The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-07-05
Procession, Oratory, and
PyrotechnicS Mark the
Occasion - Many Ad-
dresses Made.
FireCraCkerS, Roman Can
dies, Noise, and Unre-
Stricted Ardor Make
Day MomentouS.

The National Capital celebrated the
Glorious Fourth yesterday in the good
old-fashioned way; celebrated the day
with military pageant, with patriotic
speech and song. with pyrotechnie dis
play; celebrated it with vim and en-
thusiasm; celebrated it as it was seIe-
brated in the olden times before com
mercialism began to dull the enthusiasm
of patriotism.
1t was a great day for the good old
fashioned patriot who loves his eoaa-
try for his country's sake. 1t was
equally great for the irrepressible small
boy whose pent-up exuberance of a
year finds vent and expression IN his
ability to make noise unmoIestcd and
undisturbed on the nations natal day.
A Proper CommemoIation.
But yesterday was day in which the
momentous event which occurred 127
years ago was properly ccmmemorated.
when the rising generation of Americans
was made TO realize the true import Of
the Declaration OF independence. Yes
terday's ceremonies constituted a lesson
IN patriotism which the youth OF Wash
ington will long remember.
Long before dawn the early risers and
those who retire late. having remained
up all night to usher In the day. began
their program. Rejoicing was continued
throughout the day and far into the
night. The sputter of percussion caps
and the bang of firecrackers was kept
up almost without cessation for twenty
four hours.
While the noise may have caused some
irritation to the nervous old fogies
whose hearts we're never thrilled by O
patriotic Inspiration, it brought Joy to
thousands who remember the deeds OF
their ancestors. and are glad to com
memorate the day upon which these
colonies" now grown to be great and
powerful States and forming a part OF
the expanded nation. we're first declared
to be free and independent
The Official Exercises.
with the military parade under the mar
shalship OF Gen. S. D. NJ. Young. and
despite the heat Of the morning thou
sands lined both sides of Pennsylvan'a
Avenue and watched the march OF the
boys in blue as they STROBE with proud
step up the historic thoroughfare.
The gates leading TO the grounds were
thrown open at 10 o'clock and q large
waiting crowd surged in and gathered
about the speakers stand, where were
seated distinguished officials Of the Dis
triet government and prominent citizens
who had planned and who helped to
carry into execution the exercises OF
the day.
Ambassador Jusse-and's Address.
Ambassador Jusserand. OF France. was
one OF the orators Of the day, and his
address was an expression OF kindred
feeling OF two nations which know no
titles OF nobility. which pay no allie
glance TO kings or queens. but whose
people rule themselves absolutely.
There was also present the repre-
sentative OF the youngest republic OF the
world-the nation brought into being
through the efforts of the pioneer Amer
icnn Republic-Senor Quesada. the min
lister from Cuba.
Minor observances.
When the ceremonies were concluded
the crowd dispersed. and minor obsorv-
ances were held ct other. places by va
rious patriotic bodies. As is their Gus
tom. the Association Of Oldest Inbabi-
tants observed the day with appropriate
exercises. and the Society Of Patriotic
Women also celebrated. Besides these
events there were picnics. excursions
ball games and sports OF all sorts which
added their share TO the general rnerrI-
ment and enjoyment OF the day.
In the evening there was brilliant
display OF fireworks which was watched
sand cheered by thousands. The Fourth
at least the old-fashioned glorioug
Fourth, would have been Incomplete
without . baptism from heaven The
weather man did not overlook this
number on the program, for during the
afternoon there was heavy aOwnpour
OF rain which. while it did not dampen
tho ardor or dull tho enthusiasm Of the
eelebrants. did much to relieve swelter-
Ing humanity. and was a grateful ac-
compartment 10 the events OF the day.