Washington sentinel., 1854-01-01
Gofal anS 9ersonaI.

passed 10 the grave of time, we can read in the
indelible record only the events which distin-
guished its existence; finding there, on many
page, entries of the loss OF loved ones, hopes de-
ferred, good resolves broken, and injuries sus-
tanned; while shine, in bright relief to the dark
narratives the realization Of the fondest anticpa-
tions, happy alliances, new-formed friendships,
and Improvement generally in the social condi-
ton. And so has il ever been, and always will
be, as certainly as the day succeeds the night.
Thus, ever the varying feelings and circumstances
are strongly contrasted.
As TO Janus, from whom the name of this, the
first month in the year is derived, we are informed
that he was king of Italy, g who received Saturn
when he was expelled from heaven by JUPITER
He was patriotic and wished TO make his subjects
wiser and better and devoted himself to their i'm
provement; therefore, he gladly admits Saturn
10 share OF the government, and acquired useful
knowledge from him. Janus, owing to his wis
dom, was regarded as prophet and was sup
posed 10 be as well acquainted with the future as
he was with the past.
Now, as this double gift of looking before and
after was nothing more than the experience and
foresight Of wise man, we may all profit by our
former observations, and thus be the better pre-
pared to discharge the multifarious duties oflfe.
The Roman mythology informs us that new en-
terprises were dated from this day, but they COM
menced after it for on the day itself business was
suspended, quarrels were forgotten, mutual pres
ents were made, and the time was spent in mirth
and friendly intercourse. good example evon
from those who ignorantly worshipped Janus as a
god
he IF
to-day--on the Sabbath--a day Of rest from the
tolls Of the week--we may all with propriety med-
tate on our past conduct, and consider wherein we
have so frequently erred; and with the continual
increase of years upon us, so live that the world
may be the better for our existence, and the memo
ries regarding us fondly cherished in the time to
come.
Social Greetings Tomorrow there will
doubtless be renewal of the courtesies and visi-
tations which have heretofore distinguished the
advent Of new year. Open houses will be kept
the doors thrown wide open for the reception
and entertainment of yisters, and many earnest
wishes expressed for the happiness of the per-
sons who may be addressed; nor is this custom
confined to any particular class; all are partic-
pants in the social greetings
The Presidents house will, as usual, be open
for the people-citizens and strangers-the SOW
ereigns;" and the President of the United States
will receive them in his customary and frank
manner, from noon till two o'clock Crowds will
there congregate; full band making the halls re-
sound with its instrumental melody. gay
delightful and fashionable scene will the "west
end, especially, present.
--
Small Notes.-The Mayor of Georgetown on
Friday night, sent to the councils Of that city
communication, showing the importance Of pro-
vidng for the calling in of the issues Of the one
and two dollar. bills of that corporation. These
notes circulate readily in this city, notwithstand-
ing they uttered in violation of the law Of Con-
gress
8 Marriage DEMONSTRATING the past year
eight hundred and seventy-eight marriage licenses
were issued at the court house, yielding revenue
Of nearly six hundred dollars. For January there
were s5; for February 65; March 55; April rs;
May 81; June 7s; July IS; August 81; Septem-
Der So; October 76 November 81; December 65,
The National Theatre, as will be seen by
reference TO our column of amusements, is to
pany composed of selection from the Holiday
Street and Walnut Street theatres. Among the
performers we notice Mrs. Duffield and Mr.
Chapman. The pieces for Monday night are
Extremes and RoJen Macaire.
Risley's Variete, on Monday night presents
Mr.. Charles Burke in the Poor Gentleman and
ole BnA BE it remembered that he is native
of Washington, well as the best delineator Of
his peculiar characters in the country.
w. w. Corcoran, esq, we learn, intends to
make glad the hearts of the inmates of the George
town poor and almshouse, by giving them su.np-
tuous New Years dinner.
Professor Hackley's Lecture, on Friday
evening, at the Smithsonian Institute, was but
thinly attended, the subject not being of the most
popular cast. II was production of much merit,
however. indicating considerable research and
careful thoughts and we were sorry TO see so few
present. @
This lecture was the second of SERIES the
first Of which was delivered on Wednesday eve-
ming. 1t was a continuation of the preceding,
the opinions Of distinguished scholars
and public men in Great Britain, concerning the
system at Cambridge, its defects and
needfn reforms, together with sound and practi-
cal original suggestions. The private tutorial fea-
ture in the Cambridge instruction was considered
as one Of its most valuable elements. The public
tutoral, or catechitcal system, which prevails in
the American colleges, and which is the nearest
modern approach TO the Socratic method of edu-
cation, the lecturer also regarded as of great
utility. The professional system, which is best
illustrated in the German universities, where it
exists in its vigor, was viewed as the basis of
sound and enlarged national scholarship, and
the condition of the present ascendency of the
,,hit ,btra and lugfa hp npnh
ton Of these three elements exhibited respec-
lively in England, America and Germany, Pro-
fessor Hackley believed essential to just and
efficient academic culture.
On Monday evening next, the subject will be
resumed, and the lecturer will develope his plan
for the Improvement Of the university system in
America.
Excursi0n.-A portion of the members Of the
Virginia House Of Delegates, who made an excnr-