The approaching November brings to mind the custom of our ancestors,
hallowed by time and rooted in our most sacred traditions, of giving
thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings He has vouchsafed to us
during the year.
Few years in our history have afforded such cause for thanksgiving as
this. We have been blessed by abundant harvests; our trade and commerce
have wonderfully increased; our public credit has been improved and
strengthened; all sections of our common country have been brought
together and knitted into closer bonds of national purpose and unity.
The skies have been for a time darkened by the cloud of war, but as we
were compelled to take up the sword in the cause of humanity we are
permitted to rejoice that the conflict has been of brief duration and
the losses we have had to mourn, though grievous and important, have
been so few, considering the great results accomplished, as to inspire
us with gratitude and praise to the Lord of Hosts. We may laud and
magnify His holy name that the cessation of hostilities came so soon as
to spare both sides the countless sorrows and disasters that attend
protracted war.
I do therefore invite all my fellow-citizens, as well those who may be
at sea or sojourning in foreign lands as those at home, to set apart
and observe Thursday, the 24th day of November, as a day of national
thanksgiving, to come together in their several places of worship for a
service of praise and thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings of
the year, for the mildness of the seasons and the fruitfulness of the
soil, for the continued prosperity of the people, for the devotion and
valor of our countrymen, for the glory of our victory and the hope of a
righteous peace, and to pray that the divine guidance which has brought
us heretofore to safety and honor may be graciously continued in the
years to come.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.
[SEAL.]
Done at the city of Washington, this 28th day of October, A.D. 1898, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-third.
WILLIAM McKINLEY.
By the President:
JOHN HAY,
_Secretary of State_.