The Washington herald., 1908-07-04

Out OF the blaze OF glory that will
illuminate the United States from coast
TO coast and border 10 border to-day. in
celebration Of the nations independence,
will. as in the past. come a long list OF
fatalities and injuries 20 the country's
sons and daughters.
In years past. July has been recog-
nized as a day Of sadness and regret. AS
each glorious Fourth has passed into
history, the nation has sighed and asked:
How long will the price of death and
manned bodies be paid for the privilege
Of honoring the day when our nation was
born?"
In 1907 4.4l3 persons, most Of them chill
dren. were either killed or injured 20
make Independence Day memorable. OF
these, l4 were killed. Others suffered
from the loss of eyes, legs, arms, and
burns that marred the victims for the
rest Of their lives
Treatment of Tetnnus.
Since tetanus has been more successful
~ treated. the death roll has been dimin-
ished. In 1908 there were 466 deaths. 4O6
Of them victims OF tetanus.
Physicians throughout the country feel
it their duty to dissuade people from this
disastrous method Of celebrating. More
persons have died in the gloious occupa-
ton OF exploding 1irecrackers than were
killed by British bullets in the war Of the
Revolution.
During the twenty-four hours Of cele-
brauon on the last Fourth. thirty-one
persons were burned 10 death. The major
IL.
dresses were in blaze before they had
time 10 realize their danger. Lockjaw
claimed sixty-two victims, most Of them
from firing Of blank cartridges. OF all
the deaths last year Il per cent were due
10 blank cartridges--an increase OF 10 per
cent over 1906. Only twelve persons were
totally blinded last year. ten less than in
1895. There were seventy-fve who lost an
eye. ffty-seven who lost an arm or a
hand. and 90 who lost one OF more fin
gers.
Many times have the questions been
asked.
How comes it that the Fourth should
be peculiarly day Of noise and eXtrava-
CANT escapades?"
How Is ii that so great an occasion as
the celebration Of the hard-won inde-
pendence Of great nation does not call
for sober. magnidcently simple cere-
monies?
1t IS suggested that a better method
Of affording an outlet for the pent-up
patriotism Of American citizens would be
parades and displays. so magnificent that
the commonplace fire cracker. the tin
horn, and the toy pistol would have no
place IN IL. Such was the custom until
1s26.
John Adams. one Of the trainers OF the
declaration Of Independence, said Of Inde-
Pendence Day:
TT ought 10 be celebrated with pomp
and parade, with shows. games. sports.
guns. bells, bonflres. and inuminations
from one end of this continent 10 the
other"
Religious Celebrations,
The religious celebration OF Inde.
pendence Day has never been much in
vogue. Yet Mr.. Adams suggested the
observance Of July "as the dav OF de-
1iverance by solemn acts Of devotion 70
God Almighty"
jefferson and Adams died On July 4
1896 Both had lived to see fifty ami
Nersaries Of the day they Loyalty upbeId
After their deaths the character of Inde.
pendence Day celebrations began Il
change. Noise began 10 be IN the ascend.
ency. On the opening Of the trade witt
China small frcCTaCkeTS were introduced
Big ones soon followed. and noise has
reigned since with accompanying peril tc
the lives and bodies Of men. women. ant
children
Many suggestions have been made con.
corning the manner Of celebrating th,
Fourth. and lessening the attendant dan
gers. The only suggestions that hav,
proved Of avail have been those made b,
physicians. who have warned the public
of certain kinds Of injuries and "givinl
first aid" remedies.
For the first time in the history Of hi.
office. DR. W. G. Woodward, health Of
flcer OF the District, has prepared a lis
OF rules and directions 20 follow in caring
for casualties.
Treatment OF Injuries.
In brief, they are as follows:
In the treatment Of wounds or buns. cleanlines
and rest primarily essential
Wash wounds with water % remove dirt. Alcohc
Is available aniiseptiC- Aftersafd irrlgate wit
water. 20 which table salt has been added. Bandag
with stcrzCd absorbent gauze and cotton
Hemorrhage should be checked by pressure directl
on bleeding part.
Pain In burns Il relieved by application Of solr
tion Of baking soda or Of ice bag
AutitOXin should be given % avoid tctanuS
Advice Of a surgeon is always preferable 20 ANA
tour treatment