Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1905-02-21
tances are found in the ranks of private

life.
| On casual observation, it would seem
to me as brave in one man to face burn
ing building loaded with chemicals. as
il would be IN another TO charge an in
trenched foe provided with ali the modern
munitions of war. In the case of a man
facing danger animated by love of his
native land, such man has the SIRE con-
| fdence that his death on the battlefield
will be mourned by the entire country !:
but who notes the lonely grave OF the FIRE
man who has persisted while discharging
| his duty and swho is quietly and unob-
trusively sleeping IN his last resting place ,
Yes. gentleman. We pick up the evening
paper and are filed with admiration at
the courage of the wonderful little laps.
who in their siege and conquest of PORT
Arthur have shown skill and persistence
equal to that ever displayed at any siege
whether in ancient or modern times but
has 1t ever struck you that there are con-
stantly recurring instance in American
life OF individuals acting IN manner
equally sagacious and equally. fearless,
although unnoted by the world in general?
In concluding my remarks, gentlemen,
allow me to add that it must at this pres
ent date be patent and obvious to all.
even the most careless observer. that thu
benefits derived from. the existence of fire
tec 70 al. r..
They have become an essential and integ.
raj part of every town, as necessary to the
existence of town as banks are for the
deposit ofmoney,o or the purity of a towns
water supply is to the health of its inhabi-
tants, therefore we should support them,
not from mistaken notions of liberality or
generosity, but because IRON business
and practical standpoint, they have a
direct effect upon. the increased popula-
ton OF town as we'll as the relative
value of the property situated therein.
We must remember that these companies
are voluntary, and depend for their SUBJ
sistence upon the support of the-peopIe.
and the people should remember that such
associations partake Of the nature OF
mutual benefit organizations. And So |
indeed, our thanks are especially due to |
those progressive and public spirited citi-
zens under whose leadership, without
pecuniary gain to themselves. these COM
panies have increased and grown to such |
fair proportions. 1t is needless to say
that, in length of service. and disinterest-
ed labor in their behalf the name OF Cap
tain Holmes is easily first
wish to state right here, that am
not employed as counsel by the fire COM
panies to argue their case before this
audience, for that your verdict would be
in favor Of them under the present cir
cumstances would be foregone con-
clusion but personally wish to regis
ter few facts, which are as incontrover-
tible as the modern incontestibe- clause
in an insurance policy. and which are as
clear as the fact that under the new tax
laws of West Virginia neither rooster
nor bank escapes taxation
While this is an occasion of mefriment
and pleasure. yet it seems to me that some
expressions of coincidence and sympathy |
are due to the members of the Citizens
Fire Company for the loss of their former
CAPTAIN. J. William Russell, who has
since our last banquet departed from our
midst, and now rests with those whose |
work in life is done. 1t was impossible |
for anyone to know Captain Russell with
out appreciating his courage an d straight |
forwardness as a man, the honor and |
fidelity which characterised his business
dealings. and last, but not least. his I'M |
failing and strong devotion to that Judge |
before whose tribunal we shall all at |
some day be called to account for the
deeds done in the flesh. A rich man
may erect a monument or sarcophagus |
which will last for many centuries, to be |
the wonder of succeeding generations;
it may be embellished by the works o, |
the most noted sculptors and artists it |
may be composed OF the most lasting and |
permanent materials, as the American
granite or the black marble of Italy but, |
gentlemen, it seems to me that the great |
est and truest tribute which man can
obtain IN this ever changing world Of
ours is that obtained from our immediate |
contemporaries and friends. True it is. |
that in generation all those who may