Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-07-04
NATIONS CAPITAL
OBSERVES FOURTH
Serious Contemplation Of
Americas Problems Marks
Natal Days Gatherings.
CEREMONIES AT Monument

The National Capital and the entire
nation today are joining in observance
OF the anniversary OF the natal day of
American independence. In many re-
spects the gravest of any Fourth of
July celebration in the history of the
country. the gravity Of the occasion
was lightened as the joyful news be-
came more generally known that. despite
massed attacks OF Hun U-boats on the
expedition bearing American troops to
France. the last of Gen. Pershing's
forces had landed safely, that the un-
dersea murderers had been beaten OF.
their efforts foled by American sea-
manship and American gunnery. with
out the loss Of single man, a single
animal or a single vessel.
Lowering clouds that threatened at
any moment to spill deluge of rain
during the early morning hours threat
ened disarrangement of plans for the
numerous celebrations; but as the
morning advanced the clouds drew
apart. the sun burst through and the
impending showers seemed. for the time
at least, to have passed by.
Washingtonians generally Joined in
the observance of the day. All busi-
ness establishments remained closed:
partments ceased their activities. and
only here and there were evidences to
be seen that the country's serious busi-
ness still must be given attention.
Ceremonies at Monument.
The principal ceremonies were those
at the foot of the Washington Monu-
Sons of the Revolution and the Sons of
the American Revolution. at which
Speaker Champ Clark was the orator.
Citizens associations generally held
their community celebrations. those of
the Petworth. Park View and Piney
Branch sections being the most pre-
tentious. Italian residents of the Ma
tional Capital observed the day with a
picnic at Benning race track. in which
hundreds of members of the Holy
, Rosary parish participated This aft
| ernoon the Roman Catholic congrega-
tion of Congress Heights is holding the
annual tournament. features of which,
| in addition to the riding. are to be pa
triotic addresses by a number OF promi-
nent citizens of Congress Heights and
adjoining parts of Maryland.
The Association of Oldest Inhabi-
tants, following annual custom. held q
brief business session this morning at
| the old engine house at 18th and H
streets, this being followed by a pro-
gram of patriotic addresses. with
United States District Attorney John
E. Laskey the orator.
Other Washington Celebrations.
At the District farm at occoquan
preparations were made to receive hum
dreds of Washington visitors. the affair
| taking on the aspect of a monster pic
| mic, with patriotic features appropriate
1 tafAs Occasion. for the benefit of the
| The celebrations of the several citt-
| zens' associations, beginning early this
| morning, are to continue throughout
| the afternoon and evening. with pro-
NJ cfc
! in the case of the Piney Branch Asso-
citation a potato cutting and planting.
| in which every resident of the section.
young or old. male or female. is in
| vited to take part
Tonight a patriotic pageant. The
Call Of the Allies" is to be presented at
the National Sylvan Theater. while at
Memorial Continental Hall the Daugh-
ters of the American Revolution are to
present a play for the benefit of the
National Red Cross