations at Washington. Thanks are due every one of these. "Thanks are due to all the organizations — organizations of men, women, and children — and to all individuals throughout THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 351 the land who have collected funds and presents for the ship. We cannot hope to name all, or even a small part of these. They are legion. Theirs has been the main work. Their whole- hearted response to the appeal has been staggering. And the Herald wishes to thank Miss Lilian Bell, who originated the entire plan of the Christmas Ship. "The Christmas Ship has been a great thing for everybody. It was good for the soul. Ideas have been clarified and ideals have been purified. "Unselfishness and charity have been exalted. Each man will be a better man, each woman a better woman, and each child a better child for having taken part in the Christmas Ship move- ment. The message that America has sent remains engraven on its own heart. "The Christmas Ship movement has ended. But as the Christmas Ship disappears in the distance other forms of service to humanity rise on the horizon's rim. The time teems with opportunities; many voices are calling from out the future to the present. May we be equal to all newer trusts and rise to our opportunities as it has been given to us to rise to the great opportunity of the Christmas Ship! ' ' ' God bless us, every one ! ' says Tiny Tim at the end of the Christmas Carol. 'God bless us, every one, and God bless the war-made orphans, every one!' is assuredly the way Tiny Tim would have put it had he lived in these United States in the year of our Lord 1914." And so the Christmas Ship sailed, and a few days later the Herald published the following, written by the Washington correspondent who had been appointed American commissioner to represent all the two hundred and odd newspapers that had assisted in loading the Christmas Ship with its seven million gifts for the war orphans of Europe: "On Board Christmas Ship, November 15. (By wireless via Boston.) Plowing through smooth seas, the U.S.S. Jason has brought us three hundred and twenty miles nearer the war-torn fields of Europe. 352 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "As we swept out of the great harbor under the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, the horrors of war seemed remote indeed. But after clearing land, two great, grim cruisers lay across our path, gray and menacing. They were British ships, one the Lancaster, and were like great hawks lying in wait for their prey. "They saw the Christmas Ship with its Christmas flag snap- ping at its masthead and the Stars and Stripes floating proudly from the flagstaff. Then one of the great guns that bristle from the turrets roared out, but it was a message of friendship. "The flags were run up and dipped, and the officers and men crowded the sides of the warship to bid the children's ship Godspeed. "To-day there is not a ship or a wisp of smoke on the horizon, and we have the ocean to ourselves. "There are signs of a heavy storm coming, but the Jason is prepared. Captain Meriwether has made all shipshape, and the presents are battened down under the great steel hatches, where they are safe from wind and sea, while the Jason goes sturdily on." The story of the first official knowledge England had of the approach of the children's Christmas Ship is contained in the following, dated London, November 23 : "A wireless message from the commander of the collier Jason to Captain Symington, naval attache in London, this evening conveyed to the American embassy the first direct intimation of an early arrival of the Christmas Ship. According to this message, the Jason should reach Devonport Wednesday morning, which is two days earlier than she was expected. Consequently preparations for disbursing the British youngsters' share of the yuletide cargo are being hurried forward at highest speed. "At a conference to-day between representatives of the war office and the local government board it was decided to bring all gifts designed for children of the United Kingdom to London for distribution. "Owing to the present governmental control of the railroads, it will be easy to provide a special train for transporting the THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 353 hundreds of thousands of packages from Devonport pier straight through to the capital. "Until the Earl of Beauchamp and his associates of the reception committee confer with the officials aboard the Jason it will be difficult, to draw up any complete plan of distribution, as the exact size of Santa Glaus' British consignment is not known here. His Majesty's government, however, is deter- mined that every possible attention be shown Kris Kringle's delegates from across the seas, and that every necessary channel shall be used to bring about the most effective handling of the big proposition. It is by no means easy to frame a comprehen- sive list of the little ones in every corner of the British Isles to whom presents go, but with the assistance of the war office and local government board it is certain all difficulties can be over- come before Santa's sleigh is due to arrive. "The following official statement was issued from the foreign office to-night: 'The cabinet has determined to mark its high appreciation of the generosity of the American government and nation in sending the Santa Claus Ship Jason laden with twelve hundred tons of gifts for children of English soldiers engaged in war. One of its members, the Earl of Beauchamp, lord president of the council, will therefore meet the American commissioner, accompanied by Mr. Ackland, under-secretary for foreign affairs. They will leave town Wednesday morning for the port of arrival. They will go on board to welcome the commissioner, inspect the gift ship, and formally receive Santa Glaus' presents. In the evening they will entertain the commissioner and officers at dinner. There will be a toast list, and the lord president and Mr. Ackland will voice the government's high appreciation of the very kindly thought which has prompted the American people to initiate and carry out the Ghristmas gift scheme, and of the countenance given it by the American government." This was cabled to the Chicago Herald the day following: "Such a royal welcome as never greeted a ship before will be waiting when the Jason steams into Devonport. The admiralty has taken charge of arrangements for the berthing of the sturdy 354 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP vessel at the docks, according to wireless dispatches received by- Commander Courteney. We expect to land about noon Wed- nesday. "Vessels of the British navy will halt their watchful patrol along the coast long enough to honor the children's ship. When the white flag with the Star of Bethlehem emblazoned on it comes into view the mighty fighting ships will be a guard of honor for the Jason, while their sirens roar out a chorus of welcome. ' ' The Jason will be worthy of the great demonstration . Final touches are being put on, and from stem to stem the ship has been scoured and painted, and now looks as though it was steam- ing brand-new out of the navy yard. If the millions of children who loaded the ship with presents for the war orphans of Europe could see the Jason they would be proud of their vessel. ' ' The government has notified Commander Courteney that a banquet will be given at Plymouth Wednesday night in honor of the Jason's voyage. "After the storms encountered during the last few days the winds have dropped, and we are steaming