Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1876-01-18
Firemens. Convention

drsulioo ball last night.
h. J. Neyett, chairman OF the Hydrauilon
delegation, called the meeting to order, When'
on motion of NJ. ii. Nash, DR.. ). b. Johnson
President IF the Friendship, Was called to the
chair.
Park Agnew was appointed secretary.
On calling the roll, the following delegates
we're found TO be present:
Friendship Dr.. j. B. johnson, B. +. Penn
and James Hammcrsley.
~Sun-George Dufey, Hugh Latham and
| Hiram Webster.
Hydrauiion-H. J. Ncvett, H. P. Berkeley
and A. G. Kell.
Relief Hook and Ladder-R. NJ. Latham,
Park Aguew and NJ. H. Nash.
Columbia-A. 7. Ramsay, Thos. Leadbeater
and Henry Strauss.
H. J. Nevett said that the Hydraulion com
pany had called the convention together, in
accordance with ime-honored custom, to de-
libcratc as to the feasibility Of having a parade
on the % of February. They had no propo-
sition to make, however, and preferred leaving
the matter to the other companies.
Major Dutfey said he favored the project for
having a parade, but had seen a proposition IN
one of the evening papers proposing to call Oh
the citizens for aid, which he was opposed TO.
He thought that when the apparatus needed
repairs the citizens ought to contribute, but
when shirts, hats, &C.. we're wanted for parades
the fremen should get them themselves.
Fl. j. Nevett, in reply, said that it was not
proposed to ask aid for unifprming that wasa
personal expense to be borne by each fireman.
These parades attracted large crowds to town,
and the hotel and restaurant keepers and bust
ness men generally were benefited thereby,
and he saw 10 reason why they should not con-
tribute to the payment for music and other IN
cideutal expenses.
Henry Strauss thought all this debate un-
necessary, and moved t. go ln!0 ballet Oh the
question as 10 whcther or Tot there ,houId be
a parade.
B. f. Penn said he had not had time to COZ.
suit the members Of his company, aud suggest,
ed 40 Adjournment to allow his delegation 10
do so.
DR.. johnson concurred in Mr.. PENIS re.
quest. He believed that a large majority Of
bis company we're in favor Of a parade, anu
the only thing which might keep them back
was the stringeucy of the times and the lack o!
money. He, The speaker, favored these pa
rades. They did much good aud 20 harm
had q tendency to foster good feelings amongst
the franen; drew crowds of people to the city,
and benefited the merchants. He thought
that the merchants would come out as for
merly.
Hugh Latham said that having only
been appointed d delegate that morning, and
DOT h,ving lad a chance to consult his men,
felt a delicacy in voting, and hoped the request
for time would be granted. He was enphatl-
think that Alexandria, which nigh be called
the home of Washington. would fail to calc-
brate his birthday il this the Centennial year.
If his company should fail 10 be out on the
parade, it would be caused by no hing but
poverty he thought, however, that they
would, without doubt, come out. He con-
CURED 10 the remarks of Mr.. NcVett in regard
to calling IN the cltlzeus.
Major Duffey said his company was not so
very poor; if the delegates committed her she
would come out.
Mr.. II. Strauss came uninstruciel, but
thought all were in favor Of a parade, and
wanted it deciied.
Mr.. B. L. Penn moved that The convention
adjourn until "Wednesday, the 26th instant.
Lost-Ayes ., nos 3.
Mr.. A. L. Ramsaj then asked if the SUI
and Friendship would abide by the decision OF
the Convention.
Messrs. Dufey and Penn pledged their com
pauies to do so.
The vote was then taken on Mr.. Strauss mo-
ton to parade on the 22d Of February, AID re-
suited in a unanimous vote in the affirmative.
Major Duffey moved that a committee of
five be appointed to select . Chief marshal aud
make other necessary arrangements, and re-
port tc the convention at an adjourned meet
ing.
H. j. Nevett said that by regular rule the
chief marshalship this year belonged TO the
Columbia, and he presumed that the romiuee
of the delegates from that company would, Of
course, be elected. He favored immediate ac-
ton by the convention itself.
MIR. Strauss thought the Friendship or Sun
should have the chief marshal, they being the
oldest companies.
Major Duffcy's motion was then carried, and
the Chair appointed as the committee Messrs.
Penn, Latham, Berkeley, NASH and Strauss.
Ga motion, The convention adjourned until
Wednesday evening, January 26!h.
The subcommittee OF arrangements will
meet at the HydrauIion eDglne-h house to mor-
row night.
Letter From Falls Church..