WHAT THEY SAY.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
[THE JOURNAL does not hold itself responsible for the ideas, opinions or prejudices expressed by its correspondents. Our policy is to give every one fair play, and our desire is to place on record ihe experience of practical Firemen in the management o‘ fires, fire apparatus and all that pertains to the Fire Service. To this end, we permit the greatest latitude of expression to correspondents, simply requiring them to avoid personalities, and expecting them to state facts.]
PAWTUCKET. R. I.
PAWTUCKET, April 15.—The Fire Department was called out three times in March, two calls being for slight roof fires. March 3, an alarm from box 16 summoned the Firemen to a large sash, blind, and door factory. The fire was slight, caused by sparks failing on the roof. March 25, box 4 was pulled at 8 A. M. for a fire on the roof of White’s Iron Foundry. The low temperature and high wind prevailing at the time, made propertyowners anxious, but all fears were dispersed by the recall which sounded about twenty minutes after the alarm. In the afternoon of the same day a fire broke out in a large wooden building near No. 2 Engine-house; Hose Companies No. 1 and 2, and Hook and Ladder No. 1, were promptly on hand, subduing the flames after an hour’s hard work. The building was unoccupied with the exception of the first floor, where several carriages were sto. ed ; these were removed without damage. An arrangement to keep the collars suspended over the horses’ necks, thereby relieving them of nine pounds weight, has been put into each station by the Engineer in charge. Engineer Dagget wishes it understood that although he can “ Legget” pretty lively to a fire, he does not answer to that name. Hose Company No. 1, have purchased an ” Organnette ” and evening concerts arc now in order. People in the vicinity are requested not to throw boot-jacks or bticks. Several parties wanting a Steamer have been in town looking at No. 5; ih y seem much pleased with its appearance, and no doubt it will soon be disposed ot. FI. L. S.
A LADY AMONG THE ENGINE-HOUSES.
NEW YORK, April 9.—Having just returned from a visit in Bosion, 1 feel it only right to take back some of my criticisms of its Fire Department, which I confided to you a short time ago. We visited some of the houses and found many improvements, the unifo ms from looking like fat policemen’s old clothes bestowed intjjscriminately upon t in and small Firemen looked bright and blue. There is no prettier blue certainly, and made especially for the wearers ; altogether a general air of ” sprucenesss” was observed, not perceptible last Summer. Perhaps it was the warm weather. 1 don’t pretend to knowthe reason, nor do I wish to draw comparisons, but the fact is they are now much more like the New York Department than then, which should be considered a great compliment, and much less provincial. I am open to any amount of snubs, and shall take them all in good part when they come. I am looking forward with interest to next Saturday’s JOURNAL to see what Key” rays about the ball, for I am sure he roust have been there. I tried hard to go and look on ; it seemed a possibility with two tickets, but it proved the contrary, 1 am sorry to say. Every one will be delighted to hear what grand results nightly crowned their efforts, and I hope those of ‘The Hub “will not be the only ones to succeed so well. The day after the ball we went into an Engine and Hook and Ladder House; a very nice one, so convenient and attractive. The men seemed very much pleased, and enjoyed themselves, they said, in spiteol the ala m sen: in to them by some kind and thoughtful person, during the evening, which I am sure few people in Boston counted without regret. I shall not give a description of the arrangements, as it will come much better from an eye witness like “ Key.” One thing we can testify to, late hours do not affect Firemen’s tempers apparently. The two who showed us about, one being Mr. 991, we could no; ca’ch the other’s number, were most polite, and told us everything with great kindness and patience. We wondered if they were horridly bored. I don’t know whether New York has an JErial Ladder or not, I have never seen it, so it must be carefully tucked away. It is a most interesting and wonderful piece of mechanism well worth seeing. After trying to imagine its full capacity, we were initiated into the mysteries of the Bangor Ladder, of which, as I understand, Boston has eleven. I never knew before (bat that kind of Truck always carried a Bangor Ladder. It looked to me just like a ” Hartshorn.” In reserve they had an old-fashioned, ponderous Hose Reel, which came from New Bedford, and was one of the first kind ever made, called ” Whalers.” I saw them in New Bedford, where they are now in use in almost every