davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
STATISTICS SHOW
WISDOM OF SAFE
AND SANE FOURTH
Commissioners, In State
ment, Point Value of Pub
lie Celebration.
NHYMe q

District Commissioners today issued
the following statement regarding the
celebration OF the Fourth, and the
strides made by the District government
toward a safe and sane" observance
Of Independence Day:
President Taft has said: L am
heartily In sympathy with the move
ment to rid the celebration of our coun-
try's natal day of those distressing a.
cidents that might be avoided and are
merely due to a recklessness against
which the public protest cannot be too
emphatic
"On July 4, 1903. the first official cele-
bration occurred here. There was a
growing desire that the celebration of
Independence Day should be without
noise.
"on July 5. 1908. another official cel.-
bration occurred.
I'm 1898 the Commissioners believed the
noise as an expression OF patriotism,
and they prohibited by regulation the
sale and use of fireworks by other than
duly authorized committees represent
appointed by the Commissioners carried
TO successful completion a celebration,
establishing what has come to be
known AS the Safe and Sane Fourth.
in 1908. There were no accidents ana
no fres resulted from fireworks. as
against disasters OF the previous
Fourths Of July.
THE National Capital was thus
among tile first to prohibit the use OF
fireworks, and probably the first to eff
feet the combination Of prohibition OF
the use of fireworks and a public cele-
bration and display.
Each succeeding year has demon
stratcd the wisdom Of the Safe and
Sane celebration.
Persons treated in Washington hos
pitfalls for injuries from explosives
July 1:
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
Collector Pays Huge
Price for Flemish Piece

LONDON. July 4-Seligman. the col
lector, paid $40,s $50 for a panel of tapes
try. eighty-five inches high and sixty
six inches wide. Flemish. of the fif-
teenth century, at Christie's sale of the
Taylor collection of works of art. The
panel represents the repose in Egypt
In the foreground are the virgin and
child and St. Joseph. beneath a tree, in
the branches of which are cherubim
The whole Is woven in colored silks and
gold thread. The panel was bought by
Mr.. Taylor at the dispersal sale of the
Splitter collection in 1898.
Duveen paid the next highest price.
He gave s34,65O for diptych of trans
lucent enamel on silver, 5kxSA inches,
North Italian. of the end of the fifteenth
century. 1t is composed of two plaques
beautifully enameled with the nativity
and the alteration of the Magt.
Duveen also paid s22,050 for Morse
"a brooch used to clasp a priests cope)
Of gold and enamel, Ave inches in
diameter, attributed to Caradosso. of
Milan, about 1860. 1t Is said to have be-
longed to Pope Alexander vi.
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
ELECTRIC LIGHTS
REPLACE ROCKETS
New York Starts Its Safest and
Sanest Fourth Of
July.

NEW YORK, July 4.-Fireworks
were tabooed and the Declaration Of
Independence was the feature of the
day, coming into its own again in
what promised to be the safest and
sanest fourth that New York ever
had.
Starting with a Sunrise meeting"
at $3.50 a. m. in Central Park, the
days program included meetings in
City Hall Park. Tammany, Hall,
Grants Tomb, and half a dozen other
places, all marked by the reading of
the Declaration of Independence.
A municipal parade in three huge
divisions. starting from Fraunces
Tavern where George Washington
once was a guest. preceded the City
Hall meeting at which Mayor Gaynor
presided. -....
Tonight, In lieu of the forbidden
pyrotechnics. the park department
has prepared lavish electrical illuin.
nations costing thousands Of dollars
in City Hall Park, Central Park, alone
Riverside Drive and elsewhere. Bant
concerts In all the parks Will con
clude the day.
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
FORT BUNKER HILL
CELEBRATION ONE
Of 0LD.T|ME STYLE
Fireworks, Speeches, and
Sports Features of Brook
land Observance.

