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THE DAILY NEWS. ?3- LARGEST CIRCULATION.-THE DAILY SEWS REES G THE NEWSPAPER OFFICIALLY EKCOGMZED AS HAVING THE LARGEST CIE COLATICN IN" THE CITY OF CHARLESTON, PUBLISHES THE LIST OF LETTERS REMAIN? ING IN THE FOSTOFFICE AT THE END OF EACH WEEK, ACCORDING TO THE PROVIS? IONS OF THE NEW POSTOFFICE LAW. LOCAL MATTERS. SEE .-JEST PAGE FOE AUCTION SALES. ______ AUCTION SALES THIS LAT. CAMPBELL, KNOX & Co. will sell this day, at 10 o'clock, at their cash auction house, No. 55 E.sel-stret, dress goods, hosierv. ??C. J. A. ENSLOW ? Co. will sell 'this day, at ll j o'clock, at the new customhouse, brandy and claret. H. H. DELEON will sell this day, at ll o'clock, at the old postoffice, a lot of laud. Moa DBAKE will seL' this day, at 10 o'clock, at his store, corner of King and Liberty streets, boots, .?hoes and furniture. MCKAT & CAMPBELL will sell this day, at 10 o'clock, at their salesrooms, No. 13G Meet? ing-street, dry goods, clothing, hats and to? bacco. MILLIGAN ? SON will sell this day, at ll o'clock, at Marsh's shipyard, the schooner flat Dunderberg. JAMES TUPPER, Master in Equity, will sell this day, at ll o'clock, at the old customhouse, a lot of land. G. W. STETTENS & Co. will sell this day, at half-past 9 o'clock, in front of their store, No. SO Vendue Bange, groceries, ?tc. T. M. CATES will sell this day, at half-past 9 o'clock, on Brown's wharf, butter, should? ers, &c. JEFTOBDS & Co. will sell this day, at half past 9 o'clock, in front of their store, Vendue Bange, shoulders, sugar, &c. POSTOFFICE NOTICE.-A letter-box, accessi? ble at all hours, has been located at the book house of Joseph Walker, on Broad-street, to receive letters and papers intended for mail? ing, and an authorized messenger will convey the contents of the box to the Postoffice a half hour before the closing of each principal mail, except for the carly morning mails, for which the box will be emptied at 8 P. M. STANLEY G. TROTT, P. M. PERSONAL_We had the pleasure yesterday . of greeting our old friend, Mr. J. W. Lamotte, of the Savannah Republican, formerly connect? ed with the Charleston press. DELICIOUS.-Tully, the unrivalled caterer, an? nounces to-day that the delicious icecream for which he is so famous, may be had at his es? tablishment in King-street, near Quean. This is pure cream and no mistake. THE KEROSENE QUESTION.-The frequent ac? cidents from the use of this illuminator are leading the press to insist on the enforcement of the act of Congress which prohibits the mix? ture or the sale of an article inflammable at a less temperature than a hundred and ten de? grees. With the liabilities to disaster from its ase there ought to be competent inspection of every barrel brought into the city, and the fines imposed by the act of Congress rigidly ?enforced._ UNITED STATES COTTBT-IN ADMTRI? T.TY-HON. GEORGE S. BBIAN, PRESIDING.-ID chis court, yesterday morning, the following order was issued : Lawrence Patterson vs. William Lincoln Libel in Personam for assault and battery on the ocean. John Grimball, Esq., proctor for petitioner. On motion of John Grimball Esq., it was ordered that a warrant issue to the marshal of this district, commanding him to art-eat Wil? liam Lincoln, and have him before the court on the 1st of May, to answer the above ?bel, &c. _ THE UNITED STATES CTBCUTT COUBT-HON. GEORGE S. BBYAN, PRESIDING.-The court was opened at ll o'clock yesterday morning. The jurors answered to the roll call, and those not engaged were discharged till Wednesday next, .at ll A. M. The court was occupied with the case of the United States vs. Alfred Huger and C. T. Lowndes till the hour of adjournment. His Honor Judge Bryan, after consultation with the bar, decided to continue the Circuit Court, and to adjourn the District Court, which will convene on the first Monday in May, till the 15th of June next. UNITED STATES COTJBT, APRIL 29-HON. GEO. S. BRYAN, PRESIDING.-IQ this court the follow? ing orders wero issued yesterday: In re Edward Stavenhagen, of Richland petition for voluntary bankruptcy. F. W. McMaster, Esq., proctor for petitioner. On motion of F. W. iicMaster, Esq., th* case was referred to W. J. Clawson, Esq., Registrar. In re A. J. Martin, of York-petition for full .and final discharge. James F. Hart, Esq., proctor for petitioner. The Judge, on motion of J. F. Hart, Esq., ordered that a hearing be had on the 18th of May, notice to be published ..in lorkvillc Enquirer, and creditors notified by :the clerk. . In re John Ti. Londley, a bankrupt. J. N. Morton, appointed assignee. Notice to be pub? lished in Newberry Herald. In re J. C. S. Brown, a bankrupt. J. N. Mor? ton, appointed assignee. In re J. S. Casque, ex parte W. C. Bee & Co. On motion of Memminger, Jervey & Pinckney, ordered that the petition be referred to R. B. - Carpenter, Esq., Registrar, to take testimony . and report to this court. QCEEN-STBEET.-We are pleased to see that this part of the city, so long neglected, is now also receiving attention at the hands of our vigilant civic authorities. Fences are being put up, and the street a little widened. But . we should Uko to see a little more of the latter. Now is the time for this. Queen-street, Irom Meeting east, is a very decent thoroughfare, but from Meeting-street west is very narrow, and not as straight as could be desired. Coun? cil has been asked again and again, during the last three years, to widen thia part of the street. Tho property holders are all desirous; and as only one single house on the north side ( Mr. O'Meara's) need be recessed at this time, the opportunity should not be allowed to pass unimproved. Before long there may be many buildings on these now empty lots, and a change, such as we now propose (one unques? tionably needed), will be attended with con? siderable expense. ALMOST AN ACCIDENT.