through great, smooth swells toward the first landing place of the Christmas Ship since we cleared New York and watched the shores of America disap- pear from the horizon." CHAPTER XL Greatest Naval Honors in History Paid THE Christmas Ship "PROSPECTIVE arrival of the Santa Claus Ship at Devon- -*■ port about noon to-morrow," reads a special cable dispatch to the Chicago Herald, "has led even British royalty to show its interest in the Christmas kindliness of the United States toward warring Europe. With King George the demonstration of friendship for things American has taken the form of a special order that American newspapers containing news of the Christ- mas Ship be delivered regularly at Buckingham Palace. This is the first time in history an English monarch has thus honored the American press and, it is said, King George's action is due to his appreciation of the yuletide enterprise inaugurated by the newspapers of the United States. "From Noel Kershaw, secretary of the local government board, came an explanation to-day of the plan that has been arranged for the distribution of the presents throughout the British Isles. Circular letters have been issued to local repre- sentative committees all over the country, directing them to obtain names and addresses of children of non-commissioned officers and men usually resident in their area, whether of British or Belgian nationality, whose fathers or guardians are or have been on active service abroad. "Each of these committees, Kershaw remarked, is composed of delegates from all local organizations, such as trades unions, soldiers, sailors' families, associations, and so on, so that it should be able to collect the necessary data with comparative ease. The lists will show whether the children are those of soldiers killed or missing, for these unfortunates will be considered first. "In a lengthy official statement from the local government board chronicling the history of the Christmas Ship the following paragraph appears: 'The happy thought of the newspapers concerned, which was so cordially responded to by the children 355 356 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP of the United States and their government and so enthusiastically received by the people of the United Kingdom and the British government, will provide an ample silver lining to the war cloud beneath which the people of and in the United Kingdom apparently are doomed to spend their approaching Christmas.' " When the Jason arrived at Plymouth she halted, as nearly as I can recall, in the exact spot where our yacht lay at anchor, which I wrote about in my first book of travel. I know Plymouth Harbor as well as I know Lake Michigan. That training ship, with all that eager, enthusiastic young life on it, is as familiar to me as the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, For days we were aboard my friend's yacht there, before we crossed to France, and I have even attended a banquet at the Hotel Royal in Plymouth, so that when this story was published I almost felt that I had been there also: "With a British marine band playing the 'Star-Spangled Banner,' while British soldiers and sailors stood at salute and American flags whipped the breeze from British flagstafEs, the U.S.S. Jason, the Santa Claus Ship, came into Plymouth naval basin this afternoon to deliver to Britain her share of Christmas gifts sent by the children of America to the children of Europe. "The Jason's arrival was attended by a ceremony as impres- sive as it was simple. The sincerity of England's welcome to this consignment of good will sent across the Atlantic was attended by the bestowal upon the Jason of honors greater than any ever given to an alien vessel in the history of the British admiralty. "The depth of the government's appreciation is indicated in a brief sentence spoken by Francis Dyke Ackland, under-secretary of state for foreign affairs. He said : ' I think a reception like this is without precedent, but we feel we must impress upon the American people how grateful we are to them.' "There was much that was dramatic in the berthing of the Jason. The day was drab and chill, and it was a drizzly gray and grim scene into which the Christmas Ship came with her THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 357 message of good will to men. For she entered into the very heart of the biggest of Britain's navy yards, and all about her thousands of men were feverishly at work on labor of the most warlike nature. "On the pier to which she was moored lay huge guns and other trappings of the British men-of-war, in the midst of which there flowered incongruously a forest of multicolored signal flags used to decorate the landing stage. Close beside her lay a mighty dreadnaught, which perhaps has already felt against her sides the impact of the enemy's shells or mines. In fact, of all that host of craft of many kinds in Plymouth basin, the Jason was the only one whose purpose was peaceful. Yet as befits an auxiliary vessel of the United States navy she was as spick and span as the mightiest battleship afloat. "On time to the dot, she passed Eddystone Light at two o'clock in the morning and waited until dawn in the outer waters of Plymouth Sound. Ten of the Royal Navy's torpedo- boat destroyers officiated as her first guard of honor. Dipping their flags in joyous greeting, the destroyers convoyed the big collier into the harbor, where she received an unexpected ovation from hundreds of naval apprentices aboard H.M.S. Impregnable, a training ship of the old style. These enthusiastic lads even set out in three whaleboats, towed by a launch, and circled round the Jason several times, cheering her and serenading her officers and crew with all the American tunes they could remember. "Soon afterwards Flag-Captain Back, representing the com- mander-in-chief of the Plymouth station, Admiral Sir George Edgerton, and F. E. Carter of the foreign office, drew alongside in an admiralty launch and gave the British government's first welcome to America's Christmas Ship. Several representatives of London newspapers also went aboard to get an early interview, and behind them came Herbert Stabler, second secretary of the United States embassy in London. "These preliminary visits were unofficial. The formal reception took place at three o'clock in the afternoon, after the Jason had passed through the lock gates into Prince of Wales 358 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Basin and had been slowly swung alongside the quay. The spot selected for her during her brief visit to England is the best position in the navy yard, being just below the big naval barracks and parade grounds, from the flagstaff of which there fluttered the Stars and Stripes — an honor never paid before to the United States. Other American flags were flying from almost every masthead in the basin and the landing stage. They were liberally entwined with the Union Jack. One side of the gang- way two companies of the Fourth East Surrey, one of Lord Kitchener's new battalions, stood as a guard of honor, while on the other side a like number of sailors were acting in the same capacity. On the parade ground was stationed a band of the Royal Marine infantry, whose red coats shone forth amidst a host of khaki and dark blue uniforms. "As soon as the gangplank was lowered the official reception committee, headed by Earl Beauchamp, the Lord President of Council, and Under-Secretary Ackland, filed aboard. They were met by Commander Courteney and the other officers of the Jason, in full dress uniform. The committee included, besides these two members of the cabinet. Admiral Sir George Edgerton, Major-General A. P. Penton the fortress commander, Mayor Baker of Plymouth, J. G. Stephens, United States consul, and Mr. and Mrs. Waldorf Astor. "Several hundred of the army and navy officers and leading citizens of Plymouth braved the inclement weather and wit- nessed the reception. As Lord Beauchamp came aboard the band broke into the 'Star-Spangled Banner,' rifles of the mili- tary and naval guards came sharply to salute, and, while the officers stood at attention the civilians waved their hats. "After a brief visit to the wardroom Earl Beauchamp and the other officers made a tour of inspection, in which the British naval men took the keenest interest because of the Jason's novel construction. "Certainly the most remarkable banquet ever held in Ply- mouth, perhaps the most remarkable ever attended by English- men, was that which wound up to-day's reception to the Santa Claus Ship. