The Portland daily press., 1886-10-04
serves his fellow-men best is the grandest

serves his fellow-men best is the grandest
hero, and deserves the greatest praise. This
element of self-sacrifcing service enters
| largely into the composition of those, who,
when property and life are exposed to dan
ger, courageously stand forth as the pro-
| tectors of society, interposing themselves as
barriers between destruction and safety.
such men are our brave fremen; bora Win
zeal and aptitude for their work they COM
pose class SUI genefS, whose services
| money solely cannot procure, nor always
measure. 1t must be admitted that we do,
sometimes, as citizens. forget this fact and
overlook our Obligation to those who, for
meagre compensation, hold themselves ready
by day or night, without regard to weather,
to save our property from contlagratlon,
sometimes even at the risk OF life. 1t Is
natural, | know, when all goes well and the
skies are serene, to forget their services
amid our own complacency, but when the
atmosphere thickens with the smoke of van
ishiHg goods, and the heavens grow lurid
with the flames OF burning homes, then,
fully realizing their heroic endurance, how
easily our hearts swell with gratitude, and
our lips speak spontaneous words of praise.
am glad to say that Portland is justly ap-
preciatiye OF her firemen, and gratefully
recognizes the splendid service which has
saved us many destructive conflagrations.
A wise provision has organized an associa-
tion for the relief Of such members OF the
fraternity as may, through misfortune, stand
in need of assistance. To supplement this
benefcent care for the unfortunate, living
our city contributes this cemetery lot and
dedicates it as burial ground for any OF the
unfortunate dead. 1t is the just act OF just
people, the last sad acknowledgment and
tender care that can be bestowed upon
faithful servant who has entered that
''bourne from which no traveller eer re-
turns" We know not whose remains may
rest beneath this sod,-it is beyond mortal
power to penetrate the veil of the future
but this we do know that, guided by noble
impulse OF the human mind, this spot is sac
redly dedicated in sincere recognition of the
truly useful and truly heroic in human con-
duct, in grateful acknowledgement of ser
vices rendered society in its most trying or
deal. And as a.perpetual evidence OF such
appreciation, this lot thus solemnly set apart
will ever remain telling its silent but i'm
pressive story; whoever finds here resting
place, reposes under no imputation of public
charity, but as brave man who acted well
his part in staying the ravages Of material
destrnctions-a timely helper to his fellow
men, and, at last, in his death ard burial, a
worthy illustration of the principle that
whoever serves the public in its hour of need
shall himself be repaid with public sympa-
thy and esteem.
MIR. DEERIN!s ADDRESS.
Ex-Mayor Deering sas the last speaker.
He said that there was little left for him to
add to what had been sad but as he sat dur
ing the exercises, one 0. two thoughts had
occurred to him which heyould briefly men
ton. The fund of the Reef Association of |
the Portland Fire Department is small and |
should grow larger as the esity increases in
size and there is a corresponding demand for |
an increased force in the F,e Department |
Rich citizens should rememer the Relief |
Association while living and bequeathing |
legacies it should not be foTg0en. The as.
sociation can be helped with te knowledge |
that every dollar given it wiillgtto the relief
in need of aid.
At the close of Mr.. Deering'; ruarks. the |
choir sang, There's a land tht is fairer |
than Day." and the exercises close with the |
benediction by Rev. Mr. Dunn.