Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-12-31
VERMONT PHOENIX.
New Year.

Tonight, Mt ~ o'clock, the year 1si7 ceases
to exist and at the quiet hour of midnight, will
descend to its silent grave, already peopled with
the years that have passed. At the same hour,
its offspring, the year is4s, starting at once to
full maturity of strength and yigor, will take its
place; and with its load of mortals who hive
survived the last year, will bear along the car
of Time swiftly through the fleeing moments
that make up its own short life. How many Of
those who with the birth of the last year, enter
ed Times chariot with fond anticipations of a
long life of prosperity and happiness, have al.
ready dropped from 1t into the grave. To those
that survive, is there, along the path they have
travelled, any green spots-of good performed,
of hours well spent-upon which memory loves
to linger?
We are all setting out upon the New Year,
most of us with buoyant hopes, and in ardent
pursuit of cherished objects, which take in, years
to come but il certain that thousands thus stua-
ted, will not accompany the year ls4s to the end
of its journey, shor. MS il is. Yet not one of all
the millions to whom the future brings such pleas
ing anticipations, expects to be of the number of
those, who will not live to reach another year
Who then, shall it be? Who2 The answer is
wisely hidden from our view; but the recurring
years, that find us still surrounded with so many
mercies, and enjoying so much happiness, should
not the less induce reflection, and inspire CRATE
ful thanks to the Giyer of all good.
1t was formerly custom in some countries,
for persons who had for any cause quarreled, or
become estranged, to meet on New Years, and
bury their animosities and heartburnings, and
renew their friendly intercourse. 1t is now
custom in New York and many other places, to
suspend all business avocations, and for the gem
uemen to spend the day in making calls upon,
and interchanging kind wishes of Happy New
Year." with their friends and acquaintance.
We like the custom. The design and the ten
dency Of it, unless carried to excess, is salutary
and beneficial The ordinary avocations and
rivalries of business, the little differences and
scandals of society, which make mountains of
mole-hills-and the more or less exclusive ascot
alton Of members of different religious societies.
all tend to raise up barriers to SOCIAL intercourse
aud even to friendly recognition. 1t is a good
custom to bury all these feelings and asperities
with the old year, and spend the first day of ev-
cry year in intcrehanging wishes of Happy
New Year." and restoring friendly relations, in
teTupted or broken of by the engrossing cares
of business, or other causes
In the city of New York, it is made holiday
The ladies prepare themselves to receive calls,
and the gentlemen devote the day to making
them. From morning till night, the streets are
crowded-some on foot, some in elegant car
riages, and some in carts; some in broadcloth
and rufiies, and some in rags some sober, and
many drunk, especially towards night; all has
tening along, in every direction, to find their
friends and acquaintance. The custom is per-
verted, in the city, from its original design, and
leads to excuses. But in smaller places in the
country, it is free from these excuses, and very
pleasant and agreeable.