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

vi Ills uutlNt tONhs SitNt'u W he'h'O
handkerchiefs on all sides.
Washington engine never looked hand
somer; it glstened like new gold piece
right from the mint, and was the observed
of all observers.
Yosemite company made fine appear
ancc,. being as noble a body Of firemen as
Is often seen on parade. This was their
first visit from home since their organiza-
ton, two years ago, aud their townspeople
spared no pains in trying to make them
present an attractive appearance. Eachman
was furnished with bouquet, and their
machine fairly groaned under the heavy
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 dcmoralized the crowd, who
went in search of temporary hiding-places,
and somewhat interfered with the order of
exercises which had been laid out. 1t not
only rained but it poured, and to attempt
any patriotic eifusion at such a time was
out of the question, so a change of pro-
gramme was made, and the dinner was
'ordered." 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
goodly number repaired to the hall, and at
a few minutes before three o'clock, VIM.
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. f. 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, from the
landing of Columbus to a late day, closing
with an eloquent tribute to New England.
The Grafton occupied about three-quarters
of an hour, and he well kept the attention
of the audience during the time.
At the close of the Grafton the President
of the day announced that inasmuch as the
rain had ceased, and the desirableness of
having better air, the remaining exercises
would he holden in the open air. Accord
ingly stand was eNtemporized 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. T. Powers
then entertained the audience with one of
his pleasant speeches. occupying only Il
few minutes, which closed the literary eX-
ciscs.
TIE ENGINE TRIALS.
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, +.
+. Sadler, and J. NJ. Davis of Rutland,
acted as judges. The playing was through
300 feet of hose
The first company to test their power
was the "Grinders" of Ludlow. Their
machine is one of We ancient style, having
been built fifty years or more ago, and was
allowed trial more as 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 horizontal stream of 1875
feet.
The Alert Engine Company was then
called, and the boys got to work in quick
time. They played only once, throwing
horizontal stream of $50 feet.
Yosemite Engine Company was next to
work. Although this company has seen
but little active service, they went at the
business like old veterans, and made the
following score, making three plays:
First, one hundred and fifty-one feet
second, one hundred and seventy feet and
forty-cight feet Aside from this they
played once perpendicularly, doing nobly.
Their hose burst on both the first and
second trials, which left them at great dis
advantage.
Last, but not least, came Washington
No. 2. The minute that the boys were
called they went to work putting things in
readiness in double quick time, and showed
to the spectators that they knew their bust
ness. Four trials We're made with the
following result; First, one hundred and
seventy eight feet and two inches; second,
one hundred and seventy-seven feet and
two inches; third, one hundred and eighty
feet and six inches; fourth, one hundred
and seventy-eight feet and six inches.
The wind was against all the playing
and especially against that of the Wash
ington.
ercses terminated.
After partaliing of supper which had
been prepared at the Ludlow House, the
Rutland and Chester companies were es-
corted to the depot by the Altimont band.
just before departing, Major Ross, in be-
half of the members of Washington No. 2,
and j. S. Adams, clerk of the
a.