May 24, 1900 (Thursday)
- The USS Oregon arrived in China at Taku Forts with 28 U.S. Marines and 5 seamen, under the command of Captain John Myers, to protect American citizens during the Boxer Rebellion. The USS Newark followed five days later.
- In Rome, as part of the Feast of the Ascension, Pope Leo XIII canonized Jean-Baptiste de La Salle (1651–1719) and Rita of Cascia (1381–1457). As founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, de la Salle is considered the patron saint of teachers. Saint Rita of Cascia, the mother of two and wife of an abusive husband, is one of the patron saints for domestic problems.
- Queen Victoria's birthday was celebrated for the last time during her life. The 81-year-old British monarch would die in January 1901.
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