Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1869-05-21
THE FIREMEN.
SENATOR sPRAGUE REVIEWS THE ERE
DEPARTMENT.
he IS INTRODUCED BY MAYOR LEFTTleH
IN A HANDSOME SPEECH
SENATOR SPRAGUE RESPONDS SENSlBLY
AND TO THE POINT.

Yesterday afternoon the several engine,
hose and hook and ladder companies
turned out, headed 10y Chief Kehoe, and
forming in procession, preceded BY a
band and "a carriage contalninc Mayor
I.eftwich. paid their respects 10 Senator
Sprague. Ailer marching in procession
through several of the principal streets,
they halted in front Of the residence of
Col. Duncan :. McRae, on Madison street,
where the Mayor left the carriage and
shortly appeared with the Senator, whom
ne introduced with the following appro-
pirate speech:
1fJ. SeRqtOr SPrggite: No more Pleasing
duty has deVoiyed on me Than the one
now eHioyed Of intrOducingto so welcome
a visitor. the officers and members of the
IRE department of the city Of Memphis,
who. apprcciating Your manly and deter
mined effort to elevate labor and 10 protect
Il from he aggressive attacks of mOnOpO-
lies. that would degrade il 10 a position Of
abiect subserviency, have called 20 pay
FOu their sincere respects. Gan
Your reputed wealth and acknowledged
inhucnce win surround YOU, at all times,
by hosts Of admirers, the motives OF some
Of whom might be questionable, but these
sturdy sons of toll who have the moral
courage ~ he proud of their vocation as
labOrers, bend not the pregnant hinges
Of the knees that thrift may follow fawn-
ltlZ. anu t'liilt ltOl 10 IttFAN - 1lAA ~ AtN
a debl OF gratitude they owe you for what
y2u have done, are doing, in their behalf,
and in behalf of common brotherhood
and country.
Having watched yOur career with daily
increasing interest, have been able. from
personal knowledge 10 say 10 them that
YOU, too, whether in he forum ofthe Sen
ate, before popular 1ssemblageS Of the
people. 0r in the direction and manage
Nrrr= al
phsticauy brother laborer, and, ~ such.
neceSsas silN n sympathiZer wiki that class.
Senattn@ Spra-ue answered briefly,
thanking the Mayor and members Of the
Fire Department FOR the compliment paid
him. SAYING Ihat if hitended rs 4 mark of
approval for his humble efforts To shield
labor fruin oppression, he would respond
that he scarcely deserved t. for he bnt did
his duty. You. gentlemen of the Fire
Department. have mduous duties, in the
performance of which YOU risk your lives
TO save property. and often life. II. with
my opportunities shall ba able to per
farm NV duty ~ we'll. / Will be en-
4 tkrly satisfied. He had no advice
{ offer them aS to the course they
SlNuld laIrsue IN the future. BE hal con
tidence IN the patriotism OF The people
and advised them 10 put their trust In
God, on whom tine fate Of nations de
peuds; and with such confidence and
faith he hoped soon 10 see them all restored
70 The full enjoyment of 0T he rights oE3
Prirueges ubtch ga tie bfr,6-right al
ereTg IHsrtrGH citi-ea.
The Mayor then introduced chief kehOe |
and the InenlbnrS OF the Department. who |
were drawn mp ia Eue on the pavement.
After which the line of march a. taken |
zap through Seg eral SJruets To the corner of |
Madison and Main, where the several |
eI grd IA trial of skill with |
their respective engines, showing how |
fast they could raise steam and throw /
water, atter which .heN were dismissed 10 /
quarters.
The appvarancr oi the liFa brigade rr- |
decis great credit not only upon our city, |
but or the individual members IL web 8s /
Dn their worthy and efficient Chief, AR. /
krhOr