Engine-house, and I wasn’t surprised that they had to have a horse named ” Devil ” to pull them. It’s a capital little Department, however, in spite of their not having a single alarm while I was there, six weeks, and I thank the ” Franklin Hose ” for their polite invitation to tbeir supper. Firemen very seldom think of inviting young people to their festivities outside of themselves, I notice. But to go back to Boston. The Engine in this House was a Hunneman, and a perfect beauty. I had never seen one close to before, and we all thought it one of the handsomest of the different makes, and I dare say it works as well as it looks. We had not time to go up stairs, or thoroughly understand the difference between this Engine and others, but they said we could come again ; a promise I shall by no means forget. They get out of house here in fifteen seconds, and will probably make faster time when they” have the swinging harness, but that seems quite fast enough with such a heavy Engine as this looks. Which is supposed to work the better, Hunneman or Amoskeag ? In this city there is no Hunneman, I believe.
The telegraph apparatus was almost the same as in other places with many local improvements, I suppose. In the Ladder-house it connects with the Protective Company, which is the same as our Insurance Patrol. This is a most gorgeous place; Eastlake to an entense degree, one might mistake it for the Decorative Art, if it were not for the sign. Last Summer, when we were in it we were charmed with its pleasant rooms up stairs, and a very fine carved ivory whip, presented to the driver, which had been originally made for one of our Presidents or belonged to him. The wagon here has more work than any other apparatus in Boston, and which its looks belie, for it is much fresher than our Upper Patrol, with its two beautiful horses, but all fire horses are handsomer than others; they seem to feel their important position, and have any amount of knowledge. Speaking of horses, can any one tell me if that very sagacious animal that used to be in Ludlow street, in this city, is still alive and in the Department ? I should also like to ask if any one can say why, when I asked the man in the Engine-house in Boston if the ” Joker” was the “Joker” he immediately said, ” you must be from the West,” and seemed to consider it a joke on may part. Has somebody been presenting me with what all children are very fond ? Evidently they have. I don’t know whether THE JOURNAL allows slang ; I beg its pardon. Wc are distressed about the new city charter here. Will the Firemen express their feelings on the subject in THE JOURNAL, and tell us whether it is satisfactory, or will injure them the least bit in the world. We sincerely trust not; politics should be kept away from them with more energy than small pox, although they may have their own feelings as to that alternative. I may never have such a good chance to ask questions, so I should like to know why the New York Department gave up having the fire alarms from the bell towers, or the Boston system ? They certainly can’t have less of a crowd than they do now, and it is so satisfactory to have those little cards showing where the alarm came from. Although a good many people grumble in Boston at being awakened at night by the bells, 1 must confess I like it, and always help swell the crowd if I ger a chance. A Fireman told me they had given this up once in Boston, but they found that when the men were at their meals they could not be got at, so they returned to the present system. I had no idea that they were expected to be with their Company on duty during meal hours. This 1 should think would injure their health. Each Company should have a sufficient number of men to obviate this. I hope Barnicoat will write oftcner for THE JOURNAL; he should mention the original match scralchers in the Barnicoat House. They deserve notice, and I hope their photograph proved a success. One should have seen the expression of utter skepticism which greeted my statement, that in Buffalo the Chemical Engine came out in seven seconds. The Driver of the Chemical in Boston was too polite to say lie didn’t believe me at all, but I could see he thought that was a fire story out of my own mind ; but it was no imagination on my-part, I assure him. 1 think he will find the record in THE JOURNAL of March, 1879, after the annual inspection in Buffalo, if not even less than that time. Why doesn’t ” Rob Roy” ever mention the annual parade of his city ; it is one of the finest to be seen. It’s a pity only certain batallions parade in New York on Decoration Day. It’s the best part of the procession—and the marines. Hoping somebody will not think it too much trouble to answer all my questions when there is so much of real interest to think of in THE JOURNAL, I humbly subscribe myself HOOK AND EYE.
