The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-09-10


Day Books combined circulation over
Virpinian's combined circulation, 1886
The Henry Winter Davis zouaves.
1t seems that notorious agitator of Balti-
more named GEORGE HAoKETT, has recently
called upon Mayor CHAPMAN, informing His
Honor that he was in command of a negro
company called the HENRY WINTER Davis
Zouaves The object of the org anization, the
sable Captain HAcKETT stated, was to put
down the rebels of the city of Baltimore, and
gravey requesting the Mayor. to furnish the
DAVIS Zouaves with arms AS there was no
provision of the State of Maryland for this
purpose which was at the disposal of the
Mayor, Captain" HAcKETT was referred to
Governor SWAMI, which reference the Gap
tain" we are told declined. This the Tran
script thinks will be distressing news to the
Governor, though some evidence of the good
sense of the Captain, in determining not to
make fruitless application.
This move of captain" Hackett is regard
ed as significant, when viewed in connection
with that of Judge BoNnin the Niger Min
strels Convention in Philadelphia, and the
Transcript thinks should rouse the attention
of the citizens of Baltimore.
1t is in accordance, no doubt, with the
threats and designs of the Radicals to arm the
negro in case of failure to inaugurate uniyer-
sal negro suffrage-and is part of the system
Of tactics which is to be extended throughout
the Southland unless the conservatism of
the North shall put forth its whole strength
sand marshal its entire forces in support of the
restoration policy of the President, there may
he serious cause to apprehend a war of races.
We have given this significant fact in plain,
business like manner. Our readers can Judge
its Importance for themselves; and if they
agree with us, that this is hut one of the thou
sand straws which now show how the wind
sets, they will not be long in insisting on an
increase of the police force of this city.
THE FIREMEN-We with pleasure subon
the following letter in explanation of the ac-
ton by the Aid Fire Compan in resolving to
disband, in consequence of the failure of the
Councils to act with promptness on their re-
commentators of a Chief Engineer While
we think the company has acted with some
precipitation, we likewise think the Councils
have been dilatory in responding to the ext
gences of the Fire Department, or in not
eectng some equally efficient Chief as the
person nominated.
AT the same thee, We have no idea that the
action or non-action of the Council was de-
signed as slight; though it certainly was
manifestation of want of interest on the sub
i,ct before them. At all events, the fremen
may rest assured that they are duly appre-
cated as a fearless, efficient, and indispensa-
BILE body of men by the community, which
will regret the present condition of the Fire
Department by the disbandment of the "Aid,'
one of its most efficient arms:
[For the Day Book,
MEssas. EDITORS
A meeting of the Aid Fire Company was
held on Friday evening last, to express their
dissatisfaction at the action Of the Common
Council, relative to the appointment of
Chief Engineer. From the proceedings it
seems that the fren,en met in convention two
months since, and recommended, as is usual
ly done, gentleman fully qualified IN every
respect for the position. The delay of the
Councils to act in the matter, led to further
communications from the 6remen urging the
filling of the office Their petitions being
disregarded, and the course OF the Councils
being so at variance with the custom In such
cases; and considering the efforts being made
both inside and outside of the Councils TO de-
feat the object of the firemen, the Aid deter
mined to give expression to their feelings at
the treatment of those in authority, looking
upon it as insulting to body of men who
have been ever ready to perform their duty,
even at the risk of their health and lives 1t
was therefore aI
Resolved, That after seventeen years SER
vice as firemen, we, as company, are com
PEELED to disband, on account OF the action
of the Councils they having treated
lis with contempt and insulted us SO often
that we cannot submit toit any longer. Two
months ago the Fire Department met in con-
vsntion and recommended R. W. Rhea, for
the position of Chief Engineer. The Coun-
ellis have not seen fit to elect him, and we
therefore respectfully tender to them our app
paratus, and would say to them if we are not
the proper persons to suggest who shall be
our Chief Engineer, they must get some one
to run the apparatus who will allow the
Councils to Judge tor them
This statement is made in order that the
public may understand why the Aid has
withdrawn from the service.
Experience having taught the necessity of
having practical man at the head of the
Dependencies especially in these days of ere
form" and steam engines-the failure to place
such one in position, and the condition of
the engines, &C., requiring immediate atten-
ton, aud having no one to look to to procure
the means so necessary to place the company
in astate of efficiency, they determined to
disband.
If the Councils can thus trifle with the lives
and property of the citizens, in order to in-
dulge in such petty schemes, it does not be-
come fremen. They look to the interest
and safety of the city; have nothing TO aspire
to but the approval and confidence of the pub
hci but at thu same time they are as zeal
ons in the defense Of their rights, as they are
energetic as FIREMEN.