Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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THE DAILY NEWS. Largest Circulation.-THE DAILY NEWS BEING THE NEWSPAPER OFFICIALLY RE? COGNIZED AS HAYING THE LARGEST CIR? CULATION IN THE CITY OF CHARLESTON, PUBLISHES THE LIST OF LETTERS REMAIN? ING IN THE POSTOFFICE AT THE END OF EACH WEEK, ACCORDING TO THE PROVIS? IONS OF THE NEW POSTOFFICE LA W. LOCAL MATTERS. -0 THE NEWS JOB FEINTING OFFICE. OFFICE OF THE NEWS, { CHASZIESTON, 8. C., April 24,1869.J The undersigned, proprietors ol THE CHABLESTON NEWS, have this day bought out the presses, type and fixtures of the job print? ing office formerly owned by Messrs. Parry & Little, and will in future conduct the same as THE NEWS JOB OFFICE, in THU NEWS building, No. 149 East Bay, third floor. Arrangements will at once be made for the purchase of additional presses and material of the latest and most improved styles, and the undersigned are now prepared to execute all job printing that may be entrusted to them as expeditiously, neatly and cheaply aa it can be done anywhere in the South. RIORDAN", DAWSON & Co. MEETINGS THIS DAT. Delta Lodge of Perfection, at half-past 7 P. M. South Carolina Lodge, at 8 P. M. A UCIION SALES THIS DA Y. MTMM DB ABE will Bell, at 10 o'clock, al his store, corner King and Liberty-streets, cloth? ing, dry goods and hals. >'. HTJKT & Son will sell at 10 o'clock, at their salesroom. Meeting-street, boots, shoes, &c. R. M. MARSHALL & BBOTHEB will sell at half-past 10 o'clock, at their office, Broad street, horses, mules &c. Dexes GOODS.-Messrs. Sroll, Webb ic Co. inform the ladies in our columns to-day, that they have a case of dress goods from auction, which they will sell at twenty cents at retail. THE IMPOBTANT SADE ol PcrtoRico sugars and molasses, by Messrs. Risley & Creighton, is postponed until next Saturday. See adver? tisement. STBUCK BY LIQHTNINO.-During the Bevere thunder storm of Monday night, Steepleman Kelly, at thc Orphan House, was struck by lightning, and his arm and sido so benumbed fha*; he had to be carried home. Yesterday he was doing well. THE NEW POLICE TJSXFO'.M_Yesterday the policemen appeared on tho parade in their new uniform of blue flannel, with felt hats, patent leather belts and silver clasps and ebony clubs. They presented quite a creditable appearance, and were commendably attentive in the dis? charge of their duties. THE FAE of the Washington Light Infantry Charitable Association begins to loom up prominently as the great local event of the near future. The ladies in charge will meet at Hibernian Hall thia (Wednesday) afternoon, at Av* o'clock, to draw for the tables, and com? plete their arrangements. FIBE-This morning, about one o'clock, a fire occurred in a small cigar store on the west side of King-street, a few doors north of George-street, doing slight damage, principal? ly the flooring. It was soon extinguished by the engines, whioh were quickly on the spot. THAT TBUSEPET.-We are requested to an- i noonee that tho following gentleman have con seated to serve as a committee to count the ballots to be cast for the trumpet to be voted for at the orphan's entertainment now going on, viz: T. Hnchet, EsqM W. J. Magrath, Esq., E. Foorgeaud, Esq.' The Washington is sup po33d to be ahead. THE READING O? ?Las. 0*DOHOVAN (ROSSA. ) Oar readers aie reminded that the elocution? ary entertainment of this gifted lady takes place to-night at" Hibernian Hall. Her read? ings hare created quite a furore in the princi? pal Southam cities where she bas appeared; but apart from the: consideration of their in? trinsic, merit, th* noble purpose which an? imates her labors should enlist the warm and substantial sympathy of the public, and es? pecially of-every Celti* heart. We bespeak for her a crowded house. ,. ; y;?\.? THE DETECTION OP COUNTERFEITS.-Since, th? United States currency has taken the place of specie and- Sut o ? bank bills, the Bank Note Counterfeit-" Detectors, former 1 y in: ' nui versal nae, have become.worthiest, and the counter? feiters, owing to the immense-increase in the field open to their operations, have gone to work with a skill, patience-and care that have enabled them,- to produce 'plates', the impres? sions of which cannot be distinguished'-by the unpracticed eye from the^genuine currency. A New York firm has" isaued':a -Fery useful vol? ume, containing plates of all the genuine and the principal counterfeit greenbacks, national bank bills and fractional currency, side by side, accompanied by a .microscope, which enables any one to compare them; and at once detect the difference. The fine medallion-work in the genuine is too costly and elaborate to be coun? terfeited with success; but the. difference is hardly perceptible to the naked eye. ' e agent of the firm in question ia now here eliciting subscriptions to the work, and has already ob? tained tho names of many of our principal business men. -jSi-^-. LTOTEL ABBIYALS, APBIL 27.-Pavilion Ho tel.-E^S. Blakely,'".Augusta; Thomas M. Sav? age^ A?-M. Robert,- Georgia; E. W. Mason, C. Murphy, M. Swinton, M. Fanghan, Augusta; J. H. Alke, Columbia; B. Reynolds, Jr., J. B. Watson, James Snmble, J. B. LaSalle, James Orchard, South Carolina; J. B. Moore, Astoria, L. I.; George W. E*.?, Strath Carolina; J. Powe and wifo, Anna Powe, Frank Powe, E. Powe, NewJeisey;F. TJtts, Florence; D. R. Har! lee, South Carolina; AL ' C. Hall, . South Carolina; C. B. Chicksey, Washington, District Columbia; John Ferguson, Fbrida; Dr. R. Haslee, Mars Bluff; C. B. Chiskey, Washington, D. C.; R. E. Clark, Lewisvdle; George W. Wise, Edgefield. Charleston Hotel_John Smith, City ; W. J. Smith, F. J. Smythe, B. Joyner, W. L. Gary, G. IT. Walker, Columbia ; li. Levy, Georgia; Cnaa. C.Leary, Di. A.March, L. H. Matthews, W. J. Vereen, New York; E. S. Pritchard, Au? gusta; J. M. Westmorland and lady, Green ville; James Gallagher ? and wife, Connecticut; W. B. Wilkins, New York ; A. Duer, J. Rutter, Pennsylvania ; J. A. Foater, South Carolina; Dr. N. S. Lincoln, Washington, D. C.; lira Lincoln, Miss Annie Smith, Washington, D. C.; J. H. Myer a, A. J. Hellen, New Jersey; A. Al bncht, Baltimore; A.