The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-11-23
Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving Day.
/ We are indebted TO New England for our
Thanksgiving Day, and to the war for the ma
! tional observance oft. Originally amere local
holiday, ana partaking of devout religious
character, it has come to have pretty much
the same importance in the public estima-
ton as Christmas or the Fourth of July, and
Is celebrated with almost equal enthusiasm.
During that memorable epoch in our coun-
tIy's history when the Nation was in the throes
of civil war, there were times when the OBJ
servauce of a day of fasting and prayer
would have seemed more fitting than sitting
down to feast, and indeed, the lamented
Lincoln on several occasions, recommended
the setting apart of special days for that
purpose, but, nevertheless, it was during
this period of doubt and anxiety as to the
future of the Republic that 'he custom first
became firmly rooted in national favor.
And it is a gracious and beautiful custom,
not mere harvest home" such as the
ancients were wont to celebrate with baCcha-
nalian rcvels, pouring out libations of wine
and honey and oil TO the divinities they
"ignorantly worshjped," but public recog-
milton of the blessings bestowed upon the
Republic by an All-wise Providence. The
Thanksgiving Day dinner is but nero
incident, though very delightful one, Of
the festival. 1t is in the hearts of the cele-
brants rather than their palate8 that Graft
tude has her seat, and be the viands ever so
tempting, they cannot be said to have the
true Thanksgiving favor unless they be
seasoned with the spice of contentment and
good feeling. The most precious feature of
the festival is, indeed, the occasion which it
affords for family reunions and the renewal
of those social ties which time and distance
/ are so apt to sunder. 1t is a feast Of the
freside, a blessing of the home.
There are some, we suppose, who will bolt
their Thanksgiving dinner next Thursday
witout stopping to reflect what they have to
be thankful for but all will not be so heed
less. We are sure our ex-soldiers and sailors
will not commit the sin of thoughtlessness.
They have cause for gratitude in the fact
that the country to whose preservation they
devoted their lives has not yet entirely for
COTTON their sacrifices, and that while the
work of adjusting their claims for pension
goes on but slowly, it still goes on. Their
enemies as yet have not succeeded in turning
public sentiment against them. AS COM
pared with year ago the outlook is bright
and cheering. 1t is true that the horizon of
their hopes is not free from clouds, but the
silver lining is plainly visible. They are no
longer powerless TO strike blow in defense
Of their rights, and compelled to tamely sab
nit to the jeers and insults OF the opposi-
ton. A great and intrepid leader has been
raised up to them in THE NATIONAL TRIB-
UNE, and it summons them to victory.
Others may prove faithless, but THE TRIB-
UNE viii never swerve from its allegiance
ard that alone is sufficient occasion for
thanksgiving.
All, well! but for their proves in the
field their fortitude in battle, and their in
dustry in peace, Thanksgiving Day might
long ago have met the fate of heather festi-
walls in the decay and death of the Republic
It is TO them that we owe, under the favor
of Providence, the substantial prosperity for
which thanks will be offered on Thursday
next and when grace is said above the
groaning board, let blessing be invoked
upon their ebbing lives.