The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-07-05
SAFE AND SANE 18th
IS OBSERVED HERE
Community Celebrations Are
Held in Every Section of
the City and State.
ART SMITH FLIES OVER
Pays Visit to Exercises Held
AT Fair Grounds By the
Soldiers in Training.
Parks Crowded.
ART SMITH FLIES OVER

Richmonds celebration of In
dependence day was sane and safe in
every particular. The weather could
not have been better made to order.
and the variety of attractions could
not have been provided by the most
expert impressario.
The holiday was general, and pa
trioIc affairs OF many kinds were
spread before the people for their
delectation. There was no disorder
apparent, and the whole community
appeared to be happy and peaceful.
Orators OF local and national note
addressed enthusiastic throngs at
neighbortng towns and In the suhur-
ban sections patriotism and good feel
ing ran rampant.
a large number OF Richmonders
went TO Bon Air to take part in the
celebration there. and 10 hear Con-
gresham Montague's Grafton. while
hundreds of others took advantage of
the holiday 10 visit neigh boring cities
and resorts
At the celebrations at Highland
Park, Ginter Park, Hanover and Bon
Air. great crowds took part in the
exercises. and patriotism rang through
every word and every action. Old
Glory was at its best
Many At Fair Grounds
Fully twenty thousand people at
tended the military tournament at the
Fair Grounds yesterday and they
cheered the soldiers to the echo as the
various events were unfolded before
them. Nothing that Richmond has
seen in years excelled the Fourth Of
July celebration and exhibition which
the military authorities in charge of
the Fair Grounds arranged
- - Of a.5A NJ
noon program was sent off to a flying
start by a fast tive-mile motorcycle
race. and from that second on the
various military demonstrations and
athletic contests were staged with
such speed that one was led to be-
lieve one of the big three ring cir
cuses had invaded the city. The in
terest OF the audience was kept at
fever pitch every moment. Military
close order drills OF the disciplinary
nature were contrasted with the SOL
diers at play. and Captain Alcott Far
rar Elwen and his officers are to be
most highly complimented for the
morale and spirit which the men
evinced in every event taking place.
The high degree of discipline evident
everywhere gave evidence OF the mill
tary efficiency Of the command and
the competitive spirit and enthusiasm
which the men showed in their con-
tests and games gave evidence OF the
highest type of esprit de corps among
the soldiers themselves. Richmond is
indeed proud to have II known that
these men were trained in it's fair
midst.
Art Smith Flies.
Immediately after the entrance of
Adjutant- General 10 Lane Stern. the
vast ,assemblage was brought. to it's
feet amidst the widest excitement by
the antics Of the battle plane sent
from Langley field by Colonel Patter-
son. the commandant there. Unbe-
lievabie stunts were being enacted ana
the people had almost begun to be-
lieve that the flying corps had sent
over an aviator who had lost his head
enrcute when upon the perfect land
ing OF the plane, little Art Smith bob
bed up out of the pilots seat, and
everyone knew that they had been
witnessing performances by the
worlds greatest loop the loop and ex-
hibition flying AVIATOR just to show
his interest in the close friendship be-
tween his, former manager. william