The Charleston daily news. (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, April 28, 1869, Image 4

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

L'ILE DAILY NEWS. Lara cst Circulation.-TUE DAILY NEWS BEING TUE NEWSPAPER OFFICIALLY RE COGNIZED AS HAVING THE LARGEST CIR CULATION IN THE CITY OF CHARLESTON, PUBLISHES THE LIST OF LETTERS REMAIN ING IN THE POSTOFFICE AT THE END O ZACH WEEK, ACCORDING TO THE PROVIS IONS OF THE NEW 1X>ST0FFICE LAW. LOCAL MATTERS. _o_ tm 1 '1 VHE NEWS JOB PJIINTING OFFICE. OFFICE OF THE NEWS, | CHABLESTON, 8. C., April 2i, 1869. \ The undersigned, proprietors of TEE CHABLESTON NEWS, have this day bought out the presses, typo and fixtures r.f the job punt ing office formerly owned by Messrs. Parry & Little, and will in future conduct the same as ?HE NBWS JOB OFFICE, in THE NEWS building, No. U9 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 bo entrusted to them as expeditiously, neatly and cheaply ae it can bo loue anywbero in the South. ll TORDAS, DAWSON & Co. MEETINGS THIS DA F. DeltaLodgo of Perfection, at half-past 7;P. M. South Carolina Lodge, at 8 P. M. A UCTION 84 ES. THIS DA Y. IMILES Da ARE willaelli'ai IO O'clock, at his tore,corner King ajf4iLiberfcp-; treets, cloth lg, dry goods and hals. N. HUNT & Sowwilrsell at 10 o'clock, at their ilesroom, Meeting-e'reet, boots, shoes, &c. B. M. MARSHALL & BBOTHEB will sell at ilf-past 10 o'clock, at their office, Broad reet, horses, mules &c. DRESS GOODS.-Messrs. Stol!, Webb "<h\ Co. aform the ladies in our columns -to-day, that fiey have a case of dross goods from auction, hich they will sell at twenty cents at retail. THE lirronTANT SALE ot P^rtoRico sugars |ud molasses, by Messrs. Risley & Creighton, i postponed until next Saturday. Sec adver tisement. STBUOK BY LIGHTNING.-During the severo mador storm of Monday night, Steepleman Jelly, at the Orphan House, was struck by ightniug, and his arm and side so benumbed lat he had to be carriod home. Yesterday ho ps doing well. j THE NEW POLICE UNIFORM.-Yesterday the lolicoineu appeared on the parade iu their new uniform of blue flannel, with felt hats, patent father belts and silver clasps and ebony clubs. They presented quito a creditable appearance, ind were commendably attentive in tho dis charge of theil duties. THE FAIR of the Washington Light Infantry Jharitable Association begins to loom up rrominently as the great local event of the (oar future. The ladies in charge will meet t Hibernian Hall this (Wednesday) afternoon, ftvflo'clock, to draw for (he tables, and com i te their arrangements. FIRE.-This morning, about oue o'clock, a Ve occurred in a small cigar store on the west fide of King-street, a few cioora Mort h or leorge-street, doing slight damage, principal ly the flooring. It was soon extinguished by the engines, which were quickly on the spot. THAT TBPHPET.-We are ieque.-ted to an nounce that tbe following gentlemen have con sented to serve as a committee to count the ballots to be cast for the trumpet to be voted for at tbe orphan's entertainment now going on, viz: T. Huchet, Esq., W. J. Magrath, Esq., E. Fonrgeaud, Esq. The Washington is sup posed to be ahoad. THE HEADING OF Mas. O'DONOVAN ( ROSSA. ) Our readers are renn oiled that the elocution ary entertainment of thia gifted lady takes place to-night at Hibernian Hall. Her read ings have created quite a furore in the piinci pal Southern cities where she has appeared; but apart from tho consideration of their in trinsic merit, th noble purpose which an imates her labors should enlist the warm and substantial sympathy of tho public, and es pecially of every Celtic heart. We bespeak for - her a crowded house. THE DETECTION OF Cow TEBJrEiTs7-^ ince the United States currency has taken the place of spode an'd State bank bills, the Bank l^ote ^Counterfeit Detectors, formerly in universal fuse, have become worthless, and tho 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 thom to produce ptates/the impres sions of which cannot be distinguished by the unpracticed eye from the genuine currency, A New York finn has issued a very useful vol ume, containing plates of all tbe 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 i$ hardly perceptible to the naked eye. The agent of the firm in question is now hero soliciting subscriptions to the work, and bas already ob tained the names of many of oar principal business men. HOTEL ABBTVALB, APBIL 27_Pavilion Ho Wi.-E. S. Blakely, Augusta; Thomas M. Sav age, A. sf. Robert, Georgia; E. W. Mason, C. Mnrphy, M. Swinton, M. Fangban, Augusta; J. H. Alke, Columbia; B. Reynolds, Jr., J. B, Watson, James Bumble, J. B. LaSalle, James Orchard, South Carolina; J. B. Moore, Astoria, ?Hi. L; George W. Bte, South Carolina; J. Powe I* and wife,~Anna Powe, Frail Powe, E. Powe, New Jersey; F. Utts, Florence; D. R. Harl Yee, South Carolina; M. 0. itali, South Carolina; C. B. Cbicksey, Washington, District Columbia; John Ferguson, Florida; Dr. B. Hailee, Mar Bluff; C. B. Cniskey, Washington, D. C.; li. E. Clark, Lewisville; Oeorge W. Wise, Edgefleld. Charleston Hotel.