Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1881-01-08

While there wages in her borders,
Fierce war of party hate.
Long her valleys. on her mountains,
See the mad contending throng,
Like unreasoning vassals fighting
For their chieftainS, right or wrong
Now it's jackson, now it's Sturgls,
How the filthy SANDER flies,
Till all charges are considered,
But the usual campaign lies.
Fen old Berkeley morals are ruptured
And her people fiercely rush,
On the battlefield for office,
With a patriotic gush.
Such another war of factions,
Such a fight of candidates,
Is too much for politicians,
And bursts up both parties states.
Oh how glorious was the struggle
On the ideal christian plan,
When the Office by hard running,
Did succeed to catch the man.
Oh, how fleet the days are passing,
OF the Old Year one by one,
Some with shadows, some with sunshine,
Fade the frost work in the sun.
Here the world of Letters bowling
Moves with slow and silent tread,
For old Albion's gifted author,
Rests from labor 'mong the dead.
And here, too, the skies are weeping
Der the grave of one they loved,
One, who born on earth with mortalS,
Mingled with the stars above.
And while ages passing shatter
Earthly SplendOr, pOmp and fame,
Vulcan, youngest world of science,
Writes 'In,mortdE' on his name.
But hasten, tempus fugit,
And old Santa Claus appears,
From the ancient realm OF mythland,
With his team of prancing deers.
Thus in dreamland how his treasures.
Float around the children's heads,
Waxen dolls, and mimic dishes,
Horses, dogs, and drums and sleds.
Older heads are bound in slumber,
Maidens' bosoms heave with signs
AS the morrow's gifts from lovers
Crowd before their dreamy eyes.
Now merry chime of sleigh bells,
Pleasant falls upon my ear,
Glides the sleigh with CLASSY runners,
Hear the laugh and hearty cheer,
While the crowd of noisy urchins
Free and careless happy boys,
Gaily sport their New Years presents,
Masks, and trinkets, childish toys.
Changed-a scene of deepest sorrow,
And lonely widow weeps,
While her lamp is dimly burning,
Der her orphan child that sleeps.
Lists she to the night winds moaning,
Hears the sleet upon the glass,
Hears the merry ring of sleigh bells,
With the joyful hearts that pass.
Oh, how strange is life commingled,
Pleasure smiling mocks at Pain,
And Abundance taunts Starvation
Binds her with an iron chain.
Riches 1aunt their gay apparel,
In the face of Poverty,
While the means of sick and dying
Drown in shouts of widest gee.
Thus we've told the checkered story
Of the Old Years birth and life,
But chapter of our being,
But page of human strife.
But we modest pause to mention
Ere we finish this Address,
Just aword of commentator,
OF the INDEPENDENT Press.
For the year past we have labored
To correctly give you views,
OF all interesting matters,
Local facts and general news.
"Independent' is our motto,
Organ of no sect or clan,
Fearless criticising parties,
Without being partizan.
Thus to publish a newspaper,
Is no easy pleasant task,
And impartial treat all subjects,
Without bias, cloak or mask.
What will please one class of readers
Makes another fret and frown,
Some want more of national matters,
Some want only news in town.
Some complain of our indifference,
AS they never see their name,
Others, if we chance to notice:
Visit us with savage blame.
Some kind people always grumble,
AT no matter what appears,
Yet such grumblerS owe subscription,
For perhaps these many years.
But we have our consolation,
And we have our recompense,
In the thought that nothing published,
Was Intended for offense.
But our rhyme at last is finished.
And our simple task is done,
Wish you, reader, health and blessings,
Through the year of Eighty One.
But remember one more matter,
Don't forget our Carrier Boy,
Who so faithful al ways greets you,
With voice of childish joy.
He expects small remittance
DO not disappoint the lad,
But contribute from your purses,
What you know will make him glad.
Give him then half or quarter,
For his rustic rhyming lay,
And you'll hear his "HAPPY NEW
YEAR."
AS he joyful bounds away.