THE DAILr EVENING TELEGRAPH PHILADELPHIA, WEDNESDAY, N0 EMBER 17, 18G9.
Ccmtnet from th tfrrt ran'.
was considered an appropriate one for family re
unions custom which lias long prevailed in New
England and In other portions of the country. The
children of the household, who nave been scattered
Here and there ty that eminently American spirit of
family disintegration, by the prevalence of which
alone has the vast extt-nt of our territory been so
thoroughly settled In so hcrt a space of time, em
brace the occasion, in preference to all others of the
year, to gather around the parental table, and there
recall In soclul converse the Joys and sorrows of by.
gone days. From this custom, more than from any
other, perhaps, the modern Thanksgiving has de
rived the somewhat Irreligious character which now
distinctly marks It. Fun an t frivolity, instead of
devotion and sobriety, are the only aspects which It
assumes to many niluds. To enable each to cele
brate the event in a manner In accordance with their
tastes, places of amusements of all kinds and charac
ters greet the denizens of the city with open doors.
Double, and even trlpl bills, ore favorite schemes,
by resorting to which theatrical managers and show
men in general have found it easy to replenish their
purses.
Its lllntory.
From the earliest times of our Independent na
tional existence Thanksgiving day lias been Ob
nerved In some way or other in ut least some por
tion of the country. It was, at tho very outset, more
of u national observance, as the history shows; then
came to be the great day for certain sections, being
more thoroughly observed In some parts than in
others, and was appointed by the Governors of dltle.
rent Stales independently of each other. It has now
again become a national hollduy, appointed by the
President of the United States, with tho concurrence
or the Governors. Thus Its true character KlioulU
iilways be preserved. It Is distinctively an American
institution, and should be observed by all Americans
in concert.
The First Kntlonnl ThnnkKlvliiK, December
IS, 1?77.
Tlie first national Thanksgiving dates back to the
third year of our Revolutionary war. OnJFrlduy,
October 31. 1 777, Congress adopted the following re
solution: "tlenlred. That a committee of three be unpointed
to prepare a reconiiiienilatlon to the several State
to set apart a day for thanksgiving for the signal
miccesH lately obtained over the enemies of thesu
J. lilted Wats."
As Washington was then on his dreary march to
Valley Forge, it might have been thought that the
rebellious colonists bad but little In the way of suc
cess for which they could reasonably be expected
to give thanks. Vet Trenton and Princeton had
been fought, and the enemy held at bay, If nothing
more; while at Saratoga, the army of Burgoyne had
surrendered to a man. And such was the faith of
those heroic men In the righteous cause which they
upheld, that even such faint glimmers of light were
Viewed as heralding the coining dawn. So Samuel
Adams, II. II. Lee, and Mr. Roberdean were duly ap
pointed on the committee for drafting the
document, and by them Thursday, tho loth day
of December following, was recommended to be
eet apart 'Tor solemn thanksgiving ami praise."
By further order of Congress, duplicates of this
recommendation, signed by their President, were
forwarded to the several States, and to Generals
Washington and Gates, the latter of whom at that
time held the chief command In the Southern army.
Henry Laurens, then President of Congress, In trans
mitting this recommendation to the Governors, oill
clally requested them to secure the adoption of such
measures as would cause each State to Join heartily
In the celebration.
The observance of the day in the main army under
Washington was particularly Impressive. The Commander-in-Chief
halted his whole column, and re
created every officer and soldier "to attend, with
reverence, the solemnities of the day." The chaplain
of each brigade conducted religious services, which
were f nlly attended ; and thus tho world was pre
sented with a scene which, for moral grandeur, has
but few counterparts In history.
The Second National ThnnltNgivina;, December
HO, 177.
About a year subsequent to this event, Congress
adopted a similar measure, recommending that
Wednesday, December 30, 1778, be set apart "to be
observed as a day of public thanksgiving and praise,
that all the people may, with united hearts, ou that
lay, express a Just sense of God's unmerited favors,
particularly that It has pleased Him, In Ills overrul
ing Providence, to support us In a Just and neces
sary war for the defense of our rights and liberties,
y affording ns seasonable supplies for our armies,
ydlspo8lng the heart of a powerful monarch to
inter Into an alliance with us and our cause, by de
eating the counsels and evil designs of our enemies,
ind giving us victory over their troops, and by tho
.'ontinuance of that Union among these States
irhich, by His blessing, will be their future strength
and glory."
r congress likewise set apart, as a day of national
Thanksgiving, Thursday, December 9, 1779.
Thanksgiving for the Failure of Arnold' Trea
son. December 7, 170.
On the 18th of October, 1760, Congress again re
commended that Thursday, the 7th of December
following, be observed as a day of thanksgiving to
Almighty God for the blessings with which He had
crowned the nation, "more especially," as the reso
lution ran, "in the late Interposition of Ills watch
ful Providence In rescuing the person of onr Commander-in-Chief
and trie army from imminent
danger, at a moment when treason was ripened for
execution."
Thanksgiving Tor the Capture of Lord Corn
wu.111 and 111 Army.
