The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1912-09-09
THE FOURTH OF JULY IN 1912.

Probably in no previous year in the
last half or three-quarters of a century
has the celebration of the Fourth of
July been so quiet, so orderly or so
worthy Of the dignity Of great ma,
tion as it was in this year Of our Lord,
nineteen hundred and twelve IRE
sponslble ho0dlnms and their g liant
6recrackers their blank-cartridge pis-
tolls and their reckless shooting of
firearms, instead of being tolerated, in
our large cities were promptly arrested
and fined in most instances. This year,
instead Of the usual pandemonium Of
ear.splitting and nerye-wrecking noise,
there was order, with quiet, genuine
enjoyment and recreation. Instead of
the former heatenish methods of cele-
bration. there were flag drills, band
concerts, picnics, children's parades,
pageants in which historic events were
represented, etc Bright, innocent
children, instead of being tortured,
blinded, mutilated and burned to death
as in former years, were this year pre-
served for their families and the world,
save in a few sad instances Instead
OF 5,623 persons injured-the number
reported by The journal of the Ameri-
can Medical Association only a few
years ago-there were only 9SS; and
instead of 466 deaths, including 406
who were subjected TO the agonizing
tortures of lockjaw, as reported by The
Journal in 1908, there were only forty
one killed, including six tetanus vic
Tins. Instead of having a continuous
struggle of from twenty-four to sew
enty-two hours against disastrous fires
caused by the discharge of fireworks,
this year the fire departments of our
large cities, with a few exceptions,
were practically idle
The Journals statistics have so thor
oughly aroused public sentiment that
the prohibition of fireworks and noise
and the adoption Of safe and sane
methods of celebrating the Fourth of
July are being generally demanded. A
new era in our national life has begun
wherein it is recognized that there
must be that happy medium of law
and regulation which will place a check
on individual selfishness and avarice
in the interests of the people as a
whole. There is still much to be done,
in connection with the celebration of
our Independence Day A total of
forty-one killed, including six little
children who died by lockiaw. the most
agom2ing death known to modern
times, and 947 were blinded bereft of
arms. legs or hands or otherwise mutt
lated, many for life, still presents too
serious a picture to permit a cessation
of activity, Even though the totals
are smaller than in previous years, the
picture OF forty.one bright, active,
sweetfaced children who have lost
their lives and who but for the Grim.
inal negligence of city authorities
would still be among the living, is just
as pathetic as ever. Cannot the au-
thoritles in all our cities and towns
and they are the ones who have the
power and, therefore, the responsible
ity-adopt and enforce effective meas
ures SO that following no celebrations
hereafter will any doors bear Grape
or any hearts needless sorrows as a
consequence faccidents so easily pre-
vented? May not the next seven or
eight months see so general an adop-
tion of measures prohibiting fireworks
that this national disgrace will be a
thing OF the past?