Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-01-12

ceeding year may find them advancing
in all that may contribute to their hap
piness and wealth. Whatever mar
have occurred. in time past, TO mar our
fortunes or cast gloom over our recol-
lections, let il be forgotten. in the de-
Termination TO avoid The repetition Of
past errors. and the belief that what
ever may have been the ordinances Of
a wise Providence. they have been In
tended for our benefit, and will, with
proper Improvement on our parts, re-
suit IN our happiness.
HARD FINEST! HARD TIMES u
Every body is complaining of the
times. The tmes are somewhat out
ojoint-'true il is. and pity lis. true.
Still they are not so very, gerry bad.
after all. 1.-THE nch man pays more
for the enjoyment Of his accustomed
Injuries, he receives moro rent for his
houses, and heavier interest on his
loans. II the poor man pays more for
-four. meat, and butter, he gets more
for his labor. Still il must be admit
ted, we al feel that times are not so
good as they were wont to be-their
wheels are dry and crcaking-and
their progress slumbering and reluc-
Itant.
To q good natured man, all things al
all times, are Just as they ought TO be.
We wanted q slight agitation. small
shake, to adjust times. and settle things
down in their proper places.
"sweet arc the uses Of adversity,
That like toad, ugly and venomous.
Wears ye, precious jewel IN iis head"
We have heretofore been RAINING
riot. Good fortune was turning our
heads. Every one began 10 dream
that he was. or was about TO be, veal
thy. Small houses were voted ungen.
teel. Plain dresses were discarded
even by cooks and waiting maids
Even mechanics and clerks could not
see their friends in an old fashioned,
sensible way. but must have parties,
parade their plates. give sumptuous
banquets TO carping crowds, and de-
light their friends by spending more
money than they earned. and getting
bank accommodations to make up the
deficit. The girls must have ex-
pensive harps-the boys delighted in
fast trotting horses. New furniture
was required every few winters-for
bow could they bear the musty old
fashioned lumber when Mrs. So-and.
So, next door, had furnished her par
Tors with splendid articles fresh from
Paris and Of the newest pattern
Thus were our people running into
habits OF extravagsnee. The mania
for parade and expense peryaded all
classes. Every body spent more than
he ought, and many more than they
honestly could. Well, the reverse has
come; and what do we see. Nobody
is prepared for the rainy-day. Every
body complains Of the nafd times, and
alleges that, at the present rates, it IL
impossible 80 live. Some folks have
strange notions Of living.
A few days since, Charles A.,
entered his splendid parlors. after the
labo-s OF the day, and threw himSelfde
jeetedly on one of the ottomans. His
young wife. with the ready apprchcn.
sions Of love. saw the cloud upon his
brow, and endeavored TO dispel it,
For once her arts failed. Her light
and joyous laugh met no response
even her lively and winning endear.
meats were, for the firs.. the only time.
unansweFed.--She was distressed
alarmed; and entreated him TO confide
with her the cause oil bis detection
He complied-and told her, With fat
tering tongue and pallid lip. the sto-
Try Of his troubles. His business Es-
unable 10 snSfs;- -h;s CNpenses. lie
was spending more, much more than
his income he felt that If continued,
he must be . ruined man--and his
Iamily--those whom be loved more
than life, must be beggared.
els this ell 7" said his wife, nothing
Is more easily corrected. II is true
that We pay I2l cents for beef; and
twelve dollars for -four: and our CO.
iored man asks dollar more q week,
and the chamber maid says she must
have bali dollar more wages and
coal ~ nine dollars ton and our rent
hes been raised hundred dollars q
year and
Her husband groaoed--she paused
in Der lerEib ing FseapituIation, and 70.
sumed--" But what Of ali that AZ for
the rent. our family Is small, and We
can live quite comfortable in smslIer
house in q cheaper street. And that
horse Of yo1Fs, Charles, which costs
more than would sustain a family
viii part with him--fos with his
other feats u fast trolling. be is help
ing 70 trol me TO the d"
/" You can then dispense with the
coioTed man, and win give up one Of
The girls--they are only in the way.
Then we viii omIt our customary win
Ter pagiics--I can scg nv friends more
conisrtsbly " know the enjoyment
does not cost mo more than you can af.
ford. We will not keep 20 many fires
while coai Is - dear--aDd ] will see
lhai less wood Is used IN the kitchen"
She proceeded IN her list u reforms.