Still recognizing the hand of Providence, as mani
festly Interfering in behalf of the cause of indepen
dence, Congress again recommended as a day of
Thanksgiving for the capture of Lord Cornwallla
and ltls army, Thursday, the 13th of December,
1871.
The proclamation of this Thanksgiving belug
unique, and not being often met with, we copy it in
full. It Is from the Freeman'n Journal, published lu
Philadelphia, October 81, 1781:
Proclamation.
Whereas It has pleased Almighty God, tho Father
or Mercies, remarkably to assist aul support the
United states of America In their important strugzle
for liberty against the long continued eri'orta of a
powerful nation, ltls the duty of all ranks to observe
and thankfully acknowledge the Interposition of His
provldeuce In tuelr behalf. Through the whole of
the contest, from its rise to this time, the influence
of Divine Providence may bo clearly perceived in
many signal Instances, of which we mention but a
In revealing the councils of our enemies when the
discoveries were seasonable and important, and the
means were Inadequate or fortuitous:
In preserving ami improving the union of the
several States, on the breach of wulch our enemies
placed the greatest dependence.
In Increasing the number, and adding to the zeal
and attachment of the friends of liberty.
In granting remarkable deliverances, and blessing
ns with the most signul success, when aitalrs seemed
to have the most disagreeable appearances.
In raising up for us a powerful and generous ally
in one of the first of European powers.
In confounding the counsels of our ncmlcs, and
suffering them to pursue such measures as have
most directly contributed to frustrate their own
ituiraa mid expectations. Above all.
In making their extreme cruelty to the Inhabitants
f these states, when lu their power ; and their ravage
devastation of property, the very means of cementing
our union, and adding vigour to every effort in oppo
sition to them.
And as we cannot help leading the good people of
these atates to a retrospect of the events which have
taken place since the beginning ot the war; so we
T,-r,niineml in a Darticular manner to their oliserva.
tion the goodness of God in the year no advauclng
to a conclusion:
Tn u hl-h
aiie confederation of the united states taabcea
compleated:
In . I. I t.
mv....uk t ii ir Kuan sn Tnnnv instances of pro
. .......... i- ,. .rinii.u nurtlc.ularlv in the souui.
ern states, where, notwithstanding the diillcultie
with which they had to airupgie, moj uon.v...w.
the whole country which the enemy had overran,
them only a post or two on or near the sea :
lnwe'ltave been so powerfully and effectually as
sisted by our allies: while lu all tlie conjunct opera
tions the most perfect harmony has subsisted lu the
allied nriny;
In which
There has been si plentiful a harvest, and i-o
sreat abundance of the frullsof the earth of every
kind, as not only enables us Ui supply Hie wains f
the army, but gives comfort and liujipliiess to the
whole people; Aud,
In which.
After the success of our allies bf sea, a general
of the first rank, with his whole army, has been cap
tured by the allied forces, under the direction of our
commander-in-chief.
It is therefore recommended to the several States
to set apart the timktkrnth day of pkcbmbkr next,
to be religiously observed as a day of tiiankhmvino
and pbaykr, that nil the people mav assemble on
that day, with grateful hearts to celebrate the praises
of onr Gracious Konefactor ; to confess our manifold
sins, to offer up our most fervent supplications to the
God of all grace that it mav please him to pardon
onr offences and Incline our hearts for the future to
keep his laws to comfort and relieve a'.l our breth
ren who are in distress or captlvitv to prosper our
husbandmen, and give success to all engaged In
lawful commerce to impart wisdom and integrity
to our counsellors, Judgment and fortitude to our
officers and soldiers to protect and prosper onr
Illustrious allv, and favor our united exertions for
the specdv establishment of a safe, honorable, and
lasting peace to bless all seminaries of learning,
and cause the ktmninhje nf tknl to cover the earth ai
Hit v-atem enrer the urn.
Done In Congress this twenty-sixth day of October,
In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hun
dred and elghtv-one, and in the sixth year of the
Independence of tne United States of America.
Thomas M'Kkak, President.
Attest CrtARLES Thomhon, Secretary.
Other Revolutionary Thanksgivings.
At the conclusion of the war, Congress act apart
ihc second Thursday of December, 17S3, for thanks
giving, on account of the "cessation of all hostilities
by sea and land."
Thursday, October 19, 1737. was atibseqnently
chosen by a committee of the delegates of the States
then assembled in the Constitutional Convention,
for returning thanks ror the general pacification
which then prevailed throughout the world, and par
ticularly on account of the "definitive treaty of
peace between the United States of America aud his
Britannic Majesty, wheroby a finishing touch was
put to the great work of peace, and the freedom,
sovereignty, ami Independence of these States fully
anil completely established."
On Thursday, November iifl, 17-W, another national
ThanksglviLg was observed, on the recommendation
of Congress.
The First Thnnk-slvlng by Presidential Proeln
inution, February 10, 1705.
