The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-03-05


all were dressed in white shirts, in another all in
red shirts, and in another shirts of blue, thus pre-
senting to the view of the spectator the tricoor SO
prominent in the decorations of the procession.
Mr.. Carter having been introduced to the
audience by of the marshals, delivered the fol-
lowing Grafton, which was frequently interrupted
by hearty cheers, clapping of hands, and waving
of handkerchiefs. A more attentive audience, or
one that appeared more highly gratified, we have
rarely seen.
MR.. CARRIERS ADDRESS.
w-CIrIzENs-T day is day of rest
consecrated as such not only by the physical wants
of man. but in the opinion of millions, by the de-
cree of God.
1t proper, it is becoming. it is due to the honest
and sincere opinions of others to ascertain the fact
whether in this public commemoration on the
Sabbath, we trample on any just opinion or any
wise Or well settled public sentiment.
For What purpose have we met together! Is it
tolndulge IN cenlious intercourse or in the viola
ton OF any law of God or man +! No! What then
has called us together is there any motive object
which cannot be displayed before the world
g L N us calmly answer the inquiry The FIremen
OF New Orean., by law, are divided into distinct
corporatons-all having in view the same results
the preservation of the lives and property of their
fellow citizens.
What nobler objects can present themselves to
the exerlon of the Christian, or how Nearer can
you approach that lllustrOus example whose highest
distinction was that " he went about doing gosa''
Is there anything in the pursuit of Fireman re-
pugnant to charity, benevolence, or good morals
The great demands made upon his time and
health, and his ready compliance with those de-
mands present the most noble exercise of practical
charity TO be found in the records of social existence.
Alone, amidst danger, without any of the applause
which surrounds the soldier, without expectation of
high pecuniary reward or military distinction, he
PUSHES forward to comply with the Divine injnnc-
ton, " Do unto Others as you would that others
should do unto you.'
We do not desecra.e this day by the present pub
lie ceremonies We have met to commune over
the past, and by kind intercourse to invigorate
exertions for the future.
The services of religion have not been wanting
when the warrior left his home to do battle for his
country. The flag under which he was to fight for
defence or offence, has been consecrated by the
ministers of the Most High
1t is within my recollection that when the first
Fire Machine imported from the North, to aid in
arresting the devouring element, arrived in this
city some II years since, All imposing ceremony
took place under the auspices of the city au,hor
ties; and the Engin received 6enedictions at the
old Cathedral, under the forms Of worship which
are there practsed. And, 10 my mind, there is no
reason why the flag which is to be carried mid
blood and slaughter should be considered as worthy
of benediction, while the Fire Engine, not used as
an insignia of destruction but of preservation and
safety, should be deemed unworthy of consideration.
But your exertons as Firemen in preserving life
and property, are not your only commendaIion to
all who love the public good. The char ly which
you have established, under the title of The Fire
mems Charitable Association must prove last
ing monument to your honor. On this occasion
We necessarily turn to the origin of this Institution
its workings for years past, and the happy conse-
quences which have flowed from its progress.
1t is true that on this day we have neglected to
T. i. Al.
distilled speeches of the past have failed TO be
present at the display of the fervid eloquence which
gives utterance TO extracts from poems and reviews
and We have omitted to hear the oft enuncated
dogmas of a Calvin. But in calling to your atten-
lion some extracts from the constitution of "The
Firemen's Charitable Association" we may con-
sole ourselves for any omission Of supposed religious
duty, by showing that the Firemen of New Or
leans and Lafayette practice what others preach:
SEC All members. in Adigent circumstances. who are
unable 9 attend to from njur received in the dis
fortunes mo- arising from mpo cause. shall receive such
from time to time drect and f mem Of smes their fan
lilies shall receive assist .nce in like manner
must be made to the Relief commee accompanied By
psny which he belonged upon which the Relief Com
mee shall issue order the Treasurer for vault and
SEGA. Widows of members of .hi, Association who
shall show to the Committee for Widows and Orphans
good and sufficient shall receive aid exceeding
bic monthly and Of shall receive such extra
aa Is tne C9mm,tee may deem proper Their children
Committee shall attend 10 the interment of the deceased
Here then, we have presented the most beautiful
exercise of benevolence. These wise and far
sighted provisions not only smooth the pillow of
the sick or dying Fireman. but they remove from
his feverish brow the thought that while PROSTATE
on the bed Of suffering, deprived Of the power of
earning daily support. his wife and children
are not without succor, but have friends who will
extend the projecting hand and keep the chilly
breath of want from entering his abode.
Is this not practical religion! Do not these acts
assmate to the highest exercise of virtue
But the Firemen have not rested here. They
have provided place for their departed members |
A fit resting place for those who worked for the
good of mankind Las been procured. The remains
of those martyrs to the cause-Ferry, Montgomery
Haynes, Adams, and Others are deposited where |
their surviving bretheren must soon Join Them to
wait that call which will summon them to better
world
! have thought often and seriously upon the |
position which the Fire Department (nOt only of |
this city, but of others in the Union) presents on
the subject of insurance. Let me ask your kind and
serious attention to the views which that consider
alton has presented to my mind. From time imme- |
mora society has sought, ny association, TO ward
off evils which follow the course Of man whether in
rural or urban districts. In the latter position Of (
people colecltu IN masses, teilenefltS adjoining |
one another and at any moment exposed TO the |
same accidents, various modes of protection have |
been adopted. Fire is the most alarming and de- |
structive element, when let loose, which can in |
wade ihckly settled communites-such as cities |
and towns. Hence human ingenuity has been ex-
srcised to apply, with the greatest rapdity and |
orce, the element which is conquer Fire. Machi-
merry has been used, perfected by great experience
and science, TO accomplish this indispensable pur.
pose. But without intellectual aid, the engine,
he mill, the plough the ship. the telegraph, and |
The press, must resi- useless. We know of no hui |
nan construction which can dispense with the aid |
Of human supervision and thought. These con- |
lead men to some reflections upon the |
'uhect of the insurance ofpropery and life, which |
you have soemnly resolved to protect. Who in |
sure the property of the citizens of New Orleans
Who give guaranty to the property holders, that
f their houses and stores should be assaied by fire.
,xertions will he used 10 arres. the impending de-
;truciion! DO the Insurance Companies give this |
security! Have they means to project. thus threat
,ned the property of our citizens! Where are the |
engines which they own! Where the men who
Ire to rush out from their homes at momentary |
Warming, in any weather and at any period of the
Law and night