The Forrest City times., 1899-10-27
4 DAY 0F THANKSGIVING.
President William Mckinley Issues His Annual Thanksgiving
 Proclamation.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER THIRTY, NAMED.
The President Euumerates a Number of Causes for rhnnkfulne>s, anu Recommends an Observnnce or the Day by Abstention From Toii and Doing Deeds or Charity.

Washington. Oct. 26.-The president has issued the following Thanksgiv- ing proclamation:
 The Proclamation.
 "A national custom. dear to the hearts of the people. calls for the set ting apart of one day in each year as an occasion of special thanksgiving to Almighty God for the blessings of the preceding year. This honcred observ- ance acquires with time a rendered significance It enriches domestic life. It summons under the family roof the absent children to glad renuion with those they love.
 Seldom has this nation had greater cause for profound thanksgiving. No great pestilenee has invaded our shores Liberal employment waits up- on labor Abundant crops have re- warded the efforts of the husband man. Increased comforts have come to the home. The national finances have been strengthened. and public credit has been sustained and made firmer In all branches of industry and trade. there has been an un- equalled degree of prosperity, while there has been a steady gain in the moral and educational growth of our national character.
 Churches and schools have four ished. American patriotism has been exalted. Those engaged in maintain ing the honor of the flag with such signal success have been. in q large degree. spared from disaster and dis ease. An honorable peace has been ratified with foreign nation, with which we were at war, and We are now on friendly relations with every pow CT on earth.
 The trust which we have assumed for the benefit of the people of Cuba has been faithfully advanced. There IS marked progress toward the restora- tion of healthy industrial conditions, and under wise sanitary regulations the island has enjoyed usual exemp- tion from the scourge of fever. The hurricane which swept over our new possession of Porto Rico. destroying the homes and property of the inhab- itants, called forth the instant sym pathY of the people of the United States. who were swift to respond with generous aid to the sufferers.
 While the insurrection still contin- ues in the island of Luzon. business is resuming its activity, and confidence iE the good purposes of the United States is being rapidly established throughout the archipelago.
 For these reasons. and countless others, l. William Mckinley, president of the United States. do hereby name Thursday, the ;hirtieth day of No vember next, as a day of general thanksgiving and prayer. to be ob- served by all our people on this conti- nent, and in our newly-acquired is- 1 lands, as well as by those who may be at sea or sojourning in foreign mnds: and l advise that on this day relig- lous exercises shall be conducted in the churches or meeting places of all denominations. in order that in the social features of the day it's real sig. nifcance may not be lost sight of. but fervent prayer may be offered to the Nest High for continuance of the Divine guidance, without which mans efforts are vain, and for Divine con- solation to those whose kindred and friends have sacrificed their lives for our country.
 Il recommend, also. that on this day. so far as may be found practica, ble, labor shall cease from its accus. toned toil,and charity abound towards the sick, the needy and the poor.
 Tn witness whereof. I have set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed
 WILLIAM MCKINLEY"