Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1880-01-05
LETTER FROM NEW YORK.
ESPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS OF THE MONITOR
NEW YnRK- Dec % 1870

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 1879.
Santa Claus had pretty rough time
travelling this Christmas. Four days of
the meanest weather, in spite of the no
bic exertions of ex-clubber street clean
ing Capt. Williams, SO covered the city
with slush that the reindeer got tired.
the famous sleigh got mired, and having
to avail himself of the services of New
York hackmen, their charges were SO
high that the old Saints money gave
out. In sober fact, business though so
brisk for some weeks when people with
cash took time by the forelock, simmer
ed down when the disgusting warm
storm came and many people put off
their purchases to the last minute. Then
the weather might be as mean as it lik-
ed, they were bound to complete their
purchases, but they didn't-nor half.
The crush in the stores was terrific and
if any one got just a quarter of what he
set out to buy he might consider himself
lucky. Broadway was jammed from
early morning till late at night, in a
way that threatens to become historic,
hats were smashed, clothing ruined. and
all the world and his wife will have rea-
son to remember this rainy Christmas.
One thing about it is that Santa Claus,
with many families, is likely to put in
a second appearance. Toys and holiday
presents generally are marked down all
over, and the generous patron of the
babies feels particularly good in these
promising times. Not even in the wal
was there ever seen such rush of bust
ness among retail merchants as during
the past few weeks, and expensive pres
ents were the rule, people seeming t.
pay off arrears bred ofprudence enforsec
during the dismal time since the panic
The jewellers are radiant as they reckon
their profits, and other purveyors o
esthetic gifts, from artistic candy in tn
most original imported caskets to cash
mere shawls and exquisite silks, hav
shared the bounteous harvest. The rail
will no doubt aid in introducing tn
French custom of New Years gifts a
supplementary to the kindly remembran
ces of Christmastide.
Electricians are greatly excited owe
the announced intention of Edison t
light up Menlo Park, N. j., on Ne
Years Eve, and show the doubtln
l Thomases how he can furnish cheap an
safe Examinations for the million. It
wonderful how many scientific person
have taken to hunting for rabbits aroun
Menlo Park of late. The general pu1
lie is scarcely so much interested as OF
" would expect. the subject having been
y much before them that it has been VOL
somewhat threadbare. We shall s.
what we shall see. Whether the pr
is fessor succeeds or not, there is likely
is be an interesting stir in the matter, al
of l shall probably have something to S;
Of on the whole matter before long. I ha
in pen to know some of the most promine
In workers in the cause of the most br
70 liant of all artificial lights, and tn
s, seem one and all to be almost bursti
be with big secrets. When they burst
is let you know their true inwardn,
ly promptly.
Gilmore, the Industrious leader of
ed chestras, has been for some time .;
n working himself into fever over n
ly national hymn, Columbia" by viii
of he claims to have been suddenly insp
,e- ed in an almost miraculous mann
to Elaborate preparations were made for
ra- production on Christmas day at the A
on deny of Music. and several star sing
,rs and large specially trained chorus tc
lin part liz the rendering of the new PIE
Ike 1t did not excite the enthusiasm expe
ed by the composer.