The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1880-07-07

bered by them.
That you, gallant members of the
Pacific Fire Company, laying aside for
the moment the generous rivalry that
has made the Volunteer Fire Depart
ment of Alexandria, the best in the
State, and which for it's efficient SER
vice in proportion to its members and
for promptness in responding to the
call of duty, is not excelled by any
Department in any State-are here to
do honor to the occasion, does credit
to You and bespeaks you to be the true
and tried veterans that you are. 10
the name of the Hook and Ladder
Company, thank yon for the compli-
ment.
And that you, little Misses, last but
not not least, have rendered this gift
to the Company in such fattering and
complimentary language, and that
from source SO spotess and pure,
through hands SO innocent of evil and
tongue so ignorant of guile, it has
come to them. They have to thank
you, as now do in their name and on
their behalf.
And now, my friends of the Hook
and Ladder Company, | have myself
to thank you for the Partially which
made me your spokesman on this in
teresting occasion, and Ishall have ac-
quilted myself of the task as best !
know how, when in your name |
pledge these ladies that their banner
which VOW becomes yours, shall never
he stained by dishonor; that no un-
worthy thought or unholv deed of
yours shall mar its spotlcss purity;
that you will guard it as a priceless
treasure confded to your keeping; that
come what may you will bear it aloft
with plide which shall never die, and
with knightly courage that shall fall
ter at no obstacle and quail at no dan
ger when duty bids you onward!
THE BANNER
is one of the most beautiful and ar
tistic pieces of handiwork we have
ever seen. It has two faces, one of
white and the other of blue silk.
bordered all around with rich silver
fringe and tassels, and is handsome
" mounted in every particular. Up
on its white face is an embroidered
wreath of roses which, for happy
blending of colors, rivals the paint
ings of the old masters, and for Ell
propriateness Of design and careful
execution Of every detail has never
been surpassed, and but seldom
equaled, by the def fingers of the
fair sex. On the other, the blue
silk face, are embroidered a ladder
and hook crossed, with the followin.
motto: "Our Deeds Our Rcwar0."
1t is magnificent gift AMI excited
the admiration Of the entire audi
ence and of all who have seen ii
since. The Hook 4 Ladder Compa
ny may we'll be proud of their banner.
At the conclusion Of the presenta
ton ceremonies the children took
charge of the stage, and kept the
large and attentive audience inter
ested and charmed as they gave. in
quick succession. tie parts of the
following
PROGRAMMES:
Song, "My MaryIan,l,' hy all the
children, was we'll rendered, an;: the
blending of so many youthful voices
?rn'urca most happy effect.
Re- ,ation, by Master I. i. Muir
p!,y, was well spoken aud did much
credit 10 him.
Mus;c On the Piano." coming, as
it did, from Tie wings, with both The
performer and the instrumen out OF
sight, sounded us ii it Nigh, be the
echoes from some far-otf spirit-land
but it was at once to be perceived
that a thoroughly trained hand was
at the ivory keys.
Recitation, "The Village Black
smith, by Master L. Slerkx, who
was dressed in character, was efec
lively spoken by that young gentle
man, who has in him "the making
of a first-class orator. He has q
good voice and perfect self-posses-
sion, which are the first requisites
Music "By the band,'' who kindly
volunteered their services, and who
were under the able leadership of oul
genial and kind hearted townsman
Mr.. S. Schmalinski, was rendered ii
the highest style of the musical art.
''PLAY OF THE ANGELS"
This was tie prettiest of the whole
programme, AID the stage as the lit
tie Misses of the School, dressed al
Angels, with gossamer wings cam,
one after the other upon it, carried
the audience to fairy land. Mis-
Nellie Began, with crowns upon he
arm for each Of the countries repre-
scnted by the other Angels, calle'
upon each for recital of their res
pective claims and awarded to eac
her crown in appropriate TERMS