-Yesterday, about one o'clock, P. M., a carriage was driving rather faster "than the law aUows" down Meet? ing-street, and near Market-street, the ve? hicle passed over a male juvenile individ? ual of the colored persuasion. The young dark limped toward the market, crying like a . good fellow, and fell down in the middle of the . street. Immediately a large crowd of sable . sympathizers gathered, and one colored man, at the suggestion of General Martin, who hap? pened to be passing at the time, took the little boy in his arms and carried him to a store in the vicinity, where Dr. E. H. Kellers carefully examined him, but could find no trace of any injury whatever. The crowd outside was ex? cited and impatient, and could only with diffi? culty be kept from satisfying their curiosity by rushing into the store, when presently the in? teresting young colored gentleman came forth, shoes in hand, grinning, as much as to say, "Haint I sole you all nicely?" The crowd looked blank, and rapidly dispersed. THE FIREMEN'S GALA DAT A SPLENDID PAGEANT.1 APPEARANCE OF EACH COMPANY AND ITS APPARATUS. THE CONTEST AND THE PRIZES. A NOVEL TRIAL BETWLEN THE HOOK AND LADDER COMPANIES. rSCIDEXTS OF THE DAT-LAYING OT A CORKER STO>.E-PSESEKTATTONS. ?kc., ?tc, kc, kc. The anruversary of an organization is a "Mecca" towards which the thoughts of ita members journey pilgrini-like, pleasurably an? ticipating the hour when they may bow before the shrine and do homage to the event. It is true of nearly all the associations of our city that they meet with sacred punctuality to ful? fil the purposes for which they were created, and to perpetuate the memories ot the past; but to no body of men i3 an annual celebration more welcome, more enjoyable, or more stimu? lative to the esprit du corps which knits them together, than the Fire Department of Charles? ton. And why not ? Ic is composed of the best material of which any city can boast; of the brain and brawn that lend wing9 to enter? prise, and conceive and accomplish results, the sum total of which is progress. It is composed of those in whom courage, generosity and gen tility are hereditary virtues. For two or three generations the names of sire and son have filled honoied places on the company roll, and to-day there is no worthier tvpe of the chivalry of true manhood to be found than among the Charleston firemen. The stern stuff of which they are moulded has been testified upon a score of battle-fields, and by wounds that have since become the scars of glory. In 1860, out of six hundred and fifty active members of the Department, three hundred and eighty enter? ed the army as volunteers. Of these more than two-thirds have "gone down to dust in bloody shrouds and s!e:-p in nameless tombs." Peace to their ashes. They sleep in silent eloquence. "Perchance the kind dark angel drew Them in the secret shadow of bis cloud, Out of our wann and golden air, to hide Them from some fearful fate fast hurrying up." Nor are those who were detailed at home du? ring the war entitled to less praise than t he men who sought the dangers of the field. It was no holiday task to encounter, in addi? tion to the fury of a terrific fire, the most formidable missiles of death that ever were concentrated upon a city. It was a time for the display of the perfection of human cour? age and fortitude, when the fragments of bursting shells were falling cn every side, and the demoralizing effect of a tV.ee hundred pounder, adding its infernal treble to the crack? ling chorus, of the warring fi?mes. .But there were no craven hearts, then, "whose blood cur? dled white in the face." A detailed history of the Fire Department would doubtless entertain our readers, but we shall dwell at present only upon the most im? portant events which constitute the mile-stones of the narrative. Previous to the year of the great fire of 1838 the organization scarcely deserved the name of "Fire Department" in the sense in which it is now understood. Our grandfathers still speak of it as "nothing but a buoket concern." In other words, the engines were small affairs, the supply of hose was limited, and there be? ing few, if any, public wells in the city, buckets of water were passed along a tine of specta? tors impressed for the service, to the reservoir of the engine, and by another Une returned to be filled. The custom is described in Schiller's "Lay of the Bell" "Swung from hand to hand with zeal along By the throng, 3 pe eds the pail.' ? The axe, rope, hook, ladder and wet blanket, at that time performed the lion's share of the work; and we can imagine the exceedingly lively getting-out-of-the-way that occurred when those aboriginal devices failed in the fight. Tue Department at that time consisted of but six companies, namely-the Charleston Fire Company of Axemen, which had been in? stituted in 1801; the Eagle Engine Company, instituted in 1816; the Vigilant Engine Compa? ny, instituted in 1819; the Phoenix Engine Company, instituted in 1826; the Charleston Engine Company, instituted in 1826; and the ..Etna Engine Company, instituted in 1829. O? these, the Charleston (or Pioneer), the Phoe? nix and .Erne. Companies, ore now provided with steam engines, and their efficiency hand? somely compensate for the shortcomings of the old fashioned tubs that were wont to wrack and torment the pulmonary apparatus of ye ancient iremen. If one of these ancestors could ha re been present yesterday, with what astonishment would they have witnessed their namesakes, newborn and regenerated, singing with nervous energy "the Song of Steam:" "I blow the bellow?, I lorge the steel, In aU the shops ol trade; I hammer the ore and turn the wheel Where my arms of strength are made. I manage the fire, thc in Ul, the mint, I carry, I spin, I weave ; And all my doings I put in print On every Saturday eve." After the fiery episode of 1833, the Depart? ment was reorganized, and Gen. John Schnierle elected its first Chief. Other companies were incorporated, and a system was inaugurated, which for many years served ai' the purposes of the organization, and made it a most effec? tive public servant. The present Chief, Mr. M. H. Nathan, has now discharged the duties of his office L'or ten years-a fact which speaks whole pages of tribute to his ability and pru? dence as an a No. 1 fireman. Formerly the Board of Fire nasters was com? posed of citizens, and no special regard was had to their fitness for the office, by reason ot experience or qualifications. These can alone be acquired by a long practical acquaintance with the workings of the Department. Of late years the City Council have been electing an nuaUy four citizens, who must have been mem? bers of incorporated companies for five years. These, with the presidents of the several char? tered companies, constitute the Board of Fire masters. All matters pertaining to the De? partment are adjusted by this board. The four Firemasters, elected by Council, are known as: Chief, First, Second and Third Assistant Chiefs. The first steam engine used in Charleston was constructed some eight or nine years ago, by Mr. Archibald Cameron, one of our fellow citizens, but it was burned in the fire of 18C1. Notwithstanding the introduction of others since the war, the boys still cUng fondly to the "brakes," and on a trial day like yesterday there is nothing more inspiring than thc half wild energy, and frenzied yells with which they throw their whole nature-body and soul-into the effort for success. We have seen strong men weep from sheer excitement on these oc? casions-once when it was announced that the old machine was only just three-quarters of an inch ahead. The amount of lung exercise per? formed at these times is tremendous. During the past year there have been fewer fires and smaller losses than for many pre? ceding years. The figur?e are not before us, but our citizens are familiar with the prompt? ness with which fires have been checked, and the comparative immunity from false alarms. With seven steamers, enc baud engines, two excellent hook and ladder compaues, and four hand engines manned by colored mon, all the organizations in a fin? state of discipline, and under the most competent and experienced management, it will be conceded, especially by those who witnessed the parade yesterday, that Charleston can boast of one of the best organ? ized and administered fire departments iu the South. Ifc is also said to be the largest de? partment south of New York. THE PBEPABATIONS. In anticipation of the anniversary, nc means were spared by the several companies or their friends to enable them to bear an honorable part in the exercises of the day, and, if possi? ble, to win its laurels. The engines and hose carriages were polished to a degree of nicety which made them more resemble gigantic toys than the rough and ready machines on which our community have so often relied to battle with the fire-god. The tailor contribu? ted new uniforms, the paiuter lent the decora? tions of his art, the machinist overhauled the dust and renewed the od, and the ladies-God bless 'em-wove flowers into ornamental fes? toons and garlands that left the eye to swim in a sea of beauty. Much interest, too, waa excij ted by the preparatory practice of the engines and trucks, the ambition of the men being aroused to a pitch "that breeded monstrous hopes and fears." Three prizes-silver cups were offered by the Board of Firemaaters-one to the hand-engine companies, another to the hook and ladder companies, and the third to the steamers. How these were disposed of will appear presently. THE DAT could not have been more auspicious if it had been loaned out of Paradise for thia special occasion. The sun sought shelter behind a veil of clouds, and yet revealed their silver fin? ing; the air waa cool and invigorating, and the wind barely stirred the green boughs of the trees. At an earlier hour than usual the city wa8 astir, and by nine o'clock the labyrinthian afreets wero emptying their thousands into the thoroughfares selected as the route of the procession. The ladies looked overwhelmingly beautiful; the children divided one's thoughts between respect for the matrimonial institu? tion and pity for the censos taker; and the freedmen, with their piccaninnies, added rich contrasts and coloring material to the living mosaic that lined the walks. King and Meet? ing streets were like Broadway in miniature. Every window, from top to bottom story, was a picture frame, out of which peeped as many happy facea aa could be crowded together, while the balconies of the hotels wero like an arabesquo pattern of humanity in which lovely shapes, laughing eyes, bright smiles and em? broidered handkerchiefs were mixed, mingled and lost in crushing and beautiful confusion. All business seemed to be suspended, and the grave paler familLis from Broad-street and the Bay for the nonce surrrendered himself a willing victim to wife and babies. THE RENDEZVOUS. Punctually at the hour of ten, the various companies assembled at the appointed rendez vous on Citadel Green, and took their placea in the line. A delay occurred. We asked the reason. "Don't know," was the response. "Are you not all ready ?" "Yes." "Anybody miasing?" "Nol" Finally, we encountered a member of Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, and were informed that a beautiful banner representing a small pattern of blue sky and broke out at one end, with an eruption of thirty four atara, which General Tyler waa expected to allow some of his gentlemen to "tote" at the head of tho procession, waa in the vocative, because the aforesaid young gentlemen could not get furlonghs from the United States of America. Thereupon the Fire ^Department lighted ita cigars (thinking, probably, that General Tyler was an imp o' fight), the little colored citizens turned summersaults on the grass, and ye reporters meandered miscellane? ously. During thia perambulatory process, one of the reportera of THE NEWS was brought up "all standing" by a voice that sounded like a musquito in the bottom of a fish horn, "Git off that grass 1" Gazing in the direction of the feetive music, we found that it emanated from a "vetrun" on guard, who looked, for all the world, like a bag of indigo that had been out, without an umbrella, in a shower of brasa buttons. Ye reporter inquired, in a water gruel tone, wherefore auch rage ? The fierce foeman deigned not to reply, but, tilting his bluuderbuas in an abdominal direction, he came down on us in an elaborate polka worthy of a p?tent circus, yelling again "git off that gra:a !" We wandered abruptly backward; he yelled again. We stopped aud gazed upon the fierce foe man, whereupon the blood thirsty fellow spun frantically around like & dislocated pair of tongs, and screamed, "Why in thunder don't yeou git off that grasa !" Wo mildly suggeated, in a reconstructed tone, that poanbly he waa monopolizing a good deal of tho verdant lawn himself, and if he didn't keep those freedmen yonder from treading down tho