The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1894-11-21
The Sumter Firemen in Columbia

The Delgar Reel Sqnad of Samter, has re-
turned They cone hack not with hanging
heads of the defeated, but Growing "s all
victorious Gsme Cocks crow. The troom,
the emblem of clean sweep, came with them.
This is one instance 10 which an old broom
sweeps clean.
Delgar team left Tuesday night on the train
due here At s.45, but which was one and a
half hours behind time, and was consequent
" delayed in i,s arrival at Columbia. Not.
withstsndipg this fact, however. the Colum-
bia 6re;nen were on hand, rs true hcs's, in
great numbers to welcome their opponents
from the Game Cock Farm, (Sumter.) There
Was also large crowd of the Sumter visitors
ut the depot to meet them. Sumter frsmen
were escorted to the Grand Central hotel, by
Columbias 6remen, and number of the
Capital cty's most distinguished citizens
The night was pleasantly spent. Every cour-
,esy and kindness was extended to Sumters
hremeu by Mayor Sloan and Aldermen. The
Fire Commissioners aud different FIRE COM
pauies and citizens generally, tried and sue
ceeded in giving our 6remen nice time.
The Reel Contest came off in the afternoon
Sumter took both 6tst prizes-all that it was
possible for them to take.
The first race was 100 yards $50 to first,
| Sl5 to second.
The Coumbias made the first run, followed
by the Sumter team and the Palmettoes last
The SumteTs won; time 80 rs; Columnias,
second.
The second race was grab $50 to first,
$40 TO second.
The conditions of this race were AS follows ::
'The team to run 50 yards, grab reel and
run 50 yards to plug, stretch not less tha"
48 feet OF hose, attach the same 80 plug and
| throw water. Couplings in grab race TO be
made with one full thread or turn. The rules
the REL contest the team running 6rsr in
reel contest shall also run first in grab race
Any protest must be made with the judges
before leaving the ground" /"
This race was made in the same order as
the FIRST and won by the same companies.
The Independents and Delgar Reel Squad
did not decide which one was the finest on re-
cord, simply because the Independents Busk-
ed at the last moment. They would not
tackle the Game Cocks on an equal footing,
and the Judges columbia men) would not
tolerate anything that sayored of unfair treat
ment to the visitors. The Independents ut the
last moment backed down, and backed oa,
Whist the Independents lacked 10 grit, how
ever, they made up in genuine hospitality.
Last night the local 6remen, Independents,
Columbia and Palmetto Companies entertain
ed the Sumter 6renen at a banquet spread in
houor of the victorious Game Cocks, at Inde-
pendent fremen's hall. A general invita-
ton was extended ID all Sumter visitors 20
partake of the fatted calf of Columbia, aud
smoke o the pipe of peace, between the Capt.
tai and Game Cock cities. Sumter had con-
quered Columbia; Columbia had surrendered
aud there WAS feast after the battle-roysl.
Before supper Mayor Sloan delivered an ad.
dress of welcome, and took occasion to say
that ':the Independents and Delgar Reel Co.
No. 3 should meet' That the Independents
should meet and would defeat the Delgar
Reel squad.
His remarks were appropriate, kind and
interesting, and the Sumter boys gave three
cheers for Columbia.
Mr. A. G. Flowers responded TO the ad-
dress of welcome in behalf of Sumter, and
said, among other things, that if the inde-
pendents of Columbia defeated Delgar Reel
Squad of Sumter, the Game Cocks would
die, as true game cocks-in the pit.
After the supper, several speeches were
made, Mr.. Isaac Strauss, Of Sumter, was
called upon and rade pleasant and appro.
pirate speech. Ex-Mayor Fisher, Chairman
of the Fair Committe, which arranged the
6remen's tournament, was called upon and
responded briefly and to the point.
The entire trip of Sumter's crack reel
squad was indeed. pleasant (and also profit
able, and Sumter and Columbia are linked
together in ties of friendship and good will.
Columbia stood by Sumter in her first Car
uival-so did Columbia's iremen. Sumter
and her fremen have returned the compli-
ment to Columbia, and like Columbia did,
Sumter brought hack some gala week tin.
Delgar Reel Company will, at an early
date, contest with the Independents, and
have put up 5000 TO Columbia's $3.50, to
say that Delgar Reel Squad Of Sumter can
knock out the Independents IN the first
round.
The Game Cock money has been covered,
and the matter will soon be decided. The
contest will take place on neutral ground.
Three cheers and tiger for Delgar Reel
Squad, and many thanks and best wishes to
the city on the Congaree.