Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1869-07-13
Correspondence of the Spirit of Jefferson.l
BALTIMORE LETTER,
BALTIMORE; July 6. 1869.

BALTIMORE; july 6, 1862
Editor Spirit-Y esterday, by substitution
of the Mayor, was observed in Baltimore as
the 4th of July, and there was a very general
regard paid to the holiday on the part of the
citizens, more particularly, asis generally the
case, by the adolescsnt portion of them. In.
deed, there has been no such spirited display
since the great revolution of sentiment which
made US somewhat oblivious to the blessings
which its commemoration signifies. Work
ceased for the brief moment, and all sought
some species of recreation congenial TO their
tastes or accessible to their reach The streets
were thronged and the atmosphere was dusky
with the fumes of sulphur and charcoal AT
an early hour was awakened from some-
what profound repose-the reward of WE'LL
employed energies-by the booming of not
distant gus and the rafting of nearer small
arms, torpedoes and fire. crackers. 1t startled
me-the old familiar sound brought recollec-
items of many day, down in that Gland
where we were dreaming" of skirmish and
attack and surprise. The drubbers of sheep
skin and blowers of horns lent discordant va.
riatious to the hubbub, and sadly abandoned
all hope of further repose, and girded me for
day of hustle and of noise. which had scarce
ly ceased when the midnight bell had toled
its requiem. The air was cool, the sky cloud-
ed, and all things most propitious for exoteric
pleasure. Many left the city by some one of
the various avenues which enticed you by
cheap fare and excursion parties. a ride
down the. Bay with the bracing sea- breeze,
and view of Forts Nc Henry and Carroll, a
visit to the soldiers camp at Gainesville, or to
Druid Hill Park, were at your option, and
the votaries of each quarter crowded the con-
veyances thither. Your correspondent not
being given to such attractions, preferred the
dull routine of everyday duties, and RECALLED
his lungs with the murky atmosphere of the
streets. Notwithstanding the license which
was permitted or rather taken, for the police
had been instructed to prevent the discharge
of combustibles. the best order prevailed not
FIRE has been heard of, nor a runaway. nor
accident, disturbance, with the ex-
ception of some drunken negroes who were
promptly arrested, all of which is due doubt
less to the efficient police. Those who re-
member the anarchy and insecurity of ten
years ago, when Swami managed the ropes of
political influence, cannot but be struck with
the quiet and peacefuness which now prevail
Demagogues, and political iutriguers are hap.
PLY subordinated to calmer intellects and
purer public sentiment. | doubt if there is
a better police force, or may add better
fire department, in this country than those in
Baltimore Some complaint had been urged
that the former is too large, and that there
are too many idle street walkers adding to the
city expenses and taxes. On the contrary, to
the number in great measure, is to be attrib
uted their efficiency. They have now the
power to control riots and disturbances and
they act promptly and without fear, secure in
the knowledge of ample and ready aid And
too. they act more faithfully, knowing that
they can be discharged aud their places sup
piled readily and without detriment.
The fire companies were formerly volun~
teers and each fire was but the secret occasion
Of a hostile meeting between rival companies,
which were really political organizations in
disguise. Now they are maintained at the
city's expense and the rapidly with which
each alarm brings them to the threatened spot
and the facility with which the danger is
averted, and / have lately had an accidental
opportunity Of Witnessing an exhibition of
these, testify to their efficiency. There has
been no large fire here for years, and but
few months ago several tiremen lost their lives
by their zeal, on the occasion of fire occur
ring in Little Sharp street, u narrow alley,
where the buildings are crowded, and old
and readily combustible, aud tho space insult
fcieut for operations The death of these
noble men cast gloom over the whole city
and subscriptions were raised for their tami-
lies Recently committee of the Philadel-
pha Council visited Baltimore to acquaint
themselves with the details of management
of the fire department here. in order to know
the cause of it's superiority, and to adopt what
ever excellencies it might exhibit.
gu shall hear again, E. 7. G.