- H. 8exton and wife, C. H. Brownlee, Mrs. R. Towera, Misa A. M. Whitehouse, Masa W. Whitehouse, New York; W. % Daggett and wife, Wdmington; J. A. Gamble, Florence; Captain Wood, Richmond; B. M. Butler, W. B. Steele, F. E. Taylor, L. W. Sanders, T. Street, city; W. H. McDowell, Wihaiogto?. THE FIREMEN'S GALA DAY. A SPLENDID SPECTACLE APPEARANCE OF THE MEN AND' THE MA CHINES. WAITING FOR TUE VERDICT. The LI m of March-Sketches of the Dir fe rt nt Companies-The Kare for the Cap-The Incidents of. thc Day. The 27th of April is always a great day in Charleston on account of the interest which is taken by every class and condition in thc An? nual Parade of the Fire Department. For weeks before the eventful morning the expecta? tion and excitement steadily increases. Chances are canvassed and discussed, old uniform coats and hats are drawn from tneir hiding places for the benefit of honorary members or super? annuated firemen, who are to turn out once more; the engines are rubbed and polished until every particle of brass and cop? per shines like a miniature sun; new recruits are drafted in by the score to swell the number at the ropes; and from one end of the city to the other there is heard tho hum of busy preparation. Nor is this at all singular. The Fire Department of Charleston bears upon its rolls more than one thousand men, the flower of the intelligence and worth of our city. They represent every interest and every profession, and the oldest and most ven? erable citizen has deeply at heart the victory of the company to which his boys belong. In their ardor and zeal he sees ren.wod his own lusty youth, and by their aid recalls the days when he, too, belted and helmeted with the best of them, might march on the annual par? ade. The ladies, also, take a lively i ut eres t in the appearance of the companies, and weave with nimble fingers wreaths and coronals with which to adorn the machines. And when the labor of love is done, they are found along the line of march to cheer the young combat? ants with their presence and encourage them with their smiles. This is tbe ordinary condition of Charleston upon parade day, bat thia year the agitation and excitement bare been greater than ever before. Theta was never a fireman's parade so anxiou sly looked for, or so much tho subject of j discussion and calculation, as that of yester day. A change was made in the whole plan of j the parade. It had been the custom for the diff?rent companies to-assemble and march through the city in the forenoon, the playing off taking place in the afternoon. This playing oft was tho trial which determined who should possess the prize. Each engino in turn was brought out and played ita best, the company throwing solid water tho greatest distance be? ing the victor and receiving tho silver cup. This was an excellent tost as far as it went, but it did not prove what was the relative efficiency for fire purposes of the different companies. A hand engine or a 'steamer might be br.agbt at great expense which would throw ten inches or even ten feet farther than the engines already in the department. This engine would carry off tho prize, not by the superior skill and industry of the men, but by the greater cost of the machinery. And it might happen that tho encino so victorious would be the last to arrive at a fire, and there? fore of the lowest order of practical efficiency. A love of fair play is the great characteristic of Charleston firemen. Many of them felt that they wero laboring under great disadvan? tages. But all they bad to do was to obey or? ders, and keep to the rules laid down for their ' guidance-. And this they did. The whole sub- 1 ject was, however, brought before the Board ' of Firema8ter<j by the First ABaiatant Chiafnf the Department, B. M. Alexander, Esq., who prepared a plan which should make the an- j < nual parade a true trial of the merits of the j 1 different companies. This plan waa maturely considered, and a set of roles were drawn np hr carrying lt into effect. The Kew Plan. f Is foundod upon tho assumption that the most 1 valuable company in the Department, all things being equal, is the one which can traverse a given distance and throw a stream of water of j a given leogth in the shortest space of time. This is the whole theory, and a sound one it is. What the details are will be seen by the following extract from the rules : The exercises will begin by the hand engines starting from the corner of Queen and Meet? ing streets, in the same condition as going to to a fixe, running tour hundred yarda, with eight men to the one thousand poonda weight of engine, reeling off one hundred feet of bose at the termination of the four hundred yards, taking suctio-' from the dram pit in Meeting street, opposite Hayne, and playing fifty feet. As soon as the fifty feet is obtained the time will be called. The steamers will follow the same regula? tions, except that they are allowed five men to the one thousand pounds weight of engino (not including engineer and fireman.) Steam? ers will be allowed to carry what water and such fuel as they desire. No member pulling on the reela will be allowed to handle the engines during the ran. Fires to start engines will commence when the word is given by the starting judges, and engines to be ready at ten minutes' norie. Cold water most ba in all the boilers, and the boilers mast be cool. Any engine having heated water in their boilers will be ruled out. After the fifty feet ia ob? tained, each engine will be allowed to remain at tho pit ten minutes, but not to exercise. Hose reels may precede the engines on the run, but will start together. The men run? ning the hose reels may extend one hundred feet of hose, attach the pipe and work the engine. One officer from each steamer and bond engine to be appointed to inspect tho boilers, suctions and boxes, and to seo that the brakes are slapped down and eecored in the osnal manner. The double-break hand engines will be allow? ed to use their lower brakes only, if they so desire. This programma was wholly and entirely different from