Wilmington daily commercial., 1872-12-26
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THE OBSERVANCE, YEsrERpAY--A DULL, QUIET


THE OBSERVANCE, YEsTERDAY--A DULL, QUIET
DAY.
Yesterday was, probably, the quietest Christ
mas which has been observed in Wilmington for
many years. The extremely cold weather kept
many persons within doors, and it was near the
middle Of the day before the streets began to
swarm with people. Even them those out went
hurying along TO the house Of some friend,
whose Christmas good cheer flowed freely, and
few tarried longer than was necessary to reach
their destination.
The day was ushered in without that noise and
clangor OF bells which has heretofore been such
feature in the celebration. Shortly after mid
night one Of our city bands and choir OF manly
voices went out serenAding their friends in differ
eut parts OF the city and this was about the
extent Of the din to be heard in the streets al
that early hour. Later in the day few drunken
carousals disturbed the peace OF some neighbor-
hoods, but We have learned nothing definite OF
any great disturbance. .exceptin the Eastern por-
ton OF the city, where a free fight ensued. But
this was Of short duration, for Sergeant Chopper
soon appeared upon the scene, and entering the
| crowd dispersed it, without any arrests, but
simply by the exercise OF little muscle.
Services were held in the several churches of
the city--in the Methodist and some others at a
very early hour. In but few churches, however,
we're regular sermons preached. The attendance
was very good in some OF them. At tho Unitar-
ian church, presents were distributed to the Sab
bath school children in the evening The ser
vices in the church we're of unusual interest The
pastor Rev. Il. Israel, preached at IL o'cokk to a
| congregation an appropriate sermon on the Real
/ and the Ideal Christ from the text, " am the
i light OF the world" In the evening at 6 o'clock
a childrens meeting was held, and presents dis
tnbuted to more than forty children of the Sun
| day school and congregation. Many Of the
parents and friends Of the children were present
| The occasion was very enjoyable one and will
| be long remembered.
The Church is most beautifully decorated
Over the pulpit arches motto in large ivry let
| ters, 81 am come that they might have Life " and
| the entire walls are festooned with eyergreens
On the Communion table is an exquisite white
/ cross OF wax work, mounted upon base OF
| green moss and wreaths. The contrasts OF the
/ white and green remarkably fne 1t ID one
| Of the most beautiful emblems we have seen.
The pulpit is also gracefully covered with
wreaths and festoons.
| We have never seen this fine little church
/ look more beautiful.
The stores which sold goods peculiar to the
holidays were generally open in the morning.
| and some Of them all through the day. They
| we're largely patroniZed.
Every QUE of course, received presents, which
were spread out, as usual, to the admiring gaze
| of the members of the household and TO callers.
| No one denied their beauty and appropriateness;
| and since every one well satisfied we will
throw the veil of silence over this feature.
| A notable and gratifying feature OF the day
was the appearance in the city OF 30 many
strangers. Extra trains were run on the W. 4
W. r. r., which with the greatly reduced fares,
offered unusual Inducements TO residents along
the line Of the road to visit the city. Heretofore
these people have spent their Christmas days in
Philadelphia but this year they came TO Will
| mington in great numbers-eatimated by the W,
Il W. r. r. officers at about HOO persons yester-
day aud the day previous.
| Public Rmusements were held at the Opera
House, Institute Hail and at the City Hall all OF
which were well attended. At the matinee
Mrs. Bowers was greeted by an audience Of fair
size, but in the evening the Opera House was
| packed