Congress being, hitherto, the supreme executive,
us well as the supreme legislative branch of the Gov
ernment, it had fallen within Its sphere to establish
the national Thanksgiving. But, during the Presi
dency of Washington, the suppression of the Whisky
Rebellion In Western Pennsylvania was considered
by 111 in us an occasion which warranted a similar
observance. He therefore set apart Thursday,
February 19, 1795, as a day of Thanksgiving "for
the seasonable control which had been given to a
spirit of discord, lu the suppression of the late insur
rection." Thanksgiving for the t'loe of the Wnr of JS12.
The close of the second war with Great Britain
was also recognized by the rational authorities as
an appropriate occasion for the return of thanks by
the eutire nation. President Madison therefore, by
request of Congress, set apart the second Thursday
in April, 1815, as a day of thanksgiving, "more espe
cially for the restoration of the blessings of peace."
From that dato up to the outbreak of the late
Southern Rebellion, we believe there were no regu
lar Thanksgiving days recommended by national
authority. The nation, at times, was called upon to
engage In fasting uud prayer for the averting of
threatened disasters.
During this Interval some of the States, especially
In New England, observed yearly thanksgivings by
proclamations in each particular Commonwealth,
but the day was not universally kept until the
Rational Thanksgiving During the Jrent Re
bellion. If ever the American people had reason to be truly
thankful for the interposition of Providence In their
national affairs, It was surely for the glorious victo
ries which our armies achieved from time to time
over the forces of slavery and secession. Mr. Lin
coln clearly recognized this fact, and as soon as the
loyal troops had obtained a substantial success he
Issued a proclamation for this purpose. It bore the
date of April 10, 1302, and appointed the Sunday
following its receipt as a day of thanksgiving for tUe
victories of Mill Spring, Fort Donelson, Pittsburg
Landing, and Pea Ridge. The remembrance of
these events Is still fresh ti the mind of every loyal
man, and It needs no word of ours to recall the
heartfelt gratitude with which the loyal nation then
bowed In prayer and thanks.
Mr. Lincoln's next proclamation of this character
fixed Thursday, the 6th of August, 1S63, as a "day
for national thanksgiving, praise, and prayer," for
the signal victories of Gettysburg and Vlcksburg,
achieved on the previous anniversary of our national
Independence.
Thursday, November 23, 1S64, the next national
festival of the kind, was an occasion of mingled
fasting and prayer, as well as of thanksgiving; as
the President then requested the people to "oiler up
penitent aud fervent prayers and supplications to
the Great Disposer of Events for a return of the Ines
timable blessings of peace, union, and harmony
throughout the land, which It has pleased Him to
assign as a dwelling-place for ourselves and for our
posterity throughout all generations."
The custom thus happily Inaugurated by his prede
cessor was followed by Mr. Johnson, on his acces
sion to the Presidential chair. In his proclamation
Betting apart Thursday, the 7th of December, 1865, as
a day of National Thanksgiving, he enumerated the
following as among the blessings for which the
nation should be truly thankful to an all-merciful
God:
"It has pleased Almighty God, during the year
which is now coming to an end, to relieve our be
loved country from the fearrni scourge ot civil war.
and to permit us to secure the bletutings of peace,
Unity, aim narmony, wim a great emurgi-uium ui
civil liberty.
"Our Heavenly Father has also, during the year,
graciously averted from us the calamity of foreign
war, pestilence, and famine, while our grauarles are
full of the fruits of an abundant season."
And as a crowning argument for the observance
of this time-honored custom, he recalled the maxim
that "Righteousness exalteth u nation, while sin is
a reproach to any people."
In the following year, President Johnson callod for
the observance of the 29th day of November, 1806.
The special blessings of the year were summed up
In the contemporary proclamation of Governor
Curtin.
The people of the Commonweulth were called upon
to "make their humble thank-offering to Almighty
God for Ills blessings during the past year.
"For the abundant gathered fruits of the earth.
"For the thus far continued activity of Industry.
"For the general preservation of heal th.
"And especially for thut lu His divine mercy He
huth stayed the threatened pestilence."
From that time to this the Executive has con
tinued uninterruptedly the custom first Inaugurated
by President Lincoln. President Grant's proclama
tion for the present year we append, as appropriate
lu this connection:
Tlianknglvlug Proclamation by Ike President
or i no year i .-:.
By the President of the Cnited States:
A PROCLAMATION.
The year which la drawing to a close has been free
from pestilence. Health has prevailed throughout
the laud. Abundant crops reward the labors of the
husbandman. Commerce and manufactures have
successfully prosecuted their peaceful paths. The
mines and forests have yielded liberally. The nation
liua Increased in wealth and In strength. Peace has
prevailed, and Its blessings have advanced every
Interest of tho people In every part of the Union.
Harmony and fraternal Intercourse restored, are
obliterating the murks of the past conflict and es
trangement. Burdens huve been lightened; means
Increased; civil and rePglous liberty la secured to
every Inhabitant of the land, whose soli Is trod by
none but freemen. It becomes a people thus favored
to make acknowledgment to tle Supreme Author
from whom such blesniugs flow, of their gratitude
and their dependence; to render praise ami tuuuks
giving for the same, and devoutly to Implore a con-
tinuuuce of God s mercies.
