Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1899-10-28
A NATIONAL THANKSGIVING.
President Mckinley Issues the Gus.
tOmary Proclamation.

Washington. Oct. 2G.-The president
has issued the following Thanksgiving
proclamation:
A national custom dear to the hearts OF
the people calls for the setting apart Of
one day in each year as an occasion of
special thanksgiving to Almighty God
for the blessings of the preceding year.
This honored observance acquires with
time tenderer significance. ltenriches
domestic life. 1t summons under the
family roof the absent children to glad
reunion with those they love.
Seldom has this nation had greater
cause for profound hanksgivin.,. No
great pestilence has invaded our shores.
Liberal employment waits upon Ia Dor,
Abundant crops have rewarded the e.
forts of the husbandmen. Increased
comforts have come to the home. The
national finances have been strength
ened, and public credit has been sus-
tanned and firmer. In all branches Of
industry and trade there has been an
unequalled degree of prosperity, while
there has been steady gain in the
moral and educational growth of our
character. Churches and schools have
flourished. American patriotism has
been exalted. Those engaged in main
tanning the honor of the flag with such
signal success have been in Il large Ge-
gree spared from disaster and disease.
An honorable peace has been ratified
with foreign nation with which we
were at war, and we are now on friendly
rela ations with every power on earth.
The trust which We have assumed for
~. ",,1, "a c,,1
advanced. There has been marked
progress toward the restoration of
healthy industrial conditions and under
wise sanitary regulations island has
enjoyed unusual exemption from the
scOurge of fever. The hurricane which
swept over our new posse ssion of Porto
Rico, destroying the homes and property
of the inha bitants. called for the instant
sympathy of the people of the United
States. who were swift to respond with
generous aid to the sufferers. While the
insurrection still continues in the land
of Luzon, business is resuming its uc-
tivity and confidence in the good pur-
poses of the United States is rapidly
being established throughout the archi-
pelago.
For these reasons and countless others,
I. William Mckinley, President of the
United States, do hereby name Thurs
day. the thirtieth day of November next.
as day Of general Thanksgiving and
prayer, to be observed as such by all our
people on this continent and in cur
newly acquired islands, as we'll as by
those who may be at sea or sojourning
in foreign lands, and | advise that on
this day religious exercises shah be con-
Quoted in the churches or meeting
places of all denominations, in order
that in the social features of the day its
real significance may not be lost sight
of, prayers may be offered to the Most
High for continuance of the divine
guidance. without which mans efforts
are vain. and for divine consolation to
those whose kindred and friends have
sacrificed their lives for their country.
I recommend also that on this day, so
far as may be found practicable, labor
shall cease from it's accustomed toll and
charity abound toward the sick. the
needy and the poor.
In witness whereof l have set my hand
and caused the seal of the United States
to be affixed. William Mckinley.