"Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men"

That song that we all sing at Christmas time, when all the earth is rejoicing at the Saviour's birth; when everyone is celebrating a season of joy and gaiety and reuniting of family ties, is more particularly appropriate this year than ever before. For there is in the vary air a spirit that breathes of the desire for peace among all people. Pacts between nations; movements to restrict arms and armies, and wars and preparations for war; the "good will" tour of our great President-elect among the southern Americas; the "League of Neighbors" in some of our large cities; the exchange of college students with other countries--all these moves speak in thrilling tones of the deep-seated desire for true peace and fellowship throughout the world.

Not all at once can we expect the millennium, for all great movements are a growth, no matter how spontaneous they may seem. But the very fact that in so many different places, among so many different peoples and types of people, has the spirit arisen, proves that the feeling is gaining strength and power with almost unprecedented speed for so mighty a force.

Let each one of us do her part to help. National defense, up to a certain point, is right, but the more we talk of peace, the more we act peace, the more we show in every way the desire for peace, the less we shall need that preparation for defense. As a family at peace among its members does better work, presents a solid front against trouble, and is happier in every aspect of life, so it is with nations, and finally with the world.

A nation at peace, without thoughts of war or plans for war, can turn its attention and its money to improvements of every kind. How much finer are improved harbors, great water projects, speeding of the mails, fine airports, merchant ships, splendid roads, to say nothing of great educational institutions , the training of the unlettered among the mountains of the south, the promotion of art and music and literature, than harrowing the feelings and ruining the lives of thousands of men and women, young and old!

The let us all seek to realize the inner meaning of Christmas, this year, and to make a vow within ourselves that in every way we can we will try to promote the coming of a real and lasting peace among all the nations of earth, that "good will among men" may before many years have passed, be a blessed reality all over the world.

--Edith Granger Hawkes

Included in "Class of 1891: Granger, Edith" - Classes of 1891-1900 records, Smith College Archives, CA-MS-01022, Smith College Special Collections, Northampton, Massachusetts.