Therefore I, Ulysses S. Grunt, President of the
I'Mted States, oo" recommend that Thursday, the
itfciluy of fcoveni'ier next, be observed as a day of
"'""giving and of praise and of prayer t J Almighty
God, ,e creator and the Ruler of the Universe;
and, .
Second, x flirther recommend to all the people
of the I utto, htatBH tu assemble on that day lu their
accustomed wu f nui.iio worshln. ami to unit"
in tho liouiuge nn niaiKe due to the bountiful
Father of uJ nu.rry ui,u in fervent prayer for tlie
continuance of (lie merciful oiesniugi lie has vouch
safed to uu as a poo. . .
In testimony whereof. I have hereunto setmy hand
and caused the seal of the United mates
in niiiAci mill Mltj ui v iiuin i.
A. D. one thousand elirht hundred and
sixty-nine, and of the Independence of the
I'rlted States of America the nlnety-
lonrtn. i. a. grant.
By tho President:
Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State.
Governor Geary's proclamation, save the addition
of a few words, recites substantially tho same thing.
Ita Obcrvace In Olden Times
was In no especial particular different from that
which now prevails, though In the manner and de
gree of the observance It was very dissimilar. In
the early days of New England history It was un
doubtedly more austere than at present. It was ne
cessarily tinctured by all the severity which then
marked the Puritan character and training. In the
Puritan creed Idleness was set down as "the worst
form of original sin," and frivolity did not hold a
much higher rank. Hence Thanksgiving Day was
about the busiest and the soberest of all the year ;
and its main feature In the days of the Mathers con
sisted of a doctrinal sermon of from two to four
hours' duration. But this was compensated for, In
some measure, by the royal feast to which all the
members of the family circle sat down upon Its con
clusion. As Bancroft has aptly said :
"A lovely picture of prosperity, piety, and domestic
happiness was presented. Every family was taught
to look up to God as to the fountain of all good ; yet
life was not sombre. The spirit of frolic mingled
with innocence; religion Itself sometimes wore the
garb of ga.vety, and the annual thanksgiving te
iod was. from primitive times, as Joyous as it was
sincere.''
The Puritan character, as resulting from tho
peculiar training to which a child was invariably
subjected, has been vividly portrayed by tho late
Dr. Bralnerd, In his "Life of John llralnerd, tho
Missionary:"
"Its activity was bliss, Its growth was a spring of
life; Its achievements were victories. Each day
garnered some benefit; and rising life, marked
by successive accumulations, left n Hinlle on the
conscience, and bright uud reasonable hopes for tho
future.
"We might have desired that this Puritan training
had left childhood u little larger Indulgence had
looked with interest at present enjoyment as well as
at future good had smiled a little more lovingly on
the innocent gambols, the ringing laughter, the irre
pressible mirth of boyhood: and had frowned less
severely on imperfections clinging to human nature
itself. We might think that, by insisting too much
on obligation, and too llttlo on prlvilegu too much
on the law, and too little on the gospel too much on
the severity and too little on tne goodncB of the
Deity, the conscience may have been stimulated at
the expense of the affections, nnd men fitted for
another world at an unnecessary sacritlce of their
amiability and happiness In the present life. But in
leaving this Puritan training, the world 'has gone
iunner ami lareu worse. "
From this description let us draw the picture of
how the day passed formerly, and how now. We
take New England as the distinctive type, because
in the older time Thanksgiving was the only great
religious and social festival In Its calendar, and
therefore a more correct subject for comparison.
The city Is also the type of the present, the country
of the past. We need not go very far back to find a
difference, though the country folk have not degene
rated to such an extent as those of the city.
The Former Picture.
For weeks before, preparations are carried on to
the greatest extent. The housewife has her hands
completely full. Mince pies are to be made, apple pies,
pumpkin pies, custards, puddings, and cookery of all
kinds. Members of the family are called to place
violent hands upon the turkeys, which tor months
before have been fattening In anticipation of the
event. The cries of the luckless birds are dlara
garded. Tho hearts of the persecutors are hardened
by the thoughts of the good things to come. The
cold steel enters the deed is done!
Then comes the picking by other members. The
feathers fly, and tho bosom is laid bare, which bejore
was covered with the downy coat. Tho pride of the
farm-yard has fallen. He is doomed, if not to a
llery death at a stake, at least to a slow but most
certain roasting. The cider-kegs are tapped and
ready. The apple-bins are full ami running over.
The logs are split, the hearth is swept, and all things
are ready.
The eve nrings tne strangers irom atar. a Drotner
comes from abroad; another from the far West-
One conies from his merchandise; another from his
profession. The sister conies with her family of lit
tle ones. Old Uncle Bill, as the youngsters call him,
that fussy old bachelor, always welcome, comes and
takes his place among the rest. All gather about the
Are, by which sit grandfather and grandmother, and
all are right royally welcomed by Uncle Fred, and
Uncle Fred's wife, Aunt Fred, who Inhabit the old
homestead. The old house expands and stretches
out Its arms to hold them all. How they all squeeze
lnl There Is always room.
