the
progress of our institutions during the first centennial of their
existence.

And whereas it is deemed proper that such recommendation be brought to
the notice and knowledge of the people of the United States:

Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, do
hereby declare and make known the same, in the hope that the object of
such resolution may meet the approval of the people of the United States
and that proper steps may be taken to carry the same into effect.

[SEAL.]

Given under my hand, at the city of Washington, the 25th day of May,
A.D. 1876, and of the Independence of the United States the one
hundredth.

U.S. GRANT.

By the President:
HAMILTON FISH,
_Secretary of State_.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

The centennial anniversary of the day on which the people of the United
States declared their right to a separate and equal station among the
powers of the earth seems to demand an exceptional observance.

The founders of the Government, at its birth and in its feebleness,
invoked the blessings and the protection of a Divine Providence, and
the thirteen colonies and three millions of people have expanded into
a nation of strength and numbers commanding the position which then was
asserted and for which fervent prayers were then offered.

It seems fitting that on the occurrence of the hundredth anniversary of
our existence as a nation a grateful acknowledgment should be made to
Almighty God for the protection and the bounties which He has vouchsafed
to our beloved country.

I therefore invite the good people of the United States, on the
approaching 4th day of July, in addition to the usual observances with
which they are accustomed to greet the return of the day, further,
in such manner and at such time as in their respective localities and
religious associations may be most convenient, to mark its recurrence
by some public religious and devout thanksgiving to Almighty God for
the blessings which have been bestowed upon us as a nation during the
century of our existence, and humbly to invoke a continuance of His
favor and of His protection.

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 26th day of June, A.D. 1876, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the one hundredth.

U.S. GRANT.