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 359 "The hosts were his Majesty's government, and besides laudatory speeches from Earl Beauchamp and Under-Secretary Ackland, two separate messages from Sir Edward Grey were read to the assemblage. "The dinner was held in the ballroom of the Royal Hotel, and in the corridor outside the band of the Royal Marines played American airs. ' ' The toast of the evening was ' The Children of America. ' In proposing the toast Earl Beauchamp, who acted as chair- man, said it was quite impossible for the English government to allow an occasion of this character to pass without marking it by some serious notice. He then dwelt on 'How universal are the feelings of the people of this country with regard to the arrival of the Jason, and how deeply the people have been stirred by so splendid a spirit of kindliness from across the seas.' " 'We have felt during the last three months that it is no small satisfaction to us that we have signed the peace treaties which now exist between the United States and Great Britain. We feel, indeed, not that these treaties are necessary — we have never felt that any acute cause for a difference of opinion is likely to arise between America and ourselves — but we were glad to sign these treaties if only as a proof of our desire to do what we could to further the cause of peace. And I am not at all sure that during the next few months we shall not find, on the lines laid down by American statesmen, the basis of the future peace between the countries of Europe, and that they have set for us an example which every nation might very well follow. We feel at any rate in these treaties we have an additional reason for hope that no cause of dif- ference will arise between these two countries.' "Earl Beauchamp declared that to-day's thoughts of England are with the Jason. He said: 'In mythology Jason went forth and brought back great treasure, but this Jason brings a greater treasure than its predecessor.' The earl then read the following message from Lord Kitchener: " 'Please express on my behalf and that of the British army our cordial appreciation and grateful thanks for the kind thoughts of the American people. We welcome the freight the Jason 36o THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP carries. It will bring pleasure to the homes of many of those whose fathers are away.' "After speaking of his pleasure at finding a number of people who now are doing something, the earl paid a tribute to the one who originated the plan of the Christmas Ship, and in conclusion he expressed the hope that the Christmas of the American people might be happier because of what they have done for the children of the poor soldiers in Europe. "Replying to Earl Beauchamp, the commissioner told of the inception of the idea of the Christmas Ship and of the wonderful enthusiasm with which it was taken up by the American public, giving many touching instances of individual acts of generosity by American children and adults in their desire to show sympathy with the suffering children of Europe. Under-Secretary Ackland arose at Earl Beauchamp's request and said he had another welcoming word from Sir Edward Grey. ' I am charged,' he said, ' by Sir Edward to say how much he is touched by the Christmas Ship. So far as this country is concerned, it is an act of such kindly sympathy and friendship as can only increase the good feeling which so happily exists between our nations. We set much store on the peaceful and friendly relations with the United States which have endured for so long, and we take the graceful and gracious gifts which we have received to-day as evidence that among the rising generations these good relations will ever become more widely appreciated and more firmly based upon mutual understanding and good will.' "In the delightful verbiage of the old school Sir George Egerton, the admiral commanding in chief, proposed the health of the captain and officers of the Christmas Ship, to which Commander Courteney made response. 'The navy is glad,' said the commander, 'to discharge such a mission and to assist in alleviating the sufferings of war in which the Old World is now involved. ' "Fifty covers were laid for dinner, which was served in the Royal Hotel. The dining room was a mass of roses and chrysan- themums. The British army and navy were represented by the commandants of the Plymouth fortress and the navy yard. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 361 Mayor Baker of Plymouth and Major Waldorf Astor were among the guests. "The gifts for France will be unloaded at Marseilles. Those for Germany and Austria at Genoa. Salonika is the point of debarkation for Serbia and Montenegro. The Russian presents are en route for Archangel on the steamer Korsk. The goods for Belgium are being unloaded in England, distribution taking place from there." The most interesting portion of this entire narration to me is the message from Lord Kitchener, not only because I predicted it, but because, in my opinion. Lord Kitchener is not only the most interesting figure in the history of the world to-day, but he is also the most significant and important. He dominates the war situation. He has more to do with the solution of the world's problem in this year of our Lord 191 5 than any other man living, and when the war is over, and the inside history of it shall be written, the people will be told, what now we only feel to be true, that Lord Kitchener's was the dominant master-mind which saved the day for the cause of Right against the hosts of Wrong ! If anything could make me proud, it would be that this great- est field marshal the world has ever known has paused in his grim work of directing a nation's war to take ofiicial notice of a thought of mine. 24 E CHAPTER XLI British Appreciation of Our Work of Love N GLAND took wonderful cognizance of the Christmas Ship, and this was cabled: "Arrangements for distributing England's share of the millions of Christmas gifts have been completed by the local government board charged with the task, according to the American ambassador, Walter Hines Page. "The ambassador's announcement was made to an enthu- siastic audience at a luncheon given at the American Luncheon Club in honor of the Jason's arrival. The arrival of the gifts in London will be celebrated by a reception, after which the sort- ing of the presents will be begun by the Drapers' Guild. The board expects to have complete information of the number of orphans and their location in the United Kingdom within a few days. It is the determined purpose of the government to see that the