Reminiscences of the old fire laddies and volunteer fire departments of New York and Brooklyn. . spond to the alarm, but wereforced away from the fire by the rioters. Chief Engineer Decker arrived upon theground, mounted a table, and stated to the crowd that after they had destroyedthe government buildings they should not carry their feelings so far as to injureand destroy the property of private people, who, perhaps, rather more sympathizedwith them than otherwise. He spoke forcibly and to the point, and his remarks werewell received. It was then determined that the firemen should be allowed
Reminiscences of the old fire laddies and volunteer fire departments of New York and Brooklyn. . spond to the alarm, but wereforced away from the fire by the rioters. Chief Engineer Decker arrived upon theground, mounted a table, and stated to the crowd that after they had destroyedthe government buildings they should not carry their feelings so far as to injureand destroy the property of private people, who, perhaps, rather more sympathizedwith them than otherwise. He spoke forcibly and to the point, and his remarks werewell received. It was then determined that the firemen should be allowed to tryand extinguish the flames, and a lull occurred among the excited people. The police,unaware of the arrangements with the firemen, advanced at this moment with theintention of making a charge. This at once excited the people, and, fancying that theofficers intended to attack them, they commenced firing stones, brick-bats, and clubsat the police to such an extent that they had to beat a precipitate retreat, whilemany of them were severely injured. The firemen were now allowed to commence. Short Biographies. their work, and water was thrown upon the burning buildings. For some timethe flames resisted the opposing element, but finally were subdued and the crowdwas dispersed. They, however, again assembled, and moved to Forty-third Streetand Lexington Avenue, where they attacked the building with crowbars and pick-axes. After gutting the building they then set it on fire. They next attacked theColored Orphan Asylum on Lexington Avenue and Forty-third Street, and afterthrowing the furniture and bedding from the windows, and taking whatever of prop-erty could be carried off, they then set it on fire. Chief Decker again attempted to staythe ruffians, but was unsuccessful. About three oclock in the afternoon of the same day the crowd, to the number ofabout 2000, assembled at the Armory, corner of Twenty-first Street and Second building was owned by Mayor Opdyke, and his
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, bookidldpd63166850, bookyear1885
