The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-10-26
PROCLAMATION
BY PRESIDENT
Mckinley Names November 80
as a Day of General
Thanksgiving

Washington, October 25.-The president
This morning issued the following Thanks
giving proclamation:
"A national custom dear to the hearts
of the people calls for the setting apart of
one day in each year as an occasion of spe-
cial Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the
blessings of the preceding year.
This honored observance acquires with
time a tenderer significance. 1t enriches
domestic life lit summons under the fam
lily roof the absent children to glad re-
union with those they love.
Seldom has This nation had greater cause
for profound thanksgiving. No great pes
thence has invaded our shores. Liberal
employment waits upon labor. Abundant
crops have rewarded une efforts of the
husbandman. Increased comforts have
come to the home. The national finances
have been strengthened and public credit
has been sustained and made frmer.
In all branches of industry and trade
there has been an equalled degree of pros
perity, while there has aeen a steady gain
I'm uae moral and educational growth of
Our national character.
Churches and schools have flourisIned
American patriotism has been exalted
Those engaged in maintaining the honor
been in large degree spared from disaster
and disease
IAN honorable peace has been ratified
with foreign natiol with which We We're
at war, and we are now on friendly rela-
tlons with every power earth.
THE trust which we have assumed for
the benefit of the people of Cuba has been
faithfully advanced. There is marked prog
ress toward the restoration of healthy in
dnstrial conditions, and under wise sani-
81,
usual exemption from the scourge of fever.
1.-The hurricane which swept over our
new possession of Porto Rico, destroying
the homes and property of the inha bbtants,
called forth the instant sympathy of the
people of the United States who were swift
to respond with generous aid to the suf-
ferers.
"While the insurrection still continues in
the island of Luzon, business is resuming
Its activity and confidence in the good pur-
poses of the United States is being rapidly
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 November next, as a day of
general thanksgiving and prayer to be OBJ
served as such by all our people this
continent and in our newly acquired islam -
as well as by those who may be at sea ~
sojourning in foreign lands; and l advise
that on this day religious exercises shall
be conducted in the churcheS or meeting
places of all denominations in order that
In the social features of the day its real
significance may not be lost sight of, but
fervent prayers may be offered to the Most
High for continuance of the divine guild
ance without which mans efforts are vain,
and for divine consolation to those whose
kindred and friends have sacrificed their
lives for their country.
81 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
I'm witness whereof l have set my hand
and caused the seal of the United States
to be affixed.
(Signed) civilian MCKINLEY"