Delaware gazette and state journal., 1896-07-09
THE GLORIOUS FOURTH.
The Day Quietly Observed Here-Celebra-
.tIons on the Peninsula.


tIons on the Peninsula.
Unusually decorous and quiet was
the celebration of the 120th anniver-
sary Of Independence Day in this city
on Saturday. In fact, it was the
quietest Fourth of July this city has
known in years. This may have been
due, primarily. to the fact that many
people left town either Friday night or
Saturday morning. Every avenue of
escape was severely taxed, but still
there were thousands who remained at
nome, and all appeared to enjoy them-
solves. The philosophical members of
the police force, however, declare that
this blessed release from turmoil was
due TO the fact that there were no re-
strictions on the small boy. The result
was it was no fun for him to explode
his crackers in sight of a policeman
and run. He got away with his ex-
plosiyes as rapidly as possible and then
went or was carried home to have his
injuries looked after.
The display of bunting and decora-
tions in honor of Uncle Sans birthday
was even more general than usual. Flags
tioated from all the public buildings,
public schools and many large business
houses, while many private residences
were gaily decked. In fact the sight
was decidedly pleasing, and one that
was calculated to inspire people ON the
streets with patriotism of the right sort.
Some of the flags, which contained 45
stars, reminded the people that the
day was the natal day of the 45th State
of the Union-Utah. There was quite
a number who recognized this fact.
There was no public demonstration
in this city, but at night many citizens
made magnificent displays Of fireworks.
as did also the managers of Union
Park and Gordon Heights.
Shortly after O'Clock in the evening
the heavens were illuminated by a
yellow light which puzzled many
people. II was occasioned by the firing
OF about 800 pounds Of powder, which
had been scattered around the premises
of Francis g. du Pont. The peculiar
light frightened some people.
The fire apparatus was called out
three times. A slight blaze on the roof
OF the house No. 202 West Seventh
street was extinguished by the Della
ware extinguishers and the chemical
engine. AT g.. IL O'Clock in the evening
tho department was called out by a
blazing pine tree on the Rowland lawn,
at Ninth and BroOme streets. 1t had
been fired by balloon The roof of
tho colored church at Seventh and But
tonwood streets was set on fire about 8
O'Clock by rocket. 1t was extin-
guished with but little damage.
A picnic and jubilee was held at
Brandywine Springs by Marshallton M.
u. Church. Addresses were made by
the Revs. j. ID. G. Hanna, l.. Il.
Barrett, Ezra Tinker, #. g. MacSorley
and .. w. Deviuish.
Probably the most interesting demon
stration was ut Rehoboth, where the
programme, as announced, as carried
out The display of fireworks was ex-
ceptionally fine. g 900 '..ti
Dover also had great celebration.
The principal feature was grand
parade in the morning, which was
participated in by military companies,
Grand Army Posts, fire companies,
secret societies and bands of music.
A similar demonstration was held at
Milford, where there was parade
during the day and beautiful fireworks
at night.
Salisbury, Md. had an all-day celebra-
tion, which consisted of amusement of
almost every sort. The principal event
was the laying of the corner stone of
the new city building, which was par
ticipated in by city officials, members
of the Masonic fraternity and other
prominent people. There were many
guests from other places.