The morning news., 1897-01-01
CAME IN WITH A CHATTER.
NEW YEAR, "1S97," WELCOMED
WTTH NOISY sALUTEs.

New Years E've Like Any other Tn
III Midnight and Then the Racket
Began-Chuu,h Bells, ships Bells,
steamers whistles. Pistols and
Peppers Hailed the Advent Of the
Ne,V TvcIve-M onths With Merry
Making.
New Years moruin was preceded by an
unusually quiet day. I'D the evening seem
ed If anything sim more quiet. There were
the usual whistle blasts and hell ringings'
and cannon crackers but it seemed there
were fewer whistles. fewer bells and fewer
explosions than have heretofore accom-
panied the entrance of the new year.
The day passed very quietly. There was
very little in the way Of indications thal
this morning would begin another year
except with the business houses where
everybody was busy strengthening up ac-
counts and getting ready for it, With the
retail people trade picked up quite oit
owing to the fact perhaps that to-day is
holiday and then it is day too upon
which great many people remember
their friends in one way and another,
though OF course the trade is nothing 20
compare with that preceding Christmas
outside OF the watch night services there
was nothing unusual until the hour Of
twelve approached. Shortly before mid
night one Of the river tugs which had been
lying in wait for IT, turned on The steam
il was a feeble effort with shrill whistle
ard ii did not appear to arouse any spe-
cialy large amount Of enthusiasm. one o.
the larger whistles up toward the Ocean
Steamship wharf chimed in, and blew two
or three long blasts. When it failed to Sc
cure company, it subsidized and was heard
from no more. Just about that time the
exchange clock struck II, and with the
first stroke half a dozen shr1l whistles on
the river front, began 70 blow
and as many more bells began 10
ring. The church bells all over the city
chimed in, and the usual greeting TO the
new year was heard from the chimes oI
St Johns steeple. These. with several
cannon cracker explosions here and there,
with fireworks accompaniment cOnsutut-
ed the greeting that was given the new
year. the noise and clangor ceased, and
the earth slept once more IN peace.
To-day viii be accompanied oy the usual
except those who have to work. viii take
a holiday. The city exchange viii be
closed as usual, so will the custom house,
the court house and all the banks and eX-
changes. At the pOstOffice the money or
der and registry department VIII be closed
all day. The stamp department and the
general delivery will be open from 100
o'clock a. m TO 10 o'clock a. m The
mails will be dispatched as usual, and the
customary morning collections ana dehV-
cries by carriers will be made. The Motel
collections will be made at midday and
the night collections as usual.
Altogether, New Years promises 10 be
the day that il usually is. and with clear
and pleasant weather, there are few who
win not make an enjoyable one OF IL, ana
then sit down the next day and date their
letters 1886
The cotton exchange and board Of trade
will be closed for two days This Is ca
account of the fact that Saturday is
half-holiday, anyway, and then there will
be no reports from the leading markets
on account of the fact that they take
three days Off for New Years.
Watch services. TO note the passing OF
the old and hail the coming Of the new
year. were held in the lecture room Of Trim
ity church, and at St. PauPs Episcopal
church. The services at Trinity began at
90 o'clock. and consisted of songs. prayers.
experience talks from the congregation
and an address, appropriate 70 tne occa~
sion. by Rev A. NJ Williams, Of Wesley
Monumental Mr. Williams talk contained
allusions to the classics and the double
headed Janus for whom January was
named, that were aptiy fitted to the ad-
vised change for the new year conduct Of
his hearers.
The meeting closed promptly at y O'Clock
with a general Misunderstanding and wishes
for a happy New Year.
At st. Paurs the services began at II 80
O'Clock and were conducted BY Rev. J. l.
Scully Prayer was offered just at the
close of the old year in confession Of sins
committed, and on the coming in OF the
new. strength TO reEist the temptations
that will come this year was prayed for.
Mr.. Scully delivered a short sermon from
John 1917, dealing particularly with the
passage. ''The world passeth away, but he
that doeth the will of God abideth forever" "
Following that the Holy Communion was
celebrated.
Nearly all the colored churches held
watch services. Many Of the congrega-
tions gathered early and stayed late, and
the usual New Years eve programmes
Of prayer, song and experiences were car
lied out. 1t was after midnight when the
congregations moved homeward