The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1872-05-09
May 8. 1872. NAY II, 1871.
EEanKs,'
Presenting tho Prizes.

The last run having been made, the crowd
moved up and surrounded the stand where
the time judges were comparing their tables
and deciding the contests. It was known but
too well, however, who had won the prizes.
One minute and twenty-five seconds was not
to be made every day, OF by everybody, and,
as for beating 1t, the men who made 1t could
scarcely do that themselves. The strains OF
the band soon burst out, and from Hasel
street, where the engine had been placed. the
Pioneer swept round into Meeting street, the
men wild with excitement and flushed with
their recent triumph. The Young America,
with her modest one minute and thirty.three
seconds, followed, and both machines halted
In front OF the judges stand, where the prizes
were about to be awarded. A very small
hollow square was formed for the chiefs and
presidents, and Director E. H. Sparkman,
chairman OF the committee on arrangements,
introduced John F. Flcken, Esq, who would
make the presentations.
Three rousing cheers were given for Mr..
Ficken, who said:
Genaemei-At the close of the exercises of
this festive and gala occasion, It but RENAME
that should discharge the pleasing duty de,
yolylng upon me, as the representative OF tne
board Of fremasters of this city. The day Is
one peculiarly interesting 10 the good people
OF Charleston. What means this vast assem-
blage! Why are our people here to-day! IL
Is because they would do honor unto our brave
and gallant flremen. In your hands, gentle
men, rests the safety of our lives and proper
w, and in your hands we feel and know that
they are sale. When wintry blasts howl
through our silent streets, and the sudden
alarum of the deep-toned bells ring out upon
the midnight air, 1t is your vigilance and &C.
tIvity that calm the anxious mind, and give a
feeling of security to the timid heart. Yes,
nv friends, cur people know and appreciate
your self-sacrifclng efforts, and, 10 their name,
I pronounce an earnest approval and hearty
well-done. The youth and beauty of Charles.
ton greet you most enthusiastically OF tnls
hour. the sweet smiles Of woman encourage
YOU, and even nature, with lavish bounty,
laws her floral tribute at your feet.
President A. T. smythe, of the Pioneer then
stepped forward, when Mfr. Fcken continues:
President Ssnythe-Inio your hands do I
commit this testimonial, as speaking evil
dence of the high and satisfactory appreela-
tion In which the splendid efforts of the Pio-
neer are held. Take 1t, SIR. and may 1t oe
new incentive to further and renewed zeal In
the noble cause which you have this day 80
ably represented.
President smythe received the pitcher, With
the two goblets and salvor, and said:
Mr. Ficken and Gentlemen Of the Committee
We have been working too hard today either
to make or listen to long speeches. Will
ONLY say that we are Pioneers by name, and
to-day we are, by good fortune, the Pioneers
In the lists. When summoned to 90 our duty,
in another way, hope we Shall be Pioneers
also. prolonged cheers.]
President Levin, of the Young America,
was next addressed as follows:
Sir-To You, as the representative OF tne
Young America, 7. in the name OF the ooard
of fremasters, present this token. You nave
won 1t nobIy, and may 1t ever be memento
OF your marked success tnls oav. LeC tne
career Of your company continue as II 1egan,
and 1t shall be second to none Ia the depart
ment.
President Levin took the silver goblet and
said
Mr. Fieken and Gentlemen or the Committee-
We receive this prize Of you with great sat
isfactlon to-day. The Pioneer, the oldest Or
ganizallon among us, has shown to-day what
the old regime can accomplish. We, as the
Youngest, lake the second place With pride
and satisfaction. Twelve months ago
claimed that our time then. made was one
minute thirty-four seconds, and to-day We
have proved that We could do 1t. Brother
hremen, are you satisfied that this cup be-
longs to the Young America? CLouderles o.
yes, and prolonged cheers.l Then will keeE
aud cherish It as memento of to-day's con
test and the honor you have awarded US
| [Cheers.l
President Barkley, OF the Marion, received