The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1885-10-13
THEY WATCHED HIM.
sUpT. DILLON, OF THe GAS WORKS,
vsry AEreesbiy surprIssd by His Friends
Lat Evening, Who Present Him with
Handsome Wateh-Dr. LOgaH'S Re.
mArks In Presenting tho Timer.

Notwithstanding the fact that the
weather last night was about as disagree
able as it could well be, it did not detract
in the least from the enjoyment Of q
pleasant and memorable event that occur
at the city gas works. Shortly before $
o'clock number of prominent citizens
began arriving at the works, very much
TO the surprise OF Superintendent James
Dillon, who was at loss TO understand
why citizens should desire to inspect tho
splendid works al night, and especially
on such a night. The retort house
with Its roaring fires aud brawny
workmen poking them, like 80 many de-
mons, was the objective point for all the
visitors, who numbered about fifty. Safely
housed there they bid defiance to the ele-
ments that ragged outside. Superintend-
emit Dillon mingled with his friends, ex-
planning this aud that, until be was inter
rupted By DR.. 7. II. Logan, whostepped to
the front and called for order. The work
men rested from their labor, and those in
other parts OF the grounds came in and
Joined the crowd Dr.. Logan said:
GESTLENEN:-Tour presence here at
this time is evidence that you are here for
particular purpose. In tultillment oil
that purpose am here, by your kind re-
quest, to render you what aid can. l
need not say that | am in full sympathy
with your plan, and that l thank you for
the honor which you have done me in
making me your mouthpiece on this
pleasant occasion. Most OF US have for a
long time known Mr.. Dillon, the present
Superintendent OF the Gas Wor ks. We
have known him as an honest and upright
citizen; and as an ingenious and skiDiul
mechanic. But the time comes sooner or
later when the best and truest OF men must
submit to the call OF time. Your friends
here, MIR. Dillon, think that YOU need to
be watched. Intact they have determined
indeed, to watch you. In accordance with
their instructions, and in their behalf, l
present you with this handsome watch.
They ask you to acceptit in token Of their
respect and good will and Of Undergraduate
for the kindness and justice with whlcny you
have always regarded them. 1t means
more. even, than this. 1t means that you
have been faithful aud efficient officer,
and as such are entitled 10 the confidence
and respect OF the people. During your
administration important improvements
and extensions OF the gas works have been
planned and executed. The capacity OF
the works has been doubled. The con-
sumption Of gas has been almost doubled.
Meanwhile the cost OF gas has been largely
reduced. These results have been so
striking that they have attracted the at
tention OF the most distinguished gas en-
eineers OF the country. In o late eonven-
ton OF gas engineers one OF its most cele.
brated members referred to the City OF
Wheeling gas works as the model gas
works OF tho country. We know that this
fortunate condition OF affairs is mainly
owing to the skill, foresight, and the wide
and accurate technical knowledge OF Mr..
Dillon. Mr.-Dillou, this watch ia the gift
Of your friends. 1t is now yours. trust
that for a long period it will mark time in
the hands OF the Superintendent OF the
Gas Works of the City OF Wheeling.
The watch that DR.. Logan handed to
Superintendent Dillon at the conclusion
OF his remarks was very heavy silver
case one, appropriately engraved. The
works OF the time-keeper are extra fine.
The watch is one that Mr.. Dillon admired
several months ago and expressed desire
to possess it. The workmen at the works,
who hold Mr.. Dillon in the highest esteem,
hearing him speak Of this watch, decided
to purchase and present 1t to him with
their best wishes, as q token OF their re-
gard and gratitude.
Mr.. Dillon was taken completely by
surprise and was 80 overcome by his feel
ings thai he was unable to respond. Col:
Robert White came to his rescue and
made very graceful little speech on be-
half OF the Superintendent Both speeches
were heartily applauded. Afterwards there
was general handwriting and season OF
good fellowship. Mr.. Dillon is naturally
very proud ofhis gift.