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Show THE SANE FOURTH. A striking contrast is presented by the Washington Washing-ton Star in its report of the celebration of the national na-tional holiday, compared as to the number of accidents acci-dents with the same day last year. The contrast is made in tabular form, showing the number of persons treated at the eight hospitals' in Washington Washing-ton for injuries from explosives. On July 4, 1908, there were 104 cases treated; on July 5, 1009, there was a total of 0. That is a pretty good record for the first year under the "safe and sane" rule. Taken in comparison with the record in New York, it is really noteworthy. Five were killed in New York. 197 injured by fireworks, 83 injured by pistols, 23 injured by cannons and 3 injured by torpedoes. In addition. New York had 116 fire3 started from fireworks; fire-works; Washington only two fires, and but one of these the result of the celebration of the Fourth. There has been much talk about a sane and safe Fourth, but -while other cities .talked, Washington Wash-ington put the idea into force. The authorities there simply announced that the law forbidding the burning of powder within the city limits would "be enforced, and the whole populace obeyed. It must not be assumed, however, that because there was no promiscuous use of fireworks the day lost any of its significance. Indeed, the patriotic aspect of the occasion oc-casion was augmented rather than lessened. Arrangements were made whereby the staid old people were permitted to assemble and listen to patriotic addresses, the sporty element viewed an automobile parade, and the children were suitably entertained with daylight fireworks under the supervision su-pervision of the city authorities. The day was closed with an exceptional display of fireworks and the illumination of Pennsylvania avenue. According to the Star, it is doubtful if Wash ington will ever return to tne old custom ot celebrating cele-brating the day. What Washington has done, other cities can do. The example set is worthy of copying. copy-ing. Senseless noise making is not patriotism; it adds nothing to patriotic observances, and it costs an awful sum in life and suffering and fire losses. It would be well to follow Washington's example. |