The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-11-28

III tAc WOIus hAA OCCoub0 VI VAlo HCuSO
and we'll beng we can cordially and I'M
feignedly respond to the call to swell the
chorus of gratitude for the blessings sent
to our common country during the last
year. 1t may seem unnecessary to empha-
size this fact. But We need only the most
casual observation to convince us that even
parliamentary forms and so-called consti-
tuted methods in other countries are but
poor cloak to cover the dormant spirit OF
Oue-man power and absolutisnl, which lies
beneath them. Concretely have seen this
lately exempliied in the fear, CONSERVATION
and deep mourning stamped on the face
of Israel Watching at the sick bed of the
late German emperor, a friend of the Jews.
and again in the doubts and anxiety with
which the accession to the throne of the
present monarch was accompanied. Is
raei's welfare evidently depended on the
whim of fallible man. But in our coun-
try his rights are guarded in the ALBANIAN
can sing with the psalmist He has brought
me up out of the living clay and he set my
feet upon rock and established my go
ings.' This is a thought few are lively to
utter on Thanksgiving day. Our brethren
in various parts OF the world have not yet
reached the rock of safety from the dash
ing pillows of fanaticism and persecution,
and it must be kept prominently before the
mind as a reason additional to those we
have in common with our fellow-citizeus
for thanksgiving. But even in tho existing
institution we gee bone of our bone and
flesh of our flesh.
''Jhe day was given as an heirloom, trea
sured in the documents of the American
people, by a race sturdy, self-conscious,
God-fearing and possessed of q moral pur-
pose. It is the creature of the fountainhead
drawing it's inspiration from our Bible. &C
tuated By the spirit of the stern law which
is the foundation of our religion, building
oto too "a foundations pf inctiNo and
human rights borrowed from the Jewish
Theocracy, representing the principle of
AebrewiSm as intensely as could be repre-
sented by any body of men not Israel itself.
But, aside from these considerations. the
day appeals to all denominations. Graft
tude seems to me to be the essential quail
ty in religious attitude of the mind. The
feeling that all we possess--our life and
health and prosperity-are gift not al
ways proportiOnate to our wants or exer-
tions. is both the cause and effect of feel
ing of modesty and humility, and leads to
becomes the lever Of a higher moral life.
A day of THANKSGIVING 10 also the most ade-
quate expression for the religious conscious
ness of the modern man. Since the convic-
tioh that this universe is ruled by law. it
would be blasphemous to expect to yield at
our whim. Thankfulness for what is grant
ed 10 the more proper tone of mind than
what ought We to be thankful for?
Enumeration is limition. You might as
we'll measure the value of the universe
by the number Of men whose thirst it
can ouench. Infinite is the bounty, and in
definite the methods Of the divine prudence.
MERGE and population, the spread of educa--
ton, the increase of the philanthropic spirit
in our men of money, which makes them
create universities and institutions Of aid,
all these are fit subjects for thanks. And
how thankful that we live in such a coun-
try. where such reversal of policy as took
place at the last election. can be accom-
plished with such peaceful methods; the de-
feated taking their defeat with good nature
and the victorious party periodically and
without heated resentment relying on the
| successful realization of their rewards. A
glorious spectacle for him who has faith in
self government for the people. But the
most important fact is to know how to
express thanks not in a wordy adulation but
in the deed, in the life of the individual and
the citizen must God be thanked. Gratitude
is best defined by living according to the
infalllble index of our conscience, by seek
ing to make the union aud state the
union of the divine law"
After the sermon another hymn was sung
followed by benediction by the rabbi.
The G. A. r. and S. of V. BAH.
The managing committee of the g. A. Il.
and Sons of Veterans ball may have pre-
sumed that they had hall large enough to
entertain their friends, but in this they
were sadly disappointed. Their new quar-
ters on Park avenue were formally opened
last night. It is beautiful lodge-room,
and 100 people could move about very COM
fortably in it. while with 200 people il
would be somewhat crowded; but when the
grand march was announced last night the
hall was packed to almost suffocation. There
were fully 500 people on the floor and in the
march-well, it was impossible to march.
Armory hall would not have been any too
large for the occasion. Early in the dance
many people left and went down to Turner
hall, where another ball was in progress.
Notwithstanding the crush, the merry
| dancers on pleasure bent made the most of
the occasion. and everybody seemed jolly
and good natured. Even though many
people left, the hall was crowded until the
small hours of morning and the dance was
a big financial success at least. Next time
the u. A. Il. and Sons of Veterans, with the
should engage larger hall. The music
was all that could be desired.
At Turner Hail.
I The ladies of the Helena Turn yerei,
gave ball last night at Turner hall which
was a pronounced success. A large crow,
was in attendance and most enioyabl,
time was had by all.
Meeting of Builders and Manufacturin,
Exchange.
4 There will be an adjourned meeting o
the Builders and Manufacturers Exchang
at the Board of Trade rooms. FRIDAY even
ing, Nov. %, at 7:30 o, M, to draft a con
stitution and bylaws. As this 10 a very i'm
portant meeting, full attendance of al
business men. contractors, architects
builders and all having the interest an,
welfare of Helena at heart are most earnest