Not Quite Merry Christmas

Many stores remain open to serve last-minute Christmas shoppers, and those theaters that offer performances are rewarded with large audiences.  But the Great Chicago Fire of two-and-a-half months earlier has made the day more somber than usual.  In Chicago's most impressive Christmas observance, four thousand Catholic worshippers attend a 4 a.m. High Mass officiated by Bishop Thomas Foley.  Many Protestants are on hand to witness the subdued splendor of the sacred ceremonies.