CHICAGO, ILL.
CHICAGO, April 10.—On Wednesday, the 7th, the Volunteer Firemen’s Benevolent Association paid, the last sad tribute of respect to the memory of E. P. Wood, by attending his funeral to Graceland Cemctry. Mr. Woods joined the Department in 1849, and was elected Foreman of Niagara Hose Company No. 3, the duties of which position he performed with great credit to himself and to (he Company. He was elected Foreman of the Engine Company of the same name in 1856, and continued in position, until the organization of the Paid Department. He was beloved for his many gentlemanly qualities and his love of order and discipline by all who had served under him. It was principally through him that Niagara Engine Company No. 3 gained such a brilliant reputation of being the most successful of any Company in our city in fighting the fiery element. I might also say that the imitation of the example that he showed as a Fireman accounts for the large number of Firemen in our present Department holding prominent positions. The pall bearers were : Chief D. J. Sweenie, Henry Flentyee, George W. Hannis, Alx. King, John Cleland, John Sweenie. Among those present, I noticed Superintendent J. P. Barrett, of the Fire Alarm Telegraph; Lieutenant Alfred Pendleton, Ex-Captain L. J. Walsh, Captain Lorentz Walters, Ex-Marshal John Schank, President T. E. Courtney, Treasurer T. E. Miller, Vice-President J. Scriener, John M. Reis, F. T. Sweenie, Valentine West, Peter Smith, John Wagenberger, George Atzel, Joseph Sparr, Dan Burke, Thomas Buckley, Louis Hass, Joseph Stoltz, Charles Stoce, E. Reinaker, and several other well-known persons. Last Saturday was pay day for the Firemen ; all the boys felt jubilant at having received their back pay, which was held back until the Council would settle the question of sala-ies for the year. The salaries are now placed at the same rates as last year. The only thing the Firemen now have to grumble about is the watching, which is the greatest hardship they have to endure. The Chief, in order to relieve them of at least part of this duty, recommended in his estimates for the present year the appointment of seven watchmen, which was passed by the Council, but was vetoed by the Mayor.
The only way now to relieve them, in the power of the Chief, is to try ar.d have the Captains and Lieutenants do at least some part of it. I say this Mr. Editor, on behalf of the hundreds of subscribers in the Department to the only representative paper, which is always ready to advance the interests of Firemen. Now, I hope that our worthy Chief will give this matter his most serious consideration, and if he does, 1 know full well that with his keen sense of justice, he will do something towards accomplishing the wishes, of his many well wishers and friends.
