Arizona republican., 1899-11-30
THANKSGIVING IN ARIZONA
The First and the Last Territoria
 Proclamations.

me growth of a state or territory of the United States may be indicated by the character of the governors thanks giving proclamation. The one pub lished below was issued by Governor governor of Arizona, was the first one to believe there was anything within his Jurisdiction especially calling fo. a public and concerted expression of thanks. That proclamation was re- called to eX-Governor Mccormick, now a resident Of New York, by the reading of Governor Murphy's late excellent proclamation setting forth so many reasons for thankfulness.
 The following letter on the subject was recently received by Governor Murphy:
 No l Broadway. New York,
 November 9, 1899. Dear Governor:
 T have been much interested in reading your Thanksgiving proclama- tion, as published in The Arizona Re publican. It was my privilege to issue, at Prescott. in 1866, the first pToclama- tion of the kind ever put forth in the territory. Herewith. I send you copy, which, perhaps, The Republican will publish, as relic of other days"
 If the residents of Arizona, situated as they were thirty-three years ago. when the Indians were at their worst and the days were the darkest, had reason to give thanks, now, that peace and order reign and Gas you say) every Ia and health and happiness prevail, how much more does the condition of the territory call for Thanksgiving.
 No one can rejoice more over this improved and encouraging state of af- fairs, so full of hope for the future of the territory, with it's increasing pop lation, than,
 Yours very truly.
 R. c. MCCORMICK. Governor N. O. Murphy,
 Phoenix, Arizona"
 Governor McCormicl5's proclamation a third of a century ago. is as follows:
 A APPROXIMATIONS, By Richard c. Mccormick, Governor of the Territory of Arizona, Recom- mending Q Day of Thanksgiving. To the People of Arizona:
 Whereas. the president of the United States has by proclamation designated Thursday. the 29th of November, as day of general thanksgiving and praise to God for his mercies and benefits,
 Now therefore, I. Richard c. McCOr- mick. governor of the Territory of Ari- zona, in accordance herewith, and with time-honored usage dear to the American people, do recommend that. even on this far frontier, the day be devoted to rest from secular pursuits and to grateful acknowledgements of the blessings vouchsafed to us.
 If we are without religious orGaniZa- tions and houses of worship, and many Of the privileges and restraints of so- ciety in the older territories and states, let it not appear that We are unmlnd- ful of our dependence upon the "Giver of all good,'' but from town and camp, from mine and ranch, let our thanks, however informal in their utterance, ascend to heaven ina spirit of sincere devotion.
 Humbly and devoutly let us implore Divine guidance in our pioneer enter prises, and in all our acts as people; and for the nation let our prayer be that it's unity may be speedily re-es- tablished upon principles of liberty. justice, and righteousness, the effect of which shall be quietness and assur- ance forever"
 Given under my hand and the seal of the territory, at Prescott, this eighth day of November. A. D., 1886, and of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-frst.
 RICHARD c. MCCORMICK. By the Governor.
 JAMES P. T. CARTER,
 Secretary of the Territory.