any that the firemen had had before, and it waa not surprising that it threw them into a fever of expectation. Making Ready. For the last month the different companies have been making ? ready; and during the Inst eight or ten days they appear to have boen practicing evory night. Moat of them tried the regular course in Meeting-street; but there wore others. who preferred to keep per? fectly quiet, to practice at a distance, and to trust to bono and sinew to rattle them over the stones when the trying moment carno. There were some few mishaps, of coarse. Firemen will ron fast and shout till the welkin rings, the consequences of which are a probable stumble and an inevitable. ,:out of breath." All, too, were encouraged by the thought that they had a chanco of canying off J the coveted prize. Some relied on their [ staying power, others uponMheir daah. Oue party thooght ' that muscle wa3. not gen? teel, and another was of the firm opinion that the clerl- s and lawyers woold sobo play oat. A hundred patent plan3 for carrying off the cup to a dead certainty wore proposed. One younj fireman advised the runners to go easy until they reached the top of the grade by Cameron & Barkley's building, and then go it with a .rush. . A second urged them to-make timo while they could. A third thooght the steamers had better oie a half a min?te at the stan so aa to be sure of a full head of steam when they began to play. A fourth-and a wary old fire? man he ie-vowed that the whole secret ofsuc ceaa lay in seven words-pull steadily and keep your mouths shut ! The rivalry was not confined to winning the piece cf pla.c. There was a laudable desire to tura out tho largest number of men. Between the Vigils at and the Pheonix the contest was unusually sharp. At the last parade the Vigi? lant reported one hundred and eight men prcs eent, and tho Pheonix one hundred and one -the point of it all being that no company had ever paraded ae many men as the Vigilant. The Phoenix determined to carry off the palm if possible, and went to work with a will, en? rolling new members aud bringing out the old. The Vigilant was not asleep, and brought in new men by the score. No one was permitted to know what their strength would be. Buses and subterfuges were in vaiD. Only yesterday morning should tell the tale, and the report was Vigilant 231, and Phoenix 223. Our hand to both loser and winner, for the fight was a hard and lair one 1 Aud while others were busy, the men who had been detriled to ron with the engines and man the brakes were not idle. They sought after easy boots and strong bolts, practiced holding their wind, and moved about with the bigness and importance becoming those upon the legs and arms of whom would depend the fortunes of the day. The following table shows the official weights of the several eugines, and the number of men allowed to drag and work each. The same table shows the strength ot the Charleston Fire Department, and the number of men paraded by each company: HAND ENGINES. r?o. Men No. Men Pounds, allowed, paraded. Vigilant.3680 29 . 234 Germ?-.4400 35 66 Hope.3860 30 43 Stonewall.3400 27 48 STEAJXEUS. Pioneer. 4880 24 45 Eagle.5466 27 47 Phoenix.5760 26 223 .Etna.4540 23 64 Marion.450o 23 57 Palmetto.6040 30 45 Washington.4640 - 23 ' 72 Young: America.0183 31 42 986 HOOK AND LADDER COUPAMES. Charleston Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1. Charleston Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2. VISITING COMPANIES. , Weight. No.Men allowed. Washington, of Augusta, (hand).2700 25 Georgia, ol Augusta, (steamer). 54GG 27 Palmetto, of Columbia, (band).. .3460 27 Wmyab, of Georgetown, (band). 1950 16 Tho Day Was cool and pleasant, the rain of Monday night having laid the dust and made things agreeable. At aa earlier hoar than usual the city was astir, and, by nine o'clock, the streets were emptying their thousands into the thoroughfares through which tho procession was to pass. King and Meeting streets were packed and jammed with a smiling, bowing and cheering mass. Every window of every house was tho frame of some pretty face, while tho balconies of the hotels, the embroidery of silks and laces, the fringe of lovely shapes and tho mingling of laughing eyes, dimpled cheeks, and waving kerchiefs, were a sight that would have charmed tho gaze of thc most flinty octo? genarian. The Rendezvous. With commendable punctuality, the various companies assembled betweeu nine and ten o'clock on the Citadel Green, the Pioneer *>eing the firBt to como on the grouud. They were at once formed in the order of march, and, as soon as these arrangements were com? pleted, the procession moved. It is proper to remark here that the military authorities exhibited thc courtesy which was always considered lo be the attribute of "old srmy officers," by affording every facilityto tho chief and his assistants in the preservation of jrder among hoi poUoi. Sentries were sta? tioned at the several gates, and spared thc iremen the infliction of that horde of little reedmen-worse. than musquito feitce-wno tart hither and thither, and nro the bane nf. ?vflyp?tJ?e display. Quarters were also gen- ' trously tendered to the regimental band at Co nmbia, which waa expected with the Palmot ;oes of that city. The Procession. At about 10 A. M. the procession was ormed, and, amid tho cheering and hustling of he croxd, the Imo moved on. . 