Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-07-04
RAIN THREATENING
TO MAR CAPITALS
FOURTH ACTIVITIES
DrizzIe Fails, However, to
Check Enthusiasm on
155th Anniversary.
FIREWORKS TO FEATURE
CEREMONY AT MONUMENT
Sylvan Theater to Be Scene of
Massing of Colors and
Grafton.

With an enthusiasm unchecked BY a
drizzle that started this morning, COM
munities throughout the suburban areas
Joined the citizens Of the Nations Capt.
tai today in a continuous observance
Of the 155th anniversary Of Independ-
ence day.
Despite legal restraints on unneces-
sary noises, drowzy Westinghouse in
many sections were awakened long be-
fore accustomed hours by red-blooded
young Americans saluting the dawn of
the national holiday with giant crack
ers and other explosives. 1t remained
for their more dignifed elders to set
the example in the official community
programs by carrying out the idea of
a safe and sane celebration of the
Fourth, with patriotic flag-raisings,
parades, oratory and athletic games in
which thousands of eager youths par
ticipated
Color Massing Climax.
Scarcely community in Washington
and suburban Maryland and Virginia
was without its individual celebration
today. Tonight at Gas o'clock the Off
cal ceremonies in the Nations Capital
VIII eliminate in the Inspiring massing
OF coiors at the Sylvan Theater, on the
Monument grounds, where Assistant
Secretary of State James Grafton
Rogers will make the independence day
grafton. For the first time in the l55
years OF observance The Star Spangled
Banner" will be sung by the assembled
thousands as the officially adopted ma
tional anthem
Silent prayers for a rainless Fourth
were delivered by thousands in antici-
patton OF the spectacular fireworks dis
play that will climax the all-dav pro-
gram following the exercises at the
Sylvan Theater. Upward of 100000
spectators. crowding the Monument
grounds and Potomac Park. are expect
eo to witness this colorful display, while
In other sections of the city at indiyid-
uai celebrations the night sky will be
Ill with the glare of rockets and stars.
Hoover Goes to Rapidan.
President Hoover. whose departure
from the Capital was delayed YESTERDAY
py developments in the debt moratorium
negotiations, was to leave the White
House this morning for an auto.
mobile dash to the quiet of his Rapidan
camp to observe the holiday in the
Quiet Of their home. If weather con-
oltions permit the President hopes to
pc able to catch some trout for b.eak-
last tomorrow.
1t remained for Secretary of WAY
Hurley to make the most important
ADDRESS today at the historic observance
IN Pnladeiphia, held in Independence
han, where the patriots of '76 signed
the declaration of American liberties
vice President Curtis was in Moose
heart, Ill, where he was to speak. and
secretary OF Labor Doak. one of the
Few cabinet stay-at-homes. will be the
speaker tonight in the National Radio
Forum arranged by The Evening Star
and broadcast by the Columbia Broad
casting System. Most of the other
cabinet officers were scattered far and
wide. -
Ihere were special programs in honor
OF two Presidents in widely separated
parts Of the world
Mrs. Wilson Speaks.
At Poznan. Poland. Mrs. Woodrow
wilson was one Of the speakers at the
unwilling of monument, executed by
Gutzon Borglum. as tribute to Presi-
dent Wilson for his part in freeing
Poland. The monument was donated
by 1gnace Paderewski. former Polish
premier ana noted pianist.
At the University of Virginia, Char
lottesville, there were exercises COM
memorating the Tooth anniversary of
the death Of President James Monroe
This day Is also the birthday anniver-
sary Of Calvin Coolidge
The international aspects Of the cele-
bration included radio salutes from
Japan. Poland and France transmitted
to this country on short-wave and re-
broadcast on Nationwide hook-ups.
The Fourth Of July Is a national holiday
In several South American republics,
and there observances were held as In
this country.
BY no means did all Washingtonians
confine their activities today to the
programs held ON the Monument
Grounds, in Takoma Park, Wesley
Heights, the Taft Recreat;onal Center
at the Palisades and other sections
where thousands joined In all-day cele-
brations.
Excursionists Choke Roads.
Every road leading from the city was
choked with motorists bound to amuse-
ment parks, beach resorts or on picnicS
in the country. It was estimated, how
ever, that nearly as many excursionists
came into the city as left it for the
week end.
Despite the lead-colored skies that
foretold possible showers during the
day or night, the GOODNESS of the day
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