- John Smith, City ; W. J. Smith, F. J. Smythe, B. Joyner, W. L. Gary, G. M. Walker, Columbia ; M. Levy, Georgia; Chas. 0.Leary, Di. A.March, L. H. Matthews, ,W. J. Veteen, New York; E. S. Pritchard, Au gosts ; J. M. Westmoreland and lady, Green ville; James Gallagher and wife, Connecticut; W. B. Wilkins, New York ; A. Duer, J. Butter, Pennsylvania ; J. A. Foster, South Carolina; i Dr. N. S. Lincoln, Washington, D. C.; Mrs. Lincoln, Miss Annie Smith, Washington, D. C.; J. H. Myeie, A. J. Hellen, New Jersey; A. Al bricht, Baltimore; A. H. Sexton and wife, C. H. Brownlee, Mrs. R. Towers, Misa A. M. Whitehouse, Miss W. Whitehouse, New York; L T. Doggett and wife, Wilmington; J. A. lambie, Florence; Captain Wood, Richmond; t. M. Butler, W. B. Steele, F. E. Taylor, L. Sanders, T. Street, city; SW. H. McDowell, rilmiagtoo. THE EIItE3lEN'S GALA 1>AY. A SPLENDID SPECTACLE. APPEARANCE OF TUE MEN AND TUE MA CHINES. WAITING FOR THE VERDICT. Thc Lino or Nardi-Sketches ot tlie Dif ferent Companies-The Mare for tho Cup-Thc Incidents of' the Day. - "Jd ' Tho 27th of April is always a groat day in Charloston on account of tho interest which is taken hy every class and condition in tho An nual Parado of tho Eire Department. For weeks before tho eventful morning the expecta tion and excitement steadily increases. Chances aro canvassed and discussed, old uniform coats and hats are drawn from their hiding placen for the benefit of honorary members or super annuated firemen, who are to turn out once more; tho engines are rubbed and polished nu til every partido of brass and cop per shines liko a miniature sun ; now recruits are drafted in by the score to swell tho number at the ropes; and from ono end of tho city to the other there ia heard the hum of busy preparation. Nor is this at all singular. The Fire Department of Charleston bears upon its rolls moro than one thousand mon, the flower of the intelligence And worth of our city. They represent every interest and every profession, and the oldest and'moat ven erable citizen has deeply at heart tho victory of the company to which his boys belong. In theil ardor and seal he sees renewed his own luBty youth, and by. their aid recalls the daye when he, too, beltecgand helmeted wit.; th best of them, might march on tho annual par ade. The ladies, also, take a lively interest ii tho appearance of the companies, and weave with nimble fingers wreaths and coronals wit! which to adoin the machines. And whei the labor of love is done, they aro fouud alon; the lino of march to cheer tho young combat ants with their presence and encourage then with their 3milos. This is tbe ordinary condition of Charlestoi upon parade day, but this year tho agitatioi and excitement have been greater than eve before. There was never a fireman's parado s< anxiously looked for, or so much the subject o discussion and calculation, as that cf yester day. A change was mado in tho whole plan c the parade. It had been the custom for th different companies to assemble and marc1 through the city in the forenoon, tho playip off taking place in the afternoon. This playin, off was the trial which determined who shoul possess tho prize. Each engine in turn wa brought out and played its best, the compan throwing solid water the greatest distance bi ing tho victor and receiving the silver cur This was an excellent test as far as it went but it did not provo what was the relativ efficiency for fire purposes of the differer companies. A hand engine or a stearne might bo bought at great expense which woul throw ton inches or even ten feet far the than tho engines already in tho departmen This engine would carry off the prize, not b tho superior skill and industry of the men, bt by the greater coat of the machinery. And might happen that the engine so victorior would bo tho last to arrive at a fire, and then fore of the lowest order of practical efficiency A love of fair play is the great characterise of Charleston firemen. Many of them fe that they were laboring under great disadvar togOB. But all they bad to do was to obey 01 ders, and keep to the rulos laid down for thei puidftuoo. And this they did. The wtioie ui ject wa?, no we vet, t "uau .>. . . ino XKUU of Firemastors by the First Assistant Chief c the Department, B. M. Alexander, Esq., wb prepared a plan which should make the ai nual parade a true trial of (he merits of tl different companies. This plan was mature considered, and a sot of rules were drawn vi f jr carrying it into effect. The Kew Plan. Is founded upon the assumption that the moi valuable company in the Department, all thuif being equal, is the one which can traverse given distance and throw a stream of water < a given length in the shortest space of tim This is the whole theory, and a sound one is. What the details are will bo seen by tl following extract from the rules : The exercises will begin by the hand engine starting from the corner of Queen and Mee ing Btreets, in the same condition as going i to a fire, running tour hundred yards, wit eight men to the one thousand pounds weig] of engine, reeling off one hundred feet of hoi at the termination of the four hundred yard taking suction from the drain pit in Meeting street, opposite Hayne, and playing fifty fee As soon as tho fifty feet is obtained the tin will be called. The steamers will follow the samo reguli tiona, except that they are allowed five men i the one thousand pounds weight of engin (not inoluding engineer and fireman.) Stean ers will be allowed to carry what water au such fuel as they desire. No member pnllin on the reels will be allowed to handle ti engines daring the ran. Fires to start engine will commence when the word is given by tl starting judges, and engines to be ready at te minutes'notic . Cold water must bs in a the boilers, and the boilers must be cool. An engine having heated water m their boilei will be ruled out. After tho fifty feet is ol tamed, each engine will be allowed to reniai at the pit ten minutes, but not to exer jiso. Hose reels may precede the engines on th run, bat will start together. The men rm ning the hose reels may extend one hundre feet of hose, attach the pipe and work tl engine. One officer from each stearne* an hand engine to be appointed to inspect tl boitera, suctions and boxes, and to see thi tho brakes are strapped down and secured : the usual manner. The double-break hand engines will be allot ed to use their lower brakes only, if they i desire. " This programme was wholly and entire different from any that the firemen had hi before, and it was not surprising that it tart them into a fever of (expectation. Making Heady. For tho last month the drfforont co m pani have been making ready; and during the le eight or ten days they appear to have be practicing every night. Most of them tri the