The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-07
Object TO EXPLOSIVES
Citizens Favor a More Quiet OBJ
servanee of Independence Day.
Present Method of Celebrating Called
BnrbnrOus and Supernnnunted-An
Annoyance Which 1t Is Declared
Ought to De Abolished - Patriot
ism Not Nourished by Powder.

Annoyance Which II Is Declared
Ought to be Abolished - Patriot
ism Not Nourishcd by Powder.
Since the passing Of the GLORIOUS
Fourth" the District Commissioners have
received several communications from cit
liens complaining that the present mode
of observing the day is superannuated and
barbarous. and that in the city of Wash
ington it constitutes nuisance which
ought to be abandoned. Among the
missives received is an anonymous COM
munication signed L." which contains
several interesting suggestions.
while the citizens of the District have
now recovered from the effects of the ter
rible nuisance of the barbarous explosions
of the day as well as those of the recent
sham battle" writes this indignant resi-
dent of the city, lit is respectfully sug-
gested that now would be most favora-
BILE time TO pass a severe and sweeping
ordinance against all use and sale of eX-
plosives in the future. This action should
be taken with a view particularly to the
repression of such savage practices on
anu iIiiIieuidNely TIE Jul III Vi
July, 1901. and giving notice that no per-
son who may apply for license shall re-
ceive it now or then.
Such action would be most accepta-
Bile now, while public opinion is most IA
yorable TO such a course on account Of the
very recent and trying experiences.
MY neighborhood is blessed with nu-
mero.is domestic cocks and hens, kept for
pleasure and profit. without regard to the
comfort or welfare of the neighbors. To
these fowls are added guinea hen, cats,
dogs. horses, pigeons, all crying. bark
ing, cooling, caterwauling, stamping. and
filing saws according to their several ma
lures. When to these delights there are
added the cries OF a sick child whose ex-
cited parents try to still It amid the ter
rible explosions and the house filled with
smoke and stencil of burning powder. there
is presented picture of social enjoyment
exhibited in no other city that / ever Wis.,
tied.
A fire Of Importance would ruin a very
large number OF small property owners and
lay heavy burden upon the more for
tunate, and such favorable opportunities
as those presented on the Fourth Of July
may be depended upon some time to fur
nish handsome and thrilling spectacle
surprising all the fireworks that the fo5i-
ish, the thoughtless. and the reckless can
ever pay for or hope to see.
The writer has witnessed several of the
greatest fires in different cities. and Of
fers these suggestions Immediately after
that horrible confagration in the city OF
New York, of such recent occurrence.
Nothing has here been said of the rights
of the quiet people of the community 10
the enjoyment OF their homes. nor of the
terror and distress Of the sick and the nerv-
Gus, especially women and children"
The Commissioners have noted the re-
ceipt of the letter Of IL" and have en-
trusted 1t to the tender mercies of the Of
fetal file.
Another letter of similar character was
written to the Commissioners by q men,
Der of the firm Of J. Q. Thompson C Co.
The writer of this communication does not
believe the burning OF powder and the ex-
plosion of firecrackers the true way to teach
patriotism or to inculcate the correct mean
ing of the Declaration in the minds of the
youth of the District.
In addressing the Commissioners the
writer of the letter reminds them that they
occupy pedestal above and independent
of the common herd. and. therefore, do
not have to cater to the whims of the peo-
pie in order to corral their votes. why
not then" he asks, do your utmost to
distinguish this city as the quietest, most
peaceful, and restful of all American ci-
ties?
"Yeu know that nothing is more absurd
than to suppose that patriotism is nour- I
ished in our youth by exploding powder,
firecrackers and other noisy and danger
Gus Nominations on what is known as In
dependence Day. The juveniles who en-
gage in the obnoxious nuisance of thus
celebrating the Fourth of July have not the
remotest conception of the true meaning
of Independence Day or Of its significance
in history. Surely the nerve-racking noise
and offensive odors produced by powder
explosions in our streets cannot acquaint
our juvenile population with the real. dig
nified meaning of Independence Day.
Such method OF observing the day is dis
gushing and preposterOusly inappropriate
philadelphia, the birthplace OF 1nde-
pendence, forbids all such ridiculous and
savage confusion and danger. such noise
and stencil, as you permit here In the Ma
tional Capital. AS early as 1921, and by
necessary supplemental laws and ordi-
nances perpetuate decent and decorous
Independence Day. Pennsylvania and Phil
adelphia prohibit the sale or use of can
non, guns, pistols, and other firearms,
or of firecrackers, squibs, chasers, rockets,
toy pistols, bombs or other explosives.
under penalty of arrest. fine, and imprison-
ment.'
"Apd the Mayor of Philadelphia this year
issued warning proclamation, mus SHOW
ing that over in the City of Brotheriy Love
they do not celebrate the Fourth of July
like wild beasts of the jungle. The mayor
says: All citizens. and particularly those
in control of minors. are requested to as
sist the authorities in enforcing the law.
SO that the peace of the community may
not be violated, and that injury 10 life and
limb may be avoided
Now that is the way you should go at
this problem of reform. You have the
power a police regulation to stop this
intolerable evil. 1t is begging the ques-
ton in slovenly way to declare that the
shall reign only to the ex-
tent of cracker-cannon or bombs Of lin
tied size. Once the disturbing orgies are
let loose there is no practical restraint
The Philadelphia plan is the only decent
civilized method. Why not try it in the
future? Il is your duty to alb tie the
Fourth of July alleged celebration nui-
sance."
This communication also was noted and
filed.
Ethics in Arabia.