1 At the head was Muller's Eutaw band, i baying, with all the vigor of which stout 1 unga and brazen throats are capable, ;he music being followed by M. H. Nathan, Esq., the Chief of the Department; B. M. Alex inder, First Assistant Chief; C. P. Aimar, Se? wed Assistant Chief; F. L. O'Neill, Third As? sistant Chief, and B. M. Strobel, Clerk of the 1 Board. These gentlemen wore their hand tome saffron colored frocks, with elaborate ; lats and handsome belts. Chief Nathan 1 voire the massive geld badge and the helmet i ^resented to him by the New York Fire De- 1 >artmont. Th se were followed by Mayor :iark and Aldermen Whilden, Honour, Olney, Potter, Geddings, Lindstrom, Cado, Voigt, doore and Dereef. HOOK AND LADDER COUPANT NO. 1 Vas at the head of the column. The men vero all in uniform-red shirts, black pantB 1 md belts. The number of men paraded waa 10. This company waa incorporated on De? cember 13,1865, aud has its truck house in Jueon-street. The truck was built by C. E. lartshorn, of New York, and baa five ladders, anging from ten to lorty-two feet io length. The officers are : Joseph Hilton, Foreman; A. ?. Barber, Asaiatant Foreman; A. P. Jarvis, Secretary; J. B. Little, Treasurer; and C. ?Vin ate, Rocorder. Tho truck waa prettily wreathed with flowere, ind over the whole waved two United Statea lags. THE CHARLESTON FIBE COUPANT OF AX HEN, Hore familiarly known as "the Pioneer," came aext in line. This is the oldest fire company m Charleston, having been incorporated in 1801. Thc engine was built by Clapp & Jones, of New York, in 1866, and baa a heating sur? face of four hundred square feet. The pumps will discharge threo hundred and litty gallons per minute. The uniform of the PioDeera is white, trimmed with red, with black pants, and the men, 45 of whom paraded, looked as if they meant business. Tho officers of the compauy arc T. S. O'Brien, Presiden!; Wm. Knox, Vice-Piesident; W. Minnia, Fir8t Director; H. C. Carnigan, Second Director; Joseph Beattie, Third D:rector; W. R. Wellinar, Fourth Director; L." Cautwell, Treasurer; F. J. Green, Secretary; J. C. Big vnld, Engineer; W. Ham, Aasistaut Engineer; C. E. Sureau and G? W. Marley, Axmen; J. E. Burke, Solicitor. Around the wheels of the eugine flowers and evergreens were twined, tho body being deco? rated with bnuquets and garlands. It was a handsome affair. Among the ex-officers and old members of the company who turned cut on yesterday, were ex-President Euston, cx Vice-President Brown, and ex-Director Martin. The ash-pau of this engine was broken in en? tering the Citadel Green, but no serious barm was done. THE EAGLE FIRE ENGINE COMPANY, Being the next oldest company, followed the Pioneer. The engino, (steamer,) was built by Button & Blake, of New York, in 1369, tho com? pany itself being incorporated in 1818. The uniform of the Eagles is rod tunic and black pants, and 47 of them paraded. Tho officers of the company are : Wm. R. McIntosh, Presi? dent; Chas. F. Beaufort, Vice-Pieaident; Chas. Byrnes, First Director; Wm. Nolte, Second Director; W. Shokea, Third Director; W. D. Gradick, Fourth Director; A. Marion Cohen, Secretary; O. E. Johnaon, Treasurer; J. O. Lynes and J. Westeudorff, Axmen; J. L. Bunch, Hallkeeper: E. S. Duryea, Solicitor; A.'L. Hammond, Surgeon. The floral decorations of this engin so arranged aa to allow the burnished shining like a mirror, to be plainly sec above them fluttered a nag of whit Among the old members of the compa sent were Messrs. H. Chanson, S. Hea R. b. Bize. At the head of the compa carried the company flag, with the State Animus Opibusqite Parait. THE VIGILANT Hand engine company came next. Thi pany waa formed in 1817, and incorpon 1819, and has always been a favorito in tl The uniform of the men, white coata wi facings and blue trimming, and white with blue cord, is particularly neat. El dioary efforts were made by the Vigile turn out yesterday in full force, am paraded 234 men. Among these wei Samuel Lord, 8r., Mr. Jacob F. Schirme Mr. Philip P. Hoff, the only survivors original members of the company. Ex dents C. H. Weat, H. F. Baker, A. St. Ai and A. P. Truche were also in the line, engine was built by Wm. Jeffers, of tucket, RhoJe leland, in 1855. Tho offic the company are: Samuel Y. Tupper, dent; L. D. Mowry, Vice-Pr?sident; ? Fisher, Jr., First Director; J. M. Bakery 8 Director; J. J. O'Neill, Third Director; Huger, Fourth Director; John T. Humpl Secretary; G. A. Foll?n, Treasurer; : Snowden and Julian Barbot, Axmen; Cl H. Simonton, So?oitor; Augustus Fitch, 1 Surgeon. The Vig'lant machine was BO covered bouquets, wreaths and garlands that it li more like a flower garden than a m Charleston engine. The whole of the dc lions were in good taste, and showed tbi Vigilants bad many a floral friend. B< the old members of the company ali named, many honorary members answei their names. Among these were Mese: Lafitte, E. Fourgeaud andK. B. Simons. THE PHOENIX. After the Vigilants came the gr ey-c. Pheonix boys. This company was incorpo in 1826, and bas ita engine house in Can land-street. The engine was built in 18( Wm. Jeffers & Co., pf Pautnoket, R. L number of men on parade waa 223. The eera of tue company ore : George Tai President; P. Gadsden Haaell, Vice-Presii Wm. Aiken Kelly, First Director; Augu T. Smythe, Second Director; Sam!. TV Third Director; Charles Pennal, Fourth D tor; W. Williman, Secretary;:E. A. Sm; Treasurer; John P. Deveaux, Engineer; M-. Muckenfuss, Solicitor; W. B. Yates, C lain; Robert Lebby, Surgeon. The Pheonix engine was made bright beautiful by knots of ribbon, mingled bunches of flowers and garlands of evergrc The decorations were charming, and the gine and r?el might well contend with ethers on the ground for the palm of bea The company banner waa carried at the 1 of tho line. Among the ex-officeis were Presidents W. E. Holmes and F. D. Pii ney THE OEOBGIA STEAM FIRE" ENGINE COMPANT AUGUSTA, GEO., Came next in order. This was oue of the vi ing co npanies. The engine is nearly new, wa? fully described when it passed throi Charleston ou ita way to Augusta a few we ago. 29 men were in line. Their uniform ? gray frock coat with red binding, white 1 with blue binding, dove colored cap wit silver wreath, black pants. The offioera of company ore: Captain, George Adams; F Lieutenant, George W. McLaughlin: Sec? Lieutenant, T. W. Henry; Secretary, (Jeo W. Broadhurst; Treasurer, W. T. Williai ii po ni an j. iv. JiCJLi'iugnufi; tngineer, jL F. H. Koon; Assistant Engineer, J. B. flotte The engine was braucht down rrotu Augu by the following delegation: Messrs. Jan McLaughlin, chairman; J. F. Kean, J. B. B lom, J. J. Cohen, H. M. Levy, F. B. McK M. Finch, 8. Si Ung, and Tom Hall, coloi waitingman. Thia engine, aa "one of tho guests" of t department, waa eagerly looked for and gt eral ly admired. Ic was smothered in wreat ot fiowera, and was not