Bright and early on the morning of the Sabbath'
like day the household Is astir. The bustle of the
breakfast Is its noticeable feature. It Is caused by
tho questions, the greetings, the general animated
conversation of the newly-met friends.
Breakfast over, preparations for the great event of
the day the dinner are Immediately begun.
Aunt Fred stays at home all the morning to see
that all things go well. The rest pair off and take
their way to the meeting-house. ;
What a sight is there! The place Is full. Aunt
Lncygoes up the aisle with Uncle Obadlah, Uncle
Samuel takes the pretty Aunt Fan, and leads by the
hand Cousin Jerry, a little mischievous, curly-headed
boy, Aunt Fan's youngest. Cousin Jerry looks sober,
but the spirit Is In him, for as he follows In the train
he accidentally knocks against Cousin Kate, aged
ten years, much to the Indignation of that young
lady, and is rewarded with a killing smile for his
pains. The procession being seated, we wait in
awful expectation. At length a rap Is heaid. It
comes from the organ-loft. A note from a pitch
pipe, a chord sounded from the singers, and the
choir is underway. How they roll and tremble, as It
were, In their efforts to bring harmony out of dis
cord ! What a gaping sllouce when they are done 1
And now the pastor rises. Ho Is a good man, and
a devout man, though peculiar, with his well-re
mcmbered nasal tone he asks a blessing on the
assembled people, and then he gives the hymn.
Again he prays, again the pitch-pipe, again the
strivings of the choir as they work through with
"Coronation," "Geneva," "Autioch," or the like,
helped on by the efforts of the congregation.
When the sermon comes, what a settling into easy
cirners there ts! What steady lugs of heads on
hands, what feelings for foot-cushions aud arrange
ings of hats and umbrellas I O, ye youngsters, bow
can ye stand it! O balmy sleep, why will ye not
come and close my eyes, or If perchance balmy
sleep does happen to come, why, ye umbrellas, and
hymn-books, aud elbows, do ye poke us so unuier
clfully In the side and drive lilru away !
now comforting the thought that all things earthly
must have an end ! When the "lastly" Is announced,
see the people spring Into new life. See them raise
themselves, rub their eyes, wipe their glasses, or
draw their breath. One might think that they were
all mightily relieved.
After some final remarks by the choir and the
shaking of hands Incidental to the close of a
Thanksgiving service, we adjourn to dinner. We
younsters scamper home one after the other. What
a glad time It Is 1
And the dinner but who can describe that ? Row
we do eat, to be sure ! How we have our own fun,
each in his own way! How we laugh and shout 1
Who can control us? What havoc we do make with
the pies and good things ! Wo think not of the doc
tor to come. . ,
' And the evening, how far superior to tho dinner!
Do we have games? Certainly. Does not sober Aunt
Jennie actually play hunt the slipper; and do not
other sober aunts aud uncles really kiss each other
in fun. Just as if they were boys aud girls? They
most certainly do. We laugh and have our own de
light In the matter. t .
When the eveulng Is over, can we go to sleep?
Never. But still somehow we do go to sleep, and
wake up on the morrow to say good-bye to the aunts
and uncles and cousins, uud to hope for tne quiet,
passage of another year. We ull remember how
those Thanksgivings were paused.
The Present.
Now look on this picture after having looked on
that We aru now men aud women, and our .Young
sters, In turn, are around us. The present Tliuuks
givlug la lu this uiauuer.
i On the day before, or sooner. It becomes necessary
to procure the bird of the
held as to the amount to be expended In the pur
chase. A committee of ono Is sent out to report.
The report proving favorable, a bargain Is completed
auer mucn naggimg about price, punching of breast
bones, and pulling of drnm-sticks. Then tho bird is
lugged home In triumph, tightly packed in a raealum-
.uiuuiKet-oasKei, along with butter, eggs, pota
toes, and other market nrodnco. Arramrementa
being thus completed, the day begins much the same
as any other day. At the famiu i.rpkfast. Mater-
famlllas says to Paterfamllas:-
Are you going to church to-day, my dear 7"
"No, my love," returns Paterfamilias.
"Going to stay at home nn.i .nnmnir. mv
dearr ' ' '
"Yes," returns P. F sarcastically. "Went down
own. Office, you know. Yon mo tn lnve. we are
awfully busy. Fact Is, don't know whether we're ou
heads or heels."
"But you'll be home early to-night 7" asks M. F.
"iou know our party to-niirht
Oh I hnng parties! Why wifn,.t i fnnrn ail
about party. Couldn't put it off, could you ? Very
lnconvenleut to be hero."
At this Juncture M. F. looks up alarmed.
"Put It Off? Why how come von tn think of such
a thing ? You know we have"
VV ell, well, my love, don't mention lr " Interrnnts
P. F. ; "only spoke of it f)11 knnv 'annnt T nan tin
home; most awfully inconvenient though:" and
with these mutual greetings the morning meal is
eaten.
Church is next in order. Mother and daughters
are fully rigged and equipped, and start for the
sacred edifice. Kid gloves, line feathers, gilt-edge
books are the worthy accompaniments of the day ;
but they are all. The sumptuous aud ease-provoking
pews hold but a sorry number of wor
shippers. The organ peals its grandest notes of Joy,
but the sounds fall on the ears of thankless hearers.
