Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1865-12-26
CITY N EW S.

persons were aroused from their slumberS by the
shrill sound of kettle drums and the tones
ofthe base drum, intermngling with the sharp crack
of pistols revolvers, recrackers and other noisy in
yentions, not omittng the neverceasng "oot -oot"
Of the thousands Of tin horns with which the day las
well as the night made hideous at least in the
opinion of the and irritable portion of the
community.
As the day advanced thousands of children were
running hither exhibiting fun Of toys and
more substantial presents-the necessary accompa-
niments of the season-and older persons Though
probably not more sober.) thronged the streets on
their round among their respective friends. exchang
ing the congratulations of the season over flowing
bowl of egg -nog, apple-toddy or other potations
In the various churches, services. commemorative
of the OCCASION were held, and generally well
attended, the congregation dispensing after the exer-
eises to enjoy the social festivities of the day.
At the Penitentiary the exercises were of peeu-
| liar and interesting character. In the morning,
about nine o'clock, the male convicts were assembled
in the chapel in the presence of Messrs Jno Coates
George R. Berry JnO. Hurst, and Washington Ward,
of the Board of Directors, besides the Warden, Mr.
NJ. w. c. Thompson, and his efficient deputies The
exercises were opened with singing by a number of
the convics aided by the choir of Broadway Metho-
| dist Episcopal Church Prayer then offered up
by Rev n. II. Schenck. D. D. of the Protestant f.
Church. after which he delivered address to the
convicts. giving them some excellent advice.
Addresses were also made by Revs. DR.. Thomas
Sewall, of the Methodist Episcopal Church DR.. Cy-
rus Dickson, of the Presbyterian Church: and Geo
P. Nice, Of the Baptist Church. Messrs. Coates and
Hurst, of the Directory; Mr.. Thompson, Warden:
and Mr.. Isaac G. Roberts Deputy Warden. also ma,
some remarks, to which the prisoners listened with
deep interest Several of the convicts also made re-
marks suggesting to their fellow prisoners the i'm
porance Of conducting themselves properly, and
hoping that their incarceration might prove benefit
rather than curse. They spoke in high terms of
their treatment by the officers of the prison.
After these exercises the prisoners returned to
their respective cells and about o'clock were fur
nished with crtra dinner besides being allowed
everything which might be sent them by their friends
or which they might purchase with their own earn-
ngs. except spirituous liquors.
In the afternoon the female convicts were treated
to similar spiritual and intellectual entertainments
The penitentiary has at present 4SS inmates rs of
whom are females. The average of females for 10
years previously SO. The present number of
inmates, compared with the corresponding period
of last year. shows increase of 49, of whom % were
females
There is o remarkable increase of colored convics
but this is attributed to the fact that many persons of
this class, who formerly whipped by their late
masters spr petty thefs brought to trial and
sentenced to tnG penitetiary.
In both the male and female departments between
which there is no communication. Sunday schools
are organized. the male school being under the
perintendence of Mr.. W. A. Wisong. and the female
school under the superintendent of Mrs. Hyde.
These schools have been productive Of much good,
it is believed the moral character of the inmates
for the past year has greatly improved. The classes
ara taught by ladies and gentlemen who volunteer
their services.
At Hicks L. 5. Army General Hospital. in charge
of Surgeon Thomas Sim. L. S. Vols, the pa
tieuts were the recipients of excellent dinner
composed Of the substantias and delicacie5 of the
season, prepared for them by the same kind hands
which have ministered to many Of their class
throughout the past four years of war Entertain
ments of an intellectual and amusing character
also provided for these poor uniortunates everything
that was done for them being warmly seconded by
the attentions of Surgeon Josiah Simpson, the popu-
lar and able Medical Director of this Department
The boys and girls of the House of Refuge were not
forgotten in the festivities of the day several mem
hors of the Board of Directors Of the institution Wis
iting them during the day and joining with them in
appropriate and interesting exercises in the chapel
after which they sat down to sumptuous dinner
prepared by Nj. Lincoln, the Superintendent, and
his efficient corps of assistants.
The inmates of the Almshouse, rs well as of the
various charitable institutions about the city, were
also made glad by reason Of the good things prepared
for them.
