Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-12-25
MESSAGE OF TO-DAY,
| Significance and Observance Of
the Christmas Festival
GOODWILL TOWARD MEN,
Religious and Social Features That Will
Mark the Occasion.
FACTS OF TRAFFIC AND TRAVEL.
Merchants Have Reaped n Rich Har-
vest-How the Richmond stemmery
md Other Corporations GInddened
Their EmpIoyees' Hearts.

it's salutary lessons, has come again. The
| Gospel of peace and good will sounds to-
| day its clarion note throughout the Chris
tian world, and penetrates the mind and
| heart as no other festival can penetrate
| them.
| II is the season of memories. AS the
/ shadows lengthen across the pathway Of
| life. the recollection Of bygone Christmas
| days will not be untinged with sadness.
and perhaps regrets. but for each one
there viii be happy associations, and
these will rise superior TO every other
consideration.
1t is also the season Of family reunions,
and many charming home circle is com
plete only upon this occasion.
For days past the trains from North
and South have brought to Richmond
hundreds of men and women whose busi-
ness or affiliations have led them into
other fields, whittier they come to knit
closer the only tie that can never be
broken. The railroad companies, whose
lines run into this city, say that the
traffic this year has been much heavier
other pulse of the season.
MORE THAN USUAL PREPARATION.
1t is a matter Of reasonable doubt whe-
ther such extensive arrangements for the
celebration Of the festival have ever be-
fore been made. Retail storekeepers have
reaped a golden harvest. The depleted
counters and shelves tell their own story
urh thpm before
the Christmas opening, doubts the asser-
tions reiterated by the merchants that
their stocks have been larger and more
complete this year than ever.
The Christmas spirit has been abroad,
most markedly, for several days, and
men and women have seemed 10 be in
tent on plans to make the day mem T.,
orable one. Just one week ago to-day
the roar of the cannon cracker and the
Sizing OF the "deVil chasers' led TO
protest on the part Of pastors representing
four denominations, against the use OF
fireworks on this, the Christmas sabbath.
Since then the cannonade has been Kept
up at lessening intervals until last night, !
when 1t had developed into a persistent, |
ear-splitting roar.
And what a crowd there was on Broad ]
street.
All sorts and conditions Of men and I
women. young and old. jostled one an /
other and passed on smiling. spirit OF .
wild hilarity and fantastic gayety was ,
abroad. and it found vent through braying
horns and other noisome devices. ,
II was the largest crowd seen on the /
thoroughfare for many seasons !
and very quiet and peaceable citizens TOOK
To the side streets TO avoid the
struggle and the clatter.
A SEASON OF CHARITY
The lesson of good will to men sung by
the angels on the first Christmas night
has come sounding down through the ave-
nues of time until the festival has now
become essentially a season OF charity.
The poor of the city are not LETT un-
thought OF or uncared for, and thousands
Of dollars have oeen given away this
year and gladness and light have been
to many homes which would not
otherwise have been particularly bright.
EMPLOYERS have drawn closer the bonds
that bind them 10 their employees. ana
the pleasure Of being remembered mas
ichtened the way for many a weary ira
weller upon life's pathway. Even the
prisoner. depraved though he may be.
viii be reminded Of the plan OF salvation
,v the special observance Of the birthday
# the Christ-child; the tightly-drawn lines
II discipline will be for the nonce re-
axed. and there will be a great feast
pread for his enjoyment. The old SOL
Hers the sick, the suffering, none will be-
orgotten for the JOY OF giving, which
$ not the least Of the joys OF Christmas,
las been literally exercised I'm their be-
lalf.
EXPRESS AND POST-OFFICEs
The express Office has been literally
locked with parcels OF every dimension ]
throughout the past week. Extra hands ,
,ave faiied 90 remove the glut. and last
light IL was said that hundreds Of pack
lpes still remained 10 be delivered.
hough strenuous efforts would be made
O get them 10 their respective destina-
ions. The mails have been passing heavy,
nd Superintendent Burke Is authority
or the statement that the Christmas
ush began two days earlier than usual
his year. and has been growing worse
ach succeeding hour. The busy .postmen
vii enjoy a surcease from their labors
o-day and tomorrow To-day Sunday
ours will be observed, and Tomorrow
he office will be kept open between the