Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1878-12-26
,uHastess s.nsl Thl.lgs.I !

mas, the greatest Of all the old festivals, il
at hand. For over eighteen hundred years
1t has been celebrated as the day when the
announcement was made of peace on earth
and good will towards men. It was formerly
celebrated in true ohristian spirit. Irving
in the sketch book, speaking Of this festival,
Gays: "Of all the festivals that of Christmas
awakens the strongest aud most heartfelt
associations. There is tone Of solemn
and sacred feeling that blends with our con-
VITALITY, and lift the spirit to state of
hallowed aud elevated enjoyment. The ser .
vices OF the church about this season are
extremely tender and inspiring. Thoy dwell
on the beautiful story of the origin Of our
faith and the pastoral scenes that accom-
panied its announcement. They gradually
increased in fervor and pathos during tho
season Of Advent. until they break forth in
full jubilee on the morning that brought good
will to men. do not know grander effect
of music on the moral feeling than to hear
the full choir and the pcaling organ perform
ing Christmas anthem in cathedral aud
filling every part Of the vast pio with triumo
phant harmony" Christmas was thon de-
voted to religioua and social duties, when
men met to praise the Saviour of peace aud
love, and when broken families gathered
around the firoside Of the old homestead aud
removed those natural ties Of affection which
time and separation lad blunted. It was
truly day when the moral nature was
strengthened by the operation Of the most
solemn associations, and when all distinctions
were abolished and tho rich and poor met in
harmless conviviality. This has all chan sed.
The day which brought peace on earth and
good will to men has become day Of drunk
enness and sinful revelry. The very day is
held to license every species Of sinful dissi-
patton and extravaganza. Instead Of peace,
we have drunken brawls and blasphemy on
all sides. Instead of good will among men
wc hear of murders and affrays from every
quarter. Instead of attending church, bar
rooms are tho places of popular resort The
Anniversary of tho birth Of the man Of peace
is made day Of wrath aud reveling. This
should not be, and we trust that the week in
our town will not bring forth such uutoward
fruits, but that our people will remember
Christmas as day of Christian rejoicing and
soClul pleaSuCe.
OUR CoLLEaEs.
We havo cause for thankfulness, not oply
in the establishment of these institutions
among US, but for their un paralleled prosperity
The male college has over ono>hundred stu
dopts in it, with on increased attendance in
the collegiate department.. The prospect for
its future usefulness is cheering.
Tho female college, too, has ono hundred
students, nn increase over last year. 1t has
corps OF unexceptionable teachers, both in
capacity and in diciplne. Dr.. Smeltser, the
President, is man of indefatigablo energy,
great ability aud extended experience as N
instructor. lie knows no such word as fail.
and we look to this institution as O. fixture
among US, which for years will leave it's
impress on our women and through them on
the rising generation.
OUR COUNTY.
While our people are poor. this is the COM
mon lot of the people of this State and Of
the South generally. We have no special
cause tor complaint above othors. On the
contrary, our people make an abundance to
live on and enjoy good health. q blessing not
often appreciated in healthy country.
Besides, on looking over our county We find
our people since the war have turned their
attention very much to rendering their fami-
lies comfortable and improving their farm
! conveniences. Citizens Of ordinary mems
are now moro comfortable about their premi.
ses than our wealthiest families wero before
the war. We heard one of the late excursion-
lists to Atlanta say there were moro nice
residences along the road in Ooonee, outside
OF towns, than on the whole of the halanoe
OF the route. In considering our condition
mon rarely think of tho farm Improvements
end comforts built up by our people since
the war. We are on tho road to n higher
prosperity, and though we may be adyan ncine
slowly, we arc moving on none the less surely,
Besides our county improvements, We have
the thriving towns of Seneca and Wcstmin,
ster' which havo been built up in few years.
PERSONS who lived here twenty years ago
could not recognize the county as it now is.
so great has been our advance in the walks
of wealth.
SANTA CLAUS.
This old gentleman, who is expected,o sweon
over the country with his reindeer on the
night OF tho 9th instant, visiting the little
ones in every family, oan be found dealing
out wares Of different kinds at the following
places: Those wishing to supply themselves
should call on one and oil of the merchants
named
j. E. Hendrix 6 Son, G. L. Reid & Co.
.. Fischesser, D. Bienan 6 Son, Geo. Hoist,
J. II. Sigh & Son, J. G. Mickler and NJ. II.
Bryce.