Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 42, Number 323, 24 November 1917 — Page 14

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THE RICHMOND PALLADIUM, NOV. 24, 1917

ST. MARYS BOYS TELL HISTORY OF AMERICAN THANKSGIVING DAYS

The brave spirit of our American Thanksgiving was never more 'aptly expressed than by George Wash ington, who said: "It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the . Providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to bo grateful for Ills benefits and humbly to implore His protection and favor; also, to unite most humbly in offering prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our na tional and other transgressions." Thanksgiving Day was not always observed in November, as the proclamation issued by John Ad ams goes to prove. . In appointing Wednesday May 9th, 1798, as a day of prayer and thanksgiving, he said: "As the safety and prosperity of a nation necessarily depend on the protection and blessing of God, and as It Is the duty of a nation to acknowledge this truth, a day of solemn humiliation, fasting and prayer should be appointed." If Jefferson appointed a day of thanksgiving we can find no record of it Probably there was none, for Jefferson was strongly suspected of Voltarian tendencies. Thanksgiving In August As the war of 1812 was being Waged during James Madison's administration he especially asked for peace in his message. He briefly said: "I recommend the third Thursday of August next, as the day on which the several religious denominations shall offer thanks and at the same time their vows and adoration to Almighty God, when they may ask His merciful forgiveness and assistance, that He will .protect the American people, and that the blessings of peace will be hastily restored." This was Issued at Washington July 9th, 1812. Lincoln Wanted United Nation The next proclamation of which we have record is the one Issued by Abraham Lincoln at Washington, March 30, 1863. It is all very beautiful, but the limits of this occasion will not permit it quoted in its entirety. Its tone, however, is less of joyful thanksgiving than of selfaccusation and repentance. "Whereas the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognising the supreme authority and just government of Almighty God in all the affairs of men and of nations, has by a resolution requested the President to designate and set apart a da yof national prayer and humiliation. "Now, therefore, in compliance with the request and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do by this, my proclamation, designate and set apart, Thursday, the 30th day of April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer. "All this being done in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly In the hope,' authorized by the divine teachings that the united cry of the nation will be heard on high and answered with blessings no less than the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided country to its former happy condition of unity and peace." Lincoln's successor, in the presidential office followed the example of his lamented predecessor, and issued a proclamation dated October 28, 1866, which we give in part. It will be noticed that Thanksgiving Day did not occur in November that year. ."Whereas it has pleased Almighty God during the year which is now coming to an end, to relieve our country from the fearful scourage of civil war, and to permit us to secure the blessings of peace, unity and harmony with a great enlargement of civil liberty. Thanksgiving in December. "Now therefore be it known that I, Andrew Jackson, President of the United States, do hereby recommend to the people thereof , that they set apart and observe the first Thursday of December next, as a day of national thanksgiving to the creator of the universe, for these great deliverances and blessings. "And I do further recommend that on that occasion the whole people make confession of our national sins against His infinite goodness and with one heart and one mind implore the divine guidance in the ways of national virture and boUness." President Grant's Message. Grant said in substance, in proclaming a day of special thanksgiv

ing, that as the people had been protected from pestilence, and as they had been successful with their

crops, in their commerce and man ufactures; and as the -nation had increased in wealth, and as peacehad again been restored he would appoint November 18th, as a na tional day of prayer and thanksgiv ing, when the people could thank Almighty God for the many bless ings and favors which they had re ceived, and when they might ask for a continuance of these favors. This proclamation was issued Oc tober 21, 1870. Ruthford B. Hayes begins his mesage of Oct. 29th in. the follow ing terms: "The complete circle of summer and winter, seed time and harvest, has brought us to toe accustomed season at which a religious cele brates with praise and thanksglv ing the enduring mercy of Almigh ty God." After reverting to the general prosperity, "our strength and peace and greatness as a nation," he con tinues: "The experience of the last year is conspicuously marked by the protecting providence of God, and is full of promise and hope for the coming generations." The 29th day of November, Thursday, was designated as a national holiday. Chester A. Arthur reminded the people that it had long been the custom to give thanks to God for the favors and blessings which they had received in the past year. As there had been peace an pros perity in the country during the past year, and as the people had been prosperous and had enjoyed abundant privileges of freedom, he appointed Thursday, November 24th as a day of public thanksgiv ing, on which the people might nnite in offering up their prayers for the favors and blessings obtained from God. This proclamation was issued at Washington, November 4th, 1881. November 1, 1886, we find Grover Cleveland thus proclaiming the day: ' It has long been the custom of the people of the United States on a day in each year especially set apart for that purpose by their chief executive, to acknowledge the goodness and mercy of God and to invoke His continued care and protection. "In observance of such custom I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, do hereby designate and set apart Thursday, November 25, to bo observed and kept as a day of thanksgiving and prayer. Should Remember Poor. "Let us also in the midst of our thanksgiving remember the poor and the needy, with cheerful gifts and alms, so that our service may by deeds of charity be made acceptable in the sight of the Lord." November 1, 1881, is the date of Benjamin Harrison's first Thanksgiving proclamation. In part he say 8: "A highly favored people, mindful of their dependence on the bounty of Divine Providence, should seek a fitting occasion to testify gratitude and ascribe praise to Him who is the author of their many blessings. It behooves us then to look back, with grateful hearts, over the past year and bless God for His infinite mercy to us. "Now, therefore, I. Benjamin Harrison, do earnestly recommend that Thursday, November 28, be set aside as a day of national thanksgiving and prayer, and give thnks to God who has prospered us on our way and made our paths the path of peace, beseeching Him to bless our future' good, making it truly one of thanksgiving for each united home circle, as for the nation at large." MARGARETS CALF RIDE One Sunday morning some friends and Margaret motored to the country to spend the day. Margaret and her cousins played around on the farm until dinner time. Then they went in and had a big chicken dinner. After dinner they went outdoors and hitched a calf to a cart. They thought they would take a ride so they got on the cart. The calf went faster than they thought it would and almost threw them out. Then Margaret's uncle told them to unkitch the calf before they got their necks broken. And they did Lelah Hamilton, 6A grade, Baxter school. "

