The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1857-01-09
Correspondence Of the Gate City.

greetings that will usher into existence the
gay, merry and happy New Year of 1851
The heavens have looked dark and gloomy
all day, and overshadowed with despond.
ing grief, as though they would fnd relief
in delugng the earth with tears. Let us not
forget at this time, that we are likewise rap
idly approaching the goal Of relentless time.
There appears to be no sorroving or prepa-
rations for mourning as the white locks OF
$50 are laid away in the tomb forever, but
all arc prepared to do agreeable homage to
it's successor, and give the incoming "happy
New Year" hearty welcome and joyous
greeting. Tomorrow will be great day
for New York. Mirth, gayety, and festive
scenes will usher in the natal day Of the glad
New Year. Great preparations have been
made for the celebration Of the day. Ac-
quaintances that have grown old, and nearly
cold, with sc, will be renewed with cordiali-
ty, and feeling Of good will strengthen the
bands of fellowship and bind in inseperable
ties the affections Of the loved and loving
The utmost ingenuity has been q judge by
the appearance Of the stores) successfully
employed to prepare display Of attractive
novelties in the shape Of presents, and the
mode Of getting up fancy articles for the
toilet, and work-tables, aud centre-ta tables, is
truly wonderful. Swiss carved works are
much admired, in the shape Of cabinets for
jewslry, and as ornaments, are greatly in
vogue. Indeed boxes containing variety
Of choice and delicious perfumery, are most
exquisitely prepared, besides toys innumera-
BILE for the benefit Of the little ones. In the
custom Of presenting gifts, or dispensing
charity, and the greetings Of "happy New
Year." there is a good feeling and warmth
of heart displayed which inspires every one
with checrfulness. How every youngster
yearns for the approach Of this happy sea-
son. To them the holidays are sources Of
the most benevolent and genial feelings
How cheaply We purchase the love Of q
child; yet few things are SO pleasant and
delightful. An inconsiderate gift, pleasant.
ly presented, makes lasting impression on
the memory of human being, in one Of it's
most beautiful stages and in after years
viii become a sweet blooming flower among
the thorns and briers that so thickly beset
the rugged path Of life. Let me greet you
with the compliments of the season, wishing
you and yours "Happy, Happy New Year."
had long and tiresome journey in reach
ing this city. took an evening train from
Burlington. When same Eve or six miles on
our way, the cry came sharp and shrill
through the cars, ga man OFF, All was i'm
meaiateiy in great excitement and alarm
The train was stopped, and backed up near
ly two miles, when the poor fellow was found
lying in the ditch. The conductor informed
me that he was but slightly injured, but
afterwards learned from fellow passenger
that the man was badly hurt. Towards
morning, when within IS miles Of Chicago,
the Engineer allowed his engine to become
deficient Of water, shunied the train, went
on, and returned no more. After sitting
there from four to FIVE hours, way train
came along and troiied US into Chicago
some six hours behind time, and Of course
too late for the 'morning run"
stopped at the Richmond House, new
home for the trrveling public, on water ST.,
near the Central X. r. Depot. This house
is complete with all the modern improve
ments. The reception rooms, the parlors,
and the reading and smoking rooms are large,
airy, aud superbly furnished. The dining
room is spacious, finished and furnished
IN superior style; and in the appointments
OF the house noticed but one thing that
could be changed for the better, or improved.
II may be considered want Of proper cul.
tiyation in me to mention it, but it certainly
did appear to me ridiculous to see that fine
dining hall used as fdrill-room'' for table
walters, especially at dinner time. The ex-
ercise was somewhat after the following man
ner line was formed on each side Of the
table guests all seased silence about one
minute; drill-master standing up bravely at
the head Of the table, makes slight motion
with the right hand; walters oil erect aud
"eyes right" another motion, waters ali
march in single file, excepting time with both
feet,) out of the dining room into the main
hall ; pass into small hall and return to the
dining room; then serve the guests with
soup. After soup the same evolution is
gone through wiki in serving fish. Then q
long interval ensues in the company tscom-
ing to order" One grand flourish from drill
master, which demands grea, attention; mo-
ton two steps back motion; three steps
forward, body and head erect motion; right
arm brought in horizontal line over the
table; motion, hand laid upon the cover;
motion; cover raised three to four inches
notion; cover raised to the level of the
WATERS head motion; cover turned up side
down; motion cover brought to the right OF
waiter, on level with the ear, the arm a. the
elbow forming Alright angle grand motion !;
company all march in single file out Of the
dining room; motion, company return to
their places; motion; guests are asked by
company what meats they wish. By the
time the guests are served with meat, they
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