Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-01-01
THE YEARS Isss-,ss.

To the young, time flies on leaden wings
DAYS seem to them as weeks. weeks rs months,
months as years. But as the young advance
to manhood and middle age, the flight of time
seems as rapid as that of the swallow. The
pastimes that invested youth with the hines of
romance. give place to those sober pursuits
that cast sombre shadow all ,aronnd our
solemn pathway through life.
But whether young, middle-aged, or old, one
year cannot sigh out its last expiring breath,
and another year sing its first and natal song,
without engaging the thoughts and stirring the
sentiments of us all.
The year '55, which abounded in so many
and such exciting scenes in the worlds drama,
has passed away, and we behold to-day the be.
ginning of New Year! What it brings to
us and to our country-whether blessings or
curses-we are not prophets enough to foretell.
But we cannot do otherwise than believe that
the All,wise Disposer Of events, who raised up
this new power. in this new world, TO confound
the old power, in the old world, has vouchsafed to
us destiny brilliant aid imposing. five heed
patriotic examples and wise counsels, 1t will be
allowed to us to work out that destiny, and we
will be blessed indeed. But if we follow evil ex-
amples and bad couusels, we will fail to com
pass the great ends appointed unto rs, and we
will bring down merited curses on our heads
and the heads Of our children.
The first of January, 1856, finds this
world of ours remarkable for the convul-
sions which just now disturb the Eastern and
Western world. Whilst in the East the peo-
pie are distracted by mighty wars, we who
live towards the setting sun are also con-
vulsed by wars upon our extreme South,
fanaticism upon the North, and in the very
centre of our land, here in the capital Of
the country, a spectacle is this day presented
which agtates the minds of all patriotic and
rightthinking men. Whilst we write Con.
gross is still without Speaker, though in
its fifth week. To-day the message Of our
President is being read in the Senate, whilst
the House is debating whether it will receive
the annual communication. These are strange
things, and we have fallen upon strange times.
The political hero Of yesterday will be dead to.
morrow; the political graves are being dug for
many who now imagine themselves potent
and prominent candidates for the first Office in
the gift Of the people.
Yes. the first office in the peoples gift.
All, poor people, little know you the hopes and
fears that take possession Of those who depend
UPON and calculate the chances in reference to
the suffrage you will give in November next.
This much for the present political condition
OF the coming year, 1856, Of these sovereign
and independent United States Of America.
We forbear to speak Of the dsunited States Of
the republic Of Mexico. Providence in bis own
time will produce much good from all that is
now bad, and Mexico may yet become another
land of the free, and a home OF the brave.
Amidst all the commissions which seem TO
surround the exit Of the old year, we have
abundant cnuse for tbankfulness; we have cause
for exceeding great JOY Joy that our own
happy homes are not disturbed by the rude
blast or war Joy that we are as yet free to act,
and think for ourselves, and thankful that the
Giver Of all Good has vouchsafed us most boun.
tifuf harvest, and made the earth to yield up
its most abundant fruits. Let us so conduct
ourselves MS a people. individually, 50 as to
merit continuance Of these bouniies for our
selves We shall try to forget all the trials
and animosites Of the past, and will endeavor
TO merit an equal share Of the blessings of the
new year.