The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-01-01
rHr ar.AD, xnw rEAR.

The years % out and the years como in in their regular order. Man can neither stay nor hurry the march of old Father Time.A who has his ap- pointed days and varies not in his movements. The old Year. gray and tottering with the burden of passing seasons. takes his departure. and the New Year, young and buoyant. treads on his heels and bids him farewell at the door.
 Jn this hurrying. bustling time and land we do not observe the first day of the year as was done in former times, and as Is stili done in some countries. Like some others of our holidays the observances of this day partake of both heather and Chris tan features After the refSrmatiob' of the calendar by Emperor Julian. the first day of the year was observed as a public holiday. and the Roman poet Ovid aliudes to the abstinence from litigation and strife. the smoking al- tars of the great city. and the white- NOVca HIOCSociOHo " tHS SaPtsSAp ato other writers of that era speak of the fessting. the giving of presents and the exchange of visits. Another Ro- man writer In the fourth century ale ludes to New Year as being the one great holiday generally observed throughout the Empire.
 The early Christians discouraged the celebration of the day. probably be- cause Of the excesses indulged in by some of the heather people. When the 25th of December was finally settled on as a fixed festival. and accepted as the Saviors natal day. the first of January was also set apart as being the anniversary of the circumcision and became one of the fixed holidays. As day for the exchange of good wishes. and for giving and receiving presents. 1t is observed in most coun- tries of the earth. That 1t is often de- graded by all kinds of exoesses is true, just as other holidays are. Fall doubly sacred character, and as such 1t will be regarded among all Chris tian people.
 What has the New Year in store for us in a material way? As people we certainly have much to be grateful for. throughout the length and breadth of the land. Peace prevails. good crops have been made, business Is prosper ous. and the outlook for the future gives fair prospects of a year of peace and plenty for all the people. We know not what is hidden from us, or what the coming days may bring, but as far as mortals can judge or predict of the future, we may confidently look forward to a year of peaceful prosper ity. Certainly in our own Capital City we may safely indulge in bright anticipations. Montgomery is grow ing in ever way. it is a healthful. or- derly and quiet city, and the indica- tions now are that this will be the best year of it's existence. It will be so. if all citizens will work in har- mony, forgetting party, sect and creed in the general determination to build up. beautify and popularize one of the best old towns in all this broad land There Is work for all. man and woman. of all parties, all creeds, all sects and all nationalities. It is one cause in which all can work in perfect accord and harmony. for all who have a home here are interested in the welfare of Montgomery. Much has been done. but much remains for all of us to do and we will not be true to ourselves if we fail to do what lies in us in the good work which will be a monument for those who live and a benefit to those who come after us.
 In everything that is for the good of Montgomery and all her citizens The Advertiser pledges itself to be g faithful and willing helper, and to each and all 1t wishes A Happy New Year.