Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-01-01
Remember Poland.

Today is POlandS day IN America.
Today. Jan. /, was set apart by the
President as a day in which direct APP
peal should be made to the sympathy
of all American citizens, an appeal to
contribute aid to suffering Poland.
The United States enjoys national
prosperity unparalleled. Poland, swept
and reswept by mighty contendins
forces, is indeed bereft. Unless it be
Serbia no alton in Europe has suffered
as has Poland. None is more stricken
Rich and poor have paid terrible
penalty for a. war which was not OF
their choosing.
So this suggestion, which has behind
it all the force of appeal from the high
est deliberative body in our land, can
not be denied. For some 1915 fastened
to it's end having bestowed undreamed
of riches. For millions more Christ
mas has meant a relief from anxiety.
For most Americans the year just
closed has brought bright hope.
Out of the great affluence which has
come to the country, riches accumu-
lated in no small way from Europes
losses. America can we'll afford to heed
the anguish of poor Poland. In Serbia,
in Relgium, already American seneros-
h,,;1 n
new friendship for things trans-At-
Iantic. Poland now calls. The COM
Portable people of the United States
will honor their nation by responding
to the cry. They will put better
meaning into Christmas. They will
put a better meaning into Christmas.
They will add intellectually to happi-
ness and to the we'll being of race
utterly cast down.
Remember Poland, the land which
has contributed generously of it's own
stalwart sons and daughters to Amer
ica's upbuilding. Remember Poland,
the land of brave spirits, the country
where freedom is passion. Remem-
Der Poland, the land of PADEREW-
SKI. of LESCHETIZKY, Of the Won
derful musicians whose genius has
made all the world a happier. more
beautiful place. Great and humble are
desOlate now
President Wilson's proclamation fol-
lows:
whereas. I have received from the
Senate of the United states a resolu-
ton passed December II. 1918. reading
..Whereas. The attention, of the
people of the United States has been
from time to time directed to the ap-
pallng situation in po aa,,fa,t, o whs ere
day is homeless. and where men,
women and children are perishing ny
the thousands for lack of shelter,
clothing and food; and,
Whereas. The people Of the Unit
ed States have demonstrated their
sympathy for the suffering people on
all sides of the great European war
charitable work in Belgium, Serbia
and other places. and feeling that the
American people would quickly re-
once the tragedy of the situation
there Is brought home to them, be it
RESOLVED, That, approaching the
suffering of the stricken people, it IS
suggested that the United States set
aside day in the forthcoming hol-
day season upon which a direct APP
peal to the sympathy of all American
citizens shall be made. and an oppor-
tunity shall be given for all to con-
tribute to much-needed holiday
for relief in Poland And,
Whereas, l feel confident that the
people of the United States. during
this holiday season, will be moved to
aid a people stricken by war, famine
and disease:
Now. therefore. I. Woodrow Will
son. President of the United States,
in compliance with the suggestion Of
the Senate thereof, do appoint and
proclaim January i 1916. as day
upon which the people of the United
States may make such contributions
as they feel disposed for the aid of
the stricken Polish people.
contributions may be addressed
to the American Red Cross, Wash
ington. y. c.. which will care for their
proper distribution.
In witness whereof, I have here
unto set my hand and caused the seal
of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington
this eighteenth day of December, in
the year OF our Lord, one thousand
nine hundred and fifteen. and of the
independence OF the United States the
one hundred and fortieth
WOODROW WILSON"