Omaha daily bee., 1899-11-30

like Elizabeth and others, made thanksgiv-
ing compulsory.
First Nebraska Proclamation.
The first Nebraska Thanksgiving procla-
nation was issued nearly half century ago
Ivy Thomas b. Cunning, acting governor for
the territory. The capitol at that time was
located at Belleview, few miles from
Omaha. A copy OF this proclamation, dated
November 49, 1854. has been preserved by
the State Historical society and it is now an
interesting historical document, 1t reads as
follows:
"a time -honored and republican custom,
sanctifed by Christian observance, has set
apart one day in each year for the express
sion of thanks to the Almighty Dsposer Of
events, by whose kind providence our be-
loved country has been so bountifully blessed
and singularly protected.
The inhabitants of the vast territory so
lately added to the republic may we'll unite
with their fellow countrymen in thanksgiv
ing to Almighty God for the continued eN
istence and progress OF the federal union,
for the blessings of peace In a period Of
devastating wars for preservation from
pestilence and famine, for the spread of
christianity and education, for the accession
of an immense and priceless domain. for
the steady Advancement of free principles
and the success and supremacy OF our con-
stitutional self government.
Deeply convinced that our humble ac-
Acknowledgements. as individuals and as a peo-
pie, are due at all times, to our Benehcent
Creator upon whose favor all are depen-
dent, and in conformity with the wishes OF
many good citizens, |, Thomas B. Cunning,
acting governor of Nebraska, do hereby
designate Thursday. the 30th day of Novem-
ber, as day of thanksgiving and recon-
mend that on that day the people OF this
territory unite in homage to Almighty God
for His past mercies and blessings and be-
seech Him for continuance of His protect
ing favor.
"Given under my hand at Belleview, Ne
braska territory, this 18th day of November,
in the year Of our Lord the 1S54th and OF the
territory the first
THOMAS 3. CUNNING,
Acting Governor of Nebraska"
Reasons for THANKSGIVING.
The people of the United States will give
thanks tomorrow for bountiful harvests, for
increased prosperity, peace, happiness and
health. From the proclamations issued by
the governors Of the various states the fol-
lowing reasons for thanksgiving are taken:
Maine-Abundant harvests, successful
dented prosperity, happiness and progress,
health and exemption from all calamities
and contagious disease, for high religious
and educational privileges and advancement
and especially for the spirit of patriotism,
self reliance and devotion to the best in
terests of humanity and good government.
Iowa-Bountiful harvests, glowing pros
perity, multiplied evidences of progress and
advancement along all lines.
Washington--A region most favored OF
God in the distribution Of His bountes, for
peace health and the return of the volun-
teers from the conflict raging beyond the
seas.
Observation-Disclosures business activities.
abundant harvests, increased opportunities
for livelihood and freedom from disease.
North Dakota-For the mercies CT God
vouchsafed during the year, for bountiful
harvests, national prosperity, victories in
war and for the return of the volunteers.
Florida-Satisfactory returns of labors In
the field and other branches OF industry and
for the blessings Of peace and comfort.
New Jersey-Freedom from pestilence. ills
and poverty, for the fruitful reward of
honest industry, for peace and concord
plenty and prosperity. 81
vermont-Wonderfu new development of
the country and the many blessings that
have come.
Oklahoma-Unexampled prosperity, herds
grown great in numbers, commerce increased
many fold, industries all successful, mer-
camille and professional pursuits yielding
abundant return and for the advancement
of religion and education.
California-For the performance OF char
table works and for the many blessings
bestowed upon the people.
Arizona-For the inestimable blessings OF
an enlightened, honest and courageous ad-
miristration Of national affairs, for the ex-
pansive and liberal public policy, forelgn
and domestic, and for the glorious victories
of our army and navy In relieving the OPP
pressed and in promoting higher ciTliza-
ton for unexampled prosperity, bounteous
harvests, marvellous development Of natural
resources, operation of mills and factories
to their fullest capacity. elevation of labor
and its liberal compensation. and because
the brilliancy of the star of national destiny
now approaching its zenith, is untarnished
by single blot of dishonesty.
Alaska-Abundant harvests wonderful
prosperity and for the treasures OF snow
and hail and the veins of precious ores.
Oregon-Abundanc Of products, better
compensation for labor. higher remunera-
ton for products, freedom from pesttlence
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Abundant harvests, general prosperity, con-
tinued enjoyment of the blessings Of free
and united people, for the existence of
divine Providence in guiding the affairs OF
men.
New York-For the prosperity that has
come to the nation and for the way this
great people in it's first flush Of its mighty
manhood is moving forward to meet It's
DESTINY and to do without lnching every
duty with which that destiny brings 1t to
face.
Indiana-God's bounties, His loving kind
ness and tender mercies, abundant harvests,
smiling plenty blessed homes. remunerative
wages, the bright fires of industry, health,
happiness. food and raiment and the onward
march OF civilization.
New Mexico-For His countless individual
blessings, signal favors to the people as a
nation, for the profound peace and harmony
existing throughout the territory, for the
spirit of loyalty and patriotism existing
among the people and for the return OF the
volunteers.
misunderstanding treasures OF the
earth, bounteous productions, good health,
return of volunteers and the manifold bless
ings of the Divine Creator.
Massachusetts-Th merciful and abundant
fayors of Cod bounteous harvests, teeming
products OF the mine, the workshops and the