beauteous vegetation somebody would report him to Gen? eral Clitz. This was a strategic movement on | hie rear. In about two minutes the noble de- I fender was threatening personal carnage in another direction, and working himself into a tumultuous perspiration, chasing little ne? groes, and yelling "git off that grass !" THE PBOCES8ION. So much by way of an episode. After wait? ing an hour, more or less, the Chief concluded to move on without General Tyler's "banner in the skie-i," and to substitute therefor a smaller emblem, which, with ita twin, floated from Hook and Ladder No. 1. The line of march waa down King, through Ha sel, down Meeting to Broad-the fine band of the 6th Begiment leading the procession. Then followed Chief Nathans and his assis? tants, Messrs. B. M. Strobel, R. M. Alexander, C. P. Aimar, and J. C. E. Richardson, hand? somely attired in saffron-colored frocks, and white pants, with fireman's hat and belt. Next were the Mayor and Aldermen, solemn, stately, illustrious, and very magisterial-but strange to say, every man on the board too thin to sug? gest even a remote vision of turtle steaks and champagne. HOOK AND LADDES COH?AN? NO. 1] was at the head of the column. Its truck waa elaborate? ly decorated with flowers, woven into every ahape; a huge solid atar rested like a crown upon the top, festoons of evergreen hung from the aides, and the spokes of the wheels were almost b8t to sight in tho devices with which they were covered. The dress of the Company consists of a red shirt, black pants and belt, neat and serviceable. The number of men who paraded yesterday was thirty-two. Tho Com? pany wae incorporated on the 21st of Decem? ber, 1865. The truck was built by C. E. Harts? horn, of New York, and is composed of five lad? ders from ten to forty-two feet in length, twelve short hooks, ten long books, six medi? um sized hooka, one chain hook, two pick axes, one crow bar, and four axes. Its officers are : JOSEPH HELTON, Foreman; A. H. BARBEE, Aa siatant Foreman. J. L. Little, Treasurer; Wm. D. Davis, Secre? tan-; James H. Trout, Recorder. THE CHABLESTON FLEE COMPANT OF AXEMEN, more familiarly known as the "Pioneer," came next in line, and the white uniforma of the men, of whom sixty-five paraded, and the bur? nished appsarance of their pet, the "Littleji . J-? J- -Ll JLJ TT KJj J-- W _* Sue," enriched bj floral ornamenta, attrat universal attention. Wreaths encircled boiler, a huge pyramidal boquet rested on smoke-stack, and lastly, written around wheels in letters of evergreen was the nam the company. As has before been stated, t is the oldest fire organization in Chariest having been incorporated in 1801. steamer was built by Clapp & Jones, of I York, in 1866, has a heating surface of f hundred square teet, and will discharge th hundred and fifty gallons per minute, officers are: E. D. ENSTON, President; T. S. O'BBIEN, Ti President. O. F. Howell, First Director; McG. Mclnn Second Director; M. Nixon, Third Director; Surau, Fourth Director; Wm. Knox, Secreta Lawrence CfntweU, Treasurer; E. E. Hugh Engiueer; J. C. Sigwald, Assistant Engine W. Welling, First Axeman; George Hugh Sacond Axeman; W. Minnie, Third Axeman; Whitney, Fourth Axeman; J. E. Burke, Sc citor; S. C. Brown, M. D., Surgeon. THE EAGLE FIBS COMPANY, being the ne oldest company in th: Department, follow the Pioneer. This company was instituted 1818, and till clings to tho time-honored ha: engine. OJ the present occasion it looked if it had been sprinkled with a rainbow, floral arch surmounted the machine, on whi were the words "Semper Parali."1 and a ami blue silk flag served as a reminder of "0 Carrie." No doubt to her fair hands was di some of the elegant decoration of the appar tue. The hose reel was in keeping with i mate. Seventy Eagles paraded. Their of cers are : Wir. B. MCINTOSH, President; C. F. BEAUFOB vice-President. First Director, E. H. Welsh; Second Directo Mc. O'Neil; Third Director; J. W. Steven Fourth Director, G. Shokes; Secretary, J. J Cohen; Treasurer, 0. E. Johnson; J. Ashh Stewart and C. H. Burn, Jr., Axemen; Jas. ; Bunch, Hallkeeper. THE VIGILANT, also a band engine, was ne: in line, and sustained her ancient fame ar prestige. The tidy white uniforma of one hui dred and eight men were au attraction i themselves, but the thought of these, excep perhaps, to half a hundred sweethearts, w. lost in the admiration bestowed upon wh: seemed to be little more than au irregulo mound of flowers rolling along on inviaib wheels, and as beautiful and graceful as if ii broken shapes and hues had been borrowe from a kaledeiscope. lt is evident that tb company is a favorite of the other sex, and cte Cf rsa. Nothing but crinoline ever could er circle as much taste as the Vigilants had e: pended on their.pet machine. The compan was organized in 1819, and its.'present engin -a double break Jeffers machine-has been i use thirteen years. The officers are: SAMUEL Y. TTJPPEB, President; L. D. MOWEI vice-President. Joa. F. Torrent, First Director; J. P. Browne Second Director; F. L. O'Neill, Third Directoi B. F. McCabe, Fourth Director; John 1 Humphreys, Secretary; Samuel W. Fisher, Jr. Treasurer; John L. Torrent, John J. .O'Neill Axemen; Charles H. Simonton, Solicitor; Au gustus Fitch, M. D., Surgeon. THE PHCENTS.-Next to the Vigilant, cami the grey coated Phoenix boys, who carried i banner with their device: on one side, a Phce nix rising from her ashes, and on the reverse the motto Pro bono publico, and the date o organization, 1826. A wreath was tastefully placed around the boiler, and other floral or ??mente were attached to different parts o the machinery. On the hose reel the greatest care had been lavished, and a beautiful wreat? with the motto of the company in gold letters in the centre. It was not necessary to be told of the fact that it was a present from the la? dies, as nono others could have created such an ornamont. The Phoenix is a popular com? pany, and, like the Vigilant, stands especially well with the fair sex. They paraded ninety four men. The following are the officers : GEOBGE TTJPPEB, President; J. T. H. HAZEL, vice-President. First Director, Wm. A. Kelly; Second Direc? tor, A. T. Smythe; Third Director, S. Wiley; Fourth Director, C. L. Trenholm; Secretary, H. Spamick; Treasurer, B. S. Cathcart; Engi? neer, J. P. Deveaux; Axemen, T. W. Glen, A. O. Pansin, F. W. Mathiesen, Wm. E. Milligan; W. M. Muckenfuss, Solicitor; W. B. Yates, Chaplain. THE CHARLESTON HOOK AND LADDEB COU? PANT, No. 2, which was organized the present year from the Charleston Fire Company, one of the oldest in the Department, made its first annual parade yesterday. The track is similar in all respects to that of No. 1, and was taste? fully decorated with garlands, festoons and wreaths of flowers. The number of men who paraded is about forty. The uniform is a red shirt, black pants and belt, with the motto of the company, "We are Beady." The officers are : J. C. LACOSTE, Foreman; T. L. DAVIDSON, As? sistant Foreman. S. WEBB, Treasurer; GEO. MCLATN, Secretary. THE .?ETNA STEAM ENGINE COMP ANT was next in line, and the commingling of crape and flow? ers, most tastefully nrranged, did not fail to recall to every mind familiar with the associa? tions of the company, the memory of its recent? ly deceased ex-President, S. G. Courtenay. This is also ont of the old organizations of the Department, having been instituted in 1829. Its steamer was built by Clapp & Jones, New York, and put into service in March, 1866. It has three hundred feet of heating surface, aa eight-inch steam cylinder, eight-inch stroke, and discharges three hundred gallons of water per minute. She paraded fifty-six men, and is officered as follows: J. A. QTJACKENBCSH, President; F. S. NIPSON, vice-President. First Director, J. Trual; Second Director, J. T. Wilson; Third Director, E. Boane; Fourth Director, W. Forbes; Secretar)-, F. C. Lynch; Treasurer, Oran Bassett; Engineer, C. C.Wight man; Axemen, Joseoh Williams, J. Martin, T. Watsoo and T. Leitch. Muller's fine Eutaw Band here had a place in the procession, and enlivened the march with its welcome str.tins. THE MARION ENGINE COMPANT followed, parading sixty-seven meu. It was institu? ted ia 1838. Ia I860 the present steamer was secured from IL K. Clapp, tho builder, of New York. Her heatiag suffice is one, hundred and fifty and a halfjsquare feet, and will discharge three hundred and twenty-seven gallons in a minute. The company still retain their time honored "Swamp Fox," and he yesterday re? posed on a bed of roses as of yore. Both the steamer and reel (the latter is of Charleston manufacture) were profusely adorned with flowers, and contested with other apparatus for the palm of beauty. The following are the officers: J. H. STEINMETEB, Jr., President; T. S. Sio WALD, vice-President. Milton Maxcey, First Director; J. P. Cahill, Second Director; J. Glasspool, Third Director: G. McNeil, Fourth Duector; G. A. Calder, Secretary; W. O'Meara; Treasurer; W. H. Sig wald, Chief Engineer; H. L. Calder, Assistant? W. Blaize, E. Doar, C. Seiferth, P. Patat, Axemen; P. O'Meara, Hallkeeper; T. E. Aldrich, Surgeon; Hon. W. D. Porter, Solicitor. THE GERMAN ENGINE COMTANT-This sturdy body of men turned out yesterday in full cum? bers. Composed of admirable material, and with aiL-<qualIy admirable hand machine, ?- year secured the prize, they made tive display. The engine was hand ecorated, noticeable among thc oma menta being the wreath pmaented to th< parjy last year by the orphai children, faded and dry, but with a tender feeli affection for the donors, the Germans ha served the relic and enshrined it in immo How much thi6 little incident illustr?t German character ! The company was porated in 1839. The number on parad terday was sixty-seven, bul, in point of ^ they probably exceed any company in th partaient. They are Teri! ably "solid i The officers ure as follows: President, JOHN H. ALBEBS; Vice-Presi C. BEEEGI. First Director, J. F. Jobans; Second I tor, G. F. Lillienthal; Third Director, M. Ostendorff; Fourth Directer, G. H. Osten Fifth Director, G. Margenhoff; Secretar G. Burger; Treasurer, Wm. Brunges; Axe H. H. Knee aDd H. Dupeir. THE PALMETTO ENGINE COMPANY appear the Parado yesterday with full numbers attracted universal attentiou, the engine t drawn by fonr handsome Mack horses. Il richly ornamented with evergreens and era, which well nigh concealed the ehi metal of ita wheels and cy Undera. This ii of the most powerful ales mers in Charle: as proved by numerous trials. It was hui the Amoskeag Company, 3Ianchester, Hampshire, in 1867, and weighs five thou: two hundred pouuds. Its steam cylinder six seven-eighth inches n diameter, wit! eight inch stroke, and its pump di s cha from three hundred to io ir hundred gaile minute. The Company was instituted in : and yesterday paraded fifty-five men. Its eera are as follows : H. FERGUSON, Presideu': ; J. BEDDOCK, President. T. Caaey, First Director; J. Coleman, See Director ; J. Long, Third Director ; A Dun Fourth Director ; H. H. Jtrmstrong, Secret D. O'Keefe, Treasurer; Taos. Miller, Engin H. Daly, Assistant Engineer; S. Dobie, T. Intire, J. Slaterly, T. Corcoran, A? einen. THE HOPE FOE ENHNE COUPANT.-'. old stand-by of the city- yesterday euatiinei ancient reputation. Fifty-three men parai most of them being Germans. The proape of this company is due, ia a great measure thc exertions and popularity of its presid W. H. Smith, Esq., the efficient Clerk of < Council. Ita members have steadily increai and it is not at ail improbable that they soon add another to out steam squadron. ' company waa organized in 1813, and their ] ecnt engine has been bi use since 18J?. ' officers are aa follows : W. H. SMITH, Preaideit; D. SEMKEN, V President. Phil. Buchheit.Jr., Secretary; C. Hickey,Tr< urer; B. B. Watterman, First Director; Cl Schultz, Second Director; Jno. H. Caron Third Director; J. H. .'tJalke, Fourth Direoi J.J. Monahan, First Aten?an; Wm. T. O'N" Second Axeman. THE WASHINGTON FUS ENGINE COMPANY : always been a favorite with our citizens, i the taeteful manner ix which it waa decora by fair hand8 for the pt.rade yesterday, certs ly indicated that its gallant members still p serve their esprtt du nrps. The engine i built in 1866, and similar to other m a chi i furnished by the well- xnown makers, Clapp JoneB, of New York. The Waahington a Vigilant will visit Savannah on Thursday ne to participate in the celebration of the an versary of the fire department of that ci The Washingtons parided yesterday flfty-? strong. Tho officers ire as follows : J. B. MARTIN, Preside ot; L. CAVANACGH, Vii President. Thomas E. Hogan, First Director; F. 1 Becker, Second Director; Thomaa N. Brow Third Director; B. P. Maull, Fourth Direct* T. Morris, Engineer;<A. F. LaFar, Secreta* Thoma? Hughes, Treasurer; E. F. Miscall}*, '. N. Pregneau, W. Braid, J. C. Addison, Axeme THE YOUNG AMERICI, although of tho youn est, by their appearance yesterday indicat that they were composed of the bone ai sinew of the community, and will prove da gerous competitors in the honorable rival which characterizes the Department. The e gine was among the handsomest, its decor tiona giving proof of the high regard in whi< the gallant members are held by their fa friends. The engine was draped inmournin in memory of the lato Mr. P. Harvey, one the directors of the company. The pennon the fore had the inscription, "We mourn oi lost." The wreaths were made of evtrgreei and white roses, and in elegant arrangemen not surpassed by any in the procession. Th company was organized in 1865, and yesterdi paraded forty-five members. Their steamer a large and powerful machine, having a bea ing surface of four hundred and fifty aqua feet, and pumps tho t discharge five hundre gallons per minute. It is the only steamor i the Department that has a rotary engine. Il weight is six thousand pounds. The office* areas follows: JAMES S. WESTENDOBFF, President; JAMES Gui Vicii-President. A. W. Bose, Firs : Director; J. L. Marker, S< cond Director; John E. Gannon, Third D rector; James Quinn, Fourth Director; W. Yt Hart, Secretary;-, Treasurer; J. Bosh Engineer; W. Mah raey, Assistant Engineer. THE STONEWALI FIRE COMPANY celebrate the anniversary ty bringing out a new an bea'jtiful hand engine, which they have recent ly purchased. Th .a was exquisitely embellish ed, aD elegant wreath being pendant from th front of the bral:es, and the top being sur mounted by a fierai arch bearing the name o "Stonewall" in le ttera of evergreen. A beau tiful monument rf flowers, crowned with i miniature palmetto tree, waa reared on thi top of the engin ?. In the rear was a largi wreath, ou wbici was inscribed the legem "Rest in Peace." The hose reel was smother ed in flowers, fiori which floated white stream era whereon were writteu in letters of golc the soubriquet of their great namesake The grey coats ? nd white pants of the Stone? walls were uuiv< rsally admired, and certainh make a unique and beautiful uniform. The number of men on the roll is sixty-three. OJ these forty-five paraded yesterday. The com? pany was instituted November 4, 1SG3. Thc following is a list of the ofiicera : G. L. Briar, President; J. E. BOINEST, vice President. W. G. Miller, Secretary; C. A. Aimar, Treasu? rer; J. ?. Hill, First Director; C. J. Berrie, Second Director; J. F. Salvo, Third Director; F. A. Silcox, Fourth Director; B. S. Bigga, Fust Axeman; E. W. Blake, Second Axeman. THE SCENE OF THE CONTEST. On reaching the corner of Broad-street the Mayor and Alde :men filed to a position in front of the guardhou se, the baud halted on the op? posite aide, anc the several companies then passed in review. The crowd at thia point was immense, and wherever a foothold could be secured-in the windows, along balconies and dangerous ledges, even in the steeple of St. Michaela and on the narrow euinnii: of the guardhouse wall -there, boqueta and fringes of humanity, men, women ?nd children, black and white, could be seen anxiously awaiting a coutest, in the success of which the humblest individual present apparently felt as deep an interest as the moat active members uf the rival com? panies. Fully au horr elapsed before the prepara? tions here were completed, and the engines placed in proper position. His Honor the Mayor availed himself of this opportunity to invite the officers of the several orgauizations to the City Hali, where he extended to them I the improvised hospitality of the place sent them on their way rejoicing. S?ve the Aldermen were also pr?sc-n i and assisi doing the honors of the office. The preparations for playing were s?mil those of last year. A long, narrow, wo platioim was constructed in Broad-street neatly railed on both sides. The upper ei this was covered with sawdust, and a seri marks were prepared, with the name of company painted thereon, to indicate the tance to which each might throw the wi Each hand engine was allowed fifteen mint and each steamer thirty minutes, from time they took position at the well, corni Broad and King streets, using fifty feet of h and playing on the platform. The judges were Assistant-Chiefs B. Alexander, C. P. Aim ar, and J. C. E. Eich son. Alderman Willis and B. 31. Strobel, ? were appointed to mark the distances award the prizes. The arrangements v most admirably made and faithfully car out, the chief regret of the day being I three of the steamers were obliged to p< pone their trial on account of the latenes the hour. Bets were freely offered and taker the results, and we hear of a number of stances in which considerable sums of mo: changed hands. Notwithstanding the great throng on ground during the day, the police, by their ergy and ubiquitous presence, preserved mirable order. Such arrests as were m were for slight offence, only arising perh from the excitement incident to the occas: and it is a proper tribute to the naas of i citizens to say, that while the barrooms w open as usual, no arrests were made becausi a too indecent familiarity with John Bari corn. THE EIVALRT. FOB THE CUP. As soon as the different engines were ranged, the Germans took their position at i well, and led in the playing off. As the G mans were the victors in the last annual o test between the hand-engines, some anxii was felt as to the result; and lhere is no telli what distance could have been attained if t hose had not burst on two successive tris The time allowed having elapsed, the Germa withdrew, having thrown a stream one ht dred and fllty-two feet and one inch. The Hope was the next in order, and, bei also in the main a German company, end vored to excel their brother Teutons, bnt ot reached one hundred and forty-seven fi eleven inches. i The Eagle followed, manned by the hone a sinew of the upper wards, and threw a stret one hundred and fifty-two feet three am quarter inches. The white coated Vigilants then