Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1899-11-01
November 30 Is the Day Chosen by Pres.
ident Mckinley.

Washington, Oct. 25.-The presi-
Thanksgiving proclamation:
THE national custom, dear To the
hearts of the people, calls for the set.
ting apart Of II day in each year as
the occasion of special thanksgiving
to Almighty God for the blessings uf
the preceding year. This honured
observance acquires with time a ten
derer Significance 1t enriches do
nestle life. lt summons under the
family roof absent children to glad
reunion with those they love. sci
dom has this nation had greater
cause for profound thanksgiving. M
great pest!lence has invaded our
shores. Liberal employment waits
upon labor. Abundant crops have
rewarded the efforts of husbandmen.
Increased comforts have come TO
homes. National finances have been
strengthened and public credit has
been sustained and made tirmer. In
all branches of industry and trade
there has been unequalled degree of
prosperity, while there has been
steady gain in moral and educational
growth of u national character.
Churches and schools have flour
ished. American patriotism has
been exalted. Those engaged in
maintaining the honor of the flag
with..such signal success have been
in large degree spared from disaster
and disease. Honorable peace has
been ratified with a foreign nation
with which we were at war, and
we are now ON friendly relations
with every power on earth. The
trust which we have assumed for
the people o, Cuba has been faith
fully advanced. There Ia n marked
progress towards the restoration
of healthy Industrial conditions,
and under wise sanitary regulations,
the island has enjoyed unusual
exemption from the scourge of fever.
The hurricane which swept over our
new possession oi Porto Rico,
destroying homes and property Of
the inhabitants, called forth 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 island of Luzon,
business IN resuming its activity,
and the power Of the United States
is being rapidly established through
out the archipelago.
For these reasons, and countless
Others, L. William Mckinley, presi-
dent OF the United States. do hereby
name Thursday. Nov. 30. as the day
of general thanksgiving and prayer,
to be observed az such by all our
people ON this cOntire 1t and in our
newly acquired lands, as well as by
those who may be at sen or soiourn-
Ing in foreignlands, and | advise that
on this day religious exercises shall
be conducted in churches or meeting
places OF all denominations. in order
that in social features of the day it's
real Significance may not be lost
sight of, Int that prayers may he
offered to the Most High for the con-
tinuance Of divine guidance. without
which mans efforts are vain. and for
divine consolation for those whose
kindred and friends have sacrificed
their lives for their country. rec
Ommend also that on this day. so far
rs may he found practicable. labor
shall ca'se from its accustomed toll
and charity abound toward sick,
needy and poor.
SIN witness whereof ! have set my
hand and caused the seal Of the
United States TO he affixed.
CIVILIAN MCKINLEY"