Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-25
Christmas Salutation.

Though 10 the winter of our national dlscon-
tent, and with but little prospect that it will be
followed by GLORIOUS summer"-though por-
tentous clouds obscure our political sky, with
not sufficient light to give them silver lining
though tie Ship OF State seems about to be driv-
en- from her safe and peaceful moorings to be
cast upon the stormy sea of revolution-though
every speech in the halls of Congress seems as
the report of minute gun signaling her l eee
though tts IS Of oar great temple OF Lib
ersy seem aboS .- though one of the Stars
in our glorious galaxy of States, like the lost
pieiad, has shot madly from its sphere to 'darkle
in the trackless void"-though one of the sisters
has ''absconded" in disgrace and draped the
whole family of States in the ''sable habliments
of woe"-though the din of military preparation
admonishes us that many, with keen appetites for
blood, are ready to ''cry havoc, and let slip the
dogs of war"-though the vista of the future
portends dangers, strife and death--though the
s'pitiless storm" beats furiously upon the sacred
ark of our liberties though all be darkness and
gloom, storm and tempest without, we hope that
the yule log will burn brightly upon the fires Of
all our patrons, and that they will enjoy peace.
full, happy and merry Christmas.
We hope that the old, with slippers on feel
and spectseles on nose, upon whose head the
SHOWS of many winters have accumulated may
gently and safely descend the declivity of lite
and may
$50 live, that, when his summons comes to Join
The innumerable caravan, that moves
To that mysterious realm where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of DEATH
He may go not, like the quarry slave, at night,
Scourged to his dungeon but, sustained and soothee
By an unfaltering trust approach his grave,
Like one that draws the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams"
We hope that the young men of martial dispo
sitions who feel inclined to seek the ''bubblt
reputation at the lannon's mouth msy have the
good fortune to secure the ''bubbls' without get
ting shot.
We hope the "lovers signing like furnace
may have their affections duly reciprocated, ant
that they and their lovely Dulcineas, with clasp
ed hands and united hearts, may bask in the &c
NAL beams shed by the brilliant torch of Hymen
and may never be inclined to secede from til,
Union.
We hope the young ladies may never suffer
themselves to be imposed upon by perfumed and
moustached exquisites, and that they will bestov
their vestal affections upon those only who art
worthy of such blessing. We hope that al
may have neso 6onaaets of the latest style ani
that they may never be caught in the rain willis
wearing them.
We hope the truant boy "trudgng unwllingly
to school, may be privileged to lay aside hi
''sachel" and enjoy long holiday.
Last and least-the little children-we hope
that they will be visited by their good old friend
Santa CLAUS, and that they may find their "stock
ings' filled with candy and all sorts of beautiful
toys. To ensure his visit and the gifts he be-
slows they should remember that they must be
good children, obedient to their parents and kind
and loving to each other.
We salute all with the compliments and con
gratulatons of the season-hope all will have a
happy and merry Christmas.
''Good morning CHRISTMAS GIFT!"-
There, We caught you farly-it is useless to de
ny it,-own up and pay the penalty.