The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1920-11-18

government blessing tcAthe people by constantly
being government OF wise. just and consttu
tonal laws directly and faithfully executed and
obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and
nations, especially such have shown kindness
to US, and to bless them with good government
and peace and concord to promote the knowledge
and practice of true religion and virtue and the
Increase of science among them and U.S. and gen.
orally to grant unto all mankind such degree
OF temporal prosperity He alone knows to be
best.
"Given under my hand at the city of New
York the third day Of October, in the year of our
Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty
nine
GEORGE WASHINGTON"
There is, as stated, no statutory provision for
our Thanksgiving proclamations nor for their
date In evidence of this President Andrew John
sons first Thanksgiving proclamation designated
the first Thursday in December, 1866. II we speak
of Thanksgiving day national institution it
dates back to the Revolution, but IL we have In
mind the annual harvest Thanksgiving day 1t be-
comes nationalized through the adoption Of 1t by
the several states and the first appointment was
by Abraham Lincoln November &c. 1868. That
proclamation Is in part, follows:
1.-THE year that is drawing to it's close has been
filed with the blessings Of fruitful fields and
healthful skies. Needful diversions of health
and of strength from the fields of peaceful indus
try to the national defense have not arrested the
pillow, the shuttle the ship; the ak has enlarged
the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as
well of and of coal as Of precious metals,
have yielded even 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 vgor, is permitted to expect contin-
uance of years with large increase OF freedom.
mo human counsel hath devised, 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.
ut has seemed to me fit and proper that
tbey should be solemnly. ferventy and gratefully
acknowledged with heart and voice,
by the whole American people. l do therefore,
invite my fellow citizens in every part OF the
United States and also those who are at and
those who sojourning in foreign lands to set
apart and observe the last Thursday in November
next as q day Of Thanksgiving and praise to our
benefcent Father. who dweieth in the heavens.
And / recommend TO them that while offering up
the Inscriptions justly due to Him for such sngu-
lar deliverances and blessings they do also, with
humble penitence for our national perverseness
and disobedience, commend to His tender all
those who have become widows. orphanh mourn
ers or sufferers In the amentable civil strife In
which we are now unavoidably engaged and
fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty
hand TO heal the wounds of the nation and to
restore it, as may he consistent with the
Divine purposes. TO the full enjoyment of peace
harmony. tranquility and union.
"In testimony whereof Lave hereunto set my
hand and caused the seal of the United States 10
be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington the third day
OF October. A. ID. 1863 and of the Independence
Of the United States, the eIghty-eIghth.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN"
So II was Abraham Lincoln who first named
the last Thursday in November In his proclama-
ton of 1863 and thus fixed the date Of the annual
celebration of Thanksgiving.