The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1899-11-02
Thanksgiving Proclamation.

WASHINGTON, Oct. %. The President has
issued the following Thanksgiving procla.
nation
"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
Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bles-
ings OF the proceeding year. This honored
observance acquires with time tender sig
nlflcance. 1t enriches domestic life it sum-
mons under the family roof the absent chill
dren 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 hus-
bandman. Increased comforts have come
to the home. The national finances have
been strengthened and public credit has
been sustained and made trmer. In all
branches of industry and trade there has
been an unequalled degree of prosperity,
while there has been a steady gain in moral
and educational growth of our national char
acter.
"Churches and schools have aourished,
American patriotism has been exalted.
Those engaged in maintaining the honor of
the nag With such signal success have been
in large degree spared from disaster and
disease. An honorable peace has been ratl-
fed with a foreign nation with which we
lations with every power on earth.
The trust which we have assumed for
the people of Cuba has been faithfully ad-
vsnced. There has been marked progress
toward the restoration of healthy industrial
interests and under wise sanitary regula-
tions the island has en- njoyed unusual exemp-
ton from the scourge of fever. The hurri-
cane winch swept over our new possession
of Porto Rico, destroying the homes and
property of the inhabitants, called for the in
slant sympathy of the people of the United
States, who were swift to respond with gen
erous aid to the sufferers. While the insur-
rection still continues in the island of Luzon
business is resumlng its activity and conf
dence IN the good purpose of the United
States is being rapidly established through
out the archipelago
For these reasons, and countless others,I,
William Mckinley, President of the United
States, do hereby name Thursday, the 30th
day OF November next, as day of general
thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed as
such by all our people on this continent and
in our newly acquired islands, as well as by
those who may be at sea or sojourning in
foreign lands, and | advise that on this day
religious exercises shall be conducted in the
churches OF meeting places of all denomina-
tons in order that in the social features of
the day its real Significance may not be lost
sight OF. 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 country
Il recommend also that on this day, so far
as may be found practicable, all labor shall
cease from its accustomed toll and charity
abound toward the sick, the needy and poor
"In witness thereof | have set my hand
and caused the seal of the United States to
be affixed.
(Signed) WILLIAM MCKINLEY.