New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-03-05
THE GALLANT FIRE BRIGADE.

VI all tne days tudC axe duuuaity cele-
brated in New Orleans, none seem to have
deeper hold upon our people than the
Fourth of March, the anniversary day OF
those daring and useful men who have as
ISOLATED themselves together for the pro-
lection of. life and property against that
most dangerous and devouring element
fire. Without Fire Department to check
and subdue this voracious element when it
breaks out in a city, life and property
would be completely at its mercy; and
the men VINO venture to do this
dangerous and important duty when
ever the alarm of fire is given, are
entitled to the esteem and thanks of those
whom they thus protect and defend.
This will account in a measure for the
great interest taken by our people in the
annual return of the anniversary of the
fire department in this city :; but it must
not be forgotten that this body of most
useful men is made up of those who
belong here and are linked by family ties
to the city. This is the reason, likely,
why SO many of the fair daughters and
wives Of our city turn out, under the most
adverse circumstances, to assist in cele-
brating the day, and cheer on the gallant
fire brigade.
Yesterday morning broke forth most un-
promisingly for pleasant celebration.
1t had rained the previous night, and the
heavens still wore gloomy and threaten
ing appearance. In fact, the city had
decidedly wet look, with the imminent
prospect hanging over it of deluge of
rain at any moment. This was the con-
dition of things up to twelve
O'Clock, but this did not prevent
the streets along which the process
sion Was to pass being lined with we'll
dressed women aud children. many of
them with boquets in hand, anxiously
waiting the appearance Of the gallant fire.
men. The fremen, unlike their fair adj
mirers, upon this occasion, had been de-
tered by the sombre look of the weather
and were not as promptly up to time as
usual. But between twelve and one
o'clock the suu broke through the clouds,
and, proclaiming his supremacy-presto
change-gave a most brilliant, cheerful
and animated appearance to our streets,
notwithstanding their coat of mud. Canal
street soon became the great centre Of
attraction as the fire brigade marshaled
it's forces there. The gallerien of the
houses on that great boulevard of our city,
as well as the sidewalks, were soon
densely packed with persons of almost
every description anxious to get view of
tn machines drawn up in a long line
and beautifully decorated for the occa-
sion. Each company marshaled into line
with music playing and banners stream1
ing until, finally, the procession was COM
plete Then came the order to march,
and the procession moved up Camp
street, amid the cheers of those who
had assembled there to greet them; and
the same ovation was in store for the gal
liant fire brigade along its whole line of
march. The sidewalks of Carondelet
street were early lined with women and
children who had anxiously waited for
hours to have view of the procession.
The same feeling was observant in all
parts of the city, Enthusiastically indicating
the great interest that is felt for the Fire
by all classes of our people
This is as it should be, for there is no
more useful and deserving body of men
than those who peril their own lives in de-
fence of the public safety.
For particulars of the celebration we re-
fer our readers to full report in another
part of this paper.