A Fourth Of July celebration of the
olden style Is in progress today at Fort
Bunker Hill. 1t is under the auspices
of the Brookland and University
Heights Citizens Associations. and cor
sists of patriotic addresses, patriotic
music, patriotic, poems. patriotic fire.
works and athletic events.
The baseball game between two teams
of the Brookland Brotherhood, at IL
o'clock started the festivities, but the
celebration proper did not begin until
the salute was fired this afternoon at
2:3O This was followed by a thirty
minute concert by the Naval Gun Fac-
tory Band.
Promptly at 3 o'clock the assembly was
called to order by NJ. NJ. Mclean, presi-
dent Of the Brookland Citizens Associa-
ton. He was followed by C. p. Judge.
president Of the University Heights Citi-
zens Association. The invocation was
by the Rev. A. P. Doyle, rector of the
dress Of welcome was eloquently deliv-
Brookland Brotherhood.
After music by the band, the Dec
lartion OF Independence was read by
the Rev. H. w. o. Millington. pastor
of Brookland Baptist Church; The
band then struck up a medley of
American patriotic songs.
This was followed by a poem writ
ten especially for the occasion at the
request of the University Heights
Citizens Association by Miss Sarah
willard Howe. "The Battle of To-
day" was its title and it was recited
by the authors brother, Franklin T.
Howe. third.
The chief address of the occasion
was delivered by the Hon. J. L. Bur
nett, member OF Congress from Ala
bama, who waxed eloquent on the
valor of our forefathers and the great
progress made since then by follow
Ing in their footsteps.
A large chorus rendered MY Own
United States" after which the audi
ence sang America" the band lead
ing. The benediction was pronounc-
ed by the Rev. ]. Paul Wright. pastor
of the Brookland Methodist Church.
Immediately following the benediction
the athletic events were started In In
contests include 50-yard dashes, Z1o
yard dashes, Ao-yard dashes, higi
Jump, standing broad jump, runnint
| broad jump, a potato race for girl!
and another for boys, a race for mel
| over thirty-flve years old. and SSO-yart
| run, races for girls, an obstacle race
| and a three-legged race. There are
great many entries.
Tonight at o'clock the firework
| start. The committee in charge OF fre
works announce that some things will
be shown that are entirely new In thi
line.
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
MOTHERS AND TOTS
ARE ENJOYING DAY
AT CAMP GOOD WILL
No Fireworks, But Children
Wade In Rock Creek
and Play Ball.

Away from the humdrum of the city
in the cooling shadow Of Rock Greek
Park the first group of mothers and
children who are spending two weeks
at Camp Good VIII are observing Inde-
pendence Day in quietude. No fire-
works mark the day for the children
of the poor. gladdened by the chance
to spend the time allotted them and
their mothers In the open.
Last year through the liberality OF
benefactors the children were permit
ted to view a fireworks display at the
camp. This year, however, the neces-
sary money for the display was not
forthcoming and consequently the
"kiddies" will not experience the thrill
Of witnessing any pyrotechnics.
Those in chargfie Of the camp, how
ever, have arranged for a ball game
between two teams Of boys, while 9TH
er ball contests have been planned for
the girls. Besides this the children will
indulge in their favorite pastime OF
wading in the waters of Rock Greek
Park.
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
Friends Prepare
Surprise" for Singers

When Mr. and Mrs. William j. Weber.
the latter formerly Miss Ethel Field
Batson, soprano soloist of the Keller
Memorial Church choir, return from
their honeymoon they will find a pleas
ant surprise awaiting them at their
home, 435 Eleventh street. Friends of
the couple have transformed the house
furnished by Weber and his bride into
an Oriental temple, while the couple
have been sojourning on their honey
moon at Ocean City, Md. No pains
have been spared by the practical jokers
in the transformation of the house and
in putting everything in 1t in a topsy
turVy condition.
Weber and Miss Batson were married
privately on June 26 at the home of the
brides parents, Mr. and Mrs. d. T. Bat
son. Mr.. Weber is the organist, and
director of the same choir of which his
bride is the soloist.
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
SWIMMING RACES
At BATHING POOL
HAVE BIG ENTRY
More Than Hundred Con-
testants Are Listed In Mu-
nicipal Tourney.

