CUeekly 'gbemawa Einerlcan VOL. 12 DECEMBER 24 1909, ' - NO 21 CHRISTMAS IN THE INDIAN V SERVICE . Washington, Dec. 18.-Several thou sand Indian children throughout this country are awaiting the coming of Christmas day with just,as much eager ness and anticipation as the average American youngster. ; For there is really a -Santd. Claus that brings joy to their hearts; The Indian children believe in Krie Kringle, but they do not know that he lives at the North Pole. They think h lives in Washing, ton, that he is, in short Commissioner of Indian Affairs Valentine,' And Commis sioner Valentine does his best to live up the reputation, backed up by a, paternal government that wants the . children of Poor Lo to have all the advantages of civilization.' At all the Indian reservations, Christ mas Day is observed faithfully. There is always a big holiday dinner to which the grown-ups arc invited a' well as the children ' The invitation' a:e supple mented with a cake of soap. In this topsy turvy land it is the parents who entvtith their ting'rs and the Hiildsen who are well behaved so that the youi.g Bters eat tir-t and their' seniors, wait for second table. Some of them, preferring co eat at home, bring sacks into which they dump turkey, cranberry, rice-nd dessert. If there is coffee, they pour that in too, on top of the other food: ' When the weather is good the child ren who, during the winter, reside at the school, are allowed to go home for a va cation after the dinner. If they are kept in school, close watch is maintain ed, for of all things these children love their ponies, of all places their hills, and of all games, "hookey." In this their parents aid them by hitching a pony near the school yard, Suddenly a pu pil is missing. Tie has galloped off and a week's hunt will be . needed to locate the truant ' -'. ' . . . .. The IndianW'are' fond of present giv ing. At the Tongu- River reservation, in Montana, at one time a sister to Sit' ting Bull was the guest of honor. De sirous of showing their appreciation the Indianp, after many fine - speeches, brought in her present, ft was a dog That evening she entertained thm at djmner, and they all said they great'y relished the cnnine stew In Phoenix, Arizona, there is n school of 700 children Hereitisvery different )