The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-05-08

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SPEECH OF HON. HENRY Il. HOWARD, IN THE HOUSE
OF ASSEMBLY, APRIL llTH, ON THE BILL MAKING
AN APPROPRIATION OF FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS
TO THE NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT FUND.
(Rep0rted for the Daily Albany Argus
Mr.. Speaker The Widows and Orphans Fund
OF the New York Fire Department is one OF the no
best as it is one of the most sacred charlties on
earth. Its money is appropriated TO relieve Inc me-
cessites of the destitute families Of firemen who have
been killed while in the discharge OF their duty at
Ares in the city and county of New York and to as
sist iremen who have been injured, or nave become
disabled and sckly by doing tire duty IN that CITY.
The fremen in that city, sir receive no pay FOR the
services they render the community, nor do they
want any. The system there is the voluntary sys
tenn and is consequently the very best system to ex
tnguish fires in the world. myself, SIR, belong to
honor to have been elected to position in that de-
partment-a position sir, that am prouder of than
am of my seat upon the floor OF this House-than
would be of seat in the Senate in Congress- or of
any other political distinction that could be con-
ferred upon me. The duties Of fireman are always
arduous and frequently of q hazardous and most
dangerous character as the large number Oh deaths
in that department will most abundantly prove.
Still, sir the members Of that department discharge
those dutiesface the dangers with which their path
way is often attended-and unshrinkingly, whether
at midnight or mid day repair to their posts of duty
and frequently of death-with alacrity and zeal.
The long list Of worthy members of that department
who have fallen victims to their ntrepidity while
rescuing the helpless and the aged from the fiery
element, as well as in their efforts to preserve the
property Of citizens from destruction, furnishes album
Torrance Of that duty Is it asking too much then,
of the bounty Of the State whose property they freely
protect at such sacrifices, that small appropriation
be made for the benefit of their widows and orphans
for their support when crippled and deprived
Of the ability of obtaining their own sustenance !?
No, sir. ! do not ask 1t as suppliant; but, sir,
claim it as q right. Do you not appropriate OF the
funds Of the State to your literary institutions
~<soIl.,
and is the appropriation of small to this noble
and meritOrious work OF less moment, or worthy Of
less consideration! Let me read to you Mr. Speaker,
and to the members Of this house. list of names OF
men who have sacrificed their lives in the discharge Of
the high trusts enjoned upon the Fire Department
of New YOrk-men, sir, whose names and memories
are revered, honored and perpetuated by that de-
partment. William Peterson was foreman OF Engine
Company No. 10, and was killed at fire in Chatham
street in 1911. That company has adopted his name
and is known as the Peterson Fire Company of New
York. Engine Cos.-No. /, Francis Joseph; g.,
Richard S. Richie; ID, Eugene Underhill Frederick
Ward; IA, John l.. CURE; 10, John Buckloh; 81,
John Knapp, Cornelius Garrison; 50, Henry Fargis;
40, David W. Raymer; AZ, Nathaniel Brown, James
Hedges, Augustus Cowdrey. Hose Cos.-N0. 13,
Thomas Horton; IA, Arthur Evans; Is, James Glas-
gov; So, Charles ]. Durant. Engneers-James s..
Wells and George Kerr. Sir, all of these firemen,
whose names the respective companies perpetuate
and revere, have met their death in the protection
Of the public property. The gentleman from Monroe,
(Mr. Hastings) has stated that this bill has been
brought before this house in an improper man
ner. Sir, have brought in this bill in the regular
form. | never have done anything in an underhand
manner. never lodged q vote here. always act
openly and fairly. l could occupy the time Of this
house for whole day in stating good reasons why
this is of the very best bills presented to this
house during this session. / don't except any but
the celebrated Mock Auction bill.
On taking the vote on agreeing with the report Of
the committee the House refused to agree, AZ to SO.
Mr.. Howard here rose in his place and rendered
his resignation member of the Assembly, stating
that he could not any longer remain member Of q
body that would refuse to aid such noble charity.
The House refused to receive his resignation and
Mr. Howard subsequently made another and success
full effort to obtain the appropriation On his mo-
ton the sum Of 81 900 was appropriated in the sup
ply bill to the noble charity alluded to.