Washington's Birthday Proclamation

The Presidflnt issued tho füllowinj, executive order on the 21st : WllEREAS, The following concurrent rcsolution has been adopted by the Congresa of the United States : Be it resolved, That for the promotion of a nationul faeling throughout the Union on the occasion of the centenniai year of our independence, and believing this to be a proper time for the expression of our appreciation of the great services rendered to the people and the causo of liberty by the father of our country, George Washington, the 22d day of the present inonth shtll be treated and deemod as a national holiday throughout the United States in government business, and, so far as consistent with the public welfare, in all departments of the Government employment shall be suspended for that day ; and Whereas, The spirit and sentiment expressed in said resolution nieets my warmoBt approval ; now, therofore, in pursuance of that purpose and in harmony with the general sentiment of the nation, I, Ulyses 8. Grant, President of the United States of America, hereby direct that all business in the Executive Departments of the Government shall be suspended on the 22d day of February, 1876, and that said departments be closed on that day. U. S. Grant, By the President. Hamiltox Fish : Öecretary of State.