Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-03
GREAT DISPLAY
OF ENTHUSIASM
Independence Day Spirit Stir
ring Over the Land.
REPUBLICS PULSE THROBS
Latitude Allowed for Expression of
Fealty to Flag.
vALOR OF C0UNTRY'S FOUNDERS
Plans of Oldest Inhabitants and Other
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. by Rail
and Boat.
REPUBLICS PULSE THR0BS
vALOR OF C0UNTRY'S FOUNDERS

land. Its manifestations are being felt In
every section. from the great centers of
population to the sparsely settled districts,
from city to hamlet from hamlet to the
solitary farm house. Wherever there are
citizens OF the republic, either In promise
or maturity. there the deep significance OF
the day is known and there the spirit which
made the nation possible is quickened with
each returning anniversary.
The preliminary signs Of the universal
outburst Of patriotic enthusiasm are now,
as ever before. unmistakable. Plain and
simple. they need explanation and &C.
casion no surmise. Everybody understands
at once why the great pulse of the republic
Is throbbtng with renewed energy and
added dynamic force. Everybody knows
how the increased activity is occasioned
None Is 50 dull or benighted as to be ig-
norant of the thrilling impulse which goes
from the center to the utternost parts Of
the nation, arousing the whole to lively
appreciation Of the profound meaning of
In all this broad land there is none
worthy of the name of citizen who does not
catch. however family II may be, some Of
the glow OF patriotic fervor which sweeps
over vigorous liberty lowing people, Some
there are, no doubt, who give no voice to
the feelings OF respect and honor for the
anniversary. who never take part in noisy
demonstrations in observance of the day
and who profess to seriously begrudge the
latitude allowed young America for the
strenuous expression of homage and fealty
to the flag. But at heart all thinking and
loyal people render due tribute>t the an
niversary At heart all rejoice, however
quietly and with whatever lack of outward
demonstration. in the heritage which the
valor and wisdom of the country's founders
left to succeeding generations.
By Common Consent.
But 1t is by common consent that the re-
sponsibilty for a fitting celebration Of the
Fourth of July is allowed to rest. in the
main, upon the willing shoulders of the
boys of the land. Right readily do they
accept the burden. and well do they dis
charge their obligations. With them there
is no lack of enthusiasm, and with them no
necessity for whipping jaded spirits into
action. The difficulty. as Is attested by
the record from the birth of the republic
until now. lies in the other direction
When youthful enthusiasm is allowed full
sway in the celebration of the Fourth of
July 1t has been found to tend to reckless
and dangerous excess. The demonstrations
several years ago closely resembled the
dramatic sitting Of the signing of the Dec
laration of Independence As in the DAYS
of 10 there was plenty of fire and smoke
and sounds of heavy explosive. To such
an extent In his celebrating did the enter
prtSing American boy go that eventually
the deadly cannon fire cracker and other
equally dangerous devices became essen
tials of all but the mildest demonstra-
tons The Fourth of July was then day
of many accidents and fatalities Its VIC
tins were numerous. But with the en-
forcement of regulations against the giant
cracker and other Objectionable fireworks
many less limbs and lives have been sac
rifced during the observances of Independ-
ence day. Still, the boy with the blank
pistol cartridge continues to work havoc
among his playmates.
Long Approved Theories.
Certain 1t is that according to long APP
proved theories the Fourth of July cannot
be properly observed unless there is a lot OF
powder burned and much noise and smoke
produced. There must be the fash of the
rocket. the blaze Of the Roman can
die and the artillery play of ordinary fire.
crackers. or there is no definite satisfactory
celebration 1t would be as reasonable the
young people declare. to omit music from
dancing as 1t would be to leave out the
noisy part OF the Fourth of July obser-
vances.
Formerly the racket used to begin almost
as soon midnight of the day preceding
the Fourth was passed It was then that
the patriotism OF the grown-up populate
was put 10 a terrible test After the fusil-
lade began sleep was out of the question
or course, that made small difference to
the eager youngsters. but II became a mat
ter OF grave concern to the elders, who
felt that the holiday should not be made an
spirit So in time the indulgences allowed
to youthful enthusiasm on the Fourth were
ctrcumscribed SO as to accord more with
reason and the fitness of things.
No Real Ground for Complaint.
While the police regulations do not per-
NIT of SO much liberty OF action as In for
mer times. there is no real ground for COM
plant as to the latitude allowed. Under
the present rules there can be sufficient
fuss and fare to satisfy the general desire
among the coming generation for celebrat-
Ing the birth of the republic with the blaze
or light and the boom of explosives.
And then, too. the element of danger Is
by no means wholly removed. There Is
enough CT risk In the average doings Of
the day to make mothers uneasy until the
celebration Is really over and their boys
are found not to be mentioned on the cas-
ua2ty lists
Although the glorious Fourth" may not
be the occasion OF as much boisterous
strenuosity as formerly, 1t has lost nothing
OF its true significance In fact. the day
has grown apace with the growth and de-
velopment Of the nation. 1t really means
more in these times than it did years ago.
In this period of peace Il serves as an
unmistakable reminder of the existence
and vigorous state Of the spirit of patriotic
devotion extending Il, the remotest ramifi-
cations OF the national life.
Firm and Abiding Place.
Tho day has a Arm and abiding place of
precedence among the distinctive holidays