Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-11-29
D. S. BLESSINGS MYRIAD,
Say CABINET MEMBERS
Their Messages Explain Why
Americans Should Be Thank
full Today.

Thanksgiving messages from members
Of the cabinet addressed to the people OF
the country and the country's defenders
on land and sea appear in today's official
bulletin.
Secretary Lane says he cannot be
thankful for war. the methods Of war, nor
the turning of mems minds from things
constructive to things destructive. but he
gives thanks that this is a nation I'M
a ashamed, that the spirit of Bunker Hill
and Santiago is still quick and aggressive"
and that men are willing to die that lib
erty and justive may live"
Postmaster General Burleson says the
people Of tho United States should be
thankful that the war is not being waged
on our shores, and that while Europe.
Asia and Africa are ravaged no foe has
been destroyed and our people go about
their business and live in peace. in plenty
and in security"
Several Of the messages emphasize that
the American people should consider 1t a
blessing to fight a righteous war for hon.
est ideals. and Edwin F. Sweet. acting sec
rotary OF commerce, says the wrong-doer
can never truly give thanks.
"our National Blessings"
HE may gloat over his barbarities and
crimes. but thanks to the Giver of all good,
in the name of the Prince of Peace, would,
on his lips. be hideous mockery."
IF We measured our national blessings
by the materialistic standard Of physical
comfort and prosperity, which has been
IN recent years SO potent in our thought
as people," says Secretary Lansing. the
observance Of Thanksgiving day this year
might seem almost mockery, for we are
engaged In the most destructive and ter
rible war Of all times.
But new conception Of national bless
Ing has como to the American people, a
conception in which the spiritual is exalt-
ed above the material. in which the life Of
the nation Is placed above the life of the
Individual: No greater blessing could have
come to the republic than this awakening
to the fact that patriotism is more to be
priced than wealth."
Devoted to Nation.
Secretary of Labor Wilson, who has
just crossed the continent. telegraphed
from Portland. Ore, that "in the midst
of all diversity of place and people, be-
hind all differences 1 find a common
and complete devotion to this country
and an unquestioning devotion to the
aims of freedom and democracy which
the war"
Grim and terrible as is the task be-
fore u.s." says Secretary McAdoo, "let
US thank God on this Thanks giving
day. that noble America. faithful to
her traditions. the undaunted cham
pion Of democracy. has been called to
perform this great and glorious service
to mankind"
Secretary Baker says that men of the
War Department sent a word of good
cheer in midst of activities of trying
to get men to France and equipment
but with all the preparations 1.-The fight
will be won by the stout hearts Of men,
and the message from our hearts to
their hearts is one of confidence and
trust"
Secretary Daniels declared I'VE are
thankful that out of the tragedies of
war blossom the flowers of generosity,
love and brotherhood. ennobling ma
tional ideals and consecrating national
character"