with more than one hundred entries
the third annual municipal swimming
and diving tournament under the aus
pices of the safe and sane committee
on the Fourth of July was held at
the bathing beach this afternoon. The
number of events was fourteen, six for
seniors, five for juniors, open to boys
weighing LIS pounds and under. and
three for midgets weighing one hundred
pounds or less. Gold, silver and bronze
medals were awarded the winners in
each event.
The senior events included 100, 120 and
44O-yard races, the underwater swim,
the plunge for distance and diving, the
junior events. 100. 200 and 44o-yard rae
es, diving and underwater swim, and
the midget ffty-yard swim, tub-race
and diving.
The officials were DR.. William Tindall.
honorary referee; DR.. +. w. Grenfell.
referee; r. H. Gearheart, clerk; Prof
c. F. Beckett. starter; and DR.. A. NJ.
Zinkham. N. G.. Hansen. J. r. Jobson,
DR.. C. l.. G. Anderson, J. NJ. Meaney,
and DR.. w. II. Moffitt, judges.
Interest in today's events Is expected
to increase the already large attend
ance at the bathing beach, Owing to
delay In the passage OF the Dlstrlct APP
preparation bill the pools were not
opened until July /, and since that date
have been crowded to their capacity.
Heretofore on ladies days" Mondays,
Wednesdays. and Fridays. from ] to II
a. m. and Wednesday afternoon from
to 6, the pools have been opened to
women and children and their escorts
Yesterday the attendance of women
was so large that 1t may be necessary
according to Supt. w. B. Hudson, to
prohibit the use Of the pools by the es,
corts.
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
Secretary Fisher Has
His Fiftieth Birthday

Walter Lowrie Fisher, Secretary of
the Interior, golf enthusiast and author
of the epithet, gray wolves" as ap-
piled to grating officials, is fifty years
old today.
Secretary Fisher and his family left
Washington two weeks ago for New
Hampshire. The Secretary will return
to Washington, while his family will re-
main in a cooler climate for the rest OF
the summer.
Secretary Fisher was born in Wheel
ing, w. Va. He was a student at Ma
rietta College and later at Hanover. He
was admitted to the bar In 1888 and be-
came an assistant in the Chicago Of
fees of Writ Dexter, then general coun-
sci of the c. B. & Q. railroad. His first
Governmental connection was as spe-
cial assessment attorney for the city
of Chicago.
In 1901 he became secretary of the
Municipal Voters League, In Chicago
an organization formed to oppose
Charles T. Yerkes. the traction manip'
ulator. Later Fisher was made presi'
Gent of this organization.
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
.C.L. j. CELEBRATES
INDEPENDENCE DAY
At BENN|NG TRACK
Begins With Motorcycle
Races and Winds Up With
Dancing Tonight.

While the rest of Washington OBJ
serves the birthday of the country's in
dependence with exercise and frolic,
organized labor is gathering at the
Benning race track where the fifteenth
annual celebration OF the Washington
Central Labor Union is being held. Be-
ginning with a series of motorcycle
races and athletic events, the celebra-
ton will continue throughout the after
noon and evening, concluding with a
fireworks display, a musical concert
and dancing.
The celebration begins at o'clock.
-Four motorcycle races are included in
that class of events. The first one of
three miles. then two of five miles each
and the fourth to be ten miles.
The athletic games will begin about
4:3o. These events will begin with a
one-hundred-yard dash, open only to
members Of the Central Labor Union.
and girls and ladies weighing over
16O pounds" The athletics will be con-
cluded with ''three-legged" for boys
under sixteen years Of age.
Aeroplane Exhibition.
Next on the program is an aeroplane
exhibition, the aviator having agreed to
make spectacular dips and turns about
the famous old race course. There will
be a thrill in every foot covered by the
airman, according to the managers of
the celebration.
All during the afternoon and evening
Bovellas Band will furnish music,
while Pistoria's Orchestra Will play for
the dancing. At 7:30 o'clocl, the lead
ing labor leaders of the District will
make addresses appropriate to the oc-
casion. The pyrotechnicai display will
start promptly at $50 o clock.
The celebration is two-fold in its pur-
pose. 1t is in observance OF the Fourth
Of July, and at the same time stakes
the place of the annual celebration Of
the organization held every Labor Day
at the old race course.
To Avoid a Conflict.
This year the leaders of the Central
Labor Union did not wish TO conflict
with the Building Trades Council.
which organization has leased the rae
track for Labor Day. so 1t was decided
to hold the annual celebration in con-
junction with Independence Day cere'
monies.
The following committee is in charge
OF todny's celebration: Milton Snellings,
Emmett L. Adams Joseph Clark. John
Wolf, Frank McNenna. James w. Con-
si'linc. Luke Ludloy. Frank Rom. John
s. Colpoys, John Schmidt. John Il
II. Merriman. Fred Kohler. John wolf,
T. A. Shishrue, Harry Shearer, Fred j.
Fcx. J,ssph A. Wilmer. Charles r.
S'nlt!. ]. 7. Donnelly. J. W. McCon-
1e ge. snn M H. John Ans Harsy M Hemqs Heqsr Nai d
Thomas Purcell. Walter Whitehead
George Myers, Richard Grace, Newton
A: James. Harry Wells. James N
Thompson. Charlss T. Hutchins, 81 NJ, n: p
Leonard I<Ikart. Thomas Hill. and
Samuel Murdork
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
BOSTON ENJOYING
NOISY FOURTH AS
IN DAYS OF OLD
Memories of Bunker Hill and
Lexington In the
Ascendancy.