gifts reach those for whom the children of America intended them. "The children of America were warmly applauded at to-day's luncheon, at which many prominent guests, including Lord Northclifife, Sir George Ridell, Robert W. Skinner, American consul-general, and the foremost members of the American colony were present. "Lord Northcliffe made a happy speech describing the marvelous response of American children to the appeal of the Chicago Herald and the many other newspapers throughout the United States. "The Jason is preparing to leave Devonport to-morrow, and her officers were unable to be present. The commissioner described the organization of the enterprise and the enthusiasm of American women and children which made so difficult an undertaking possible. "Sir George Ridell repHed, paying high 362 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 363 tribute to the originality of Americans and the vigor with which they carry out unique ideas. "Ambassador Page, after explaining the arrangements for distributing the gifts in the United Kingdom, declared that the British and Belgium relief committees would cooperate in the work of delivery. "The London Times has the following editorial to-day: ' ' ' The Ship of Good Will, the United States collier Jason, sails to-morrow from Plymouth to Marseilles, bearing her Christ- mas message from the land of peace to the land of war. On Thursday she began to land the British share ofthose seven mil- lion Christmas presents which she has brought from the United States to the children of the belligerent nations of Europe, and unloaded ; then will up anchor and away to spread the message of peace and good will over France and Belgium, over Germany and Austria, to far Serbia and Montenegro. " 'There is something inexpressibly touching in this most happy of thoughts. Great Britain will know how to value at its high worth this deed of kindliness and affection on the part of the greatest neutral nation. We know, moreover, how to appreciate the full significance of the gifts of these clothes and toys. These dolls and garments sent by rich and poor, by old and young, from the peaceful west to the riven east, are symbolic of the good time to come when wrong shall have been righted and arms laid down, and Europe may turn at last whole-heartedly to the true Christmas thoughts of peace and good will ! " 'In this moving enterprise we are told Chicago has taken a leading part, and all who know Chicago will agree that it was exactly like her. That warm-hearted and strenuous city on the lake has a way of doing things thoroughly when once she lays her hand to them, and if the Chicago Herald and other promoters of the scheme are proud men to-day, they have good cause for pride. " 'All the world will love the United States and Chicago better for this Christmas thought and Christmas gift." The following is from the official organ of the United States army, the Army and Navy Journal, dated December 12, 1914: 364 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP ' ' The United States collier Jason, Lieutenant-Commander Charles E. Courteney, arrived at Marseilles, France, December 5, and unloaded fifty wagonloads of Christmas gifts. The towns- people, massed upon the quays to watch the landing, gave a warm reception to the ship and the Americans. Her previous calling place was Devonport, England. The next stop of the Jason was at Genoa, Italy, where she arrived December 7 with gifts for the war orphans of Austria and Germany. She was stopped by three warships while on her way from Marseilles, but as soon as they learned the character of the vessel and her cargo they immediately drew off and wished Godspeed to the Jason and her mission. When Commander Courteney and officials from the Jason went ashore they were visited at their hotel by representatives of the German government, who officially wel- comed them and their gifts. The idea of sending a Christmas Ship bearing gifts to Europe, which resulted in the fitting out and sailing of the U.S. collier Jason, originated with Miss Lilian Bell. Miss Bell is a well-known author, the daughter of W. W. Bell, U.S. v., and sister of Captain James E. Bell, 2d U.S. In- fantry. Miss Bell, who is the author of The Love Ajffairs of an Old Maid, The Expatriates, The Runaway Equator, and other books, wrote the original appeal which the editor of the Chicago Herald took with him to read to the president, who at once prom- ised to have a ship assigned. She also designed the flag for the Christmas Ship — a white ground for Peace, the golden star of Hope, and the motto, 'Inasmuch.' In the new armory of the University of Illinois, the largest building in the world with- out interior supports, an audience of fifteen thousand, with seven thousand turned away, recently greeted Miss Bell as originator of the Christmas Ship idea, and the entire regiment lined up and presented arms to her." When the wireless announced the approach of the Christmas Ship the queen expressed her thanks. This dispatch was sent to the Chicago Herald: "Queen Mary has sent to Mrs. Walter H. Page, wife of the American ambassador, a letter of thanks for the Christmas gifts THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 365 from American children to children in England and on the continent. The letter is dated at York Cottage, Sandringham, Norfolk, November 20, 1914, and reads as follows: "'My dear Mrs. Page: " 'Having heard of the approaching arrival of the steamer Jason bringing Christmas gifts of warm clothing from the children of the United States to the children of this and other belligerent countries, I am anxious to express through you my warm appre- ciation of this touching proof of generous sympathy, and to ask you to be so kind as to convey my heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed towards the presents, which will, I feel sure, be gladly welcomed by the children for whom they are intended, and received with gratitude by their parents. " 'Believe me, yours very sincerely, '"Mary R.'" In England as well as in America the Christmas Ship spirit touched the hearts of the poor in purse but the rich in brotherly love. Here is the touching sacrifice of time and self which the shopgirls of London made for the orphans of the war. Is n't this a wonderful example of that one touch of Nature, which makes the whole world kin? "More than one hundred girl employees of big department stores here volunteered their aid in unpacking and sorting Eng- land's share of Christmas gifts for children of soldiers and sailors at the front which were brought across the Atlantic by the Santa Claus Ship a week ago. "The spectacle of these girls, weary from a day's work behind coimters, gladly laboring from six in the evening till ten o'clock and even midnight, so that the youngsters all over the United Kingdom should have a little yuletide happiness, is a most impressive feature of the activities which are seething in that section of Earl's Court Exhibition Ground turned over to the government for distribution of the Jason's precious freight. "Herbert Samuel, president of the local government board, and Mrs. Samuel visited the Santa Claus headquarters this 366 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP afternoon and spent over an hour watching the transferring of presents from the huge packing cases in which they came from the Jason's hold to smaller boxes, which will be shipped to hun- dreds of communities all over the British Isles in time to be handed to the ultimate receivers on Christmas Eve. "Mrs. Samuels talked with many of the shop assistants