American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-01-19
Correspondence Of the American Union"
CINCINNATI. Jan. Z. 1885

correspondence OF the american Un!on."
CINCINNATI, Jan. 7, 1856.
Dear Sir:
New Years Day was inaugu-
rated with more than usual gaicty.-
The streets of the city on which were
situated the residences of our citizens,
were alive with pedestrians and car
riagcs, all intent upon the observation
of the time honored custom of making
New Year calls. Probably this GUS
tom was more generally observed than
ever before. That day had been pre-
ccdcd by great number of large par
ties, and the whole Of the holidays
seemed to have been devoted to pleas
ure in various forms, so that the unu-
sual turnout on New Years day may
be accounted for from this fact. There
is another observable feature in this
winters gaities: and that is, that there
lsa greater extravaganza in all direc-
tons than ever, in dress, in equipages,
in styles fliving and in general expcn-
ditmes. When one remembers the
fact that money is scarce and cannot
be obtained except at high rates Of in
terest, and then look in upon fash
ionable party, and SEQ the magnificent
display of dress and jewelry, diamonds
and silks, broad-cloths and patent lea
Their, one can very easily guess the rca-
son why an occasional smash up in the
commercial world takes place, and why
commercial men generally are hard up
for cash. Economy, with large class
Of people, isan obsolete idea, and that
class seem to have adopted the motto
Of the sensualist, "d4m oigimus vtvan.-
as" as the true philosophy of life.
Our weather has been very cold for
some days past, and navigation has
been nearly or quito closed. Even the
ferry boats have great difficulty in mu-
king an occasipnaltrip. There is bare
~ enough snow on the ground to tempt
those who arc fond Of sleighing to in
dulgc. A spanking span of horses APP
pcared on Fourth street to-day, gaily
dressed in ostrich plumcs and attached
to a sleigh. Fabulous. sums are paid
to Livery stables for sleigh riding, "a
gcntecl turnout with driver, being FIVE
dollars an hour. But man accustom-
Ell to the fine SHOWS you have up in the
good sold Dominion, would smile at
! the eagerness and delight with which
q small fall of snow, scarcely covering
the streets, is made available for sleigh
ing purposes. The aforesaid man
would turn up his nose at such snow.
and hardly venture to go admitting for
rabbits. But it is scene of great
llyollncss to sec one hundred or more
boys and men, sliding down a street on
q sled. After night-fall, l have known
girls by the score to amuse themselves
in the same way. But sometimes very
serious accidents occur, and the city
authorities, in some cases, intcrpose to
prevent such q use of the streets.
Our taxes were due on the goth De-
cember last, and were very generally
paid, though noticeable stringency in
the moncy-market occurred about that
day. As specimens of taxation in
Ohio, Imay mention that the Ohio Life
insurance Trust Company paid nearly
$4,000 taxes, and Nicholas Long
worth, the richest man in this City, a.
bout $4,000. SO cnor nous arc the
taxes in some instances, that d proper
| ty holder stands more in the position
OF lessee Of the State, than an owner,
his taxes are a very fair rental Of
his property.
There is q beautiful melee among the
ranks Of the Democracy in this city,
growing out Of the differences between
fthe Nebraska and anti-Nebraska wings
of that party. The contest is quite
warm, and will probably produce some
singular results in the success of that
party with the people.
While articles Of food continue quite
high, and while there is great deal
OF dcstitution among us, / am happy
to say that fuel, so necessary this cold
weather, is very reasonable. An ex-
cellont article commands but 10 cents
per bushel. The continued high water
during the fall, brought an immense
supply into market. OHIO.
I Se0erer than the, Maine LaW.--The