Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-06-08

The Anniversary OF the Fire De-
partment-A Fine Parade and Ex.
citing COntest-Fhe Waivers Again
victori0us-SocIal Reunions.

The sixth anniversary of the Savannah
Fire Department was celebrated yesterday
afternoon in q grand style. Never since the
organization of the present department
has there been more interest
manifested in the display than
was seen yesterday afternoon. The hour
announced for the assembling of the sew
eral companies on South Broad street was
two O'Clock, but long before that hour the
crowd began to gather, and as the line was
being formed the greatest enthusiasm was
manifested. The companies came upon
the ground in front Of Fireman's Hall in
fine style, the several engines being
brightly Furnished, and both steamers
and hose carriages were handsomely deco
rated with flowers. The Bartows made
their appearance in force, and in their new
uniforms presented very attractive appear
ance. The Washingtons with their new
hats and snowy dress also looked well,
whilst the Waivers in their neat blue shirts
and black pants, with regulation
hats, appeared as though they were
able at any and all times to give bat
tie to their common foe, the fire iend.
The Werners looked remarkably well in
their handsome, well fitting suits, and, to
be brief and without being too compliment
tary, we may say that never has the Savan-
nah Fire Department appeared to better
advantage than when organized into line
yesterday afternoon.
The column was formed in the following
order:
L. Union Cornet Band.
2. Werner Hook and Ladder Company.
3. Washington Steam Fire Engine Com
pany and Hose Reel No. l.
4. Savannah Volunteer Guards Band.
and Hose Reel No. 2.
6. Barlow Stesm Fire Engine Company
and Hose Reel No. 3.
About half past two o'clock the order was
given to forward, and the brilliant process
sion moved down South Broad street, both
sides of which were lined with people, and
everywhere they were greeted with admiring
comments. After reaching East Broad
street, and Just as the column was turning
into Bay street. the horses attached to the
steamer John w. Anderson became balky
and refused to bulge. The procession
moved on and the steamer was left con-
siderable distance in the rear. The greatest
difficulty was experienced in getting the
horses to move, and the column had reached
the Exchange and came to a halt, when the
other engine was far behind and did not
catch up until after the inspection.
On arriving ia front of the Exchange the
men were drawn up in single file on either
side of their apparatus and the inspection
by the Mayor and Aldermen, who were &C
compsnied by the Chief Fireman and AS
sistant, followed. Never had the apparatus,
from the handsome truck to the hose reel,
looked to better advantage, and the officials
were greatly pleased and cOmplimented not
only the apparatus but the men and the
splendid turnout.
After the inspection, the column was re-
formed, and proceeded down Bay street to
West Broad, to South Broad, to Drayton,
down Drayton to Congress, to johnson
square, where the contest took place.
More than usual interest was shown in
this contest, and the streets in the vicinity
of the square were thronged with people,
while every available space in every build
ing around the square where there was 8
possible chance of getting view of the con-
test was occupied. There were more ladies
abroad than we have ever seen before on a
similar occasion.
The scene was one of the liveliest excite
ment, and for the time Savannah seemed
given over to general holiday. About five
o'clock arrangements were made for the
contest, and the Washingtons took position
in the square facing st. Julian street, west.
THE TERMS OF THE CONTEST
were as follows Each engine to remain at
cistern thirty minutes after starting fire, to
play through so feet OF hose with 100 pounds
of steam, aud measurement to be taken of
throw, which must be solid drops of water;
steam gauges to be tested on the ground.
There was some delay In getting water, but
the crowd waited patiently, and when the
Washingtons began to throw water, the
band played and the crowd cheered, the
enthusiasm increasing with the power Of the
stream. When the Wsshingtons' time was
out, the band gave another tune, and as
that steamer withdrew, and the Waivers filed
into the square and took position near the
cistern, the excitement increased.
A strong wind was blowing at the time,
and this In a measure affected both the
Washingtons and Waivers.
After the Waivers the Bartows took posi-
ton with their own engine, and really
astonished the crowd by her excellent
throwing, under the circumstances. During
the contest the liveliest scenes were wit
messed on the street, and many were the
bets recorded. Each steamer had adj
vocates, who were enthusiastic over
her merits, and were not slow to
back their opinions. The Bartows' en-
CINE, just towards the last throw, broke her
piston rod, and thus closed the contest.
As the hour was late, and in consequence
of one steamer being disabled, the Chief
did not consider 1t advisable to put the extra
steamer, the John w. Anderson, into service.
The judges made up their report and
submitted the following, showing the
Waivers again victorious. Thus she was
last year and the year preceding that.
TUE OFFICIAL RFsTrTT