The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-04-11
Mr.. WEBSTER REMEMBERED.
Fire Force Presents Him with a
watch-His Long Service.

The members of the fire force of the city,
as token of the regard in which ex-Chief
Webster is held, presented him last even
ing with handsome gold watch and chain
with gold ten-dollar piece for IL charm.
The tiremen quietly assembled in Chief
Barrett's room headquarters of the de-
partment Mr.. Webster was called from
his place at the telephone. He was con-
siderably surprised TO find himself suddenly
thrust into the center of q room full of
firemen and stood expectant.y while Gideon
b Thompson. veteran newspaper man.
Familiarity known TO the firemen as
Snacks,' made a brief presentation
speech. Web" and ''Snacks'' often dispute
with one another the honor of being the
oldest frefghter. Mr.. Thompson was on
the volunteer force in 1857 and resigned
when the department became paid force
March 81 last was the thirty-seventh ami
Nersary of Mr.. We5ster's connection with
the nre department. Since then he and
SlackS nave been at every fire of any
consequence. the latter i'm following his du-
ties as a newspaper man. The attitude of
the Two men toward each other last night
was that of old friends who have stood
son said:
Whether this is an unpleasant task or a
pIedsSnt one delegated TO me tonight you
must be the judge. The members OF the fire
department. embracing the rank and file
nave seen fit to intrust to me the task of
aequalntlng you with some matters which
MAY come TO you surprise. And that
You may not succumb TO the weight of
grievance against you. the committee has
requested me TO deal as gently as possible
In arraigning you for inspection.
From young and ardent manhood to a
vigorous OLD age you have been closely
identined with the Indianapolis fire depart
Inent- Men are growing gray in the serv-
Ice whOm you antedate. Their early con-
nection with the department I'm retro
q nm
but bright. central figure i'm the fore
ground OF their pioneer days is your own
royaI-hearted self In all of the several re-
lationS with the department. pipeman,
driver. captain. assistant chief chief fire
long years, dating back to March. 1860.
without exception you have proven yourself
loyal TO your friends. honest in manage
ment OF ctty's trust, Jealous, watchful,
cautious. patient under great tribulation
conservatives; i'm the hour of danger. pru-
dent and courageous.
1t Is a pleasure, therefore, tonight to
bear witness 10 these good points, usually
lacking in the average man, and say TO you,
from our heart of hearts we honor you and
we trust you. Those who have but recently
joined the department, and who lack the
opportunity of knowing you as others know
you, Will accept the evidence of their ma ties,
and they have Joined in procuring this
slight token of their esteem which shall be
TO you both a memento and a souvenir of
your long and faithful service with the de-
partment- And now. Mr.. Webster, you
sit at your desk no longer In autocratic
close and familiar working of this vigorous
and rapidly growing fire department, there
will lie close to your heart. throbbing
pulsating. delicate bit of machinery, ticking
away In its work OF Keeling off the seconds
of life. but with each beat like your own
loyal heart, bearing testimony to the love
and fidelity of the boys whose glad contri-
buttons have placed the gift within your
keeping. Every time you glance at its face
noting the passage of time. let the refec-
ton also appear there of the warm hearts
in all of the hrehouses in this city. who
believe in you. love you and are proud 10 be
called your friend.
The only regret of the givers is that
while its metal is of pure gold, and its jew
els the clearest and best. after all, in their
mirrored face. they will fail to properly
reflect the deep. earnest, manly attachment
which each and every one feels Tor you.
They believe in you, Mr.. Webster and with
the dear old vagabond Rip in that sweet
est and most lOvable of rOmances, they
ioin in the toast. Here's to your good
health. and your familys; may you live
long and prosper.
Mr. Webster said but little. He declared
that he was not a speechmaker. The
pleased smile that wreathed his face told
as plainly as words the gratitude and pleas
crowded around him as he examined the
costly ticker
Put il on, Web" suggested some one,
and he did so proudly.
Engraved on the case OF the watch are
the words: Presented to j. II. Webster
by the members of the indianapolis nre
department. April 10. 1897. The gift was
made by subscriptions entirely within the
department