surpassed by a steamer in the fine. On the engine waa a fi photograph of J. B. Platt, Esq., ex-Chief E giueer of the Augusta Fire Department. THE JE TN A STEAM FTBE ENGINE COMPANY Was next in order. This ia one of the c companies, having been incorporated in 18i The engine was built by Clapp & Jones, ai put into service in March, 1866. The onifor of the lompany is red coat and white pant and it turned out 64 men. The officers of tl company are: E. Willia, President; S. Nipsoi vice-President; J. J. Monroe, First Director; ' Lyons, Second Director; C. A. Van Dohlei Third Director; James Wilson, Fourth Dire tor; John B. Nixon, Secretary; Oran Basset Treasurer; Charles 0. Wightman, Engineer. The engine and hose reel were elaborate: ornamented with flowers, woven into evei shape, and upon the former was a pretty tr colored flag. The metal work was polished t an almost painful brightness, and the whole c the machinery was evidently in perfect order Among the ex-officera present was ex-Presi dent Sweegau. THE HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY, NO. 2, Followed the .Etnas. This company was or ganized laat year from the Cbarleaton Fir Company, one of the oldest in the department and made its first annual parade in 18G8. 1 then had on the rolls 45 men, and paraded yes terday 45 mea, dressed in rel blouses witl black pants. Tho officers of the company are J. C. Lacoste, Foreman; W. H. Monia, Assist ant Foreman; George MoLain, Secretary Samuel Webb, Treasurer; CharleaF. Tilt, Hall keeper; W. M. Fitch, M. D., Surgeon; H. W Schroder, Solicitor. Tho truck waa thickly covered with flora emblems, a trophy of evergreens atd flower? crowning the whoie. One wreath of rosea wa: particularly beautiful. On the side or UM truck waa a trophy representing the front o: a boase" on fire, with the. ladder in posif'on and a gallant member of No. 2 rescuing a wo man from the flames. Thia was presented tc the company by a young lady. The United States Drum Corps boro had t place in the procession. THE MARION STEAM FIBE ENGINE COMPANY Came uext, parading 57 men, dressed in red jacketa and black paula. The engine wat built by M. R. Clapp, of New York, iu 1866, The eugine houae, in Cannon-street, is owned by tho company. The koso carriage was built in Charleston by H. Stenkin. The officers ol the company are: B. C. Barkley, Preaident; T. S. Sigwald, Vice-Preaident; George McNeill, Firat Director; J. W. Jackson, Second Director; G. F. Buchheit, ThirdDirector; Fourth Director; George A. Calder, Secretary; A. J. Jager, Treasurer; W. H. Sigwald, En? gineer. The Marion engine was indeed a pretty eight, although tho sad wrsatha of crape which were twined amoag the flowers, remind? ed the company'of tte sudden and unexpected death of Fourth Director O'Mara. On the en ? ine was a blue flag with the pet name "Little Annie." Tho flag was richly embroidered and fringed with silver, and was a present to the company from a lady. Tho fcx presented to the company by the Philadelphia Fire Depart? ment lay on the hose reel in a bed of roses, and in a cage waa the live fox, presented by the Pheonix boya to the Mariona yesterday meroin?. Among the ex-offic9ra present were ex-Presidenta F. Michel aud W. Ronan. ' THE GERMAN ENGINE COMP AST Followed the Marion; ttnd'the lino and wart men of which it is composed show? the best advantage. They have a fine macl which carried od* the prize in 1867, and n an attractive display. The company was corporated in 1839, and paraded 66 men, dre; in red coate with blue facings and black pa The following aro the officers of the comp John H. Aibers, President; First Vice-Pi dent, J.' F.. Johanns; Second Vice-Presid H. H. Von Eitzen; First Director, J. F. Lil thal; Second Director, H. Wohlken; Third rector, George Marjenhoff; Fourth Direc G. Apeler ; Fifth Director, Wm. Bahn Sixth Director, K. Neumann; Secret Gerhard. Bieoke; Treasurer, Wm. Bruni Axmen, Louis Schwabe and F. Wieters; E keeper, John Morten. The officers of compony wear shoulder-straps as insigni? their r auk. The Germans showed their usual good t, in decorating their engine and reel. ' wheels wore entwined with exquisite garlai and one wreath, presented by two ladies, especially remarkable for its beauty. E\ inch of the engine and reel was as clean i new pin. THE WASHCTOTGX FIRE ENGINE (HAND) C PANT,, OP AUGUSTA, GEO., . One of the visiting companies, followed brawny Germans. The company is at seventy-five years old, having been incoi rated in 1794 'The engine is of the Hunner pattern, and is adorned with a picture of 1 liam Bryson, Chief of the Augusta Fire parlaient. The hose reel was manned by Citizen Fire Company, of Augusta; The Wa iegton bad 3-1 men in line, Their uniform red shirt and black pants. The Citizen nae men, in a uniform very much the same as t of the Washingtons. The engine was neatly bul richly decoral and bad in front a shield with the inscripti "Washington. Welcome. April 27, 1869." THE PALMETTO STEAM PIBE ENGINE COMPA: Came next. This company was incorpoi ed in 1810, and paraded yesterday 45 m dressed in red shirts and black pai The Palmetto steamer is one of most powerful in the city, as has. bi proved by repeated trials. It was bi by tho Amoskeag Company, Manchester, N. : in 1867, and weighs 5200 pounds. At I parade ot 1868, she threw solid water 248 fe The officers of the company are : Hugh Fen son, President; Joseph haddock, Vice-Pw dent; Thomas McIntyre, First Director; J. Gordon, Second Director;, John S!attery,.Th Director; J. F. Byms, Fourth Director; Ali ander Duncan, Secre'ary; W. T. Buger, Trei urer; Thomas Miller, Engineer; Thomas O coran, P. F. May, Edward Coleman and L. M Axmen; John May, Hallkeeper,; q ?; Tue P?JniettQAa caine oo tue ground irspir by the remembrance of lormcr successes. ( ribboLs which were attached to the engi were the words : Victors in 1867, 252 feet ; v j tors in 1868, 248 foet. The wheels were wreal i ed with flowers, tho whole of tho decoratio being'elegantly arranged. Ex-Vice-Preside Duncan parked with tho company. Tho P? metto was drawn by four fine horses. THE HOPE (HAND) ENGINE COMPANY Carno next in order. 