As I wrote you last week, the Council passed an amendatory clause to the appropriation bill with reference to the Chief’s Assistants; instead of having First and Second Assistants, there are to be three of them, known as the Chief’s Assistants, with the same salary, ^2000 for each; seven others to rank as battallion commanders. The Mayor and Chief are to define the duties of the three Assistants. Messrs. Petrie and Musham, who have ranked as Second and Third Assistants, and M. W. Shay, commander of the first battallion, have been appointed as the three. Messrs Petrie and Musham have so long served the city as Assistant Marshals, and so clearly demonstrated their fitness for tjie position, that it made their retention in office a foregone conclusion, and it is with infinite pleasure that I hail the advancement of Mr. Shay, as one of the Chief’s council. If his record of the past is any criterion to judge by, he will be sure to do credit to the position to which he has been appointed. It is also with pleasure that I note the promotion of Lieutenant Geo. L. Taylor, of Engine Company No. 4, to Captain of Engine Company No. 20. I wish him success. Chas. Kroncke, of Engine Company No. 4, has been appointed Acting Lieutenant of Engine Company No. 4, vice Geo. I.. Taylor, promoted. The coming nuptials of Thomas Melvin, Assistant Engineer of Engine Company No. 27, promises to be a grand affair, judging from the prepn ration that is being made. He will be married the coming week at the cathedral. He has a large circle of friends in the Department, and I join with them in wishing him and his bride, that their path through life may be strewn with roses. James Moan, alias John J. Arbuckel, Mary Carr, alias Mary Arbuckel, and Hazzard O. Perry, were arraigned before Justice Walsh, recently, upon a charge of arson. Marshal Conway, of the Fire Department, stated that he w’ent through the house as soon as the fire was subdued enough to permit one to enter, and found a score of places where the plastering had been torn off, and shavings, kindlings, and paper saturated with kerosene rammed into the spaces. The nearest fire plug valve-rod had been tampered with, so that two Engines were kept from working for some time. He had made an estimate on the stock in the store at the time, and thought that this, with the fixtures and the furniture, could not possibly be worth $200. The Watertown insurance agent said that Arbuckle had $2410 insurance upon his place, $1700 being on stock, $300 on fixtures, and $400 on furniture. Capt. Farrell, of the West side Fire Patrol, made a statement similar to that made by Marshal Conway. It was also stated that Mr. Countryman, apparently an innocent party, was up stairs in the front portion asleep when the place was fired. In consideration of the above facts, Justice Walsh thought that $ to,000 bail would not be exorbitant in the case of Moan and Miss Carr. In the case of young Perry who, it seemed, had been connected with the case only to the extent that he must have been aware of what was going on, $1,000 bail was thought enough. None of the parties could give bail, and they were taken over to the jail by Officers Earley and Lavin. During the past week there were seven alarms and six stills. Damage trifling. The schedule of the City Engineer for the laying of water-pipe during the year contemplates a total of 74.270 feet, ranging in size from six to tbirty-six inches in diameter. It will require over 3000 tons of iron. The following gentlemen were registered at Chief Swenie’s headquarters last week: Peter Onderhirk, Ishpeming, Mich; F. H. Babbit, Dixon, III.; Chas. D. Zellers, Logansport, Ind. B. T. Morgan, of the Akron Rubber Works, Akron, O., one of the most popular gentlemen connected with the hose trade, was in Chicago on April 3d. That young lady that W. A. Caswell so cruelly ” April fooled ” last week, writes to us to know how she can get even with him. We are pleased to be able to state that Sup’t Bullwinkle is a little better, and his speedy recovery may be looked for. We will be glad to see bis manly form among us once more.
CHICAGO, April 13.—I forgot to mention in my last letter the promotion of Assistant Engineer William IL Cline, of Engine No. 17, to the position of Engineer. He was assigned to Engine No. 20. It is with great pleasure that I hai his promotion and future success. On last Monday, Chief Conway received his new Wagon from the Department Repair Shop. He is highly pleased with it, and took especial pains to point out to me the many improvements that had been made on it for convenience, comfort and style. It reflects great credit on the Repair Shop. On the same evening, Chief Conway was most agreeably surprised by a large party of friends calling on him and his most estimable spouse, who, after taking full possession of the house, engaged themselves by tipping the fantastic toe until daylight did appear. I noticed among those present Captain Dave Kenyon, of Engine No. 21; Tommy Clarke, Assistant Engineer, of Engine No. 12, and John Ashworth, Foreman of the Repair Shop. On last Monday, Fire Marshal Swenie’s horse went out on a “still,” and excited the admiration and fear of a mullittide of people as he tore down Washington street and across State. The Marshal had left him standing at the corner of Dearborn and Washington streets, but was not five feet away when a coal-cart passed. The horse became frightened and started for the lake at full speed. The streets were crowded with people, but horse and buggy went dodging between them or over their heads and hurt no one. H-twcen State street and Wabash avenue a collision with a carriage ensued, and the hind wheel of the latter was taken off with neatness and despatch. Further on the frightened steed slipped and fell to the ground, but without injury, when he was caught. Lieutenant P. J. Devitt, of Engine No. 6, fell from the roof of the residence, 77 Stewart avenue, on Tuesday morning, and broke his leg. In response to a still alarm of fire the Lieutenant drove to the building and found it necessary to tear up the shingles, which had ignited from the spatks of a passing locomotive. While near the edge he lost his balance, and was precipitated to the ground.
