The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-12-25

Christmas Eve, the day before Christ
mas, is always one of the liveliest days
of the holiday season, and yesterday in
Roanoke was no exception to this rule
Buying Christmas presents, receiving
gifts and preparing for the festivities
Of the day wore the things that made
every street in Roanoke alive with hu-
manity.
The weather early in the day bid fair
to.upset many Of the pre- arranged Christ
mas festivities, but Providence smiled
and before 10 o'clock the sun was shin
ing and tho temperature was that of an
Indian summer day. Although it was
wet underfoot the crowds on tho street
were larger than ever and those who
had not secured their holiday goods were
hustling to get them before tho stock
was all picked over.
AT THE MARKET.
The market was kept open all day in
order that all might secure their sup
plies for to-day, and judging from the
number thero, and the amount sold, the
tables to-day will groan beneath the
weight of their Injuries.
The hucksters had made especial pro-
visions for the Christmas trade and tn
great variety of meats, vegetables and
eatables of every description were suni-
cient to satisfy the appetite of the most
fastidious hunger. There were country
lads with great lunches of the mystic
mistletoo and wagons loaded with cedar
and evergreens that were eagerly pur-
chased by tho ladies and arc to-day
decorating many happy homo.
The farmer took advantage of the
demand and had his turkeys, geese,
chickens and fruit on the market in
great quantities, all of which went in a
hurry, and at lucrative prices.
THE CROWDED STREETS
Probably never before in the history
OF the city were the streets tho scene of
moro activity. Every class of people
from those that dashed along the streets
In guided coaches driven by liveried SER
wants to the humblest laborer vending
his way to the market to purchase his
Christmas turkey. But what matters if
he does not ride in q guided coach?
Today will bring with it to him as much
real pleasure as to the wealthiest citi-
zen, because he is content, and content
ment is the soul of happiness.
AS the seething mass Of people ira
versed the street and bumped and los
tied against each other, and as the dri-
vers and coachmen crossed and re-
crossed each others paths, there was not
a! jar or disturbance of any kind. and
all seemed imbued with q spirit of
mirth and humor that bespoke the gen
eral good will, and all seemed to say,
MERRY Christmas to ALL"
LEAVING THE CITY.
One would think from the great
number that left on every train yester-
day that half OF the people of Roanoke
are out of town to-day and will eat
Christmas dinner in another place.
1t is not because there is no amuse-
ment in Roanoke, for as has already
been shown there will BIO no end to the
entertainments,C Christmas trees and the
various other amusements, but is at
tributed to the fact that the ma iority of
Roanoke's population are not natives
but have come here for employment,
Many of this class have gone to their
Ola homes to spend the holidays with
friends and relatives.
At the depot yesterday afternoon
there were about 500 people AWAITING
the east bound train, which was three
hours late. They were compelled to
wait, but were restless crowd. When
the train did arrive the nine coaches
were packed, and the probable three
hundred that boarded her here were
compelled to stand.
AT THE STATION HOUSE.
While all other business was on q
boom yesterday, remarkable to saw,
there was less doing in police circles
than usual. Up to IL O'clock last night
there had been only two arrests. The
force was increased last night and
special instructions given as to keeping
order. The four specials that were
sworn in were Word, Conrad, Drum
wright and Gates.
There is now in the station house
about dozen prisoners, many of whom
belong to the chain-gang. Chief brown
said that the number of criminals now
in confinement is far less than last wear
at Christmas. Two negro boys belong
ing to the chain-gang were given fur
loughs for few days and went on their
way rejoicing, faithfully promising
to return and serve their terms as
soon as their furlougbs expire.
While nearly all other men will have
rest to-day, the blue coat guardians
OF the peace will likely have their
hands full to keep things in order.
About II o'clock last night Chief Brown
found G. II. Drumwright, one of the
specials, drunk on Salem avenue. He
at once pro seeded ito take his badge
and billy from him and put another
man in his place. He also left orders
to the police on that beat, that il he
raised any disturbance, or got down, to
lock him up at once.