mann their machine, and proceeded to test the tm of their motto, Perseeerando Vincimus. Th were successful. The stream thrown reach a distance of one hundred and eighty-thi feet five inches, the furthest point attained the hand engines. The gallant little Stonewall, though last, w not least, and for a time the Vigilants trei bled for their honors, bat fortuue had deolan in their favor. Though the Stonewalls siro for the mastery, they obtained but the at^oi honor, having reached one hundred and se enty-fire feet seven and a half inches, should be stated that in the playing off the was a generous emulation among the membe: of lue different compames, the strong assis ing the weak, and the vanquished congrati lating the victors with loud and freqaent aj planee. THE HOOK AKD LADDEB BACE. The playing of the hand engines being con ploted, the next excitement was the conte: between the two Hook and Ladder Compani< for the silver cup, which was to be awarded t the Board of Firemasters to the most pr< ficient. 'This contest was something entire! new in the annals of the Departmen and excited the liveliest interest. It WE decided that the companies should start froi the Mills House and run their trucks to th guardhouse, where they were to detach a lac der, raise it to the roof of the courthousi when a member of the company would aseen and descend; the ladder was then to be take; down and replaced on the truck. Wonderful stories had been circulated abon the agility of the truckmen, and it was eve; stated that some of the more expert cou! mount a ladder backwards and come down 1 successive somersaults. These Munchausen tales drew a large crowd to the Courthouse and the passage was only kept clear by th exertions of the police. lio. 2 was the first ti start and was soon on the ground. The lad der was off the truck and raised against th side of the Courthouse in a trice, a membe mounted and hand over hand ran rapidly to thi top. Disdaining to return the same way, hi clasped the sides of the ladder firmly wit] his hands and knees and slid triumphantly ti the ground-everybody cheering. The samt process was repeated by No. 1, but the timi engaged in the performance was less by nf te er. seconds, No. 2 having taken three minutes, fif? teen seconds for their feat, while No. 1 did the same in three minutes. The judges were pro? vided with stop watches, and were careful iu their count. Some ill-feeling was manifested at their decision, and one or two belligerent in? dividuals endeavored to get up a row, bul were quickly squelched by the authorities, and the disturbance was not suffered to mar the good feeling existing between the firemen. The Mayor caused the parties who were arrest? ed to be brought before him immediately, and upon a representation of the fact that it was only a small affair and no damage done, they were released to appear at his corri this morn? ing. The parties who showed their agility were Charles Tift from No. 2, and J. L. Mc Dermot of No. L THE STEAitr.BS PLAYING. Good order having been restored, the crowd j gradually drifted back to their old positions near the platform, in order to witness the con? test between the steamers. This was com? menced by the Pioneer, who threw but two hundred and four feet one inch, when her ma? chinery became disabled and she retired from the contest. The iEcna was the next in the list?, but also became disabled after throwing a stream two hundred and two feet seven inch? es. The Phoenix boys then took their position, but found after a few trials that their engine bad been tampered with by some evil disposed person, and they threw but one hundred and nineteen feet eight and a half inches. The Palmetto then took her stand, and after two trials threw two hundred and forty-eight feel. As she had exceeded her time by a fe w minutes, the judges decided that the first distance thrown should be marked two hundred and forty-one feet six inches. The steamers labored under many disad? vantages ; the afternoon was far ad? vanced when they commenced playing, and the well being exhausted, nearly an hour was lost in each instance before it could be filled, and it was then almost impossible to obtain a full supply. These circumstances, together with the facts that one of the engines was plainly tampered with, that others became dis? abled, and that the Palmetto from'want of water was forced to stop playing, also that the contest was closed before three of the engines had an opportunity to play, thus causing it to be renewed to-day, with au evident advantage to the three contestants, created a feeling among many of the firemen that it would be j but fair that all the steamers should be allowed I to participate in to-day's contest. I After the Palmettos bad ceased playing, the silver cups were presented by Alderman Willi? to the Vigilant as the successful hand engine, and to Hook and Ladder No. 1, for their per? formance in ladier raising. The order to disperse was then given, and the different companies proceeded to their halls. The Vigilants, as the prize owners, gave a collation at their hall, in State-street, at which a large number of firemen put their feet under the mahogany and themselves outside of the good things hberally supplied. Later in the evening the-ball given by Hook and Ladder Company No. 2 proved to be,.the leading attraction, and the light fantastic waa tripped until Aurora had gilded the morn. The day closed as it opened-in perfect good order-and the firemen of Charleston sustained the reputation that has always been accorded them as the most effective and orderly volun? teer department in the Union. LtYTNQ OF THE COENEB-STONE OF THE PHOENIX ENGINE HOUSE. At the close of the parade the Phoenix Fire Company adjourned to the site of their new hall, in Cumberland-street, to participate in the ceremony of laying the corner-stone. President George Tupper introduced to the company the Bev. W. B. Yates, their chaplain, who proffered a very-fervent and impressive prayer to the Throne of Grace for wisdom and energy in the guidance of the company in their efforts to promote its usefulness, and closed with a most impressive appeal to the members to be true to their position and their reputa? tion that they might not' only receive the plaudits of their fellow-citizens, but, whin