Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1899-11-02
sI.00 A YEAR.
Thanksgiving Day Proclamation.

President Mckinley has issued the
following thanksgiving proclamation:
A national custom, dear to the hearts
OF the people, calls for the setting apart
OF one day in each year asan occasion
of special thanksgiving to Almighty
God for the blessings Of the preceding
year. This honored observance sc-
ouires with time tenderer signif-
canoe. 1t euriches domestic life. 1t
summons under the family roof the sb-
sent children to glad reunion with
those they love.
Seldom has this nation had greater
cause for profound thanksgiving. No
great pestilence had invaded our
shores. Liberal employment warts
upon labor. Abundant crops have re-
warded 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 hrmer.
In all branches of industry and trade
there has been an unequaled degree
of nrosperitv while there has been
steady gain in the moral and educa-
tional growth of our national charac-
ter. 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
a foreign nation with which we were
al 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-
tion of healthy industrial conditions,
and, under wise sanitary regulations,
the island has enjoyed unusual exemp-
tion from the scourge Of fever. The
hurricane, which swept over our new
possession Of Puerto Rico, destroying
the homes and property of the lnhab-
itants, called forth the instant sympa-
thy of the people of the United States,
who were swift to respond with gen.
erous aid to the sufferers.
While the insurrection still contIn-
ues in the Island Of Luzon, business
is resuming its activity and confidence
in the good purposes Of the United
States is being rapidly established
throughout the archipelago.
For these reasons and countless 9th
ers, |, William Mckinley, President
of the United States, do hereby name
Thursday, November 30 next, az day
of general Thanksgiving and prayer
to be observed as such by all our peo-
pie on this continent and il our newly
acquired islands, as well as by those
who may be at sea or soJournlng IN
foreign lands, and ! 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 a contln-
uance Of the Divine guidance, without
which man 8 efforts are vain, and for
Divine consolation to those whose kim
dred and friends have sacrificed their
lives for country.
| recommend also that on this day,
go 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 10 be affixed.
WILLIAM McKIgLZY.