S.C. Gov. Manning: “We are a God-fearing people. We realize our dependence on Him and we trust in His sustaining arm.

Day of Special Prayer.

   Columbia, Aug. 26.–Gov. Manning issued a proclamation yesterday, designating next Sunday, September 2, as a day of special prayer for those who are to be called into the national army by the selective service law. The governor calls upon the ministers of all denominations and all Christian people to make special intercession for the soldiers on that day. The proclamation reads:

   “Beginning September 5, thousands of young South Carolinians will be called for service in the National Army. The National Guard of South Carolina is already in the federal service. It seems to me fitting that some recognition should be made of the sacrifices that our men in arms are making, and are to make, in fighting for our country, for defense of our honor, for the defense of the lives and property of American citizens and for the cause of human freedom and of human liberty. It is our duty to dispel the idea that the men of the National Army are to be looked upon in the attitude of being forced to fight. The policy of the government has been fixed, by which men are selected for service. There is, therefore, nothing but honor and respect to the members of the National Army who have been drafted, as well as to those who have volunteered their services.

    “A solemn duty devolves upon the citizens generally who will not be privileged themselves to bear arms, but who are in cordial sympathy with the purposes for which these men are to fight.

   “We recognize the sacrifices that are ahead of us, either as non-combatants or as soldiers, and that those bearing arms, who are leaving their homes and loved ones in response to the call of duty and patriotism to their country, may be called upon to make the supreme sacrifice.

   “We are a God-fearing people. We realize our dependence on Him and we trust in His sustaining arm.

   “I therefore call upon all ministers of every denomination, members of all the churches and citizens generally, to unite in making Sunday, September 2, a day on which all patriotic citizens are called upon to offer prayer, fervently and solemnly, for the men who are under arms, and for those who are to be called to arms and for their families and loved ones.”

[The Bamberg Herald, Bamberg, S.C., Thursday, August 30, 1917. Established 1891 Pg. 2]