The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1870-11-24
Thursday, November "a, 1870.
F)R WHAT HAVE WE TO BE THANKFUL


F)R WHAT HAVE WE TO BE THANKFUL ?
No where in the world is Thanksgiving
Day more duly observed or celebrated with |
greater zest, or in a more commendable spirit
than in New England homes. To day there
was terrible slaughter in the ranks of the
ieathery tribe, up "tew hum" among the
Northern blue lights. And among the most
commendablc acts of charity and benevolence,
is that every poor man, woman and child
within her realms is treated to roast tur-
key. Even the inmates of the poor houses
md prisons have roast turkey for dinner, and
all are made TO feel thankful for once, at
least, in the year. The Yankee that would
palm off to day wooden ham or goose on
friend orioc, is beyond the redemption even of
the old witches of Salem or the saving grace
OF homeless goldfish
From time immemorial it was the Gus.
tom among all civilized nations to set apart
some day during the year, as day of
Iublic thanksgiving, for the abundant
fruits which the God of Nature and the
Seasons vouchsafed to his creature, man.
Thanksgiving was not always rendered up
to the Throne of Grace for the fruits Of
the earth alone, but for various other man
ifestations of Divine favor: such as escape
from pestilence, victory in battle, deliver
ence, &C.. as set forth by Merriam when the
hosts of Isreal walked safely through the
Dead Sea, and escaped from their enemies
and oppressors, the Egyptians. Many
precedents can be cited to prove the an
cientness of this established custom and
its APPROPRIATED ess. Bnt under the pres
ent order Of things it's unnecessary and
superfuous. The order came from Wash
ington to offer up thanks-for the clemen-
cy, doubtless, that we are no worse off, and
that we are allowed to breathe, at least
if nothing better-God's free air without
interference of Radical bayonets, in this
sweet land of liberty %. Heaven save
the mark /!
For what have aoe to be thankful For
che enormous, grinding, public debt as a
'Fpuhlic blessing :" for the army of tax
gathers devouring our substances that
bloated bondholders may revel in luxury
and drunkenness? for the hordes of thiev-
ing revenue assessors that polate the land
and public decency? for the privilege of
being allowed to make laws for our own
government according. our way of think
ing of right and justice This is what
the Radical satraps require us to be thank
full for
But we have many things to return thanks
for. That Barn burning, Swearing Phil Sher
idan is not here. but blind drunk in Germany;
that the sword Of Cut Throat Hunter
hangs palsied and powerless; that Grants SOL
diers and bayonets inauguratcd glorious
Democratic victory throughout the whole coun-
try; that hydra beaded Radicalsm is on its
last legs; that the ladies and gentlemen of the
South are not mean Radicals, for which the
Lord be praisedD that health and plenty
reign over the length and breadth of the
land; that the 'skies are bright and bright
cning," for liberty and prosperity that our
men are brave and chivalrous, our ladies are
lovely, virtuous and beautiful, and that our
babies are the biggest and best in the world;
for these and every other blessing, good Lord
make us deeply thankful!
Let us, then, duly observe the oll-time-
honored custom of the day let us visit the
poor and needy with full hearts and open
pockets and ''give to him who has not; ;" let
nothing but pleasant memories cluster round
the day. and let it be charitable as we'll as
a thanksgiving day; as the best half of the
year is WASTED away in useless grumblng, let
us devote one day in the year to thanksgiv-
ing and praise.
ssTeach us to feel auother's VICE.
To hide the fault we see;
That mercy to others show,
That mercy show to me.