The Dolores star., 1920-11-19

government blessing to the people by constantly
being government of wise just and constitu-
tiona laws, directly and faithfully executed and
obeyed; 10 protect and guide all sOvereigns and
nations, especially such as have shown kindness
TO us, and In bless them with good government
ana penc" and concord; to promote the knowledge
ana practice of true religion and virtue and the
increase of science among them and us, and gen
orally to grant unto all mankind such a degree
or temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be
best.
Glven under my hand at the city of New
York, the third day of October, in the year Of our
Lord, one thousand hundred and eighty
nine.
GEORGE WASHINGTON"
There is as stated, no statutory provision for
our Thanksgiving procamatiOns nor for their
date. In evidence of this President Andrew John
sons first Thanksgiving proclamation designated
the first Thursday in December, 1865 If we speak
OF Thanksgiving day national institution 1t
dates back to the Revolution, but if we have in
mind the annual harvest Thanksgiving day it be
comes natonalized through the adoption of it by
the several states, and the first appointment
by Abraham Lincoln November g. 1868. That
proclamation is in part as follows:
1.-The year that is drawing to its close has been
filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and
heathful skies. Needfu diversions of health
and of strength from the fields of peaceful indus
try TO the national defense have not arrested the
pillow, the shuttle or the ship the has enlarged
well of iron and Of coal rs of precious metals
have yielded more abundantly than hereto
fore. Population has steadily increased notwith-
standing the waste that has been made in camp
the siege and the battlefield. and the country re-
joicing in the consciousness of augmented
strength and vigor, Is permitted TO expect contn-
uance of years with large increase of freedom
mo human counsel hath devised nor hath
any mortal hand worked out these great things
They are the gracious gift of the most high God
who while dealing with us in anger for our sins
hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
at has seemed to fit and proper that
they should be solemnly. fervently and gratefully
acknowledged, with one heart and one voice
by the whole American people. do therefore
invite my fellow citizens in every part of tba
United States, and also those who are at sea and
those who are sOjournlng In foreign lapds TO COT
apart and observe the last Thursday in November
next as day of Thanksgiving and praise tn our
benefcent Father, who dweeth in the heavens
And recommend to them that while OFFERING nm
the Inscriptions justly due to Him for such sinru
lar delIverances and blessings they do also with
humble pentence for our national perversepess
and disobedience, commend to His tender care all
those who have become widows, orphans mourn
ers or sufferers in the lamentable civil str,fo l.,
which are now unavodaby enpared on,
ferventy implore the interpOsition of the Amipbtv
hand to heal the wounds of the nation and m
restore 1t. as soon as may be consistent with tho
DIVINE purposes, 10 tue 1ul enjoyment of pence
harmony, tranquility and union
"ln testimony whereof lave hereunto GOT nv
hand and caused the seal of the United States IN
be affixed. "
Done at the city of Washington. the third =.
OF October. A. d. 1868. and of the Independenc.
Of the United States. the elghty.elghth.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN"
SO 1t was Abraham Lincoln who f,rst mama,
the last Thursday In November In his procIams.
ZION OF iooo ana thus fixed the date of the opnu.,
celebration Of Thanksgiving. "D3's