The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-12-23

anu HIS pTOulSCu iuNCilC 10 itUOuG lCIC. tAoAy
a sprightly urcn has sat with eyes dstended
and mouth open to hear of him and his tabled
reindeer with that innocent creduli+y of child
hood which is at once their charm and protec-
ton. With what care are the tiny stockings
suspended at the door, and with what feverisl
interest are they taken down and examined
when the light of Christmas day dawns on the
world. There is marvellous charm for the
child in this ancient fabrication of Santa, and
we doubt not but that every one Of them has
felt half defined thrill of regret when matur-
er years brought to them the knowledge that
it was but myth and a deception, and that
the hordes of good things placed OH their pill
lows and in their stockings WAS but the work
of loving parent hands.
| The tender memories of long ago will make
many an old heart quicken its throb hearts
perchance that have been hardened or saddened
by the rough attrition of intervening years, and
some of the old tenderness and trustfulness of
childhood will struggle back to them thro' the
mists like stray pencillings of sualight, when
this annual festival recurs. Holy and gentle
memories OF those far away Xmas seasons,
when Santa Claus was to them a glorious ide-
atty too, and when willing hands, prompted
by loving hearts, poured into their childish
receptaclcs the freelyand joyously given good
things that were to cheer and delight. Rev
erently, too, will men;ory bring back the
loved faces of many dear ones that helped to
make glad the joyous season us in the old time,
but whose light faded out in death many a
winter ago, and they live now embalmed only
in holy remembrance. Santa Claus Sights
many, very many too, of this great human
family. He doesn't come to all. Many there
are who see the glories of Xmas festivals only
thro' the plate glass of the windows and know
none of its Joyous greetings, or of its banquets.
10 those who are so shut out from its enjoy
ments our hearts should turn with some com
miseration at this time of universal mirth and
Teasing. 70 those who are poor, neglected
and outcast, and who have no friends, Xmas is
but dreaded reminder Of their clleerless and
desolate lot, and we think sometimes that the
glad anthem which the morning stars first
sang and which has been hymned and cho-
russcd down thro SO many ages, would fall like
a wall on the ear of the poor suffering wait
that stood without gazing tilro' rich curtains
AND freezing, while his happier fellow creatures
sat within and toasted. 1t seems that this day
of all days, the gladdest and the happiest,
should fill our hearts with a broader and deep
er charity and pity for the homeless and the
friendless, and that out of the glow of friend
ship and love that encircles the fireside Of
home, some stray scintilations should flash
that would carry momentary CLEAN Of happi-
ness, gratitude and thanksgiving into some
cherries aud couled lives, and make them
realize the blessed words of the Natal hymn.
1.Peace on earth and good will towards men,
-> ~---
MEETING OF THE CITY CoUNCIL.-The
regular meeting of the City Council, was held
on Tuesday night. Present-John B. Evans,
President; Messrs. Kayser, Ably, Witt, Funk
houser, Burke. lIoge and Futz.
The reading of the minutes was dispensed
with. Mr.. IIoge presented a bill of $37 so for
insurance on the Academy, which was ordered
to be paid. The Finance Committee reported
an amended certificate to the Water bonds,
which was adopted.
The petition of Jos. F. Kent for payment Of
coupons amounting to SIG, which had been sto-
len from his pocket in Richmond. aud which was
presented at the last meeting of the Council
was ordered to be paid upol the recommends
ton of the Finance Committee. Also the ac-
counts of ". r. Tyree, for medicines furn
ished the poor, was paid.
|. A communication was read from Z. Brown
old, proposing to repair the town clock and put
it in working order for $35. and also proposing
to keep it running and in good repair for the
sum of $50 Fer annun. Referred to the Com
mittee on Water.
Mr.. Kayser presented all amendment to the
ordinance prohibiting the firing of sqlibs, etc,
in the corporation, which provided that such
firing should not be allowed on the public
streets and alleys.
Mr.. Burke said it was shame to curtail the
enjoyment of the boys, and moved to suspend
the ordinance for week. The motion was
lost.
| Mr. Kaysers's resolution was thea carried,
and Mr.. Burke moved to suspend the ordn-
ance from o'clock in the morning to 4
O'Clock in the evening on Christmas day. Car
ried.
Mr.. Vita then offered resolution instruct
ing the Finance Committee, after consultation
with the City Attorney, if necessary, to lave
the city charter so amended as to give to the
City Treasurer the power, privileges and duties
in the collection of city taxes, as are now Civ
Ell by law to the County Treasurer in the COL
lection of State taxes.
Mr.. Fultz objected to the adoption of Tile
resolution, for the reason that it deprived the
City Sergeant Of the dues belonging to his Of
flee, and said that if such action was taken, no
competent man could be found who would be
wiling to accept the office Of City Sergeant. AS
it was, the present officer has proven very eff
Gent, and was indispensable. MI. Burke con
Cured with Mr. Fultz.
Mr.. Witt stated that he had no unkind feels
ngs towards Mr.. Reynolds, the City Sergeant,
but that his resolution had been offered simply
in the interests of the city. Experience had
proven that when the Sergeant gets hold of the
money he keeps it, often times for months,
when the city is in daily need Of it.
Mr.. Fultz.-Therc is an ordinance requiring
the City Treasurer to collect from the Sergeant
each week, and if he docs not do il, he has
simply neglected his duty, and ought to be
final for IL