Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-12-28
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1850.

We congratulate our readers on one more return
of happy-hearted, merry old Christmas. The fes
tival seems consecrated by the common consent Of
all Christendom season of joyous salutations,
and the reciprocaion of the best wishes of the heart
1t is fit and natural that it should be The event
it Processes to commemorate ought to fill the heart
alike with gadness and gratitude, and il furnishes
fit occasion for the indulgence ofthe better and the
kinder feelings Of our nature. The narrowest bgot,
whatever notions he may hold respecting the re-
ligious observance of appointed days, may afford
70 relax his features into smile at the sight of so
many human faces clothed in good humor; and
even an Infide if he be, as he processes, we'll
wisher to the race, though he view their belief as
dream. may very consistently be pleased to see that
it yields them present qualification. The associa-
tons of the day are all kind and cheering it is ever
known and celebrated as MERRY CHRISTMAS" Its
observance is social and tends to cherish good feel
ings and right affections toward our neghbor. Like
the British Harvest Home, or like the Jewish
Feas. of Tabernaces, it is time for good wishes,
kind words. and the sending gifts. Were it only
for the amount Of unfeigned delight it brings to our
children, surely should regret its abolition from
the observances of social life, and feel blank when
its date returned. Who can stand near the entrance
of one of depots for the sale of toys and con-
dictionary and watch the looks of the little folks
that enter and that leave those fairy regions of child
ish delight, and coldly wish the joyous anniversary
blotted from the calendar! No: let those whose
religious aspirations consecrate the day sacred,
md ~ fool IL IL lion nd
hallow its return by the offerings Of sincere devo-
ton while those who acknowledge no such impulse
in the observance, or even disapprove of the cele-
braton as an ecclesiastical appointment, enjoy the
day as one of welcome, rest, and relaxation as an
occasion for the meeting Of family circles, and the
renewing and Frightening of the chain of old
friendships for visits of kindness and heavenly
charity; for making orphans glad, and causing the
widows heart to sing for JOY. If the true God be
not worshipped, at least the worship Of mammon
is brought TO pause. Banks are shut; insurance
Offices closed; departments empty the apprentice
puts on his holyday suit; the young miss sports
her new bonnet; and even the poor slave rejoices
in the common joy, gets his new shoes his Christ
mas dinner, and mayhap present from old m:ssus
or the young ladies. God bless them all, say we.
Be merry and wise make the most of the day,
and enjoy it as to have regrets for tomorrow
Surely the innocent pleasures of life are not so
many that we can afford to throw any of them
away. Again, then we say, be merry and wise,
and most heartily do we wish that all our patrons
may have substantial cause for merry heart
To the old we wish troops of friends" and
focks of happy children gathering about their
hear,hstone. To the young, rosy cheeks, brigh,
eyes, and those smiles in sigh. of which -humor
cannot live. To the newly-married we wish bridal
presents in profusion, with loving messages from
schoolmates and cronies, who purpose full soon to
follow their example. To the old couple we wish
renewed pledges and proofs Of growing esteem,
that would lead them, if free, to marry each other
again the next minute. To our public men we wish
an approving conscience, boldness for the right,
charity for the misguided, light upon the path of
duty, and irmness and patience in following it to
the end. To those in private life we wish liberal
competence, an enlightened patriotism, an honora-
BILE, voluntary, dgni6ed submission to the laws OF
their country; moderation towards opponents; a
contented appreciation of the priceless privileges OF
their lot, and fixed resolve never to leopard or to
cast them away in pursuit of phantoms. To Con-
gress we wish that their brief session may be me-
morable for its harmony, for the shortness Of its
speeches and the wisdom of its laws. To our
Benevolent societies we wish plentiful Golfers,
an increase OF members, decrease of applica-
tons, and Heavens benson on all their labors
of love. To the poor we wish an open winter,
cheap wood, warm blankets, plenty of work, and
no doctors bills. To the children, God bless
them wish armfuls Of dolls, aprons full Of good
things and pretty books enough to keep them read
ing till Christmas comes again. Toall the sons and
daughters Of bereavement and distress, we wish Hea.
ven's mercy, the meek endurance Of their lot and a
happy issue out of all tribulasion. To our coun-
try we wish glory and streng,h-she glory of rect-
tude, Of wisdom, Of moderation, and of UNITY ; and
the strength which these never fail to bestow. To
the nations, peace, universal and perpetual with
increasing light, growing abundance, augmensing
virtue; and, as the result Of all, true and abiding
happiness, public and private.
Might these our wishes be grati6ed, and these ex-
pandlng aspirations granted, then will this
deserve TO be long remembered as the " Harry
CHRIsTxAs''
JENNY LIND, while at Richmond, made dona-
ton of twelve hundred dollars for charitable pur-
poses, as follows:
Female Orphan Asylum (Proestant) $500
St Joeeph's Female l)rphap Asv,r, f(,.,hoI;.>