'This company tarn oat in good force, parading 43 men, in n coats and black pants. It was incorporated 1349, and its engine was built by Button Blake, of New York, in 1858. The officers company are: W. H. Smith, President; B. J Seymour, vice-President; W. Brookbanks, Fir Director; J. J. Monaghan, Second Directo John Cammer, Third Director; John Kenn Fourth Director; W. T. O'Neill and B. F. Pud haber. Axmen. Tkfornaments of the Hope were as free mnii .bvwrn* BB ??????? np ?IMBU?,. There was a profusion of garlands, wrcatt and bouquets, and a chaste white silk banne bearing an anchor. Among the old membei of the company who were present were Messn Darby, Brookbanks and Patterson. THE WASHINGTON STEAM FIEE ENGINE CO ?PAN Was the next in Une. This company was ii corporated in 1849, aod hts a Clapp & Jone engine, built in 1866. The officers of the con pany ore: James M. Carson, President; 1 CavanauRh, vice-President; T. E. Hogan, Fire Director: T. N. Brown, Second Director; B. I Maull, Third Director; J. D. Murphy, Foorti Director; C. Y. Richardson, Secretary; C. B Schwing, Treasurer; M. O'Mara, A. Axson am J. E. Passalaigue, Axmen. The Washingtons succeeded to a marvel ii decorating their engino and reel, in an elepan and attractive manner. Among the ex-officer at the drags were : Ex-President James Mash burn, ex-Vice President S. J. L. Mathews, ant ex Directors John F. Seyle, T. 0. Aimar, am Wm. Kresse!. . THE PALMETTO ENGINE CO 31 PANT, OF COLUMBIA Followed the Washington. This company hae a Jeffers hand engine of gieat power, and it fine order. Around the brakes is now coiled s huge rattlesnake-in cloth. The company pa raded 47 ' men who wore'their uniform-rec coats trimmed and faced with black velvet, black felt hat and black pants. The Palmetto is a very handsome machine, and the wood-work and inetil-Work were high? ly polished. Tho decorations were not elabo? rate, but they were tasteful and neat. THE STONEWALL FIRE ENGINE COMPANY Folloived, with their beautiful hand engine, which made its first appearance Uaet, year. The gray coats and white pants of tho men made an attractive and suggestive uniform, and the 48 men who answered to their names looked as though they were ready, for any emergency. This company was incorpo? rated in 1866, and has a Jeffers eugine, built in 1857. The officers are: G. Lamb Buist j Presi? dent; John E. Boioest, Vice-president; F. A. Sjlcpx, First.Director; John R. HilL Second Di? rector; C. W. Seignious, Third Director; E. W. Blake, Fourth Director; W. G. Miller, Secre? tary; B. S. Rigg?, E. W. Blake and E. T. West, Axmen; General Janies Connor, Solicitor; Dr. J. b'omers Buist, Surgoou; Rev. John Bach inan, D. D., Chaplain; C. A. Aimar, Treasurer. The Stonewall see nod to roll upon flowers and to bi worked by floral power, so hidden were tho whoels and brakes with evergreens and roses. On thc onrine was the flag of "Our Lizzie,*' and on thc hose reel there was a blue silk banner. Among thc ex-offi:ers present were ex-Vice-Presidents J. Scherfesee aud T. S. Rentier. THE WTNYAH (HAND) ENGINE COMPANY, OP OEOBOETOWN, Another vi?iting compauy, wis next in linc. The engine is a small ono, of the Hunneman pattern, and was formerly, we believe, one of the Charleston engines. Twenty-six mon came from Georgetown with the machine, their uni? form hoing a red jacket with a white star on the collar, and black pants. They were accom? panied by a delegation from the Salamander Fire Company, of Georgetown-six in number. The Salamanders wore rod shirts trimmed with black, and black pants. The Wiuyah did not afford much room for elaborate decoration, but it had its share of evergreens aud flowers. On the machiue was the motto of the company : " Pro Bono Pub lico." THE YOUNG AMERICA STEIH FIRE ENGINE COM? PANY Closed the procession of engines. This company was it corporal ed in 1866, and bas a steam engine, built bySilsby, of New York, the only rotary engine in the department. The dress of the company is a red shirt and black pants, and 42 men were paraded. The officers of the company are. : J. W. Gny, Presiden M. Divine, vice-President; J. L. Markee, Fii Director; J. Quinn, Second Director ; M. Fs rel, Third Director ; G. G. Reyter, Fonrth I rector; James S. Westendorff, Treasurer; J. Maher, Secretary; J. Rosis, Engineer; W. Pd honey, Assistant Engineer ; M. Lawler, F. Ci lahan, T. Monaban and T. C. Patterson, A men. The Young America was drawn by four h horses, who must have found it a task to mo the violet and white wreaths and the mass of verdure whioh adorned the machine. ( both engine and reel were handsomely paint scrolls with the company motto : "Where du calls, there you'll find ns." The Line of March Was down Calhoun to Sing, through King Hasel, and through Meeting to Broad-st rei where in front of the Guardhouse the fine w inspected by the Mayor and Aldermen. Alt passing down Broad to New, the column con te marched and returned lo the vicinity of tl M?ls Hocso, which was Thc Siartlng Point. This consisted of a gallows-liko arrangerne: .erected in the centre of Meeting-street at tl junction of Queen. A large red ball, run dos by halyards, indicated to the judges in fro; of tho Charleston Hotel the exact moment starting. The starting judges were Messrs. 