THANKSGIVING DAY NOVEMBER 29th, I928.

White Ribbon, Volume 33, Issue 403, 18 February 1929, Page 5

THANKSGIVING DAY NOVEMBER 29th, 1928.

Beloved Comrade, The many congratulatory letters coming to us from other lands, bring us the good news that the election of Herbert Hoover as the President of our republic and the overwhelming defeat of Governor Smith of New York, who assured the nation he would do all in his power to bring about the legal sale of wine and beer, will prove a wonderful encouragement to social welfare and temperance workers In nil parts ot the world. This morning's Chicago papers, relating the story of Mr Hoover’s reception in Costa Rica. Central America, speak of an official luncheon given in his honour, and attended by one hundred and fifty of the highest dignitaries of this American republic, it thrilled us to note that no wine was served it this luncheon “as a tribute to prohibition in the United Stat«»s, and because of Mr Hoover’s delicate position in the presence of wine-drinking.’ Isn’t that a superb gesture of friendship from these Latin friends? We hope the other republics our Presi-dent-elect is to visit will follow this remarkable example of international courtesy and consideration. We have just held our National Convention —the 64th—-in Tremont Temple in the old City of Boston.

where, in 1891. we met for the first Convention of the World’s W.C.T.I . From the opening devotional service until the closing benediction, our Convention was a continuous j*alm of thanksgiving for the election victory. One evenings programme was devoted to the presentation of the progress of the World’s W.C.T.I .. and I was privileged to preside. That night a processional of White Ribboners. carrying elect rically-lighted candles, visualize*! to the big Convention and a greet audience the number of local branches of the W.C T.U. in many states, that during 1928 had given five dollars, or one pound, and a subscription for the “Union Signal” to make themselves “Light-Line Unions.” thus substantially aiding the funds of the World’s W.CT.U. It was a joy to watch the brilliant parade of these blessed women five hundred of them marching to the music of stirring White Ribbon songs, their faces lighted with happiness to he keeping step in such a magnificent world-

wide cause. Some of us who had attended the 1891 World’s Convention in this same Tremont Temple, presided over by Frances K. Willard, watched this line of light through misty eyes, and felt like exclaiming. “What hath God wrought." The 1891 Convention yvas small in numbers, hut mighty in dedicated purpose and plans. Lady Henry Somerset was with us. and our first round-the-world Missionary, Mrs Mary Clement Leavitt, was welcomed to her home city after a world organizing tour of seven years. Our 192 8 Convention of the National W.CT.U., gave to our hundreds of delegates and \isitors the vision of what we can do for all the world. We felt a new determination to become better neighbours with all nations. Wo realized more fully what it means to be alive in this wonderful age. and to he a builder 1n tin* activities which help to bring the kingdom of God in all hearts, homes and nations. As we enter the untried year of of 192 9, we have great reason to rejoice. We must work for large additions to the membership of the World's W.C.T.IJ. We must win the children and young people through science and precept in the public schr>ol and the Sunday School, and by rallying them in juvenile societies. Only the cause that wins and stirs the hearts of little children can he certain of a successful future. We must affirm to the millions of earth’s children made in the image of their Creator, that alcohol is an arch enemy of the human race, and neither by individuals nor by governments should it be treated as a friend or a business partner. The horizon of our hope grows wider and more glorious. The mighty oceans unite, rather than separate our beloved affiliated nations. The home is being exalted. In all the world we are helping to bring the triumph of Christ’s Golden Rule in custom and in law r . In affectionate fellowship. Yours for world victory. ANNA A. GORDON