Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-10-17
The Philadelphia Firemen's Parade.

A MAGNIFICENT PAGEANT-THE PROCESSION
SEVEN MILES LONG-oUR WASHINGTON COM
PANIEs.
The Firemen's Parade in Philadelphia yes
terday was the grandest affair Of the kind ever
attempted in the United States. The compa-
mics numbering Up, with 203 pieces Of fire ap-
paratus, represented Washington, Baltimore,
New York, Boston, Albany, Buffalo, Harris
burg. Pittsburg, Salem, Mass, Jersey City,
Newark, Camden, Wilmington, Allentown,
Lebanon, and other cities; and when formed in
procession occupied the length Of seventy six
squares, distance of seven miles and a half
There were one hundred bands, thousands of
wreaths and bouquets, and a perfect forest Of
silken banners.
Probably at no previous public demonstra-
ton were so many visitors IN the city. On
Sunday every hotel was filed up with guests,
and many hundreds had to be content with
mapping during the night on sofas, chairs and
settees. Early on Monday morning the streets
through which the firemen were to pass began
10 fll up, and were soon packed throughout
their entire extent, distance of over fourteen
miles, with perfect sea OF human heads rem
dering it very difficult for the police to force a
passage through the living mass for the pro-
cession to thread its way through. Stands
were erected in different parts OF the city along
the line OF the route, and hours before the pro.
cession moved every eligible spot on them was
occupied by expectant men. women and chill
dren.
The line was announced to move at ten
o'cN8k precisely, but owing TO the unavoidable
delay in all the companies getting into line the
First Division did not commence countermarch.
ing down Broad street until a few minutes
after eleven O'Clock. The distance between
divisions and companies was remarkably
well preserved, and, with the exception of the
halt for dinner, which took place when the
head reached Fourth and Wharton streets
there were very few unnecessary delays. The
procession was in motion the entire day, and
night set in long before the last company
reached the end of the route. number Of
street decorations were seen at different points
triumphal arch was erected at the corner of
Ninth and Lombard streets. Three or four
arches were erected in Pine street. bet
Second and Fourth and large number of pri-
yate residences were draped in bunting.
The Washington companies were received
with enthusiasm, and were assigned to
prominent portion of the line
The Marine Band, engaged by q Philadel-
phia company, during the halt for dinner, was
stationed on Fourth street below Chestnut, and
performed number of selections which elected
the most enthusiastic applause, and a number
of pieces were encored
Our city firemen are expected to remain IN
Philadelphia until Thursday, and with other
companies, will participate in the festivities to
follow the parade.
1t is a subject for mutual congratulation that
the occasion has passed without a single I'M
pleasant occurrence to mar the general happi-
ness, and that the event has so strengthened
the fraternal feeling between our great cities
new era has dawned upon the fire depart
ment of the country, and this display of gen.
erous rivalry cannot fail of still further ad-
yanclDg the interests of the institution.