and expressed her lively gratitude for their generosity for offering their services. She said to the Herald correspondent: 'I think your newspaper and others which are responsible for this mo- mentous act of kindness would fully realize how much we in England appreciate the debt our children of England owe to the children of the United States if they could see what is being done here.' "Noel Kershaw, secretary of the local government board, has arranged to provide these girls with tea and supper in a room adjoining the huge hall in which the distribution is going on, and Sir Joseph Lyons, London's biggest caterer, is giving limches free to those who are on the job during the daytime. It is impossible to pay carfare for the girls, however; this constitutes a big item in the expenses of ship assistants, yet none of them have offered a single complaint on this score. In fact, Joseph R. Quilter, secretary of the Drapers' Chamber of Trade, which is carrying out the distribution, under the local government board's supervision, said almost every night he had to turn away eager volunteers, and could get as many as two thousand if they were needed. "The heavy labor of shifting the great packing cases from one place to another is performed by employees of metropolitan asylums, the board of which assumed control of Earl's Court when it became a retreat for Belgian refugees. The board is represented by G. A. Powell. Mr. Powell is devoting fourteen hours a day to the task, and so are Mr. Quilter and his two assistants, Alfred Flemmich and A. B, Lowry, all of whom are giving their services absolutely gratis. "There are still two thousand Belgian refugees at Earl's Court, and the jubilation which swept through these unhappy people when they realized their allotment of the Christmas gifts for Belgians in England was close to them, was glorious indeed." T CHAPTER XLII How Russia, France, and Germany Expressed Their Gratitude HEN the Christmas Ship steamed across the channel to Mar- seilles. Ambassador Jusserand had previously sent us this: "Editor the Herald, Chicago: "My government informs me that the Christmas gifts brought by the Jason will be distributed in accordance with the timely intention of the generous givers, who may be assured of the affectionate gratitude of the young recipients. In ac- cordance with instructions which I gladly fulfill I beg you to accept the thanks of the French Republic. "Jusserand." And earlier in the campaign we received from M. Delcasse the graciously worded appreciation of the most courteous nation the world has ever known. The French government had moved from Paris to Bordeaux, and at the time this message was sent Paris had ceased, tempo- rarily, to be the capital of France. This will sound odd, in years to come, but it is interesting to us now, because we saw when the papers announced it. The French ambassador is M. Jusserand. He transmitted the message to the various papers cooperating. "Bordeaux, September 25, 191 4. "French Ambassador, Washington: "The government of the republic views the generous initi- ative of the Chicago Herald and the newspapers associated with it with a profoimd sympathy, and prays you to address to the authors of the plan its hearty thanks. I have taken the neces- sary steps with the Minister of the Interior to turn over to the National Relief Committee the duty of distributing the gifts, 367 368 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP Please advise me of the date of departure of the ship which will transport the gifts, as well as the port in France where it will land them. When so advised I will notify the Minister of Finance in order that all customs facilities may be accorded it. "Delcasse" This meant that all cost of debarkation, all duties, customs, and so on, would be removed and the goods landed free of charge. The commissioner sent the following from Marseilles, December 6: "France extended a hearty welcome to the United States steamship Jason, the Christmas Ship bringing the gifts of the chil- dren of America to the war orphans of France. From the time of the Jason's arrival in the government dock, where the ship was berthed, until late this afternoon, Commander Courteney and the representative of the children of the United States were the recipients of official attention. "The historic, city of Marseilles was still sleeping when the Jason arrived at daybreak off the breakwater. A single blank cartridge fired by the fort caused the ship to anchor for ten minutes, then, with a pilot aboard, permission was given to proceed. "Bright sunlight flooded the picturesque hills studded with factories, whose tall chimneys furnished mute evidence of the industrial activity of this part of France, and the Jason finally entered the breakwater, steaming past the docks whereon were stationed soldiers clad in their striking blue and red uniforms. As the Jason backed into the berth there was seen on the dock a group of officials, representing the French government. As soon as the gangplank was put over the side Consul-General Gaulin mounted the ship, followed by Prefect Schrameck, a representative of the military governor of Marseilles, and the Comite de Secours National, the latter charged with the distri- bution of the gifts for the orphans of France. "Commander Courteney received the distinguished visitors on the gangway, and was introduced to them by M. Gaulin. M. Schrameck, with bared head, delivered a short and eloquent THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 369 address and declared the historic sympathy and friendship which exists between America and France, and which always has existed since the time of Lafayette, was emphasized by the action of the children of America in remembering the distress of the orphans of France on Christmas Day. * ' * The action of the American children brings tears to my eyes from a full heart,' he said. 'Representing the French govern- ment, and in its name, I welcome you to Marseilles and thank you and the donors for their kindly thought and remembrance of us in this crucial hour.' " 'The children of America desire by this means to relieve to some slight extent the bleakness of Christmas for the orphans of France, and in their name I have the honor to deliver the proportion consigned to France,' replied the commissioner. "Commander Courteney said that, as a naval representative of America, he welcomed M. Schrameck to the Jason, and declared it a pleasure to him to take part in the children's movement and to visit Marseilles on such a mission as that with which he was intrusted. "The party was then escorted to the cabin, where an informal discussion was held relative to the amount of goods consigned to France. The hold of the ship was opened, and inspected by M. Schrameck and the others in the party, who expressed their astonishment and gratitude at the large number of gifts apportioned to this country. "Shortly after, M. Schrameck left the ship, whereupon Consul-General Gaulin, Commander Courteney, and the com- missioner paid formal calls on the prefect at the prefecture, on the military governor of Marseilles, and on the mayor and the captain of the port, all of whom personally reiterated their appreciation of the kind thoughtfulness of the American children. "M. Schrameck, General Serviers, commanding the fifteenth district. Colonel Boyer, military governor of Marseilles, and Consul-General Gaulin were present in the harbor to bid farewell to the Jason when the vessel departed. "From Genoa the Jason will proceed to La Rochelle to take on the French exhibits for the Panama- Pacific Exposition." 