New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1873-07-29
THE FIREMEN'S EXCURSION


form, and marched to the head OF Cana
street, where special car was waiting tol
their reception. The excursionists had MADE
arrangements to visit their old stamping
ground, Biloxi, for two days picnic. Inc
trip over TO that pleas resort was un
even.frl and the boys did not really gel
their eyes well open until Conductor Star
ling announced that our port was just
around the corner. People had been Iu
formed that the 'fremen would visit
them, bu. they were unprepared
to see so large number, for i
must he remembered that nearly one-hali
the members Of Trad Ferry No II were on
the same train, also bound for Biloxi. Blue
shirts and red ones were numerous, and IN
addition to these must be added numerous
independent excursioniste, thus making the
Biloxi depot uncommonly lively. The two
brass bands united, and the members OF
both companied fell into line promiscuous-
~, then marched into the town, all looking
as festive as an old-fast ioned fourth Of
July. The first duty was to call at Bache.
lors' Hall, where Mr.. Stephen McNamara
had hogshead of dust-dispelling cham
payne punch, and of course there was a
general absorbing. Ex-Mayor Henley,
having been delegated by the city authori.
ties to receive the excursionists, was at the
head of the table, and delivered pithy ad'
dress of welcome. Chief Engineer O'COnno1
neatly responded for the fremen. After that
there was marching and countermarching,
both companies visiting several hotels. No.
12 was finally left at the Nixon House and
Louisiana Hose returned to their Hole-in-
the-Wall, and dismissed from the ranks.
In an instant more and firemen could be
seen on about every street in town and out
on the water, each pursuing his INCLINATION.
Fishing, sailing and bathing found dozens
of devotees until dinner time, and when
Mrs. Drysdale's gong announced thai din
ner was prepared, terrible slaughter Of
good things ensued. The members partic-
ularly requested the reporter to mention
that dinner as one of the best it mad ever
been their lot to ruin. The labor Of eating
accomplished, the boys once more started
out to seek all the sport they could, and
they found amusement in many directions
until night fall, when there was q general
gathering in front Of the hotel,
for there was to be a dance in the
large dining hall, and when Foreman Dakin
beIched out q shower Of fireworks the
ladies began to assemble, all attired in gay
costumes. There was nearly repetition
Of tkis programme with the members and
guests of No. II. Louisiana Hose danced
itself red in the face, and few members
thought Of sleep until the sun began to
shine Sunday morning. The ballroom was
prettiIy decorated with evergreens, flowers,
ETC., and when the dancers were on the
floor the sight was . splendid one. After
the last dance most of the firemen, forget
ting to retire, again scattered to enjoy
themselves in new directions. About ten
o'clock most of Louisiana Hose were in
ranks, headed by q target. A patent rifle
had been secured for a little practice, and the
men entered into the diversion right heartily,
for several of them have smelled powder
in actual strife. Mr.. Dakin, the foreman,
proved himself the best marksman, Jacob
Fink good second, and Tom OConnor q
bad third.
When the target was riddled, for the
shooting was uucommonly good, sharpened
appetites suggested dinner. Back again to
the diningroom, and all the fine things
that careful hands had prepared for hungry
mouths were totally destroyed. From that
time until the evening train arrived Louisi-
ana Hose called on q few friends, among
them Messrs Richard Charles and j. Has
ting, giving a parting salnte and lasting
farewell by drinks. When all were on the
cars safely, Conductor Murray put up his
fore finger and the locomotive started
homeward, arriving without accident.
At the Canal street depot, about ten
o'clock Sunday night, we found delega-
ton Of didn't-get-away hosemen, with the
shining steamer Annie Howard, surrounded
by brilliant torches. The two foremen held
a short consultation, when it was arranged
that both companies should march up town
together. red shirt and blue one alter
nately. The brass bands were joined, and
the returned excursionists started out
Canal and up Camp street to serenade the
several newspaper offices. Although the
REPUBLICAN office was dark (for We do not
work Sundays). cheerful air was played.
The sight was certainly one of the finest
ever presented by fremen in New Orleans
or perhaps anywhere else. Around to Ma
lone's Tattersalls and then barrel or SO Of
soothing punch disappeared, and then up
to the chief engineers private residence.
Red and blue then parted company, each
retiring, all congratulating themselves on
having experienced one Of the pleasantest
excursions in their history.
Among the excursionists we're seen several
well known leading citizens, who seemed
to enjoy the "trip as heartily as the oungest
and least experienced.
Louisiana Hose is officered by Joseph A.
Brown, president; NJ. D. Phelps, vice presi-
dent: J. L. Bercier, secretary; Dan Malone,
treasurer: c. J. Dakin, foreman; d. and j.
Snider, assistant foremen.
Officers of Trad Ferry: H. Reynolds, presi-
dent: J. H. Batson, secretary; D. Brady,
treasurer: D. P. MahOney, foreman; w.
Tierney, first assistant foreman; J. Lynch,
second assistant foreman.
Referring to the statement of the Waco