The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-02
NEW YEARS DAY
WAS BALMY ONE.
Remarkable Temperature and
Dense Fog Accompany Advent
Of the Year.
/ OFFICIALS OBSERVE. HOLIDAY
OFFICIALS OBSERVE HOLIDAY
Business Slowly Resuming It's
Normal Status-Brilliant
Social Features.

The year 1907 was opened yesterday
with day as baliny as In early spring.
Indeed, the unseasonably mild weather
produced the densest fog that has en-
shrouded the city for many years. The
sun rose pale and scarcely visible
through the maze of mist and until
nearly noon was as pale as newly
risen moons But when once the glorious
ORR of day asserted it's ascendancy It
reigned with genial warmth during the
remainder OF remarkable day.
In the. early morning, and indeed up to
10 a. NJ, the fog was 80 dense that the
lights OF approaching street cars could
not be seen at distance OF thirty feet.
Persons going to work had to stand
close to the tracks until car was al
most upon them before they were certain
that 1t WAS the one they desired to
board. and In fact, only by the sound
could it be known that n car was APP.
preaching. During the day the tempera-
ture was so mild that fires were dispensed
with indoors. and overcoats and wraps In
many cases discarded out Of doors. Steam
heated buildings were oppressive. and In
most of them the windows were raised
to secure relief.
Officials Have Respite.
The day was n national, State and mu-l
ncipal holiday, the Federal building. State
Capitol and City Hall Offices being closed,
with practically complete suspension OF
business. Court clerks were required by
law to be in their places. and some other
officials seized the opportunity to do some
accumulated work, free from Interrupt
lions.
Otherwise tho day was dead officially.
Thousands OF people in all lines OF busi-
ness were still enjoying the holiday
abstinence from work, and many who
left the city 20 spend the vacation had
not returned. The school children en-
ioyed their last day of immunity from
restraint and study, as fully as possible.
and will to-day have to discard the en-
crossing themes OF the last ten days and
resume the daily routine of studies
Work In the manufacturing plants was
on a reduced scale, large proportion OF
the employees not having returned to
duty, and the output was consequently
less than the normal.
In mercantile lines almost all bust
nesses were being conducted, but there
has been marked decline, compared with
the rush Of Christmas Merchants are
now advertising remnants and odds ana
ends OF stock at reduced prices as an
inducement to purchasers.
Brilliant Social Phases.
The day was distinguished chiefly by
It's noteworthy social functions, there be-
Ing many elegant receptions. The CHIEF
OF these. of course, was that at the
Governors Mansion. where Governor and
Mrs Swanson received. The mansion
never presented more beautiful specta-
Gle. and having been SO reconstructed as
to adapt 1t peculiarly to such social func-
tons, the entertainment was made the
more enjoyable.
Several large private receptions we're
given, all OF which were largely attended,
and hundreds of small entertainments
stgnalized the advent of the year. Fam
ily reunions and special dinners were
the rule.
The tide OF holiday travel has turned
homeward again, and thousands laden
With bundles and baggage poured into
or departed from the city yesterday.
after that normal conditions will have
been resumed.
Schools Reopen To-Day.
With the reopening of the schools many
changes will be made. The teachers
formerly employed by the county in the
suburban sections have contracted with
the city and WIN serve the remainder Of
the term. Children taken into the city
will be entitled to attend the High School,
and In the former county schools now
embraced In the city system grading will
be perfected, and such transfers of
teachers made as will be required by the
division into grades. Arrangements to
take care OF any considerable Increase in
High School pupils is afforded by the
property purchased by the city as a site
for the new building. The total enrolment
VIII naturally be increased
HELD OPEN HOTIsFs