BOSTON, July 4.-Memories of the af-
trays at Bunker Hill and Lexington
were in the ascendency today. With
the exception of a few minor police re-
rtrictions as to the size of fire-crackers,
the Hub put by the safe and sane idea
and enjoyed itself noisily in the old
fashioned ear-splitting way.
Several public displays of fireworks
and much burning of red fire, together
with a hundred or more celebrations
throughout Greater Boston, with public
speaking as the main attraction, were
included in Boston's celebration pro-
gram.
A half-hearted campaign for a safe
and sane Fourth fell through at the
last minute and the city fathers refused
to prevent the usual explosions.
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
WOMAN HURT BY
RUNAWAY HORSE
Policeman Who Tried to Stop
Animal Also In
jured.

Knocked down by runaway horse at
Sixth and H streets. northeast. Mrs.
Annie NJ. Mcmahon. fifty seven years
old, of j06 Pennsylvania avenue north
west, Is In a serious condition today In
tho Casualty Hospital She is suffering
from injuries about the head and left
leg.
Mrs. Mcmahon. who walks with a
crutch. had just stepped from a car
late yesterday afternoon, when she
was struck by a horse attached to a
dairy wagon. The horse, owned by J.
T.. Estes, a dairyman, WIS driven by
James W. Brockman, Of 652 L street
northeast.
At North Capitol and II streets Police
man ]. w. Conrad. of the Sixth pre-
c.nct, tried to stop the RUNWAY, but
was knocked down and hurt about
the head lie had his injuries dressed
at Sihley Hospital. The horse was stop
ped at First aud H streets northwest
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
Workers In District
Hear From Colonel

Promoters of the Republican progress
sive party in the District today received
communications from Colonel Roos svelt
and Senator Dixon in reply to their re-
quest for information about organiza-
ton plans. 1t was stated that the let
ters would be considered today by the
national organizers at a meeting in New
York
prises Joseph Sardo, J. ]. McCurrey, ].
A. Carroll. william A. Hickey, and ].
J. McCauley,
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
Girl Puts Cat Into
Mail Box, Causes Stir

BALTIMORE. July 4.-Because cat
was dropped into a mail package box
early this morning a special messenger
had to be sent to the Baltimore post
office, a policeman was called, and Miss
Frances Shilson, twenty years old, OF
20 Strickland street. was hailed to the
Central police station, charged with
cruelty to animals.
Miss Shilson was guarded by the po-
lice matron, and spent six hours weep
ing into a patChouli- scented handker-
chief. She was still weeping when
bought before Justice ]. Frank Supplee,
and fined $40 and costs
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
Only Three Pigs Are
Allowed Commuters

NEW YORK. July Am edict
against pigs has been issued by the
board of health of Belleville, N. j.
Hereafter no family will be permit
ted to have more than three pigs on
their premises. This action was bas-
ed on a report of Health officer w:
Brand Smith. He said that he had
found as many as seventeen pigs in
a single yard.
Some members of the board oppos-
ed the issuance OF the order, as they
feared 1t might have tendency to
drive away commuters. A great many
commuters raise their swine or poul-
try
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
Clark Worker In
Missouri Eating Crow

BOWLING GREEN. Mo-, July A.
Champ Clark's home folks" received
with regret the announcement that
Governor Wilson was the Democratic
nominee.
Members of the Clark Club, of Bowl
ing Green, the Speakers home town,
who read the bulletins telling of the
opinion that their fellow citizen after
having had majority of votes for nine
ballots was entitled to the nomination.
The secretary of the Clark Club said
he was "eating crow"
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
w. r. Smith No Better.

Superintendent William r. Smith. Of
the Botanic Garden, spent a restless
night, and is hardly so well today as
yesterday. His pulse is better today, a
condition that has not existed in several
days, but other symptoms are not so
favorable. IL there is any change In his
condition II has been for the worse.
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
Belgian to Lecture.

