The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1869-01-23
SAN FRANCISCO CORRESPONDENCE
PER ssMoNrANA.''-No. %.

SAN Francisco, Dec. 80, 1868.
Gentle readcr-in all sincerity-a HAPPY New
YEAR.
We enjoyed Christmas, the brightest gala-iay of
all the year, with the usual festivities. Calling upon
New Years day will not be universal. Either the
custom is falling into disfavor, or the gentlemen are
too INDECENT to avail themselves of the opportunity to
visit all their lady friends during one day. The peo-
pie, demoralized by earthquake recollections, anxious
concerning the interchangeable prevalence of
the smallpox, and scarcely yet recovered from the
excitements of an active political contest, do not
evince the same enthusiasm in celebrating the hoi-
days that characterized the festivities of last year.
Retail dealers inform me that the sales during this
season have not equalled those of last; nevertheless,
the profuse displays by enterprising merchants, seem
to attract a full share of public attention, if not of
patronage, for the stores have appeared well filled
with customers.
We may be congratulated upon the refreshing and
much needed showers which have been vouchsafed
us during the past ten days. The incaiculable value
to the crops, and the belief that better health will
now prevail, causes n deep thankfulness to spring
from every heart. Without a murmur of complaint
we endured a disagreeable Christmas, content to re-
main within doors, and rejoicing at the pit-pat of
the rain-drops upon our faces when compelled to
pass without the 90 portals of our house"
1869.
Although 1865 will pass into history as n notable
year for this country, 1869 will far exceed its prede-
cessor in Importance. The principal occurrences of
political significance, the impeachment of Andrew
johnson, and the exciting Presidential election, are
happily succeeded by the calmer and more beneficial
event of the Inauguration of General Grant. BY no
means the least important blessing we anticipate dur
ing the new year will be removal of the present
Chief MAGISTRATE of the nation. Every man whether
Republican or Democrat, who has the welfare of the
nation at heart, viii rejoice when the Discussions be-
tween Congress and the Executive cease. The prin-
cipal internal troubles at an end, we shall have an
opportunity to give proper attention to the alabama
claims, and also devote the necessary time for the
correct consideration of your Reciprocity Treaty.
To state that Californians anticipate a prosperous
and evcntful year in 1869, is but mildly limiting the
fact. While we may look for a noticeable exodus of
adventurous spirits, of all grades of society, towards
White Pine, the inference is natural that any success
full transactions in the new mining regions will bene-
fit San Francisco. Five inches of rain having al
ready fallen, we are lei to look upon the success of
the grain crop, save in certain localities, as assured.
The products of the soil will far exceed the efforts of
any previous year, the commerce of the city is rap
idly increasing, and the advent of the Pacific Rail-
road, already nearly completed, the great event of
1869, all confirm the belief that the incoming year
will prove n notable epoch in the history Of California.
A Move in the Right Direction.
BY a vote of 123 to ~, the House of Representa-
tiyes resolved that women should have equal pay with
men, when performing equal services. The numer-
Gus agitators for ''wOmen's rights will hail this step
towards the consummation for which they are so
earnestly labOring with exceeding great joy-but
they viii probably be obliged to rest contented with
out further marked encouragement for some time at
least. The people do not take kindly to female suf-
frage-it will prove an onerous task, it matters not
how sensible the arguments advanced, to educate the
masses TO this extremely radical doctrine. If we
may believe the statements of the champions Of
female suffrage, the day is not far distant when the
issue will be forced upon the people. 1t is probable,
therefore, that the negro must give way to the female,
as the bone of contention in American politics. In
Massachusetts,, ever foremost, societies are already in
existence for the purpose of elevating the fair sex.
Verify there Is fun ahead.
Freedom Of the Press.
Another newspaper libel case has just been decided.
Some months ago, J.. J. Pennypacker, an internal
revenue detective, charged \. Hayward, a wealthy
resident, with fraud in returning his income, and at
tempted to extort money from him on that ground.
whereupOn Penuypacker was indicted and tried.
The Bulletin published the proceedings at this trial,
and Pennypacker, although admitting the correctness
Of the report, sued for damages, claiming that the
Bulletin had no legal right to publish any reports at
all. Judgment was very sensibly rendered for de-
PENDANTS. 1t must be understOod that the publication
of the report was simply for the purpose of supplying
the public with news, and not in an attempt to satisfy
a malicious or r~evengeful spirit-facts admitted by
the prosecution.
Modification Of Seasons"
Under this caption the Bulletin publishes the fol
lowing editorial
R..ilnrta ~ tho unwniinn Isllnisn lsnrye Tint the