President William McKinley — Official Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1899, Countersigned by Secretary of State John Hay, Referencing Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippine Insurrection
An official two-sided printed broadside of President William McKinley’s Thanksgiving Proclamation for 1899, issued from the City of Washington, October 25, 1899, designating Thursday, the thirtieth day of November as a national day of thanksgiving and prayer. Headed in Gothic blackletter type “By the President of the United States — A Proclamation,” the document concludes with the printed signature “WILLIAM McKINLEY” in bold type, countersigned in print: “By the President: John Hay, Secretary of State.” The document bears the notation “[SEAL.]” indicating the affixing of the Great Seal of the United States. Two pages on a single bifolium sheet, approximately 8.5 × 14 inches. Light age toning and a small area of wear to upper corner; text sharp and fully legible throughout. Overall condition: Good to Very Good.
The proclamation is a primary document of the United States at a singular historical inflection point, the immediate aftermath of the Spanish-American War and the first year of American overseas empire. Its text is remarkable for the breadth and specificity of its references to the new American geopolitical order. McKinley invokes the nation’s prosperity, the strength of its finances, and the flourishing of its churches and schools, before turning to the defining events of the age:
On Cuba, he writes that “the trust which we have assumed for the benefit of the people of Cuba has been faithfully advanced” and that “marked progress toward the restoration of healthy industrial conditions” is underway. On Puerto Rico (“Porto Rico” in the period spelling), he references the devastating hurricane that “swept over our new possession” and the “instant sympathy” of the American people in responding with aid. Most strikingly, on the Philippine insurrection, he acknowledges that “the insurrection still continues in the island of Luzon,” but expresses confidence that American purposes are “being rapidly established throughout the archipelago.” The proclamation closes by calling for religious exercises in all churches and denominations, and recommending that “labor shall cease from its accustomed toil and charity abound toward the sick, the needy and the poor.”
The countersignature of John Hay as Secretary of State adds a second layer of historical significance. Hay (1838–1905) — private secretary to Abraham Lincoln, distinguished poet and biographer, and architect of the Open Door Policy toward China — was one of the most consequential American statesmen of the Gilded Age. His printed signature appears here in his official capacity as the officer certifying the proclamation.
Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamations in original broadside form are primary documents of American executive history, issued annually and increasingly scarce in collectible condition. The 1899 proclamation is particularly desirable for its vivid reflection of the United States at the dawn of its imperial century — Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines all named within a single document of national thanksgiving, less than eighteen months after the Treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American War. McKinley himself would be assassinated in September 1901, making documents from his presidency historically finite. An outstanding piece for any collection focused on presidential Americana, the Gilded Age, or the history of American expansion.
Physical details: Official printed broadside · 2 pages on bifolium · approx. 8.5 × 14 in. · Headed '[THANKSGIVING—1899]' in blackletter Gothic type · Signed in print 'WILLIAM McKINLEY' · Countersigned in print 'John Hay, Secretary of State' · '[SEAL.]' notation present · Dated Washington, October 25, 1899 · Condition: Good to Very Good; light age toning, small wear to upper corner, text fully legible.