1 B. Olney and A. Stemmerman. As each engii came up to this point it was examined bj committee consisting of one director frc eich contesting company. This, it will bo o served, insured fair play to all, and no eugi: was allowed to start until every retn?r^ent the T3gulation8 of the day bad be?a religion! complied with by its offioerEH la each instan care was, of course, taken to select the mc active and muscular mon in the company i the contest. Thc Goal, Twelve hundred yards distant by actual me s?rement, on the comer of Hayne and Mee lng streets, was the fire-well from which eat company was to draw and throw water, i the bottom ol this well a basket was arrangi to prevent the suctions from touching bottoi One hundred feet beyond this was the centr point of attraction. Hore the stream dart? from the nozzle, and a rope fifty feet in lengi measured the first splash of water that tonel ed the mark. At this point Messrs. Geo. I Walter and W. G. Whilden acted as judge and, provided with stop watches, noted tl dropping of the ball, the starting < the several companies and tho instai that wtter was thrown to the requi: ed limit. The entire street between Pincl ney and Hayne streets was enclosed b ropes, which were closely guarded by a cordo of policemen, who most effectually did' the duty in keeping clear that portion, of tb thoroughfare. Not even tho memorable yo low-"ailed dog which, as asnal, made its ai pe a rance on tho scene was permitted to go ni scathed, and, between the batons of the polk and the innumerable legs of still more inni merablo Ethiopians who fringed tho sidewalk: the poor canine must have realized the trut that however easy it ?B to get into trouble, it i not BO easy to get ont. Besides the judge; members of the press, and the chief and hi assistants, no One was allowed to remain with in the enclosure. On this theatre cl action probably ten thousand pair of eyes, Bet i: every species of frame imaginable, looked fror porch and window and house-top, to say noth ing of tho sidewalks, which in their monoton; of coloring reminded one bf a dense lining o crape. The first in the programme were the bani engines, and of these the first to start was th Vigilant. Twenty-nine men, good and trae had been picked to tussle for the honors of th a- " tthj-^M U---<t.wl? o'clock, in ran the long white streak bending ti its work. Less than two minutes roll by an< they are on the ground. The cap is liftei from' the wheel ; with the precision of well drilled soldiers every hand finds its place; th< lower brakes are unstrapped and dropped inte position ; the hose is unrolled and the nozzli attached; and apparently before half a dozer strokes are given-while the crowd are ye wondering-the stream darts out at on< dash to its limit of fifty-feet, the judgi shouts time 1 and a cheer rends th? air. The entire performance is finished ii leas time than we can record it, and in i niante more the announcement is made tba* tho Visitants have done the'r work in toe minutes and thirteen seconds. Until then every man on the ropes and at the brakes bac held his breath as if bent on doing his whole duty and nothing but his duty. Indeed, thc order bf their President had been-"No fool isbnesB to-day, boys, and not a drop until yon have won a cup to drink it in;" and, true tc their instructions, the Vigilants bent to theil task with a vim and machine-like motion that were'uot excelled during the day. The next hand engine in ordor was the Ger? man. Sturdy fellows those, too, with abund? ance of muscle, and pluck written all over theil broad fa:es. The ball drops, and the next we see through the rilt in the crowd that sways to the pressure of thc police, is a line of red, something like a stick of sealing-wax in motion, coming forward at a genuine Tcatonic trot. They make capital time-reach the well, ?jd like their predecessors, withont any fuss, get to work. A dozen strokes bring tie waler, and a few seconds more lhere stands ont upon the blackboard beforo the gaze of tho multitude, ".German, 2 minutes 15 soconds." The friends of the German vont their admiration on the air, and in truth it was a nobie achievement Ia starting this company, some point was made aa to tho propriety of strapping their brakes. It was slated by the officers, how? ever, that straps had never coen used, and the omission was accordingly allowed, with tho understanding that if the breaks fell during the run, the company would be ruled out. Next followed the Washingtons, of Augusta, Ga., trim-looking fellows-, well disciplined and dashing. Aa they carno bounding up the atreet at a tremendou8 paco, the Chatleston companies hi-hi thom with a lung-splitting chorus that is stimulating ; but. unfortunately, snap go the drag ropes of the reel. The engine reachoa the ground, but there is a los J ot time in repairing damages and again getting undei way, and thc result written on the black? board is-"??Babington, ilireo minut?e." "What they might have done, bat for this miahap, nobody jould predict, but every ono ayinpa thized with their misfortune, and wished the rope in Halifax. ' Subsequently, the captain of the company requested the privilege o? a aecond trial, but tho Firemastera after consultation, agreed that accidents were a part of the chances of tho day, and it would be improper to establish a precedent in favor of even a guest. The Hope now took the street and came dashing along at brave speed, made an admir? able mu to tho well, and looked mischievous; but again came one of those unaccountable dolays which cannot be anticipated or explain? ed. Somehow the water wouldn't como when it waa wanted, and the consequence waa that when the pipe dropped, two minutes and forty one BC conda was the only score the Hopea had made. Wo learned, however, from members of the company, that in practice they had "done the deed" in two minutea and six se? conda. It ought also to be stated that while entitled to thirty men, there were but seventeen on the ropes and brakes. Now for the Stonewalls. There must be something peculiarly fascinating in that old grayTmifonn,:for the ladies wave countless benedictions (rom the windowa on either side of the street; If the fair creatures could yell like the baser crowd on the walks they wonld probably join in such rip-roaring, coat 'tail ele? vating, leg elongating ejaculations as were . heard down below. "Go it Stonewall;" "give it .to her;" "bully for yon;" hi yahl All of which, of course, made the Stonewalls more with remarkable alacrity; so much so indeed, that every body expected to see them take the dilapidated linen off the shrubbery. But that truth telling black-board-"2 minutes 27 seconds." And figures yon know never lie. On other occasions they have done this thing in 2:15. The "Stonewalls"are too generous, however, to grumble, about anything, and cheering for their friends and compatriots, the "Vigilants," they give place to The Winyah Fire Company, of Georgetown, a. modest little company, bat "trae bl no,'; every man of