Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1919-06-02
FIRE MARSHAL !. g.
gambler OPPOSES.
JULY 4 FIRE WORKS
OTTAWAN IN STATE OFFICE IS
SUES STATEMENT RECOMMEND.
ING "CoMMUNlTY CELEBRA-
TioNS" INSTEAD OF ENDANGER-
ING LIVES AND PROPERTY.

State Fire Marshal John G. Gambler
of Ottawa, is taking early precautions
against July 1 over enthusiasm"
which is sure to follow in the wake
OF victory in the late world war, by
issuing "A statement advising "commu-
nifty celebrations Oh the nations
birthday IN place Of the riotous out
bursts OF patriotism that heretofore
have been followed with such disas-
trous results, to life. limb and prop
erty.
In response To numerous inquiries
as 10 the attitude Of the Division Of
Fire Prevention concerning the use
OF fireworks this year Fire Marshal
Gambler says:
Independence Day. 1919, probably
will be celebrated with more patriotic
fervor than ever before IN the his
iory Of our country. II will be the
occasion not only of rejoicing over
libsrtys triumph in the World War,
but OF doing honor to our returned
fighting men, most of whom are eX-
pected to be home by that time.
Realizing the tremendous popular
enthusiasm which viii give vent to it.
self on this day and with no idea Of
discouraging "A proper expression Of
the great patriotic impulse undery-
ing 1t, | most earnestly appeal to the
people of the State of Illinois to keep
this enthusiasm within safe and sane
channels
During the past several years,
great strides have been made in the
direction of sane and safe celebra.
tion OF the Fourth Of July, with the
result that the toll of dead and main
ed. and the number of fires, have
steadily decreased.
To many the temptation to 90 to eX.
tremes will be great this year The
stimulus to celebrate was never
greater. The need Of restraint is
therefore correspondingly great The
lesson of restraint was well learned
during the war, let everyone continue
to apply it In time Of peace
IN scores of localities throughout
the State, plans are already being
made for great community obseryan-
ces, with rousing homecoming cele.
brations for the returned fighting
men as the big feature. These events
Will be marked by parades, band
concerts, addresses by noted speak
f,tt 4,r, "a
community die~lays of fireworks.
!, Il can not too strongly express my
Endorsement of such observances and
urge them upon city officials,
chambers of commerce and such
other organizations as are accustomed
to take the initiative in these matters
in heir respective communities Ger,
tainly no time is more opportune for
a community Fourth of July calebra'
tiol than this, when every city, vii
lage and town desires to honor all
its fighting heroes.
City and village officials are en-
Ipowered by statute to regulate, re-
stain and prohibit the use of fire.
works, firecrackers. torpedoes, to'
man candles, sky rockets and other
pyrotechnic display ! call upon such
officials to exercise these broad pow
ers to bring about such regulation
and restraint as is necessary in their
respective communities in the inter
ests of public salty.
at Is a misdemeanor il Illinois,
punishable by a fine of $500 for
anyone to rade, sell or give away any
toy pistol so made or constructed that
It can be used to shoot blank car
tridges The toy pistol and blank
cartridge are the most prolific cause
of tetanus. or lockiaw. If any person
has knowledge of the violation OF
this act, it is his duty to report this
knowledge promptly to the police or
states attorney
Il appeal to every resident of Hi
nois, individually, to exercise tn"
utmost carefulness in the use of fire.
works.
Lets keep Fourth of July care
Iessness under the bah. Let's not re-
vive the casualty lists and needless
fires"