The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-07-06
AFFAIRS OF THE DISTRICT
A Resident Objects to Fireerackers
on Independence Day.
Says Exploding Powder and Noisy
and Dangerous Examinations Do
Not fnculeate Patriotism I'm the
Minds of the YOunE-Thfn4<s All
such Things should BE Prohibited.

A member Of the firm OF ]. Q. Thompson
give them some advice about the observ-
anee Of Independence Day In the future.
The writer Of this communication does not
believe the burning of powder and the ex-
plosion Of hrecrackers the true way 10 teach
patriotism or to ineuIcate 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 CT
ties?
You know that nothing is more absurd
than 20 suppose that patriotism is nOur-
ished in our youth by exploding powder.
hreerackers and other noisy and danger
Gus fulmiaatious on what is known as In
dependence Day The Juveniles who en-
gage IN he Obnxious nuisance OF thus
celebrating the Fourth Of July have not the
remoteSt conception Of the true meaning
Of Independence Day OF OF its significance
in history. Surely the nerve-TackiE5 noise
ana offensive odors produced by powder
explosions in our streets cannot acquaint
our Juvenile population with the real. dig
nifed meaning Of Independence Day.
Such method OF observing the day is dis
gushing and preposterously Inappropriate
Philadelphia. the birthplace OF hide
pendsnce. forbids all such ridiculous and
savage confusion and danger. such no sc
and stencil. as you permit here in the Ma
tional Capital AS early as 1921. and by
necessary supplemental laws and ordi-
nanees perpetuate a decent and dseo.ous
independence Day. Pennsylvania and Pail
adelphia prohibit the sale or use OF can
noa, guns, pistols, and other fTea-u S.
or OF hrecrackers, squibs, ehaSeTs. rockets.
toy pistols. bombs, or other explosives.
under penalty Of aTreSs. fine, and imprizOR-
ment.
And the Mayor OF Philade.phia this year
issued a warning proclamation, thus show
ing that over in the City OF Brotherly Love
they do rot celebrate the Fourth OF July
like wild beasts OF the jungle. Tae mayor
says An 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 20 life AMI
limb may be avoided
Now that Is the way you should 70 at
this problem Of reform You have the
power as police regulation 10 stop this
IntOlerable evil II is begging the ques-
tiOn in slOTenly way to declare that the
pandemoniUm shall reign only TO the ex-
tent OF cracker-CannOn or bombs OF a Inn
tied size. Once the disturbing orgies are
let loose there is no practical restraint
4ne Philadelphia plan is the only decent
civilized method Why not try IL IN the
futu-e2 II is your duty to abate the
% Tr.T~- all
sanCe
The Commissioners have noted and filed
the communication OF the writer referred
to-