Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1899-06-29

Of distinction, while drawn rather se
we're on these poor fellows, in good
many cases, is necessary precaution
and only wounds for the time of con-
finement.
The electric light wlreman in on
deavoring to repair transformer af-
ter dark came near having his exist
ence abbreviated. Through some
means the wires became tangled and
1,O4O volts of the dnclite tiaid were dis
tributed through his system. His
hands and arms were flied and scorch.
ed, but the cross in the wires burnt
out the circuit and thus saved his life.
At headquarters representative fire.
men argued the merits of the latest in
ventions in the fire line, both pro and
-on. Engines were discussed and
.--a formed and deducted at
p and whereforei
to the why's and whens :
of improved machinery.
Big city fires and the heroic work of
tiremen in rescuing the inmates were
stirringly told, and old-Nme deeds of
valor were related and gone over.
An ideal day brought out an ideal
crowd to witness the events at the
Fair grounds. A gay and gorgeously
sttired crowd filed into the grand
stand Immediately after the lunch
hours. They came in carriages, turn.
outs and on foot, and long before the
first race was run the choice seats were
ali occupied. Society was out enmasse
in brilliant plumage and wearing their
best and pleasing smiies. Fans ana
parasols and mackintoshes were car
ried conveniently near, and weather
eyes kept constant scrutiny upon the
tleecy clouds floating through the sky
The grand stand presented butter
| fly, restless and enchanting scene. The
constantly moving fans IL gil the col
ors of the rainbow radiated and reject
ed flashes Of mellow light and the
bright and numerous parasols in the
carriages in the quarter stretch lent 9
pleasing view to the eye.
The first race was witnessed by fully
four thousand people who anxiously
awaited the result of the contest,
In the Coupling Contest Marshall
town, Sheldon, and Audubon finished
the former carrying off the gold medals
by q few seconds over Sheldon. The
judges were r. q. harrington, Iowa
Falls, starter; j. II. Henry, Belle
Plaine;T. M. Ayres, Cedar Rapids; anl
w. I. Smith, Union, we're the coupling
judges and w. q. Campbell, Harlan
A. L. Woods, Union; and f. A. Wood
Cedar Rapids, were the timers.
The SECOND event was waited fol
very patiently, and as it was a hub te
hub contest, an exciting and close fla
ish was sure to follow. 1t soon came
and Marshalltown again carried of
the prize making the run in 81 as sec
onds. The Mo. Valley boys made 8
strong run covering the distance in
BIZ seconds. at the coupling hitch
occurred, and no time was given. Au
dubOn made the run in al seconds, blu,
was deprived of place, as the hydrant
hose was ten feet outside the hydran
line.
Onawa made the fastest time for ths
first 100 yards in the meet, but finish
ed weak and failed to land any prize
The Amateur Hose race was won by
Sheldon in 33ss seconds, being very ex
citing. The Sheldon boys did good
work and deservedly won in their
laurels.
Marion was the only competing
company in the Ladder Climbing Con.
test and gave fine exhibition in that
line. Their record of 1893 was lower
two tifths of second.
Closing Tournament Scenes
Goodbye fremen Goodbye, brave
fire ladies. Goodbye old veterans
Your presence has been inspiring
your actions, appearances and good
report noted. Your accomplishments
arc many and Missouri Valley bids yor
kind adieus mingled with fond regrets
You have proved yourselves royal en-
tertainers socially, politically and dip
lomatically. Individually and collec
lively you have represented your towns
and cities in manners becoming, in &C
lions manly, in appearances grand
In fire fighting lines you have demon
strated your abilities most satisfactory.
ly. With hose and cart, with hook
and ladder and in company drills you
have shown hard work, constant study
and faithful application.
Good bye brave volunteers. Your
praises will be, shall be and
could be sung indefinitely. Take tc
your homes the praises, bestowals and
laurels richly won, and, remember
Missouri Valley estssnls, cherjshes and
bids you future happiness, greatness