25 J 370 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP The next we heard was the following, written to the Chicago Herald, December 6, but delayed in sending: "Over eleven hundred crates of Christmas gifts were landed by the Christmas Ship yesterday and during the early hours of this morning. They form a huge pile on the government dock and give evidence of American sympathy for the French sufferers of the war. "The first formal call to-day was made by the mayor of the city, who took occasion on behalf of Marseilles to express thanks. He manifested intense interest in the number and character of the gifts, asserting they were most welcome, especially at this time, because of the rigors of the winter. "The sailors on the Jason were given shore liberty, and found the city very hospitable. They declared they were not permitted to spend a penny in the cafes. To let it be known one came from the Jason was sufficient to bring forth warm expressions of thanks and an earnest desire to render courteous service. "One afternoon paper devoted a column of its small edition to the arrival of the Jason, and gave an editorial welcome couched in cordial terms. " 'To all the children of the great American republic,' said the editorial, 'we beg to convey the most grateful heartful thanks of all the orphan children of France.' "Just prior to the departure of the Jason this afternoon for Genoa the prefect. General Serviers, and others paid a farewell call. To the prefect the commissioner sent to-night a wireless message as follows: '"In leaving the hospitable shores of France we beg to reiterate to you, as well as to the French government, in the name of the children of America as well as our own, the expres- sion of our gratitude for the cordial welcome you extended us.' "A similar message was sent General Serviers. "Consul Jones, who boarded the Jason as soon as she was berthed in Genoa, told of the interest excited by the American children's ship not only in Germany and in Austria-Hungary, but in Italy as well. The latter nation has given instructions THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 371 that every facility be accorded for landing the gifts and for transport to the Austrian frontier, whence they will be conveyed through Austria-Hungary and Germany. "With Consul Jones, the commissioner and Commander Courteney went immediately to a hotel, where a few minutes later the German delegation, with the Austria-Hungary consul- general, appeared. The German delegation comprised Baron Adolph Lutz, chamberlain to the King of Bavaria and counselor of the foreign ministry; Gottlieb Krais, counselor of the govern- ment of Munich; Hofrath Doctor Ferdinand May, and Franz Wonherff, German consul-general at Genoa. "Baron Miske, the Austrian consul-general, stated that the Austro-Hungarian delegation would arrive to-morrow morn- ing, when it will extend an official welcome in the name of the dual empire. "Speaking in his official capacity. Baron Lutz, chairman for the delegation, stated that the German government and people were touched by the kindly thought of the American children for the German orphans of the war and regarded it as evidence of the friendly regard of America for Germany, a regard which the entire empire highly prizes. Consul Wonherff spoke in similar terms. Baron Miske regretted that the Austro- Hungarian delegation had not arrived, but in the name of his government he said that he took great pleasure in expressing gratitude for the manifestation of friendship by the children of America for the orphans of the dual monarchy." When the commissioner arrived at Munich he had his first view of royalty, as told in the special cable dispatch to the Chicago Herald, from Munich, dated December 1 7 : "The Bavarian government in Munich paid high honor to the American children to-day when the American commissioner in charge of the Christmas Ship and the presents of the children of the United States to the war orphans of Europe arrived here, becoming the guest of the foreign office. "He was met at the station by Baron von Lutz, under- secretary of state. An hour later Baron von Lutz returned, 372 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP accompanied by two children, one of whom presented a bunch of roses to the commissioner as a token of appreciation for what the American children have done for the Christmas Day of the German war orphans. "At noon the commissioner was presented to the king and queen. Their Majesties spoke of the highly appreciative and sympathetic action of the American children. " 'Tell them,' said the king, 'the German people realize the love and sympathy behind what they have done. It touches every German heart, and is in keeping with what might be expected of your countrymen.' "The queen spoke in similar terms. "At the end of the council chamber were two huge Christmas trees, with gifts dangling from the branches. A long table was decorated with flowers and Bavarian, German, and American flags. In the balcony were one hundred and fifty children from the public schools, who sang Christmas songs. "Speeches were made by Burgomaster von Borscht and Minister Landmann, president of the Bavarian Red Cross. "Mr. Borscht said: 'We recognize in these gifts proof of the friendly relations existing between our countries. With admiration our eyes are directed to President Wilson, whose wisdom and justice uphold the strength of the American people and whose earnest care is the reestablishment of peace. The glorious work undertaken by the children of America ranks among the noblest things brotherly love could bring forth. We never will forget what you have done for us and our fatherland at this time.' "In closing. Burgomaster von Borscht toasted the king, President Wilson, and the children of America." The Korsk, which carried the Russian share of our children's gifts, arrived in due season, and as the Russian Christmas is fourteen days later than ours there was time for the children to receive them and be made happy on Christmas Day. The czarina, the most beautiful empress in the world, sent the following acknowledgment: THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 373 "Editor Chicago Herald: "I am in receipt of a cable from the imperial foreign office informing me that the Christmas gifts which through your initiative have been sent by the children of America to the Russian war orphans were dully received and distributed, and that her imperial Majesty, the Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, has graciously instructed me to convey her Majesty's expressions of sincere gratitude to the children donors. Moreover, the empress desires that her thanks to the American children should be published in the papers and periodicals which took part in the organization of the Christmas gift to the war orphans. To you, as the promoter of the donation, I first address the above imperial message of thanks, and will be glad to hear if you will kindly transmit it to the other organs of the press which have contributed to the success of the generous idea of bringing com- fort to the children sufferers of the war. "Yours very sincerely, "G. Bakhmeteff, "Russian Ambassador" Here the history of the journey of the Children's Christmas Ship pauses. I do not know what happened next. The next thing which is worthy to be included in this book is an editorial from the Chicago Herald, published on Christ- mas Day. It was headed, "Made in the United States." "Made in the United States — a happy Christmas for one million unhappy children! ' ' Think of being