A PROCLAMATION.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, March 14, 1901.
To the People of the United States:
Benjamin Harrison, President of the United States from 1889 to 1893, died yesterday at 4:45 P.M., at his home in Indianapolis. In his death the country has been deprived of one of its greatest citizens. A brilliant soldier in his young manhood, he gained fame and rapid advancement by his energy and valor. As a lawyer he rose to be a leader of the bar. In the Senate he at once took and retained high rank as an orator and legislator; and in the high office of President he displayed extraordinary gifts as administrator and statesman. In public and in private life he set a shining example for his countrymen.
In testimony of the respect in which his memory is held by the Government and people of the United States, I do hereby direct that the flags on the Executive Mansion and the several Departmental buildings be displayed at half staff for a period of thirty days; and that suitable military and naval honors, under the orders of the Secretaries of War and of the Navy, be rendered on the day of the funeral.
[SEAL.]
Done at the city of Washington this 14th day of March, A.D. 1901, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and twenty-fifth.
WILLIAM McKINLEY.
By the President:
JOHN HAY,
Secretary of State.