Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1905-09-08

manner that, according to the visit
ors, reflects the highest credit upon
the city. Delegates to the conven.
tion of the State Fireman's associa-
tion say that while there has often
been a larger attendance at other
meetings, there has never been one
where more actual work was accom-
plishd. or where they have had a bet
ter time. This, coming from men who
nave attended the meetings in var.
ious cities Of the state, means a great
deal, and the visitors are all delight.
ed with the great reception accord.
ed them. During the past week they
have owned Lewistown, and have not
been allowed to forget for a moment
that they were the real proprietors
of the city.
Commencing with the reception ten
dered them on their arrival last Mon
day, their stay here has simply been
succession Of pleasant experiences,
with variety enough to make them
all interesting. The local committees,
with President John c. Bebb and Sec
retary H. R. Watson at the head, gave
special attention to the social side
of this gathering from the start, and
success crowned all their efforts. The
opening session was devoted almost
entirely to welcoming the visitors,
and Tuesday evening, after an exhi-
bition run by the LewistOwn depart
ment, all hands assembled at the
council chamber for the smoker.
The social feature Wednesday was
the ball at the opera house, and no
one missed that.
Thursday afternoon was devoted to
the barbecue, with its attendant fea-
lures, and this evening the final ses-
sion will be held at the city hall, at
the conclusion of which good-byes will
be said, and tomorrow morning the
brave men from all over the state,
who have been the guests of the city
for nearly week, will leave for their
homes.
Work Of the Convention.
Yet while the firemen have enjoyed
many pleasant experiences, this has
all been incidental to the convention
itself, and of the real work done, on
ly the delegates themselves are fam
iliar with. Two sessions have been
held here nearly every day, at which
papers have been read dealing with
the various problems that are con-
nected with the business of fire fight
ing and the protection of lives and
property against the flames. To a
large extent, these papers have been
OF technical nature, but they have
possessed the highest interest and
value for the firemen, and have all
been given the very closest attention.
Those who have only seen the "lad-
dies" at play cannot realize how en-.
tirely the spirit of fun is dropped at
these business sessions, and the real
good that results from this annual
gathering of the men who make fire
fighting business all the year round,
from the attrition and exchange Of
ideas, is only guessed at by the gen.
eral public. The subjects so far
treated have extended over a wide
range, and the papers have all dealt
with practical questions in the most
practical manner.
Today's Sessions.
Owing to the barbecue yesterday af-
ternoOn, which cut the work rather
short, several papers went over, and
today the convention has been en-
gagged in catching up" Following
the reading of papers this morning,
most interesting stage in the pro-
ceedings was reached this afternoon,
when the reports of officers were
made, and the election of new off.
GERS and the selection of the place
for the convention next year were
takn up. The attendance has been
and the number of delegates, includ-
ing those from this city, has been
close to so.
Session This Evening.
At 8 O'Clock this evening, the final
session will be held at the council
chamber, and for this occasion, sew
eral papers of especial importance to
all business men and others interest
ed in protection from fire will be read.
These papers have been held back
especially for this occasion, and all
business men, the mayor and men,
bers of the city council and other
officials are invited to attend. 1t is
HOpeu tudC DOln tHe business men
and the municipality will be fully rep
resented, and the assurance can be
given that they will be amply repaid.
Presentation to President eebb.
A very pleasant incident of the
convention proceedings was enacted
| Wednesday morning. when John c.
Bebb, retiring president of the associa-
tion. was made the recipient of a
magnificent gold badge, the gift of
the association. The presentation
was made by Judge Cheadle, who
made very neat speech. in which
he took occasion to give Mr.. Bebh
merited praise for his efficient work
as the head of the state organization
and made that gentleman feel how
we'll his efforts were appreciated by
Mr.. Bebb replied with few feeling
and well chosen words, expressing
his deep gratitude for the gift and the
kindly sentiment back of it, The
badge was made by New York jewel
ers. and is an exquisite piece Of work
manship. It is wrought in solid gold
and consists of an eagle at the top
with the badge beneath. upon which
is inscribed, John C. Bebb. Presi