The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1910-06-25


behalf of the fremen to your beau
tiful and eloquent address OF well
come. know the warmth of your
hospitality and the unbounded gener-
osity of your welcome. and 1 voice
the sentiment of every member Of this
Association when l say that we APP
preciate the splendid welcome you
have given, and rejoice in the priv
ilege that Is ours Of visiting under
such auspices this enterprising and
beautiful city.
We have looked forward to this oc-
casion with mingled feelings of pleas
ure and pride, for We know the chiv-
airy and knightly courtesy of your
distinguished Mayor and Chief. We
know Sumter's reputation for hospi-
tality. that in the midst of her busi-
ness life, progress and push, that
hearts would welcome us, and glad
hands be extended in fraternal greet
ing.
Our anticipations have been real
lied, and We sit among you not as
strangers. but as welcome guests. We
are proud, sir, of the privilege OF
meeting in such a splendid city, and
among such generous and hospitable
people, who, by inheritance and
training. have always recognized and
appreciated valor, whether exhibit
ed on the field of battle or in the
quiet pursuits of peace.
We know that the worth of a true
fireman, and the cause In which he is
enlisted Is near and dear to your
hearts, and therefore the reception
accorded us springs from a genuine
desire To honor the men, and the
great and growing organization which
they represent. The State Firemen's
Association has come to stay. 1t is
the product Of American thought. No
man can define it's future bounds,
challenge its right to live, or ques-
tion its fraternal spirit. The firemen
constitute one Of the most useful
and important classes of society. They
rightfully belong to the great frater-
nifty Of working men. bred and born
to work, and this honorable mark
written on their brows by the hand
of the Almighty Identifies them with
all classes Of working men, whether
Of hand or brain. Men of sterling
worth; they respond nobly and grand
ly TO every call of duty, whether
fighting fire or battling with the Sc
rious and difficult problems of life.
There are and have been great
heroes, such as We have had in our
wars, who have faced danger against
shot and shell. But Mr.. Chairman,
no hero on land or sea has ever shown
more courage or loyalty to duty than
our brave firemen, who respond to
the midnight alarm, and facing the
storm and the night beats back the
destroyer OF the humble cottage, and
saves life and property Such an or
ganization OF men it is my privilege
to represent.
Were / an artist / could paint you
picture of several great heroes In
the hre service. Do YOU re-
member the night Of Feb. %, 1907,
when one of Sumters patrolmen was
walking his beat. and looking up saw
fire and smoke pouring from a two
story building. At a glance he has
taken in the situation and TO the fire
alarm box. he pulls the hook. There
Is a young fireman at home asleep.
lle hears the bell and knows it's
meaning, In minute he is dressed,
an aged widowed mother gives him
parting kiss. and with Gods bless
ing he Is off, He is the pride Of her
heart. the JOY OF her life. At the
corner the hose wagons are coming,
on he leaps. The hose are strung.
water Is played on the building.
There is a man upstairs asleep! Tho
ladder is raised, a brave fireman is
at the top breaking in the windows
In he goes through smoke and flame.
The crash comes, the building gives
way and down in a heap of brick and
mortar lies all that remains of Z
brave man and hero.
church bells are tolling the 81 !
news Of true fireman, the town is
In mourning. Brave hearts are brok-
en- and loved ones are weeping for
their lost one. on yonder street you
VIII find shaft erected bearing this
inscriptions
"IIe who gives up his life in the
discharge Of public duty has made