The herald., 1895-05-05
Getting Down to Work for the
Glorious Fourth
CAPT. CRESSEY'S ELOQUENCE
He Tells Those Present Last Evening
What Is Expected
Plan of a Campaign Generally ut.ined.
Brilliant Celebration for the Southern
End of the State Promised

Capt. L. J. Cressey, chairman of the
executive committee having in charge
the matter of the proposed Fourth OF
July celebration, called the meeting to
order IN Judge Owens court room last
night. and read Il bright patriotic address
outlining the work proposed and also
his views as to the details of the celeora-
ton. Captain CresseS S address was as
follows
Gentlemen Before entering actively
upon our duties as an executive commlt-
tee, permit me the expression OF some
thoughts that may not be entirely out OF
place.
1--WE have been elected as committee by
the largest. most enthusiastic and most
thoroughly representative meeting OF pub
llc spirited citizens ever gathered III Los
Angeles, to take the initiatory steps
toward celebrating the anniversary of our
birth as a nation. Each of the four ua,ly
papers of our city published the call for
the meeting. and right loyalty did our
citizens respond. Calmly and patriotic
ally, all suggested plans of action were
thorous shly discussed. and finally we as
a committee we're appointed. without Il
dissenting voice. and given entire charge
of all matters referring to the proposed
celebration of the coming Fourth of July.
II mention these details of our appoint
ment that we may each be impressed
with the great responsibility of the posi-
ton we here occupy. and the generous
confidence reposed in us by our neighbors
and fellow citizens. They will have
perfect right to know everything we may
say or do, and to freely criticize all our
propositions and plans. For the time be-
ing we are their servants. am persuaded
til at the pubic will treat us generously
so long as we show them we are person
ally honest and unitedly patriotic.
"A the very outset, let us each realize
the vast Importance and great magnitude
of the work before us. Los Angeles is to-
day one of the best known and most pros
porous cities in the United States. It's
citizens have been drawn hither from
every state if not every county, in the
union, and hence what Los Angeles does,
the position she assumes regarding ques-
tons OF common interest, and the senti-
ments her people express, are at once
heralded all over the land as matters of
public interest. May we not. then, en-
deavor to set a pace so wise and enthusl-
astcally patriotic that we may win ap-
proval both at home and abroad? | be-
lieve this lies within our power. With
only laudaple ambition, let us each en-
courage the other to keenly appreciate
he position in which we are here placed,
and to rise to the dignity and Importance
us.
"Let us not forget that we are citl-
zens' committee. appointed to arrange for
a citizens celebration. We must be gen.
erous, vet WISE considerate. yet honest.
in no respect bigoted or domineering;
energetic, yet gentlemanly. respectfully
hearing suggestions from others, yet
assuming the entire responsibility for our
final action. Let us endeavor to plan and
carry out the celebration that will repre-
sent and recognize the truly patriotic
sentiments of every man and woman and
child in Los Angeles and vicinity. Let
us seek to make it a joyous day for every
may be his political creed or personal
beliefs. With these we have nothing to
do except when they are recognized as
notoriously contrary to the sacred princl
Piles of true American citizenship. In
the planning and consummation of our
work we will need many committees and
assistants. Let us wisely and properly
scatter these among all classes in our city
only seeking assurances that each one so
appointed is capable. that he will ener-
getcally perform his duties and will
work in full harmony with this executive
committee.
'In all matters involving expense let us
be careful and wisely judicious. rigidly
demanding full value for every dollar ex-
pended, and finally render to the public
an itemized account of all receipts and
expenditures.
LET us hold all our meetings in place
public to every one and with an open
door to all interested citizens.
Personally, | am not in sympathy
with plans that would make the day one
of noise and reckless confusion, and the
night one Of weariness anxiety and vapid
hiss and explosion of so-called fire works.
Let these latter be paid for and enjoyed
by our Celestial friends. whose ancestry
are said to have originated them IN the
darkened centuries.
May | respectfully suggest that we en-
deavor to make the day we celebrate one
of quiet. rational enjoyment. such as be-
fits an intelligent, liperty-loving people.
Let the day be made a time of education
of our entire popul tion in the principles
of genuine citizeship. usefulness, loyalty
and the genuine Americanism that has
made us great as a nation in the eyes of
the world. We need. as a people. to
learn that liberty is not license, and So
called personal privilege cannot be made
q cloak for treason.
Let us invite every organization in
this city and near by towns to join with
US in the grandest parade Los Angeles has
ever seen, requiring, as the only con-
dition that every man, woman and child
personally wear or carry the national
colors. Let us urge all schools. whether
public or private, every society or lodge,
benevolent or political, every organization
of whatever kind or nature, and every
citizen. resident or visitor, young or
old male or female. white or black, for
eign born or native born, to join with us
in grand and patriotic parade beneath
the sun-kissed folds of the beautiful
American flag.
In some such simple yet impressive
manner as this. followed by patriotic
speaking and music in the cool of the
evening, in many parts of the city, thus
going as it were to the homes Of our peo-
pie, | am persuaded we can we'll satisfy
the trust reposed in us, and, in an mex
pressive manner i'm press anew upon the
people the great lesson of true American
citizenship, while they are reminded
that it cost to create this nation, and the
often forgotten truth, that eternal vigi-
lance is the price of liberty y
Messrs Overton. Aikey. Prtle. Dodge
and De Groot were present of the execu-
tive committee. A general discussion
Of plans was INDUCED in, Messrs. De
Groot, Pirtle and Dodge speaking of the
children s part in the proposed parade.
They thought the schools should be re-
quested to engage in the celebration.
Richard Farquhar, the temporary Sec
retary. who was press agent for the Fiesta
committee, was made press agent unani-
mously. Captain G. E. Overton was
made grand marshal OF the day by
unanimous vote. being given full power
to appoint all parade officers
Further discussion was had. w. T.
Williams dropped in and Captain Cres-