The times., 1900-12-26
GUARDIANS OF THE CITY
A Quiet Christmas in the Fire and
Police Departments.
Hnjor Sylvester Telephones His
Greetings to the Force Lfeutcn-
ants and Inspectors Remembered
by Their Chief-Laddies at Mount
Pleasant Presented with a Cake.

! For the members OF the Metropolitan
/ Police and Fire Departments Christmas IS
not much of holiday, for as great pre-
cautions have to be taken for the safety
| of the public on December 2s as on ary
OF the other three hundred and sixty-four
days of the year But the bluecoats and
| the fire laddies can be counted upon to ab-
sorb some OF the good-time atmosphere
whenever IL is being passed around. Yes
terday they managed to have a pleasant
time generally, and their own efforts
were ably seconded by their friends
Early yesterday morning Major SyIyes-
ter telephoned his Christmas greetings to
every precinct station in the District
Later each lieutenant and inspector re-
ceived pair OF fine suspenders with the
Majors compliments. At the various pre-
cinct station houses the day was observed
with no special features save the general
air of YuIetide cheer that seemed to pre-
vail everywhere. At some of the sta
tion houses there were impromptu reeep-
tions, friends of the policemen dropping
in with Christmas greetings. Many OF the
station houses were decorated with holly
and evergreen.
Lieutenant Amiss, Of the First precinct
station, received a number Of presents
Among these was an enormous Virginia
turkey gobbler The name of the donor was
not attached The policemen detailed at
the First precinct station patrol a large
part of the downtown business district, and
many were literally remembered by the
merchants along their respective beats. In
many cases the gifts were sent without
the name of the giver being made known.
The policemen stationed at the Sixth
precinct station, Of which Lieutenant
Moore is the ranking officer, contributed
to general fund, with which eighty
pounds of the best turkey on the market
was purchased. This was equally distrib-
uted among the two station keepers, pa
troll drivers, and janitors.
1t was a quiet day with the fire laddies
too. There were but one or two alarms
during the day and the small blazes were
quickly extinguished. This department
was not forgotten by its many friends.
At nearly every engine house there was
some reminder that the day was the great
est OF all holidays. The lot of the man
whose "day off, fell on yesterday was
considered lucky beyond all measure.
Some of the 6remen received presents
from their friends and in number OF |
cases the entire force at some OF the en- 7
gine houses were remembered by grateful |
citizens.
One of the pleasantest surprises of the !
whole day was that received by the mem
bers of engine company No. II in Mount |
Pleasant large fruit cake was sent to
the engine house. IT contained two s.
gold pieces When cut into equal portions |
it was found that the coins were in the |
pieces taken by Privates Brown and Nc
Intosh. who were highly elated at their
good fortune.
The members of truck received a box
of fine cigars. and in this case also the
name of the benefactor remained mys--
terry. The cigars were distributed among
the men and were keenly appreciated.