Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 January 1916 — ASSIST THOSE AROUND US [ARTICLE]

ASSIST THOSE AROUND US

New Year a Good Time to. Remember the Needy and Struggling Who Are Close to Home. All history teaches us that dll conditions change and. that every war cloud must eventually pass away. It is the fervent hope and prayer of all nations that peace will come with 1916. Meanwhile every individual has his own plans for the hew year and they are usually generous and kindly in purpose; a universal spirit that explains the cheery hopes for the new year. True, it has been with many rather a strenuous and exacting time in planning gifts for the Christmastide out the surplus of last year, hut they will be none the less appreciated, because this year’s benefactions possibly represent a greater sacrifice than those of years past. Then, too, there have been heavy claims on American generosity for funds with which to send contributions for the millions of suffering, homeless and destitute people abroad. ■ ■? 1 But on New Year’s day we should look more closely at home, and remember that around us are many that need help and assistance. There are thousands of struggling men and women that need Just now something in the way of encouragement and inspiration, to say nothing of a~ little financial boost here and there. The New Year has always been a -popular holiday with mo, because the greeting carries the word “happy,” and I wonder if happiness is not, after all, what most of us are seeking. We work for it; we plan for it and ought to be thankful when we find it, and when you say"happy, ’ you must feel happy and look happy. The word "happy” comes from “hap," and “hap” means chance —good, fortune, and implies peace.,and Joyoua hours. What a slender thread between “happy” and “hapless, ’ and we feel on this dbcasion like using Shakespeare’s greeting, “All happiness bechance to thee.” We just stop and look at xhe word as ft stands out by itself and that is why it seems so appropriate to have a little talk on “happy” when we'speak of the New Year.— Joe M. Chappie Hu NaUohalMaga<an|