Evening star., 1921-11-24
Thanksgiving and Peace.

Three years ago the people of the
United States had occasion to give
thanks on the appointed day more
fervently than for more than half a
century. For the great war had been
just ended with victory and the losses
and sufferings entailed by that strug-
gle were at an end. There was a
fervency Of rejoicing and a depth of
spiritual appreciation of the blessings
of Providence that could not be fully
expressed in the words Of the days
ceremonies and observances.
Today, however. there is reason for
an even greater rejoicing and graft
tude than in 1918. For another VIC
tory is, if not yet won, at least in
immediate prospect. Another mani
festation of great blessings bestowed
upon the American people is in evi.
dence.
On this day there should be voiced
the thanks Of united people for the
wisdom Of those who, leading the ma
ton in its government, have brought
about a meeting at this capital for
the, discussion Of the greatest problem
that besets mankind, for their simple
honesty Of purpose which has set
forth a practical plan for lessening
the terrible burdens Of war-inviting
ornaments and has given a formula
upon which the peace of the world
may be established.
When the invitation went forth to
the nations to send their delegates
here to discuss means of arms limita-
ton with a view to removing dangers
of conflict and lessening the burdens
Of taxation skepticism prevailed as to
the possibility of more than a debate.
But the first words spoken fortnight
ago changed doubt into hope. The
world responded in spirit that made
the success of the conference not only
possible but probable.
But not merely for the prospect
thus open for a lessening of war
chances through international agree
ments is there occasion for American
Thanksgiving. This country has by
its invitation and by the terms Of its
initial proposals taken the moral lead
ership Of the world, in fulf1llment of
the destiny of the American people.
There is reason now for every citizen
Of the United States to feel proud of
his country, proud of its leaders,
proud of the ideals which animate
them and guide the course of the re-
public.
And this thankfulness today ex-
pressed has its more particular and
immediate occasion. The country has
passed safely through a crisis caused
by the sudden end of war and the re-
adjustments made necessary by the
change of conditions. Social and in
dustrial dangers have been passed,
not finally and definitely, but in such
measure as to give assurance that
with patience and courage normal
conditions will shortly be regained.
No great disasters have marred the
year, no great sufferings have been
borne by the people. no heavy losses
have been inflicted upon them. Thus
negatively there is reason for graft
tude. On the positive side there are
many grounds for giving thanks.
Even though only a part Of the
program Of peace now being developed
at the conference held here is at
tanned, much will have been gained
in setting up for adoption by the
other powers Of the world Of princi-
pies Of honorable dealing, frankness
and trust between nations. The world
has never before witnessed such a
spectacle, Of a government offering
upon equitable terms to sacrifice
greater part Of its navy in order that
the danger of conflict may be lessened
or removed. And for this spectacle
the American people, themselves re-
sponsible for the acts Of their repre-
sentatives, rejoice.