Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1877-01-27

WAYS been noted Tor their ablllty, lnSe-
nuily aud intelligence. Many of them
have sought employment III different
sections of the country and many oi
those now living here, though they own
comfortable homes, will have to pursue
a similar course, now that there is no
prospect of business enterprises being
established. 1t is a pity that such
point as this, possessing an unsurpassed
water power, splendid country and in
telligent communities all aronnd 1t,
with other advantages, should be neg
lected-left go to the moles and bats.
No wonder one of your correspondents
while looking over these shattered trag-
ments, in the painful retrospeetiou pen
ned her plaintive notes. Indeed, they
were only the echoes coming upon the
heart with sadjening, sickening sounds.
The policy pursued towards this place
from the first sale, has been nothing but
tantalzing Que to our people-a great
deal of pretense and sham. Indeed 1t
is not the intentions Of the political
tricksters, now controlling Congress and
the Administration, that any works OF
this kind shall be constructed South OF
Mason & Dixon's line. The present
Administration has become proverblal
for saying one thing and meaning an
other-giving utterance to good senti.
ments and putting into practice bad
principles.
But if there is dark side there is
also a bright side. Let us turn away
from the dark picture and look at
brighter one; for after all, may not the
cloud that darkens the prospect for the
future of our town have silver lin
ing. 'Tis well to be hopeful, trustful,
and make the best of everything. This
is the true philosophy.
Notwithstanding the pressure of hard
times, during the Christmas Holidays
town was lively and there seemed 10 be
an abundance of good things passing
round. All the churches celebrated the
occasion. 1t was my intention to give
you a description of each at the time,
now, however, l need give only a curso-
ry glance.
The Lutheran church was neatly and
tastetully adorned with evergreens, and
old Santa Claus making his appearance
on top Of an improvised house, and 60
ing down the chimney and coming out
of the door, on to the platform with his
well filled basket, was the delight of the
children.
The NJ. E. Church was elaborately
adorned, and large number of presents
were distributed, The palace car rolled
out on the stage, containing thirteen of
the tiuiest girls, all beautifully dressed,
and their sweet voices in happy accord
chanting Christmas carol, was the
taking thing of the occasion. The NJ.
p. Church was also beautifully trimmed
and Illuminated, and crowded to its ut
most capacity with an appreciatiye aud
iencc. 1t would be making an unjust
distinction to single out one part of the
performance where all was so well rem
dered.
The Presbyterians had theirs Christ
mas morning If not so demonstrative
in the manner of their entertainment,
they were none the less successful in
the end designed. There was no adorn-
ment, no display. They followed the
Apostles suggestion, LET everything
be done decently and in order" in the
church of God. All the exercises, from
beginning to end, were adapted TO the
time, place and occasion. Entertaining
in their simplicity, beautiful in their ap-
propriateness, they were well calculated
to impress the minds of the children
that they were celebrating the advent
of the greatest gift of God to man, as
well as miuistering to their social en-
joyment.
The people did not forget their min
listers, but made them the recipients of
large baskets well filed with substan-
tials.
An election was held last week for
town officers. There were several tick
cts and wonderfully mixed, 80 that it
was hard to tell who was who, and
which was which. Doubtless a ''fair
count" gave Mr.. Green, proprietor OF
the Mountain View Hotel, the victory
over his several competitors for Mayor.
He will take his seat without military
interference. In the interregnum the
boys are having jolly time coasting
down High street, to the Inconvenience
of all pedestrians. We are having an
old time winter, such as l remember
when boy, in the years that are gone,
and which | am almost afraid to num-
Der, 50 rapidly are they passing.
1t was my pleasure to hear very in
teresting lecture, Sabbath evening last,
in the Lutheran Church, by the Rev.
Mr.. Collins. Missionary from Africa.
He gave description Of the natives,
their manners, costumes, DC, illustra-
ting his subject by exhibiting several
articles in use among them. The dress
of men and women being the same,
would not exactly suit this locality, aud
particularly this season, being piece
of striped cloth, about one and half
yards long. and one in breadth, dress
having neither body nor trail. Should
the Rev. gentleman visit your town, /
advise all to go, hear and see.
CIvIS.
Mr ZiftIa- Roiy,o q constant ro,dar