them. They have an old-fash? ioned machine, such as our forefathers swore by and got crazy over, just as the boya do now over the lamest trickeries of art-a sort of Bip Van Winkle orr' wheals-but depend upon it, reader, the men at the brakes know their busi? ness; and Georgetown needn't feel as if Bhe waa in the background in this great city o?h| bration. There is a. handsome run, prompt work at'the weil, a good* display : ol &TJC?B, and the sign reads; ""ffiDyaw. fcm7 89a." TS?ot so bad, ., TuePalmettoes, ot Columbia, follow. Some enemy has been trying to write them down, w hile seeming to write them up, but they come .to the scratch like noble men, who have fought such fire as few in this State- at leaat.jja.va looked upon. The emblematic rat?esn?ke ia 'laid aside, and their '.'piano"is trimmed toits gravest task. Its thirty men are the pick of hardy, industrious- fellows, Who know bow to use arms and legs, and they make a rim: which. ' was not surpassed, as we are informed, by any other company on the ground. Another birch ... at the well, however. Accustomed, like the Georgians, to fill their engines from hydrants, they are unfamiliar with the auction system that prevails here, and hence delay.. It is un? fortunate., bnt not to be helped. Wat or comes only after twenty-one sturdy strokes, and two m i na toe thirty-three seconds is all that is re? corded, . Still that calla for the second prise for the hand engines. Hurrah for th? Palmet? toes, says everybody, and so say we. ; THE HOOK Aim LAUD EB COUPANTES. . ??J Next on the programme ?B the contest be? tween the Hook and.Ladder Companies; Tho excitement on thia subject ia very great, and heavy bf ta are pending as to the' result. For many weeks thc practicing has been active, and the two companies are in prime condition as reftards skill and discipline. ? . Charleston Hook and Ladder, Np, J.,, have the start. Bonaing gallantly to their work, they come dashing from tho corner 1200 yards away;.the truck ewings around, jost sweeping the heads of the crowd; the-.ladders are lifted off ae if by machihory, and tho longest rises quickly against the steep sides of the wall on the corner of Hayne and Meeting-street*. Scarcely dooB it touch the wall before one of tho members, Mr. J. C. May, is on tho rounds; less than half a minute he has gone to the top, thrown his arms and legs around the Bides and glided to the bottom. The ladders are gath? ered, laid back, strapped, and the company is in marching order in two minutes and eight seconds. ? ?>; Charleston No. 2. How easy the task, but there is an immense crowd on the street, and il the truck about reaches the point of trial, two or three persons are knocked down; there is a temporary confusion; somebody is under the wheel, and Captain Lacoste promptly^ffiM This timo the streets are cleared, and the com? pany moves in fine style. Inpreciselythesamc manner as above described,' the largest ladder is thrown against the wall; Mr. Charles Tiffc, a member, ascends and descends, and then the ladders are replaced. Strange to say, the time of both companies is precisely the same, viz : 2 minutes and 8 seconds. Both decline a second trial. ' v! THE STEAMERS. : . udiiCUtli Less excitement attended the trial of th? steamers than attached to the hand. engines, aud trucks-that is to say, among the masses. outside of the ..profession." . ?. . B?* The Pioneer was the first to start, was very quick in getting off, equally prompt iii making, steam, and threw her fifty .feet of wa^r in?fc minutes and51 seconds. ?* .; . ifSin The En gie accomplished her task in 5 min? utes and 33 seconds. . The Pheonix found some trouble in making; steam or waler-we do not know which. Timer 9 minutes 56 seconds. ? ' Ditto, ditto, for the Georgia of. Augusta-?., very handsome machine, but evidently not ac-. customcd to boiling salt water. Time 18' minutes 38 seconds. j The .Etna did a good thing, on 1 a bold one. Her engineer gave her a minute and a half at. the starting point; then a minute and a half for1 the run to tho well, and guaranteed steam' and water in a minute and a half more. Within fivo seconds hia calculations proved true; that, is to say ber time was four minutes and thirtyr five seconds. Tremendous cheering, and & great number of hats thrown up in the air." ! The Marion did her work in 9 minutes and 12 seconds. Tho Palmetto waa lu a fair way to succeed,, when somebody called "time," which made I tue engineer, shut off water, thereby losing several seconds. As it waa the machine made the handscme timo of 4m. 53s. One hundred dollars to five wore offered that she wound beat tho Washington. .. -.. ? The Washington followed the Palmetto and m: de a splendid run; but lost vantage at th? well, and her score stood 5 minutes 40 seconds. The Young America closed the practico of the day, and had written against her a record of nine minutes. n . f The Winning Companies. Aa a matter of interest to the friends ot the two Charleston Companies taking the prizUB? we subjoin the names of the picked men of tho respectivo aquads: . ^ HU VIOILANT. ',' .,: Joseph Torrent, John Torrent, James A. La fu e, Anthony Barbot, Julian Barbot, F. C> Bantin, L. E. Beid,S.B. Thomns, H. J. O'Neill,; H. V.. Angel, W. H. Evans, P. L. Cleapor,t James McElroy, John Gonzales,. G. W. Pem? berton, William Timmons, E. F. Schachte, A B. Mm ray, W. L. Simmons, W. S. Hastie, Jr., T. G. Snowden, Lawrence Toomer, Robert Wecd, R. Tesker, William L9aesne, William Miller, E. Follin, T. T. Hall, and Julius Brown, THE ?ETNA. C. C. Wightman, Engineer; J. B. .Nixon, time-keeper for engineer; J. F. Boil, C. A. Van Dohlen, Thomas Watson, M. F. Nixon, J. C. Babb, E. Bose, J. McLeish, C. Momeief, T. J. Heidt, W. H. Harvey, W. H. Forbes, J. E. Brower, S. W. Harvey, W. fl. Bolger, P. F. Dunning, J. J. Nipson, T. Leitch, J. T. Wilson, W. Schmidt, John Wincy, J. Wild, A. Walton and W. Webb. The following is a summary of the time : HAND ENOINES. Min. Eeo, 1. Vigilant.2 13 2. German. ? 3. Stonewall. 2 27 . 4. Palmetto, of Columbia. .2 33 5. Win yah.2 39 6. Hope.2 41 7. Washington, of Augusta 3 00 iContinued on Fourth Paye.]