Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-01-28
SHALL IT BE CHANGED.
to Make Oct. 12 Thanks
giving Day.
New York Herald.

A quiet discussion has been going
on for some time in the columns of
religious papers as to the propriety of
fixing hereafter the annual Thanks
giving day on the 18th of October,
the anniversary of the day on which
the continent Of America was discover
ed by Christopher Columbus. The ap-
preaching centennial Q892) tends to
quicken public interest in this great
event.
Ia order TO test opinion in regard to
this matter letters were recently ad-
dressed to the governors of several of
the states. From their replies it is
found that quite a number of them are
Ia favor % of changing Thanksgiv-
ing day to Oct. II, (2) or else OF mak-
ing the Columbus dHy an independent
national festival occurring regularly
each year. This would give US a
national festival in each of the four
seasons of the year.
Gov. Hughes, of Arkansas, writes,
through his private secretary, that he
''saes go reason why the change should
not pe approved"
Gov. Harrison, of Connecticut: II
do not think that the people of this
state would approve of the change"
but adds, ST think we have too few
holidays, and / should not have the
slightest objection to the selection of
the 18th of October as another"
Gov. Perry, of Florida, thinks, ''if
the matter were duly considered, all
who acknowledge that we are indebt-
ed to Gods goodness for our c0untry's
prosperity and advancement would
feel that we aight devote one day out
of the 365 exclusively to public thanks
giving and praise to Him."
Gov. Gray, of Indiana, says: ST
think the day suggested by you would
be as appropriate as any"
Gov. Sherman, of Iowa: 1.-THE sug-
gestion impresses me quite favorably."
He fears, however, that the occur
renee on different days of the week
could be an objection. This, how
yer, is the case with Washington's
birthday, Fourth of July, Christmas,
New Years, and other anniversaries.
Gov. Martin, of Kansas, says:
"There might be historic propriety in
the suggestion" but fears that ''cus-
tom" would stand in the way.
Gov. J. Proctor Knott, Of Kentucky,
says: ''In my judgment the selection
of the anniversary of the discovery of
America as the annual Thanksgiving
would meet the general approval of
the people Of this commonwealth"
Gov. Alger. of Michigan, does not
like the idea Of two Thanksgiving,
but says: ''If the government will
change that day can see no possible
objection to the states joining"
Gov. Pattison, of Pennsylvania,
begs leave to say that / know of no
reason why the change in the date
shoald not be made if tbe people de-
sire ii"
Gov. Wetmore, of Rhode Island,
like the governor of Connecticut,
does not approve of abandoning the
November Thanksgiving, but writes:
Il have, however, thought that we,
as people, have too few public holi-
days, and believe that perhaps an adj
ditional one, so admirably chosen as
the 18th of October, might well be
added to our list"
Gov. Bate, of Tennessee: ''I can
see no objection to changing the an
nual Thanksgiving to the 18th day of
October, the anniversary of the dis
covery of America. I think the idea
is an excellent one, and one that
would meet with public approval"
Gov. Pingree, Of Vermont: "Your
suggestion of the anniversary of the
discovery of America as an appropri-
ate day for the customary Thanksgiv