Nation: A Season for Taking Stock

Despite the economic uncertainties, it is, indeed, a time for thanksgiving

Having passed a new Bill of Rights, established a Supreme Court and performed various other wonders, the U.S. House of Representatives paused, in late September of 1789, to consider whether it should declare a national day of thanksgiving. Congressman Elias Boudinot of New Jersey thought it should. He introduced a resolution asking President Washington to proclaim a day in which the people might acknowledge, "with grateful hearts, the many signal favors of Almighty God." There was immediate opposition. Congressman Thomas Tucker, wary...