Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there ... Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever.

Following is a letter and editorial response that appeared in the Sept. 21, 1897, issue of The New York Sun, addressing the age-old question of “Is there a Santa Claus.” ...

We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun: Dear ...