The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1921-11-05
THE WATCHMAN AND SoUTHRoN, NOVEMBER 5, 1921
Annual Thanksgiv-
ing Proclamation
President Harding Issues For
NAL Call to Nation to Re-
turn Thanks

Washington, Oct. 31.-Presidcnt
Harding issued a proclamation dcs-
ignating Thursday. November "a, as
q day OF Thanksgiving, devotion and
rrayer and urging the people to
give thanks for all that has been
rendered unto them" and to pray
"for a continuance Of the divine
fortune which has been showered
so generously upon this nation"
The proclamation follows:
"That season has come when.
alike in pursuance of devout peo-
pies time honored custom in CRATE
full recognition Of favoring national
fortunes, it is proper that the
president should summon the ma
ton to a day Of devotion, of thanks
giving for blessings bestowed and
Of prayer for guidance on modes Of
life that may deserve continuance
Of divine favor.
Foremost among our blessings
is the return Of peace and the ap-
proach to normal ways again. The
year has brought us again into re-
lations Of amity with all nations af-
ter long period Of struggle and
turbulence. In thanksgiving, there
fore, we may we'll unite in the hope
that providence Will vouchsafe ap-
Sproval to the things we have done,
the aims which have guided us. the
aspirations which have inspired us.
We shall be prospered as we shall
deserve prosperity, seeking not
alone for the material things but
for those of the spirit as we'll; earn
estly trying 10 help others, asking
before all else the privilege of serv-
ice. AS we render thanks anew
FOR the exaltation which came to
US, we may fittingly petition that
moderation and wisdom shall be
granted to rest upon all who arc in
authority in the task they must
discharge. Their hands will be
steadied, their purposes strengthen
ed in answer to our prayers.
"Ours has been a favored nation
in the bounty which God has be-
slowed upon it. The great trial Of
humanity, though indeed we did
our part as we'll as we are able, left
us comparatively Gnscarred. 1t is
for US to recognize that We have
been thus favored and, when we
gather at our altars to offer up
thanks, we will do we'll to pledge,
in humility and all sincerity. our
purpose to prove deserving. We
have been raised up and preserved
in national power and consequence,
as part of plan whose wisdom
we can not question THUS believ-
ing, we can do no less than hold
our nation the willing instrument
Of the providence which has SO
wonderfully favored us. Opportun
ity for very great service awaits
US if we shall prove equal to it. Let
our prayers be raised for direction
in the right paths. Under God, our
responsibility is great, to our own
first, to all men afterwards; to; all
mankind in Gods own justice.
Now therefore, l, Warren G..
Harding, president of the United
States, hereby designate Thursday.
the cath day Of November, to be
observed by the people as a day Of
Thanksgiving. devotion and pray
er; urging that at their hearthS
and altars they will give thanks
for all that has been rendered unto
them, and will pray for a continu-
ance of the divine fortune which
has been showered SO generously
upon this nation.
In witness whereof, I have here
unto set my hand and caused to be
affixed the seal of the United States
Of America
Done at the capital of the Unit
ed States this 31st day of October,
in the ycar Of our Lord, 1921, and
of the independence Of the United
States, the 146th.
Warren G.. Harding.
"By the president:
Charles 4. Hughes,
"SecrctarV of State"