The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-01-04

evening, as he walked from the SHAFTS OF
the sleigh into the stable, say, "Well, these
"people are crazy over short time OF
" sIeighing. 1 wish this cussed business
"was over. 1t may be fun for men, but it
"is death to us horses" "Dat's So" said
the ostler.
Messrs. Editors: I find the following
paragraph in the Richmond letter Of the
both December in the Baltimore Sun:
"New- Y ear's-day will be generally OBJ
served here by receptions, &c. Governor
Kemper will keep open house at the Exec
utive mansion. The adoption Of the north
ern fashion in this matter has been rapid
here since the war, and Christmas has re-
ceded from its ancient position in virginia
to mere children's holiday and festival.
Newly ear's-day is now the annual jubilee
Of men and women, ut least in good So
ciety."
Is it possible that while the observance Of
Christmas in the North Is extending every
year it is declining thus in the capital OF
the Old Dominion? Please give your opln-
ion. ...,. .... .. .-- ALEXANDRIA.
All, no, it is not only not true that the OBJ
seryance of Christmas is declining in the
capital of the Old Dominion, but, further
more, it is not possible. The anniversary
Of christendom is kept with as much heart
and devotion as ever in Richmond; yet, OF
course, in less costly manner, because Of
the great revolution in the social condition
of our people; but if all the means were
gone the people would HAL tn. day with
.t. IF ho
our nature and the lively sense OF piety and
social obligations which it impartS. The
glorious memories of the Christmas OF other
days expand the hearts Of our people and
brighten their enthusiastic love for the day
and it's customs.
Newly ear s-day is day indeed for the
renewal of good wishes one for another;
but the custom Of "New-Year's calls has
no resemblance whatever to Christmas. If
intended as a diversion from the Christmas
festival by those who conceived a dislike
for the day because it was celebrated by
people they had no love for, it was poor
and feeble exhibition Of temper. It looks
to us more like an invention Of an economical,
business people, who planned it as saving
of time and,money. A call and glass Of
cider or wine cost but little, and visit once
o year didn't waste much time and did not
involve either side in good old-fashioned
square meal (such as we have in Virginia.
The custom secures more visits and calls
upon the cheapest scale known. 1t is true
o great many people visit others who do not
expect or desire to see them, and a great
many calls are made in mere form on people
to whom the callers do not expect to speak
again for twelve-month. We once heard
al old Virginian say any man who wanted
to visit him once year might transfer his
visit to the next world. where he hoped he
would not have the opportunity OF calling
upon him at all. s-,i'.
Christmas is consecrated to holy inspira-
tons and to the social ties OF this world.
It is o. day for family Joy and devout thank
fuiness for the peace and goodwill that en-
anated from Its. institution. The family
gathers under, the roof and is happy in its
love, and. in its festal pleasures. Refine
ment and samiabiiity gild the scene with
their virtues. Bosom friends meet at the
plentiful board and pledge one another, and
indulge the Understandable happiness Of en-
Toying together the cheer and comfort OF
hospitable homes. And these Joys are not
disturbed by unexpected and uncongenial
noses being thrust in at the door or enyious
eyes peering through the key-hole. Every
body is too happy I'M his own freedom to
be at peace at home rather than to 60 roam
ing around and intrudiug and slipping, like
inconstant bees, at every place to sip.
There is no resemblance at all between
the two days, and the 1st-of-January calls
have not grown in popularity in this COM
munity. The custom was to offer wine or
brewed drinks to I" callers" but that led to
SO much dissipation that it has been par
TALLY discontinued. The unsteady man
ners, the rollicking discourse OF young per-
sons under excitement, met the disapproval
OF refined persons, and this year we under
stand that the stimulation part Of the cere-
mony was much disused, and even some
doors were closed to callers, and baskets,
handsomely decorated, placed on the bell
handle, for the reception Of cards ,of the
eallers--an exceedingly civil way OF short
ening the visit. We shouldn't wonder, il
the empty bottle aud the iamished bowl do
not, without the aid Of the basket, greatly
diminish the calling-in other words, cause
some (" decline ia NeW-Y ears calls.
But, we repeat, the two celebrations are
as ,nniike as chalk aud cheese. And che
idea that Christmas is given up to .mere
children q lis absurd and untrue also. The
ahsurdity Of it is in disparaging the day by
saying it Isl given up to children. Why
children rule the land, and to say they have
taken the day is to give it a triumph that
makes itimpregnable. Christmas declining!
indeed, The sunshine OF Christmas is d
divine light, and can no more Wane In
brightness than the sun itself. ,st.
The New York Herald, which has been.
i blowing hot and cold Zone day inclIning
to DLDEa, and another 70 HAYES inns this
.ss.,; ST. 3.
s q MsanYhi.e the State Houss nc Louisiana.
has been strong Ybarricaded and leorss
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