Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-01-02
1Ss5-1Ss8-PAsr AND FUTURr.

1 earth another link has BEEN added 10
the chain OF eternity With the joyous
tones OF the Ginning bells last night,
sorrow was commineled, and as the year
staggered cut, many parted with jol.
ly good friend. The season is eminent.
ly-suitable 10 indulge in a few thoughts
TO take review OF lite, of the joy
and sorrow, the sunshine and shade az
the past twelve months. When the
sun glisienra Oh the snowy lantlsca d
last New Years norning, cunseienva,
struggling with carnal nature, won the
victory, aud good resolutions and sober
views of lfa were formed. Paths Of
honor sud madness were selected
wherein 10 walk The old Year IS dead
How aenY save ueen faithful Is the
promises The good resolutions have
been tfampled under foot one bg one !;
the sober views have been evapofate
in the yein. dds pleasures Of taise
world ; the paths selected ats covered
by cumbersome. d9nReiops, 81 rhless
weedsl How changeshle is hnmanaa
tufe. one minute sweet, the nj xt llkt
gall. How Gee ptlye are the pleasure
Of life. Like lie sodom apple. thes
aro beautiful 70 The eye. Touch them.
and they crumble awayl
1885 has been an eventful year. Ii
the old world discontentand revolu-
ton have joined hands. The English
throne has been shaken by the lih-
eral aud independent action of the peo-
pie, who, hating monarchy, demand q
more liUeral government. In the Bon
ny Green Isle Gods hand has been
lavish, and the flames of patriotism
O'Connor kindled so years ago have
increased in volume and lustre, until
their bright reflex confounds the Eng.
lish foe. Yes, Old Ireland, is blossom
ing again. The spirit of her people
can never be subdueo by the threats OF
a crumbling kingdom For months
the dogs OF war" have been growing
in the rocky gorges of Bulgaria and 10
the border lands Of Servia
In dear America the people have
been at peace. No bugle has sounded
the notes OF war. No fratricidal blood
has stained the earth S fair bosom. The
feuds of the war are dying OUT, and
great people, united and powerful, pro-
gressive and loyal, stand UP for good
governments. peace and prosperity. We
have much of which to feel proud. We
should be proud Of fair fame. proud of
peace and happiness, proud of freedom.
However, the heart of the American
Nation has throbbed with anguish dur
ing the past year. Familiar faces have
vanished, Grant, the stern, cool sol.
der, the calm, earnest statesman.
wrapped in mantle of love and glory,
sleeps within sound of the mufmuring
river. Mcclellan, kind, generous heart
ed Mcclellan, rests beneath the skies Of
his old home Hendricks, clothed in
the robe of State and the sorrow of the
nation, sleeps the sleep OF the dead.
These men were true Americans, and
Americans feels justly proud of them
IT'S also true that hard times and
harder hearted individuals have ground
down the laboring man and forced him
to accept almost starvation wages. We
trust this condition of affairs may be
broken up, and Labor receive due re-
cognition. Reason demands it, Justice
sanctions it and humanity will have it
so. And now
Adieu, fond year: thy work was brayely
done,
And thou hast loved us, though thy open
hand
Has smote us often, and our feet have run
In tangled paths and through the burn
ing sands
Where sorrow strobe beside us like guide
OF evil purpose; but to- day we feel
That every sorrows touch was sanctifed
BY Love, whose strength exceedeth bars
of steel.
1886 lies before as. The new year is
reality. Again vows will be made.
new resolutions formed, and con science
obeyed. This time remain firm. II
temptation comes, think of 1ss5-of the
dead past. and stand steadfsst. II the
woes of contention and avarice wash
about your feet, climb higher up the
mount OF Determination. Be true to
yourself. let the world wsg as it desir-
eth. Be honest in business; true to
your friends, generous to your enemies
and at peace with humanity. If in
cringed upon, seek the cause. If will
fully wronged and no amends are made
be man and fight fire with fire.
Well, turn over new leaf once more.
and be careful lest you blot it. With a
hearty wish for prosperity and peace to
our readers during the coming seasons,