regular course in Meeting-street; b there were others who preferred to keep pi feet ly quiet, to practice at a distance, and trust to bono and sinew to rattle them over t stones when the trying moment came. The were some few mishaps, of course. Firem will run fast and shout till the welkin rinj tho consequences of which ara a prohal stumble and an inevitable ,!out of breatl AU, too, were encouraged by the thou that they had a chanco of carrying the coveted prize. Some rolled on tb staying power, others upon their dash. C party thought that muscle was not gi teel, and another was of the firm opinion tl the clerks and lawyers would soon play ont. hundred patent plans for carrying off tho c to a dead certainty were proposed' One yon fireman advised the runners to go easy ni they reaohed the top of the grade by Camel fe Barkley's . building, and theo go it wit rush. A second urged them to make ti while they could. A third thought the steam had better loee a half a minute at the stan as to be sure of a full head of steam when tl began to play. A fourth-and a wary old fi man he is-vowed that the whole aecret of cess lay in seven words-pull steadily t koop your mouths shut 1 The rivalry was not confined to winning piece of plate. There was a laudable desi* turn out the largest number of men. Bstw the Vigilant and the Phoenix gie content unusually sharp. At the laut parade tho Vigi lant reported one hundred and eight roon pres eont, aud tho Pheonix one hundred and oue -the point of it all-being that no company had ever paraded as many men as tho Vigilant. The Phoenix determined to carry off the palm if possible, and went to work with a will, en rolling now members aud bringing out tho old. The Vigilant waa not asleep, and brought in new men by tho score. No ono was permitted to know what their strength would ho. Ruses and subterfuges were in vain. Only yesterday morning should tell the tale, and the report was Vigilant 231, and Phoenix 223. Our hand to both loser and winner, for tho light was a hard and fair one I And whilo others woro busy, tho men who had been detailed to run with the engines and man the brakes wero not idle. They sought after easy boots and strong belts, practiced holding their wind, and moved about with tb biRnoBS and importance becoming those upon tbe legs and arms of whom would depend tho fortunes of tho day. Tho following table shows the official weights of tho several onginee, and tho nnmbor of men allowed to drag and work each. Tho same tablo showB tho strength ot the Charleston Fire Department, and the number of mon pat ad od by each company: HAND ENGINES. >o. Mon No. Men Pounds, allowed, paraded. Vigilant.3680 29 234 German.4400 35 66 Hope._3860 80 43 Stonewall/..3400 27 48 STEAMERS. Pioneer. 4880 24 45 Eagle.5466 27 47 Phoenix.5760 26 223 Ctua.4540 23 64 Marion. .4508 23 57 Palmetto.6040 80 45 Washington.4640 23 72 Young America.6183 31 42 986 HOOK AND LADDER COMPANIES. Charleston Hook aud Ladder Company, No. 1. Charleston Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2. VISITING COMPANIEB. Weight. No. Men allowed. Washington, of Augusta, (hand) .2700 25 Georgia,of Augus.a, (steamer). .5406 27 Palmetto, of Columbia, (hand).. .3460 27 Winyah, of Georgetown, (hand).1950 16 The Day Was cool and pleasant, the raiu of Monday night having laid the dust and made things agreeable. At aa earlier hour than usual the city was astir, and, by niuo Relock, 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 the balconies of tho botols, the embroidery of silks and laces, tho fringe of lovely shapes and, the mingling of laughing eyes, dimpled cheeks, and waving kerchiets, wore a eight that would have charmed the gaze ot tho most flinty octo genarian. The Rendezvous. "With commendable punctuality, thc various companies assembled between nine end ten o'clock on the Citadel Green, the Pioueor being the first to come on tho ground. They wero 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 the courtesy which waa always considered lo be the attribute of "old army officers," by affording every facility to the chief and his assistants in the preservation of order among 7ioi polioi. Sentries were sta tioned at the several gate;, and spared tho fl omon th . iwUiotio.jL "c ia uw<v ui .*4.w 0_ A.T/!TT - *b%n musquito bites-who dart hither and thither, arid are the bane of every publia display. Quurtcro Trove loo ft on erously tendered to the regimental band at Co lumbia, which was expected with the Palmet to es of that city. The Procession. At about 10 A. M. the procession was formed, and, amid the cheering and hustling of the crowd, the line moved on. At the head was Muller's Eut aw band, playing, with all the vigor of which stout lunge and brazen throats are capable, the music being followed by M. H. Nathan, Esq., the Chief of the Department; R. M. Alex ander, First Assistant Chief; C. P. Aimai-, Se cond Assistant Chief; F. - L. O'Neill, Third As sistant Chief, and B. M. Strobel, Clerk of the Board. These gentlemen wore their hand some saffron colored frocks, with elaborate hats and handsomo belts. . Chief Nathan, wore tho massive gold badge and the helmet presented to him by the New York Fire De partment. These were followed by Mayor Clark and Aldermen Whilden, Honour, Olney, Potter, Geddings, Lindstrom, Cade, Voigt, Moore and Dereef. HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY NO. 1 Was at the head of the column. The mon were all in uniform-red shirts, black pants and belts. The number of men paraded was 30. This company was incorporated on De cember 13,1865, and has its truck house in Qneen-street. Tue track was built by C. E. Hartshorn, of New York, and has five ladders, ranging from ten to torty-two feet in length. The officers are : Joseph Hilton, Foreman; A. H. Barber, Assistant Foreman; A. B. Jarvis, Secretary; J, B. Little, Treasurer; and C. Win ate, Recorder. The trnok was prettily wreathed with flowers, and over the whole waved