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Show THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION. The following is the text of the Thanksgiving proclamation of President Arthur: "It has long been the pious custom with our people with the closing of the year, to look back upon the blessings brought to them in the changing course of the seasons, and to return solemn thanks to the All Giving source from whom they flow, and although at this period, when the falling leaf admonishes that the time of our sacred duty is at hand, our nation still lies in the shadow of that great bereavement and mourning which has filled our hearts, finds us in sorrowful supplication toward the God before whom we all lately bowed in grief. Yet, the countless benefits which have showered upon us during the past twelve months call for our fervent gratitude, and make it fitting that we should rejoice with thankfulness that the Lord, in His infinite mercy, has most signally favored this country and people. Peace without and prosperity within have been vouchsafed to us. No pestilence has visited our shores. The abundant privileges which our fathers left us in wisdom, are still our increasing heritage, and if to parts of the vast domain sore affliction has visited our brethren, in their forest homes, yet even this calamity has been tempered and, in a manner, sanctified by generous compassion for the sufferers, which has been called forth throughout our land. For all these things it is meet that the voice of the Nation should go up to God in devout homage. Wherefore, I, Chester A. Arthur, President of the United States, do recommend that all people observe Thursday, the 24th day of November, as a day of National thanksgiving and prayer, by ceasing, so far as may be, from their regular labors and meeting in their several places of worship, there to join in ascribing honor and praise to Almighty God, whose goodness has been so evident in our history and in our lives, and offering earnest prayers that His bounties may continue to us and to our children. CHESTER A. ARTHUR, President. JAMES G. BLAINE, Secretary of State. |