Independence Day pow Americans had little reason to complain of the Weather which was provided them yesterday for the celebration of thei" Tiidépendence Day as July Fourth dawned bright and clear and a sweltering sun greeted the first function of the day, the regimental Parade of the Fourth U.S, Marines at the Race Course.
The ificonstancy of the Shanghai weather, however, soon revealed itself and rain threatened late in the afternoon. But Jupiter Pluvius mercifully stayed his hand long enough not to cut short the baseball and polo classics which were being fought out at the Race Course; the result was that a complete programme of festivities was run off without a hitch yesterday and it was a contented American community that went to bed after a "Glorious Fourth."
Though July Fourth has been termed "ap all-American holiday," never was the international spirit more plainly observed than in yesterday's celebrations. It was a case Mopolitan group that was on hand yesterday at the Marines' parade; Officials. of all nationalities mingled together at the American Consul General's reception; and the Americans at the baseball and polo games were almost, outnumbered by the international section of the spectators, Though the torrid sun beat down Marines and spectators alike at the parade on the Race Course in the morning, promptly at 9 am, the review column moved off to assume positions. Led by the Marine band, the stalwarts, dressed in summer drill and carrying "empty" combat packs and rifles slung over shoulders, company by company, formed the line four abreast, facing the reviewing stand.
Supporting the reviewing officers, Rear Admiral W. A. Glassford, Col. 8. I. Howard, Mr. Frank P. Lockhart, U.S. Consul-General, and Dr. R. J. MeMiullen, President of the American Association, were Judge Milton J. Helmick, Mr, Ben Watson, Commander of the American Legion, his associates, officers of the Marine Corps and Navy and prominent American business men. which each stihdard bearer and his escort returned to their respective companies. "Present Arms" and a drill manual followed, each unit vieing with me other in smartness and precision. Missing were the flashing bayonets, which usually characterize Marine parades, but this was explained by the fact that combat packs were worn. Owing to the intense heat, they were empty in. stead of being filled with the usual ds Ib. of equipment and clothing.
The March Past reflected American Marine procedure—nothing spectacular, but rather precision, drill and unity. As one man they moved off, rank by rank, and finished as such.
Precisely at 9.35 o'clock, the parade concluded and to the waving of hundreds of small flags which had been presented to the children, the regiment moved off, breaking ranks at Loong Fei. Here they enjoyed y 15-minute rest, which they had earned, and at 9.50 reformed to march to barracks. A shower and relaxation and each man was ready to partake of the home-side turkey and fixings—and thence to the bases pall game.
Owing to varied duties, many of tne Marines were kept busy yesterday, hup today all men who can be let off from ordinary tasks, will be given full liberty.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.