The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-25
CHIEF MAGUlRE REMEMBERED.
FIREMEN AT HEADQUARTERS PAY
HIM A COMPLIMENT.

The Fire and Police Departments
Look for the Usual busy Christmas
Day-RestrictinE Ordinances Serve
10 Minimize Fires From Ex-
pIoSives-Fireman CampOs 1t the
Central station Also Receives
Present.
II is singular that the Christmas which
this morning brings gladness to most ev-
erybody, at the same time brings its usual
anxiety TO the firemen and police. The
reckless blasting of fireworks keeps the
former on the alert for alarms, while the
crowds which celebrate the day hiiariously
calls for the services of every copper on
the force. Christmas day is a time when
every man of these departments is needed
at mis- post.
The history of both departments show
Christmas to invariably be a day of
events with them. The city ordinance re-
stricting the use of firecrackers serves to
minimize the danger of fires, however. and
thereby puts less work on the iremen
than they would otherwise have to per-
form. BY. the restrictions, which prevent
the exploding of fireworks embracing the
thickly populated section north of Liberty
street, there is little danger from fires.
The holiday bazes caused by the small
boys ambition to make merry, usually
originate in places where it is easy for the
department to get at them and for this
reason the list Of disasters in Savannah
Rave not been Many. THE small boy is
irrepressible," Said Chief Mcguire, but
let him be cautious in the use of fireworks
and there is not great deal of danger"
The firemen are not looking for a deluge
of work, and if the day passes without an
alarm they will consider themselves lucky,
happy and well remembered.
Chief McDermott is not anticipating
rush of registra tons at the barracks, but
if there is a demand for policemen, he
will have them on hand for any emery
ency. AS rule, the crowds who celebrate
go at a rapid rate, and the force does not
expect to pass the day without having oc-
casion to call out the wagon. Besides the
persons who become disorderly, the police
will also have their hands full taking
proper care of the small boy. With due
regard to the spirit that prompts joy
Gus celebration of Christmas, however. the
police are generally lenient and do n0t
interfere except in cases where persons 6x-
coed the bounds of prcprety.
Shortly after 4 O'clock yesterday after
noon the firemen of engine station No
gathered in the office of Chief Mcguire,
much to the surprise of that official. They
had a handsome silver ice pitcher, and,
preceded by Clerk George A. Nell APP
preached the chiefs desk and presented
him with it as a testimonial of their es-
TEEN. Clerk Nell, who presented the
compliment, said: 1.-The members of en-
CINE station No. 2 beg that l, as their eX-
Donent should present TO you for them
this slight token of their regard and es-
TEEN, feeling assured that the same viii
be accepted by you, not so much for It's IN
trnsic value, as the motive that prompts
them to thus express to you their appre-
citation of yourself as a leader and for the
many acts of kindness and forbearance
extended to them. 1t is my pleasure to
present in their name this beautiful and
useful article, and hope that you and
yours may live long to enjoy its services
With the compliments of the season and
wishing you many pleasant returns, we beg
that you may accept this testimonial
chief Mcguire, approaching the kind
ness of his men, accepted the present in a
few well chosen words:
"Gentlemeu.'' he said, 81 thank you
from my hear, for this token of your es-
TEEN. I shall value it for its beauty as
we'll as its usefulness. I viii cherish it
assure you that this little attention on
your part illustrates the cordial and
friendly relations which exist between the
members of the fire department and its
officers, and gives me great pleasure.
''It has been my aim during my admin
istTation to treat, those Of YOU who have
done your full duty, with justice, kindness
and moderation, that each man may feel
that we are a part of great and useful
department of our city, and stimulate us
to that high sense of duty which will pro-
mote the good of the public which we serve
and to improve the service in which we all
take so much pride. This, gentlemen, can
only be done by each and every one of us
resolving that we do our duty in the sew
eral stations in which we serve. feel
grateful that this good end has in meas
ure been accomplished and I congratulate
YOU upon the envahle record that your
company has made for the department dur
ing the past year. When / say this l DO
not lose sight of the excellent work done
by the department as whole.
81 beg, therefore, that you accept my
heartfelt thanks. / wish you each and all
a Merry Christmas and many happy re-
turns of the season.
The fremen also called Foreman j. e.
Campos to the front. He promptly Mspond-
ed by presenting himself before Clerk Nell
who thereupon gracefully presented him
in behalf of his fellow firemen, with an ele-
CANT set of silver knives and forks lie
was assured of the high regard in which
he is held by the men. In a few well chosen
words Foreman Campos thanked the don
ors and assured them he would test theii
present during the dinner he expects 70
enjoy to-day.