Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-05
SANE FOURTH OF JULY
OBSERVED IN RICHMOND
triot1c, Celebrations Through.
out the City.
ADJUSTMENTS DRAW THRoNGs
Business Is Suspended to Allow Citi-
zens Full Opportunity to Enjoy
Many Outings and Picnics on In
dependence Day.

With the mercury hanging lazily
around the even temperature mark. and
With skies overcast just enouE to
make an Ideal summer day. although at
times they were apparently debating
whether or not to send down a cool
ing summer shower, Richmond yester-
day spent as pleasant, yet as patriotic
a Fourth as she has in all the 14l years
since Thomas jefferson made his epoch
making declaration for human rights.
The burning sun of other Fourths was
lacking, but the irrepressible spirit
OF America and almost the usual
amount OF pop-crackcrs were on hand
Just as In the days gone by.
The city practically suspended bust
ness while patriotic citizens celebrated
Some of them made joyous the occa-
sion by visiting their country cousins,
to whom the season gives an abundance
Of c~antaloupes and the whercwithal to
make ~barbecues and Brunswick stews-
The soda-water boy threw aside his
white coat and went TO see the ball
game The politician went to a coun-
try gathering and told the average
citizen how much he loved him, pro-
vided he has paid his poll taxes, and
so they all celebrated, each in his own
way.
RICHMOND OBSERVES DAY
IN SAFE AND SANE STYLE
There were few accidents. Richmond
has come to believe in 4 sane Fourth.
and his was true of this year more
SO b ever before. At the numerous
community celebrations in and around
the city there was the greatest pa
triotism displayed. numerous speakers
at the various demonstrations urging
upon the people their utmost effort to
assist the government in every posi-
BILE way during the national trial. The
small boy still has his fre-cracker, but
they are growing fewer, and yesterday
will probably mark the passing of this
kin of amusement. for the police au-
thorities have just issued orders pro-
hiblung their sale and use after the
present supply in the city is exhaust
ed. People are not less patriotic. but
are moro mindful OF the seriousness OF
war.
The theaters were the center Of at
traction in the afternoon and night for
he thousands that remained in Rich
mond over the holiday. Others gave
vent to their enthusiasm at Boulevard
Field. where morning and afternoon
games were staged. But last night in
the theater district the streets were
packed and damned with long lines
Of amusement seekers awaiting adj
mittance to the movie houses. Eaude-
Vile and comic opera performances
were prayed 10 packed houses.
HOLIDAY AIR PREVAILS
IN OFFICIAL OFFICES
The ship OF State lay peacefully at
anchor while its pilots scattered to the
four corners Of the Commonwealth to
celebrate In their own peculiar way the
birthday Of American Independence.
Every Office in the Capitol was closed,
andSrIonG Tom" Haynes and his fellow
policemen were the only two State en-
nInvaeq that CffNE d0~naI1,. - tA.i-
posts. The Fourth is nothing more
than a Sunday to them, and law and or
der must be maintained among the
squirrels and visitors to the square
every day In the year.
There was also an air OF v~acantness
in the resounding corridors OF the big
gray pile OF stone known as the City
Hall. with all Offices, even the courts,
tightly closed. They were enjoying one
of the two holidays of the year. and
many. scattered to all sections OF the
State for celebrations.