John Arbuckle had a preliminary examination before Justice Ingcrsoll, for willfully setting fire to the grocery, No. 341 West Lake street, on the morning of April 1, and was hel 1 for trial at the Criminal Court in bonds of $3000. There s-cais to be a pretty strong case against him. The many friends of J. B. Jaimeyfield, the well-known hitcher, of Engine No. 28, will be pained to hear that his son was resently quite seriously injured. He was kicked by a brute in the shape of a man ; the result of one of those detestable tricks called practical jokes. It is to be hoped that the perpetrator of the act will be severely punished. The Silsby Manufacturing Company has bought the right to use the hitching snap invented by John C. Schneider, of Engine 28 On last T hursday evening the marriage of Thomas Melvin, Assistant Engineer of Engine 27, to Miss Nellie Egan, took place at the Cathedral of the Holy Name, in all the splendor of the beautiful ceremonies performed by the Roman Catholic Chtt’ch. The vast edifice was filled with the elite of the North Side to witness the ceremony, which w as performed by the Rev. D. Riordan, Chancellor of the Diocese. In my limited spac ; I will not attempt to describe the many and beautiful toilets of the ladies; neither will I describe the numerous handsome presents received by the happy pair. The reception took place at the residence of the bride’s paren’s. I have heard of a great manystra rge things in the course of my life, but the strangest thing I ever heard was told to me to day by Dr. Bowen, veterinary surgeon of the Department, but of course, Mr. Editor, ” you won’t tell it.” It was “that Hans Haerting, the Chief’s Secretary, had become spooney on a lady book agent.” It seems that the Doctor overheard ” Hans ” describing all her charms and perfection to ” Chief Petrie,” and wanted to find somebody who could tell him her name. If he would apply to me I could give him the information required. Thomas J. Carney and John Elliott have been accepted as members of the Department. The following resignations have been tendered and aocepted : James A. Hedglin, driver of Engine 29; William G. Drinkwater, driver of Engine 27; William II. Doyle, Truckman. Hook and Ladder No. 2 There were eight fires during the past week. Damage trifling ; ten still alarms. CIIICAGORILLA.
BUFFALO, N. Y.
lit ITAI.O. April 11,—With the going down of to-day’s sun, the Volunteer Fire Department of this city will be a thing of the past, as the Common Council cannot do other than disband, on their own petition or otherwise, the three remaining Hose Companies. With the disbandment of Hose Company No. 2 and Hook and Ladder Companies Nos 2 and 3. the fate of our heroic Volunteers was scaled, aad today, for the last time, can any one be called a Buffalo Volunteer. That this result was to be attained has for a long time been foreseen, and therefore it is useless and wr mg to charge upon any one man the disbandment of the Volunteer Force. It was certainly hinted at in a letter to THE JOURNAL in September, 1878, by me, and again later, when referring to the House in course of erection for Hook and Ladder Company No. a. T hat the Volunteers themselves are to blame in no small degree, none can deny; they became remiss in their duties, and although, as a general thing, turned out in goodly numbers, still the same reliance could not be placed upon them as those who were paid for such work, and a number of times have Companies reported at fires with not enough men to satisfactorily perform their duties. True, politicians have for years been trying to create a Paid Department here, and have left nothing undone to carry their point, and have at last succeeded beyond probably even their own expectations; but with the united action of the memliers of the State Association and faithful attendance to their Volunteer duties, the life of our Volunteer branch might have been prolonged many years.
