Omaha daily bee., 1896-01-22
FlREMEN MEET
Fourteent6 Annual Convention Of the State
% s5 'il. Association,
GRAND ISLAND WELCOMES THE DELEGATES
Mayor Thomas Provokcs Much En-
thusinNm by His Words of Praise
for the Veterans of
.l1sI Nebraska.

lhLIM

GRAND ISLAND, Neb.. Jan. 21.-(Special
Telegram)-This evening the fourteenth an
nual convention Of the Nebraska State Vol
unteer Flremen's association was called to
order by w. r. McAllister, president of the
Grand Island fire department. After a mum.
Der of selections by the Pacific hose company
band were rendered. Mayor Thomas was
introduced and delivered the address of well
come. He was enthusiastically received and
spoke in part as follows: "As a representa-
tive of this city 1t is with much pleasure
that l carry out the wishes of its citizens
by extending to you a hearty welcome. The
right hand of fellowship is extended. The
bright fire Of each hearthstone greets you
and its owner with the same kindly smile.
We know your mission and the patriotic
sentiment that prompts your actions, the
more than charitable impulse that impels
your devotion to lives and interests of others
without hope OF reward except that Of duty
performed. / know Of no calling more de-
void OF selfishness. IL combines the charity
Of noble women who give their lives to the
aid and comfort Of the poor and lowly with
the patriot who risks his life in defense
Of his country, yet l have often thought
how little are freboys' efforts appreciated
by those even whose interests are most Sc
curely guarded, men whose life work is all
in their keeping.
l. TRADES REPRESENTED.
you are composed of men of all trades
and callings and can draw upon each other
for information, and thus judgment of all
will be strengthened and minds frightened.
Your coming together is like unto the meet
ing of the Roman %populace to devise means
for their mutual advancement. Discussion
is to the growth of truth and principle what
sunshine and the sower are TO the growth of
the plant. In these discussions the best
means for the carrying out of your mission
Will be brought to light and the law of the
survival of the ittest adopted; so do not
be in haste. to depart. Our fireboys, with
the assistance Of our generous citizens, will
provide for your entertainment and the po-
lice will wink the other eye. Our hotels
are second to meme. The freedom of the
city is yours. Thanking you for selecting
this. the best city in the state, as your
place of messing and hoping that you one
and ali will be so employed with your stay
that yor will decide to return again and
that you will each carry to your homes our
best wishes, | bid you thrice welcome
PRESIDENT SANDERS REPLY.
President Sanders congratulated the men,
Der, upon the fact that another successful
yesr had been added in the history of the as.
s%ociaticn and then responded appropriately t.
the mayors Welcome. After roll call the
committee on ere entails was appointed rs TO
lows: Corcoran OF York. Hamilton of Lex
ington, Wells of Red Colud, Elliott of West
Point and Finch of Kearney, and pending itt
report the meeting adjourned until . O'Clock
Wednesday morning.
A pleasing intident of the evening session
was the dissertation and acceptance of a
handsomely turned and mounted gavel by
Veteran Firsnsan Charles Fisher of omahs.
The gavel was made by Mr.. Fisher, who is
still enthusiastic in his Gevctions 20 the asso-
and who is a member of the Pacific
Hose company 9f that city. About 200 fire
men are already in attendance and the meet
ing romises to. be unusually interesting"