The evening times., 1899-11-30

Nas cuSSSStth ~ TAX
people OF modern times, it is said, by ths
, Hebrew Feast of Tabernacles, or feast of in
gathering at the end OF the year. The
occasional observance of day OF thanks
giving, formally recommended by the civil
authorities was rot unusual in Europe. and
such day was observed at Leyden, Hol-
land. October 3, 1873. the first anniversary
of the deliverance of that city from siege
In 1868, the members of the Pilgrim
Church. exiled from England. vert 10 Hol-
land, and remained there until 1920, when
they sent of the Mayfiower colony TO New
England. After the first harvest of the
cclonists at Plymouth in 1921, Governor
Bradford sent four men out fowling. that
they might after a more special marns.
rejoice together"
In July. 1923. a day OF fasting and prayer
was appointed on account of drought. Rain
came abundantly while they were praying
and the governor appointed day of thanks
giving, which was observed with religious
services.
The period of one day was net enough
in which TO render all the thanks which
the Pilgrims felt ii their duty to offer, so
they made a half week of it. beginning Cr
Thursday morning and bringing it TO a
clase on the morning of Sunday.
Among the guests at the celebration
were Massasoit and ninety OF his leading
warriors. Governor Bradfords proclama-
tion had stimulated all the hunters in the
colony TO make what preparations they
could for the feast by tramping the forest
for all the game thar could be found.
There were wild turkeys in abundance. to-
ge;her with ducks and deer. Massasoit and
his warriors brought in a supply Of oysters.
The bill Of fare which resulted from the
united efforts of the Puritan hunters and
the thrifty wives consisted of oysters ven
ison. pastries. meat stews. boiled FISH. clam
chowier. -four dumplinss. and roasts of
many kinds. Roast turkey was served with
d dressing of beech nuts and with salads
of various kinds. Cakes and plum pud-
ding closed the course.
The biggest banquet of all was given on
Saturday 10 close up the celebration. and
the tables were set out in the forest. the
Indians partaking The celebration closed
as il had been begun. with a series OF
praise and prayer. which. it is recorded.
greatly impressed the Indian visitors.
FeaSting Instead of Fasting.
The records of Charlestown show
change OF fast day into thanksgiving in
1881 on account of the arrival of supplies
from ireland. In June 1852. Governor
Winthrop. of Massachusetts, Bay Colony.
recommended day of thanksgiving on az
count of the action of the British Privy
Council favorable to the colonies ard in
vited the Governor of Plymouth Colony TO
unite with him. There is a record of the
official appointment OF days of thanksgiving
in Massachusetts Bay in 1888. 1854. 1887.
1898. and 1889. sometimes of more than one
day in the same year. and in Plymouth in
1861. 1865 and IN 1880. when the form OF
the recommendation would indicate that
thanksgiving had become an annual Gus
TOM.
The earlier of these appointments were
at different seasons of the year ard for
special reasons, particularly for the ar
rival of ships with provisions and new
colonists: but the latter were more gem
orally for the harvest and were in the
late autumn or early winter. Occasional
thanksgiving days were appointed by TIE
Dutcn governors of New Netherlands in
I6ii. 1915. 1865, ana 1864. and by the En-
glish governors OF New York in 1755 and
1850
During the period OF the American Revo-
linton Thanksgiving Day became a national
institution. being annually recommended
by Congress, but after the general thanks
giving for peace in 1884 there was no ma
tional appointment until 1859, when Presi-
dent Washington by request CT Congress
recommended day of Thanksgiving for
the adoption of the Constitution.
This proclamation was dated Octohsr ..
1883. and established q precedent. which it
is believed has been followed syery year b"
American Presidents.
When the Whisky Iusurrection had bsen
quelled. President Washington On New
Year Day, 1895. issued the following proc
iamation: