The times., 1898-11-08

view before him and a number of dis
tinguished citizens. And such was the
general opinion of the thousands who lin
ed Pennsylvania Avenue. from Eight
zenith Street to the Peace Monument. and
cheered and clapped their hands and wav-
ed handkerchiefs as the blue-coated po-
licemen and the brave fire laddies march,
ed down that historic thoroughfare.
There have been many notable pageants
witnessed In Washing gton. but few fraught
with greater interest to the people of the
city than yesterdays. The day was men,
prable in the history of the two depart
ments. Never before has the high stand
ard of efficiency which these two impor-
tant elements in the welfare of the city
have attained been presented to the gen.
sral public In q manner so impressive
and pleasing.
No. 8 Wins the Flag.
Preceding the parade and review was
the announcement Of the winners of the
Wight trophy flag and the presentation of
the handsome silk banner donated year
ago by Commissioner John B. Wight, and
which has since been hanging in the po-
lice station of the First Precinct. This
took place at Eighteenth Street aHd Penn
syiyania Avenue. Immediately after the
formation Of the parade.
The nag was drilled for last week, and
it was determined to announce the decis-
ion of the judges, Major Sylvester, Major
Burton Ross, of the Washington Light
Infantry. and Lieut.. Alfred Smith. of the
regular army. In time to permit the win
ming company to carry the banner down
Pennsylvania Avenue and dip it in salute
to the President. The splendid work of
all the men at the drill made the decis-
ion a difficult one, and hope ran high
among them yesterday.
Commissioner Wight, accompanied by
the judges. took his stand on the north
side OF Pennsylvania Avenue after the
line was formed, and the banner was
turned over. by the First Precinct, to a
color guard, selected from the different
precincts. Commissioner Wight announc-
ed that the prize had been won by the
drill team OF the Eighth Precinct. Lieut..
kenney commanding.
Mr. WiKht's Speech.
The company from the Eighth Precinct
marched to the front, forming before the
Commissioner. who formally presented
them with the banner. In making the
presentation, he said:
"In pre-. enting this flag to you / take
pleasure in extending my congratulations
to your precinct on having succeeded in
winning It. Tho judges have faithfully
and impartially decided, accoriinT TO a
standard applied to all companies alike,
that you are entitled to it. and 1 am
informed that they had q rather difficult
task to perform, inasmuch as all the COM
panies looked and did exceptionally well,
and although only one company can have
the flag, want all to know how grati-
fed the Commissioners are at the marked
improvement that is each day being no.
ticed in the force, both in appearance and
efficiency.
mo breath Of scandal rests upon this
force and the one thing in connection with
II to be regretted Is that 1t is not larger
in numbers. There Is no harder worked
man on the force than your superintend-
ent He has the good of the force at
heart and Is ambitious that 1t should
have an envtable record. am sure that
ycu will all stand by and help him."
Lieut.. kenney accepted the flag and Il
was turned over to the color bearer, VIII
liam Kenney. As the silken folds were
raised to the breeze q cheer wen. up and
throughout the parade, the appearance
of the flag HaS the signal for applause
The decision Of the judges gave entire