two United States flags. THE CHARLESTON FJBE COMPANY. OF AXMEN, More familiarly known as "the Pioneer," iame next in Hoe. This is the oldest fire company in Charleston, having been incorporated in 1801. The engine was built by Clapp & Jones, of New York, in 1866, and lams a heating sur face of four hundred equure feet. The pumps will discharge thrae hundred and Atty gallons per minute. The uniform of tho Pioneers is white, tnmmod with red, with.black pants, and tho men, 45 of whom paraded, looked as if they meant business. The officers of tho company aro T. S. O'Brion, President; Wm. Knox, Vleo-Piesident; W. Minnis, First Direotor; H. C. Carnigan, rjocond Director; Joseph Beattie, Third Director; W. R. W lling, Fourth Director; L. Cantwell, Treasurer; F. J. Green, Secretary; J. C. Big vald, Engineer, Ham, Assistant Engineer; C. E. Sureau and G W. Marley, Axmon; J. E. Burke, Solioitor. Around the wheelo of the engine flowers and evergreens wore twined, the body being deco rated with bouquets and garlands, lt was a handsome affair. Among the ex-officers and old members of tho company who turned out on yesterday, were ex-president Enston, ex vice-President Brown, and ex-Director Martin. The aeh-pa n of this engine was broken in en tering the Citadel Oreen, but no stxious harm was doa . TBS EAOLB FUE ENCUNE COMPANY, Being tho next oldest company, followed tho Pioneer. - The engine, (steamer,) waa built by Button A.Blake, of New York, in 1860, the com pany itself being incorporated in 1818. The uniform of the Eagles is red tunic and black panta, and 47 of them par*#)d. The officers of the company ase : Wm. R. McIntosh, Presi dent; Chas. I*. Beaufort, vice-President; Chas. Byrnes, Krst Director; Wm. Welt , . Second Direotor; W. Shokea, Third Direotor; W. D. Gradick, Fourth Director; A. Marion Cobon, Secretary; O. E. Johnson, Treasurer; . O. Lynes and J. Westendorff. Aunen; J. L. Bunch, Hallkeeper: R. 8. Duryea. Solicitor; AvL. Hammend, Surgeon. Tho floral decorations si th* engioo were ec arranged aa to plow he Airniah:>d metal, ehiuing Uko a mirror, to lio plainly seen; and above them fluttered a ag of white silk. Among the old roombcra c! tho company pro sent were Messrs. H. Cna'sou, S. Heath and R. 15. Bize. At tho head of the company was carried thc con: pany Hag, w th tho tate motto, Animus Opibutque Pam'i. THE VIGILANT Hand engine company can. next. This com . pany was formed in 1817, iud incorporated in 1819, and baa always been a favorito in the city. Tho uniform of tho men, wllite coats with red facings and blue trimming, and white pants with blue cord, ia part cula dy neat. Extraor dinary efforts were made >y the Vigilants to turn out yesterday in lill force, and they paraded 284 mon. Amoig these were Mr. Samuel Lord, Sr., Mr. Ja<ob F. iSchirmor, and Mr. Philip P. Hoff, thu jnij survivors ot th original member* of the company. Ex-Presi dents C. H. Weat, H. F. Baker, A. St. Amand, aud A. P. Truche wero ilao iu tho line. The engine was built by Win. Jeffers, of Paw tucket, Rhode Island, in 1855. The officers of tho company are: Samuel Y. Tuppor, Presi dent; L. D. Mowry, \ice-Pre8ideut; S. W. Fisher, Jr., First Director; J. M. Baker, Second Director; J. J. O'Noill, Third Director; J. C. Huger, Fourth Diroctar; John T. Humphreys, Secretary; G. A. F lhn, Treasurer; T. J. Snowden and Julian Jarbot, Axmen; Charles H. Simonton, Solicitor; Auguatus Fitch, M. D., Surgeon. The Vig laut machno was so covered with bouquets, wreaths and garlands that it looked moro Uko a flower gardon than a modest Charleston engine. 7he whole of the decora tions were in good taste, and showed that the Vigilants^ad many a floral friend. Besides tho old members of the company already namod, many hononry members answered to their names. Among these were Messrs. E. Lafitte, E. Fourgerft aud K. B. Simons. THE PHOENIX. After the Vigilante carno the grey-coated Pheonix boys. This company was incorporated in 182G, and baa its engine houao in Cumber land-street. The engine was built in 1866. by Wm. Jeffers & Co., of Pautucket, R. 1. The number of men on parade waa 233. The offi cers of the company are : George Tapper, President; P. Gadsden Hasell, Vice-president; Wm. Aiken Kelly, First Director; Augustine T. Smythe, SeooDd Director; Saml. Wiley, Third Director; Claries Pennal,' Fourth Direc tor; W. WiHim'an, Secretary; E. A. Smythe, Treasurer; John P. Devoaux, Engineer; Wm, M. Muckenfuss, Solicitor; W. B. Yates, Chap lain; Robert Lebby, Surgeon. The Phoenix eugine was made bright and beautiful by knots of ribbon, mingled with bunches of flowers and garlands of evergreens. Tho decorations were charming, and tho en gine and reel mi'srht well contend with any others on the grour,d for tho palm of beauty. Tire company banner was carried at the head of the line. Among the ex-ofheets were ex Presidents W. E. Holmes and F. D. Pinck ney TUE CtEOBOIA STEAM FIBE ENGINE COMPANY, Ol AUG TA, GEO., Came next in order. This was one of the visit iugco ii panics. The engine is nearly new, ant was fully described when it passed througt Charleston on its way to Augusta a few'weeki ago. 29 men were iu line. Thoir uniform ia i gray frock coat with red binding, white bel with blue binding, dove colored cap with i silver wreath, blatk pants. Thc officers of th company are : Captain, George Adams; Firs Lieutenant, George W. McLaughlin; 8econ< Lieutenant, T. W. Henry; Secretary, Georg M. r.ruaudiw*^ _ ri,, williams Pipeman, J. K. McLaughlin; Engineer, Joh F. H, Keon: A aslant Engineer. .T. Tl. Hntfnrr1 xne engine was brought down from August by the following delegation : Messrs. Jame McLaughlin, chairman; J. F. Kean, J. B. Bot tom, J. J. Cohen, H. M. Levy, F. B. McKoj M. Finch, S. Sating, and Tom Hall, colore waitingman. This engine, as "one of the guests" of th department, wae eagerly looked for and gen orally admired. 