Very few houses were lighted up, in consequence of a protest of the Insurance Companies. But the people contented themselves with parading the streets, and with seeing what was to be seen. As on the previous evening, the juvenile portion of the population indulged themselves ad libitum in the use of crackers, back-rappers, serpents, and squibs. How so many got into Newfoundland is a problem no one I have questioned is able to solve.
Source: wiktionary