Los Angeles herald., 1891-07-05
AT WESTLAKE PARK.
FIFTEEN THOUSAND PEOPLE SEE
THE FIREWORKS.
A Good -Natured Crowd and Poor Exhi-
bition-The Car Service Inadequate.
Many People Walk Home.

"Look out for the stick ~
There were $4,000 people at Westlake
park last night, yelling themselves
hoarse at the display of pyrotechnics,
dodging sky-rockets and otherwise act
ing as great big good-natured Los
Angeles crowd always will.
For the crowd was good-natured,
though if they had stopped to con-
slider, there was sufficient reason for
them to be very much otherwise. The
whole affair was great izzle. The
fireworks were disappointing; ropes
kept almost all those for whom the show
was intended from getting a good view
of it, and the points of vantage were
all "reserved'-a queer word to use in
connection with public park-for those
who stood in.
For instance the boat-house, which
was directly opposite the display, and
commanded the best view in the
park, was guarded by a surly
doorkeeper, and about twenty OF
the elect only were admitted, where
there was room for several hundred.
The same selfshness and lack of public
spirit prevailed throughout the whole
performance. Ropes were stretched
about all the grass plots and the greater
part OF the public had to content itself
with remaining entirely outside the en-
closure, for the walks were soon jammed
to their utmost capacity.
The fireworks consisted OF sky-rockets
and Roman candles. and not many of
these. A pretty effect was caused by
the miniature men-of-war, of which
there were two, one stationary and
one movable. These were fitted
up with tin tunnels, out of
which poured continued shower
OF sparks and smoke. On the hill was
stationed a field piece, and along the
banks OF the lake several companies of
the National guard kept up an almost
constant firing with their muskets.
The display was made to represent a
battle between shore battery and a
man of war. Brisk firing with roman
candles was kept up for half an hour be-
tween the fort, which was built at the
northwest corner of the park, and one of
the ships, which was anchored below.
Then the other warship left its ststion at
the southern extremity OF the pond and
aided the fort to vanquish the foe.
Cornered thus between the cross fire of
the guns on the hill and the new
comer's battery, the enemy's guns
were soon silenced, the ship caught fire
and the battle was over. The ships in
action made fine effect and the battle
was cheered to the echo by the crowds
on shore. A8
Among the pyrotechnic designs were
an immense fish, or whale, which was
put on floats and moved gracefully over
the water, several combination pieces,
and the word "adieu" in immense let.
ters of red and yellow, which signified
that the display was over.
All along the banks of the lake, al
most encircling it, were stretched al
brief intervals gayly-colored Chinese
lanterns which added much to the
beauty OF the scene.
The cable company could not begin tc
handle the crowd which visited the
park and about half of those who went
out had to walk. Every train was COM
posed OF three cars, and even the roofs oi
these were crowded with passengers.
The new electric line carried out few
people, but they were not in a condi.
tion to accommodate many.