The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1893-11-30
SALTWATER MINNESOTA NOVEMBER 3d. 1893

been national holiday only since 1864.
It is an old saying. "That as nations
advance in civilization, the more fire.
quent do its holidays become;" and the
United States illustrates the truth of
the adage. Thanksgiving day stands
in an unique position among the holidays
for the reason that it is observed not as
day to commemorate or celebrate
some one particular event, but as day
set aside simply in that we, as nation,
may remember the many blessings be-
slowed by Divine Providence during
the past year, and to cause us to reflect
and give thanks for those blessings. 1t
is also preeminently the day for the
gathering together of kindred and
friends around the social and festive
dinner board. If Benjamin Franklin
could witness the attention shown to
the bird that he wished to have estab-
liShed as our national emblem, he would
no doubt realize that the bird has been
adopted in as sincere, though different
fashion, and that the turkey is greatly
appreciated; for the average man shows
his appreciation for his stomach more
strongly than of head or heart.
OBSERVER.
OF verify this is wan and dreary
abiding place on a holiday; especially
to such of us as can look back to the
sweet, hallOWed days of youth, when
we were going to Grandpa's to dinner.
What an epoch it was, how long the
days were, and how hungry we were
for piece of that Thanksgiving turkey.
And when the eventful day arrived, all
dressed in our best, and our sweetest
company manners, with many caution
from sweet Mater not to eat all our
cranberry sauce first, and to save a
place for the mince pie etc. etc. and
finally how we all trooped in on the
old folks in their coy house How at
last we were perched up alongside
Grandpa; how big the turkey looked,
and how Grandma's specs shOne so
brightly over the celery, and what a big
piece of white meat we had, and dress
ing, and gravy. and potatoes, and cram
berry SauSe-graciOuS, but it was good
why did the old folks always eat the
dark meat? And how could Grandpa
like that POpe's nose? / have dim rec
objections Of not being able to finish
the mince pie, and of having to stand
over the register to finish the ice cream,
but | never can forget how that big
gobbler chased us all around the yard
that night. until we finally jumped over
the fences and kept on flying through
the air, over fences, hen-cOOps, houses,
nd-awOke-wOuld that we could fly
now. K.
This day has, by universal custom,
been set apart for the purpose of retro
SpectiOn and the rendering of special
thanks to "the Giver Of every good and
perfect gift"-fOr the many blessings
which He has so graciously bestowed
upon us during the past year. But there
are, no doubt, many within our midst
who are looking with eager eyes and
longing hearts, out upon the world of
liberty and freedom from which the
cruel hand of fate has debarred them
for time and ask, "what have we to be
thankful for to-day?" But stop, let us
cast aside the veil of despondency and
gather up the crumbs of sweetness
which the hand of Divine Providence
hath scattered along our pathway. Have
we dear little wife and loved ones at
home, from whose patient and loving
hearts a plaintive prayer is ascending
to heaven pleading with God to bless,
comfort and protect us in our hour of
trouble, and make us truer, nObler and
better men? Have we friends, tried
and true, who have stood by us with un-
flinching courage through all the trials
of the past? Have we health, that gift
far superior and more valuable than
wealth? Have we sound mind, free
and clear, unfettered by the curses of
excitement and rum? Have we the
power, with unprejudiced minds, to
L. l. l. Nd io6n frov hn
fOllies of the past Have we made even
one honest resolve which will tend to-
ward nobler and more useful life?
All! then, we have much, very much to
be thankful for to-day. 1t is true, we