Santa Claus to one million whom Santa Claus otherwise would have forgotten! "Is n't there something in that which makes the words 'Made in America ' seem just a little bigger and deeper and more worth while than the capture of all the trade in the world ? "And yet this is just what the children of America did when they sent the Christmas Ship on its history-making and happi- ness-making journey across the sea! 374 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "And underneath it there is an accompHshment that almost staggers imagination. This is a commercial, material age. Psychologists and sociologists love to tell us that brotherhood is dying from the face of the earth. And yet — "Over in Europe the boom of cannon, the cry of bugles, the beat of drums, the shriek of shells, and the moans of the wounded blended together into the terrible noise of war. And yet, above it all, a thin- voiced cry was heard across the thousands of miles of ocean which separated Europe from America. It was the cry of little children, bewildered, not understanding, unhappy. "It was heard by hundreds of thousands of little boys and girls and big men and women in America. And the response? The opening of little workshops in the homes of America — work- shops dedicated to the relief of suffering, to the manufacture of human love! "Two months passed, and the workshops had completed their toil. Long trains had rushed across the continent carrying warm clothing and toys to the waiting ship at the seaboard. There the articles were sorted and packed and swung aboard. "Another month passed, and the ship had reached port. From one nation to another it hurried — and at each unloaded the gifts which are to mean the difference between happiness and despair. "Gifts! Seven million of them! And yet with each went something greater — something that will grow bigger and better as the children to whom they are given grow into men and women. It will be love — selfless, disinterested, God-like. "Jane and John and Ivan and Frances and Paul and Marie — all their little dreams come true in the gift so tightly clutched in their arms! "And every one of the gifts was ' Made in the United States.' " CHAPTER XLIII Tributes to the Christmas Ship in Prose and Poetry MABEL HAUGHTON COLLYER of Washington and San Francisco wrote three lovely poems about the Christmas Ship, which have made her name a household word wherever the work is known. I recited the first one — "Inasmuch" — at the Press Club entertainment. The second came about in this way. The most interesting thing the commissioner recorded as happening, during the actual sailing from port to port was this — the Jason was halted three times by battleships! That was glorious! "The U.S.S. Jason arrived at Genoa after a trip from Marseilles during which it experienced the first real contact with war," said the Chicago Herald. "Three different times during the night the Jason was approached by French warships. "The first vessel signaled asking the name, flag, and the destination of the Santa Claus vessel. When the information was given the answer came, 'Sorry, Godspeed.' " "The second vessel to stop the Jason was a destroyer, which flashed her searchlight from stem to stern of the Jason and then sent a boarding officer. He requested to see the ship's papers, which were produced. He was informed that the Jason belonged to the American navy and was bound for Genoa to unload Christ- mas gifts. He immediately apologized, and wished us a pleasant voyage. "The third inquisitor was a converted cruiser, which mega- phoned its inquiry and extended best wishes when told of the nature of the mission." I was so thrilled by this first real contact with war (for I have always felt that I was on the Christmas Ship every step of the way !) that I wrote to Mabel CoUyer in San Francisco and said : 375 376 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP ] \ "If you and I had been on that ship, you would have written \ another poem about it! Think of the excitement of our ship "\ being halted, and the chagrin of the battleships when they ' discovered the Christ-errand she was on!" \ To which Mrs. Collyer wrote back: \ "I don't have to be on the ship to know how it felt. How is \ this? I have sent it to Mr. McVicker of the Pittsburgh Press. | Watch for it, and see if they publish it." \ They did — featured on the editorial page under the heading, I "Sorry! Godspeed! Sail on!" Here it is: | She sailed away to the seven seas — \ The Jason, proud, elate ! \ Her spangled banner to the breeze I Above its snow-white mate — \ The children's flag, with star of gold '; To guide her on her way, \ To bear a message ages old, l Yet new each Christmas Day ! : She sailed away to the seas of wrath, ; And alien ships of war \ All dipped their flags as she crossed their path \ In tribute to her store — ,; The children's gifts — the love serene \ That stayed the scourging whip ,i Of Gods of War, and like a queen \ Sailed on the Christmas Ship ! i Sailed on, till, from the dark arose 1 A scout ship, lurking there, 1 That cried a challenge, "Halt! Who goes? \ We claim the prize you bear ! J Halt! Or we fire!" The guns agleam 1 Against a murky sky, k Bade fair to end the children's dream, * When came the swift reply: i " This is the good ship /a50w/ Hail! j Laden with golden store ! I Under the Stars and Stripes we sail ^ On quest of peace — not war! ] THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 377 This is the Children's Christmas Ship. Search ! and but gifts you '11 find ! Only for them we make the trip, For the babes you left behind!" Abashed, the scout ship backward turns, ' ' Sorry ! Godspeed ! Sail on ! Sail till the world your mission learns, And hails your benison. You have remembered ! We forgot Oxvc children's Christmas mom. Your star shines through the war cloud's blot, And tells us Christ is bom!" Sail on, thou tender woman's thought ! Sail through the hearts of men Till all have seen the starshine brought Beyond the war-hate's ken. Sail till the peace you pray and teach Shall girdle seas and lands. For farther than a war can reach Are stretched our children's hands! This poem was copied by the San Francisco Chronicle, the Washington Star, and many other of the newspapers which worked for the Christmas Ship. It has proved to be one of the most popular of all the poems inspired by the time and occasion. One of the most beautiful tributes to the Christmas Ship was written by Mrs. Charlotte Lay Dewey, for the Tacoma Ledger in the far-off state of Washington. It seems odd that this gifted writer, whom I do not know, should have such accurate knowledge of the story I was writing when the Vision Splendid came, for it is true that I was writing a fairy story for our own happy children — a sort of sequel to The Runaway Equator, and I call it The Land of Don't-Want-To." But nobody except myself knew it, as I thought. I must have told somebody, and that somebody told Mrs. Dewey! It does n't make any particular difference, yet it is odd. Here is Mrs. Dewey's tribute, under the heading, "The Dream That Came True": 378 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP "Who has not heard of the Christmas Ship — the most wonderful ship that ever sailed the sea! And the story of its sailing is quite as wonderful as the ship and the treasure it carried. For it all came about through a dream, as so many wonderful things do, and, moreover, it was a vision that came to a woman. "This woman, Lilian Bell, was writing a fairy tale, for she is a spinner of stories, and this time she was telling a story for the