The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1889-01-02
"Ring out the Old, Ring i'm the
New"

We are now in the golden dawn OF
a new year; year full Of hope and
promise, and the RECORDER wishes
every reader and patron may be at
tended with the richest blessings of
health, prosperity and happiness.
The year 1889 IS an untried year
and we can only await its events as
they unfold day BY day, ever doing
our duty ia the living present.
The year 1883, for the world at
large, has not been characterized by
wars or foods Or great disasters or
other calamlties. Death has shot at
fewer shining marks than usual.
The Southern epidemic was the only
one which seriously afflicted the
earth, and that was confined to a
limited section Of the country. OF
panics, we have had none; though,
ON the other hand, we cannot, I'M
happily, rejoice over very great pros
perity. 1t has been simply a dull
and stupid year.
The political issues kept business
men In doubt and inactivity for the
greater part of the year, and the de-
cision at the election on the chief
issue which directly affected man
ufactures was not positive enough to
settle promptly the prevailing hest
tation. In business the year may
be said TO have been exceptionally
dull.
Politically it was a very bad year
for the Democratic party. There is
no question Of that. Fouryears ago
it had apparently come into power
for a long lease. Unhappily, its
principles were not boldly maintain
ed; its traditional policy was violated
in many ways, and it was really moi
the old party, but semblance Of it
which took possession Of the Gener'
al Government. Some Of the prin.
ciples which were essential to it
continued success-were abandoned
at the instigation Of a minority o.
the opposing party which was sup
posed to have aided in electing Mr.
Cleveland. The Mugwumps wer,
not numerous; they had aided US les
from love Of the Democratic candi
date than from discomfort with thai
OF their own party; and this veal
many Of them drifted back TO theil
own ranks TO aid q more deserving
candidate than they thought Blaine
was. The Mugwumps were over
estimated in the strength Of their
numbers and their influence. Al
together it was q bad year politically,
We don't enjoy recalling it.
Coming near home 1883 will long
be remembered as an eventful ont
in the history of pIucky Durham. II
witnessed the opening Of a new rail-
road and vigorous work upon two
Others which are to centre here; one
Of the grandest and most successful
Expeditions ever held in the State
an unprecedented religious awaken.
ing, under the administration Of
Rev. Sam Jones; stirring political
events, in which Durham county
reversed herpolitieal complexion and
took her place in the Democratic
column; and then q huge financial
crash, greater than heretoforeknown
IN one town IN the history of the
State, which exhibited the pluck and
perseverance Of our people--whieh
caused our people 10 stop and take
breath for q short while. These are
The most important events in the
past year Of Durham's history and
will not soon be forgotten.
There Il no cause for croaking, re-
pining and gloomy forebordings.
II such q course Is pursued 1889 will
have many dark days for those who
thus look altogether 81 the gloomy
side Of lifeis stern duties.
There isa duty for each one 10
perform every day in this year Of
grace. Let Us do II with stout
heart for every fate, looking not
mOurnfully into the past, but wisely