'It was smothered in wreath of flowers, and was not surpassed by an steamer in the Una. On the engine was a fin photograph of J. B. Platt, Esq., ex-Chief Er gineer of the Augusta Fire Department. THE ETNA STEAM FIBE ENGINE COMPANY Was next in order. This is one of the ol companies, having been incorporated in 18S( The engine was built by Clapp & Jones, an put into service in March, 1866. The unifon of the company is red coat and white panti and it turned ont 64 men. The officers of th company are: E. Willis, President; S. Nipsor vice-President; J.J. Monroe, First Director; 1 Lyons, Second Direotor; C. A. Van Dehler Third Director; James Wilson, Fourth Diret I tor; John B. Nixon, Secretary; Oran Bassett ' Treasurer; Charles C. Wightman, Engineer. The engine and hose reel were elaboratel ornamented with flowers, woven into ever shape, and upon the former was a pretty tr colored flag. The metal work was polished t an almost painful brightness, aud the whole c the machinery was evidently in perfect order Among the ex-officer* present was ex-Presi dent Sweegan. I THE HOOK AND L ADD EB COMPANY, NO. 2,. Followed the jEtnas. This company was 01 ganizod last year from the Charleston Fa Company, one of the oldest in the departmen and made its first annual parade in 1868. i then had on the rolls 45 men, and paraded yoi terday 46 men, dressed in red blouses wit black pant*. The officers of the company arc J. C. Lacoste, Foreman; W. H Moms, Assis ant Foreman: George McLnin, Secretar; Samuel Webb, Treasurer; Charles F. Tilt, Hal keeper; W. M. Fitch, M. D., Surgeon; H. V Schroder, Solicitor. Thc truck was thickly covered with flor emblems, a trophy of evergreens and flo we: crowning tho whole. One wreath of roses wi particularly beautiful. Ou the side of tl truck was a trophy representing the1 front < a house on .fire, with the ladder in posit*o: and a gallant member of No. 2 r seuing a w man from th flatties, tils was presented the company by a young lady. The United States Drum Corps hero had plaoe in tho procession. THE A ior STEAM rina ENOINE COMPANY Came next, parading 57 men, dressed in ri jackets and black pants. The engine w built by M. R. Clapp, of New York, in 186 The ongine house, in Cannon-street, is owni by the company. The hose carriage was bu iu Charleston by H. Steokin. The officers the company are: R. C. Barkley, Presider T. S. Sigwald, Vice-president; George MoNei First Director; J. W. Jackson, Second Directe G. F. Buohhelt, Third Director; Fourth Director; George A. Calder, Secretar A. J. Jager, Treasurer; W. H. Sigwald, E gineer. The Marion engine was indeed a pr t eight, although the sad wreaths of era; which were twined among the flowers, re min ed the company of tbe sudden and unexpeeta ' death of Fourth Direotor O'Mara., On the e gino was a blue flag with tho pet name "Lit! Annie." The flag was riobly embroidered ai fringed with silver* and was a present tb tl company from a lady. The fox presented the company by the Philadelphia Sire Dopai ment lay on the hose reel in abet)of tom and in a cage was Aie live fox, presented 1 the Phoenix boys to the Marions yesterd morning. Among tlfe ex-officers prose were ex-President rF. Michel and W. Bonan. TUE OEltMAN ENGINE COMPANY Followed Ibo Manon; and tuc lino and stal wart mon of which it is composed showed to the best advantage. They have a lino machine, which carried off thc- prize in 1807, aud made an attractive display. Th? company was in corporated in 1830, and paraded OG men, dressed in red coats with bluo facings and black pants. The following aro tho officers of the company: John H. Albers, President; First Vico-ITcai deut, J. F. Johanns; Second Vioe-Preaideut, H. H. Von Eitzen; First Director, J. F. Lilien thal; Second Director, H. Wohlken; Third Di rector, George Marjenbofl; Fourth Director, G. Apeler ; Fifth Director, Wm. Bilmtge; Sixth Director, N. Neumann; Secretary, Gerhard Riecke; Treasurer, Wm. Bruugos; Axuien, Louis Schwabe and F. Widers; Hall keeper, John Morten. The officers of thia company weir shoulder-straps as iusigniu of ch iii muk. The Germans showed their usual good taste in decorating their engine and reel. The wheels were entwined with exquisite garlands, and one wreath, presoutod by two ladies, waa especially remarkable for its beauty. Every inch of tho engiuo and reel was as clean as a new piu. TUE WASHINGTON Fl HF. ENGINE (HAND) COM PANY, OB AUGUSTA, GEO., Ono of tho visiting companies, followed the brawny Germans. Tho company is about seventy-five years ola, having been incorpo rated in 1791. Ihe engine ia of tho Hunnemau pattern, and ia adorned with a picture of Wil liam Bryson, Chief of the Augusta Fire De partment. The hose roel waa manned by the Citizen Fire Company, of Augusta. Tho Wash ington had 31 mon in liue. Their uniform is a red shirt and black pants. The Citizen had 21 men, iu a uuiiorm very much the same as that of the Washingtons. Tho engiuo was neatly but richly decoratod, and had in front a shield with the inscription, "Washington. Welcome. April 27, 18G9." THE PALMETTO STEAM FIRE ENGINE COMPANY Came next. This company was incorporat ed in 1840, and paraded yesterday 45 men, dressed in red shirts and black pants. The Palmetto Btoamer ia one of the most powerful in the. city, as has been proved by. repeated trials. It was built by the nioskeag Company, Manchester, N. H., in 1867, and weighs 5200 pounds. At the parade ot 1868, she threw Bolid water 248 feet. The officers of the company are: Hugh Fergu son, President; Joseph Uoddock, vice-Presi dent; Thomas McIntyre, First Director; J. P. Gordon, Second Director; John Slattery, Third Director; J. F. Byrns, Fourth Director; Alex ander Duncan, Secretary; W. T. Huger, Treas urer; Thomas Miller, Engineer; Thomas Cor coran, P. F. May, Edward Coleman and L. Miy, AxmeD; John May, Hallkeoper. The Palmettocs carno ou the ground inspired Jjy the remembrance of lormer successes. On ribbons hieb wero attached to the eugine were the words : Victors in 1867, 252 feet ; vic tors in 1868, 248 feet. Tho wheels were