Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1889-12-28
CORRESPONDENCE
For the Independent.
"a HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU WHEN
IT COMES"

are being offered and will be in many
forms. 1t is to be hoped, that each
will wish and really try to make the
other happy. We feel sure that he
who shapes his every days course,
in such a way for the 365 days of
1890, will not only have very hap
by year, but will be prepared to en-
joy the following, 1891, so much the
better. But the forms in which the
compliments of the season" will be
offered will be varied. With many
it Will be given with the lifting of
the hat, and the genteel bow. With
many, the warm grip of the hand
and its hearty shake and the earnest
and familiar utterance, ga happy
New Year to you" There will be
the social and fashionable calls.
There will be the New Years turkey,
&c., followed by the coffee, the choc-
olate or the tea, and we fear the tea
of some will be stronger than even
wine. Some, even on the New Years
day will gather momentum on their
down grade to ruin. | am wonder
ling how many who will begin the
year even in simple pleasure, will
never see another New Year on
learth. AS well as bounties and COM
forts, land pleasures, and increased
friends, that we have received in this
year, what year of catastrophy it
has been to many people! Just call
up the Johnstown horrors alone.
The history of the New Year is to
come. We escaped with life and
comforts last year, what of the next?
Let us all attend to the advice of the
book-the Bible, acknowledge Him
i'm all thy ways, and He will direct
thy paths"
*x* So -
The Washington Star calls atten-
zion to the fact that president Har-
rison is the first president of the Uni
ted States who has suggested legis-
tation for the protection of the rail-
road employees, thus broadening the
field of National law-making and en-
souraging deserving body of work
men," The Star agrees with the
President when he says, that it is
-eproach to our civilization, that any
class of American workmen should,
n the pursuit of necessary and use-
'ul vocation be subjected to peril
bf life and limb,as great as that of a
,oldier in time of war Nearly TO-
300 brakemen petitioned the Inter-
tate Commerce Commission, asking
hat steps might be taken looking to
he use of automatic brakes and cou-
pliers on freight cars, and the State
ailroad commissioners, in their meet
ng here last March, adopted unani-
nously, upon the invitation of the
Interstate Commerce Commission, a
esolution urging the Commission to
onsider what can be done to pre-
ent the loss of life and limb in
reight cars. 1t is an astounding
act that in single year, over 1000
abroad employees were killed and
5000 were injured" Surely some
ling will be done to prevent such
aughter among this necessary class
{ workmen.
*x* ~ ***
We are now promised electric light
pr our streets by February lst. $50
ote it be-" We shall then be on q
ar with other towns, of like enter
rise. And we also hear of some
sitation in behalf of factory or
ctories which shall give employ
ent to many, and distribute money
nong such as have but little chance
earn. Home manufacture ought
lead to home purchase. Let Mar
lsburg and vicinity's demands be
pplied at home in one or two or
pre- lines of trade,-such as gloves
K hose or shoes or any other arti-
IS, many hands must be employed
d paid, many more will have mon
to spend, more ARTICLES of other
Ids, manufactured elsewhere, will
needed. Martinsburg will be a
tter market for the surrounding
untry. The present good outlook
the building of so many good hou-
will continue to grow better, real
ate will increase in value, and tho
It's will rise, the laboring class will
We more money and be better able
pay the rents. Fix the electric
lit, start and perpetuate the facto.
s, make the farms around us small
keep the streets and pavements in
cd trim, and the roads to the sur
inding country in good order In
rchases, favor home enterprise,
til every house is alive with bust
is, and every inmate is happy with
nty. For the life Of us we cannot
why there should be premium