Year: 1876

With tomorrow the year of 1876 will
have fulfilled its mission and be gathered
with the long record of Tine which goes
to make up the worlds history. To the
world at large, it has been nothing more
than an ordinary period of time-to the
| American people it has marked an epoch
Of history such as few will live to see II
recurrence. 1t opened brightly, with a
country united in hailing its advent and
hopeful Of the future ; it closes darkly,
with feeling of gloom and insecurity
which bodies i'll for the reign of peace and
good will through all its sections. Wise
states manship may summon coun-els
which will restore the era of confidence,
but, unfortunately for the best interest
of the country, patriotism seems at dis
count and the tricks Of the partisan, tend
ing To give advantage to his own side at
the expense of honor and duty, receive
the highest commendation at the hands
of his party friends.


The year just past has been signalized
chiefly by the universal prosperity which
throughout our wide domain. The season
has been u bountiful one 10 the agricultu-
ral interests and the prospects of a good
market in the Old World gave to the
products Of husbandry fair, living price.
In this respect, California has indeed been
blessed. Her broad valleys were yellow
with fields of waving grain, which the
abundant rains OF last Winter made to
yield plenteously. The same cause oper-
ated to increase the yield Of the mines,
aud give an impetus to that industry
which follows the hazardous and uneer.
tain pursuit of the precious metals. That
two or three uniavorable seasons had pre-
ceded the good one, and entailed liabilities
upon the N ners rs class which required
the best part of the proceeds of II good
years work to clear of, is one of the dis
advantages which pertains to the uncer-
tain pursuit. Another year like the last
would have placed the mining community
in good position, and the general bust
ness OF the mining counties, which gene
rally follows the fortune of the miners,
would have shared equally in the benefit
accruing.


Notable among the events of the past
year has been the Centennial Exhibition,
wherein the wonders Of Industry, Nature
and Genius have been grouped together
for the inspection and admiration ot the
millions Of visitors. The city of Phia-
delpna, where first the bells of Liberty
rang out their joyous peals a century ago,
was appropriately selected as the spot at
which this magnificent display was thrown
open TO the public. And for the six
months during which the Exposition con-
tinued, it was thronged with the learned
and curious of every land. During the
last three months Of the Exhibition the
average daily attendance was over ninety
thousand, and the total number Of visitors
exceeded eleven millions. Representa-
tives of foreign countries admit it to have
been the grandest display of modern
times, and it was no doubt the grandest
display the world has ever seen. 1t was
hoped and believed the Centennial Exhi-
bition held during year in which the
patriotic memories of the past were re-
called on every occasion, would do much
to allay any feeling OF bitterness which
should yet linger us one Of the relics of
the great war of rebellion. 1t has GER
tainly been productive of no harm in that
respect, and 1t is not improbable that it
has be,n without its share Of good.


The Old World show little change dur
ing the year-with the exception of the
war between Turkey and the revolving
provinces, all is peaceful and serene. But
the war cloud is lowering over Europe,
and we know not what day the tidings
may come that it has burst upon the heads
Of the devoted Turks. While all wars
are to be deplored, yet wars are necessary
to civilization, and the sooner the etlete,
cruel aud barbarous Moslcms are swept
from power, the better will it be ior the
future of Europe.


The year 1876 has gone and its events
passed into history. They have not been
of such a character as will make an en-
during mark on its pages. To those in
private life it has brought its joys and its
sorrows, and the recollection of them will
perish only with life itself. With some
there will be the rem entrances of joy,
of the lavors which fortune has showcred
upon them. With others will ever dwell
the remembrance of cherished ties rudely
severed by the stern, cold HAND of Death
In this respect all years are alike. Gen
erations come and generations go, but all
feel the nearness of the hour when they
too, will be called away and many, they
whose lives are made up of disappoint-
ments and sorrows, gladly welcome the
hour.