The New York herald., 1876-12-25
The Centennial Christmas.

1t does not happen to us, as it did to the
ancient Hebrews, that religion is clothed in
a garb Of patriotism. The sacred festivals
celebrations. But Christianity, not being
local religion, designed only for one people,
has but slight historical associations with
the anniversaries of the nations that
profess it, and it is not often that
they coincide with important national
events. But when such condolences
do occur it may not be improper to
notice them. So long as we continue to
read the Hebrew Scriptures in our public
worship there can be no incongruity in
blending the sentiment of patriotism with
our religious anniversaries when the union
is suggested by a date.
The Christmas Of 1776 is one of the most
memorable days in the history of the
American Revolution. 1t brought the
first dawn of hope after the period
of misfortune and gloom which fol-
lowed the Declaration Of Independence.
All the military operations of the summer
and autumn had brought defeat on the
American arms. It was at that time of de-
preston that Paine published the first
number of "The Crisis" containing the
memorable phrase s'These are the times
which try mems souls" The army of Wash
ington had been compelled to retreat from
Long Island, compelled to retreat from Man
haitian Island, to retreat from White Plains, to
cross tho Hudson, to abandon Fort Lee, to
81, ~, he r., k>1~1
in Pennsylvania on the west bank of the
Delaware. This series of disasters had
shaken public confidence in the military
abilities of Washington, and there were
intrigues in tho army, supported by a
faction in Congress, to supplant him
as Commander-in-Chief It was at this
time of deep discouragement and gloom
that Washington revived the hopes
of the country by the bold military
stroke which he executed on Christmas
night and the following morning, and which
refuted the charges of timidity and inde-
cision which had been the staple topic of his
critics, and filled the country with renewed
hope and JOY. This important event is to
be celebrated in unique manner on the
spot where it occurred The crossing of the
Delaware is to be repeated tonight in
mimic representation, and tomorrow
morning the battle of Trenton and capture
Of the Hessians is to furnish spectacle in
which the fight of hundred years ago will
be reproduced in all it's features except the
bloodshed. 1t is the only military event of
the. first year of our independence which
can be recalled with much pride, and the
mode of celebrating it by dramatic rcpeti-
ton will make the closing act OF the Gen.
tennial one of the most striking.
SrITzopHopIs. The Spi:z dog is not appre-
cated. Like many another famous influence
he is out of his proper sphere. He should
move on" even if the services of the police
must be exerted to make him do it. Washing
ton would be good place for him. There he
might exert his peculiar abilities to the last
ing benefit Of the nation. If the Cuban
patriots could get hold of him and persuade
him to attend strictly to business the ex-
tinction of the usurping Spaniards would
be a foregone conclusion. Pending the full
filment of these ideals he may DO profit
ably used for decorative purposes. Nothing
looks prettier on tho mirror-liko surface of a
mighty river than the graceful nose, the
pointed ears, the velvet paws and the feecy
robe of the defunct Spitz dog. No vulgar
prejudice should stand in the way of his
being transformed into the savory sausage,
for between biting him and being bitten by
him no sane man would hesitate for an in
slant to decide. But whatever is done in
recognition OF his special merits should be
done at once, and as in this case the easiest
way is the best we invoke the immediate
aid of whoever skilfully handles the stout
stick, the nimbls knife, The persuasive pis-
toll or the business-like brickbat.