The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1917-12-14
OUTLINES SPIRIT
OF CHRISTMAS
Governor Suggests the Sacrificing of
Some Pleasures.

Some Pleasures.
A democratic Christmas-plain, sim
pie, genuine in spirit, but not extrav,
agant or ~overdone-is the suggestion
of Gov. Tom c. Rye to the people o
Tennessee in a proclamation ISSUED
Monday. In this time of worldwide
war. when there is so much want anc
suffering; when food and clothing are
needed for our soldiers in the battle
lines. and to sustain our allies fighting
for democracy, the people Of the great
democracy are asked to sacrifice somt
of the pleasures Of Christmas time
Make gifts if you viii, but make gifts
that will be useful as well as pleasing.
The movement for a plain, simple
and democratic Christmas is being urg
ed all over the United States, and the
national government urges all states
to make the holiday season fit present
conditions. ,
The proclamation by Gov. Rye is as
follows:
"To the People of Tennessee
Il would not, ever if | had the pow
er, rob the youthful mind of one thrill
Of pleasure which the anticipated visit
Of Santa Claus suggests, and | am
10th to disturb the ~eXtravagant dream
of u grown-up children and cause a
rude awakening by touching it with
the wand of truth. But in this hour Of
the nations travail, when our people
are having to meet tests never before
dreamed Of, | appeal to the intelli-
gence of the people of this common
wealth and beg that in the midst of
time honored festivities of a hallowed
season, we keep uppermost in our
thoughts the abnormal conditions pro-
duaed By q worldwide struggle in
which our own nation has been eonl-
PEELED to unsheathc its sword ia ce-
Tense OF principles that gave it birth.
"Eyea tn times Of profound peace,
it would seem there is little excuse for
our extrayagant and needless indulg-
ence at Christmas time. If this be true
then certainly, under existing condl-
tons, there can be no reasonable cX-
cuse for such extravaganza now. We
are waging holy combat to make the
world safe for democracy, Let US,
therefore, make cur own Christmas
typical of cur ideals of a worldwide
democracy.
Let US urge our little friends thru
out the state, when writing to their
patron saint, to call special attention
to all those unfortunates of other lands
who might be overlooked and forgot
ten by Santa Claus on his annual visit.
The writing of letters will evidence a
beautiful spirit of self-sacrifice and
cheerful willingness to enjoy less your
selves that others may not be forgot
ten. With your gifts, remember the
gallant soldiers and heroic seamen,
and all our patriotic men and women
who have gone from us to make if nee
essary, the sublime sacrifice that free
government may not perish from the
earth.
I'm making gifts, select them from
necessary articles; gifts that will not
only bring pleasure because of the
thoughtfulness of the donors, but an
swer some essential need of the hour;
gifts that will contribute to the MAX
ing Of every day Of the coming year
a brighter and an easier one for the
recipient. In all your preparations
for this happy season, keep constantly
in mind the fact that we are at war;
that our beloved nation faces a peril
never before known; and that, to con-
quer the foe will require all the for
titude, all the self-saerifee and devo-
ton of all our people. The needs Of
u nation should be paramount and
must be kept ever before Us.
I'm selecting and sending gifts we
should not overlook the unprecedented
congestion of railroad traffic, occasion
ed by the demands Of the war, and
send only such articles as will re-
quire the minimum Of space.
LET me appeal especially to the
patriotic housewives, the loyal moth
ers of the state, to bear in mind the
worlds shortage Of essential foods.
Every cake eliminated, every pound of
candy unmade, every ounce of meat or
fat saved, will be patriotic contribu-
ton to the cause of humanity and lib
erty in the titanic struggle.
"Unless we are able to save at least
one-third of our normal consumption
of wheat, flour, sugar, fats and meat,
We will scarcely be able to meet even
the minimum requirements of our SOL
diers and sailors and those Of our he
roic allies and their civilian popula-
ton. Gaunt hunger must not stalk