The Caucasian. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1874-1875, 1874-12-12
For the CAUCASIAN.
OUR BIRTHDAYS.


is always all interesting period, and
should be noticed accordingly.
Each of such days is mile stone
on the road of life, reminding us Of
the rapid rate at which we have
been advancing on it's journey, and
approaching to it's close. It is true
that in LIES morning, these mile
stones appear to be farther apart
than they do in later years-still,
they are days of hope and promise.
Thousands are then rejoicing that
they are one year nearer to the
Boosting age OF twenty one, when a
young man feels himself lord of his
own actions, and glories in his lib
erty. To thousands of the fairer
part of creation, these annual mon
itors are welcome, as harbingers of
the day when they shall shine in
the ball room or circles of fashion
attract all eyes, and command all
attention or perhaps fasten some
silken chain around the heart of an
individual admirer, and lead him
in delightful captivity. To other
thousands Of the same sex, the an
niversary will tell a tale of sadness
of departed hours, and departed
charms; withered roses, and with
cred hopes; when the mirror has
lost its magic power, and speaks
nothing save the plain language of
unwelcome truth and soberness.
Thousands are reminded that
many of the intervals between one
mile stone and another were dis
tipguished by lovely landscapes
and countless beauties; BY health
and en.joyment-by JOY and glad
ness Of heart. To thousands of
others, such intervals have been
gloomy and cherries j; without the
consultations of friendship, the COM
forts of society, or the fattering
promises of hope. Surrounding
prospects have only increased the
gloom of the mind, and made the
mind sick. Yet in all these recol-
lections, we may find instruction
and nourishment for our better
feelings. If our course has been
checkered by good and evil, we
may profit by tracing consequences
to their proper causes; and thus
learn how many miscalled mislor-
tunes are the offspring of folly or
imprndence, or wrong; the natural
results OF our own wanderings from
! the path of innocence and duty ;
or else have been so fortunate as to
have discovered by experience,
that our happiness and duty are
intimately connected, and that wis
dom's ways are always ways OF
E]easantness and peace. In both
cases this annual review Of the
days and years that have taken
their farewell Of us, will be saluta
ry in it's effect, and teach us the
value of virtuous resolutions OF
amendment when we have gone
astray, and the peaceful feelings
and sweet anticipatiQns of those
whose desire it is to preserve their
moral health in the bowers of limo.
cence and purity, and amid the
green pastures and still waters OF
life.
There is a sweet pretty custom
in Europe, of celebrating these an
niversaries or .fetes, which we on
this side of the water might well
initiate, rather than the extrava
gances of Partisan toilettes. III
In Germany more particularly these
fetes are observed with a charming
simplicity among all ranks, from
the crowned head, to the humblest
peasant. Little gifts are eagerly
prepared days beforehand for the
dear mother, who pretends not te
see and wisely asks no questions
when mysterious consultations arc
held, and great commotion and
concealment among her little peo
pie, should she by chance step has
tily into the playroom. Ever,
member of the family indeed, from