The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-07-05
Senator Owens Address.

Senator Owens Address.
Senator Robert L. Owens address was
short, bubbnng with sentiment and 10
The point Commissioner Macfarland,
who presided. also had something TO
say with reference to Washington's ex-
detrimental celebration of the IS9d an
niversary of American independence.
The Comm ssiouers had decreed that
the Fourth of july. 1863, should De
quiet and orderly day. barring the firing
of a few bombs on Center Market
The crowd oheered itself hoarse. even
though there wasn't as much noise as
heretofore. Each bomb, as Il sped high
into the air and unfuTled some form
Of an American flag, or balloon in red,
white, and blue. was greeted with the
cheers of the thousands below, VINO
agreed that a safe and sane Fourth
would do for the stay-at-homes aTter
When the songs and speeches were
over the fireworks opened up again ana
the noon hour was made joyous by the |
constant bursting of the bombs
The celebration on the White House
FlllDse this afternoon and again at
O'Clock tonight, viii end the Capltal
Fourth so far as pyrotechnic displays
The real celebration OF the day has
been pulled of by the excursionists 10
homes who were thankful for a cool,
quiet day, and the few who drifted
into the city just TO experience really
quiet Fourth.
Commissioner Macfarland, his face
beaming at the already assured success
Of safe and sane" Fourth. after for
nally opening the exercises Of the. day.
preceded by an invocation by the Rev.
f. D. Power. d. D.. and music By the
Marine Band arose.
Macfarland's Speech.
.0s--.--s--g.,.. nFooForToud said n
part;
I'VE are celebrating Independence
Day by declaring our Independence Of
the DANGEROUS and non-sane celebration
methods which have cost this country
50 dear, at the same time expressing
the patriotism which is so natural 70
the National Capital.
The Commissioners and the citizens,
united as always in all movements for
the general GOOD. determined that
Washington should lead in the cause OF
safe and sane celebration Of the
national birthday. The astounding re-
ports OF the killed and wounded on. the
Fourth OF July battleheid, e&ceeolhg
the number slain and manned IN great
battles or little wars, not TO speak OF
the enormous loss Of property, have at
least shown the lesson which the
country must learn.
The Journal OF the American Medi-
cal Association states that IN the past
six years the bsrbaric Fourth Of July
celebration has killed 1876 and wounded
1880 persons II this loss had come
from any other preventable cause II
would have been stopped long ago.
Under Suspended Laws.
yet it was made possible by the
suspension for one day Of laws for the
protection of life and property. I'm
American anarchy thus provided is d.
rectly contrary to the ordered liberty
Of law more powerful tIisn men, for
which our forefathers made the De
elaration OF independence and the war
that gave us freedom and the world
a new nation. Yet we must have ex-
preston for our natural feelings OF
gratitude. Of sympathy with seekers
after freedom, Of ambition Tor q better
country and for the advancement OF
the brotherhood of mankind.
.sThe National Government has So
iourned in other cities, but this IS ITS
home Every President since Washing
ton has served here, every Congress
since the Fifth, and the supreme Court
since the days OF John Marshall
George Washington Was the ratAeI
Of the city as OF the country AIlu ~
soil was made sacred by MS presence
as bp that of Abraham Lincoln VINO
here lid his greatest WORK. II his Is the
national temple. and here IS the ark 81
4be Covenant and the glorious traditions
and predictions of or country WIN
soy we draw water from the wells OF
cur national salvation.
eve see moreover that ihe Declara-
ton Of independence and all that came
of il was not local, but fits in with the
development OF the whole world
Was English Government
TT was the English government and
not the English people that denied e
the colonies the rights OF Englishmen
and Congress wisely struck out OF JET
fereon's draft a reflection on the Englisf
incident IN the age-long struggle o.
democracy for liberty, preceded by
brave efforts in other countries thar
Great Britain. and followed by tbs
mighty movement II inspired which
France led and which transformed
Europe. Not for ourselves alone. bu
Tor All humanity has God made tn
United States what II IS. Just becaus,
we are trustees, not owners we shal
have 10 give account II we use Tor our
selves alone the wealth Of opportunlt
which has been placed In our hands
Must Do Our Part.
we who never have been in any va
are the vast majority and must do GU
part without the veterans pride and IN
spiration. This can only be done b
putting on the spirit OF the torefather
and the veterans.
eve face conditions entirely different
but lust as trying. Our task Is 20 over
GENE not their difficulties ailc dangers
not their duty but our duty. Above al
not to forget our duty in praising ther
for doing tflair duty. Selhshness, end
ing IN materialism. IS our creates
danger.
'IJ is well for Us 20 count the bless
fngs which have been bestowed upo
as as TO glory IN the achievement {
those who have gone before as. Blu
boasting is no better on independent
Day Than any other dey5 rather sls "
rejoice, Jet US make the day a prepare
ton for better serVic6- IN public and ]
private Qnd for better fighting aSains
the evils within and without
Have Splendid Heritage.
eve have a splendid heritage and
magnificent present and the future WI
be ike them. il we are true TO our trus
Because We believe that the vas
majority of our feliow-citizens are tTu
70 the traditions OF the fathers an
share their spirit OF devotion 70 couf
try and devotion to God, We face ~
94strrre with high homes.