The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-06-25
celebrate THE FOURTH.
SAVANNAH SHOULD JOIN SISTER
CITIES IN THE MOVEMENT.


Would No Doubt Close for the Day.
Home Rule, Now a Local Principle,
One That thesDay COmmemOrates.
sHvannah's PatrIotisntr should
Spread Itself
There is a feeling and sentiment in
many quarters that Savannah should cell
citrate the Fourth of July this year in
more than the commonplace ordinary way.
and if the matter is taken hold of in the
proper spiGt Savannah will be in line
with other places in the country and an
interesting and appropriate celebration
will be the result.
The movement TO specially celebrate the
glorious fourth this year has undoubtedly
grown out of the fact that the United
States are at war with Spain, and many
of our soldiers are now engaged in that
conflict. Itnis a fight too for the free
dom and independence of a sister coun-
try, one so close as almost to be akin.
Those are the same principles which caus-
ed the Fourth of July to be set apart as a
day for celebration the principles for
which the forefa Tiers of America fought
so well.
Savannah is a center of military spirit
and energy, as is shown not alone by the
fact of her large volunteer military organ
izations, but by the fact that she has con-
tributed directly and indirectly nearly
one-thrd of Georgia's quota of the United
States volunteer militia.
1t was from Savannah that powder was
sent to be used in the battle of Bunker
Hill, the first momentous conflict of the
revolution. What could be more !, appro-
pirate therefore under the present circum-
stances than that Savannah should at
this time pay a tribute to those principles
which all Americans hold so dear? Home
rule was another of those principles for
which the Americans fought; it Is a prin-
ciple for which the Cubans are fighting
now; it was and is an issue in local county
politics. An additional reason why the
fourth should fare well locally.
Many of the merchants of the city are
in favor Of an exceptional celebration Of
the day. The Retail Merchants Associa-
ton at recent meeting decided that all
its members should close their stores al
O'Clock. There was an effort made at the
time to get all to assent to close for the
entire day, but for some reason that fail
ed. 1t is said this was on account of the
fact that the grocers and some other mer-
chants refused to give up the whole of
Monday because they consider 1t one of
the most important days in the week. AT
any rate the effort failed, though 1t Is not
yet too late. Many of the prominent mer-
chants advocate closing their doors for
the entire day. but they do not appear to
want to take the lead If some concert
ed action could be stirred up among them
there Is little doubt, but that the entire
city would be closed up for the day, and
Savannah would present true holiday
appearance.
The wholesale merchants on the Bay
will nearly all Of them. be closed for the
entire day. This has been the custom for
years with the wholesale houses.
Another feature is decora tons. Bunting
is cheap, and can be procured at a dozen
places in the city. A few yards of bupt-
ing draped on the prominent1bulldings in
the city would add much to the holiday
appearance. But somebody must take the
initiative in these things, and those who
begin 1t will get much of the credit
Mr.. b. H. Levy one Of Savannahs lead
ing retail merchants said yesterday he
thought Savannah should certainly be in
line with other cities and have a truly
patriotic celebration of the national holi-
day.
81 do not see why we should not get IN
an enthusiastic celebration" he said. "It
is certainly the most appropriate time that
we have ever had. There has been too
little enthusiasm among Savannahians
and 1t Is time we were getting out of those
old Dimes 1t would not be so in Germany
or France. In those countries If they were
al war as we are you would see the people
around everywhere, afternoon and night
talking nothing but war If we could put
up stand, have the band to play, and
have one or two good speeches, / am sat
isfied it would be to the interest and credit
of Savannah"
Mr.. J. T. West was enthusiastically in
favor of the suggested plan. II think all
of the stores ought to close for the entire
day." he said. 1.-THE retailers would prob
ably all have done so, had it not been fer
the grocers who do not want to give up
their Mondays trade. But at this time a
big celebration is especially appropriate
and we should have 1t by all means
Mr. Leopold Adler, who takes a most
prominent part in the deliberations of the
retailers association, was of the same mind
with regard to the matter.
There should undoubtedly be some I'M
usual celebration of the day this wear"
he said, ''and l would be glad to see all
enter into it with some spirit 1 was in
New York a short time ago, and there
everybody was enthusiastic. There were
flags and bunting, and bunting and flags
everywhere. You could not turn around
without seeing these decorations. feel
satisfied that it could be done and would
be glad to assist in any way that is In my
power"
Expressions from several others were
on the same line. There is little doubt
that If the movement is started 1t will be-
come general, and it would lead 10 the
decorations Of all prominent buildings and
houses generally, and perhaps to the clos
ing of the stores for the entire day
There is yet plenty of time to arrange
for such a celebration as Savannah should
have, and certainly the Forest City should
not be behind other cities Of the country.
Patriotic speakers can be found in plenty.
and the occasion could be made one long
to be remembered.
IS b. Adams, ESD, expressed the belief
nat II a celebration of the fourth should
take a practical turn it would be an APP
propriate observance of the spirit of the
day suited to the existing conditions "If
the day Is set aside for special work for
the benefit OF our soldiers at the front"
said he, lit would enlist the hearty SYM
pathy and support of all. l know | should
be pleased to do what ! could. There are
better forms Of expressing patriotism than
by mere noise. Just now l know no bet
ter Wav In which love of countrv xvot,1a -