The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-11-28
THANhSGITTNG DAY.
written for the Times by Jacob Biliikopf
One of Its Constant Readers.

Our Thanksgiving Day-observed annu-
Ally in the United states the fourth Thurs
day OF November as a religious festival
has its origin from the Feast OF Taber-
nacles. the beautiful custom Of ancient
Israel.
the Hebrews commemorate this holiday
rs feast OF ingathering at the end or
the year" 10 was regularly appointed TO
them by Divine appointment, and there
fore II is one OF the greatest OF the Jew
tsh festal holidays.
As far as modern records show, this
holiday was first introduced into Europe
by the Dutch people in 1875 to commence
rate the first anniversary OF the deliv-
trance Of Leyden, Holland. from siege.
In this country II originated in 1G2l,
when Governor Bradford, of the Ply
mouth Colony. appointed a day for the
public praise and prayer of the first har-
vest In 1923 day of fasting and prayer
was appointed on account of drought.
Rain came abundantly while they were
praying, and the Governor appointed a
Thanksgiving Day.
In 1922 the Governor of Massachusetts
BAY Colony recommended day OF
thanksgiving on account Of action Of the
British Privy Council favorable to the
colonies.
There are many records which show
that these appointments were made AT
special seasons for different reasons.
During the Revolutionary times thanks
giving was national institution. being
annually recommended by Congress. but
after the general thanksgiving for peace
in 17so when George Washington. by re-
quest OF Congress. recommended day Of
Thanksgiving for the adoption of the
United States Constitution
A second one was issued by the Presi
dent In 1926 on account OF the suppress
sion Of the insurrection. Madison named
one in 1875 but It only became since a
universal custom and the chief social
festival Of the year OF New England
During the Civil War President Lin
coin issued proclamations recommending
special Thanksgiving for the victory in
1862 and 1863. while Jefferson Davis issued
one in the Confederacy during the days
OF the conflict. when blood flowed like
water I'm the hattle-fields. This Thanks
giving Day. as prayer by the old Con-
federate soldiers 10 the Almighty that he
should destroy the enemy. went TO them
as a beacon light on a roc k-bound
coast"
Since that time such proclamations have
taken effect In almost every State OF our
Union. They are issued either by the
President or the Governor Of the State.
II is 10 the New England States. I be-
leve. that the country owes the standard
Thanksgiving menu Of roast turkey and
pumpkin pie. for during the day turkeys
and other fowls pour in by the tons. and
no matter how humble the people may
be. they must have a representative of
the king OF fowls upon their table on
Thanksgiving Day. People may live fru-
Sally the whole year. but along with
Thanksgiving Day must come the turkey.
cranberry sauce and the pumpkin pie.
20 that In giving thanks 10 God the com
ing Thursday, the 18th Of November. for
His preserving our homes and our affairs
from pollution, and for His securing 10
US restoration OF peace and prosperity,
II will be well TO remember our coun-
trymen OF the New England States with
n measure OF gratitude.
The word Thanksgiving has also a
secondary Specification which should not
escape the attention OF the readers OF
The Times. and this is that those who
have been blessed the whole year with
Gods bounty will most acceptably at
test their gratitude by giving literally
Thursday to Gods poor.