Labor and the great industries of the people have
prospered beyond all precedent. Our commerce has spread over the world.
Our power and influence in the cause of freedom and enlightenment
have extended over distant seas and lands. The lives of our official
representatives and many of our people in China have been marvelously
preserved. We have been generally exempt from pestilence and other great
calamities; and even the tragic visitation which overwhelmed the city of
Galveston made evident the sentiments of sympathy and Christian charity
by virtue of which we are one united people.
Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States,
do hereby appoint and set apart Thursday, the 20th of November next, to
be observed by all the people of the United States, at home or abroad,
as a day of thanksgiving and praise to Him who holds the nations in the
hollow of His hand. I recommend that they gather in their several places
of worship and devoutly give Him thanks for the prosperity wherewith He
has endowed us, for seed-time and harvest, for the valor, devotion and
humanity of our armies and navies, and for all His benefits to us as
individuals and as a nation; and that they humbly pray for the
continuance of His Divine favor, for concord and amity with other
nations, and for righteousness and peace in all our ways.
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