San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-09-22
THEIR DAY OFF.
THE FIREMEN'S PICNIC AT
THE LEONA.
Music, Dancing, Games and Politi-
cal Efferyescences.

The firemen of this city are under tie
impression that they can never under
take anything of Importance without
having their plans interfered with by the
rain, and this impression was considerably
augmented by yesterday mornings threat
ening weather. However, fully three
hundred ladies and gentlemen assembled
prospective fray. After some delay, the
train under the charge of Conductor
Fred. Loring, consisting of seven coaches,
left the depot and sped on through such
scenery as no section but West Texas can
present, to the beautiful picnic grounds
at the springs of the Leona. An Ameri-
can flag, flying at the head of
high flag staff, designated the place
for the days revelry. A beer
stand, a fruit stand, a hobby horse
concern and the irrepresSble camera
were already on the grounds, awaiting
the visitors. The pleasure seekers start
ed in at once. The photographer spread
his camera, the politician posted his
cards, the men flocked to the LIQUID re-
freShment stand, the ladies tackled the
fruit dealer and the small boy Stampeded
for the hobby horse. A number of peO-
pie also set out for the tops of the sur
rounding hills from several of which
distinct view of San Antonio was easily
obtained. The nice little springs tempted
many an angler who patiently whiled
away the time, waiting for bites.
When at three o'clock the second train,
carrying about five hundred people, ar
rived. the competitive part of the pro-
gramme, in the shape Of races, jumping
and hose coupling, was carried out, Gre
ating considerable merriment. The fol-
lowing is the list of successful competitors
and their prizes:
Herman Aue, 15O-yard race, silver
clock.
Charles Beckmann, 22O-pOund fat mans
race. jug of Bourbon rye.
Henry Weber, boys race, box of candy.
Rudolph Aue, high jump, box of cigars:
George NOrdhauS, long jump, box OF
cigars.
w. G. Wagner, champion coupler, silver
medal.
Miss Abel Labroche, for best rope skip
per, , minutes and Al seconds, box of
candy.
The vote was then taken for the most
popular lady upon the grounds. The He
Totes carried off the prizes by Miss Baer--
ner'S receiving the highest number OF
votes. She received a fine dressing set.
The loud and long whistle of the train
called home the first large group OF pic
nicers. This train was veritable train
load of fun. Some yong fellows in the
cab had well known young lady with
them, and when the train was well
under way, a series of five or six liStol
shots fired in rapid succession from the
cab window, told of the jolly scenes that
II in nln
where it is supposed that the engineer
and fireman are sober at work, looking
out for the lives that are entrusted in
their hands. In the centre of the train
the passengers enjoyed laughable eXhl-
bitiOn in the arts of ventriloquiSm and
mimicry, and the last cars, too, reSounded
with unbrOken laughter. Another train
returned to the grounds few hours later
and carried off the remaining excursion
lists.
EVERYTHING was quiet and outside of an
insignificant fight between two men about
some statement. there was no disturb
ance. One-half of the people had come
out to enjoy themselves and the other
half to talk politics.
The office holders, the candidates ana
other politicians were actively en-
gagged in groups, discussing every
political point from the republican down
TO the democratic state conventions. The
waterworlls question, however, seemed to
command the greatest attention, and the
manner in which 1t was discussed, pro
and con, with the aid of a liberal amount
of beer, left Saturday nights waterworkS
meeting far in the shade.
The object of the excursion was to Sc
cure funds for the entertainment OF the
firemen. whose next state convention
meets in this city, and it is calculated that
this excursion Melted them several hun
bred dollars. which, with the money al
ready on hand. Swells their funds to, $1,000;
The laddieS express themselves pleased
with the moral and financial success OF
the undertaking. and the excursioniStS in
return are thoroughly satisfied with the
co u limo 4hnt thnu had nninVnd