The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-11-27
OUR FIRST THANKSGIVING.
The Document Issued by Washington at the
Request of the First Congress.

The Document Issued by Washington at the
Request of the First Congress.
Boston Herald.
Just one hundred years ago next Thurs
day was observed our first national Thanks
giving day, its date being Thursday. the
26th day of November. 17S9. the practice of
always taking the fourth Thursday in the
month. making. of course. a slight variation
The first Congress under the Constitution
came together very slowly. The day APP
pointed for its meeting was the 4th OF
March, 1889. La the morning. moor and
evening of hat day there were firing of
cannon and ringing of bells in the city,
but only eight Senators and thirteen Rep
resentatIves, not enough for a quorum,
made their appearance. This was partly
owing to the desultory habits. in every
thing connected with public affairs. which
had grown up under the late administra-
ton, bit more largely TO the difficulties
and uncertainties of the means of travelling,
not only in the more inaccessible parts of
the country, but even In the most populous
States, and on chief routes connecting the
large towns
In September the first session of the First
Congress was brought to a close. Before
their adjournment the two houses appoint
ed a joint committee to wait on the Presi-
dent and request that he would recon-
mend TO the people of the Uniled States a
day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to
be observed by acknowledging, with great
ful hearts. the many ana signal favors of
Almighty God. especially by attording them
an opportunity peacefully to establish n
constitution of government for their safety
and happiness" On the Sd day of October
Washington acceded To this request, and
issued the following proclamation for a ma
Whereas, 1t is the duty of all nations TO 40.
knowledge the providence of Almighty God. 10
obey His will, to he grateful for His benefits, and
humbly to implore His protection and favor:
and, whereas, both houses of Congress have. by
their joint comnlittee, requested me Ito recom-
mend TO the people OF the United States a day OF
public thanksgiving and prayer. TO be observed
by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many
and signal fayors of Almighty God. especially
by afiording them an opportunity peaceably TO
establish q form OF government for their safety
and happiness"
Thursday, the 26th day OF November next. to
the service OF that great and glorious being. who
is the beneicent author of all the good that was,
that is. that Will be: that we may then all unite
In rendering unto Him our sincere and humble
thanks for His kind care and protection of the
people OF this country, previous 10 their becom-
ing a nation; for thosignal and manifold mercies
and the favorable interpretations OF His provi-
dence in the course and conclusion of the late
ana plenty, which we have since en-
jOyed; for the peaceable and rational man.
ner in which we have been enabled TO establish
constitutions of governments for our safety and
happiness, and particularly the national one now
lately instituted; for the civil and religious lib
erty with which we are blessed. and the means
we have of acquiring and diffnsing useful knowi-
edge; and, in general, for all the great and vari-
Gus fayors which He has been pleased to confer
upon us.
And. also, that we may then unite in most
hunbly Offering our prayers and supplfcations to
the great Lord and ruler of nations, and beseech
III m 10 pardon our national aud other transgres-
sl0ns, to enable us all, whether in public or pri-
waite stations, to perform our several and rela-
tive duties properly and pupctually; to render
our national government a blessing to all the
people, by constantly being q government OF
wise. just and constitutional laws, discreetly and
faithfully executed and obeyed; 10 protect and
guide all sovereigns and nations Especially such
as have shown kindness to usl, and to bless them
with good governments. peace and concord; To
promote the knowledge and practice of true re-
llgion and virtue, and the Increase OF science.
among them and us; and, generally, TO grant
unto all mankind such adegree of temporal prog
perity as He alone knows 10 be best.
Given under my hand. at the city of New York.
the Sd day of October, in the year of our Lord
1889. GEORGE WASHINGTON.
1t may be assumed that this proclamation
was the sincere u~tterance of Washington's
generous n grateful heart; for. after sur
after finding in the newly-formed Nation
an active and aspiring people who had sur
vlved the discussions, intrigues and blood
shed of revolution. and were now at peace,
he was transported with gratitude.
Since then a hundred years ave passed.
Our country stretches from ocean to ocean.
covered with fair towns and stately cities.
inhabited by a people linked together by
bonds of education and common interest,
and more closely linked together than ever
before since the white dove of peace has
brooded over the graves of the blue and
the gray. Life is made comfortable by a
thousand inventions. and our homes are
supplied with conveniences and luxuries
undreamed of in W~ashington's time. AS n
people we stand foremost among the SOW
ereign nations of the earth, and truly wa
nave much TO be thankful for Oh our cen-
tennial THANKSGIVING day.