The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-12-28

CHRISTMAS CELFBRATI0N-BAD WEATHER AND
AoUIET DAY--A STORMY NIGHT-A GROCERY
STORE BURNED; INSURANCE AND LOSSES
HANDSOME CHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCES-
COLeRED PRISO NERS FROM BRUNSwlCK-PER-
sONAL AND OTHER ITEMS.
GCorrespondence OF the Richmond DisDatch.i
DECEMBER %, 1880.
Our Christmas celebration was a little
more quiet than usual--probably on account
of the very Indictment weather, which Kept
the great body of the people housed during
the day. There was, however, the ordinary
amount OF drinking, and the boys could not
be restrained from diScharging their fire.
works and blowing their tin horns. but
otherwise there was n0thrg unusual in the
observance of the day. There were few
disturbances about the city consequent upon
a too tree imbi6ips Of liquor, but no acci.
dents of serious moment occurred. The
offenders before the MAYORS Court this
morning were comparatively few, and most
OF them were leniently dealt with.
The Catholic and Episcopal churches
were handsomely though not deliberately
decorated for the season, but generally, on
Chlistmas-day aud yesterday, the services
were SHINY attended, the bad weather
keeping the worshippers at home. The
music was particularly fine.
Saturday night was one OF the stormiest
experienced in this section for years. The
wind blew gale. and snow, hail, and rain
fell all night. The snow was quite heavy
as far south as Weldon and as far west as
the mountains.
Messrs. Browder & WalthalPs grocery
store, on Halifax street, was destroyed by
fire about half-pa O'Clock this morning,
and Mr.. John Browder, the senior member
of the firm, whose sleeping.apartment were
in the upper story OF the house, narrowly
escaped from death. The origin OF the fire
is not known. The destruction OF building
and stock was complete. The house belonged
TO Mrs. james Enniss. and was insured for
$3.50 in the Lynchburg Flre.lnsurance Com
pany-a sum much below Its value. There
was an insurance OF SO 900 ON the stock OF
groceries, divided as follows: La Contiance,
OF France, 81 900; British America, OF To-
ronto, $1,000; Virginia Fire and Marine. OF
Richmond, $500; Western, OF Toronto,
$500. This amount, it is believed, will cover
the loss to the stock.
Captain James #. Robinet. master ma.
chinist OF the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio
Railroad Company's works IN this city, and,
by the way, one OF the most accomplished
and courteous gentlemen Of his profession
10 the State, was the recipient day or two
ago. at the hands Of the employees OF the
road, OF splendid gold chain with Maltese
cross attached, valued at Sil0. Captain N
| Noteworthy, foreman OF the shops, received
at the same time, and from the same source
a present Of pair Of gold spectaees cost
| ing Sl5. Two Christmas presents bestowed
upon two most worthy men.
Three colored prisoners charged will
| felony were brought to the Jail In this cit,
on Saturday from Brunswick county fol
safe keeping. The Jail Of that county, al
has been recently stated, was burned some
two weeks ago, and there Is no place ther'
at present for the confinement OF prisoners
The Masons OF this city will celebrate st,
Johns day this evening with the usual sup
per at Masonic Hall, on Tabb street.
Efforts are belng made, and with hope
OF success. 10 induce Father Ryan, the poet
priest, 10 visit Petersburg during bis Sta,