The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-08-19
window and ignited the dress Of a servant

| window and ignited the dress of a servant
girl.
Too much praise cannot be awarded to the
fire and hook and ladder companies and to the
citizens, both white and black, by whose until
ring efforts the town was saved from destruc-
lition. We would mention names but there
were many whom we did not see, but who are
equally deserving, and any distinction would
be unfair. The fire company of the City Of
Staunten is composed of as good material as
any similar organization in the Union, we care
not where it Island it is shame that no appara-
tus is provided for them with which to offer some
security to property. Whatever else is neglec-
ted, good steam engine should be purchased
at once, or else another fire like that of Sunday
morning. should the weather happen to be
dry, will leave little worth building streets and
water works for. With the Encouragement
which the fire company has met with, it is a
great credit to the young men who compose it
that they have responded so promptly and
effectually, when called upon, and though
many of them have not II dollar invested with
in the corporate limits, yet one would suppose
from their efforts, that their all depended upon
their exertion in fighting the flames. They
render their services gratuitously and should
have everything that can contribute to their
efficiency in emergencies, such as the one we
have just recorded.
The destruction of these splendid works was
misfortune to the town. Already the estab-
lishment had achieved reputation which re-
flected credit ON the community and brought
| about $4,000 per annum Of outside capital into
active circulation in our midst. It gave en-
ploymenc to from 30 to 25 hands and added
materially to the attractions of the locality
We could not learn whether or not it was the
intent ton OF the gentlemen to rebuild the
works, but from conversation with Mr.. Ey-
Ter, we hardly think it probable, unless Mr..
Brennan, who is wealthy, will consider it to his
interest-the other members of the firm not
| feeling themselves able. However, this may
| be, we trust that the meeting held in the Town
Hall on Monday, the proceedings Of which will
| be found in another column, will result in re-
establishing the works at once, and thus give
employment to the idle skill now amongst us,
which will seek other fields if work is not fur
| nished here. Staunton cannot afford to lose
any Of her manufactures much less one which
added SO greatly to her prosperity and before
which such promising future opened, and it
will be to the interest of every property holder
in the city, to use his utmost endeavors to the
furtherance of the plans expressed at the mee-
ting.
SPARKS FROM THE CONFLAGRATIoN.-
s,,H., ~ RI
possessed with wild zeal to do something to ar
rest the destruction which follows in the wake
of the devouring element, sometimes, and in
deed very often, achieve very remarkable things
in the way of proves and heroism. During
the burning of the foundry on Sunday morn
ing last, many of the spectators showed most
remarkable solictude for the preservation OF the
castings, as being material easily damaged by
the action of fire, and one party tossed the
books and papers of the firm aside and with
presence of mind rarely equalled, seized and
bore off in triumph two or three pillow points
and moulding board. Several colored
fire-fghters were seen to grab cooking stove
and carry it carefully and tenderly up the hill
and deposit it in place Of safety, while some
ISCuCC nySGtilucI CtIuCSLiy CAiOtOCo oAASM w
90 s.cover it with wet blanket"
One man sweating violently, and in high
state of personal excitement, commanded boy
to look on the mantepiece in one of the houses
threatened by the outreaching tongues of flame.
and bring that box of matches out ssbefore they
set something a fire.
An impressive instance of discipline and re-
gard for regulation, and the fitness of things
even under dire and appalling exigencies, W as
afforded by the cool conduct of one or two OF
the fire company recruits, who, having toiled
laboriously III dragging their reels to the
scene of the struggle, were suddenly smitten and
overpowcred at the recollection that they were
'sout of uniform, - and dropping hose and tackle
they repaired at once to their apartments to re-
appear at later period of.the fire in full dress
uniform and did their deuoirs most gallant
ly and in true fireman's style.
Many little boys focked on to elevated points
of observation and participated in the interest
of the occasion. One, as if Disguised with the
general plan of things and exasperated at the
inefficiency and lack of judgment manifested
by his elders. attested at once his supreme dis
SdClSIdCClOll anu Ouiltdy DOAooA ott@,iAs3 W "a
claiming to comrade, ''Oh why the h-ll don't
they throw a bucket of water on it." Another
youth was heard to comment upon the extreme
degree of heat experienced even at his remote
distance from the burning buildings, when his
Young heart faltered at the rejoinder OF his
companion, eyes, an it'll be deviish sight hot
ter for you, when you git home, for heerd the
ole woman squallin' for you like blazes, when
come by.'' We hope that the statement had
its origin in malice, and the interested young
observer and his anxious matron met III harmo-
NOUS greeting when, unlike Casablanca, he was
released from his self appointed watch.
THE CAMPAIGNING at Pleasant Grove, in
this county, which commenced on last Friday,
is still progressing. There are only few
tents on the ground, and, notwithstanding the
interruption by rain, yet the attendance has
been very commendable. The preaching has
been direct, with more effort to practical re-
suits than mere show and rhetorical fourshes,
which is too often witnessed at campmeetings,
as we'll as in the pulpits of the churches. DR..
J. S. Martin, of this city, has preached fire.
ouently and has fully sustained himself. His
sermon on Tuesday morning from the text in
Revelations, ID chap. and 10th verse--SBe thou
faithful unto death, and thou shalt have a
crown of life''-was one OF great power and