The Baltimore County union., 1886-07-10
Correspondence Baltimore County Union.
LETTER FROM BALTIMORE.
independence Day-How it was Observed
The Key Monument, &C., sc.


BALTIMORE, July 9th, 1886.
Editors Union The natal day of independence
coming on Sunday, yesterday, the 5th, was cele-
brated in its stead. All business was suspended
except such as had to be done incident to the oc-
casion. 1t was in fact general holiday. Our
citizens as q general thing went out of the city,
some to one place and some to another. The city,
therefore, was almost depopulated. The excur-
sions by rail and water were many and large
But very few country people were in town, and
they acted wisely, for it was very hot, though the
heavens were occasionally overloaded, but only
for a short time. When the sun did come out his
beams came down with heat and great power
There was, however, a refreshing breeze from the
south which afforded some relief. Those not pre-
pared to 60 to the country or on excursions went
out to the different parks and other resorts near
the city. There were computed to be from thirty
to forty thousand persons, principally children
and young persons, at Druid Hill. 1t was an in
vigorating sight. There were likewise large
number at Patterson Park, chiefly persons living
in the eastern part of the city. 1t is very beau
tiful and attractive place, afording fine view of
the harbor and bay. There were perhaps ten to
fifteen thousand visitors there. Federal Hill,
Riverside, Scheutzen and other parks were also
visited by large crowds. Probably on no similar
occasion has there been q more general turnout
The day, excepting the heat, was very favorable,
and even it could be fairly endured. 1t was a real
July day. The fireworks at 0riole Park were
largely attended in the evening by persons from
the city and country. Those present numbered
probably thirty thousand. The display was grand
and much admired. All passed off we'll, free from
accident or mishap. The exhibition lasted over
an hour 1t could be seen from all that part of
the city. There were no other public amusements
except some private fireworks and shooting OF
crackers and other small affairs in all parts of the
o;ky nh
police, knowing the boys patriotism on the Fourth
was so enthusiastic winked at it, and finding they
we're not disturbed in their fun they went ahead
unmolested. Some older heads were aiding them
and they kept it up until after twelve a,ciock-
After the town clock struck twelve and Big Sam
had gotten into the small hours OF morning. stlii
I could hear an occasional salute to independence
There were a few trifing accidents, chiefly with
the boys, they willing to take the chances for pa
triotism's sake. I was forcibly reminded OF the
sentiment uttered by the elder John Adams, one
of the Presidents Of the United States, OF the
Fourth of July, that he believed the anniversary
of that day. sacred to freedom, would be usnered
in by bon fires, shooting of crackers, firing OF
cannon and other things in honor thereof, until
the end Of time, or whilst freedom had place
whereon to rest her feet 1t has now been CEN
tury ago and the Fourth is as enthusiastically OBJ
served as it was then if not more so. 1t seems IN
fact to increase instead of diminish as distance
widens. 1t is ever fresh and pure IN patrlotc
sentiment Even our internecine strife and war
seems to have given to it holiness not before
felt or known. Let us hope it will continue to
grow in intensity as long as time lasts.
There was very interesting meeting held yes
terday at Patterson Park, in reference to the
buildiug of a monument to the memory of Francis
Scott Key, the author of the "Star Spangled Ban
ner." Those who have this patriotic movement
in hand are making successful progress. The
author of n song so beautiful, so patriotic and SO
national should not be neglected.
It is with deep regret that notice the sudden
death Yesterday, from heart disease, of our we'll
known citizen, George U. Porter. l have had
the pleasure of knowing him many years. first
knew him when he was clerk and assistant OF
Mr.. Lyford, keeper of the Exchange Reading
Rooms He is in fact one of my first acqualnt'
ances in Baltimore. Business brought me in con-
tact with him almost daily for long series OF
wears. He was editor of the Price Current and
subsequently the Journal Of Commerce, which po-
sition he held when he died. He has filled many
responsible positions. Hisloss will be deeply felt.
He bore a descrvedy high reputation as man OF
business, an honest good citizen.
Quite a large number Of people from this city
were at Getty sburg yesterday and were particu-
larIy gratifed. A good many Baltimoreans are
now at Gettysburg Springs Hotel to spend the
season. 1t is again being Rept by Mr.. Yingling,
who also keeps the Eagle Hotel in the town, and
is particularly popular. There is no question OF
his being good caterer and popular hotel keeper.
1t is now full of guests and he could not take all
the applicants.
The Fifth Regiment is preparing for their sum-
mer encampment, which takes place about the
18th inst, at Atlantic City. NEsroR.