The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-07-22
COL. WARNINGS LOVE FEAST
HE TELLS THE SWEBPERS WHAT
4 G0OD MAN GIBSON Is

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Gibson Says the sweepsrs sheuIa Thank Gea
Ainishty Tor the Coionei-Chief Clerk Doe
Loves Capt. Gibson and wants to HuG Hin
The sweepers Cheer Thenselves Hloarue.
Col. Warning and his street sweepers had a
love feast yesterday at Sulzer's Park in Harlem.
They kept 1t up from early in the afternoon until
some time this morning, and IL every one wasn't
persuaded that the Street Cleaning Department
is the best that ever happened, 1t wasn't for lack
OF eloquent declarations to that effect. Between
iterations and reiterations of undyinR love and
unstinted admiration for each other, individu-
ally and collectively, they INDUCED in athletic
games, dancing. beer drinking, and banqucting.
1t was not until nightfall that the real fun
began, and then the sweepers and drivers, with
a large feminine contingent, came trooping into
the park. The first feature OF the night pro-
gramme was the presentation of the prizes won
in the athletic games. This was done by Mrs.
Warning. But it was not until the specchmaking
began that the esprit de corps Of the Street
Cleaning Department was fairly turned loose.
Col. Warning and his chief assistants mounted
the stage and tho workers and the women pushed
up all about them. Tho Colonel stepped to the
front. put his hand on an enormous floral horse
shoe and waited for the cheers to cease. Mean
time some one whispered that the horseshoe was
for him. When quiet came he thanked every
body and began praisins Capt. Gibson.
"foua all thought he was a tyrant at first" he
said. but his tyranny came from a sense OF
duty, and we all love him."
c,rb h6se cheers che were promptly given for Capt.
with n testimonial from the sweepers and
drivers. 1t was in the shape of an illuminated
memorial. Capt. Gibson thanked every one
amid more cheers. and hurrahs for waring.,
down on his knees at night and thank God
Almighty up there for sending you n deliverer
from your former bondage in the person OF your
honorable Commissioner"
James b. Reynolds, campaign manager for
the Cts Union: was next, introduced and got
three cheers. He began his remarks with this
piece of poetry as he termed 1t:
And stu those white. robed angels lowered In the air.
II thought" he went on to say, that l
ought to commence with u piece Of poetry, and
that's all l could think of. but still, OF course,
there are nc white-robed angels before me. and
with both feet"
After this beginning, Mr.. Reynolds told them
all what n wonder Col. Warning was as a street
cleaner.
Thomas A. Doe. Col. Warnings chief clerk.
made the hit OF the evening by insisting that II
1t were not for the women the street sweepers
wouldn't amount to anything. He loved the
women for it. and he loved Capt. Gibson just
like a woman. Hc felt like throwing his arms
around Capt. Gibson.
District Superintendent Clark. who belonged
to the old regime and whom Col. Waring kept
in office, made this declaration.
The political party doesn't live that dares
lay a hand on Col. Warning. and IL he goes out, l
go with him. I'll commit hara.kiri any time for
the man who kept me in office because 1 did my
duty"
This wound up the spcechmaking. and the
dancers were let loose. As there was not enough
room on the floor OF the Casino for all OF them.
some adjourned TO the grounds under the trees.
where fife and fiddle soloists played darky hoe
downs and highland filings.