Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-12-25
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER, e5 1850.
CHRISTMAS GIFT !


more than we deserve. Permit us in return TO whis-
per our best wishes for your welfare and happiness
through lfe the unaloyed enjoyment of present es-
tiyities and the pleasant return of many "merry
Christmas"
The return of this day always suggests train of
interesting and useful reflections BY common con-
sent it is set apart as day of hary frOlic and fun.
Now, it is all we'll enough to indulge in innocent
amusements but we should remember that it is NOR
ally wrong to carry these amusements beyond the
limits of moderation and strict temperance. The
speciality of the occasion is no apology Tor riot and
excess. By some denominations Of Christians this
,av IS religiousy observed as the anniversary Of
Chris's nativity. How much more pleasing and aP-
proprate are such services than the Bachanaan rev.
els that too often disgrace both the occasion and
those who profess to honor it. We would not de-
claim against rational enjoyment and innocent a
musement. The recurrence Of such an anniversary
is we'll calculated to inspire US with gratitude and
make the heart glad, and we love TO see becoming
manifestation of such feelings.
"Then shake Old Christmas by the hand
In kindness LET him dwell,
For he's king of right good company,
And we should treat MIN we'll"
Cheerluness and good humor refine the feelings
and purify the heart, and we hope to promote both
in some degree this morning around the hearth-sone
of our patrons On the first page may be found
"Christmas Song'' aud sketch Of "Chr!stmas IN the
Olden Time" which viii be read with Interest,"
Whilst we would not have our readers initiate the
debaucheres of their anccstorsas set forth in this lat
ter article, we wish one an all more solid happiness
than such follies can afford.
WILLARD FlLLMoRE-Several Wing papers in the
State have nominated Mr.. FILLMORE for the next
Presidency. 1t IS too early, perhaps, to commence
the canvass and we doubt not that Mr.. FILLMORE is
content to discharge his present duties, without re-
gard to his own future personal advancement; but
nevertheless we will say that should he appear to be
the choice of the party generally, we will be more
than satisfied. Ever since we first knew Mr.. FILL
MORE as public man, he has commanded our re-
spect and confidence and these sentiments have
strengthened as he has assembled from step to step in
the scale of official station. AS American citizens.
as we'll as Wings, we feel proud Of him now that he
is at the head of the Government He is the true type
of a Republican President. In rejecting on his life
we are reminded of those lines of the poet Cowper
"Great offices will have
Great talents and God gives to every
The virtue temper understanding, taste
That lifts him into life, and lets him fall,
Just in the niche he ordained to fll''
Providence seem TO have raised MnLARD FrLL-
MORE up for this particular crisis in our pubic affairs
His "virtue, temper, understanding taste" pre-em-
nently fit him for the exalted niche he now fills
His whole public career has been calm. and digni-
fed-he has not sought office, apparently, but has
been sought by it. No Glamour and noise have at
tended his course. Every now and then we find
him in little higher station than he occupied before;
we almost wonder how he got there, but being there
we find him precisely suited to the place.
@TuE Poor YE HAVE ALWAYS WITH YoU"-The
presence of Winter reminds us ofthose who, in every
community, arc peculiarly exposed 10 the incemen-
get, in the whirl and confusion of our own pursuits
the wants and Gistresses of others; and need espe
cialy to be reminded Of the hardships of the poor
al season like this when shut up in our comforta-
bic homes, we are least apt TO notice the privaOns
Of our neighbors. There is always much more suf-
fering among the poor at this season than superb
cial observer would suppose, and constant demand
for that active exploring charity which, not satisfied
with external appearances, penetrates the abodes OIL
misery, and seeks TO supply the wants which, through
shame, or detection, would never be voluntarily re-
veaed. Altle aid thus silently and unostentatiously
rendered to suffering humanity, however nsignifcan
the act may appear at the time, may carry incacula
bic benefits to The objects of it, and prove lasting
satisfaction to the giver. "BleSSedn saith the scrip
ture, KS he that conSidereth The poor" This divine
testimony is confirmed in every human conscience
that has been sensible Of the pleasure attending
an act Of Kindness. The pure sunlight of Heaven:
appreciation never fails 10 shine upon the heart tina
feels for others woes, and seeks TO relieve them
g. A painful accident occurred on Saturday last
TO THOMAS J. NICHE, Jr, son of THOMAS J. Mich
lie, Esq, of this place. while out cunning in company
with younger brother and little cousin. In cross
ing fence his gun was accidentally discharged, ant
the load passing up his cheek inflicted frighGu
wound, carrying off a part of The jaw and tearing up
large portion OF the cheek and ear Being in the wood
three miles from town he was obliged to walk som
distance leaning upon his brotker,s SboulIer ,ybe