wreath ed with flowers, the whole of tho decorations being elegantly arranged. Ex-vice-President Duncan paraded with the company. The Pal metto was drawn by four fine horses. THE HOPE (HAND) ENGINE COMPANY. Came next in order. This company turned out in good force, parading 43 men, in red coats and black pants. It was incorporated in 1843, and its engine was built by Button & Blake, of New York, in 1858. The officers of company are; W, H. Smith, President; B. P. Bevmonr, vice-President; W. Brookbanks, First Director; J. J. Monaghan, Second Director; John Cammer, Third Director; John Kenny. Fourth Direotor; w. T. O'Neill and B. F. Puck hftber. Axmen. Tba ornaments oi tue Hope were as uC r au-1 origin BS US cw*.. . ~,-"_" "__. L^ There was a profusion Of garlands, wreaths and bouquets, and a chaste white silk banner bearing an anchor. Among the old members of the company who were present were Messrs. Darby, Brookbanks and Patterson. THE WASHINGTON STEAM FIBS ENGINE COMPANY Wae the next in line. This company was in corporated in 1849, and his a Clapp & Jones engine, built in 1866. The officers of tho com pany are: James M. Carson, President; L. Cavanaugh, vice-President; T. E. Hogan, Fifftti Director: T. N. Brown, Second Director; B. P. Maull, Third Director; J. D. Murphy, Fourth Director; C. Y. Richardson, SecrelWy; C. H. Schwing, Treasurer; M. O'Mara-, A. Axson and J. E. Passalaiguo, Axmon. & The Washington suoceeded to a marvel in decorating their engine and reel, in an elegant and attractive manner. Among the ex-officers at the drags were : Ex-President James Mash burn, ex-Vioe President S. J. L. Mathews, and ex Directors John F. Seyle, T. O. Aimar, and Wm. Kfessel. THE PALMETTO ENGINE COMPANY, OF COLUMBIA, Followed the Washington, This company has a Jotters hand engine Of gi eat power, and in fine order. Around the brakes is now coiled a huge rattlesnake-in cloth. The company pa raded 47 men who wore their uniform-red coats trimmed and faced with black velvet, blaok felt hat and black pants . The Palmetto ia a very handsome machine, and tftfc wood-work and met il-work wore high ly polished. The decorations were not elabo rate, but they were tasteful and^neat. . . THE STONEWALL HUE ENGI TE COMPANY Followed, with their beautiful hand engine, which ni;ido its first appearance int yoar. The gray coats and white pants of the 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, nd ha a Jotters eugine,, built in 1857. The officers are: G. .Lamb Buist,Presi dent; John E. Boinest, Vice-president; F. A. Sile ox, Fust Director; olin lt. Hill, Second Di rector; C. W. eiguious, Third Director; E. W. Blake, Fourth Director; W. Ov.Miller,.Secre tary; B. S. Bigge, B.^W. Blake and E, T. W *t, Axmen;-General Jarnos Conner, Solicitor; Dr. J. Somers Buist, Surgeon; .Rev. John Bach man, D. D., Chaplain; C A. Aimer, Treasurer. The Stonewall see ned to roil upon flowers and to bj worked by floral power, so hidden were the wheols and brakes with evergreens and roses. On the engine was the flag of "Our Lizzie," and on the bose reel there was a bluo silk banner. Among the ex-ofn^ers present were ex-Vice-Presidents J. Scherfesee and T. S. Rentier. THE WIN Y AH (HAND) ENGINE COMPANY, OF GEORGETOWN, Another visiting company, was next in line. The eugine is a small one, of the Hunnemau pattern, and was formerly, we believe, one of the Charleston engines. Twenty-six men came from Georgetown with the machine, their uni form being 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 red shirts trimmed with black, and blaok pants. Tho Winyahdid not afford much room for elaborate decoration, but it had its share ot evergreens and flowers. On the machine was the motto of the company : " Pro Bono Pub Ibo." TU TOT/NO AMERICA STEAM FIRE ENGINE COM PANY Cloeed the procession of engines. This, eompany'was it cor pc ra t ed tn IM* fed has a steam engine, built by Sfrsbyf of Hew York, the only rotary engine in the department. The dress of the company is a red shirt and black pants, andifmeh were paraded. Theomoers V of the company are : J. W. Guy, President ; M. Divine, Vice-Pr sident; J. L. Markee, First Oirector; J. Quinn, Second Director ; M. Far rel, Third Director ; G. G. Reyter, Fourth Di rector; James H. Wostcndorff, Treasurer; J. T. Maher, Secretary; J. Horns, Engineer; W. Ma honey, Assistant Engineer ; M. Lawler, F. Cal lahan, T. Monahan and T. C. Patterson, Ax men. The Young America was drawn by four bay horses, who mnst have found it a taBk to movt tho violet and white wreaths and the masses of verdure which adorned tho machine. On both engino and reel were handsomely painted scrolls with tho company motto : "Where duty calls, there you'll lind us." Thc I.lin- of Marcia Was down Calhoun to King, through King to Hasel, and through Meeting to Broad-stroet, whoro in front of the Guardhouse tho line was inspected by tho Mayor and Aldermen. Atter passing down Broad to New, tho column coun termarched and returned to the vicinity of the Mills House, which was The Starting Point. This consisted of a gallows-liRo arrangement erected in the centre of Meeting-street at th 3 junotion of Queen. A large red ball, run down by halyards, indicated to the judges in frout of tho Charleston Hotel the exact moment of starting. The starting judges were Messrs. H. B. Olney and A. Stemmerman. As each engino came up to this point it waa examined by a committee consisting of ono director from e ich contesting company. This, it will be ob served, insured fair play to all, and no engino was allowed to start until evory requirement of the r?gu!ations of the day had boen religiously complied with by its officers. In each instance care was, of course, taken to select tho most active and muscular mou iu the company for the contest. The Goal. Twelve hundred yards distant by actual mea surement, on the corner of Hayno and Meet ing streets, was tho fire-well from which each company was to draw and throw water. At the