THANKSGIVING THEN AND NOW (Baxter School Editorial. ) About three hundred years ago the Puiitans had their first Thanksgiving. This year we will have ours. They suffered from cold, hunger and sickness. They had to fight Indians and wild beasts. When they wanted to build a house they had to clear the forests or if they wanted to plant their grain they had to do the same thing. They were fighting for freedom eo that they could worship as they pleased or thought best. We arc- fip.htiug for a democracy, so that all men may have their rights. The Pilgrims had to go through cold, hunger and sickness. Now we have heat and plenty to eat so wo do not have to fight that. But wo are fighting for a greater thing, which is democracy. We are fighting for the world. Some people will not have as much to eat this Thanksgiving because they are saving -it for the soldiers. Margaret Bowmer, 6B grade. When the Pilgrims had Thanksgiving they had turkeys. In those days they did not have stpves or houses. Instead of having houses like we do they had log cabins with fire places on one side of the room. Now the people have houses, stoves and food. We generally have a Thanksgiving dinner but not a

largo feast like the Pilgrims had Janet Russell, 6B grade. I think we should all be thankful because we know the right way to do things Mae Morris, 6B grade. It is only proper that we should show as much courage as that little band did. If we do, we will win the war Harry Lacey, 6B grade. Wo are going through a great struggle which is related to the one that our forefathers made. We are fighting for the same thing that they fought for, for democracy, the greatest thing on earth. . The Pilgrims had many more en emies than we have yet they were brave. They had cold, hunger, wild animals and sickness, while we have none of these, but we are fighting one of the strongest nations to give democracy to the world, Our thanksgiving is then related to the first. For if we do not win this war, democracy will be crushed Madeline M. Branson, GB grade. "OUR FLAG" If yon tannot be a sailor, Or a soldier true; Just save the food and do your bit, For. the. Red, White and blue. Twas long ago, our flag was made, The Red, the White and Blue; And we hope that it shall never fade, While floating o're this land so ' trne- .-, We're marching beyond the sea, With the glorious flag of the free, May it never be furled, Till peace is supreme in the world. Authors: Scholars of Dist. No. 6., Boston Twp. Boys Get Nine Bushels of Walnuts Five toys and myself went walmvting. We were up about five o'clock. We rode out on our bicycler. We went west seven, miles from' Centerville. - We got there about nine. As soon as we got there we were busy. There were about twenty trees. It took us until noon to get twelve trees bate. Our party together got nine bushel. Sunday the boys that had lived about the fire house played baseball together. We chose up sides. Our side defeated the other side, nine to four. Al Benn, 6A grade, Baxter school. SCOUTS TO PLAY LEWISVILLE Richmond Scouts of Troop 3 are practising to play the Lewisville Scout Basketball team as soon as possible. Practises are held Monday evening at 7:3d in the Earlham Gym Ail members of the team are requested to be present. ,..' The Funny Horse One day my little sister was ftaiiding at the window looking out. She saw a man leading a cow and said, "Oh mamma! come see the man playing horse with a cow." Ruth Hamilton, 4B Grade, Baxter School. "

