of Iowa the fiftieth, and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twentyfirst. By the Governor: W. M. MCFARLAND, Secretary of State. FRANCIS M. DRAKE. ON THANKSGIVING NOVEMBER 13, 1896 From MS. Copy of Executive Journal, Vol. IX, p. 264-in the Office of the Governor, Des Moines Let us not forget to return thanks to the Giver of all good for the manifold blessings with which our lives have been crowned, which for the ages have come to the children of men, and yet are rich with their every day freshness. In this land where the people reign supreme, we have especial reason for expressions of gratitude; gratitude for the liberty its people enjoy, for their freedom of opportunity and its grand possibilities, for the country's high standing in christian civilization; and for the abundant reward that attends industry and enterprise. And in all the years of our country's history we have seldom had greater cause for thankfulness to the Supreme Benefactor than at this time; for brightened promise at home, and for the great advancement in the interest of universal peace abroad in which our countrymen have led the way, and under the guidance of the Heavenly Father will continue to do so, let us hope, until the slaughter of the innocents in the far east shall cease. The people of Iowa have in this year especial cause for gratitude. Our commonwealth approaches the end of its first half century with abundant evidences of prosperity, such as has, under the smiles of a benignant Providence, made for her a great name among the political divisions of the earth. Rarely, if ever, has so much of prosperity come to any people within a like period of time as that which has crowned the labors of the pioneers of Iowa. For these and countless other blessings let us offer grateful tribute to the bountiful Father of all, and give praise to Him to whom all praise is due. Therefore, in accordance with a venerable custom, and acting in concert with the President of the United States, I, Francis M. Drake, Governor of the State of Iowa, do recommend that on Thursday, the twenty-sixth day of November, the people of the state, abstaining from their usual avocations, do assemble themselves in their various places of worship, and otherwise, and observe the day as one of thanksgiving and praise to the God of our fathers. And I do urgently recommend that the observance be attended by liberal freewill offerings for the suffering and the needy whom we ever have among us. (SEAL) In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Iowa. Done at Des Moines, this thirteenth day of November in the year of the Christian era one thousand eight hundred and ninety-six, of the independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-first, and of the State of Iowa the fiftieth. By the Governor: F. M. DRAKE. W. M. MCFARLAND, Secretary of State. ON THE OBSERVANCE OF THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL OF THE STATE DECEMBER 19, 1896 From MS. Copy of Executive Journal, Vol. IX, p. 266-in the Office of the Governor, Des Moines To the People of the State of Iowa: The Semi-Centennial year of the State of Iowa has been appropriately observed in accordance with provision made therefor by the Twenty-Sixth General Assembly. It would seem, however, to be proper that the full completion of the fiftieth year of the state's history should on the day thereof have public recognition, I therefore recommend that Monday, the Twenty-Eighth Day of December Instant, the fiftieth anniversary of the passage of the act admitting Iowa as a state into the American Union, which act consummated her admission, be observed in the cities, towns and townships of the state in such manner as to the people of the various localities shall be appropriate and convenient. I direct that on the day named the flag of our country be displayed on every edifice belonging to the state; and I recommend that it be made to appear on every building in Iowa, whether home, or shop, or store, school-house or college-building. I would furthermore suggest that in the religious services of the preceding days the occasion be remembered, and that the prayers of the people go up that the blessing of Heaven, thus far richly vouchsafed the commonwealth in its growth, may continue to attend its future development, and that this people shall more and more be known as one whose God is the Lord. (SEAL) In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Iowa. Done at Des Moines, this nineteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-six, of the State of Iowa the fiftieth, and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twentyfirst. By the Governor: W. M. MCFARLAND, Secretary of State. FRANCIS M. Drake. ON FILLING A VACANCY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES JANUARY 5, 1897 From MS. Copy of Executive Journal, Vol. IX, p. 270-in the Office of the Governor, Des Moines Whereas, a vacancy has occurred in the office of Repre sentative in the General Assembly from the county of Clinton, the same being the Forty-fifth representative district; caused by the death of Nathaniel A. Merrell; And whereas, The General Assembly will convene before the next general election; Now therefore, I, Francis M. Drake, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby order a special election to fill such vacancy, to be held in said county of Clinton on Monday, the eighteenth day of January instant, of which the electors of said county will take due notice, and the sheriff thereof will take official notice, and be governed accordingly. (SEAL) In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Iowa. Done at Des Moines, this fifth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-seven, of the State of Iowa the fiftieth, and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-first. F. M. DRAKE. By the Governor: G. L. DOBSON, Sec'y of State. |