Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-12-26
rnE tHRIsrMAs HOLIDAY.
How Il was Passed by old ana
Young.

The birthday Of the Savior Of Man
was celebrated yesterday in many ways
and in accordance with the peculiar
tastes and the enthusiasm of the par
Elephants. There we're reunions
among all classes, old and young; din
iugs out we're numerous, and all Of the
charming features Of merry-msking
we're INDUCED in. The day, though a
little cloudy and. somewhat cold,
proved propitiOus for out Of door en-.
.joyment, aud the little folks took
advantage of this genial feature to dis
port themselves aud display
their copious stocks Of toys. 1t was
remarked that more money had been
expended by the people to supply
Santa Claus with jim cracks Of various
kinds, than has ever before been
known in this city.
Out about the suburbs the leading
feature appeared to be the firing OF
guns, pistols and various kinds ".
explosive compounds. Never were
seen so many Of those innocent little
playthings, known as toy pistols, and
w~ayfarers were serenaded with half 0
dozen or more along every square
Bullets were frequently heard to
whistle through the air overhead,
harmlessly,a as far as known, and no real
harm resulted to the wise little gun,
ners or to passers by. The powder
explosions did not, however entirely
m0nopolize the noisy features The
unmelodious tin horn was numerous,
aud at Intervals the escape pipes Of
the cotton congresses rOared high
above the discordant din. The cotton
press business was about the only
work performed during the day.
Along the more fashionable streets
there was very little shooting and
about the hotel resorts throngs cr
pc Iple congrsgated to pass the com
pliments Of the season. The inmates
Of charitable institutions, including
the orphans, had their usual leasts,
and the good cheer in those quarters
will be remembered for many a day.
The streets were astir at an un-
usually early hour with worshipers on
their way to attend the glorious exer-
cises usual at the Catholic churches,
where the music was Of the most i'm
pressive and beautiful, and the deeora.
tions were in accordance. The services
during the forenoon we're also con.
spicuous for the brilliancy of the
music and other imposing features.
Last night, at Calvary church, a
joyous celebration was participated in
by the Sunday school children. The
music, all well rendered, afforded
much delight to the spectators. A
professional carol, Come Happy
Children" was decidedly impressive
both in a spectacular as we'll as Q
choral way, and the programme wat
exceedingly enjoyable throughout.
Toward the close Of the exercises .
very appropriate address to the chill
dren was delivered by the Hon. jacob
Thompson, during which he related
in a manner easily understood by
every child, his personal experience
and impressions when travelling
!. through "holy land" and over the old
world. There was a presentation Of
premiums and then the be~nediction.
Among the incidents Of the day
and there were none more appropriate
or touching to the recipient, was Tho
following tribute written bya bit Of
lady a short way up in her teens, nov
away from the city, to her father, I
gentleman prominent in business cir
Giles. 1t is headed, "A Happy Christ
mas" and the father alluded to was
, made exceedingly happy by its perusal
, 1t read as follows:
"Oyer' all the earth to-day glat
voices are greeting loved ones, repeat
ing words which, though old, are eve
new. Every heart is throbbing will
joy, and mine, too, is beating will
love and gratitude. To-day we cele
brate the Lords birth, and it il
brought more Httingly to the minds b.
the innumerable gifts be has bestowed
Thinking Of the many blessings
J have been favored with, what wa
$ more natural than for my mind t,
I revert to you, so Eraciously given m
by the Almighty. Whilst my heart i
thanking him, let my pen trace tn
sweet thoughts and wishes s~pringinI
there for you. Accept this as N,
Christmas Gift, and my love and pray
ers. May the Lord, who once dwell
among us, and who is now 10 heaven
bless you with beautiful gifts; and ma,
your Christmas be truly a happy one
is the fond wish of your loving an,
o grateful child"