Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-07-04
UNDER THE SHADY ELM
The Celebration in the White
House Grounds.
GRATIFYING SUCCESS
PROGRAM WAS CARRIED OUT
WITHOUT A HITCH.
Addresses by the French Ambassador,
Secretary Moody and Commissioner
Macfarland

The Fourth of July celebration in the
White House grounds today was a fitting
initial number of series of such events to
be given in the coming years. 1t was no ordi-
nary celebration, devoted to soaring phrases
accompanied by flaps of the eagles wings
In every way it meant much. Above all it
sounded note of official integrity as the
true song for Independence day. l
The earnest words of Secretary Moody
of the Navy Department carrying with
them warning that the only way in which
to preserve in all it's greatness that glory
which came from the Declaration of Inde-
pendence was by demanding the strictest
honesty on the part of all public servants
formed a notable feature of the occasion.
These sentiments were loudly applauded.
and calls for the Secretary after he had
taken his seat brought him to the front of
the stand where he was cheered.
Admiral Dewey also called forth enthu-
siastic applause when presented to the au-
dience by Commissioner Macfarland There
was some disappointment when it was seen
that his introduction of Mr.. Barry Bulkley
was to be without any remarks more than
to present Mr.. Bulkley as the reader of the
Declaration of Independence.
The reception given by the assemblage to
the French ambassador was notable in its
earnestness.
1t being announced by Mr. Macfarland
that the great-grandson of Lafayette
Vicomte Charles de Chambrun, was on the
platform, there was call from the assem-
blage for "Rochambeaur' "Rochambeaur'
The calling of the wrong name alone prob
ably prevented the crowds from getting a
view of the young Frenchman, who is a
native OF this country having been born IN
this city.
Mr. MMfarlend Congratulated.
At the conclusion of the hour-and "a
half program in the grounds of the White
House today Commissioner Macfariand,
whose suggestion and personal interest in
the plan of celebrating the Fourth of July
in this city were responsible for the event,
received congratulations from host of hi
friends on the platform.
In every particular the exercises were
carried out without single hitch in the
program. The platform for the acconmo-
datfon of the speakers was located north
east of the White House under the shade
| of the spreading elms that there grow to
| mammoth size. While the day was al
most a record-breaker in the matter OF
| temperature slight breeze come from the
south to temper the intenseneSs of the
heat.
The platform, with speakers stand fac
| ing the east, was large enough to seat
about 100 persons. 1t was tastefully deco
rated with flags. the patriotic colors form
| ing portion of the canopy protecting the
| guests of the day from the rays of the
sun that crept through the foliage of the
elms.
persons and the lawn spreading in every
direction was used by the gathered thou
sands as a vantage ground for witnesses of
the ceremOnialS.
hn of fhn DO lav
closed until 10 o'clock. at which hour they
were opened for the admission of the pub
! lie. Thousands Of persons were waiting on
| the outside of the high iron fence and with
| In q few minutes after the opening of the
gates they were gathered about the speak
ers' platform.
| The assemblage was composed of four or
| five thousand persons-lnen, women and
children The gathering of a choir of pub
| lie school girls on one side of the platform.
a choir of adults on the other and the Unit
ed States Marine Band under the personal
| leadership of Lieut.. w. H. Santelmann,
a pleasing scene and later contributed mu-
sic of especial merit for the entertainment
of the gathered thousands.
On the Platform.
The meeting was presided over by Mr..
Henry B. F. Macfarland, president of the
board of Commissioners of the District of
him were the distinguished guests who
were to take part in the exercises Of the
day and limited number of invited guests
All of the members of the French embassy
in this city at this time were present The
French ambassador accompanied by
Nine. Jusserand. They were given a cor
dial reception when they came on the plat
form. Mr.. Jules Boeufve, chancellor of
the legation, was among the early arrivals
With him came Vicomte Charles de Cham
brun, q great grandson of Lafayette; Mr..
Roger Anginieur and Vicomte de Saint
Phalle.
Minister Quesada of the republic of Cuba.
was present, modestly taking a seat four
or five rows from the front. On the front
row were. beside Commissioner Macfarland,
Mr.. ]. ]. Jusserand. the French ambassa-
dor; Secretary Moody of the Navy Depart
ment; Admiral Dewey. representing the
Thomas Jefferson Memorial Society; Com
missiOners West and Biddle, Ellis H. Rob
erts, treasurer of the United States; Rev
Teunis 8. Hamin. Rev.. D. ]. Stafford and
Mr.. Barry Bulkley.
Among others on the platform were Secre-
tary Cortelyou of the Department of Com
merce, Acting Postmaster General Wynne
Captain Lamberton of the navy, Admiral
H c. Taylor of the navy. Assistant Secre-
tary Taylor of the Treasury Department
DR.. Tindall, secretary to the board of Com
mssioners; Mr.. Nathaniel p Wilson