The Washington times., 1918-07-07
fean Ehot'S
Gossip About
Society Here
DEAR SUSAN:

DEAR SUSAN:
Not since 1916. our first Day, OF
Liberty. has the Glorious Fourth been
celebrated as it was this year.
Thursday will be a memorable day
IN history. II seemed TO be not only
Significant as Americas pronounced
day OF independence, but as an eK-
preston OF all the allied nations-in
their desire and hope for universal
freedom. Great Britain. France.
italy. Belgium. China, Japan. Greece.
g Portugal. and many others. as you
know, participated in the great cele-
bration by lending their representa-
tives here in Washington to the i'm
mense pageant which was hell in the
Mall by the Monument and the parade
which followed. And isn't it wonder
ful TO know that on that day not only
our country but France, England, and
AL the countries where our soldiers
are, were one and all observing the
same Glorious Day?
Everywhere throughout France, In.
every village and town, patriotic
celebrations were held and tribute
paid TO Lafayette and Rochambeau.
second the motion to the suggestion
that we do something by way Of
-
dependence day Of the French. Don't
you thiak so, Susan? And Just &c
think that in London the bell of st.
Paul's was rung as on the great
British holidays, and that perhaps
statue of our own George Washing
ton viii be placed in London near the
houses of Parliament A very strong
assurance is this. Susan, of the
friendly feeling now existing be
tween England and America. that
they should help us TO celebrate our
day Of liberty from their rule: but,
come to think Of it-and it is a COM
forting thought-'twas really freedom
from the rule of a German king. for
II have my history right George III
was Of German descent, as his father,
Geore II, could speak but little Eng
lish and George 1 spoke no English at
an-but that's not telling you about
ne pageant, which I started out to
do. is il? And besides. no one asked
me to elaborate on English history.
but these days happenings Of any
interest are so fraught with patriot
Ism that one finds il hard TO escape
such subjects. Social affairs and pa
triotism are almost one and the
same So. Susan. just as the allied
nations Joined hands in observing
cur country's birthday. anniversary,
30 did their representatives here In
the Capital City do the same, for
Washington has the advantage Of
other cities in having the material at
hand for an international holiday.
Many PaEeants and
Great Parade.
The pageant, which took the form
81 about twenty-six separate and dis
Enct smaller pageants, scattered all
over, in different parts OF the Mall,
In which just as many nations were
represented and to which they con
tributed folk song and dances in ma
tional costumes, and in most cases
staged episodes from their history.
was wonderfully interesting. and the
great parade which marched down
the avenue TO the CapitoI and there
presented Democracy Triumphant"
and the group Of~foreiEn born Ameri- |
cans representing thirty odd nation
Alit.es which had participated with |
the President in 'the exercises at |
Mount Vernon. was both picturesque |
and thrilling. But Democracy Tri-l
umphant" which must have been the |
most elaborate production OF all, III
missed. much 10 my regret, because
by that time. twas nigh on to nine |
thirty. the crowd was so immense |
that decided to wend my way home
ward fofY having looked with all my I
eSes all afternoon. and having chased |
from one end OF the Mall TO the other !
IN search OF every band that was
heard. for, wherever there was music. |
one knew that there would be the |
next performance took just about |
all the energy one could master. It'll
must have been a most impressive |
S-rformance. for a number Of our |
ugell-kroWn professional and amateur
actors took part
Mrs. Florence J.. NewboId repre-
sented Humanity" Justice was
characterized by Mrs. Maud HOWELL
Bmith, and Mrs. Gleuna Smith Tiunin !
presented q number of her most tai