The Morning herald., 1876-01-27
Centennial.

THE FIREMEN's AssoCIATIoN-REeULA
MEETING LAST NIGHT-sPEECH BY LEAN
DER RIDDLE-wHAT THE FIREMEN WILL
Do-THE MATTER TO BE MORE PUBLICLY
DISCUSSED.
The Firemen's Centennial Association
met ct 7.3O O'Clock, last evening, In the
Washington Engine House, French street
above Third, Mr.. Mccall presiding.
Mr.. Mccall, President of the Finance
Committee stated that all the circulars had
been distributed and about $11S had been re-
ceived. Among thosewho have contributed to
the Centennial Fund are William Morrow,
S., Jacob Kienle, IS, Leander Riddle 500;
G. A. Rodney, IS; Jos. Fout, 80; Henry
Teltmier 81.
The Committee on Entertainment re-
ported that Daniel Dougberty had been en-
gagged to lecture in the Opera House, on
Saturday evening; the Hall had been en-
gagged; the tickets printed, and a large num-
Der of them had been sold. q, .,' s..I
A committee had been appointed to wait
upon Mr. Leander Riddle, but had not been
able to obtain any definite reply from him.
During the evening Mr.. Riddle made his
appearance, when he was intro
duced to the members, and proceeded to
state what the condition of the Centennial
movement was in this State. He stated
that "When the movement was first started
was chairman of meeting held in Phila
delphia, where the matter of organizing
centennial movements in the diff
ferent States was discussed, $4,000
was the appropriation then fixed
for Delaware, $4,000 for Wilmington
and SIS 900 for the balance of the State. A
State Board was organized and the subject
of erecting q building at the Centennial
Grounds brought up, but for want Of men,
bers and interest 1t had been almost aband-
oned. 1t was intended that Delaware
should represent ner industries at the Ex-
position, and space of 200 feet square ad-
joining that to be occupied by the State oil
Massachusetts, had been allotted. In Agri-
cultural Hall space of 40 feet square bad
been set aside for the exhibition of the
fruits and vegetables of Delaware. Yet,
gentlemen, had it not been for you l doubt
very much whether there ever would have
been building erected. And should be
very sorry could not Delaware, one of the
original thirteen States, when all the Other
States are having such fine buildings
erected, did she not do likewise, and l dc
think there is prospect of her even doing
more than any other State, proportionally
And, indeed, I wish that it could be so. al
the history of Delaware has ever been q
glorious and an honorable one. Never did
soldiers go more willing to battle or fight
more bravely than those of Delaware, both
during the war of Independence and the
late Rebellion. She has ever distinguished
herself in National questions, and stood out
boldly In assisting her sister States in theil
difficulties. I think that now since the
question is again revived, it will
succeed, and I am willing to assist in any
way possible" p''
A motiou to invite the First and Secont
Assistant Engineers, A. D. Vandever ant
E. Dutton, to participate in the prepara
tions was adopted. yrt
The question Of having the Ccntennia
question more publicly discussed was intro
dnced. Mr.. Riddle suggested that perhap
. the services of some prominent gentlemen
, could be procured to present the subject t.
+ the people, and also that the use of th
Masonic Hall conld be secured for the pur
pose. On motion the matter was referret
to the Committee on Public Entertainment
!, A motion to invite the Good Will Fir
Company of New Castle to join in the move
ment was adopted. .
!, Some informal discussion was indulge,
in concerning the publication of names o
persons who had subscribed. On motiol
the Association adjourned until tomorrow
evening at 7-30 o'clock. | ." ~