The Republican journal., 1872-12-19
Letter From Boston,
Correspondence of the journal,


BOSTON, Dec. Is.
The approach of the holidays is now heard in
the land, and cries for gifts suitable to that low
ful season eosup from morn till night, W lille
perplexity has hand to hand fight with temp
tation. Gifts that don't cost hundred thou
sand dollars apiece, mind YOU something cheap,
pretty, desirable, something that won't be
sneezed at by the eXpectant friend, and vet
something that will come within the bounds of
flre-strcken purse. 1t Is amusing to hear peo-
pie talk about the necessity for economy. the
bore it is to make this yearly exchange of pres
ents, and then their logical reasons WHY ,hey
must give to this one or that one, though times
are hard. The consequence is the shops are
now crowded with purchasers in spite of the
dull season predicted. The trader SAYS, how
ever, it did not begin as early as last year. and
the tendency is to buy cheap. Whatever NAV
be the case. the streets filed with mud. hor-
flDle mud, and still more horrible people tear
ing about like distracted creatures and if pro-
family could avail, am sure, our narrow dirty
thoroughfares would be made sweet and vacant
In no time. But the profane man is no better
served than his more amiable, self-controled
brother who lounges about trying to keep his
head above water and his feet out of a slougb of
despond--in vain. Filth reigns. and clesnlv
Boston Is becoming AS dsgracefuy nasty as
New York; fact | volunteered to .'perice"
IN my transit over 4 muddy crossing TO as
muddy sidewalk the other day. The monster
grinned, and said, more truthfully that gram
matlcally "This fire done it" Fire. indeed
what hasn't it done, or what won't it do that's
untoWard for the next twenty Years? Mean
while there is not a petticoat in town but what
brings daily home enough real estate TO pay
taxes upon. And YOU know that does not
make any woman happy. The shops are
brilliant enough to make some amends for these
dlsagreeables, and the goods therein truly
tempting to behold. The fancy goods stores are
running over with beautiful Russian leather ar
ticles, the fragrant material being used for
every known and unknown purpose. Little
pa6tlocks tor watch cases, level boxes that cost
$I5 or 800, thermometers for travellers drink
ing cups, photograph cases for the pocket
rather IL spoonev idea by The way-oyely chate-
laine bags, gorgeous work boxes, match boxes,
elaborate caenders that are turned like Il hand
organ and tellieverythng but yunr fortune;
and then the big and little nkstan,ls that hold
from drop TO a pint Of that dangerous fluid
and the variety of pocket books that are a fear
full sarcasms on the present state of finances
Oceans, continents of Russian leather in which
to lose ones self. Another novelty carried to
excess, is the fashion for cllatelaines; eyerv-
thing is intended to hang down from the waist
at the emf OF an oXyuiZed chain. bags, UNI
brelas, vinaigretts, fans, or n baby eyeii--the
last is, however, optional. These chains are in
great variety, long, short or simple hook and
link for the belt, and when of gilt and Russian
leather they are very pretty. More elegant and
expensive ones are made of real silver and gold,
and have tiny silver canteens, horns and TASKS
richly embossed dangling at the end. Such
costly baubles are only worn at parties, while
the others have been already displayed in the
street--a most Inappropriate place, but where
things oil this kind are sure 10 appear at best
ONydized silver frames Tor pictures and beauti-
fu ornaments for the mantle piece come in new
design. A novel pair of candle-StckS have the
armor pattern, shield supported by spears and
lances, and capped by helmet, gloves, &e., and
little stauetes of real artistic silver bronze that
are very charming. One of our besl lewelry
establishments has 4 pair representing two
hounds one with his nose to the ground point
ing; the other has "found' and is crying for the
pack. 1t is spirited conception, and been
much admired by good Judges of art. Gilt
bronze is still in great favor. The card receiv-
erS, tazZas or great plateaus for embelshing
draWng-room vases, and designs for cigar ash
holders that are rich and beautiful One OF the
latter specimens is quite amusing, having a lit
tie man tercely spearing ut huge black fly
contenteily seated on Il lump of sugar, and
others have half drowned dogs or gondeliers OF
silver against which toy YOU are requested 70
knock your cigar.
We haYe had the city elections and survived.
Much to every ones surprise Mr. CASTOR was
reelected by late majority, 50 very late, ward
two is to be overloaded and the votes recounted.
Wonders will never cease, and politics will
always be mystery ,sbut they do say this par
ticular wire was pulled by no less ii parsonage
than the small poX. and Mr.. CASTOR and the
democratic party-to which shall belong when
l vote-walked again into office because no one
dared count the tender offerings of that hapess
ward, and somebody had to jump to a wild
conclusion regarding the exact amount. This
week, however will see the mater cleared up
and we shall knew whether we owe our mayor
to the righting of a single mistake or to Il uni
versal distrust and disappointment in an other
wise honest man.
AS to the smallpox its about as bad rs it can
be and not create panic. People are careless
offices or call at your doors for aims and travel
about loosely in public conveyances, unchal-
lenged by the authorities The other day a
woman with the fearful marks of present Illness
or a very recent recovery, squeezed into horse
ear crowded with ladies and children. 4 lady
beside her, after rapid survey, said in aloud
decided voice audible to every person in the
car, ''you have had the small pox. or have it
now, You have no right here!" The woman
made no reply but instantly got out. ltat ING |
behind her.
A fashionable tailor in fremont street made 4
year ago gorgeous robe de chambre of brown |
silk velvet lined with the finest quilted satin for
a lady TO give her atfianced husband. After six |
months Of married life this one has become |
twain again, and the luxurious garment, with |
its accompanying smoking cap and slippers, has
been returned to the maker. He now proposes |
to put it up at rattle, the price, $3.50, staggers
his eNtrayagant customers. Fancy what an |
amount Of sentiment and velvet one can have
for only tive dollars, and write your cheques at |
once. JAY.
Disasters at ROckport
Thursday forenoon, the 18th inst, as the schooner
Julia Newell, Capt Spear, with a cargo OF 1000 |
casks Lime belonging TO Sheppard Jones Co., COR |