bottom ol this well & basket was arranged to prevent the suctions from touching bottom. One hundred feet beyond this was tho central point of attraction. Hero tho stream dartod from tho nozzle, and a rope fifty feet in leDgth measured the first splash ot water that touch ed the mark. At this point Messrs. Geo. H. Walter and W. G. Whildcn acted as judges, and, provided with stol) watches, noted tho dropping of tho ball, tho starting of the several companies and the instant that witer was thrown to tho requir ed limit. The entire street between Pinck noy and Hayno streets was enclosed by ropes, which were closely guarded by a cordon of policemen, who most effectually did their duty in keeping clear that portion ot tho thoroughfare. Not even tho memorable yel iow-tailed dog which, as usual, made its ap pearance on the scene was permitted to go un scathed, and, between the batons of the police and the innumerable logs of still moro innu merable Ethiopians who fringed the sidewalks, the poor canine must Lav3 realized the truth that however easy it is to got into trouble, it is not so easy to get out. Besides the judges, members of the. press, and the chief and bit assistauts, oo one was allowed to remain with in the enclosure. On this theatre of action, probably ten thousand pair of eyes, set ir every species of frame imaginable, looked fron porch and window and house-top, to say noth ing of tho sidewa^U , which in their monoton: of coloring reminded one of a dense lining o crape. Tbs rst in the pro""- "ore the hani anlin '" " ?". - toese'the first to start was th viguant. Twenty-nine men, good and true had been picked to tussle tor the honors of th ' - and within two or three minutes of twelv ou*i .\.; rn rxn ? lo K wuite streak bending t its work. Less iban two minutes roll by an. they are on tho ground, 'lb* cap is lifte from the wheel ; with the precision o* Tal' drilled soldiers every hand finds its place; th lower brakes are unstrapped and dropped int position ; the hose is unrolled and the nozzl attached ; and apparently before half a doze strokes are given-while the crowd are ye wondering-the stream darts out at on da h to its limit of fifty-feet, the judg ^shouts time I and a cheer rends th air. The entire performance is finished i leas time than we can record it, and in minute more the announcement is made thc the Vigilants have done the'r work in tu minutes and thirteen seconds. Until thei evory man on the ropes and at the brakes ha held his breath as if bent on doing his whoi duty and nothing but his duty. Indeed, th order of their President had been-"No foo ishness to-day, boys, and not a drop until yo have won a cup to drink it in;" and, true t their instructions, the Vigilants bent to the task with a vim and maohine-like motion thi were not excelled during the day. The next hand engine in order was the Ge: man. Sturdy fellows those, too, with abun< ance of muscle, and pluck written ali over the broad faces. The ball drops, and the next vi see through the rilt in the crowd that swaj to the pressure of tho police, is a line of rei aomethiug like a stick of sealing-wax in mot io corning forward at a genuine Teutonic trc They make capital time-reach tho well, at like their predecessors, without any foes, gi to work. A dozen strokes bring tte water, at a few eoconda more there stands out upon tl blackboard before tho gaze of the multitud "German, 2 minutes 15 seconds." The friem of the German vent their admiration on tl air, and in truth it was a noble achievnment In starting this company, some point w made as to the propriety of strapping tin brakes. It was stated by the officers, ho ever, that straps had never been used, and tl omission was accordingly allowed, with tl understanding that if the breaks tell durii the run, the company would bo ruled out. Next followed the Washingtons, of Augusl .Ge,., trim-looking fellows, well disciplined ai dashing. As they came bounding np i. street at a tremendous pace, the Chat lest companies hi-hi thom with a lung-splittii chorus that is stimulating ; but, unfortunate! snap go tho drag ropos of tho reel. The engi reaches the ground, but there is a lom time in repairing damages and again gettii nuder way, and the result written on the blac board is-" Vashington, three minutes." Wh they might bavo done, bub for this misha nobody could predict, but every one symp tbized with their misfortune, and wished t rope in Halifax. Subsequently, the captain of the compa: requested tho privilege of a second trial, b the Firomasters after consultation, agreed tb accidents were a part of the chances of t day, and it would be improper to establish precedent in favor of even a guest. The Hope now took the street and car dashing along at brave speed, made an adm able ruo to the well, and looked mischievoc hut again came one of those unacoountat delays whioh cannot be anticipated or expiai ed. Somehow the water wouldn't come wh it was wanted, and the consequence was th when the pipe dropped, two m i antes and fori one seconds was the only score the Hopes h made. We learned, however, from memo of the company, that in practice they h "done the deed" iu two minutes and six 1 oonda. It ought also to be stated that wh entitled to thirty men, there were but aevente on the ropes and brakes. Now for J he Stonewalls. There mnst I something peculiarly fascinating in that c Kray uniform, for tho ladies wave countless benedictions from tho wiudown on either sido of tho street. If tho fair ereaturos could yell Uko the baser crowd on the walks (hoy non ld probably join in such rip-roaring, coat tail ele vating, leg elongating ejaculations as wore hoard down below. "Go it Stonewall;" -'givo it to her;" "bully for yon;" hi yah! All of which, of course, mado the Stonewalls moro with remarkable alacrity; so much so indeed, i <at every body expected to sec them take tho dilapidated linen off the shrubbery. But that truth tolling black-board-"2 minutes27 seconds.'' And figures you know never lio. On other occasions they have dono this thing in 2:1",. The "Stonowalls"are too generous, however, to grumble about anything, and cheering for their friends and compatriots, the "Vigilants," they givo piuco t > Tho Winyah Fire Company, of Georgetown, a modest litt lo company, but "true blue," every man of them. They have an old-fash ioned machine, such as our forefathers swore by ami got crazy over, just a3 tho boys do now over the la'.est trickorios of art-a sort of Bip Van Winklo on wheoh?