Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-12-01
THANKSGIVING.


went home last Thursday, 10 eat turkey
and plum pudding with The 'iolss'
Those who '.slay ut home" were busy Tor
many days before preparing to receive
those who were expected to come. We'd
nesday the railroad cars, near chies,
were crowded with inward and outward
bound passengers. The engines were
forced to do extra duty, or were "dsubicd
up" TO draw the long trains with Their
precious freight, on all the principal
routes. -partiCularly in New England
Boston and New York exhibited u lively
appearance Wednesday. Tor tho many
purchasers OF poultry and goodies, "
hurried along. anxious that all prepare
tons should be completed before "John
arrived in the evening tain.
1t is thought we haze too few holidays
in America. While this is true, we seem
to enjoy those we do celebrate enough 10
make up Tor the deficiency. ThanksgiV'
ing, Christmas and Internationally are
the only holidays we observe. in a truly
national light. Fourth Of July we try TO
see how much can be wasted; but on
each OF the other days an effort is made
to do as much good as possible. In city
and country the poor look forward 10
rhanksgivin. with the well grounded
expectation of being Tor once well filled.
1t has always been custom among the
rustics OF New England TO send n turkey
and sack of provisions to "thc widow
and the fa,herlcss." In The cities. many
charitable institutions and individuals
furnish free dinners TO those who have TO
homes, and special effort is made at
this time to secure contributions OF iood
and clothing to store for use in the cold
days that are sure to follow.
While the poor look to the day as one
which relieves their bodily wants. tie
well.to.do and wealthy receive higher
"A spirilual-pleasulc in "beslowing OF
their goods upon the poor aud needy
thereby feeling the ruism at is more
blessed to eve than to receive" 1t
g,umblers. " ho complain that the rich are
continually expressing thc poor, could
Tor ihi, crc day see the stores that are
transferred to The poor mans Iarder, their
months would be ctlcciuaily closed and
their tongues s.l,Eced There is much
suffering among The poor, this day, "s
we'll as every day, aud probably Ito
Suffering is keener from observing The
plenty which abouuds and is was.ed but
The rich 10 all Ihcy can 10 make the day
Joyous one.
The religious tone which this festival
took at its inception has been gradually
lowered, until ii is more of gala day,
than a religious feast. This is most no.
ticeaLe in the city. Religious services
are poorly attended, and union meetings
are held. Thus scattered few from
each church are collected into fair
audience. All tho public amusemenls
are well patronized and The unemployed
dissoluie find an opportunity 10 -deJauch
themselves and hasten their premature
death. The middle classes enjoy them.
selves ut home, or stroll about the public
gardens, or Ego 10 the museum or the
park a rich harvest is reaped a,
every theatre as well rs At the provision
store. Perhaps spirit Of lightness IS
growing upon our people, Tut tn most
sound reason fur This exhibition OF secular
sentiments during The day Is occnsioned
by lis proximity TO Chhsimas,-!he PIE.
eminentIy religious festival. and the
lack OF any other fit occasion Tor such
enjoyment.
1t is very pleasant that once year g
have an opportunity 10 view The past,
and with our friends e,oice in our
prosperity. tempered as ii is. by ADVERSE
", so that we are not above all earthly
pleasure. The boy aud girls have
had day or and all re commence work
feeling better for the rest and rcireshmeni
of this holiday.