The finest singers have taken the place of the
country choir, but the method of praising Is not
superior. The pastor's shorter sermon Is moro
weighty than the long oration, but the listeners are
few. The thanks necessarv to thn iinv nrn triupn hw
the men, by proxy, through their wives and daugh
ters, and they by proxy rercr it to tho paid pastor,
organist, nnd choir. What a mighty thank-offering
it Is!
The Thanksgiving dinner, like the other. Is Inde
scribable, but only on account of Its great similarity
to otner uinners on other and commoner days. The
father conies home, and dines at the fashionable
hour. There Is no extra family gathering, no extra
jollifications ensue, for every one Is saving up for the
evening.
In place of the romps and games, and mighty
mirth of the former time, wo have a regular built
formal party. Jones Is invited, Smith is Invited,
Brown is Invited, as is also Green. Brown, Smith,
Jones, and Green all come.
The Misses Smith are formidably arrayed In satin
and lace, the Misses Jones in lace and satin. The
white-gloved Miss Brown Is formally introduced to
tne white-gloved Mr. Robinson, and the much-friz-zlcd
Miss Robinson is treated In the same manner to
halr-oll-bedewed Mr. White. Miss Lolypop waltzes
with Mr. Polywog. Mr. Polywog compliments Miss
Lolypop on her waltzing. Paterfamilias and mater-
famillos are on hand, and hold their positions with
great statellness. P. F. shakes hands with the
guests, one and all ; M. F. likewise. P. F. kindly
Informs his next neighbor what the condition of the
weather has been all day. The next noighbor kindly
acquiesces. Both hem and haw, and then separate.
The next man who comes in contact with the head
of the house receives the same Information, and
makes tho same answer; then they both hem and
haw, and separate. The M. F. tells everybody that
it Is a tine evening ; everybody thinks so. too.
The refreshment tables are ample, and do full Jus
tice to the reputation of the house. Mr, So-and-so
takes wine with Mr. So-and-so. Mrs. Somebody Is
helped to cream by Mr. Somebody. Miss Anybody
spills the contents of her saucer Into her lap, and Mr.
Anybody mixes It up with his pocket-handkerchief.
Mr. Hogg eats like a pig. Mr. Plgg drinks like a hog.
In fact, all are uncommonly hungry and thirsty.
With these and like amusements the evening is
spent, until the Addles squeak out, the dancers re
tire, the gluttons are full, carriages drive away, the
lights are out, and the house closed for the night.
The next morning finds a late breakfast, feasters
with worn-out looks and disheveled toilet, pater
fomllla8 thinking of the money, and the family gene.
rally almost wishing that another Thanksgiving
would never come.
The Future.
The picture of the present is probably overdrawn,
but It may answer Its purpose. It may keep us from
Imitating, to a great extent, the customs there set
down.
Let ns not do away with the good things of the
old nor those of the new order. But let us banish
alike all barbarous and unworthy practices, whether
old or new. Let us keep the day as Christian people,
In a rational manner. Let us keep In mind its reli.
glous character as well as its secular; but let ns
make It no sober fast-day, from which all pleasure
and amusement are banished. Our reasons for thank'
fulness Is ample. If we forget the thanks perhaps
the giver may foget the gifts.
The present national character of the day, at
shown by the precedents of several former years,
should never be allowed to full Into disuse. Thanks
giving to Americans should be as national as Inde
pendence Day. Let no lncumncnt oi tue rresiden
tlal chair, through neglect, allow the custom to fall
into disuse. Let It never again become a sectional,
but always a distinctive American national instltu.
tion. i
WINES.
H E
R MAJESTY
CHAMPAGNE.
DUrJTON A LUSSOXff,
215 SOUTH FRONT STREET.
THE ATTENTION 01" THE TRADE 18
olioitod to th foUowin vary Ohoioe Win, (to., for
DUNTON LUSSOlt ,
Ui SOUTH FRONT BTREET.
OHAMPAONK8. AjwnU for bar Mtjeat, Dim d
Montebello, Carta Illeue, Carta Blanche, and Uharlaa
iarra'a Grand Vin Kuxenia, and Vin Imperial, M. Kl
man A (Jo., j MayaBoa, blarkUn Mum! la sod BliiMi
MADKnt a n MM I.land. Booth Bide Rom
fi UK RR1K8. V. Rudolph. Amontillado, Top. Vai-
iau, rale and Golden bar, urown, eio.
i "Bin, VUluO V JVWi . auu viuira.
OLARKT8 Promt Aina Oia., MonUarraod and Bor
aeam, UTaretaaad Kautarna viuaa.
ill hi K I L- It
BRANnnffl H""" Otard, Dupaj Oot vtrtoa
Tuwasea. a a
flAR STAIRS A MoO ALL,
No. U WALNUT aad U GRANITE BtraaU,
Importer of
BRANDIES. GIN, OLIVE Oil ETC.,
aim
COMMISSION MERCHANTS
for tea aal of
PUKB OLD RYE. WHEAT, AND BOURBOIf WHI8-
pARSTAIRS' OLIVE OIL AN INVOICE
J olthboi.torlabr
uanrjiAina fat biuuAUIa
f 98 Spt Noa.138 WALNUT and lUUaAN IT KSl
NEW PUBLICATION'S.
