Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1855-06-21


pleasure to give to the public the following
Interesting correspondence which has Just
taken place between The Chairman oi ~.
Committee of Arrangements for the cele-
bra,ion Of the Fourth Of Jnly, in this city,
and the Captain of the renowned Phenix
Hook and Ladder Company. 1t will be
read with lively interest -
Neuport, June, 1855.
FOREMAN Hook a. LADDER Co.
The Committee Of Arrange
ments for the celebration Of the ensuing
anniversary of American independence res
pectiully tender to your Company an invi-
tation to take par, in the exercises of the
day. An early reply is desired.
Very Respectfully,
THOMAS COGGESHALL,
for the Committee.
Newport, June IA, 1855.
THOMAS CoGGEsHALL, ESQ,
Chairman 4th of July Committee
Sin -
The undersigned
has duly received your polite invitation for
the "Phsnix Hook e. Ladder Company to
take part in the exercises on the coming
Anniversary Of American Independence"
which is most respectfully declined, for
the reason that i, is generally understood
that this celebration ia not to be National,
but simply Factional jollifcation at the
expence of the city,-which, il true, would
surely be very naughty and wholly uncon-
genial with the staid sentiments Of large
majority Of the highly respectable body that
have the honor to preside over,-compos-
ed, As It is, Of Quakers, ,anti-Know Nothings
and Know Something's, who would have
just cause to be highly indignant should !
accept and would remove me, forthwith,
from the high station that ! occupy, for
violation of ny solemn pledge of mot SUBJ
jecting the Company to unnecessary meet.
ings, useless fatigue or degradation during
my administration" besides, the duty
would be decidedly too onerous for our gen.
tlemanly members, who are accustomed to
sedentary habits, and cannot have their
equanimity disturbed by "mere chaff."-
yet at the wild and startling cry Of Sire !"
they ure ever found prompt and faithful in
the discharge OF every duty.
His Honor Mayor Swinburne happens to
be member of our Company (only pri-
vate, however) perhaps he may take the
responsibility upon himself to order out our
Hook g. Ladder Machine, TO place at the
head Of the Procession, simply for its re-
markable appropriateness Of device to the
occasion, so perfectly expressive Of the
"sole end and aim" of the Know Nothings.
TO elevate themselves, exclusively, by the
Ladder Of Humbug, and, Of course, Hook
everything within their reach. For this
reason am decidedly in favor of tho mag
niiccnt Machine being used by the Com
mi,tee tor the exhibition, without our Com
pany it will have an imposing effect. One
or two of our members may be induced to
volunteer, which will probably cost them
fine equal to the price OF Supper, at the
next annual meeting. The Committee can
doubtless induce sufficient number of
Know Nothings to act q, Bearers should
they be disappointed in this, beg respect
fully to suggest that 4 huge banner be
prepared and painted, bearing the same EN-
blem, e,-Ladders, Hooks and Graphing
Irons, with this expressive motto -
PARTURIUNr MoxTEs, NAscITUK RIDicULUs
which, although "furren," is very significant
and is easily translated into pure Ameri-
canism it will take marvello lously well
with the multitude, and no one will regret
the City appropriation OF 84OO, to witness
such remarkable demonstration.
With profound consideration and respect,
I make this hasty and early reply, that the
Committee may not be delayed or disap-
pointed and shall be ready at all times to
offer them further valuable suggestions.
Very Respectfully, &c,
EFF. NEWTON,
Foreman ihenix Hook
& Ladder Company.