The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-01-02

OTHER MATTERS.
New-Sears-day was observed under DIFF
ficulties. The snow fell from morning till
night, not by fits and starts, not in whirls
and gusts, but with a steady, determined
motion that held forth no hope OF an early
clearing up. 1t sullenly pronounced to
those meditating rounds OF calls verdict
that pedestrianism would be disagreeable
to the person and dangerous to light kids,
lovely neck-ties, and good clothes gene
rally. How many young gents in default
Of pecuniary resources wherewith to pro-
cure carriages abandoned their deliberately
formed purpose to join the throngs OF call
ers the statistician of this year knoweth
not; but it seemed that the. number was
considerable. a:srs,}.s33,s
There were, however, hundreds out in
carriages, and some who went on foot.
MANY hospitable homes were open to well
come visitors to their firesdes, and the
smiles OF lovely women, the merry pop OF
the champagne bottle, and the compliments
of the season--passed with warmth and cor
diaity-made the happy recipients forget
the chilIiness without No great signs OF
hard times were seen in the. ladies' cos
tumery or in the elegance OF the parental
"set-outs." Anumber Of young legislators
and some "strangers within our gates "
were to be found among the callers, paying
court to beauty and enjoying themselves
without stint.
The carriage-drivers, perched upon their
boxes waiting before doors for their patrons,
were soon covered with snow, and so were
their horses and vehicles. 10 the disin-
| terested reportorial observer they looked
ciate the blcssedness OF the day.
NOTES AND INCIDENTS. ....
At many door-belI knobs there were sus-
pended by dainty ribbons little baskets,
signifying that the families were "not re-
ceiying," and suggesting that there the
visitors cards might he dropped. Many
were so dropped. 1t, indeed, seemed that
the display of baskets this year was un-
usually large, and great taste and skill were
expended in twisting the ribbons, by which
they were held, into fanciful shapes.
Very fine feeling prevailed even upon the
streets. When one man with bis head hid
den under his umbrella would run into an
other man with his head hidden under his
umbrella, and there would be knock
down, the unfortunate would rise and shake
hands with the other, and both say. GA
happy new-year, and many returns"
These congratulatory remarks, and "Devil
take the slippery pavements," were, the
words most in use yesterday. It has been
discovered that though it is grand and
proud thing for Richmond to sit upon seven
hills, the hills are a decided disadvantage
in winter when covered with ice and top
dressed with snow.
Postal-cards upon which were printed
GA happy wear" (the words encircled by
some cabalistc device, supposed to mean
"snow-bound,") were brought into use yes.
terday. ALI gentleman had to do was to
address them and place his autograph sn
the back. 1t was found to save clotheY
hack-hire, and wear and tear OF mind and
matter.
At more than one place button-hole
bouquets were provided, and were fastened
upon the lappels of the gentlemen visitors
coats BY the beiewelled fingers Of the fairest
women in the land.
Some gentlemen in carriages had JGtetS-
denied jn livery These they sent to de-
posit cards for them wherever baskets
warned them it was useless to leave the car
riage.
THE GOVERNOR AT HONE.
The Governors reception was held in
the parlor Of the Executive mansion, and
was attended by heads Of departments OF
the State government, and members OF the
Legislature and other citizens. The fact
that it was the last OF his Newly ears recep-
tions in an othcial capacity perhaps gave
something more than usual interest to the
occasion. The Governor was in fine hui
NOR. TO each and all visitors he spoke
very kindly, and wished happy new-year
for themselves and households. A table,
,o11 ofY oiroh h1u
ished forth those inspiring compounds that
make the 1st OF January SO noted Of al the
days in the calendar. There were also pro-
vided eatables Of the most appetizlng char
acter-all of which were dispensed with
most hospitable hand.
GLORIOUS OLD DOMINION.
The Old Dominion Cuban organiza-
tion that has done as much hard and gratui-
tous work as any in the city-entertained
their friends from II till o'clock yesterday
at their headquarters, Seventeenth and
Main streets. The room was decorated in
handsome style. The tables were extended
down the sides next to Main and Seven
teenth streets. Upon them the Committee
OF Arrangements, consisting OF Henry G.
Adams (chairmanl, Samuel Maccubbin, r.
H. Styl, j. W. Wilkes, W. S. Wood, and
Il. b. CerSley, SpeHt uucH titsLe, ShllI, anu
labor. The result was worthy OF their
efforts. No restaurateur could have done
better, or more skilfully displayed the tur-
keys, hams, salads, cakes, &C., in bowers of
celery, fruits, and flowers. They probably
had four hundred visitors. The room was
full all the time.
Brief speeches were made by Mr.. B. c.
Gray, Mayor Darlington, Colonel John II.
Guy, Police-Justice White, Captain G. f.
Taylor, and other oratorical gentlemen.
The Old Dominion Club have adopted a
resolution to do whatever they undertake
with all their might and main. That, and
the good material they have, explains why
so many victories in politics and peace are
emblazoned on their banner.
THE POOR.
New-Year's day was celebrated at Pine.
Street Baptist church by pound-party for
the benefit Of the poor Of the church. A
large quantity Of articles, principally food
and clothing, were contributed, and much
suffering will thereby be relieved.
There are many worthy families, white
and black, in this city, in great destitution.
The amount OF suffering relieved by church