Arizona republican., 1901-04-08
A LITERARY MOSAIC
A North Dakota Thanksgiving Pre-
 clamati0n.

A literary discussion has been in progress in the press of North Da- kota and out of 1t has come the con- viction that Acting Governor Devine of that state Is more of reader than originator. In fact, he is charged with plagiarism in preparing his last Thanksgiving proclamation.
 He is shown to have quoted With great liberality and accuracy from the proclamations of the governors of Ari- zona, Oklahoma, New York. Vermont and New Hampshire. Of the acting governors work the Pioneer Express. published at Pembina, says:
 But we doubt if any person, who thus criticized, really realized the re- markable talent and ingenuity, not to say positive genius shown in the com position of this mosaic of precious stones. Without the alteration of scarcely word. with hardly the addi- tion of introductory or connecting lan- guage between the sentences, thus reaped from fields he did not SOW, they are matched with a perfection that will make those masters of the art of plagiarism, the country editors, green with envy; matched and fitted so delft ly that no crevice was left to be filled with the original cement of the com pi!er. It is masterpiece in its way, and as such is submitted to a candid world With just the thought that the genius thus exemplified in compiling ought to have been equal to the task of at least changing the language to some degree of originality"
 The Express then publishes the proc lamation. and in parallel column the parts lifted bodily from the proc!ama- tions of other governors. The procla- nation of Governor Murphy seems to have pleased Acting Governor Devine most. for his raids upon it were more frequent and fully one-half of it was appropriated, as follows:
 The president of the United States has proclaimed Thursday, the thirtieth day of November, as a day of thanks giving and praise to that Omnipotent Being, who, in divine mercy and grace has enthroned this republic first among the nations of the earth; who has guided our advancing civilization from the struggling infancy of national life, unti! now our military, naval and com mereial supremacy is admitted through the world.
 We should be especially thankful that during the year now closing. in the early dawn of a new century. our star of national destiny is approaching the zenith, it's brilliancy untarnished by a single blot of dishonor. and the holy inspiration of our fathers is being realized. We should render heartfelt thanks for this season of unexampled commercial prosperity; for the opera ton of mills and factories at their full est capacity; for the elevation of labor and it's liberal compensation: for pres. ervation from pestilence and disease: for the happy contentment of the peo- pie. and for that loyal and patriotic judgment of our citizens which in sures the permanency and strength of our government"
 Let us meet together in our homes and places of worship and with humble spirits and grateful hearts. render joy ful praise to the Giver of all Good. In the sanctity of contented homes, in happy communion with relatives and friends. let the spirit of forgiveness prevail that we may be truer to our fellOwmen and to ourselves and more deserving of the saving blessings of Providence"