The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-12-25
BIRTHDAY OF THE KING.
II. l.. Wilson's Known sketch
There is No News To Night"


Yielding to numerous requests The
| Times republshes to-day the following
beautiful observations on Christmas
| Eve in Washington written just four
years ago last night By Harvey l. VII
son, then the spOndent of The Times
IN the capital. but now city editor Of tbs
afternoon paper in this city. Thoughtful,
suggestive and couched in remarkably
chaste and rhythmic language the
sketch IS appreciate this morning.
IT'S tho night before Christmas. and
from the neighboring church the grand
hymn. IT'S the Birthday OF the King"
comes up from The rehearsing choir and
reaches the Office of The Times with fts
sacred melody There is no news to-
night for the story OF the people to-day
began while shepherds watched their
hocks by night and the angelic chorus
OF peace on earth, good will 90 man, made
music for the years, aud happily for US,
both rest tonight beyond the inspiration
OF man, too pure for the touch of a word
and TOO sacrcdly sweet Tor tho point OF
a pen.
There is no news tonight. for It's tho
throbbing OF the heart, and not the in
teilcctudi grandeur Of the head uDOn
the throne tomorrow. The future Is
guided by but one golden thread, which
connects life 20 IFS loved ones gone be-
fore. while the past is linked 10 "A thous-
and strings which yibrate as the harm
and foods the soui with a melody not new
10 any single heart yet unheard by any
other
There IS no news tonight. for the a.,
and confusion Of the noisy world beyond
is lost IN the tumult which recollection
recalls aud upon which "reminiscences rfde
10 the guarded doors OF the heart.
There is no news tonight. for the fan.
cied scenes OF the future. and OF toll ana
endeavor, are clOuded by the brilliant
floods Of the past that p0urs IT'S light
upon the pictured gallery which Time
has huns upon the sainted walls OF mem
Dry
There Is no news tonight. for this il
the only day in the year when tho bugie
call Of duty is lost I'm tho dlscordant
notes OF the tiu-horn in the hands of tho
Lost in the labor Of Love, as the altar
IS built In our homes and lost in the
laughter OF JOY as Zee gilds the shrine
Tor the passing Tor tho holy day
It's the faistictOe the evergreen aud
the holly whose banners are hung above
the people to-day, and while the flag
OF the country floats dearest for such
days there Is no news tonight. for "Tis
the birthday OF The King"
/ met an old friend this morning N tho
depot with a huge box of flowers going
back into HIS home Ia Virginia. and when
IL was jestingiy suggested that he was
about 10 pay honor 10 some lovely girl.
he being a bachelor he told me THAT NE
flowers were intended for The grave of n
man known 20 all Of us. and q whose
death L knew an estrangement existed
between him and my friend with thu
flowers. The tardy tribute Of love was
coming now. and T could but recall tie
sweetest. trucst old verse ever written.
III the flowers We east on the coffin
Had been strewn on the pathway OF ufe
They Oft brought relief 10 the bitter,
est grief
And smothered the embcrs II strife /"
This. OF course. is the childrcn's aav
and their presents and toys and tnefr
laughter and mirth. make Christmas for
US, but he most princely present given
tomorrow will DO that which bridges
estrangement and restores friendship
confidence and affections between people
who are worthy Of them all