South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-07-03

A year ago / had the honor OF
addressing a letter 20 the governors
Of several states requesting their CO.
operation in the efforts OF the Safe
Is First federation 20 bring about a
safer and saner manner or celebrat-
ing July Fourth 10 the end that in
the observance OF independence day
the usual heavy toll Of young lives
might be wholly eliminated and in
juries 20 persons and destruction 10
property by fire materially lessened.
We are approaching the anniver-
sary OF that memorable day i'm
American history at a time when
the patriotism OF the entire country
has been aroused as never before
and a familiarity with firearms and
explosives has become almost
part Of our national life
Under these circumstances il is
easy 20 see that the tendency on the
part Of the youth OF the country 10
celebrate the day with firearms and
fireworks will be unusually strong
II is an occasion which calls for
more than ordinary caution.
ION behalf Of the federation I
urge YOU 90 issue a proclamation 10
the people Of your commonwealth
calling upon the citizens generally
10 do their part and 10 aid public
officials i'm enforcing the local regu-
lations. II is suggested that YOU
particularly address Yourself 20
those an charge Of public schools
and urge that suitable instructions
as 10 the dangers attending the use
of fireworks. frecrackers and other
explosives be given 20 the children.
THE following instructions may
with propriety be given 20 public
officials who have under their juris-
diction the regulations OF the use OF
fireworks and explosives:
"First.-That they issue no per
mits for the sale at retail Of fire
works or explosives except paper
caps.
"Second.-That they issue no per
mits for the sale of fireworks at
wholesale except for deliveries out
side the Jurisdiction Of the officer
issuing the permit.
"Third-That they start at once
campaign Of publicity 10 be con
tinued until July 5th. especially us
ing editorials on the evening of
July 3rd and morning OF July 4th.
"Fourth-That they obtain a sup
ply Of tetanus antitoxin for instant
use as a preventative of lockjaw in
cases of injury.
During the past few years the
fire prevention propaganda carried
on by the Safety First Federation
OF America has resulted i'm more
stringent regulations regarding the
use Of fireworks in the larger cities
on independence day. This propa-
canda has not, however. extended 10
the smaller communities. and / de-
sire to call your attention 10 the de-
STABILITY OF impressing upon Off
cials in towns Of less than 10000
population the necessity for the ex-
ercise Of greater vigilance in re-
spect 10 the use Of firearms and fire.
works
Trusting that this appeal will
have your endorsement and that in
your capacity as chief executive OF
the commonwealth. you will issue a
suitable proclamation for the fur
therance OF this worthy movement.
1 have the honor to be.
Yours very truly,
Darwin =. Kingsley,
President. Safety First Federation
of America"
Accidents Decrease.
Francis Y. Butler, executive sec
rotary Of the federation. stated that
since the Safety First Fourth of July
campaign had been inaugurated in
1911 there has been a steady de-
crease in the total number OF fatal
and non-fatal accidents on July 4th.
q - cbov-p b,- tho statistics goDoniIad