Franklin Repository

The Spirit, of last week, attempts to show that we are inconsistent in advocating a protective Tariff, while we admit, by publishing a week or two ago, an article from the Philadelphia N. American, that the business of the country is reviving, although, as our neighbor says, the Tariff has not been touched.

We can answer the Spirit, on this subject, in a very few words. The beggary of the National Treasury is evidence that there is but little importation of foreign merchandise or other manufacturers. Our merchants have been so much crippled by former importations, that foreign purchases are now out of the question, and our manufacturers are putting forth efforts to supply whatever demand may spring up in our markets. A non-importation of foreign fabrics, whether produced by the operations of a Tariff or the inability of our merchants to buy, must prove advantageous to the business interests of our country; and if importations would cease, at least to such an extent as not to injuriously interfere with the industry of our own people, we would not care for a revision of the present Tariff. It has been against the vast importations induced by the present low Tariff, that we complain; and if those importations cease, from whatever cause, we are satisfied. Is the Spirit answered?

--We announced, several weeks ago, that an effort was making to raise means to purchase the necessary apparatus and to organize a Hook and Ladder Company. A sufficient amount was subscribed by our citizens to warrant the organization of such a Company, which was done by the election of Mr. James King, President; Dr. James Hamilton, Vice President; Mr. J. S. Nixon, Treasurer, and Dr. W. H. Boyle, Secretary. The Company, thus organized, appointed a Committee, consisting of Messrs, Jas. King, P. B. Housum and J. P. Culbertson, to purchase the necessary apparatus, with instructions to visit Harrisburg and Philadelphia for that purpose. They succeeded in purchasing the necessary apparatus, with instructions to visit Harrisburg and Philadelphia for that purpose. They succeeded in purchasing the apparatus used by the "Protection" Company of Philadelphia, a very complete affair, at a cost of not quite $500.

This apparatus arrived on the Cumberland Valley Burthen Train of Cars on Saturday afternoon last, and according to previous arrangements, the Protection Hook and Ladder Company were very politely escorted to the Depot by the Friendship and Hope Fire Companies, in full uniform, to receive their apparatus, who took it in charge, and, preceded [sic] by the Mechanics' Brass Band, who also kindly tendered their services for the occasion, formed in procession and marched through the various streets of our borough, presenting quite an attractive appearance, and were at last drawn up in front of the Court House.--Here Mr. James King, through Capt. F. S. Stumbaugh, who, in some appropriate remarks, presented the Protection Hook and Ladder Company with a very fine silver-mounted Brass Speaking Trumpet, which had been presented to him by the Protection Hook and Ladder Company of Philadelphia--from whom this apparatus was purchased--and it was received, on behalf of the Company, by Dr. W. H. Boyle, in a short but suitable address of thanks. The several Companies then re-formed, and marched to the House prepared for the reception of this new apparatus, where it was deposited, and the several Companies then, in order, returned to their respective Halls.

Altogether, this was a pleasant union of the Fire Department of our town, and was as agreeable as it was pleasant. While we like to see an active, zealous and earnest competition, with a desire to excel in usefulness, we know no reason why a spirited rivalry cannot exist without exciting bad blood between the several companies. With this new addition to our Fire Department, and a hearty and friendly co-operation on the part of the several Companies, our town is tolerably well prepared to subdue a conflagration.

While we are upon this subject, we cannot refrain from saying, that inasmuch as the Hope Company is provided with a most excellent and powerful Suction, we think that the Friendship should be furnished with an equally good one. The one now used by the latter, is not very servicible [sic], and although active and prompt, a great deal of their precious time is lossed before their Suction can be made to operate in forcing water through their hose. A number of City Companies are now supplying themselves with Steam Fire Engines, and are throwing their former Apparatus aside. Could our Town Council not purchase a very good Suction Engine, thus thrown out of use, at a greatly reduced price? We throw out this suggestion, and hope it will be acted upon. Better or more active Companies no other town in the interior can boast than those we have, but it is discouraging and disheartening for a Company to be compelled to operate with an inefficient Apparatus, and to see all their exertion and activity amount to be but little, owing to such a cause. We, therefore say, let the Friendship be speedily supplied with another Suction, or what would be better, with a Suction Engine.

--On Sabbath night last, between 8 and 9 o'clock, our town was again alarmed by the cry of fire. A terrific volume of flame suddenly burst from a Brick Stable, on the alley immediately West of Main street, on the lot occupied by Judge J. L. Black, which, with its contents, were soon destroyed. The several Fire Companies, together with the Protection Hook and Ladder Company, were soon on the ground, and prevented the flames from extending further. This fire showed conclusively the great utility of a Hook and Ladder Company. A large portion of the valuable part of our town was in imminent peril from this conflagration, and several houses on Main street were on fire communicated by the flying embers. This was the property of Judge Eyster, and we learn there was no insurance. The fire was the work of an incendiary.