Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-04-29
DIED At LIE POST.

The Fire Department. of this city still wears
the habiliments of mourning over the death
OF the fireman, Capt. Charles B. Davis, who
was killed week ago while in the faithful
di.charge OF his duty. The death of this
noble man contains a whole drama of
psthos. He vas loved by the department of
which be was a valued member, and respect
ed By the whole community in which he had
30 long lived. Distinguished honors would
have been paid to him in his funeral, but
for his aversion TO such displays. What
makes the death Of Capt. Davis peculiarly
sad is the fact that be was engaged TO be
married to charming young lady Of Mem
phis, and the ru-'-,a- were TO nave been
celebrated on Thursday last. The dead fire.
man has a war a place in one human breast
at least, Who will bewSI nis untimely death
with overwhelming anguish. During the
past week this misfortune has caused much
sorrow, and all have united in paying trib-
utes to the heroic life and services Of the
deceased. Capt Charles B. Davis has written
his fame ia fire. He was the very in
carnstion Of fearlessness in war and
as fireman, and fell at his
post brayely battling for others. He
deserves as much praise as the military hero,
for no battlefield of ancient or modern times
can show an achievement surprising his
dsuntless courage. In all the natural quail
ities that 60 to make mp a hero az the world
counts heroes, We heeitate not 10 place Capt.
Charles B. Davis among the frst--his fame
not blood. bought, net won in taking life but
in saving. The iremsnpursuess hazardous
calling. He takes his life in his
hand; one is killed, another takes bis place.
The ranks are closed mp; there is no time fer
sentiment. Like the warrior who grows
callous 10 the danger and death which he
sees lurkiBg in every breeze, aud from long
association with its deadly results, goes
complacentIy snd iesrlessly to the can
mons mouth, the fireman rushes into
danger regardless OF consequences. He
only realizes his danger and INCLINATION
when he sees comrade crushed amid
crumbling ruins or piucked from the de-
Youring elements. The flag under which
the warrior fights ia consecrated, and there
is no reason why the Gag which is carried
amid blood and slaughter ehould be cousid-
cred az hallowed, while the fire engine, never
used as an insignia of destruction, but Of
preservation and safety, should be deemed
unworthy of consideration. The physician
Is loved while he is ministering to the all
1nents Of the alarmed patient. But with re.
stored health this ungratefal patient cares
nothing for the physician bothering him with
the bills incurred in saving kis worth
le,s life. While the 6remsn is risk
ing life and by heroic exerlioHs
saves the property of his avaricious neigh
Dor he is loved and admired, but this friend
ship expires with tho consuming haaass
which could only have been extinguished by
risk of life which the brave fireman could
have avoided without endangeriDg his posi-
tion. The family of the fireman who has
fallen in the discharge Of his duty should not
be forgotten, and the fireman who has been
manned or incap2citated for duty in service
should be treated with az much eonsidera-
tion as the manned colder. Fire is most
alarming and destructive element, and those
VINO ngnl IL are SntLtl6u 70 Us DuCu circuit
as those who fight the battles ottneir country
The firemen in Memphis take a pride in
their profession. The department is well
organized, snd it ia safe TO say that
there is no city in the Union that has
more efficient FIRE department than Mem
phis. When not actively al werk the members
are disciplining themselves snd training their
horses. The promptness Of the department
in responding to an alarm and in getting to
work, the fires started and steam generated
is marvellous. This promptness is the result
of practice and training, and when the de-
psr:meat is called upon TO battle with an
actual confsgration, it is only the skill that
comes from habit and discipline that enables
the force TO be used and disposed
of to the best advantage. An efficient
fireman is never made at once, and 1t is mol
therefore surprising that experienced men
are SO long continued in the public service
We congratulate the Memphis Fire Depart
ment on its efficient organisation, and we
sympathizs with the members in the lcss Of
the noble hero whose death has inspired this
tribute TO his memory and the Fire Depart.
Toent IF Mepnnbis