The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1872-01-09
FIreman,s sumner.


by special invitation from Messrs Swiney
Il Burrows, proprietors of The door and
blind factory in this village, the Fire
Company were treated to a splendid and
sumptuous supper in the Fireman's Hall.
The supper was prepared by Messrs.
Benson d Andrews, and did credit to
their skill and good tatse.
The meeting was called to order by
W. G. Langworthy, foreman of the COM
pany, and the clerk called the roll. Rev.
Mr.. Bailey invoked blessing upon the
good things sprraI out before them.
Among the invited guests present we no.
ticed Rev. Mr.. Bailey, Col. Knapp, Gov.
Slade, Harry g. Langworthy, Frank
Bond, f. r. Clay and others.
After all had been filled there were a
good many baskets left. The foreman
called the meeting to order, and asked
the committee that had been appointed
at a previous meeting, for their report.
Mr.. Samuel Brooks one of the com.
mittee read the following preamble and
resolutions
Whereas, The liberal and generous hearts of
Swiney Burrows, the proprietors Of the door,
sash and blind establishment in this place, has
prompted them to extend to US an invitation to
partake at this time Of n sumptuous entertain
ment-nOt as n reward or remuneration, but as a
token of their appreciation Of our labors, while
in the discharge of our duties as fremen, in ex-
tinguishing the flames that threatened the de-
structon of their stock in business and to reduce
their buildings to ashes. Therefore
t.. n.
tender to Messrs Swiney 4 Burrows their sincere
thanks for the luxurics of this occasion.
And in consideration of the liberal spirit mani
Tested toward us in this tangible and welcome
form, we feel ourselves involuntarily placed under
renewed obligation as firemen, to be ever in read
iness to act willingly, promptly, and with energy
in repclling any attack that fate in The future,
may make upon their property by that all de-
vouring element
May the d9ors of prosperity be ever open wide
for their reception.
May the ,cindous of discrimination enable them
to discover the approach Of future evils and avoid
the tendencies to reverse the wheels Of fortune.
May the binds of protection be firmly fastened
upon every aperture, and safely secure them
from tho storms of the uncertain future.
Upon one clause of the first resolution
Rev. Mr.. Bailey was called upon to make
some remarks, Of which we will try to
give the substance
Mr.. Foreman and gentlemen Of the
Middlcbury fire company strongly
suspect that one reason of getting me in
here to night, was to get speech out Of
me. But don't know that l have any
about me. The scene is new and the
associations are unusual. And then,
why is it that people always want so much
talk. With such a munificent entertain
ment as this, why can not gentlemen be
satisfied? ? Is it because they have some-
thing about them to satisfy, than the
mere bodily appettcs and senses?
Bat if must make speech, true to
M custom. | will take text This one
will answer, Freely you have received,
freely give" Thus have received, in
common with you all, most freely. Still
know SO little about these fire company
matters, that am at loss what to say.
If you will give me leave to wander here
and there, as my fancy might lead, it is
possible that | might say something. But
don't know, | have been occasionally a
locker on at fires, and seen your move
ments, together with others of similar
organizations. Yet my cooperation has
been slight. When at the fire the other
day and witnessed your well meant and
equally well directed and Successful efforts
| was somewhat, in my position and belp
like the little boy, who, when the house
took fire in the absence of his parents
helped his brother and sister to cxtipguish
the flames. For when they came home
he undertook to be spokesman Of the
company, and began by telling what ,c'
had done, and how ire had put out the
fire.
"Well, how was it johnnie ?"
"Oh, Charley brought the water anC
Nellie put it on the fire"
"But what did you do Johnnie ?"
"Oh, Ill stood and said Amen
Amen Amen ~
So gentlemen it was with me at tn,
fire the other day IPe put out the fire
You with your stalwart energies at thu
brakes and elsewhere, and |, like tn,
Johnnie of the story, having been trained
Methodistically, as he evidently had
stood and cried, even if not vocaly
"Amen! Amen :"
For, doubt if | could be of mucl
service at the brakes just now. hav,
seen the day when | could. But now,
fear it would be with me break down
My brother here, whom | have haC
for right-hand man this evening, spok
just now, of using hot water in connexioI
with the cold weather usage of you
engine That will do very well. Bu
) there is one kind OF hot water, that
suppose you, gentlemen never indulge in
and that kind is what our aboriginie
denominate Fire Water" That l sup
pose you never find necessary to put ou
fire with.
In some places, among the moder
mechanism in use for the extinguishmen
of fires, "Steamers"-as they are called
are brought into requisition. But Mid
, dlebury don't need any such machine,
when, in the best and virtuous sense, al
the members of her fire company, ar
genuine steamers" who, when thei
steam is up, work with will,
Prompt men as you are, you realize q
fre-men the truth of the saying tina
p Delays are Dangerous" and hence 20
keep yourselves and your instrument i
, readiness for the m ost sudden call. 1t
then a comfort to feel, that if that grea
element of nature, which, while it is
servant, is, in cold weather SO indispensa
Bile and so cheering, should get 10 be
master and as such become terribl
tyrant, that there is another power, be
t hind his fiery throne, ever in readiness
dcthrone and supplant him.
Trusting, gentlemen, that we shall nc
have any need of your services, | clos
I, with the following sentiment, which
, happen to have with me for l al
, something in the same predicament &
r the late Hon. Isaac Hill of New HamI
I