Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-05
MAYOR SOUNDS WARNING
At GREAT CELEBRATION
At Highland Park Independence Day
Demonstration Ainslie Urges
All to Face Duty.
MAKES PATRIOTIC APPEAL
Says limo Has Arrived When Men,
Women and Children Should Real.
lie Obligations Thrust Upon Them
by War.

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Declaring that tho people OF the COM
munlty had never In their history been
gathered on a greater Fourth Of July
for n demonstration Of their patriotism
by the celebration of the birth of
American Independence, Mayo George
Ainsiie. speaking at tho community
picnic OF the Highland Park Citizens
Association yesterday afternoon, Urged
every man, woman and child to realize
the obligations forced upon them by the
entry OF the United States into the
world war. that tho struggle might
be VIGOROUSLY ended as quickly as
possible.
Tho Mayors address came near the
close Of a days safe and sane cele-
bration of Americas freedom and in
dependence. For seven years the peo-
pie of Highland Park nave made the day
an annual community event, with the
exercises starting early in the morning
and closing with a band concert that
ends shortly before 10 o'clock at night.
People go and come to the Plaza, the
suburbs vast green park where sur
hcient space ls provided for the nun
dreds of grown people and children
throughout the day and evening. The
attendance yesterday was estimated at
nearly 1000.
In one section OF tho grounds had
been erected a tall flag polo. and slow
ly the STARS and Stripes was raised to
Its top while the band. and a choir
selected from the church choirs Of
Highland Park. rendered the Star
triotic address followed. and came as
a fitting close to the days celebration.
w should not have a great loud
demonstration with fireworks and the
like on this day." Mayor Ainslie said.
We are facing a serious situation
one that will demand every effort that
We can put forth to meet IT success
fully-end we should have a deep reaii-
zation Of this fact. Everyone Of us
has obligations to assume. Some Of
the boys will go to the front. but
others must make possible their eIts-
tence and furnish them with supplies
with which to night. The vast supply
army before the first line Is greater
than the army itself"
Briefly sketching various Develop
mcnts that led to tho declaration of
war with Germany saying that this
country had remained passive while IL
saw the rights OF It's citizens trampled
under foot. but smoothly explained in
conversation. the Mayor said the in
evitable break had finally come. and
he called upon every man. woman and
child to put forth every effort to
bring the war to q successful con-
clusion.
ENGLISH GIVES
GRAPHIC ACCOUNT OF WAR
He declared that every ounce Of
power and vigor must be put forth II
the principles upon which this country
vas founded more than 100 years ago
are to DO maintained. Saying that
those things which the flag. just
raised over the grounds. stood for had
been won by n previous generation
and had been inherited by tho present.
he appealed TO the people TO show their
patriotism by fighting for It's maInte-
nance and the freedom of tho world
from autocracy.
Colonel H. c.. Morton. of the British
army, who lost a leg in the s%trenuou.
lighting on the Somme front. also
made n short talk. describing the
methods Of warfare and giving an
interesting account OF his experiences
on the battle front OF Northern France.
Colonel Morton Is spending several
days In Richmond. and while In the
city Will make a number OF talks on
the work OF the American Red Cross
and what great services II Is render
Ing to the wounded soldiers of the
allies.
There were also several other ad-
dresses during the morning and after
noon. The picnic opened with a ball
game between the married men of the
community. and from that time on
events staged. Prizes were awarded
In each contest. and these were an
nounced last night from the band stand.
The celebration was pronounced bv
officers OF the Highland Park Citizens'
association, under whose auspices 1t
was held. as one OF the most successful
In the history of tho organization.