The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-12-01


There was a very general and very
commendable observance of the relig-
ious side Of Thanksgiving in this city
yesterday.
The union Thanksgiving service in
Elm Park church was largely attended
Dy both the Methodist and Baptist con-
gregations. The choir of Elm Park
rendered beautiful music, Mr.. Pennng-
ton presiding at the organ. Rev. DR..
c. NJ. GifTin delivered a patriotic SER
mon and Rev. DR.. Pierce assisted in
the service.
The text of the morning was from II
Chronicles, v:13-14: We're as one to
make one sound in praising and thank
ing the Lord. Then the house was
filled as with a cloud"
The central thought of the address
was a union song of thanksgiving in
which all the people of the nation
should join. One reason why our ma
tional temple is not filled with the glory
of the Lord is because all do not unite
in the song. There seems to be a preva-
lent notion that but one part of the
people can rejoice at once. If it is
Democratic president, the Republicans
say, Let the Ins' make the music"
They cannot endorse a Providence that
has kept them out of office. 1t is not
considered good politics to thank God
for the prosperity of the other party,
and so they are mute until they are let
in to improve and purify affairs.
So change of party means change
of choir It does seem, however that
one day in the year all might agree in
one song of piety without politics.
There never was a time when we had
so much to be thankful for-never such
crops, such prices, such work and
wages, such general good. There are
none unemployed but a few weary
Willies: none hungry but those unwill-
ing to receive food.
THERE ARE SILENT ONES.
Yet there are silent ones who will
not sing because they say it is no credit
to any man or measures now in power;
that it is merely good fortune for this
crowd, and as for God He is not con-
sidered in the matter. Another is 50
sure that party and platform are re-
sponsible that he adores the shrewd-
ness of political managers. yet no work,
no measure would feed seventy-five
millions of people unless He who is
above does His share of the work
The speaker then, in referring to
reasons for gratitude. said that the
peace congress has emphasized the
newly recognized importance of Amer
lea, and he struck a chord of popular
sympathy when he recalled the fact
that the other day when Emperor Will
lam visited England, over the towers
of Windsor Castle fioated the Union
Jack, and the Stars and Stripes with
the flag of Germany, telling William
that if ever he should think of antagon-
izing one country he must fight both.
Another source of thankfulness is
that the war with Spain has fast
cemented North and South. The VIC
tory gained has been but half as Valu-
able as the wiping out of sections.
The negro problem was discussed,
and the opinion advanced that there is
a cause for gratitude since no worse
record was made in the South during
the past year. We should be thankful
that the weapon put in unprepared
hands at the close of the Civil war has
mapifestly our duty to educate and
teach the blacks to their fullest capa-
bility.
The immigration problem was touched
upon and lastly the expansion ques-
tion. The speaker closed with a mag
nificent tribute to the president. "A
president he said, has plenty of
chance to be a fool, but while not done
praising God for Abraham Lincoln. the
critics may return thanks that we have
as our chieftain today William McKin-
ley"
At the Second Presbyterian church a
special musical programme of eXcep-
tional excellence was rendered by the
church quartette, assisted by a special
chorus of sixteen voices, under the
direction of j. NJ. Chance. An anthem
Great is Jehovah" given by Miss
Susie Black and Thomas Beynon, was
perhaps the most enjoyable musical
feature.
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Rev. Charles f. Robinson, D. D., the
pastor, delivered a thoughtful sermon
on THE Wonders of the Year" The doe
tor spoke upon the great financial pros
perity seen by the country during the
last year, and the cause for general
Thanksgiving on this account He
dwelt also upon the great national ad-
vancement along other lines made by
the country during the year.
The doctor spoke in approving terms
of the presidents policy regarding the
Philippine islands. and paid a warm
tribute to Admiral George Dewey in
this connection. In the course of his
remarks he stated that he was opposed
in the interests of public decencv to
the seating of Congressman Roberts,
the polygamous member from Utah. At
the close Of the sermon a blank petit
tion to Congressman Connell, urging
him to use his influence against the
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