New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-12-29

arostrophize i'm a most angry and bitter
manner the crown prosecutor for his ac-
tivitie- in connection with the enforce
mcut of the anti-sambling laws at Ostend.
The King complained that he. the pub
lie prosecutor. was absolutely running the
place AMI driving all visitors away; ueI-
Letting. however, to add what everybody
knew 10 be the case, namely, that he. th'
King. was ono Of the sufferers. since he
owned much real estate 81 Ostond, besides
being extensively interested III the prin-
cipal gambling concerns.
IL was also At a New Years reception
at the Palace of the Tuileres in 1888 that
Napoleon III addressed such uufriendi}
words 10 Emperor Francis JOsephs am
bassador. the late Baron Won IIubner a.
to precipitate war between France and
Austria-a war which cost the Dual Mon
I archy its Lombardian provinces. and
brought to a close the Hapsb burg rule Of
+ Tuscany and of Modena. SO ominous
were the words of Napoleon III that on
the following morning there was some
thing in the nature Of a panic on every
! bourse and stock exchange Of Europe.
IA BELLE FRANCE. CELEBRATES
But It is not only in mOnarchical coun-
tries that New Years Day is officially
celebrated Nowhere is the day observed
more extensively than in France. and the
entire nation abandOns itself 10 merry
making There is genuine holiday eN-
preston noticeable upon every face. aud
all alike appear intent on getting all the
| enjoyment possible out of ''le jour de ]
an"-"the" day of the year. II is celebrdt-
ed as d kind Of universal birthday; the
| birthday not alone of Adam, but OF eacn
one of his descendants.
A general interchange Of presents takes
place, and January is looked forward 10
throughout the year by children as the
dav on which they receive all their finest
TOYS. and by servants as the date on which
they receive their most liberal 9ratuities.
These latter, indeed. become terribly
| heavy tax upon the head of a household.
For not only is he expected 10 make a
handsome present of money TO his coach
man. his grooms, his butler, his footman,
! his chef and all the feminine domestic,
| but also TO the postmen, the policeman on
his beat and 10 every other tradesmah :
employe who has attended to the require
ments Of the family during the preceding
twelve months. On the shopkeepers too
! the observance Of the day falls somewhat
heavily. For they are obliged, If they
wish TO retain the custom of the houses
which they serve, 10 send gifts TO the
cook. or the butler, to the coachman OIL
The valet. or the lady's maid, as the case
may be. Most of the day is devoted to
visiting and TO receiving visitors.
Officials in France of high and low de-
cree feel il necessary to pay ceremo-
lnious visit TO their immediate chiefs. and
All the great dignitaries of state, civil
military. judicial, naval and parliar9en'
tarv. call upon the President of the re-
public at the Palace Of the Elysee. Oh!'
two Of these visits is the President called
upon TO return in state, and on the same
dav. namely. the calls OF the presidents OF
the Senate and of the Chamber OF Depu
lies The Chief Magistrate Of the republic
I contents himself by sending his VISITING
card TO the foreign ambassadors, IN ac
acknowledgement of their call upon him in d
body i'm the morning.
THE JAPANESE NEW YEAR.
Although the japanese nave hosltatet
as vet TO borrow the religious faiths OF