The Charleston daily news. (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, April 28, 1868, Image 3
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.