Louisiana capitolian., 1880-02-28
decoration, while on similar cushion
was set the large buck-horns which fur
Ii al ilu.ao uE 4Lo Oh ~,

uecOratlOn, Wnlle on Similar CUSHION
was set the large buck-horns which fur
nished evidence Of the championship.
Now comes moving along in the most
precise time and graceful mien, the
brave boys of the Old Reliable Wash
ington No. |, under the leadership Of
its popular and indefatigable Marshal,
Capt D. w. Bates, "whose cleverncss is
only exceeded by his affability and po-
liteness," his foaming steed prancing
with wonderful precision as the notes
of the music fell upon his ear. A little
further on, the company's bright banner
waved proudly in the hands of Mr.. Jas.
CASTILLO. Here Ed. Jolly's manly form
and handsome face appeared serene and
smiling, as he proudly marched beside
his esteemed comrades, and exercised the
cherished prcrogative of foroman-the
veterans fronting the active members
The engine "Elfe"-named in honor of
Mr.. r. J. McCabe's little daughter-was
drawn by team Of splended horses,
and the hosecart by the active men,
bers. The decorations were indeed
beautiful. Over the reel was variega-
ted arch, the reel being ovcrlaid with
blue cloth, in which was neatly woven
in gilt letters the figures, "l536," illus
trative of the cOmpany's venerable age !;
and "Here we are "-forty-four years
afterward. The steamer, by it's decora-
tiOns, was rendered as handsome as tits
possible for the human head to design
and the nimble fingers execute. Pink
and white ribbon were alternately wound
around the suction pipe, closely followed
by ivy beautltied with bright colored
flowers that contributed sense of rich
and rare fragrance to the beholder.
Above che branch pipe was an elegant
evergreen arch, flaming with roses and
camelias, which blended in the sweetest
harmony, while the historic bird of our
National frcedOm-the soaring Eagle
held in it's beak streamers Of red, white
and blue ribbon, cmblematic of the re-
vcrcd stars and stripes which now wave,
through the energies of the Gather of
his Country" as a living token of Amer
lean liberty, that fluttered i'll every ca
PRECIOUS breeze. Ilc smoke-stack held
Il magnificent boquct of variegated
grasses and blossoms, and a magnificent
tirelncn's chrome of considerable pro-
| p ,rtions obscured the door of the fur
mace, thereby afor'ling an exterior
adornment and perfecting the design
of artistic decoration.
The gorgeous cortegc first filed into
Lafayette street, up which it marched
to Main, out Main to Third, up Third to
North, out North to ST. Anthony, down
st. Anthony to Main, down Main to
Third, down Third to Boulevard, then
across to st. Louis, down st. Louis to
Africa, out Africa to st. Ferdinand
down st. Ferdinand to Asia, out Asia to
st. Charles, up st. Charles to Govern
ment, out Government to st. Napoleon,
up St. Napoleon to Africa, down Africa
to st. Charles, up st. Charles to Boule-
ward, down Boulevard, south side, to
St. Louis, where the procession was
halted, the different companies deliver
ing lusty cheers for the Grand Marshal
and his Aids.
After which the procession was dis
missed in the usual manner The COM
panics Immediately repaired to their
respective halls, where sumptuous lun-
ches were spread in readiness for their
enjoyment. For invitations to each of
them, and courtesics extended by many
whose names are too numerous to NEIL
tiOn, we return our grateful thanks. The
boys enjoyed themselves to the utmost
There was no stiffness or restraint, but
a free and open interchange of senti-
ment and kindly feeling. Many were the
| brilliant tOasts offered and received with
like response. Wit sparkled and sharp
repartee swclled the tleeting moments,
as glass after glass disappeared to re-
appear in living words of fun and enjoy
mcnt.".
We lift our dilapidated hat and make
humble acknowledgement to the boys
of Washington and Independence for the
high compliment paid the CAplToLIAN
as they marched past the Office. If our
efforts avail anything, rest, assured,
they will be exercised in your favor as
long as the CAPITOIIAN floats in earnest
appeal from the historic towers of the
lony-wrongcd "Highland City,"
All, boys! you called on us fora toast,
and the "sparkling water" held us back
in the chair Of intimidation. But now,
we pledge You in that same sparkling
beverage water! Here's to the High
land City Fire Boys--bravc and chival-
rous, always ready when the fire fend
lifts its blazing head-thcy are second to
none. Long may they wave!
The New Orleans papers inform us