The Rutland weekly globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1873-07-11

machine ldlllN EIOuucu ulluVl tlAS hSdNy
weight of flowers, with which the ladies of
Chester had so profusely decorated it.
The procession had nearly reached the
grounds where the exercises were to be
held when the sky suddenly became over
cast, and huge drops of rain descended.
This rather demoralizcd the crowd, who
went in search of temporary hiding-places,
and somewhat interfered with the order of
exercises which had been laid out. II not
only rained but it poured, and to attempt
any patriotic effusion at such time was
out of the question, so a change of pro-
gramme was made, and the dinner was
"orlered." The fire companies formed in
procession and marched to Hammond Hall
where they sat down to bountiful repast
prepared for them and the other invited
guests -Four long tables were set, loaded
with eatables and bouquets, and they spoke
volumes for Messrs. Jennings & Starkey of
the Ludlow House, to whose charge the
culinary department had been assigned.
The rain seeming to have no " let up,
the President of the day announced at the
close of the dinner, that the exercises Of
the day would be held at Ludlow Hall, and
all were requested to be present at that
place to hear the Grafton, &c. Quite a
goodly number repaired to the hall, and at
a few minutes before three o'clock, VIM.
Allen Bacon, President of the day, stepped
upon the platform and made brief intro
ductory address.
Rev. Mr.. Cook then offered prayer
The next thing on the programme was the
reading of the Declaration of independence.
by Rev. +. n. Perry, but that gentleman
not being present, it was dispensed with.
To some this might seem like the play of
Hamlet with that parsonage left out. Rev.
J. p. Farrar was then introduced as the
orator of the day. Beginning with the
usual congratulations of the day and the
event we celebrate, he proceeded to give a
history of the country's progress, flom the
landing of Columbus to a late day, closing
with an eloquent tribute to New England,
lie Oldllil bttNlltNl tlbut NlilNN-Nli 'il " =
of an hour, and he well kept the attention
of the audience during the time.
At the close of the orati N the President
of the day announced that inasmuch as the
rain had ceased and the desirableness of
having better air, the remaining exercises
would be holden in the open air. Accord
ingly stand was eXtemporizcd near the
Factory Square, where the multitude had
already gathered. to witness the trial Of the
engines.
Geo l.. Fletcher, Esq, of Chester, was
introduced by the President, and proceeded
to deliver thirty minutes address, which
he did in very pleasing and easy man
ner. Next in order was the singing of the
"Star Spangled Banner by Miss Hattie NJ.
Smith, which was rendered in the finest
style. The large concourse showed their
appreciation of the song and the singer by
the heartiest applause. Rev. j. I. Powers
then entertained the audience with one of
his pleasant speeches. occupying only a
few minutes which closed the literary cX-
ciseS
THE hN''Nh i"'N'9'
The hour having arrived for the engine
companies to exhibit the good qualities of
their respective machines, the chief Mar
shall ordered them to commence operations
at once, which they proceeded to do. f.
c. Hutchinson, Chief Engineer of the
Chester Fire Department, J. S. Graves, f.
aud I NJ noXric Of DuLonI
acted as judges. The playing was through
500 feet OF hose.
The first company to test their power
was the Grinders of Ludlow. Then
machine is one of We ancient style, having
been built fifty years or more ago. and was
allowed trial more as a burlesque than any
thing else, and to show what improvements
have been made since it was built. The
boys cranked' with will, and succeeded
in throwing a horizontal stream of 125
feet;
The Alert Engine Company was then
called, and the boys got to work in quick
time. Ihey played only once, throwing
ho W. Ga,;, sore El; VI i E ipot,
work Aithong6 Ills cdmn9p W." has e soe eu
but little active service. they went at the
business like old veterans, and made the
1olloWihg score, maklhS tnree plays
sonnnJ onn bmnIroJ on "U so'aHt ,oI foo, ioua
seven inches third. one hundred and
forty-eight feet. Aside from this they
played once perpendlcqlarly' dong nobly
sonod tros ',lio,, ioft tho ~ nl9 ' diD
advantage.
Last, but not least. came Washington
NO =. Inc minute That the boys were
reaJiness IN donhie ouicl tin,o a1d i" shewa a.
to the spectators that thoy knew their busi.
ness. -Four trials were made with tho
1olloWihg result qle; rils., one hundred ah9
ono b;ndred and saventyIseynn fe otV anG
two inches; third, one hundred and eighty
feet and six inches; fourth, one hundret
ana "a, seventy-elgnt 1eGI ana u SIX inches,