The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-11
ExToLs PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS.
Ample Cause for Thanksgiving, Says
Rev. IL. v. Hunter.

At the Seventh Presbyterian Church yes
terday, Rev. r. V. Hunter read the Presi-
dents thanks giving proclamation and took
for his text Psam AZ, first verse: 20 clap
hands, ell we people; shout unto God with
the voice or triumph
IF ever thece was a nation with cause for
thanksgiving that nation is ours" said he
I'VE rejoice and give thanks to-day over
the success which has attended our armies
in the present war. Our hearts are thrilled
when we read of the heroic work of Ad-
miral Dewey at Manila; the rare Judgment
end courage of Sampson and Schley at San
tago. The army under General Shafter
has been brave, heroic and so far tri-
umphant Final victory is sure to be ours.
Our reasons for rejoicing are at least two
fold. First because we are waging war
fare in the name of humanity. More than a
hundred thousand boys have volunteered to
push forward the advance lines of ciyiliza-
ton. 1t is the old principle over again, the
survival of that which is best and the
destruction of that which is antiquated
despotic and tyrannical. Second, we give
thanks to-day because we are Americans
being Americans we believe in our Nation
and what it stands for. For this we make
no apology.
1--WE rejoice again over the fact that pa
triotism and courage have so strong a hold
upon our citizenship. Many had come to
think that since the close of the rebellion
in the sixties our young men were not
learning in the school that makes heroes
There is no room for pessimism in this di-
rection. More men are ready to volunteer
than the Nation has needed. Wealthy citi-
zens are ready to give of their means as
some have already done for the purpose of
prosecuting the war No one protests
against the measures for raising revenue
Patriotic men of all ages are willing to de-
vote their time. life and limb, if neces-
Sary, to prosecute war that was forced
upon US in the name Of a higher and better
civilization. We rejoice to-day because we
have had wise leadership. President McKin-
ley has shown himself a conservative and
courageous leader. His Cabinet has worked
with heroism and shown genius. Never has
there been q more patriotic Congress as
sembled than the Congress which adjourned
last Friday. Our commanders upon land
tunity will compare favoraby in point of
clear judgment and rare courage with the
best that have preceded them in the battles
of history Even the sons of our rich men
under Colonel Roosevelt have emazed
Christendom We have a right to-day to
clap our hands and shout for joy.
MORAL CHARACTER OF LEADERS.
Another reason for thanksgiving on this
occasion is because of the moral character
of our leaders. The President of the
United States directs the people to 'rever-
emily bow before the throne of divine grace
and give devout praise to God, who hold
eth the nations in the hollow OF His hands
and worketh upon them the marvels of His
high will Last Sunday, az the close OF the
greatest naval battle of modern times, the
captain of the Texas called his officers and
xha toSStnSS 49, ~, sA I'm 70 tSihoye
led them in prayer to Almighty God thank
ing Jehovah for the victory. Many of our