Wilmington daily commercial., 1873-12-26
FIRST EDITION.
Christmns in Wilmington.

DAT OF QUIET MERRY -MAKlNG-THE PEOPLE TAKE
To THE STREETS AND SPEND THE DAY IN VISITING
--sERv1oEs AT THR oHURCHRs--DINHER AT THE
CLAYTON NHousE-AMUsEMENTs, &o.
The return Of Christmas. yesterday, brought
with it a mild atmosphere and a sky which,
while not cloudess. was only slightly overcast,
and the faint rays OF the sun, they fell upon
the earth infused gladness into the hearts OF the
teemiDg thousands Of our city, and babe them
rejoice in the prospect of pleasant
day of merry making. And such
seems to have been the desire
of those vino remained in the city. Almost the
whole city turned into the streets at some time
during the day, and the bright smiles and cheer
full countsnanCes of the people as they wended
their way through the thoroug ghfares, betokened
an inward ioyousness incident to the festive sea-
SON Market street was thronged on both sides
throughout the day, and We should infer that
the favoTite amusement was stroll along that
highway in tho direction Of the residence Of
some friend.
The day was one Of supreme quiet great
many drunken men were seen in the streets, but
fun rather than mischief possessed them, and
tho nfractiOns OF the peace were not serious nor
greater in number than on most ordinary days
One or two drunken brawls attracted the people,
but they were so quickly suppressed that the
multitudeA could learn nothing about them ex-
cept they could gather the particulars from
those first on the spot.
Toward night however, several drunken
brawls took place, and We record ono OF very
serious nature elsewhere. Almost all the disOr-
der OF the day was committed in West Front
street, or in the vicinity OF Sth and Church.
Regular service was held in several OF the
churches. The Methodists repaired TO their
places of worship early in the morning and there
breathed out their thankfulness i'll praise and
prayer. Sermons were preached In the Eplsoo-
pal churches at 1015 A. M. These churches were,
for tho most part decorated with flowers and
evergreens. At the Unitarian church Rev. f
Israel preached on the Humanity of Jesus,
Demonstrative Of His Divinity" Many Of the
other churches also held special services,
At the Clayton House magnificent dinner was
spread in banquet style, to which the permanent
and transient guests sat down. table was
spread lengthwise of the dining hall, which was
quite enchanting. The chandeliers were hung
with evergreens and hags, and the doorway was
very gaily decorated. An idea Of what the din
ner was may be inferred from the bill of fare
which we publish below. 1t is believed to be the
most elaborate dinner yet prepared in Whining
ton,
Boup.-Green Pea.
Fish-Baked Sea Bass, Madeira sauce.
Boiled Turkey, oyster sauce; Gapon, cream
sauce Chicken, parsley sauce Oorned Beef
and Cabbage.
Roast t-.SirloIA Of Beef Turkey, cranberry
sauce Chicken, stuffed; Goose and Duck, apple
sauce.
Entrees.-1, Flllet de ,Boef saute au Champig-
mons q Fried Chicken, a la Bashamele 3,
Pigeons. grilee au Petit Pos; 4, sewed Terra
pin, Club House style, B. Macaronl, a Ia creme
au Gratin.
Gold Dishes.-Boned Turkev, a la Belle Vue;
Ham, decoure Rouard do Boef, sale garneO
Jelly Liver, nottee la provencale an 1ellyi
Chicken Salad. la Mayonaise.
Game.-Oanvass Back Duck currant jelly
Mallard Duck; Pheasants Patrdges.
Relishes.- Worcestershire Sauce Chow
| Chow; Plcalili; Plain Pickles Mixed Pickels
Vegetables s.IMashed Potatoes Boiled Pota-
toes Baked Sweet potatoes Mashed Turnps;
Slowed Tomatoes; Boiled Oalons, cream sancei
Lima Beans; Green Corn Hominy Pickled
Psstry-Minee Pie Green Apple Pie Lem
on Meringue; Peach Pic; Strawberry Pudding
| wine sauce. Min.
| Oranges; White Almsra Grapes Mixed Cakes;
Sponge Cake; Pound Cake; Vanilla Ice Cream
| French Coffee demini Tea.
The Opera House was open, both afternoon
and evening Maggie Mitchell beng the attrac'
present, and in tho evening Maggie was greeteu
/ by the largest house of tho engagement which
| was closed with this performance. Little Bare
| foot" was rendered in the afternoon, ana inc
| Pearl OF Savoy" at night.
| Every one OF course, received their Christmas
presents. as usual, Nor il it believed that these
| presents were any tho less in number or less
| costly than those of former years. upon inquiry
| among the dealers in tue several branches OF
| trade we find that their sales have far exceeded
| their expectations. In almost all departments
| the sales are fully up to last year, ana III sohe
the confectionery stores for instance-they
have sold out their whole stock, whereas last
year they carried over considerable portion
| I'VE know two manufacturers who sold out on
tirely. Before the holiday purchases opened; q
| dull sale was anticipated, both by reason OF lne
financial depression and the scarcity OF money
but these fears seem to have been wholly imagl'
nary and our business men are now disposed 70
believe that there never was any reality IN the
| late panic but that it arose solely from lack oi
| public confidence in men and business.