Upon the streets lively scene was presented
Large numbers of people were constantly moving
about, and everybody seemed determined TO enjGy
themselves i the beet possible despite the
bad condition Of the streets in consequence Of tie
snow and rain of the previous day.
At night the several places Of amusement were
crowded to overfowinE with brilliant and delighted
audiences.
The railway cars did quite thriving business, too.
almost elsrrbody wanted tn ride not ''oqrurr
expenses" at such seasor.
And yet. with all the hilarity of The day remarka-
bly, good order prevailed. the principal iniracon Of
the peace occurring in the southern portion of the
city, where about forty young men found themselves
in the hands Of the police before night. scufe Of
considerable proportions occurred in the vicinity Of
Charles and Montgomery streets, N which three or
four policemen received blows, but, by dint of hard
knocks with their espantoons. they oyerpowerel
their assailants. and lodged them in the station
house:
A CHRISTMAS SuRPRIsE.-On Friday evening last at
the residence of Mr.. A. d. Michael good old Santa
Claus forgetful Of the interest of the ministers
pad visit to the Rev E. R. Eschbach pastor of the 1t
German Reformed Church. Second St., in the shape of
surprise partly made of the members of his congrc
cation. Each one bearing some useful household arti
Gle or else the handsome testimonial of piece If
silver ware neat article Of wearing apparel for Il
dear little babe-all combining to make the Rev. Mr..
Eschbach and his estimable lady and the little one.
the recipients OF GCite selection Of articles in
the house furnishing line, tiG. will prove very
ceptable and economical so soon as the reverend
gentleman concludes it better to furnish for himself
After ell the articles in rotation had been presented,
with neat little speeches, Mr.. G.. s. Griffith an
nounced his pleasant duty in presenting in behalf Of
a few OF tie ladies of the Church beautiful silver
miniature communion service to their minister, and
to his wife and babe an elegant cake basket and
spoon. and well filled portmonaie from himself as
token of their high appreciation of his ministerial
services dnf social qualifications As the matter was
an entire surprise 10 both Mr., Z. and his wife and
with the array of presents from sixty or seventy
donors before him. it but natural that the heart
was almost too full for uterance. lie, however, in
few pertinent remarks thanked all present for their
kindness and good will, and prayed that the choicest
benedction of Heaven might rest forever upon them
and closed by the shaking Of the hand of fellowship.
The entertainment was brought to close by theSerr
ing up Of ice cream and cake that was hugely en-
joyed BY all present. thus ended one of the pleasantes
evenings it has been privilege to enjoy for long
time, and we hope that the ministers everywhere
may alike be remembered.
ORDINATION OF PRrEsTs.-An interesting service
was held on Sunday morning in Christ Church, On
North Gay street, the occasion being the ordination
Of Rev. Benz F. Brooke pastor OF that church. and
the Rev. AdOiphus Pndle to the order OF the priest
hood. The services were conducted by Right Rev.
Bishop Wittingham, of the Protestant Episcopal
Church The exercises Of an interesting char
acter throughout. The church was decorated an
festooned with evergreens, presenting a beautiful ap-
pearance; while to add effect to the solemnity OF the
occasion, the wall in the of the chancel, was
inscribed the following quotation from Scripture
1--WE have this Star in the East, and have come
to worship Him-slory TO God in the highest" The
sermon by the Rev. Bishop was very able, address
ing the candidates for priesthood in pathetic
ner, upon the duties devovng upon them in councc-
ton with their high calling. The unayorabe state
of the weather prevented Il large attendance, but.
Notwithstanding, very respectable audience was
present and evinced considerable interest in til
exercises.
DisCHARGIEa PISTOLS IN THE STREET.-NOtwith-
standing the well known fact that it is violation OF
city ordinance to discharge pistol in the street.
there several breaches Of the peace of this nature
during yesterday and the night previous: John
Smith, arrested by officer Whitelock, on the said
charge, was fined IS and costs by Justice Whalen-
Frederick hughes and Frank Sebo!d, arrested by
officers Jones and Sables for the same offence were
each fined s. by the same magistrate. Nm Gala
CHER and John Harris, arrested by officers Eaton an
Lattice on tn. same charge, We're each fined s. by
the same Justice.