Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-02-21
MORE HOLIDAYS.

He was a benefactor of this COM
munity who suggested that we should
nave Mardi Gras, or some general
spring festival. in Norfolk. 1t has been
said That he, too, is n benefactor who
makes two blades OF grass grow where
only one grew before; yet he who
makes two smiles glow where but one
beamed before, contributes really more
to the happiness of mankind. When
we are able TO say:
NOW let him laugh who never laughed
before,
And him who always laughed, now
laugh the more,'
we are practical philanthropists.-
course, 1t being understood that the
amusement shall be healthy and in
nocent recreation-a relaxation from
the carking cares of a dull and labor
ious life.
AS IL people. we work too much, we
work too hard, ana we are entirely too
serious and sorrowful. Anything not
evil that will break up this monotonv
of weary Flooding is u bounty and a
blessing; and If II gaily caparisoncd
donkey, bestrdden by Il clown in parti-
colored costume, Il painted face. and
playing ridiculous pranks and antics
as they pass along the streets. that
make us mcrry.-then bless clown and
donkey and give them welcome If
men would work but three DAYS I'm
every week, by shifts, relays. or details.
as our industrial economy might well
afford with 50 many people, and so
many motors. powers and inventions to
serve and lessen human labor, and
with four days Of rest for religious.
educational. social and amusing pur-
poses. the world would be all the bet
| ter wiser, ADLER and happier. In pres
cnt conditions. to be sure, many Of us
busily work six days cut of seven, and
gain few comforts and luxuries. if any:
but that is because things are out of
joint; and one Of the first steps toward
! better arrangements is for all of us to
get into good humor with one another
by frequent public celebrations. gene.
raj holidays and sports and festivals.
| That is what make the people of Eu-
rope. ON the whole. moro contented
than we are. With more liberty. more
education, more money and more of all
the necessarles of life. we are a
melancholy and discontinued popu,a
| ton: while the peasantry and work
men Of Europe. with little real liberty.
| little money. little food and in clrcum-
stances that we should consider pow
erty and want. are gay and merry
/ for every week and ortencr there is a
Sala-day, and they enjoy it, men.
women and children, with a serving of
| body and mind that we can hardly con-
ceivc of. There may he no feast, nor
dainties. nor costly decKings; everyone
furnishes his share TO the gayety with
and in himself and herself; and life
/ is made worth living by those
mutual rejoicings over their capacity
to enjoy and contribute to the joy of
others by music, songs. dances. games
and good-humorcd hilarity. They may
have but crust. but they soften and
sweeten 1t BY everyone trying to make
all happy.
That is what aiis us. We drudge too
much and we make others drudge. We
take life too seriously. and we make il
700 serious for all around us. Not that
we should no, he in earnest. and seek
right and truth: but we should be
cheerful withai.
Your merry heart goes far in a day;
Your sad one tires in a mile-a."
Nothing so contributes TO good fee,
ing among people nothing more devel-
ops the milk and cream Of human kind.
ness. rs these holidays: ana the more
we have Of them. the moro rapidly
shall approach that good time
a-coming" which has been hoped for so
long. They clear body, head ana heart
OF much perilous stuff. and fit us better
Tor our tasks and duties, be they high
or low. exalted or humble. They make
the city attractive; they advertise and
introduce ii and It's advantages. oppor-
tunities and enterprises 10 STRANGERS.
Well conducted. these festivals not
only show our good side to others. but
they Win the goodwill OF ali who at
tend and wi;ness-or participat, in
their observance and celebration. "The
iheHe-the nierrier, ana the better share
for all"
LOVE PEACE, AND ENSUE I'll"