The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-02-16
The Year 1875.

Another year has gone. AS we vel
come the new year, standing now at the
threshold of the second century OF our
national existence, it is well to glance
backward over the leading events OF the
twelvemonth just closed.
The year 1876 has not been very
eventful one. We recall but single
change in the map of the world as a re-
suit Of war, and that is nothing more
than q fresh extension of the Russian
dominions in central Asia, q process that
has been going on for many generations,
and that will doubtless continue. The
Dutch war against the Atchinese has
not been brought to close.
The only other wars of note have been
civil wars the Carlist rebellion in Spain,
the Cuban insurrection, and the rising
in Herzegovina-more important than
either Of the others. The Carlist cause
seems to be at an extremity as the year
wanes, and possibly before this review
reaches our readers, it may have come
to an end. The war in Cuba continues
with little change. The Herzegovinian
revolt has gained an importance during
the last months, and unless it can be
speedily put down, may prove fatal
calamity to the Turkish empire.
Political changes and revolutions have
been few. Near the beginning OF the
year Spain cast aside the Republican
form Of government, which had been 9
name rather than q reality, and called
Alfonso, the son Of the deposed Queen
Isabella, to the throne. The revolution
was bloodless, as was that. which drove
out the now restored Bourbon dynasty.
France, on the other hand, has by the
action Of the. national assembly, set up 9
republic, framed q constitution, and
made all the preparations to set the new
machinery in motion a month or two
hence. ..ri g.. . ..,- ..... .....
Elsewhere there has been quiet
and good order, without any startling
political changes, or important reforms.
Mr.. Disraei's government in Great
Britain has met with no serious check.
Neither in Austria, Italy, Russia, nor in
any Of the countries Of northern Europe,
has anything occurred to attract the at
tention Of the world. 49," '.. g.. =.
At home there have been but few
striking events. Two cabinet changes
constitutes the only changes in the gem
eral administration. A law providing for
the resumption of specie payments at
the beginning Of the year 1879, was the
most important measure OF the Congress
which adjourned on thefourth OF March.
The new Congress has as yet done little
except to organize and to get into work
ing ordsr. g.. ....'
= II has been good year for crops, par
ticularly in the United States; but o
very bad year for business, almost
everywhere. We have gathered grain
harvest nearly equal to the largest, and
a cotton crop more abundant than was
ever before known. But trade has been
very dull, prices have been falling, and
many thousands of people have been un-
employed. Other countries have suf-
fered, but probably none SO greatly as
the United States. As the year draws
to an end, there arc encouraging signs
that the worst of the season of depres-
sion is over.
Death has removed many men OF name
and fame. The young emperor OF China,
who had ruled that vast empire but o
short time, was the only crowned head
that has died during the year. Vice
President Wilson and ex-President
Johnson ex-Vice-President Breckin-
ridge, and Jesse d. Bright, all OF whom,
during their lifetime, presided over the
American Senate, have passed away.
Science has lost Sir Charles Lyell, the
geologist, and Prof. Wheatstone, the
electrician. The most noted preacher
who has died is NJ. Coquerel, the French
protestant clergyman. Literature
mourns Charles Kingsley and Hans
Christian Andersen. The death of Will
liam B. Astor, the richest man in New
York; if not in America, reminds us that
the rich are not spared by the great de
stroyer. -.