PHILOSOPnT OF MARRIAGE.
A New Oonra ot Lecture, ai delivered at th New
York Museum of Anatomy, embracing the aabjeot:
How to Live. an1 What to Lira for: Youth. Maturity, and
Old Are; Manhood generally Reviewed; The Cause of
Inui(!ion: h tatulence and JVervona Dieease Accounted
For: Marriage l'biloaophically Oonaidared, eto. aui.
Pocket volume containing then Lecture will b foi.
warded, post paid, on receipt of ito oenla. bj addroaainir V ,
A.LKAKY, Ju.,8. K. corner of FliTi'lI and WALNUT
htreeta. Philadelphia. W
OTTON BAIL DUCK AND CANVAS
of all Butnber and brand. Tent, Awning, Trunk,
and WBKoDHxivr Duck. Alao, Paper Manulaoturer'
Drier iclta, from Hurt? to eoventjielX luoliea wid,
Paulin Belting, tail Twin, .to. KVKHMAN,
i i lUtOUUROU trt (Oitr Blor
FINANOIAL..
A RELIABLE HOME INVESTMENT.
THE FIBST MORTGAGE BONDS
Ot THl
Wilmington and Reading Railroad,
BEARING INTEREST
At SEVEN PER CENT, in Currency,
PAYABLE APRIL AND OCTOBER, FREE OF
BTATE AND UNITED STATES TAXES.
This road runs through a thickly populated and
rich agricultural and manufacturing district
For the present, we are offering a limited amount
the aoove Bonds at
85 CENTS AND INTEREST.
The connection of this road with the Pennsylvania
and Reading Railroads Insures It a large and remu
ncratlve trade. We recommend the bonds as the
cheapest first-class Investment In the market,
wn. PAINTER a CO.,
BANKERS AND DEALERS IN GOVERNMENTS,
No. 36 SOUTH THIRD STREET,
tl2 81 PHILADELPHIA.
UNITED STATES BONDS
BOUGHT, SOLD, AND EXCHANGED ON MOST
LIBERAL TERMS.
o o l. r
BOUGHT AND SOLD AT MARKET RATES. COU
PONS CASHED.
PACIFIC RAILROAD BONDS
BOUGHT AND SOLD.
STOCKS
BOUGHT AND SOLD ON COMMISSION ONLY.
COLLECTIONS
MADE ON ALL ACCESSIBLE POINTS.
DE EATEN & BEO.,
No. 40 South THIRD 8treet,
, "8 PHILADELPHIA.
B. X. JeOiaXSOHT 5C CO.,
SUCCESSORS TO
F. V. KELLY A CO.,
Hankers and Dealer la
Gold, SilTer, an! Govemeiit Bonis,
AT CLOSEST MARKET RATES,
N.W. Corner THIRD and CKESUUT Sti.
Special attention given to COMMISSION ORDERS
In New York and Philadelphia stack Boards, eta,
et0- Btl2 3l
LLIOTT & DUNN.
BANKERS,
NO. 109 SOUTH THIRD STREET,
PHILADELPHIA,
DRAW BILLS OP EXCHANGE ON THE UNION
BANK OF LONDON.
DEALERS IN ALL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES,
GOLD, BILLS, Etc
Receive MONET ON DEPOSIT, allowing interest.
Execute orders for Stocks In Philadelphia, New
York. Boston, and Baltimore. 4 se
(JLENDOTING, DAVIS ft CO.,
NO. 48 SOUTH THIRD STREET
PHILADELPHIA.
GLENDINNING, DAVIS S AMORT,
NO. 2 NASSAU STREET, NEW YORK
BANKERS AND BROKERS.
Direct telegraphic communication with the New
York Stock Boards from the Philadelphia Office. laaj
QMITH, RANDOLPH & CO..
BANKERS,
PHILADELPHIA AND NEW YORK,
DEALERS IN UNITES STATES BONDS, and MEM.
BERS 07 STOCK AND GOLD EXCHANGE,
Receive Accounts of Banks and Bankers on Libera
Terms.
ISSUE BILLS OF EXCHANGE ON
a J. HAMBRO & SON, London.
B. METZLER, S. SOHN ft CO., Frankfort
JAMES W. TUCKER ft CO., Paris.
And Other Principal Cities, and Letters of Credit
18 U Available Throughout Europe.
JOHN 8. RUSHTOH & CO.,
No. 50 SOUTH THIRD STREET.
1
( NOVEMBER COUPONS
, . AND
CITY WARRANTS
10 6 8m BOCGITTWD SOLDj
Q IT Y W A R R A N T 8
i BOUGHT AND SOLD.
C. T. YERKE3, Jr., & CO..
NO. 20 SOUTH THIRD STREET,
' i i ' : FHILADSLFOIA
fIN ANOI Al
A Seven Per CenL- Gold Loan
6,500,000.
