The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1886-02-13
Correspondence Baltimore County Union.
LETTER from BALTIMORE.
Severe Weather and it's Effects-St. Val
entine's Day-Sad Death Of
Young Man, &c., sc.
RAIrIMopr Fehruory OH 1ee

BALTIMORE, February 9th, 1886.
Messrs. Editors business has been greatly in
terrupted on both land and water by the recent
heavy snow storm, followed by freezing and cold
for q week past. Vessels could with difficulty
arrive or depart. A blockade still exists in our
bay and harbor, but if milder weather, such as
prevailed yesterday and to-day, continues it will
not be long before the is all gone, navigation
resumed and other matters oil right again. All
things considered we have special reason to
complain The winter has been fair one and
such as we had right to expect. The only thing
is, being accustomed to such mild winters, we did
not exactly prepare for so sudden and unusual
snow with freezing and blockading. There is one
thing to be considered. Our farmers and residents
of the country have really had good time. Snow
covered the ground handsomely. In place of
rain, unpleasant, Improbable freezing. disadvan-
tageous to their corresponding, freezing, &c.
the season, thus far, has been most favorable to
them or their wheat, rye, &C., in every way. The
agricutursts Of the rural districts had just what
they wanted-having nothing very special to do
but stay at home in the house or go out and enjoy
good, jolly sleigh ride, which they did. 1t just
suited them, including beaux, bellies and others
not afflicted with single blessedness I, therefore,
most heartily congratulate country friends on
having so pleasant time in the dreary days OF
winter.
It is very rare that q snow-storm prevailed so
one. It may indeed be noted as phenomenon.
am glad to learn that ice has been produced on
nearly all streams in this vicinity and elsewhere,
so that the prospects for that luxury are abundant
in both quantity and cheapness. 1t is gratifying
that all the railroads which were blockaded by
the recent snow again running. They have
been we'll and satisfactorily managed. 1t may
be we are what they call 'not out of the woods
yet" as the ground hog, that stubborn critter,
still remains silent in his hole, not inclined to
emerge therefrom for several weeks, through all
of which-if representations prove true-we are
to have bad weather and perchance more snow
and freezing Koop oyo to tho windward. -
We are to have ST. Valentines day next
Sunday, 18th inst. As usual various love mis-
sives will be sent that occasion either privately
or through the mail. The custom has deteriorated
considerably, as it was taken advantage of by
some uncouth individuals sending improper com
munications to ladies and others. 1t used to be
considered fashionable and was much INDUCED in
by gentlemen sending to friends very costly and
truly beautiful pictures and missives highly ap-
preciated. I remember the time-many years ago
when thousands of these found their way through
the postofice or by private hands and were most
welcome to recipients. The fashion, however, of
late times has sunk into disrespect because of its
being abused.
The coolest days for many years past were last
week, when the mercury went down to zero and
five or six degrees below in Baltimore and through
out Maryland, whilst farther north and west it
was much farther on the downward track. 1t was
a season long to be remembered.
No appointments have yet been made in our
Custom House, but doubtless soon will be. Var-
Gus names are spoken of as Collector. Let us
hope he will be good man whomsoever he may
be- equal in all things to Col. Webster, now filing
the place. When this and other places are filed
there will then be a fair opportunity to speak of
them in-I hope-liberal and just terms.
am gratified to >ay that we are again getting
fair supply of oysters, though those engaged in
procuring them have suffered intensely from the
cold and in other ways. Several men got froze n
and lost their lives.
The melancholy death of young Mr.. John X.
Randall librarian of the Mercantile Library, by
suicide, has caused much regret, as he was highly
esteemed by all who knew him, much respected
for his literary attachments and characteristics
generally. He is deeply to be pitied as he could
not control his feelings. 1t is not the province of
any one to find fault, as he was beyond his own
guidance. 1t is most singular circumstance that
his aged father, not knowing of his sons death,
died in Washington near the same time, from
softening of the brain, in his SOth year.
There seems to be terribly hungry set of office
seekers congregating daily around the City Hall,
many of whom are destined to disappointment
Mayor Hodges is already wearying of the numer-
GUS applications made to him. He finds his new
Office by no means bed of roses. The fact is he
begins to look for elevation, not much this side of
Governor.
I was appraised by telegraph Of the death of
Gen. Hancock, which occurred this afternoon at
81 o'clock. His demise was, as matter of course,
almost simultaneously announced all over the
country. He was brave, gallant soldier and in
every respect held the profound regard of his
countrymen. 1t was my pleasure to have known
him quite we'll. The past year has been singular
ly fatal among distinguished men. Added to the
above may be mentioned the names of Gen. Grant,
Gen. Mcclellan and Vice President Hendricks
Many other noted citizens of our country might
be given to swell the above list. Shining lights
have thus been marked by Hin, who wields Tin,o' q
relentless scythe. NEsToR