Evening journal., 1906-11-30

never be forgotten by the men who par
ticIpated in the affair. 1t was fitting
testimonial OF the affection and esteem in
which the hremon are held
All along the route OF the parade wnicn
preceded the ceremonies at the Indepond-
ence engine house, Twelfth and Claymont
streets, crowds filled the streets and fire.
works were set of continuously In Mar
ket street every engine company in the
city helped TO make the WELCOME a royal
one, by keeping up deafening noise "A
mixture Of shriil whistles and changing
bells.
Program Of Ceremonies.
Francis S. Bradley, president Of the In
dependence Company, to whom probably
more than to any individual member of
the organization. is due the realization OF
the oompanys hopes, was chairman Of
the arrangement committee. He first in
troduced the Rev j. NJ s. Van Blunk.
pastor OF Kingswood ~ r. Churcn, who
offered prayer. Frank H. Brandt presl-
dent Of the Fame Company then spoke
Of the Importance of the occasion and OF
the wonderful growth and progress Of the
new company, the baby OF the depart
ment. He characterized the company as
one of the finest in the department, and
considered # an honor that Fame No. 6
was selected TO conduct the dedication and
housing ceremonies.
Chairman Bradley Replies.
Tfi..
following reply:
Gentlemen: 1t gives me great pleasure
to share with you tonight the honor OF
this occasion. It is no small achievement
TO organize a fire company, but we have
done more than that We may say that
this Is only the fifth anniversary Of our
existence, and tonight we are housed and
equipped. Other companies in this city
may have come to their own in less time
than that, but to me. as look back to
1901. it seems as If we had cause for great
pride and gratitude, too, nt what has been
accomplished.
The Independence Fire Company. like
an of its predecessors in this city, mas
been called by duty to a large and grow.
ing field II is pcrhaps the largest field
for service that has fallen TO the lot Of
any company in Wilmington. Certain IL Is
that the growth In building has been
greater in this community than in any
other in the city.
Our responsibilities. therefore, are vast
and steadily increasing and for the beno-
fit Of the community our equipment has
come none too soon. feel IN this hour
90
F responsibilities assigned TO us and that
we shall never have reason to regret nor
cause regret IN others for the great ster
we have taken. We nave given n solemn
pledge to duty. a duty which necessarily
win lead now and then TO peril. but as
look over the faces of the members. ]
realize that we are all ready TO respond
to every call and to 60 wherever duty
shall lead us.
Presented New Steamer.
In presenting the new steamer 70 the In
dependence members William J. Lutz
chairman Of the housing committee Of the
Fame Company spoke with praise Of the
Independence members and their indefa.
tigable efforts to establish themseive.
among the foremost hremen Of the city
He wished them prosperity and in con.
cluson said;
with this handsome new engine,
hope you Will succeed md accomplish al
these things which the older companies
in the department have 50 ably DONE
Praises for Firemen.
Horace C. Knowles. on behalf NJ th'
Independence. accepted the new engine
He said that the next thing 20 being q
hero was being a hremen. Mr.. l<nowle.
spoke of the brave and heroic men with
a feeling that touched the hearts Of many
Of the older fremen present.
MANY would have filtered and giver
mp hope long ago in so great an under
taking as the Independence members have
just accomplished" said the speaker. land
for their admirable courage they are en-
titled to the highest praise"
3 Referring to President Bradley. Of the
Independence Company. Mr.. knowles
said: "This old war horse oe the Ninth
ward deserves much credit for the part he
has done. What he has accomplished was
always done well. which is testified to by
the fact that he was Che first president
I Of the company and stlll retkns that Do-
/ sition. / hope that the FIRE Of kindly
+ feeling may continue TO dwell in his heart
and for many years he will be accorded
the honors justly due him by his fellow
members.
I'VE should feel exceedingly proud Of
our fire department. No city excells us and
our hremen deserve the heartfelt thank.
OF the people. for no class Of men are
more respected than they are
i accept this engine on behalf Of the
Independence Company and it will ns
doubt. give a good account OF itself at al
times and on all occasions"
Dinner for Guests.
Following these ceremonies an elabor
ate luncheon was served. after which n
L. Henderson, on behalf OF the Fam,
Company. presented to the independence
a handsome picture, containing the photo
graphs Of the Fame Housing Committee
and also pictures of the Fame apparatus
President Bradley responded feelngly an,
thanked the donors.
Test Was Satisfactory.
The new engine was tested at Sixteentl
and West streets yesterday afternoon an,
proved satisfactory in every respect. Al
soon as the company receives the horse
which will pull the apparatus. which vii
be in the course OF few days. it will b
placed in service