Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-16
HoNORED BY THE LADDIE
Captain Geo. E. Harris Called Upon At His Re.
idence and Presented With an Elegant Cane.


idence and Presented With an Elegant Cane
For some time the members of the fire
department have been DESTROYS TO show
Captain Geo. E. Harris an emphasized ap-
probation they have for his labors in per
fecting the fire department while in the
city council and his friendship to the de-
partment not only in the council but in
many other ways, showing in no uncertain
manner his interest in that feature OF the
city's machinery. His work in this line
long since among the boys caused him TO
be called the father of the department,
and whenever anything was needed or a
champion called for, for any measure IN
that line they would with no
small degree of confidence turn to
him and submit the situation, feeling
sure that their cause was in good hands.
AS Il earnest of their kindly feeling
toward him they decided TO pre-
sent HIM with the finest cane car
ried by any one in the city Mr..
Vail made a special order in compliance
with the departments wishes and some
days ago the same arrived and was ready
for the event. Mrs. Harris and son Earn
est were informed of the department S
wishes and 10 them it was allotted to see
TO it that the Captain did not leave his
home last evening until o'clock as by that
time the department would be on hand
with the surprise in store for him. At 7:30
the hose cart of No 2 and hook and lad
der truck reached No. and aquarter hour
later the chief, Mr.. A. G. Walden led the
way, followed first by the chemical
hose cart of No. l. hose cart of
No. 2, and the hook and ladder
truck bringing up the rear. Reaching
Second they turned west 10 Riverside av-
enue and thence north half block in
front OF the captains elegant residence.
The drivers were left in charge and the
Others followed their chief to the entrance.
They were met at the door by the captain
who seemed much surprised at the situa-
ton but was not long in inviting the boys
into the parlor, claiming all the time that
no alarm had been sent in from that point,
but notwithstanding that fact he could see
no reason why they should not be invited
in, leaving the chemicals and hose in the
street.
Chief Walden gained the attention of
the captain and said
Captain, we have not long to stay and
my story is short. You have been called
upon by the members of the fire depart
ment to thank YOU for the many favors
shown us. Your services commenced with
the creation of the department and since my
connection with it, you have been instru-
mental IN bringing 1T to its present degree
OF proficiency. We recognize this fact and
In you while you were serving the city, an
efficient officer and the fire department a
valuable friend. As testimonial of your
services and constant alertness concerning
our needs we present you with this prize
We call not your attention to its intrinsic
value, but to the good will that goes with
it. We trust you will have many days in
Wichita after succeeding in giving US
cheap fuel-many years may it be yours
and may joy go with YOU
The captain, looking at the elegant cane
for moment and then glance at the
boys, said: My Chief and Gentlemen of
the Fire Department: / think | have read
some time that Vallandham once said he
was bankrupt when he most needed
wealth. The remark is very appropriate
to me at this time, as / would that could
talk to you as | feel. A moment ago some
one at the telephone said Is this 40? The
fire department is coming to your place ,
He said nothing more, but left
and as turned around | looked out the
window and saw you coming. | could not
imagine the why of your coming, and now
understand why there were so many lit
tie things needing my attention here this
evening. You have caught me unawares
and while | have no claims upon you, | am
amply paid for my constant friendship to
you in the future. | have a photo of the
first company l organized. The first horse
the company bought the boys called
George and / considered it a COZ Dliment
When undergoing trial and tribulation and
thinking of resigning my position in the
council the midnight sessions would find
me giving some attention to the problem
Of giving safety to our people, and for
this, to know you have tender feeling for
me, is enough. This gift j don't know how
to appreciate. 1t pleases me greatly when
ever | see good word for YOU in the press
That you are doing your duty and that it
at times is recognized in the papers is a
great source of satisfaction to me. 1t
cheers you and has an equally cheering eff
feet on me-"
You risk your lives for those who sleep
and l know you do your duty and
that no rivalry exists except to excel
in doing your work All have done for
the fire department did for your chief
He said you boys ought to have better pay.
l replied, should you not have better pay:
when he answered, get money for the boys
and pay no attention TO mine. We sue
ceeded in getting more pay for you and in
assisting to do that only did my duty"
THE people don't appreciate your
services. l know the feelings of fire
laddies. Danger is nothing. We have a
fire department that ranks with the en-
terprising city, which means that it is
second to none in the state. / wish were
able to give you word Of en-
couragement / have an affec-
ton for you no language can express.
This is a moment will never forget. May
those who have the control of the depart
ment in their hands in the future ever
have the interest of the department in
mind | will carry this cane as long as
live and want it buried with me"
Ii was an elegant gold headed ebony cane
bearing the inscription Captain George
+. Harris, presented by the Wichita fire
department The hour at the captain 5
residence was certainly an oasis IN the
ladies life
C. I-s.C
At tie last meeting there were present at