The Red Cloud chief., 1904-04-29
CELEBRATE NEBRASKA DAY

Governor Mickey issue. ~ Procia nation
Calling for Observance OF tho Day
Governor Mickey has issued a pro-
clamation setting aside Tuesday, May
81, IA u holiday in commemoration Of
the signing of the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
bill, which occurred May 30. 1854. As
the actual anniversary OF the event
comes on the same date AS Memorial
day, the governor has deemed it best
to postpone the celebration or the
semi-centennial until the day follow
ing. Following Is the proclamation:
"On the goth day Of May, 1854,
President Pierce affixed his signature
to n of the most important enact
ments which has passed congress dur
ing the existence of these United
States. The Incidents leading up to
the introduction and final passage OF
the Kansas-Nebraska bill were his
tory-making in their character. and
have indelibly stamped their impress
upon our national life. The succeed
ing events were even more decisive
and tragic in their results, ultimately
plunging tho north and south into
fratricidal wal and testing in the bal
anc OF s%anguinary conflict the moot
ed question of the times affecting hui
man liberty. Such stirring scene az
these marked the enactment of the
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS bill, by the terms
of which the future state of Nebraska,
then in territorial form. first emerged
from the wilderness lying west OF the
Missouri and assumed its initial civic
responsibilities. Owing to the intensity
OF the times the eyes of the nation
were fixed upon Nebraska then. and
because of our spectacular growth
and development the attention thus
attracted has never been withdrawn.
Much was expected Of Nebraska, but
not more than she has been able &c
deliver. Her early settlements OF
God-fearing, liberty-loving school
fostering citizens exerted a wholesome
influence upon the trend OF. national
events from the very first and laid the
foundations for the magnificent state
hood which is our heritage today.
"In the hurry and hustle of life it. Is
profitable at times to briefly pause for
retrospective view. In harmony with
this idea many OF u citizens have
thought 1t wise I; properly celebrate
the semi-centcnnial anniversary of the
signing OF the Kansas-Nebraska bill
and the plan meets with my hearty
approval. As the date occurs on the
30th of May, a day consecrated to the
memory of our soldier dead. a delay
Of one day is fitting and proper.
Therefore, |. John II Mickey, Gov
ernor of the State of Nebraska. do
hereby appoint and set apart Tues
day, May 81. 1904, as "a day Commom-
orative of the signing of the Kansas
NcDTaSka VII, dH event Oh the ulHlOSI
importance to this people. | suggest
that on the Friday preceding the
schools of the state take cognilance
of the matter and by appropriate ex-
ercises of the half century. the history
attending the birth of the territory,
and seek to inculcate such lessons Of
patriotism as beft the occasion. 1t
also seems proper that on the Sab
bath preceding the anniversary the
pastors of the state should make ref
erence to the event from the sacred
desk and give to their congregations
some thoughts on the growth and de-
velopment Of our commonwealth and
the blessings of Providence that have
been vouchsafed to us. recommend
that the people generally recognize
tn anniversary and assist in its OBJ
servance In any manner that seems
most convenient.
"The people OF Omaha are prepar-
ing for u very elaborate celebration,
due notice of which will appear In the
public press, and it Is probable that
many from oJtlying towns and com
munities will avail themselves of the
opportunity to attend the pretentious
ceremonies there to BE- held"