the State and national proclamations which fix the date and invite its
observance. Usually, these enumerate the blessings enjoyed by the whole
country during the year, and suggest topics peculiarly fitting for
toasts. It is perhaps not too much to say that Thanksgiving is distinctly
_the_ American Festival, and should be honored accordingly.


TOASTS

To The Inventor of Pumpkin Pie--to Peace with all Nations--to The Rulers
of our Country--to The Farmer--to Full Stomachs and Merry Hearts--to
their Excellencies, the President and the Governor; may we obey all their
commands as willingly as when they tell us to feast--Abounding Plenty;
may we always remember the Source from which our benefits come--Our two
National Fowls, the American Eagle and the Thanksgiving Turkey; may the
one give us peace for all our States and the other a piece for all our
plates--The Turkey and the Eagle; we love to have the one soar high, but
wish the other to roost low--The Great American Birds; may we have them
where we love them best, the Turkeys on our tables and the Eagles in our
pockets.


THOUGHTS FOR A THANKSGIVING SPEECH

The manner in which the day was first instituted. The sore struggles and
the small beginnings of that day compared with the greatness and abounding
prosperity of the present. The warfare between Christmas and Thanksgiving,
the one being thought the badge of popery and prelacy. The Battle of the
Pies, pumpkin and mince, terminating in a treaty of peace and alliance;
and now we can enjoy the nightmare by feasting on both combined! The