Year: 1862

Opening We had a mild imitation Of
Winter, this morning, which may be accepted
as a formal opening Of the cold campaign
The predictions Of the Weathef.Seers with
regard to the temperature we will experience
between this and the opening Of Spring, are
as varied as the sons Of men.


An elderly gentleman-for whose opinion
we have great respect from the fact that his
representations about the weather are gen
orally met-sssures us that "the winter will
be an open one We have neither the time
or space to give the reasons on which our
friend ptedicates his predictions 1t isisuff-
cient fotthe purpose Of record that we state
he bases his prophecy upon certain signs and
events which have invariably transpired in
precisely the same order previous to the com.
mencement Of each preceding open winter"
for fifty year past Such testimony, develop
ing remarkable persistence, observation. pen
etration, concentration and power of applica-
ton, is certainly entitled to respect If not be-
lief


0thers-and we will not further particular
ize--ptedict that the Winter will be unusual
ly severe. They do not reason from analogy,
nor do they refer to any peculiar laws OF Ma.
ture TO give their predictions dignity and
force. They affirm truly that we are IN the
midst Of troubous times, with general ten
dency of events growing from bad to worse
while the Public Mind Tor that partiof il





which is clear enough for the exercise of
tolerable share Of the faculties) seems to en-
terrain a dread of some further calamity
which rather gains terror from the reason
that its proportions are indefinite Andthey
claim that Nature acting in sympathy with
events, will add to the general desolation by
visiting upon us all the rigors of Siberian
winterwith its intefminable gloom


We pray not Indeed, we greatly prefer
that both these extremes may be compromised
by mild winter, which shall partake, ia rea-
sonable quantities, of their opposite qualities.
We are impressed with this hopeful view of
the case because we turn to Divine Provi-
denee for an amelioration of the woes with
which we are afflicted for mitigation ofthe
punishment brought upon us by wicked men.


1t is mainly for the Poor that we are con
sderate. Under the most favorable circum-
stances they have trying time in prolonging
existence through the Winter Months. Ever
since we can remember we have heard of in
stances of suffering among the destitute dur
ing the inclement season, and we have not
unfrequently witnessed cases Of distress. The
war has entailed upon us several thou
sand per cent of misery, and thousands must
be speedily provided with Food Clothing and
Fuel, or the actual suffering throughout the
country will be terrible,


The inelement season has been fairly nau-
gurated--not the less SO because it opened
mildly; for although the slight snow which
sprihkled the Earth this morning disappeared
gradually as, type by type, we compose this
article, we can feel the sharp atmosphere as
it chills US through crevice in the window
near by which we are combining mental and
physical labor. And now while there is time,
ere actual misery has asserted its terrible
sway, let arrangements be made to provide
for the necessities Of the abject poor. Those
who have should divide with those who have
not, and system for relief should at once
be adopted.


Dayton will, we believe, maintain her good
repute during the inclement season which is
being inaugursted ''H


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