The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1903-07-10
HAS PASSED
INTO HISTORY
Fourth Of July Of 1903 Was
Quiet, but no Absence Of
Patriotism was Felt.
THE DAY WAS INTERESTING

THE DAY WAS INTERESTING
Patriotic Speeches Were Made and an
Excellent Musical Programme was
Furnished by one of the Best Bands
in the state. Private Displays of Py-
rotechnics Numerous. The Small
Boy Had the Time of His Life.
1t couldn't be said to have been one
of the real old-fashioned kind, yet the
celebration of the Fourth of July in
Morristown was brimful of the spirit
of patriotism and in other respects par
took OF the principal features of an
'old-fashioned" Fourth. For instance,
the usual number of accidents occurred
and this week several men and boys
are nursing Scared features manned
limbs or wounded bodies as the re-
suit of some sort of carelesSneSs, either
on their own part or that of a friend.
Then, too, the brass band of the old
days was on hand, though somehow
the music seemed to come forth with
more "velvety" effect than in the
days agone and the discords, so much
a part of the Fourth of July celebra-
tion of ''other days." were missing.
Perhaps the dearest feature of the
celebration of few years ago was the
number of good, old citizens and the
reckless younger ones who put down
spirits in order that spirits might be
kept up. These were not here last
Saturday, but in their stead were fea-
lures more refined; more in the spirit
of the present day methods of pa
triotic display and more suitable to
the refinement with which this city is
environed.
OF course it was the youth Of the
city who began the celebration and he
was aided and abetted by the police
force whose eyes would not see things
after six O'Clock Friday evening which
at other times would have reused
them to very strenuous activity. 1t
was at this hour that the celebration
really began, and if it ceased until
late, or rather, early, Sunday morn
ing, no one has been found who will
certify to it.
The Morristown Drum Corps was
the first organized body of men to take
official cognizance of the near ap-
proach of. Independence Day They
started the ball rolling by serenading
many of their friends, each of whom
in fitting spirit and until
long after the official arrival Of "The
Ever Glorious National and popular
airs were sent forth one after another
by this popular body of young men.
The official program of the day
opened at six o'clock in the morning
at Fort Nonsense. Here the Lincoln
Guards on one of the most glorious
of the present year saluted
with gun the advent of the day to
which the Nation looks forward with
greater regard than for any other day
of the year. The sharp gun cracks
were accompanied by the musical
sound of bells from all the churches in
the city which rang forth a welcome
at the same hour. This act was re-
peated at noon and again at six O'Clock
in the evening.
Voss' Band of Newark arrived short
ly before nine O'Clock and then pro-
ceeded to the Park, where a concert,
lasting an hour and half, was given.
After the concert, patriotic services
were held in the First Presbyterian
Church. Mayor Reed presided at
these, and did it with enthusiastic
dignity. The services opened with pa
triotic songs by a trained chorus under
the direction of Mr. j. Fred Runyon,
after which prayer was offered by Rev.
w. r. Bennett. Then followed the
reading of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, which was delivered with
effect by c. Franklin Will
son, Esq.
There were two addresses delivered
one by Rev. Philemon e. Sturgis, of
this city, and the other by Hon. Thos
j. Hillery, one of this county's repre-
in the State assembly. 1t
so happened that the addresses were
along the same line, and both touched
upon, not only the spirit of patriotism
and love of country which made posSi-
BILE Fourth of July, but each also
treated upon the questions which
have recently been occupying the
public mind. The usual bouquets
were thrown at "Uncle Sam" by the
orators. Their addresses were of more
than usual ability and held the atten-
tion of their listeners very closely.
After the "Star Spangled Banner"
had been sung and benediction given
the meeting closed.
Voss band again gave a concert in
the afternoon and this was followed
by another in the evening. At this
concert the park was crowded with
people. The concert was an unusually
pleasing one and lasted until 8 O'Clock.
There were number of excellent
private displays of fireworks during
the evening though none of them were
of the ambitious order of things usual
ly successfully attempted by the Golf
Club on such occasions. The small
boy was free during the day to so con-
duct himself as to bring delight to his
own heart and fear and trembling to
his parents The decorative display
Of business houses and private homes
was large and very attractive.
Take it all in all it was a glorious
day for those who remained at home.
There were many, of course, who
sought the recreation Of mountain OF
seaside resort. Some Of these returned
to swell the crowd in the evening, but