The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1867-05-28

fact that the tIremen were assembled with
their machines, for their inspection, and he
particularly called their attention to the
superiority of the steam machine and the
necessity of procuring one for this city i'm
mediately. 1a
Mayor Eggleston being absent City At
torney Osborn briefly replied, on the part OF
the city government, presenting the thanks
of the city council for the efficiency and good
conduct of the fremen, their readiness in
all cases of need, the fine appearance of their
machines &C., &c.
After the review the machines were re-
turned to the engine houses, and all hands
met for sociable and lunch, in Babcock' s
Hall. After an hour or two, the weather
clearing up little, all hands turned out to
witness an exhibition of the working of the
steam machine, on the levee, which was
generally satisfactory-except the very row.
dy and improper throwing ofwater upon citi-
zens.
About 5 o'clock portion of the Daven-
port fremen returned home, with their ma
chimes, accompanied by Assistant Chief En-
eineer Job Ross. and the Rescue and Hope
Hose companies of this city, and after a visit
to the engine house of the Fire King, pro-
ceeded to Lahrmans Hall where refresh.
ments were had and the joint companies
were addressed by Chief Engineer Col. Lit
tier, of Davenport.
The Liberty Company then became the
guests ofthe Western boys, and tagetherthey
repaired to the hall of the latter on Illinois
street, in this city, where bouHtiful repast
was provided and the time was given up to
social enjoyment. Several of the city coun-
ell and other distinguished gentlemen being
present, were called out for remarks. Al
derman HAYES made brief and appropriate
Aldermen |. Huber, Fries and j.
R. Huber, were also called out. '.
Chief Engineer Stoddard was also called
out, and made an excellent and instructive
speech. Among other things he said that,
thirty years ago he was member of the fire
department in Hartford, Connecticut, and he
gave description of the machines then in
use, having no suction, and which were
placed near the fire, instead of near the wa
ter, as now, and bucket lines formed with
two rows OF men from the water to the en-
CINE, to supply 1T, one row passing up full
buckets, the other passing back the empty
ones, the engine. throwing the water on the
fire. He then contrasted this old method of
extinguishing fires with that in use when
Rock Island first purchased the Western
and also stated that when, later, we
purchased the Rescue machine it was
thought that nothing better could ever be
produced. He then spoke of the superiority
of the steam fire engines now made, and
this point by calling attention to
the Fire King from Davenport, then present
and urging that a steam machine should be
procured for Rock Island. He did not be-
Geve the present fire machines were, by any
means, brought to perfection, or that the
Amoskeag machine Fire king) was neces-
sarily the best now made. He also predicted
that the child was now born who would see
fire engines propelled by electric force He
then briefly referred to the great improve
ments in machinery, especially FIRE extin-
guishers, stated his opinion as to the cause
of these improvements, viz: During the
month Of December, 1866 there occurred. as
reported, sixty large fires in the United
States; loss, $685., 000-in July, same
year, thirty-six large fires, loss $14, 900
number of fires reported for 1866,
was five hundred and one, loss $66,4lO, 900,
Property destroyed in the United States, by
fire, during the last twelve years, reported at
$3.50, 99S,000i or $40, 500 annually /!
This includes no fires where there was no
nor any fires incidental to the late
war.
This, in his opinion, stimulates the inven-
tive genius of the country to greater i'm
provements in the mode of extinguishing
fires, and that, ere long, even our finest
steam fire machines would be as far behind
the age, as the hand machines are now be-
hind those of steam. He did not, however,
think best for the city council or the people
to wait for that time to arrive-for years
would elapse, and we want steam machine
n0aC.
Mr.. Stoddard was loudly cheered, and
though our reference to his remarks are nee
essarily brief, they were valuable to all who
heard them.
Capt. Haverstick, of the Union, being
present, was called out by Mr.. Stoddard and,
we are told, made appropriate and well.
timed remarks.
After pleasant social entertainment the
party adjourned.
In the evening the Western boys had a
dance at Babeock's Hall, and the Rescue
boys at Rodman Hall, both of which were
well attended and passed off pleasantly.
ANEW PERFUME FOR TIE HANDKERCHIEF.
I'll N.A ~