The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1870-01-06
"Rlng Out tho OId--RIrg in the
EeEyI',


Ia the darkness and silence Of Decem-
Der midnight the last page in the record
book of the year of grace 1869 was posted.
end in indelible characters Is Imprinted,
whether of good or of evil, the account Of
each and every member Of the human family.
The year just closed will be memorable
one in the history Of the age in which we
live, and retrospective glance at the w0r-
dcrful achievements which have been sue
cessfully completed will mark it Gs one Of
the grandest cpochs of the nineteenth cen
tury. The indomitable energy of man. aid
ed by all the appliances which modern sci
ence could bring to bear. has triumphed over
apparently insurmountable obstacles. Two
Of the greatest improvements during the
year just closed were the com pletion OF the
Pacific Railroad (Which brings US into close
communication with our fellow citizens on
the golden shores Of California; aud An event
Of incalcnlable interest to the maritime in
terests Of the world-the opening Of the
Suez ship canal. Had the idea Of railroad
across the towering peaks and deep defles
Of the Rocky Mountains been preached
few years ago, It would have seemed absurd
and preposterors, but to-day the Shrek Of
the iron horse, as it ploughs its devious way
over the rock.riLbed hills where the foot Of
man had never trodden until the inaugura.
tion Of this stupendous enterprise, nov re-
sounds over mountain and valley, and long
pf Ia,l nj LHnIn nf
precious living freight, or transporting the
Immense traffic which this route has opened
up, can be seen passing daily over the wild
stretch of country now awakened for the
first time from those peaceful slumbers which
Il has INDUCED in for countless ages.
In the religious world the past year has
closed upon an assemblage unequalled in
numbers and unsurpassed in importance
since the dawn of creation. The great Ecu
menical Council, now assembled within the
walls of the Eternal City. is composed Of
more than seven hundred of the highest dig
nitaries, TO say nothing of the innumerable
lesser lights, of Church embracing a more
extended and extensive membership than
face of the earth. 1t is made up of prelates
from every portion of the inhabitabIe globe,
who have met 10 solemu conclave, under the
direction Of Pope Plus TX, to deliberate and
take action upon matters pertaining to the
Church and TO the many millions of people
who recognize its authority and worship at
It's altars.
Among The many stricken from the roll
oflife during the year past appear the names
Of not few who were illustrious in the VA
rious professions, and who had achieved a
posthumous fame that will survive long after
their bones have mouldered In that narrow
cell whore the learned and the unlettered
dead alike repose in peace. In the contract
ed limits or the home circle there are vacant
chairs, and the year brought its load OF sor-
row to many desolate hearts that mourn the
loss Of dear parent, beloved child. fond
brother or an affectionate sister. These are
thy victories, o! Death, for thy impartial
hand hath spared not where it was raised TO
strike.
With buoyant step the infant New Year
Is ushered into existence. and the sceptrc
passes into its hands amid the ringing Of
bells and the gleeful shouts of the giddv
fhrong who are always prone to turn their
backs upon infirmity and helpessness. The
screws are driven home in the ccfIin-ld of
the dead year, and few there are TO bend
mcurnfu!ly over the bier where so much of
gc1d and evil, of joy and sorrow, lie shroud-
ed for the burial.
How many Of US who join in hearty
welcome TO the New Year will be in exist
noe q tUelvemonth hence Death NAV.
perbsPs, have marked us for bis earliest vic
I5ms, and ere the cfosc Of the present year