children. As she wrote a vision came to her of the countless children across the water, homeless, hungry, heart-broken — mere flotsam upon a sea of death. And she remembered how a child's heart grieves without some joy note on that day, and then the dream came of a ship, a Christmas Ship, that should be laden with treasure by the children of America for the children of Europe. "So she told her dream to the editor of a great paper, the Chicago Herald, and he, too, instantly woke to the wonder of the dream and set to work to make it come true. He went at once to Washington, and President Wilson immediately promised a ship. Millions of wires sang as the message flew across the shining steel, and everywhere the magic words touched the hearts of the people like a flame. "They so burned in the heart of a woman far away that this lovely poem trembled from her heart to her fingertips. She sent it to her friend, Lilian Bell, and the poem, too, became a part of the dream and was read and recited and loved because it was written by a happy mother for mothers whose hearts were broken. And this is the poem: INASMUCH (Dedicated to the Children's Christmas Ship. By Mabel Haughton Collyer) There 's a sail on the sea that is stranger to all Of the warrior ships there at bay; She speaks from afar, and they answer her call. And salute as she goes on her way. For the flag that she flies is as white as a dove. With the gold star of Hope for its crest, And the word "Inasmuch" is the message of love That she bears to the nations oppressed. THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 379 "Inasmuch! What ye do for the least one of these — Inasmuch! Ye have done it for me." Oh ! Bravely her flag is afloat on the breeze, For this ship has no foe on the sea. The warrior ships that crouch back in the dark Are abashed by her flashings of light ; Her signal is clear as the voice of a lark — "For the children!" she speaks through the night, There are mines in the sea — there is terror above; But our good ship sails on unafraid ; She is laden with hope — she is laden with love — To redeem the sweet promise He made. "Because of this, awakening commercialism forgot its greed — express companies, railroads, transfer companies of all kinds, gave free transportation to all consignments bearing the symbol 'For the Christmas Ship.' Millionaires sent cheques for goodly- sums, but they were not more welcome than the fifty cents sent by the little cash girl who had saved them from her scanty wage. "And this great outpouring of love and service would not be satisfied with help for the children only. It rose in a great tide and flooded with its bounty all those poor people who, how- ever mad, however blind, were still sons, husbands, fathers, human beings, before they became warriors and kings. "Came the day when the ship sailed, and, strange to say, the name of the ship was the Jason. But far more priceless was the treasure she carried than any golden spoils of ancient Greece. Her flag also was a part of the woman's dream, and never carried by ship before. A great white banner, on which blazed a golden star, and underneath it the word 'Inasmuch.' And above the white banner floated the most beautiful flag that floats between the blue of the sea and sky — the only flag in all the world that could shield and protect the white banner below it — our own. "Came the day when the ship reached her port — that same Plymouth town from which, some three hundred years ago, a little band of Pilgrims set forth to find a new home and freedom. ' ' Here she received a royal welcome, honors accorded those of highest rank, flowers beyond the telling. And thus it came about 38o THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP that across those devastated, desolated countries, unchallenged, unafraid, messages of help and hope and love are reaching thou- sands upon thousands of heartbroken people who look up, smiling through their tears, because one woman dreamed a dream — and the dream came true!" The next thing the Pittsburgh Press pubUshed was a poem by J. E. Moore of Hubbard Woods, Illinois: THE CHRISTMAS SHIP (Dedicated with cordial appreciation of her noble and successful efforts to Lilian Bell) Children are waiting there over the ocean, Dear little homeless ones, our next of kin, But there's a freight of love sailing to solace them Won't they be glad when their ship comes in? Peace, from the Prince of Peace ! Just for one lovely day There '11 be no anguish, no sorrow, no sin. Voicing the old, old cry, hear how the wee ones sigh — "We'll be so glad when our ship comes in." Calm may the billows be! Silent, the winds of God! Hushed, the storm's fury, the tempest's loud din. Clear may her pathway lie, while floats her standard high — " This is the Christmas Ship ! She must come in ! " Beauty she's bearing them, warmth for the shivering, Cornfort for troubled hearts, love all may win. Welcome for babes imbom, welcome and plenishing. Mothers will bless the ship — when she comes in! Halt ! 'T is the Truce of God ! Hats off, and banners up ! All are our own to-day, our kith and kin ! There is no enmity, brothers in truth are we ! God bless the Christmas Ship ! She has come in ! Letters are being received by persons all over the United States, written to the children of America by the children who received these gifts. The last beautiful poem which I have seen on the subject THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP 381 appeared in the columns of the Philadelphia North American, and was written by Mabel Haughton Collyer, who seems to be the Poet Laureate of the Christmas Ship, so loyal is she. THE RAINBOW (Dedicated to Lilian Bell, whose thought was the Children's Christmas Ship) Your thought was like the rainbow That flashed across the sky — A promise to the children The storm would pass them by. Though rumor of disaster Might reach them from afar. Safe in the thought your message taught Should shine their golden star ! Yotu- thought was like a rainbow That flashed to every land — Though war might seem triiunphant, Each heart wotild understand Yotir message to the children — The brooding mother love That sought a way man's wrath to stay — Your emblem — just the dove! Your thought was like the rainbow — Long may its promise gleam ! May men to come remember The beauty of your dream — The love gifts of your children, Your ship that sailed away And showed the world its flag unfurled — A truce for Christmas Day ! Your thought was like a rainbow. The mother heart enfolds The wealth of all creation; Within her arms she holds All promise of the futiue — The child upon her knees ! God has not given to earth or heaven The worth of one of these ! 382 THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS SHIP This is the true story of the Christmas Ship. Newspapers tell of little children lying dead by the roadside, with bullet wounds in their tender little bodies — just such little bodies as happy mothers love to tuck into warm beds at night. And they tell us of frightened babies stumbling after strange forms, vainly seeking mothers whom they will never see again. Oh, the weeping of little children! I heard it — before the Vision came. When I think of the tears pouring down childish faces, and of the fright and grief this war is daily bringing to thousands of little hearts, the only comfort I have is to remember that the Christmas Ship — sailed! Daacidified using the Bookkeeper process Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: JUN 2001 PreservationTechnologie: A WORLD LEADER IM PAPER PHESEflVATIO! 111 Thomson Park Drive "5*