Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1899-11-04
The Thanksgiving Proclamation

national custom dear to the hearts OF
the people calls for the setting aside of
one day in each year for special thanks
giving to Almighty God for the blessings.
OF the preceding year. This honored
observance acquires with time tenderer
significance. 1t enriches domestic life !;
IL summons under the family roof the
absent children to glad reunion 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 rewarded the 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 firmer. In all branches Of industry
and trade there has been all uncqualcd
degree of prosperity. while there has
been steady gain in the moral and edu-
cational growth of our character.
Our churches and schools have -four.
ished. American patriotism has been ex-
alted. Those engaged in maintaining
the honor of the flag with such signal
success have been in large degree spared
from disaster and disease. An honorable
peace has been ratified with foreign ma
tion with which we were at war, and we
are now at friendly relations 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 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 possessions OF Porto Rico, destroy
ing the homes and property of the inhab-
itants, called for the instant sympathy of
the people of the United States, who
were swift to respond with the most gen.
erous aid to the sufferers. While the in
surrection still continues in the island of
Luzon business is resuming its activity,
i and confidence in the good purposes of
the United States is being rapidly estab-
lished throughout the archipelago.
For these reasons and countless others,
l, William Mckinley, President Of the
United StaRs, do hereby name Thursday,
the thirtieth day of November next, as a
day of general thanksgiving and prayer,
to be observed as such by all our people
on this continent and in our newly ac-
quired islands as well as by those who
may be at sea, or sojouring in foreign
lands; and l advise that on this day re-
ligious exercises shall be conducted in
the churches or meeting places of all de-
nominations, 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 guidance
without which mans efforts are vain
and for divine consolation to those whose
kindred and friends have sacrificed their
lives for our country.
recommend that on this day, so far
as may be found practicable, labor shall
cease from its accustomed toll and char
ity abound toward the sick, the needy
and the poor.
In witness whereof, / have set my hand
and caused the seal of the United States
to be affixed.
WILLIAM MCKINLEY.