-but dopend upon it, reader, the men at tho brakes know their busi ness; and Georgetown needn't feel as if she was in thc background in this great city cele bration. There is a handsome run, prompt work at the well, a good display of muscla, and tho sign reads: "Winyaw, 2m. 39s." Not so bad. Tho Palmettoes, ot Columbia, follow. Some enemy has been trying to writo them down, while seeming to write them up, but they come to the scratch like noblo mon, who have fought such fire as few in this State at least have looked upon. The emblematic rattlesnake is laid aside, and their "phano" is trimmed to its gravest task. Its thirty men are the pick of hardy, industrious fellows, who know how to use arms and logs, and they mako a run which iwas not surpassed, as we aro informed, by any other company on tho ground. Another hitch at thc well, however. Accustomed, like the Georgians, to fill their engines from hydrants, thoy aro unfamiliar with the suction system that prevails here, and her.ee delay. It is un fortunate, but not to be helpod. Water comes only after twenty-one sturdy strokes, and two minutes thirty-three seconds is all that is re corded. Still that calls for the acaond prize for the band engines. Hurrah for the Palmet toes, says overybody, and so say we. THE HOOK AND LADDEB COMPANIES. Next on tho programme is tho contest bo tween tho Hook and Ladder Companies. The excitement on this subject is very great, and heavy bets are pending aa to tue result. For many weeks the practicing has been active, and thc two companies aro ia primo coud it ion as regards skill and discipline. Charleston Hook and Ladclor, No. 1, hnvo the start. Bending gallautly tu their work, they come dashing from the corner 1200 yaids away; tho truck swings around, just sweeping the heads o tho crowd; tbo ladders are lifted off as if by machinery, and the longest rises quickly against the stoep sides ot tho wall on tho corner of Hayno aud Meeting-streets. Scarcely does it touch the wall boforo ona of tho members, Mr. J. C. May, is on the rounds; lass than half a minuto he has gone to the top, thrown his arms and legs around the sides and ! glided to tho bottom. Thc ladders are gath I ered, laid back, strapped, and the company t" in marching order in two min"fr- ""**u eiga 8e00h5'"l\ u N . 2. How easy the task, but il re is an immense crowd on the street, anu as the truck about reaches the point of trial, two or three persons are knocked down; there is a temporary oonfueioa; somebody is under the wheel, and Captain Laooste promptly gives the order to halt. A second trial is ordered. This time the strvcts aieol ared, and the com pany moves in flue style. In preoisely the s n * manner as above described, tho largest ladder U ciuv^e against the wall; Mr. Charles Tift, a member, cC2 8 nd descends, and then the ladders aro replaced". "2 r* ?e to say, the time of both companies is precisely the sam , viz : 2 minutes and 8 seconds. Both declino a second trial. THE STEAMERS. - Less excitement attended the trial of the ?steamers than attached to the hand engines and trucks-that is to say, among the masses outside of tho ..profession." The Pioneer was the first to start, was very quick iu getting off, equally prompt in making steam, and threw her fifty feet of water in!4. minutes and 51 seconds. The Sagle accomplished her task in 5 min utes and 38 seoonds. The Phoenix found nonio trouble in making steam or waler-we do not know which. Time: 9 minutes 56 seconds. Ditto, ditto, for tho Georgia of Augusta-a very handsome machine, but evidently not ac customed to boiling salt water. Time 13 minutes 38 seconds. The /Etna did a good thing, an 1 a bold ono Her engineer eave hor a the starting point; then a ivie the run to the well, ant tax and water in a minute and i - , five seconds his calculatio ;> >> is to say her time was /ott > i- . ? /. ce. beconda. Tremendo lie . i great number of hats tbrov n up ur, The Marion did her wi 12 seconds. The Palmetto was in a i, when somebody called "i ' ! < the engineer shut off we several seconds. As it wa i IK Q .ch i tho handsome time of 4m. SJ "?'?<.. 1 dollars to five were offered bat i I n( th Washington. The" Washington follow d t tl m do a splendid run^but ? > .. i weil, and her score stood 5 . I - The Young America Clo "thc day, and had written a . . of nine minutes. Thv *Yi *U H i As a matter of interest t ? ii two Charleston Com panie* < wo subjoin the names of tb >U . I .. ? ' respective squads: YiOrLANjfc. Joseph Torrent, John To * I ? , / flt o, Anthony Barbot, Jol ia J i bot, Oj Rantin, L. B. Reid. S.B. Th is 1 . 1 < > > iii H. V., Angel, W. H. Ivan 1. I IM James McElroy, John Gon iles \, | >i j barton, William Tiaamons, i I -ch B. Murray, W. L. Simmon: V. I T. G. Snowden, Lawren. toonisi ti Weed, R. leaker, Williai Sfl Miller, E. Folltn, T. T. Hal' m TH! MTV C. C. Wightman, Engineer; D '''^tffl time-keeper for engineer; S. I Stell, A. ^JH| Dohlen, Thomas Wataon, M P/Nixon, . iw3 Rabb, E. Rose, J. MoLeish, t l iii |H Heidt, W. H. Harvey, W 1 1 ' < Brower, 8. W. Harvoy, VY. fl -% Dunning, J. J. Nipaon, T. Leitch,.' *'SJH W. Schmidt, John Wineay, J Wtid, A v.JB| and W. Webb. The following is a sommu-j of thc t :<uol HAND ItNOT * ' 1. Vigilant. i ' .':9m ' . Uerman. % If ' 8. Stonewall. % \ 4. Palmetto, of Colan,b'.t I to vM 5. Winyah..... . i mm 6. Hope.a /it fl 7. Washington, of August* 9 rf'mnu [Continuad on Fbi- 'th Pa/>*.