The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-11-24

giving Day IN America has been given,
hut it would be incomplete were the
numerous fast days i'm contradlstftc-
tion TO the days OF rejoicing, which
wers appointed during the great rebellion
of lS6l-5, not mentioned. These days were
memorable TO the great sadness and sor-
row which hrooded over this now happy
land at the time, and tho proolamatioEs OF
tho president and governors OF the diiler-
ent states breathed the spirit OF deep
humiliation and special recognition OF
the weakness OF self-complacency The
first proclamation appointing fast day
was issued by President James Buchanan
on Dec. IT., 1860.
Thanksgiving Day may he regarded as
the end of the American year. he very
nature of the festival shows that IL was
intended for the closing UP Of year.
Then the harvesting of corn was complet-
ed and all the work of an agricultural
people. for such were the early Americans
who first gave the day its present sigDiii-
cnnce-was finished. Agriculturally. the
year had come 10 an end. IL was All
arithmetical day on which 10 count up
the harvest and the profits. lt was day
OF rejoicing and was observed with great
celebration, particularly In New England.
Then, for once only in the year the whole
family came together mostly on horse
hack or with OK teams. and hegan To tell
the news. In those early days the spirit
of adoption was strong and the help rs
truly part CT the family. Nobody was
left out or lacked share In the common
rejoicing and story telling. New babes
were brought in FOR exhibition and com
parison with earlier arrivals; news from
all sections garnered for months pre-
viously was TOLD with great gusto and re-
ceiyed with an interest and appreciation
unimpaned by it's age. How ditterent
were those thanksgivings to the ones We
have nowadays.
TIE LOCAL OBSERVANCE.
The inmates ~ the state prison will
celebrate the day by presenting melo-
drama in the chapel The characters will
all be assumed by inmates who have been
preparing for the event during the past
three weeks The play is entitled Tried
and True IL Is u suggestive title. The
drama will make change TO the old fash
ioned program of games and its Dewness
will add "A charm to both the players and
the spectators.
At the state farm Superintende East
man will give the entire day to the in
mates in both the male and female
departments.
At the house OF correction DEPUTY
superintendent 4. II. Dodge has arranged
q program of games and other amuse-
ments. which will take place in tho yard
during the forenoon, also an entertain
ment in the chapel during the dav. In
the women's department Mira l.. w.
Boynton, matron. will look out for those
under her charge and good program has
been prepared.
At tho state almshouse the aged and in
firm inmates will be cared for A dinner
of roast pork with vegetables, ETC., will
be served. If the weather is favorable
superintendent Eastman will have tho
farm nipagura eouVaynppnc in 1.nabirasS
and give large number of the inmates
a ride outside of the grounds, IA prieile9e
which they appreciate on holidays.
DIR. George Il. Keene, superintendent at
the state hospital for the insane Will q ve
the inmates the usual Thanksgiving tur-
KEY dinner Music will probably be pro.
vided. and those whose cases will warrant
will be given riue through the adjoining
villages
At the Sockanosset School for Boys
Deputy Superintendent Elmer Butterield
together with the officers, has arranged to
give the cadets good day.
Mrs. Clara f. Forbush at the Oaklawn
School for Girls will give the girls under
her care the entire day for celebrating.
Appropriate exercises will be held and n
good dinner VIII be served at noon, also
extras provided Tor supper.
AT THE THEATRES.
1.-THE Circus Girl" will be presented
Mt the Providence Opera House and it is
especially adapted TO a holiday celebra-
tion. being full OF brightness and ac.
tiyity.
At keith's Opera House, Andrew Mack
and his fine company ana charming play
representing Irish rural life will be found
To be an agreeable after dinner pleasure.
Z An excellent variety bill will be pre-
sented at the Olympic Theatre. Eincludipg
singing dancing ana speciality acts that
will make the matinee visitor happy and
contentgd.
The Broadway Burlesquers will make
merry at the Westminster Theatre in the
burlesque entitled "A Paris Girl in Sara
tnga. The program will also include n
pig variety bill that will be sure to
please.
sAT THE CHURCHES.
There Will DO union service In the
Beneiicent Congregational church at III
Woodrow will preach the sermon.
Services will also he held in various
churches all over the city. Rev. Floyd
w. Tomkins, Jr., rector If Grace church,
Will preach in St. ADsgnrius church in
the evening. TIE other part Of the ser
vice will ba In swedish according TO the
custom in sweden.
A praise service will be held at the
Randall Square Mission at noon ana sew
tfal cltV ministers VIII ne present
diuner for worthy poor will be served af
ter the praise service.
SPORTS AND PASTIMES
The Providence Grays will have a
sturdy struggle with the strong Paw
tucket aggregation for polo honors in In
iantry hall In tho evening, and in the
morning at II o'clock tho young men OF
the Brown football team will tr, - show
the Wesleyan young men that there are
some things about the game that thev
have vet TO learn. The play viii ha ON
tho Adelaide avenue grounds and the
time has been changed to II o'clock.
Remember that.
The letter carriers will deliver the