The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1897-11-25
THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS
A Brief Review Of What the Nation
Has to be Grateful For


sent forth to the American peo-
pie his procla nation, urging
them to observe Nov. 2jth as
day of thanksgiving. This is an
old custom. No doubt the vari-
Gus denominations of Christians
in our country will respond to the
presidential invitation and at
tend worship on this Jay. We
think that 1t is a matter for
Thanksgiving that we have man
in the presidential chair who is
himself not only a worshiper of
God, but n Christian. Were he
an atheist, this land, which now
proclaims through individual
wOrshipcrs it's thanksgivings,
would know nothing of this kind.
We are a prosperous people
now, although this day by no
means commentaries a prosper
Gus time, so far as it's origin is
concerned. 1t was instituted in
New England in the early days
of the cateav during an es-
pccially depressing tiIfe among
the few people on those bleak
shores. II those old patriots
felt like thanking God thea for
the blessings bestowed upon
them, all the more should we feel
like it now in this day of pros
perity. 1t is an American day,
pure and simple, although all
peoples Of any degree of impor-
tance have had their festivals of
thanksgi, log.
AS a national holiday it has
passed into the lives of the peo-
pie as no other day has, exclusive
Of the 25th Of December and the
Fourth Of July. All three Of
these have become days Of feast
ings and innocent pleasure (pre-
sumabiy) expressive of the glad
and thankful heart. Let US not
be selfish then, but strive to
make others glad also.
The American people have
much for which they should be
thankful. Pre-cminently, that we
are at peace with all the world,
despite what may be termed mar
row escapes. This peace enjoyed
by our country for the past
thirty-two years has done more
than anything else to make it. in
many ways, the most prosperous
on the face of the globe. 1t will
go into history as a remarkable
period Of human progress. More
has been done in America during
this time, for the enlightenment
Of men and the alleviation of sor-
row than in all the rest Of the |
American period. And this is
due largely TO the fact that we
have, during that time, sought |
the ways Of peace and loved the
arts of peace. 1t is then nothing
wonderful that we should rejoice
that this peace is vet unbroken.
SO far AS we can see, those who |
have predicted our engagement
IN war with one or more govern
ments, are false prophets. AL
though the attitude of both |
SPAN and japan has been ugly
the first because of our Cuban
policy, the latter on account Of
our anticipated admission of Ha-
waii into 4 share into our govern
mcnt--thcrc is now good reason
10 believe that the peaceful rcla-
tionship between those countries
and ours will Continue. All
patriots Of true metal desire this.
For, while it is ever poor peace
policy for 4 government like ours
TO suffer imposition, where
great principle Is involved, there
Is yet profound wisdom in Weld
ing to others their rights. Peace
should not be easily broken, even
with an inferior power. For.
apart from every other valuable
consideration, it IS worth much
in this day of international par.
liments, to appear altogether fair