The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-01-02

The suspension OF business on the part
OF the Federal and state officials, the ma
tional banks, and some businessmen gave
TO yesterday rather the appearance OF a
holiday. hut II was holiday confined 10
the few rather than to the many.
or Ncw-Year's receptions there were
quite number, and most OF them were
distinguished by the presence OF beautiful
and elegantly-drcssed women and tables
OF substantials and delicaclcS-the best that
the restaurants and eonfectioncries could
furnish. Christmas Is holiday for our
people OF all conditions; II is. peculiarly,
the holiday for the family. New Years,
on the other hand, belongs chiefly to adults
OF fashionable circles, and is the day for
the renewal Of friendships. BY general
calls il, in few hours, affords one the OPP
portunity OF eXpialing for all sins OF omis-
sion for the year gone. The ladies re-
ceiye; TIE gentlemen call.
Such weather rs we had Yesterday
bright overhead, but profoundly slushy
underfoot-was highly favorable New
Years day-for the livcrymen. Carriages
[thcy are not called "hacks" oil the LIST OF
january were in great demand. AS for
sleighs. they were very desirable, but
almost unobtainable, except where the
party was able TO mount his own vehicle
on runners. Despite slnSh. an unusual
number of young men-and some OF them
yell-to-do-foreswore the extravaganza Of
hired vehicles, and on foot went from
house 10 house. These and the other cali
ers heard many genial and general obserya-
tons on the state OF the weather; many
hearty expressions OF happiness for them
for the New Year: told some fibs as TO why
they hadn't called oftener during the old
year: paid some compliments 10 the ladies
and TO "the set-out," and left with good
wishes for everybody, and with design to
repestthe same programme all along the
line OF their acquaintance.
A good many people received their
friends through the medium of the card
basket tied to the door-bell. Here the
ceremony was brief. All caller had
to do was to deposit, or cause to be de-
posted, his card in the basket. and then
leave. This process Was more expeditions
than exhlarating.
Altogether the receivers and the received
seemed TO have had good time, and to
have enjoyed themselves with moderation,
which Of itself will do much TO recon-
mend the custom, and that particularly
since Christmas is too often marked by
excuses.
THE BAPTIST IIOME.-Thc Baptist Home
for Aged Women was formally dedicated
and set apart for benevolent uses on yes
terday. The exercises, brief but very in
tsresting, were, despite the snow, Wit
messed and participated in by quite num-
Der of ladies and gentlemen. DR.. Hatcher
conducted the services, and had the assist
aDce OF DIS. Hawthorne, Pollard, Ryland,
Jones, and Curry. The last made short
address, reciting the history OF the enter
prise, its distinct purpose, and the re-
markable success which has crowned the
efforts OF the ladies.
The occasion was enjoyable. Those
present were elated at the success OF The
movement and full OF enthusiasm. Kind
friends sent number OF necessary articles,
and others will be sent to-day and during
the week. Miss Sarah Elicit, lady in
every respect most suitable. was installed
as matron. We learn that the applicants
are already numerous, compared with the
accommodations.