The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1891-08-19
THE NATIONAL FIREMEN,s CoNvEN-
TON,
Chief Vap SciUer's Report oftbe DoisgS
at Springfield, Mass. The Recep-
tion-Ihe E1hi6it Of the Y. N. c. A.
Workers, &C., &c.

a0n-1he EGhSoat or the Y. NJ. Z. A.
Workers, &C., &c.
1t is the new and wonderful things the
traveller finds which cause admiration,
and while within the range of home there
are thousands of attractions, his eye only
brightens or fancy delights at those scenes
and incidents which are not every day &C.
currences. A journey from Lambertville
to Springfield in itself is of very little i'm
port the scenes and incidents en- route
are the same as one will meet on almost
any road, but the motive which calls one
there, at this time of the year, has much
in it to give prominence and Importance.
There is to be meeting, the nineteenth,
of the "Chief Fire Fighters" of the United
States, and the deliberations of such an
aggregation are of great value. The men
who control and work the various depart
ments that save life and property, in pro-
portion to the amount of knowledge pos
sessed by the officer, and the liberality Of
those governing the cities TO which they
belong, are and must be of Importance.
1t was the writer's privilege to be
among the number of Chiefs and delegates
who boarded the four o'clock line from
New York to Boston on Monday after
noon, the 10th of August. The business
of Chief Engineer is not only to put out
fire, but prevent it II possible. On this
particular afternoon there was an intense
heat on, that not one Chief would under
take to subdue, although various methods
were tried, which it was hoped would re-
duce the temperature. Ninety-eight de-
grees in the shade, in the smoking car, as
the line pulled out Of New York City,
which only decreased eight degrees on ar
rival at Springfield, was not the most in
spring Qf perspiriug), time to enjoy the
beautiful scenery with which the route is
dotted, though, as far as scenery is con-
cerned, one does not have to leave the
Delaware to flnd 1t aud those who reside
In New Jersey or Pennsylvania need not
60 into Mysteries on Connecticut or Mas
sachusetts scenery in preference to their
own. When 1t comes to manufacturing
interests, there is wide difference and
the large number of mills and factories
give to the people of New England an
air of thrift and go-aheadativeness which
increases the farther one goes.
Connecticut and West Amwell township
have oae common relation, 80 far as stone
fences are concerned, for you see nothing
but stone fences for long distance after
striking that State. A sheep or pig is q
curiosity, but the tobacco crops meet the
gaze on every side, and Connecticut to-
bacco is considered fine.
AT seven twenty-seven, the brakeman
sings out springfield |" and all is hustle
and activity, but not exactly confusion,
as various members of the Fire Depart
ment are to direct and take charge of the
visiting delegates and their wives. Our
party of three, Selem S. Thomas, of Port
Royal, Pa, representing the Firelnan's
State Association, Chief John w. Hulse,
Of Freehold, N. j., and the writer, were
booked for the Massasoit House and were
soon within its broad domain. Will,
this is tue Oldest hotel in the city and call
ed the best, yet it is far behind many o
the others in regard to modern improve
menls. There are no elevators, which TO
those OF ripper years is great objection
and on this account quarters were obtain
ed the next day at the Gilmore House
more in the central part and in the sam
building where the convention held it
daily sessions and within stones throw
OF the City Hall, where the manufacturer
OF fire apparatus had free exhibitions dali,
and nightly.
The evening was given TO strOll VI
and down the main street, and the electric
lights, electric cars, the handsome displa,
of store goods and merchandise, the larg
blocks of granite and brown stone, tower
Ing up six and eight stories and sometime
occupying a frontage of square, tn
gorgeous decorations 10 honor of tn
event, which put holiday garb throughou
the city, all struck US with wonders snt
surprise. We had anticipated warm re
ception, as New England is noted for sucl
hospitality, but we were not prepared TO
the outburst of warm -heartedness whicl
presented itself on every side 10 the de
sire to welcome and make one feel a
home. We found ourselves at HON,
when the time TO retire came, but 1t Il
best not to repeat the expression OF con
tempt for the weather. 1t is presumed
that those at home were in the same Il,
and know how 1t is themselves.
After good nights sleep, we rise re
freshed and ready for the days doings
and after inquiry, receive programme
which read: '11:30 A. M, delegates as
semble at Cooley's Hotel; reception b,
the Fire Department and escort to Oper
House."
AT or about the time designated, th
Department, led by squad of policemen
the Cadet Band and then Chief Leisure
arrived in front of Headquarters and Will
the various delegates were sized up 4
line by Chief Hendricks, of New Haven
the band discoursed several airs, whicl
were pleasant surprise as they were th
same as played by the p. D. s. of A
Band and reminded US of our own city
and the only comment we have TO make
is the music was in favor OF the Cade
Band. The Fire Department of Spring
field is composed mostly OF young and &C
tive men they are not all paid reguarl
but only on call, sufficient number be
ing retained to properly man and TAX
care Of the apparatus, which is all goo
and strong and up to the standard of ex
| cellence of larger cities. II Ia n mode