Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1882-11-18
NORTHERN TRIBUNE.
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER IS, 1882.
Thanksgiving Nay.

rOT lhE NOhIHEhN ARADONHs
tits usual to appoint the last Thurs
day of November as day of thanksgiv-
ing. Why Thursday was originally
chosen in preference to other days, is not
certainly known; but the best authority
gives the reason that shortly after the
landing of the Pilgrims, and while they
were in sore distress. vessel bearing
food and clothing arrived on Thursday
and that day was afterward selected and
set apart as day of thanksgiving, and
thanksgivings were observed at Ply
mouth from 1921 to 1880. The custom
became general throughout Massachu-
sets, and from there spread to the other
colonies. There was no national Thanks
giving day until 1884, when Gen. Wash
ington called one to celebrate the ratifi-
cation of peace after the Revolutionary
war; in 1889, and the adoption of the
Constitution of the United States.
The next year one was called on ac-
count Of the suppression of an insurrec-
tion. The successful close of the war of
1912 caused another day of national
thanksgiving to be called In 1915. Some
of the days fell on Thursday and some
did not. New York has had a Thanks
giving day since 1917, almost invariably
called on Thursday, and the same is true
of Virginia since 1855, and in eight
other southern states since 1858. Presi-
dent Lincoln issued proclamatIons rec
ommending days of.special thanksgiving
for victories in 1862, '63 and ga, and
since that time the President such proc
lamation annually, which has been sup
plemented by the governors of many of
the states. 1t is now the rule to call
them on the last Thursday Of Novem-
ber.
IL is a good thing for a nation to set
apart one day for formal public thanks
giving to God. The proclamations of
the President and governors are public
acknowledgements of dependence upon
the Supreme Ruler of the universe. They
are proper tributes of respect to Chris
tianity, under whose fostering care our
institutions have had the beginning and
prosperity.
Who can estimate the value of Sab
bath in the middle of the week, when all
the people, not from compulsiOn but
from choice, observe in some way the
call of the Chief Magistrate to give ex-
preston to our gratitude. The delight
full family reunions, and the festivities
of the day promote the cause of mOrali-
ty, rekindle the lOye of home, and
strengthen the cords that bind hearts,
communities and states in perpetual
peace, while the ceremonies at Christian
alters call the hearts of the people back
to their God, and send forth influences to
the humblest citizen in the remotest
corner of the republic. ="
Gratitude is the secret spring Of all
true service rendered to our Creator
There is no lOftier sentiment than graft
tude nor more beautiful or profitable, it
gives us true relish Of our blessings
renders dutya pleasure, and lifts the
load of care. The occasions for graft.
tude are varied and numerous. Perhaps
at no time have our people had more
cause for gratitude, for universal and
substantial joy. The common comforts
of life are granted to all Oil equal terms
The chief institutions of civil society
the school, the church, the home-rest
upon q firm foundation. The earth has
yielded her increase to the husband
mans toll, and the products Of the field
and the factory fill all the avenues OF
trade. Peace. plenty, and prosperity
have been largely dispensed. Our sol
has furnished bread to far off nations
Our state has made wonderful progress
Villages have sprung up like magic, and
are rapidly growing into cities. Rail
roads traverse our state In all directions
School houses and churches have multi
piled on every side; industry is rewarded
and worth is recognized. Let us then
rejoice over the prosperity of the nation
and state, and observe the day sci
apart for gratitude to the Great Giver Of
all good gifts. lll1G.gglg l62I9Y'1I
J.F. Moloney & Bro. received fourteen
large casks for their new brewery on the
Monitor last Wednesday.
u H. =. ID
VIII vanvalkenburg has his new fisl
house nearly completed. 1t is provided
with Davis patent fish freezers, whicl
viii enable him to freeze his fish solit
L.. ~. ....x,.,n oox ,uoa fhor-. fhua On him