The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1883-04-25

fair hands as they marched. Re
freshments were provided for then
at various points on the route, ant
quite a halt was made at the house
of Mr.. E. Hunter, the Chief of The
Department, where provisions hae
been made to refresh the inner mar
after the tramp the boys had had
Hearty cheers evidenced their appre
citation of the welcome of which they
had been assured in advance by 8
handsome streamer bearing the word
"Welcome." From thence the pro
cession moved to Third street, from
Third to Second and to the Town
Hall where the Engines and Truck
we're placed in their rooms and the
.fremen marched TO the Picnic
grounds, where the procession was
disbanded.
SCENES AND INCIDENTS.
The banners of the companies
were beautiful works of real art
That of the Pacifics was borne by
Mr.. L. B. Baynard, and of the Hooks
by Mr.. VIM. Graham. The grada-
ton in the ranks of the Junior Paci-
fics from tall to small was the occa-
sion of much friendly remark and the
boys from the largest to the smallest
bore themselves like little men. The
two white ponies attached to the
bose carriage and which were being
Driven by Mr.. Henry Heyman, be-
came unmanageahle and gave some
little trouble. The balconies and
sidewalks all along the route were
.hronged with The people of the town
aud country, all Of whom were anx-
ious by their presence to do honor to
and show their respect for the gal.
liant FIRE lsddies who protect their
homes and 1iresides. We cannot
omit to mention the fine appearance
made BY the Grand Marshall and his
Assistants on their pranciDg sleeds.
Mrs. c. Geiger presented the Fire
Department with beautiful wreath
with streamers, on one of which was
ITO the Alexandria Fire Depart
ment," aud on the other presented
by Mrs. C. Geiger." I. was most
appropriate gift and was highly ap
precistsd by the different companies.
Nothing occurred on the whole line
of parade to mar the pleasure of the
day, and the flremen have every rea-
SON to be happy at their reception by
the public and proud of their parade.
THE PICNIC.
The beautiful grove near the brick
yard on the Bayou Robert road had
been prepared for the fremen's pic
mic and thither they and their guest:
repaired at the conclusion Of the pa
rade. Being the frat of the season
it must have been the source of much
pleasure to the immense crowd whict
bad gathered there to get out into
the country in the midst of the va
ried attractions Of bright sunshine
blooming flowers, green grass spe
singing birds that surrounded them
A platform bad been prepared, ane
after the band had given several stir
ring airs In the artistic and vel
trained manner for which they are 81
justly celebrated, the orator of tn,
day, Mr.. James G. White, was in
troduced and made happy, we'll
timed and eloquent address, which
was loudly app,aude'', and which
added to the lsurels already won b,
that gentlemen in the field of loren
sic effort. 1t was brief but to TIL,
point and did justice to the occasion
as it did credit to the gentleman
him self.
TIE time was delightfully."- spen
by the grown folks in promenading
conversation, card playing, etc, anc
by the Juveniles in jumping the rop,
swinging from the rustic vines, ons
in such games and pastin2s a
most doth delight the youthful fancy
Refreshments In abundance had bee,
provided, and all Of the appoint
ments Of the picnic were perfect
When our firemen undertake. to d,
anything they always do it we'll.
| THE BALL.
The grand ball with which the fire
mems day was concluded, was tn
event of the season The hall at th
Exchange Hotel was handsomel,
decorated and well lighted, and tn
array Of beautiful women and BRAY
men which were here assembled hav
but seldom, if ever before beer
equslled and certainly has neve
been surpassed. Rapides on thi
occasion fully sustained her reputa
tion for the beauty Of her ladies, a