Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-10-26
LET US GIVE THANKS.
PRESIDENT MKINLEY ISSUES
THANKSGIVING PROCLANIA-
TION


(By Telegraph to Pilot)
Washington, D. c., October 25.-The
President to-day issued the following
thanksgiving proclamation:
BY the President OF the United States:
A PROCLAMATION.
A national custom dear to the hearts
of the people calls for the setting apart
of one day in each year as nm occasion
of special thanksgiving to Almighty
God for the blessings of the preceding
yeah This honored observance acquires
with tiIno q tenderer significance. It
enriches domestic life. 1t summons I'M
der theiGamily roof the absent children
TO glad reunion with those they love.
Seldom has this nation had greater
cause FOR profound thanksgiving. No
great Pestlence has invaded our
ehoroA .IAberal employment waits upon
labor, Abundant crops have rewarded
the efforts of the husbandman. In
creased comforts have come to the
home. The national finances have been
strengthened, and public credit has
been sustained and made flrmer. In all
branches Of industry and trade there
has been an unequaled degree of pros
perity, while there has been n steady
gain In tho moral and educational
growth of our national character
Churches and schools have flourished
American patriotism has been exalted
Those engaged in maintaining the hon
or Of the flag with such signal success
have been in n large degree 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 relations with
every power OF 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 exemption
from the scourge OF fever. The hurri-
cane which swept over our new pos
session OF Porto Rico, destroying the
homes and property OF the Inhabitants.
called forth the instant sympathy OF
tho people of the United States, who
were swift to respond with generous
aid to the sufferers. While the ins,lr-
Iection still continues in the island of
I.uZon. business Is resuming its activ-
1ty. and confidence in the good pur-
poses of the United States is rapidlv
established throughout the archipelago.
For these reasons and countless
others, ]. William Mckinley, President
OF the United States. do hereby name
Thursday, the 30th day OF Noyembef
next, as day of general thanksgiving
and prayer, to be observed as such by
all our people on this continent and in
our newly acquired islands, as we'll MS
by those who may be at sea or So
3ourning in foreign lands; and 7 ad-
wise that on this day religious eyer
Discs shall be conducted in the churches
or meeting places OF all denominations
In order that in the social features Of
che day Its real significance NAV not
be lost sight OF, but fervent pravers
may be offered to the Most High for n
continuance Of the divine cuids moo
without which mans efforts are vain
and for divine consolation to those
whose kindred and friends have sac
Siiced their lives for country.
recommend also that on this day so
Tar as, may be found practical, labor
shall cease from It's accustomed ton and
charity abound toward the sick. The
needy and the poor.
In witness whereof 7 have SGT NV
hand and caused the seal Of tho IJpl,ed
States to be affixed.
Done OF the city OF Washington thIs
25th day of October. In the wear of orr
Lord, 1899. and Of the Independence or
the United States the one hundred and
twentyfourth.
CSEAL) WILLIAM AI'KlNI,Dy.
BY the President:
JOHN HAY,
Secretary of State.