Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1842-06-13

endar. What an awful din of preparation prece-
ded 1t; what securing of buttons, breast-plaes
swords, aud guns, and bayonels what search.
ings nfler canteens, printing wires, kuapsacks, ca
ridge boxes and spare fints; what nightly drills
of men and boys in marches and counter march
es whit popping OF musketry, pistols, squbs,
and muyhap what roaring Of cannon to usher in
the long wished for day, and perhaps in special
compliment to officers, WHO were to strut their
brief time dressed in flashing regimentals and ON
nipotent authority; what a rush to the "com-
mon" ofcitizens and military and pedlers' carts
what piles of gingerbread in the shantes, set off
with jugs Of brandy and new rum; what ma
nGuvres by the soldiery, what sham fghts-und
sometimes what real rows and fights among re-
fraclory soldiers or rulnny spectators. Such
like was June training long time ago, and blest
was the man accounted who held an Office from
captain down to fourth corporal, or The hoy who
had nine pence aud full swing to enjoy the holt
day. But the times are changed sadly, as to
polnp and noise-happy, for temperance, quiet
ness and good order. Lust Tuesday was tune,
compared with old fashioned training dnys, though
it wus marked by on unusual hustle. The militia
had three, with fourth composed of boys. Cupt
Marson's militia, being the oldest, is entitled TO
first notice Not long since its was legion,
and it wore various soubriquels suggested by the
rows and scrnpcs which sometimes distinguished
it, now, however, its size is reduced to n'anagea-
BILE dimensions and on Tuesday II degree of order
aud propriety was observed, highly cieditable TO
both officers aud men. The other company is the
"CupoI Rfemea," Of TWO years standing; It's
appearance is good, and il ranks high among the
military Nothing is waning but few more
men, and thorough drilling, to make it as perfect
md effective company us is TO be found out OF
the regular service.
We pass now to the Fire Department. While
the number of the militia has been diminished, The
people of our village have gained the LARGEST and
most effective fire department which cnn be pro-
duced by any village Of Vermont For the first
time, there was general meeting and inspection
OF this department, aud it proved by. far the most
attractive part of the performances Of the day.
At four o'clock the companies met, and were mar
shalled follows, under The direction of Daniel
Baldwin, Esq. Chief Engineer:
|. Wardens.
2. Property Saving Company.
3. Engine Co. No. |, with engine and hose cart
A. Noe,
5. No. 3,
6. 3" No. A. with engine worked by
boys.
7. Hook and Ladder Company, with the i'm
plements OF their department.
In this order, led by the Amateur Brass Band
aud with appropriate banners, the procession pas
different points playing the engines, aud going
through all the performances of an actual lire -
ercept The fire. Arrived at the corner Of State and
| Main streets, brief address was made by .. ii .
Smith, Esq after which the companies concluded
! the performances by glorious sham fight, in
which the tcaler got all easy victory, and not few
| of the men got the water. i here was more than
novelty and sport in this affair, as it has shown
that we have frenen of The best knd-good ell
| gnes-and hose enough to reach any exposed
spo, within the limits OF the village. Our young
men have enlisted in this Department, aud cry
| Justly proud, each Of his own company aud the
village should be proud Of them all, aud literally
sustain them We hope never to hear another
grumble about taxes for the fire department; at
lenst until the enlargement Of our village demands
an increase of this department. Now, we are
amply supplied with engines, hose and hooks and
I understand with men TO them with skill and
I hearty good will.
N..,I,