The Baltimore County union., 1875-03-20
Letter from Baltimore.

This is St. Patrick day. He was ginte-
man and merits respect, except from toads and
snakes to which, as common report says, no
quarters were given especially in Ould Ireland.
As was on the street few moments ago. among
the dense crowd, overheard quite an amusing
controversy between an Irishman and Scotch
man-one Catholic, the other Presbyterian The
latter, rather factiousy asserted that the patron
saint of the Shamrock isle belonged, originally,
to his blue-stocking) church, and acknoledged
no allegiance whatever to the Pope. This rath-
er ried the confdiug Hibernian and he grew ex-
cited, indicating disposition to pitch-in for a
free fight No representative of the "whistle,"
or hereto should be permitted on day so sacred
to the memory of St. Patrick to villify his holy
name and character, after he had been dead near
ly thousand years. A man, who, by supernat
ural power, could Danish snakes, toads and other
nefarious vermin from so swdte spot as that
little green isle of the ocean, was OF no ordinary
kind and should not, under any circumstances,
be lightly spoken of on his birth day Fortu-
nately there was a place convenient where
draught of "poteen" could be had, and by mu-
tual agreement the controversy amicaby su6si.
ded over two glasses thereof 1t was cold raw
and gusty, so that the critter had very soothing
effect The belligerants parted good friends, con-
vinced that all was merely joke just to test each
others sincerity.
appropriately observed. The day, indeed, has
been partial holiday, especially SO among our
adopted Irish citizens, Irish descendants and
Catholics generally. Service, as usual, was held
at ST. Pairick's Church, Fells' Point, where a
panegyric was pronounced upon the revered
Saint to an over6owing concourse of hearers =
Another interesting feature OF the day was an ex-
| animation of pupils and distribution OF premi-
ums to them in the Oliver Free School, North
street The children deported themselves hand
somely, credtably. This is a most excellent in
stitution, accomplishing much good. Col Geo
P Kane late Sheriff, is President of The Oliver
Hibernian Society, and OF this school. 1t edu-
| Gates quite Number of poor children, gratis, an
| nualy. A grand procession, numbering, proba-
| bly,, three thousand persons, some mounted 9th
ers foot, took place during the afternoon,
marching through various prominent streets. -
| This was truly imposing and attractive. Tlere
were in line numerous bands OF music, flags, ban
ners, divans, etc ALSO various societies, beneV-
olent associations, carriages drawn by horses
richly caparisoned. Thousands of spectators
| were on the sidewalks, in doors, windows and
places convenient TO see as tae grand cortege
passed. 1t was, really, well worth beholding,
and the finest OF its kind have ever seen in Bal
timore. All passed off creditably, free from ac-
cident or interruption. Some OF the dresses and
ornamentations were remarkably unique and fine.
The grand banquet which came off at the Rem
merit House during the evening was gorgeously
sumptuous affair. Probably one hundred guests
| surrounded the festive boards. This was what
is termed the annual dinner, special to members
of the Hibernian Society Col George P. Kane
presided. Many leading citizens were parici
pants Speeches, music, song sentiment, good
eating and drinking were OF the chief enjoy yments
| Col. Rennert, as he ever does, did himself high
credit as host and caterer. Nothing could sur.
pass The elegance Of this magnificent repas;. Ii
was the praise of every participant Whatever
our market could afford and money buy was there
The ground hog | learn, is again out of his
hole. Had it not been for ST. Patrick to-day
and near approach of the equinox, | have nc
doubt Mr.. Groundy would have blessed US with
a balmy atmosphere. Owing, however, 10 these
causes it has been blustery, dusty, cold and some
what unpleasant. few more days, however
and we may confidently anticipate an agreea
BILE coming of genial spring. The ground hog
if true to his instructive nature, cannot go back
again to his hole until bleak November's surly
blasts come upon us next fall We must, there
fore, entrust ourselves henceforward to him anC
''old probabilities" in the interim. | remember
we'll on this anniversary, over thirty years ago
in Baltimore, there was snow on the grsunC
nearly six inches deep, good sleighng and in
tense freezing. 1t was, really, among the codes
days ever experienced. Time and seasons, how
ever like other things, change as cycles mak'
! their rounds
1t is gratifying to notice that our sister com
mon wealth. Louisiana, is resuming quiet anC
more hopeful prospects under the Wheeler com
promise about to be ratified Had not the people
of that unfortunate State--at least considerable
proportion of them--been FOOLS they might long
ago enjoyed repose and prosperity Impractical
reckless spirits, over ambitious for selfaggran
| aizoment lead them in IN n difficulties
The a6omnabe law passed by Congress at ,ht
close OF its last session, which puts double post
age rates on transient newspapers, is an Offens
inexcusable, either through neglect, oversight o
ignorance. 1t is bitterly complained OF here anG
throughout the entire country. 1t is, indeed,
complete reversal of the great principle favored
all over the world, looking to a cheap distribu
ton of intellectual food The Postmaster Gen
eral, too, by so hastily putting ii into effect, ba
done great wrong.
The railroad war continues unabated Boil
great corporations are still competing for low
rates. Each, however, is doing large business
which tends 10 increase trade in our city anC
make times better Nj Garrett remains iuexor
able, and will not listen TO compromise unless hi
premises re submitted to
In the course of three or four weeks our new
City Hall will be completed and read, Tor occu
pancy by all departments OF the municipal gov
ernment. The immense clock which gors il
the tower is now being constructed. When go
ing the monster bell Sam" designed 10 strik,
the hour and sound alarms Of fire, can be heart
at Towsontown.
A more cheerful and hopsful look can tie seer
on all countenances caused by an;icparions o
better times coming and good spring trade. Oa
hotels are now quite we'll filed with stranger
and country merchants who have come on Il
purchase goods. The thea tres are fairly attended
and things generally seem brighter Money il
abundant, seeking investment on good securities
Plenty of it can be thus obtained. NEsToR