The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-23

pied prominent place, at the rear OF the
around 1t was draped the national colors
with a generous sprinkling OF fern leaves:
The footlights were lined with row OF
potted palms, the American coat of arms
Occupying a central position directly In
front of the speakers stand, While over
head the folds of two immense Amerl-
can flags were draped in q, great arch.
The spectators came, full to the neck
with enthusiasm, and they proceeded 10
fairly seated. The appearance OF Mayor
Pheian walking down the aisle to the
stage was the signal for the hrst out
burst and the cheering was continued al
intervals from that time until the last
word had been said and the orchestra
gave the signal to dispense.
Promptly at 2 o'clock President Bohen
of the Fire Commissioners advanced to
the front of the stage and briefly stated
the object of the gathering. He then
called Frederick Sayers, aSSis tant FORE
man of engine No. l, and James Comisky
of truck No. to the stage. Sayers res
cued A h Christy of Milwaukee from a
room on one of the upper floors of the
Baldwin Hotel, coming upon him just as
he was about to end his suffering in de-
spair by cutting his throat with razor
and carrying him to a place of safety.
Comisky, assisted by Assistant Engineer
P. II. Shaughnessy, rescued an unknown
woman from the flames. which had seem
the fifth floor of that hotel.
AS the two men stepped upon the stage
the audience shouted and cheered until a
desire to hear what was coming next i'm
PEELED it to desist. Mayor Phelan
was then introduced to make the presen-
tation speech and decorate the uniforms
of the men with the valued Scannell
medals His Honor painted in glowing
words the heroism Of the men, and con-
trasted their deeds with those which often
win laurels for the soldier on the leld
of battle. He said the firemen were with
out the inspiration that gave added zest
to the courage of the nations defenders,
and witnOnt dPfra from the merit of
the latter he thought the hremen were
entitled to even more praise. He drew
startlingly vivid piCtur, by way of illus
tration. of the great cold storage fire at
the Worlds Fair in Chicago, in which
many f1remen lost their lives, and reused
the, enthusiasm Of the, audience to the
valiant though futile efforts of the COM
rades of the doomed firemen to save them
again when the. speaker spoke, of the
deeds of other San Francisco tremen,
some of whom went to their death In
the performance OF their duty; he men,
toned the names of Keller, MohoIy and
Hallihan, and the firemen arose from
their seats as though propelled by springs
the medals were attached to the breasts
of the two heroes, and they took the seats
reserved for them on the stage amid an
other shout of applause.
Mr. Dohrmann was then introduced to
present the Merchants Association medal
to Assistant Engineer Shaughnessy.- The
latter was also awarded a splendid re-
ception as he took his place on the plat
form and stood listening TO the words of
praise bestowed freely by the speaker.
Mr. Dohrmann complained that the May
or had stolen his thunder and there was
mo time for him to manufacture more.
Nevertheless he succeeded in doing full
justice TO his cause, If the amount OF APP
plause his remarks evoked is any indica-
ton. He complimented Shaughnessy not
only on his bravery but on his efficiency
and sobriety, saying Chief Sullivan had
spoken highly of him. Shaughpessy re-
ceived his medal and took his seat be-
side his equally fortunate comrades. The
but President Bohen explained that they
were not accustomed to speechmaking,
but while they could not give expression
to their feelings on this occasion they
were greatly gratified at the demonstra-
ton in their honor.
The chairman then announced that the
Commissioners, with a view of preserving
tinction as life-savers, had prepared a
roll of honor of parchment, which would
last for all time At present there were
but five names enrolled thereon, being
the names of the three men who had just
received medals and two who had earned
similar rewards within the past three
years NJ j. Dolan. who rescued j. H.
RulIfs from a burning building on Blu
chanan street on April 8. 1897. and was
awarded a medal on September II of the
same year, and John Wills, who saved
two lives Bessie Wilson and Mrs. Ern
estine Silverstine, from burning house
at % Fifth street on June q, 1896, and was
awarded a medal on August 20 of that
year. The meeting. then adjourned,
though many fingered to inspect the roll
of honor and ask questions about the men
whose names were inscribed therein.