The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1907-11-21
THE EayE2Efs'S Thanksgiving FR0'
CiAMATIGN.

Az gu q - Ift.!e~GoiiCi ca -t'N,f'5''
Of the President Of the Nation nj
the Governors Of the various States
is TO issue once q year a ThanksglV-
ing Proclamation, calling on the peo-
pie to give expression by words OF
praise and gratitude to their ap2re-
citation of the manifold mercies be-
towed upon them by an All-wise and
Good God. To me this is most
beautiful and helpful custom, for II
a State or an individual will only
compare their many blessings with
their few ills, each will find that the
good bestowed is far in excess Of the
evil, and therefore q matter for pro-
foundest rejoicing.
While since the last proclamation
some things have occurred in the
State that are to be regretted, and
some feelings engendered that may
have left a sting, still, when these
disturbances and excitements are
forgotten, or only remembered as
having taught lessons Of patriotism
and wisdom, the peace, plenty and
blessings of the past year will be re-
membered as cause for the express
sion Of our deepest gratitude to the
Author of all good.
No pestilence or great epidemic OF
sickness has visited our people, but
unusual health and freedom from
disease have been enjoyed through
out the entire State, and a nantes
tation CT kindly consideration and
love foc the sick, the unfortunate
and the afflicted has been exhibite 4
in the building Of new hospitals and
in the better equipment Of our be-
nevolent institutions.
The demand for laborers in every
department of business has been so
great that good wages for reason
able hours have been given to all
who toll, and there has been no eX-
cuse for any able-bodied person eat
ing the bread Of idleness Or being
dependent on charity.
Peace and goodwill have existed
between capital and labor, and en-
ployers and employees have enjoyed
closer relations than ever before
each with brotherly love doing his
full duty to the other.
More miles Of railroad have been
built; more factories Of every des-
criptlon erected; more looms, spin
dies, planes, saws and furnaces put
in operation, until the year 1907 has
become the greatest in our history
in material development and in pro
gressive upbuilding.
Our farm products have command
ed higher prices than heretofore,
which, while entailing more expense
on the consumer, has added greater
gain to the producer, thus maintain
ing the parity Of wealth. Money
has been obtainabie on easy terms,
and not even the stringency of Wall
Street has affected to any great ex-
tent our financial condition. Invest
ments have declared good dividends
and fine returns have been made on
every class Of work, both in the ag-
ricultural and Industrial field.
/ Never before in the history Of thu
State has there been such interest
taken in public education, while {
Temperance wave has swept over ths
entire Commonwealth, showing that
while Our people have millions fol
investments, improvements and edu
cation, they are tired of seeing money
suuandered for strong drink, tina
only brings ruin and shame, for the,
nave ascertained that the true worth
VI q iicliOl1 VI oldCS 10 IlDG always u
be gagged by the amount of it's fin
ances, the strength of it's army, O
the value Of its products, but by tn
, character Of its men and women
Isiash said: Il will make man NOR
precious than fine gold" In TIL
: hour Of our great prosperity we mus
, not forget we are moral beings witt
| souls, as we'll as progressive men
for soundness of heart and purity O
. life are the States greatest bulwarI
of safety.
: Law and order have been main
tanned and no unlawful mobs assem-
3 bled, but the people have been quie
; and given up to deeds of industr
and thrift.
? While trying to do full justice t,
7 all and protecting every class, higl
j.. and low, during the year the Stat