The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-11-30

than anywhere else. the subsequent feast
OF Christmas never having been regarded
as OF equal importance.
The pivotal point which that Thanks
giving Day. celebrated two hundred and
sevcnty-slx years ago. occupies TO one OF
our great national institutions therefore
makes the details OF that event of the
very highest interest to all Americans.
II was William Bradford, the first Gov
ernor Of the New England colonies. VINO
had the honor Of initiating the custom
now followed by our Presidents, by is
suing the FIRST Thanksgiving proclarna-
ton.
Looking back across almost three cen
turtles to that time when those stout
hearted wanderers. who were then uh-
aware Of what a Canaan they had iouhu
and who had been fearing the worst
from the adverse weather. stood reJolc-
ing over their sudden deiverance from
famine. one cannot fail to be touched py
the pathos Of their situation and thrilled
with the gladness which caused them 10
Cner UP their praise and thanks Tor ihe
mercy vouchsafed by Providence.
There has probably never been
Thanksgiving Day celebration since when
The feeling OF thankfulness was 50 hear
lilly and gratefully expressed.
HALF 4 WEEK.
The period OF one day was absolutely
inadequate for the rendering OF all the
thanks which the worthy pilgrims FELT
IT their duty 20 offer, so they made
good half-week Of II. beginning on Thurs
day morning. and bringing 1t to close
before the dawn Of the next Sabbath.
Honored guests az the celebration were
the Indian Chief Massasoit and ninety Of
his leading warriors
The issuing of the proclamation by Gov
ernor Bradford had stirred up the hun
tcrs Of the colony 10 make what prepara-
tions they could for the feast by ram
sacking the forest for AN The game which
could be found. and the bags secured by
item were such as would rouse the envy
Of many "a modern NimrOd There were
wild turkeys I'm Abundance. together WIN
ducks and various kinds of game WIN
which the urimeval forest abornded.
Massasoit and his warriors brought In a
p'entiful siuuly of oysters to swell the
feast. The bin of fafe. which resulted
from the united efforts of the hunters ana
the good Puritan hOusewiyes. was one
with which any but the most eXactine
cpicure might have been satisfied. me
entrees consisted of oysters. venison pas
tries. savory meat stevs broied nsu'
clam chOwder. -four drmpIings ana roaS'
of all kinds. This was followed 10y the
piece de resistance which has ever there
after remaining the principal feature oil
the Thanksgiving dinncr-roast turkey
with which the cooks served dressing
Of heech nuts and numerous vegetables
and salads Cakes and plum pudding
lent the finishing touches 10 the course
and fl NAV be- safely sumed that there
was no one who left the first Thanksgiv-
ing dinner table hungry.
The biggest banquet Of all was given
ON Saturday 10 wind mp tho ceienfaHoh'
and ae the weather was exceedingly mild.
Che tables were set in the forest, and
am al fresco feast enjoyed which fur
nished the Indian guests with am exalted
idea of the astronomical accomplish
ments Of their new friends. The celenra-
lion was wound mp as it was commenced
with u service Of praise and prayer,
which also greatly impressed the indian
visitors