called upon to render their last account, be welcomed with the "well done, good and faith? ful servant." President Tapper thon introduced to the company his Honor Mayor Cogswell, who, in a few brief and pertinent remarks, stated that his intercourse with the community had been too recent to speak understandingly or the subject, but he had been assured, by those who had a right to know, that the Phcenix Company was among the most efficient in the Department, and it had given him pleasure to co-operate with their president in his efforts to procure au appropriation for their new hall. He hoped it would give them facilities to in? crease their usefulness, and they might rely upon his assistance in any matter which would increase the effectiveness of the Fire Depart? ment. Mr. Heart, an honorary member of the com? pany, being present, was called upon by Presi? dent Tupper, and responded as follows : GenVemen of the Phcenix Fire Company. I have had the honor of being called upon : by your worthy President, to say & few words on this interesting occasion. I regret, from the suddenness of the call, my inadequacy to do Justice to the occasion, but a set speech would >e out of place, and it is only necessary for me to assure you of my warmest sympathy in your pleasurable emotions at the near prospect ' of once more having a home and an abiding place, that you can call your own, for your engine, and your? selves. Gentlemen, you hare a proud name and a proud record? Your hst of members com? prises the names of some ot the most worthy citizens of Charleston, distinguished alike for their public spirit and their private virtues. Upon you it devolves to guard, with Testai vigi? lance, the purity and perpetuity of the sacred flame which envelopes your honored patronym? ic. Let it be transmitted to future generations, undimmed and undying, as typical of the fer? vor of ye ur patriotism, the purity of your mo? tives, the energy of your efforts, and the warmth of your friendship. Again thanking yon for the honor you have done me on this occasion, I would express the hope that we may soon meet, face to face, in the hali of which the energy of your President, and the ; Liberality of the Mayor and Council, have en-, abled you to lay the corner-stone on this pro? pitious occasion. President Tupper then spoke as follows : Brother Firemen-The bottle that I hold in my hand, to be placed in the corner-stone, contains Boll of State officers. Boll of Municipal officers. Boll of Vigilant Fire Engine Company. Bell ot Phcenix Fire Engine Company, from its organization to the present ame. Constitutions from the organization of tho Com? pany. v Names of architect and builder. Daily papers. Boll of members of the Pbonlx Company who vol? unteered in tae Confederate service. To those who fell, as long as valor and genius are revered, their memory will be green m our land, and our company will look back to their blameless lives and splendid achieve? ments with hearts ever flowing with gratitude and love. Upon the laying of this corner-stone I have but a few words to say. I trust that the build? ing ./ill endure long after the youngest of us shall have passed away. I trust that if it should ever oe removed it will be only to give place to a more imposing structure, bearing the same good name, and devoted to the same good purpose. We shall often meet in the Hall which is about to be erected, and exchange cordial greetings and friendly counsels, and in the name of our good old company we dedicate the bmlding to good will and harmony. Many years will roll away, and others will, perhaps, stand where we now stand, and wit? ness the ruin of that which we now erect. Let us hope that it will be in a better time than this, and that the troubles of these terrible days will have given way to an enduring pros? perity, which will make amends to our children for the hardships and sufferings of their fathers. I congratulate the company on its present condition. In utility and reputation, second to none in the city. Let us preserve its dig? nity, and its good name will take care of itself. The corner-stone was then put in place with the usual formalities, and the assemblage dis? persed. INTERESTING INCIDENT. One of the most pleasing features in the festivities of yesterday was the present of a sil? ver cup to Miss Christina Huthmacher, by the Hope Fire Engine Company. Mr. Philip Buch heit, Jr., the Secretary of the company, had the honor of presenting this testimonial He said: Miss Huthmacher-Aa Chairman of the Com? mittee on Testimonials, ?nd Secretary of Hope Engiue Company, it is my pleasant duty to present you with this silver cup, in behalf of our company. I hope that it will be received with the same kind feeling with which it ia given, as a token of our appreciation of the favors rendered us on the last two annual pa? rades, by lending your fair presence to our en? gine and company. Before closing my few remarks,, allow me to ask of you that when you use this cup you wUl drink to the health of the Hope Fire Engine Company, and of the humble individual who is now addressing you. In reply for Miss H., Mr. Anthony Fisher remarked that Miss H. was very thankful for the present, and hoped that the "Hope" would ever remain, as it had all along been, the model company of the Charleston Fire De? partment. PRESENTATION OF TRUMPETS. A short time before the parade took place there were two presentations of trompete, to the officers of different companies, at the Vigilant Hall. President S. Y. Tupper in be? half of the Company, presented Vice President L. D. Mowry with a handsome silver trampet beautifully chased and ornamented. This trumpet was designed as a Vice President's company trumpet. Mr. Jos. Hilton, foreman Hook and Ladder Company, No. L was made the recipient of an elegant silver trumpet, finished in the highest style of art, and orna? mented with mmiature representations of the furniture of the truck. It also bore au inscrip? tion stating that it had been presented by the company to their presiding officer, Mr. Jos. Hilton. It was made by Tiffany & Co., New York. BUSINESS NOTICES. SALE OF A SCHOONER.-We would refer to the auction sale of the schooner-rigged flat which takes place to-day under the auspices of Messrs. Milligan & Son.