Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1889-07-11
JULY FOUR III.
How the Nations Natal Day Was
Observed in Wilmington.

The celebration or the nAtlonB Dlftn-
day Thursday was very uneventful il the
noise and din is excepted. Even this
was no greater than in previous years
when the restrictions against the explosion
OF fireworks had not been removed.
There were but few serious accidents,
no fires worthy the name, but little out
door sport and ali were left to depend on
their own resources for ways and means
OF spending the day.
The morning was pleasant and the con-
stant efforts Of the sun to break through
the clouds gave rise TO hopes which were
considerably dampened by the severe
shower which began about noon and con-
tinued during the greater part of the
afternoon. This put an end to all out
door sports except in the case of those
who could not reach home at once. The
stay. at bones enjoyed few hours of
quiet and rest during the rain which
seemed necessary for the nerves in order
to be able to stand the strain Of the even
ing's celebration.
The enthusiasm which had been pent
up by the interruption Of the rain poured
itself out like Johnstown food at night
and from o'clock until midnight, the
noise was terrific enough to please the
most noisy patriot although it must have
been most trying to invalids and people
with weak nerves. When the firing
ceased the streets were literally covered
with the debris from explodes of fire
crackers Of all sizes and kinds, rockets,
roman candles and the various forms
which the explosives were made to as
sumo. The notable absence of cannon,
pistols aud firearms OF all kinds, was q
welcome relief to many and their prohibi-
tion undoubtedly prevented logger list
of accidents. The police confiscated
several cannon which have not been re.
claimed. Even the drunkards were less
numerous but whether that is virtue
| that can be attributed to the new liquor
Law, it is difficult to tell as the saloons all
report having done furnishing business.
THE FIREMEN.
The firemen were in readiness all day
to respond to alarms but their services
were never required. There were only
three alarms during the day, and at two
of these no cause for the alarms could
be discovered The alarm at z 50 p. M,
from box No. 4 in front of Boers' saloon,
was caused by the accidental discharge
of the ball by Roman candle into the
second story window of the house No.
900 Market street, which caused no
damage. The Italian peanut vender,
Malasoalza who keeps the fruit and
candy store on Eighth street between
King and Market streets, was the CHIEF
sufferer by fire. A cnlorad man, in pass
ing, set FIRE to pack of shooting crackers
displayed in front of the stand. Chis
pack set fire to others aud before the ex
plosions ceased, most of his fireworks
were floating about in the surrounding
atmosphere in the form OF smoke, while
his fruits and candies and other mer
chandise besides the windows of hi
stand, had been consi iietably damaged
entniling $75 worth Of loss.
EXCURSIONS From THE CITY.
The number or people who left the cit,
to spend the Fourth elsewhere was not a
large az usual, on account of the threat
ening weather. The railroad travel wa
increased considerably over its norma
proportions by the hundreds who visite,
their former homes in the country or ii
neighboring towns. All the railroads sol
excursion tickets.
The steamboats, did not carry NOR
tuHu uSiA bu0 "a ptbbEhRCtu
did last year. The Philadelphia boat
were not crowded at any time during tn
day and the afternoon patronage wa
, particularly slim. The Wilmington too
$40 passengers to Augustine Pier. Th
II. A. Haber took 200 to 800 people t
Pernsgrove and about so for Atlanti
City. About ITO Wilmingtonians eu
joyed the trip to Oape May on the Re
public. Yachts and skitfs were IN demand
however, and dozens Of small sailin
craft dotted the Delaware during tn
morning hours, but all were driven t
shelter by the storm.
One large party Of ladies' and gentle
men boarded the schooner Ella Slay
maker OF Riverside and enjoyed de
lightful sail down the river 10 the Saler
: Cove, where shelter was sought from tn
driving storm. 1t was dampened crow
: that returned, but their enthusiasm re
kindled with the appearance Of the SUI
and as "alls we'll that ends WE'LL" the
thoroughly enjoyed their trip. Thei
! schooner was becalmed off New CASTLE o.
the homeward journey and the remainde
: of the trip was made on the cars an
steamboat.
The Brownson Library Association cal
: ried the largest excursion party from tn
city, as 150 people attended their e1
cursion to Birmingham Park. The base
ball match, boating and other outdoo
: sport that had been planned had to b
I abandoned on accuunt OF the rain, an
the immense crowd found its chief solac
in dancing. They made the best of the
circumstances and those who were nc
I disgruntled by the weather enjoyed then
selves.
Messrs. Merrihew, Mcdaniel, Greg
, and Lofiand OF the Warren Athletic Clu
, went to Lancaster, Pa, to participate
! the big bicycle races, but the rain cause
postponement until some day in ii
. near future.
3 The Wawaset Gun Club started sever,
sweepstakes matches on its grounds OF
Eleventh street bridge, but their spoi
was also interrupted by the rain. Thel
:, was live pigeon shooting match I
Goodley's meadow, Just over the Stat
!, line, in which first money was divide
: between Robert Miller, g. Butler,
q McKendrick and W. Smith in the FIR
match. G. Murphy. Robert Miller an
! j. Dickson divided the first money in Il
: second match. Robert Miller won IL
! third match from 81 competitors, KILN
!, every bird.
At the Healdmoor Rifle range IL
! sportsmen had enjoyed the morning vii
: pistol and revolver and were preparir
to indulge an afternoon OF uninterrupts
!, sport with the rifle, which was, howeve
!, nipped in the bud by the storm. Sever
!, matches were shot, including the begi
ners' match, in which William Lawtc
! bobbed up serenely as victor.
= The intention Of the Cedar Gro
" Tennia Club OF celebrating with patriot
!, tennis at the grounds Third street 81
! Cedar avenue, wEs frustrated by the co