The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-11-08
THANKSGIVING DAY NAMED
Thursday, November 80, Set by
President Mckinley.
In His Annual Proclamation the Presl
dent Enuinerates Some Reasons Why
the People Should Rejoice.

WASHINGTON, D. C. (SpeclaD. D.-The Presi.
dent has Issued the following Thanksglv'
ing 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 special
general Thanksgiving to Almighty God for
the blessings OF the preceding year. This
honored observance acquires with time 8
tenderer significance. It enriches domestic
life. It summons under the family root
the absent children to glad reunion With
those they love.
seldom has this nation had greater cause
for profound Thanksgiving. No great
pestllence has invaded our shores. Liberal
employment waits upon labor. Abundant
crops have rewarded the efforts OF the hus-
bandman. Increased comforts have come
to the home. The National finances have
been strengthened aud public credit has
been sustained and made frmer. In all
branches OF industry and trade there has
been An unequaled degree OF prosperity,
while there has been steady gain in the
moral and educational growth OF our Ma
tional character. Churches and schools
have hourlshed.
"Amerlcan patriotism has been exalted.
Those engaged In maintaining the honor
OF the flag with such signal success have
been In large degree spared from dlsas-
ter and disease. An honorable peace has
been ratified with O 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 Of Cuba has been faithfully ad-
vanced. There has been marked progress
ha 0E inhn9.
trial conditions, and under wise sanitary
regulations the island has enjoyed unusual
exemption from tile scourge OF fever.
"The hurricane which swept over our
new possession OF Porto Rico, destroying
the homes and property OF the inhabitants,
called forth the instant sympathy OF the
people Of the United States, who we're swift
to respond with generous aid to the suffer.
ers.
"While the insurrection still continues In
the Island Of Luzon, business ts resumtng
its activity, and confidence In the good
purposes OF the United STATES Is being rap
Idly established throughout the archipel-
"For these reasons and countless others,
I, William Mckinley, President OF the
United States, do hereby name Thursday,
the thirtieth day Of November next, as
day OF general thanksgiving and prayer, to
De observed as SucQ py I'LL ouE peopie VI
this continent md In our newly acquired
islands, as we'll as by those who may be at
sea or sojourning IN foreign lands; and I
advise that on this day religious exercises
shall be conducted In the churches or meat
Ing places OF all denominations, In order
that, In the social features OF the day, Its
real Significance may not be lost, sight OF,
but fervsnt prayers may be offered to the
Most High for a 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 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
"In witness whereof have set my hand
and caused the seal Of the United States to
be affixed. WILLIAM MCKINLEY"