Putnam patriot., 1909-07-09
The Fourih in Putnam.

| in Putnam, Monday, passed efi very ] quietly. Once in while stray crack CT WAS set off Sunday night, but there was no great amount of noise even af- ter sunrise on Monday.
 Quite a large number went from here early in the morning te Norwich Co
 witness the magnificent display in the celebration of the ssoth anniversary of that town. and especially to listen to the address of President Taft--the great feature of that days celebration.
 A large crowd gathered at the station to see President Taft as he passed through on his way from his summer l home tn Massachusetts to attend the anniversary celebration, where he was booked to make an address. His train consisted of day coach and the Prcsi- ent,s private car, the Mayfiower, ar- rived here at 9:5 a. m. As il stopped that the engine might take water, the
 President appeared on the rear plat form and made few informal remarks about the superior climate here com pared to that of Washington, and re- 1 ferred to his mission in this section, and the fact that the city of Putnam was not on his Itinerary for speech. making.
 ] In the meantime Mayor MeGarry, Postmaster +. C. Letters, and Silas NJ. 1 Wheeiock swung themselves on to the 1 Presidents car, and were severally in- tfoduced to the President. The Presi- ident had his little joke when the post 1 masters name wasi mentioned. He said. being man of "Ietters,n he was just the right person for a postmaster. l The trio had q short chat, but had to close il as the train was to start. That incident the favored trio will ever re- member as bright event in their lives, as 1t will also be in the history of the city for many years to come.
 There were also exciting ball games that drew many to witness them, in the city and at Wildwood Park. At the latter place the dancing pavilion had been burned down, and those who en. joyed that psstime went to Webster Lake, where they could be gratitied. In the evening there was band con- cert on MT. c. A. Hammond's lawn. But 1t was on Grove street where the old-fashioned Fourth of July celebra- tion was witnessed in magnificent style not only by the crowds that drew near but many on the hills and at dis. tance around. The display of fireworks exceeded anything seen in years.
 The day ended as quietly as 1t had begun, and gratifying to say, no acci. dents or fires have been reported. From the entire country some useful
 lessons were learned. In every city where the old way of using firecrack. CTS, toy-pistols, bombs, cannon and other powder explosives were indulged l in, the same dismal and heart rending
 record of deaths, mutilations and inju-
 ries of various subsequently, to chiIdren--are reported.
 l In number of cities, Washington, Chicago, Springfield, and some others, all forms of powder explosives were I suppressed. This shows tlnt where public opinion and official authority unite to prevent explosives of powder, it can be accomplished. The city of Springfield went further in order to se- cure joyous celebration of the Fourth without any use of powder. A yarie- 1 ty of pageants were arranged to divert young and old all day, and were in- structive as we'll as delightful, closing the day happily without any manifes- tation of the ordinary record of saw | agery. This appeal by example to the 1 instincts of the American people is bound to work a reform in the celebra- ton of Fourth that will do them and the day the greatest honor.
 1 One of the most attractive features Of the great celebration al Norwich on
 Monday was the historical pageant given on Chelsea field fin the morning, the seven scenes of which were afrang ed, the music written, and the eos tunes designed, by Barton F.. Leayitt of this city. The scenes, which were entirely in pantomime, represented the history of Norwich from the time of the great Indian war between Uncas | and Miantonomoh, colonial and. revo- lutionary scenes, down to the present day. Among the several thousand interested spectaton was President Taft, who heartily applauded the vari- ous features. The music was by 2 large chorus, school children, Tubbs' band, and Park Church chimes, and was conducted by Mir. Leavitt.
 The Hartford Post says. "Souven- 1T William H. Taylor, of Putnam, on | the Fifth was on earth as usual. Pres ident Taft on his way to the big 250th anniversary at Nof~ich made brief speech al Putnam. ss5ouvenir," with his usual enthusiasm for "0id Glory, presented the party with package Of flags at the Putnam station. He then followed the crowd down 10 Norwich and furnished the press headquarters sssih souvenirs galore, including some good things 10 eat. The iso .sW. ii. Ts. were voted ali right.
 Interesting Locnls
 ]. Horse shoeina aud general Joh5ing al