The leader. [volume] (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1895-1905, 1899-11-15
Thanksgiving 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 honored OBJ
servance acquires with time tender
| significance. 1t enriches the domes,
tic life. 1t summons under the family
roof the absent children to glad reun
ion with those they love-
seldom has this nation had greater
cause for profound thanksgiving. No
great pestilence has invaded our
shores. Liberal employment waits
upon labor. Abundant crops have re-
warded the efforts of the husband
man. Increased comfort has come to
the home The national finance has
been strengthened and public credit
has been sustained and made firmer
In all branches of industry and trade
there has been an unequal degree of
prosperity, while there has been a
steady gain in the moral and educa-
tional growth in our national charac-
ter.
"Churches and schools have flourish
ed. American patriotism has been
exalted. Those engaged in maintain
ing the honor of the flag with such
signal success have been in large de
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 friend
ly terms with every power 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
ton of healthy industrial conditions,
and under wise sanitary regulations
the island has enjoyed unusual ex-
exemption from the scourge of fever.
The hurricane which swept over our
stroying the homes and property of the
inhabitants, called forth the instant
sympathy of the people of the United
States who were swift to respond with
generous aid to the sufferers. While
the instruction still continues in the
island of Luzon, business is resuming
its activity and confidence in the good
purpose of the United States is being
rapidly established throughout the
Archipelago.
"For these reasons and countless
others, |, William Mckinley, President
of the United States, hereby name
Thursday, the thirtieth day of Novem-
Der next, as a day of general thanks
giving and prayer to be observed as
such by all our people on this con
tinent and in our newly acquired is
lands, as we'll as by those who may be
at sea or sojourning in foreign lands;
and | advise that on this day religious
exercises shall be conducted in the
churches or meeting place of all de-
nominations in order that in the So
cial features of the day its real sig
niticance may not be lost sight of, but
fervent prayers may be offered to the
Most High for continuance of the
divine guidance, without which mans
efforts are vain, and for divine conso-
lation to those whose kindred and
friends have sacrificed their lives for
country.
II recommend also that on this day,
so far as may be found practicable,
labor shall cease from its accustomed
toll and charity abound toward the
sick, the needy and the poor.
SIN witness whereof, have set my
hand and caused the seal of the United
States to be affixed.
(Signed:)
civilian MCKINLEY"