The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1856-01-26
The Carnivak

The weather for near four weeks has been high
ly favorable to the sport of sleighing-indeed, q
part Of the time introducing that mode of looomo-
ton as the only safe for the purposes Ct trans
portation as well as pleasure. Such time, how
ever, is SO rare so novel, that it inspired PEG
pie with that peculiar kind of delight which is
associated with any enjoyment devoid of the charm
Of novelty. Thus inspired, they have abandoned
themselves to 1t with wild and good.humored
spirit which is without comparison, save in the
Italian Carnivals., Such sleighs-sueh contrap-
tons and aecoutrements for horses and men--in.
deed, we may add asses-have never been seen be.
fore in an American town. In some instances even
ghe mask was resorted to- and unknown indivd.
nails fonrished through the streets cheered on by
the cries of thousand juvenile voices The
white powder or -four and bon-bons of the Carni.
val were not introduced; but the white snow,
made up into round balls, was These balls at one
time Glled the streets and deluged the sleighers !;
but they became too abundant and dangerous
What at first was harmless sport, to which the
boys were tempted by the irresistibly grotesque
parties flying through the streets, became serious
assault, in which thousands directed their projec-
tiles at single individuall It became terrific
The police remonstrated-so did the Mayor-so did
the Dispatch. But the blood of the sleighers was
up, snd they swors terribiy-they uttered curses
loud but not deep, even dining their eyes - and
arm.ng themselves with FIVE shooters There was
something in the firm countenances and compress
ed lips Of these men that gave force to the remon
strances ofthe Dispatch and the mob of the sleigh
ers al once ceased But the sleghers increased
Each day brought out q novelty-a new conceit
In sleigh architeeture-and the lookers-on enioyed
the scene as much as the jewellers Not unfre-
quen! were the Indications that John Barleycorn
had taken passage with the sleighers 1t was not
an uncommon idea that successful sleighing-two.
forty time-could only be attained by stimulating
the sleighers; who, therefore in those cases, took
on any quantity; and, indeed, it seemed to have
the desired effect for those who stopped often at
the drinking houses, travelled faster than all others
Such were the scenes inspired by the specimen
Of q Northern winter we have had here We
must add that to this Carnival, Beauty often lent
its grace and gave it trait to redeem it from ts
cnu:terably grotesque character.
But 1t would seem that an end IL about to put to
this fashion of the day. Unless to-day brings what
1t has brought for three Saturdays in succession
q snow storm-it certainly is used up.
T. s.-We were near emitting feature of the
Carnival. which, from small beginning, has grown
to be the most prominent viz The boys euh their
miniature sssishs. They irst took to alleys. next
cross streets bat at last the juvenile Eruption in
undated Main street, which is now in full posses
sion OF ths progressves. Fortunately there is lit
We business doing, and there is not much use for
the street. 80 the boys are having great time OF
It El