THU KANSAS PAOIKIO RAH. WAT, now tnmfleee
foi oparalio from Kaon Citr to Sueridan, propoee to
build an eatenairn to Dmiver, Colorado. I'D Go.ernmeut
ba fronted Three Million, of Aore of the Sneet Land la
Kens and Colorado, which are mortgaged (or to aoa
rity of loan of
6,500,000.
This loan I aeenred in the most effectual manner. It
repreeent a road In profitable operation, and will open th
trad of tn Kocky Mountain ooantry and connect it with
tn great market ot th Raat. It la considered to b on
of the bmt loan, in th market.
EVKN BETTHR IN BOMK RKSPKOT8 THAN GOV
ERNMENT SECURITIES.
The loan baathlrtlr year to run. Drincinal and tntaraat
payable in gold, semi-annually, eren per ont.
Ibe coupon will be payable eeml-annnalt In aith
Frankfort, London, or New York, and will ba frs from
Government taxation. Th bond for th present ar
old In currency at M, with scorned Interest.
Circular, map, and pampulat ent on application.
DAII.-MV. ItlOKUAIV Jk, CO.,
No. 63 EXCHANGE PLACE, NEW YORK.
i. n. jksi;i v coM
No. IS PINE STREET, NEW YORK.
We ar authorized to ell th bond In Philadninhia.
offer them aa a raliabl inrestment to our friend.
TOUAMOD Ac CO.,
NO. 809 WALNUT Street,
10 87mwflm PHILADELPHIA.
RANKING
HOUSE
or
JAY COOKE & CO.,
Nob. 112 and 114 South THIRD Street.
PHILADELPHIA,
Dealers In all Goveramont Securities.
Old e-sos Wanted In Exchange for New.
A Liberal Difference allowed.
Compound Interest Notes Wanted.
Interest Allowed on Deposits.
COLLECTIONS MADE, STOCKS bought ad sol
on Commission.
Special business accommodations reserved for
ladles.
We will receive applications for Policies of Llf
Insurance In the National Lire Insurance Company
of the United States. Full information given at onr
office. 10 1 8m
pa S. PETERSON & CO..
Stock and Exchange Brokers,
NO. 39 SOUTH THIRD STREET,
Members of the New York and Philadelphia Stock
, and Gold Boards.
STOCKS, BONDS, Etc., bought and sold on oom
mission only at either city tSM
OARPETINQS, ETO.
p E W CARPETING 8.
M'CALLUM, CREASE & SLOAN.
No. 509 CnESNUT STREET,
Importers and Retailers of
C A 11 P E T I N G S
Of every description.
FALL IMPORTATIONS.
NEW DESIGNS IN MOQUETTB,
CROSSLEI'S VELVETS, 6-4 WID I,
In original and exclusive patterns.
1000 PIECES BRUSSELS,
Of the best English manufacture, of new and novel
styles, many of them designed expressly for ns.
1000 PIECES CROSSLEY TAPESTRIES,
All the newest styles.
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN OIL CLOTHS.
McCALLTTM, CSEASE & SLOAN'S
CARPETING AND Oil. CLOTH WAREHOUSE,
No. 509 OHESNUT STREET,
ffflLADKLPHIA,
9 8 wfm3m Opposite todependenoe Hall.
N E W CARPET 8.
AXMINSTEB3,
WILTONS.
VELVETS,
BRUSSELS,
3-PLYS AND INGRAINS,
Venetians, Srnggets, Oil Cloths, Eto.
LEE DOM & SHAW.
No. 910 ARCH STREET,
28 8mrp PHILADELPHIA.
CENT.'S FURNISHING OOODS.
rpilE FOUNT OF FASHION.
GENTS' FURNIKIIINCi STOKE.
MSB. MIS ME OUMMINOS ba opened th abo
named place, at No. 119 Booth F.1UH J U Straot, whr
gentlemen oas find evemhlng in their line.
Th bast fitting. 8I1LRTS in th oltff, readr-mad or
uui to order.
Purchaser of twelr article rclr th thirteenth a a
Gift.
UMBRELLAS TO HIRE for 36 cent.
liandk.rcLjefft hammed free of c barge.
Polite Saladadir m attendance,
A oall is respectfully aalloited and atiafetiaa roar
an teed.
MrNNtE ouamnicw.
pATENT SHOULDER-SEAM
SHIRT MANUFACTORY,
AND GENTLEMEN'S FURNISHING STORE.
PERFECTLY FITTING SHIRTS AND DRATEH
made from measurement at very short notice.
All other . articles of GENTLKMJiN'S DRS3
GOODS in full variety.
WIM'JIKSTEK & CO..
No. 7K CUEdNUT Street.
Ill
F
INE DRESS SHIRT8
AND
GENTS' NOVELTIES.
J. W. SCOTT ti CO.,
No. 814 CHE8NUT Street, Philadelphia,
StKrp Four doors below Contlnnni HoteL
-I? A NY Oil WcWAiTorS
PhTiTOo ftS-Sig
RMmaWi