1,300 CHILDREN IN "JACK AND

THE BEAN STALK." 1 J- .JL,, y& -V mi One of the best picture plays of interest to Richmond children is the wonderful production of "Jack and the Bean Stalk" which will be at the Washington theatre, Monday, November 26th. Thirteen hundred children take part in this play, and the old giant is a real living giant eight feet six inches tall. All through the play it is the real fairy story, from the "Once upon a time" when Jack took the cow to the market, and was given the magic beans in re turn, to the very end, when Jack took the princess and rushed down the bean stalk with the old Giant coming after them, and barely reached the bottom in time to chop the stalk down so that the old Giant was killed and they all lived happily ever after. There will be a special matinee at four o'clock so that all the children may come in after school and see it. And all who would like to be carried away into a wonderful fairy-land where beautiful princesses live in golden castles and the terrible old giant is conquered by a brave boy, should by all means see "Jack and the Bean Stalk" on Monday. CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY I celebrated my eleventh birthday by a slumber party. My guests were Kathleen Ressler, Helen Adams, Dorothy Rummel and Mary Beard. They came to my house after school. We sang and played on the piano. After supper we went up stairs and played different games. When .we went to bed we could not sleep, so we talked and played games in the dark. t In the morning at breakfast we raced eating pancakes and Helen Adams and Mary Beard won. Martha Lou Judkins, TO KEEP YOU GUESSING Read these riddles aloud to the family, withholding the answers, and see how many can answer them: What coat is finished without buttons and put on wet ? A coat of paint.' " What bridge is warranted to support any strain? The bridge of a fiddle. '-" What is that, which though black itself, enlightens the world? Ink. Why are laws like the ocean? The most trouble is caused by the breakers. t Why is the Missippi the most eloquent of rivers? Because it has a dozen mouths. Why is a nail fast in the wall like an old man? Because it is infirm. ' What is the difference between love and war? One breaks heads and the other breaks hearts. BANNER FOR ATTENDANCE Warner school has a new banner. It is blue and white. Blue stands for true and the white stands for good and pure. The third room gets to keep it a month because they had the best attendance. Mary Elizabeth Rees, r 3-B Gradoy Warner School.

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THE RASPBERRY KING There were two little girls. Their names were Mary and Edith. Mary was washing some raspberries one day and Bhe found a raspberry worm. She took it and put it under a leaf. The two girls were making raspberry jelly and they did not have enough berries. So they went out in the woods to get some more. In a short time Mary said that they had as many berries as they needed. They thought they had better go home. Edith Baid, "Let us stay and get our aprons full." So they stayed a little while longer. It soon became very dark. The girls were a little afraid. Mary wished she had a chicken sandwich. She felt something in her hand and there was a chicken sandwich. Edith had one too. Mary then wished she had a glass of milk. When she looked in her hand, there was a glass of milk and 'Edith had one also. Then they both wished they had a bed to sleep in. Mary looked, and there were two little beds with Bheets and pillows on. Mary and Edith went sleep. In the morning they awoke and did not know where they were. Mary wished she had a cup of hot corree. On a little table by the side of each bed was a cup of coffee, a pitcher of cleam and some sugar. When they were done eating, they heard a little voice talking to them. The voice said, "It was I who gave you your things to eat," The girls were frightened and looked around and there was a little old man. He had white beard and white hair. He said that ho turned into a worm every thousand years and that Mary had saved his life. He gave each of the girls a pin with a raspberry on it. They never forgot the raspberry

king Mabel Bortner 4A grade, Baxter school. The Naughty Little Boy Once there was a little boy whoso name was Tommy. He was a very naughty boy. One night he asked his mother if he could go to the woods and hunt a coon. His mother said he couldn't go to the woods and hunt that night, because they were going away. Tommy waited until his mother went upstairs to get ready. Then he got his gun and went to the woods. As he was walking around in the woods he heard something coming. He stood and listened and in a minute a large white cow was stading by his side. He ran until he finally came to his back door. He raised the latch and started to go in when something said, "Whoo! Whoo!" He screamed so loud that his mother came and got him. She took him into the house and put him to bed. He never went into the woods again at night without his mother telling him he could. Lelah Hamilton, 6A grade, Baxter School. Rescues Kitten From Boys One day as I was playing I saw some boys throwing stones at a little kitten. I picked the kitten up and took it home. I gave it milk and made a bed for it in a box. I made its bed with straw and put soft carpets over it. I took care of it as well as I could. Soon it was well. I kept it and named it Snow White. Mary Stevenson, 5B grade, Baxter school. NOTICE The Federal Scouts will go on a hike to New Paris, Ohio, November 29, 1917, and will start at 7:30 a. m. Take your dinners and meet at scout headquarters, 722 North 10th street. The hike will be postponed if it rains. Andrew Spalding and Argus Ogborn. t Warner School Does Its Bit Warner school children brought money for the soldiers. We brought enough to fill two comfort kits and give five dollars to the Y, M. C. A. war fund. Marian Miller Heiser, 3-B Grade, Warner School. Sell Flags for Red Cross Fund This summer Kathleen ResBler, Dorothy Rummel and Martha Lou Jedkins had a small club. They gathered all their scraps of goods together and made flags for the allies and sold them. They made $1.50 and gave it to the Red Cross. Yours truly, Martha Lou Judkins, Cambridge City.