The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-11-30
LET us BE THANKFUL.

Once more tho unresting wheels of Time bring a day rendered sacred to American hearts by centuries of obs seryance. Today all over this. broad land old and young. Christian and Hebrew, Catholic and Protestant, will forget the minor differences of sect or belief. remembering only the com mon brotherhood of man and the eood- ness of God. and join in spirit in the celebration of the day that is for all of the inhabitants. Whether in church or at home, at work or at recreation, all can give thanks in spirit for the many blessings and favors bestowed on us as people and as individuals. If some homes will be homes of mourn ing for departed loved ones there will be many to whom the day brings peace and loving remembrance, the coming together of dear ones whose lots are cast in various places. There will be timely services at the churches for all who can and will attend, there will be enjoyable home observances. and in many ways the American peo- pie will give fitting honor and ob- servance to the day.
 And have we not much to be thank full for as nation and as individuals? While in many portions of the world there are wars and riots and disorders we as a nation are at peace. While famine and pestilence desolate portions of the old world ours Is literally land of plenty. Earth has yielded bountiful harvests and all over the land there is provision for all who la- bor and for all who are dependent. If any go hungry on this day it should not be so. for there is enough for all and all should share it. For one day. at least there should be no want or need among us.
 When those stern New England colo nists, almost three centuries ago. set apart day for giving thanks, what difference there was in the circum- stances surrounding them compared with the present! Surrounded by sav- ages who kept them continually on tho watch, they never knew when their loved ones or themselves were safe from butchery. nor were they a1- ways secure against the bangs of hum ger. Fighting against primeval for ests. suffering from the rigors of their cold climate, they yet felt impeiled to meet together after their first har- vest in 1921, and by direction of Gov ernor Bradford hold meeting of pray CT and praise for deliverance from their savage foes and for the good things the earth had given them for their labors.
 From that small beginning amid the wilds of New England the custom has grown and spread until 1t covers our entire country. National, State and municipal governments recognize the established fact that one day in the year is set apart as a time of uni- versal thanksgiving for all the good we enjoy and for the blessings of peace and freedom of conscience under which each and all may enjoy themselves in their own way and none may inter- fere or question their right to spend the day as best suits them.
 And so. whethey we go to church or remain at home. whether we spend the day in recreation or are forced to keep up our daily toll. we may all join in spirit and feeling with those of all creeds and denomipations who assem- bIe at their appointed places of wor- ship to render praise to the Giver of all Good and to thank Him for all that we have and are. May 1t be day of genuine Thanksgiving!