Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1889-05-16

hand IN the afternoon and turned the
Rreeting to the firemen into big ovation.
The parade in the afternoon developed
into reception and q feast at almost
each engine house and the local firemen
stopped at nothing TO honor their guests.
Ihe Weccacoe and Phoenix companies
had prepared elaborate lunches while
all the companies manifested great en-
thusiasm and treated the visiting fire lad
dies in true fireman style.
The banqueting was continued al
night, when the visitors and number Of
invited guests from this city, including
Mayor Harrington, several oouncilmen
and other city officials and business men,
Sat down To q fine supper In the Church
man Building at Tenth and Market
streets. An unlimited supply OF coed
and substantial things had been provided
and good cheer reiRned supreme. A
1ollier, more good-natured crowd could
not be imagined. Mayor Harrington
made another speech, aud Mayor Kenny
Of Reading tried to talk shin out. His
happy remarks called forth the most en-.
thuaiastic plaudits. II had been nothing
but eat, drink, talk and walk with Read
ine's good-natured mayor from the time
OF bis arrival until his departure. After
the supper at night, the visitors wsre
taken in tow by individual fremen and
shown the town.
Friday morning they rose--bright and
early and at 3 O'Clock committee Of the
Friendship arrived at the Clayton House
and escorted them to the Delaware Fire
Oompany's honse at Sixth and French
streets, where they we're treated to another
toothsome lunch or "sst- out" as the fire.
men delight in calling them. An alarm was
struck for their benefit from box No. As
and the visitors were shown the depart.
ment In practical working operation. The
time for departure had arrived and guests
sud hosts walked to the p, W. & b. sta
tion in time for the 1045 o. m. train.
Mayor Kenny, who had been presented
with beautiful bouquet, made another
| speech from the car. The band played
"Auld Lang Syne," and amid the most
hearty handshakings, huzzss and un-
bounded enthusiasm, the train drew
slowly out OF the station, the crowd
cbeering until the train reached Poplar
street. The visitors were lavish in their
praise of the treatment received. They
thanked their hosts, the Friendship. the
tiremen generally, the people Of Whining
ton and the newspapers, and insisted that
they were under too deep obligations
uatil the Friendship would give them the
opportunity to return the compliment in
Reading.
NOTES OF THE FIREMEN.
During the procession in the morning
the bells on the city hall and court houEt
were ruDg in honor Of the Friendships
guests
The decorations and display of Grant
s. Riggs in front Of the Opera House
were pretty and appropriate. A line Of
hose with nozzle attached was run up q
ladder, from the top Of which It sent forth
o stream Of water, which fell with q
splash at the feet Of the marching FIRE.
men.
The visiting firemen are O set OF hand.
J some, robust looking men who look every
inch the fireman. They aye dressed 10
marching unifoEm with long dark blue
| coats and blue trorsers, red shirts and
firemen's holmets, as we'll as fatigue oaps.
They created decidedly good impres-
sion, their marching and drilling being
exceptionally fine.
Mayor Kenny eVidentlyi ia very popular
not only with the tiremer, but also with
the citizens of Reading generally. BE
Ia rather small in stature and wears a
small moustsche. He generally rises
equal to the occasion and can turn O
speech or crack joke as circumstances
require. He talks to and Of the visiting
firemen as I'VE fremen" and it would be
an untoward fate that should prevent him
from further political advancement.