A visit will be paid by Senior de
Onveira Lima, Brazilian minister TO
Belgium. to the United States the COM
ing fall and he will deliver lectures at
Harvard, Yale. VassaT, Cornell, Colum-
bia. and other universities on Latin
American conditions.
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
400 Men Enlist to
Fight Michigan Fire

SAULT STE MARIE, Mich, July A.
Fearful that the forest fire horrors of a
year ago may be repeated, an army OF
400 men was today dispatched from here
TO Shelldrake, forty miles north, where
a fierce forest fire has been raging for
the past twenty-four hours.
The fire has already spread over a
wide area and consumed 10000 feet or
high grade white pine logs, entailing a
Company.
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
Sues w. E. D. Stokes
For Daughters Injuries

NEW YORK. July 4.-Henry b.
Benson. of Beaver street, has begun
a Supreme Court action in behalf of
his daughter, EJma Josephine Benson.
to collect $25,OOO damages from w.
L. d. Stokes.
While Stokes was riding in his au-
tomobile at SiXty-siXth street and
Broadway recently his car struck Miss
Benson. Her thigh was fractured
and she was injured internally.
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
Dock Workers Strike.

LONDON. July 4.-Maritime labor
troubles are still hampering British
ports. As a result of the uncompromis-
ing attitude of the ship-owners, the ex-
ecutlve committee of the dockers' union
today ordered all dock workers in ports
where seamen are striking to cease
work Immediately.
The Washington times., 1912-07-04

I'm 1909. there were 215 deaths in other
cities from explosives used July I. In
1911 the safe and sane movement had
grown to such extent that but 81 deaths
were reported, as against 466 in 1903,
and accidents reported, 1,603 as against
1000 in 190S'
The Washington times., 1912-07-04
Favors DISTINGUISHING.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark, July 4.-Gov.
John w. Donaghey has issued state
ment in which he favors an amendment
to the State constitution disfranchising
100. 900 colored residents of the State.
The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1912-11-21
OWNERS
OBJECT TO GRADE
Inform Board of Works that
Crossing at West Seventh
and Main Is High.

Mayor Zimmerman told members Of
the board of works that it had been
reported to him that West Main street
was too high at the intersection of
West Seventh street The mayor said
he had made a personal investigation
of the street and to his eye, though
he judged the street to
be too high.
City Engineer Charles introduced a
profile chart of the street to show that
the street was being built properly.
The chart was made in 1905 and the
grade of the street was the same then
as now, according to the engineer
The mayor did not believe the charts
were correct, and said he believed the
property along North West Seventh
treet would have to be flled in with
earth. According to Mr.. Charles only
the gully on the west side OF Seventh
street at the intersection of the prop
erty of Mrs. s. L. Middleton and the
West Side park will have to be filed.
An investigation will be made by the
board of works. 49,. s.. ..
The city clerk was ordered to noti-
fly Gus Rodefeld that he was violating
the city law by filling up the roadway
behind his place of business south Of
the Main street bridge on Front street
Rodefeld was ordered to stop making
an improvement which would block
the roadway.
Action on a petition for an arc light
at the corner of North Sixteenth and
G streets was postponed because OF
lack OF power at the municipal light
plant.
The KindIing Machinery company
extended an invitation to the board to
visit the plant of the company in Mil
waukee. Wis. for the purpose of exam
lining the street cleaners which the
company makes. The city is contem-
plating the purchase of street flush
er, and the Milwaukee company rec
ommends that a machine which is
known as the "Squeegee" machine,
manufactured by it, be purchased.
This machine not only nushes the
street. but also collects the dirt
The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1912-11-21
BOARD OF WORKS
POSTPONES STEP
Says Seventh Street Will Not
Be Put Through Swick-
er's Property Now.

In behalf of the interests of Har-
mon Swicker, an old resident of South
j street who objects to the opening
of South Seventh street from to L
street, Miss Esther G. White appeared
before the board of works this morn
ing for the purpose of looking into
Swicker's interests.
Swicker will receive $500 for the
property condemned by the city. He
alleges that he will be forced to put a
mortgage on his property of 81 900 and
pay this and the $500 received for
the property for the improvement OF
the street. Miss White was assured
by the board that Swicker was given
the limit that the city is allowed to
give any man whose land is used for
this purpose and that his land will be
benefited to such an extent that it
will greatly increase in value
Mayor Zimmerman said the street
would not be put through next year
nor would this improvement probably
be made until Swicker is dead Miss
White laughingly called the mayor an
old buffer and assured him that Ger
mans are apt to be longlived-