Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1899-10-26
President Mckinley Issues
Proclamation Setting Aside
Thursday, Nov. 80.
CAUSES FOR THANKSGIVING.
Liberal Employment Fer Labor, Alum
dant Crops Fer tho H~usbsndman,
Steady Gain In Nations Moral and
Educational Growth, and Mark.
ed Progress In Cuba.

Washington, Oct. 25.-The President to-
day issued the following Thanksgiving
proClamation:-
A national custom dear to the hearts of
the people calls for setting apart one day
in each year as an occasion for special
Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the
blessings of the preceding year.
This honored observance acquires wit
time tender significance, 1t enriches do
nestle life. 1t m children to glad
reunion with those they love.
Seldom has this nation had greater
cause of profound thanksgiving. No
great pestilence has invaded our shores.
Liberal employment awaits upon labor.
Abundant crops a rewarded the efforts
of the ~husbandman. Increased comforts
have come to the home. National finan-
ces nave been strengthened and the pub
lie credit has been sustained and made
frmor. In all branches of industry and
trade there has been am unequal.ed degree
of prosperity. while there has been a
steady gain in the moral and educational
growth of our national character. Church
es and schools have tiourished. American
patriotism has been exalted. Those en-
gagged in maintaining the honor of the flag
with such signal success have been in
a large degree spared from disaster and
disease. Honorable peace has been rati-
fled with a foreign nation with which we
were at war and we are now on friendly
relations with every power on earth. Inc
trust which we assumed for the people oil
Cuba has been faithfully advanced. There
has been marked progress toward rcstora-
ton of healthy Industrial conditions, and
under wise sanitary regulations the is
land has enjoyed unusual exemption IRON
the scourge of fever.
The hurricane which swept over our new
possession. Porto Rico. destroying the
homes and property of the inhabitants
called for the instant sympathy OF the
people of the United States, who were
swift to respond with generous aid TO the
sufferers.
While the insurreCiior still continues IT
the island of Luzon. business is reslm'ne
its activity and confidence in the Goot
purposes of the United States is being zap
IDLY established throughout the archipel'
ago.
For these rea sons and countless others
J. William Mckinley, President Of the Uni
ted states. do hereby name Thursday, tins
Goth day Of November next, as a day o.
cenecll Thanksgiving and prayer. TO to
observed as such by all our people on TINS
continent and in our newly acquired Isl
ands. as well as by those who may be a.
sea or soiourning In foreign lands; and
advise on this day that religious exercises
be conducted in the churches and meeting
places of all denominations in order tina
in the social features of the day It's rea
significance may not be lost sight of, anc
prayers may be offered TO the Most Higf
for a continuance of Divine guidance
without which mans efforts are in vain
and for Divine consolation 10 those who's
kindred and friends have sacrificed thei1
lives for their country.
| recommend also that on this day, a
far as may be found practicable, iabo:
shall cease from its accustomed toll ant
charity abound toward the sick, needy
and poor.
In witness whereof have set my hant
and caused the seal of the United State
to be affixed.
WILLIAM MkINLEY.