The Sun

THE JUNKETERS' RETURN.

What Happened to a Fire Company that Took a Crowd of Jersey City Aldermen to Boston—The Providential End of an Extended Spree.

Diligent Hose Company of Jersey City visited Boston last week. In that city the loose change of its members was regarded as so much waste paper. Gold toothpicks were passed around gratuitously after every meal, and paper collars were showered upon the visiting firemen in reckless profusion. Every time a badly sewed shirt button dropped from its moorings a ladies' sewing circle was instantly organized, and delegations of bootblacks were in constant attendance upon the visitors ready to polish their mad-hooks whenever a splash suggested the process. Had the truth-loving Bostonians learned that nine Jersey City Aldermen had smuggled themselves into the party disguised in great coats and fire caps, and were passing themselves off as genuine firemen, some limit to this extraordinary display of New England generosity might have been reached. But as it was, the imposition escaped the notice of the hosts, and during the stay of the guests sparkling Heidsieck continued its uninterrupted flow from golden fountains.

But the end came at last, the time to return had arrived, and on Friday morning, after duly listening to the benediction of the Mayor and Common Council of Boston, our New Jersey friends turned their broad backs on the city of Faneuil Hall. Chief Engineer Coyle of the Jersey City Fire Department drooped a tear, and delivered an affecting address at parting.

On the arrival home of the company, they were met at the ferry by the upper crust Committee of Arrangements, known as the Joint House, Phoenix Hose, Engine Company Touch and Marion Truck, Company for the Fourth New Jersey National Guard Regiment also turned out in full uniform and marched at the head of the imposing line. A procession was formed, and with music and high feeling it moved on its way over the cobble stones of Jersey City. The ovation to the returning company exceeded in splendor and scenic effect all previous receptions. Alderman Wakeman's diminutive form was lately recognized in the throng, and he became almost speechless in the meantime story of how liberally the Bostonians had treated them. Alderman Barnstead, better known The Champion Buzzer, did not seem to like being to the cobble stones, and his ill-fitting fire cap by an awkward way of ricochet rack on his bump of acquisitiveness. Alderman Whalen, the Ben Brummell of the Board, took no notice of the ropes like an expert in the pugilists. ex-Alderman Titus, of the Hazard Company, stood up to his work like a conquering hero, and inwardly sighed for more such visits. Chairman Fredollar Nurenh, who was elected on account of his prominent administration with the temperance cause, kept the sidewalk committee in a perpetual roar in reciting his experience as a fireman. The great Diligent Boston spree finally wound up in a grand supper at the expense of Claremont Hose Company, and midnight found nearly every man a fit subject for a police station.