Evening star., 1898-04-15
Enthusiastic Welcome Given the New
Fire Company.
ITS INSTALLATION At ENGINE ROUSE
Addresses by the Three District
Commissioners and Others.
PRESENTATION OF FLAG S

opening of the building, though occurring
under unfavorable circumstances, was an
event as pleasant as any the history of
the town records. 1t was the intention
at first to have the speakers address the
gathering from the front balcony but when
the drfzzling rain showed no indications
of ceasing the doors of the building were
thrown open and the crowd admitted to
shelter
The building was soon taxed to its ut
most. a large number of people still re-
naining on the outside. In the mems
apartment. on the second floor, were ar
ranged long tables for the serving of light
refreshments In this apartment the speak
ing was done.
Those who had accepted invitations and
who were present were Commissioners
Ross Wight and Black and DIR. w. w.
Godding the superintendent OF ST. Eliza
beth The several members of the House
subcommittee on appropriations who were
expected to attend sent notice OF pressing
business. Mr.. julius w. Tolson was master
of ceremonies ST. Elizabeth's Home Band,
under the leadership of Prof. Anthony An
derson of Washington, was stationed on
the front balcony.
After the band had rendered Sousa's
"Bride-Elect'' march, Mr. Tolson called the
gathering to order.
Mr.. ToIsOn's Greeting.
He then spoke as follows: Friends and
fellow citizens-We are assembled here this
evening to celebrate an event of which we,
the citizens of Anacostia, should and do
feel proud, the opening of our new engine
house There are some present who know
something of the work that has been done
to accomplish this end Some time ago I
had the pleasure of waiting on the Com
missioners, as one of committee, in refer
ence to an engine house or fire apparatus
of some kind for the protection of our
property That honorable body was and is
always ready to render their assistance in
the interest Of our town. At that inter-
view Chief Engineer Paris and the chlef
OF the fire alarm service were called In,
and both heartily indorsed our efforts to
secure means of safety against fire, so
much needed in our growing community.
About one year ago Chief Engineer Paris
in his annual report to Congress recon-
Eiended all appropriation for an engine
house in Anacostia. This bill was referred
to the House appropriation committee, and
after being favorably indorsed by them the
apprC pria ton was made. This eXceient
location was selected and this handsome
building which you firemen are about to
assume control of was erected. We have
all the modern improvements and conven-
fences which tend to make fireman's life
a ndppy Cne, ana may edCn Ol you hNe iOHS
to enjoy them
we desire to tender the honorable Com
mssioners and the committee on appropri-
ations of the House of Representatives our
thanks for the interest manifested in our
behalf, and assure them that all they do
for is fully appreciated.
1T affords me pleasure now, Mr.. Wight,
IN the name of the citizens of Anacostia,
to present to this company, through you. a
streamer bearing the number 10 and the
flag of our natjOn-that glOriOuS emblem of
freedom
The two handsome flags were then passed
to Commissioner Wight. The American
colors were at once run up the Flagstaff
and the band played THE Star Spangled
Banner"
Responses by Comm isslOners.
After the applause had died away Com
missioner Wight stepped forward and re-
piled briefly as follows
Mr.. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen: 1t
certainly gives me pleasure to be with you.
this evening and to receive and present to
your engine company this flag and stream
er. No one can go astray while working
under old glory You are surely to be
congratulated upon having such a fine
building. due largely to Captain Black. You
have good men in the Anacostia fire COM
pany. and If they are ever called upon to
extinguish fire they will, 1 am sure, do
their duty
Commissioner Ross next made a few re-
marks in substance as follows:
Il am reminded when see some familiar
faces about me of my first official visit 10
Anacostia, in 81, the occasion, l believe.
of the opening of one of your public school
buildings. Since my first visit to your sub
urb. L have felt a deep interest in it."
Commissioner Ross went on to say how
and when the appropriation for the engine
house passed Congress, and concluded by
saying: You ought to have rapid transit
of d permanent character. You ought to
take Il pride in your suburb. Your people
are Industrious, enterprising and educated.
May prosperity and success attend you,
and may you make the suburb one of the
leading sections of the District
Commissioner Black made few remarks.
When introduced he said:
You have all heard what General Fitz-
hugh Lee said the other night when called
upon to make a speech-I believe We all
want to hear the band play 1 think that
applies now. We should have repeated the
music we have just heard, The Star
Spangled Banner and we should hear II
especially now on account of the crisis that
confronts our country. There have been
some pleasant things said of me here this
evening for the part l had in designing
this building, but with your beautiful sub
urb as an inspiration who could fail! Mr..
Wight spoke of your need Of a new police
station. From what have heard believe
you will secure enc next year. Now that
Anacostia has fire engine the sentiment
is May there be no need for 1t.
DIR. GoddfnE's Remarks.
DR.. W. W. Godding was next introduced,
and spoke briefly.
'.I thought the band would speak for st.
Elizabeth" he said. when your commit
tee waited upon me and asked for the st.
Elizabeth Band to help out this evening
I thought / was to be a silent spectator.
I did not intend to make speech on TINS
occasion. 1t may be said, on account OF
my position. that ! take selfish interest
in this engine house and fire apparatus In
Anacostia for 1t means protection to st.
Elizabeth as well. We hear now, almost
upon the verge of war, the great praises
bestowed upon the heroes of our army and
navy. and rightly; but say the true hero
is he who saves human lffe-the fire lad
die 1 am heartily glad to be with you this
evening, and congratulate you upon hav-
ing this building and this fire apparatus.
/ thank you for your courtesy"
Chief Paris made few remarks, saying
that the men IN No. Is company were tried
men, and he would see that they did their
duty. All the speakers were greeted en-
Enthusiastically.
Refreshments were served the several
hundred persons present. The reception
committee was composed of Messrs. J.
G. Leonard. DIR. ]. A. Watson, H. b.
Ruckley Dr r Pvlos Iau,aS w Rart.