Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-12-04

which is chiefly an American institu-
ton. History informs us that this
annual celebration of fireside joys
grew out Of period of great peril and
a marked deliverance therefrom." The
speaker here had reference to the
period commencing a few years after
the landing of the pilgrims on the
Mayfiower in 1920. Members of the
band were dying, the fields refused to
produce grains, and the game depart
ed from the forests, and in the face OF
this dire calamity Governor Bradford
appointed a day of feasting and
prayer, which was later turned into
dag of thanksgiving, for the reason
of the joyous blessings of copious
rains, and that of the arrival of a
friendly ship from home. "Since the
landing of the Pilgrim ship, $50 years
have passed over this favored land.
Thanksgiving days have come and
gone, and our country has been Won
derfully blessed, SO that we may we'll
rejoice in our own prosperity.
Things to be Thankful for.
exaggerations," said the speaker, sit
may DS well lOI us " lOOh DIlSlly dL
certain national characteristics or GER
tain lines of progress, or certain oper-
ating forces in our national life thru
which the enduring mercy of God man.
ifests itself, and the comprehension Of
which ought to kindle our gratitude.
1.-THE marked material prosperity
OF the last one hundred years" Here
the speaker proceeded to dilate upon
the benefits that have been visited
upon the people of the present day, by
reason Of the various inventions which
have been made and the improve
ments that have been effected in al
most every line of work and of trade
Time and space have not quite been
annihilated, but marvelously abbre-
waited.
Increase of knowledge" One hun
dred year of colleges and determined
effort on the part of educators, have
wrought wonders in the way of
intelligence. Science, medicine,
chemistry, in fact all lines have been
advanced to degree which
the century. The discovery of ether,
were unthought of at the beginning Of
cocaine, etc., in surgery We're referred
to.
There is another thing which
will mention, for which we as a ma
ton, ought to give thanks to Almighty
God, viz: the rise, the ascendency of
the common people on the develop
ment of the principle of democracy in
the management of governmental af-
fairs. What is democracy? Lincoln's
| famous dictum answers that it is a
I government of the people, for the
people and by the people, Theo.
Parker said Democracy meant not
am as good as you are-but you are
as good as l am Our country has
Gods gracious favor resting upon it.
The unprecedented national pros
perity, the diffusion of intelligence
and wisdom among all our people, the
growth of the principle of democracy,
the rise of the common people, all
| these indicate that Gods mercy en-
dureth forever-our spirit of gratitude
| should be lsindled anew"
Al Trinity Church.
The Thanksgiving service observed
/ this forenoon in Trinity Episcopal
! church was exceedingly beautiful
turnout. 1t was according to the usual
form, and the program which was pub.
i llshed in the Courier yesterday. The
singing by the choir and the sermon
by the rector are certainly worthy oil
favorable mention. The attendance
/ was large.
Al MorreIis.
Thanksgiving service was held in
the dining hall at the packing house
this morning for the benefit of the en-
/ loyes and their friends. A platform
was built along the north end of the
hall and upon it log cabin was erect
ed, the front part being decorated with
| coon skins, and an old settlers mus
ket was hung before the door. The
stage was very prettily decorated with
corn and autumn fruits. A special
musical program was arranged and it
cantained among numbers, two solos
by Miss Pearl Johnson, and duet by
George and Mary List Rev. ]. r.
Beard, of the South Side Congrega.
tional church, delivered the sermon
to very large audience.