The bill establishing a commission for the Fire Department, will, beyond a doubt, become a law before this letter appears in print, and I doubt not that the penonntlo{ our new Department, will be unexcelled. It is my purpose in a future letter, to refer to some of the oldj exciting times of Volunteer days, of the songs that were sung, and of the actors in some of those good old timet now passed, of the jovial, big-hearted Poole, unmercifully killed ; of the jolly, true and brave Maurer, and of others who fell in their line of duty, or after a long sickness passed quietly away. Although disbanded and separated, may we never forget our Volunteer dead, and with the recurrence of each anniversary, pause from our daily avocations long enough to give an expression of our respect and show that their memory is ever green. The paid branch of our Department met with a severe loss when, on March 11, Patrick Ryan, a Driver attached to Chemical Engine Company No. 1, passed from this world to that above. Ryan, or as he was generally called, and better known as ” Joe Rivers,” was first appointed a Pipeman in the Department, about four years ago, and was promoted from that position to that of Driver No. 2, on Chemical No. 1, on December 4th last, on the transfer of the writer to other appaiatus. As a Fireman, he was brave and of good judgment, willing, reliable and strong; as a companion he was agreeable and cordial. The immediate cause of his death was erysipelas, and his age was twenty-five years. A meeting of paid men was called, and appropriate resolutions were adopted and published in the daily papers. His funeral took place March 14, and was attended by a detail of thirty men, under the personal command of Chief French. The floral tributes were both numerous and costly, testifying in their silent way of the genuine regard entertained tor him by his o’.d comrades. The quarters and apparatus of Chenrcal No. I, are elaborately draped, and the funeral cortege when on its way to the cemetry, passed them on their route. The estimated amount necessary to “ run ” the Department for the present year is $188,915, and possibly since the disbandment of the Volunteers, and the purchase of their furniture, and adding to the force, it will be necessary to add about $25,000, but of course, this will be ihe most expensive year for our new Depaitmcnt, and he-eafier a very large increase over previous years need not be apprehended. ROB ROY.
BOSTON, MASS.
BOSTON, April 8.—The Department ball on March 31, was in every respect an unqualified success. The attendance was large, the arrangements were perfect, and a good time washed by all. Various Department-sin this section of the country were represented by their Chiefs and other fire officials. Time will not permit us to give their names, or go in to the details of the dance, much to our regret. Suffice to say that the Department will net in the vicinity of $8500, and of course hereafter it will be an annual occurrence. We think that there would be more satisfaction given if each district was represented by a trustee who, together with the Board of Commissioners, would form a Board of Directors for the distribution of funds. We are pleased to state that Engineer Colligan, instead of losing one of his eyes as before stated, has so far recovered as to be up and around the house. We omitted last week to state that the Driver of Hook and Ladder No. 10, was fully exonerated by the Judge in the matter of killing the little girl while responding to an alarm of fire, by running over her ; the Judge was very glowing in his remarks, as to the duties of the Firemen, and especially the Drivers. Our last letter drew forth considerable comment in regard to the’striking of the gongs in the Enginehouses a third or a half quicker, but the idea is a good one, and no doubt a great deal of time would be saved, and the code of signals is just what this Department needs, and it has got to come to it sooner or later. We wish to extend our thanks to Foreman Riley, of Engine No. 12, for favors received and will try and recriprocate at an early day.
BOSTON, April 15.—On April 7 there werejeight alarms in this city, but none of the fires amounted to much. The Department was called twice to Box 68 by the Automatic Alarm, there being no fire either time. The fact is, there have been a great many false alarms caused by this same defect, and it doe” not seem right to strip the difterent parts of the city of their protection from fire by this Automatic Alarm not being adjusted. It seems as though the defects could be remedied by someone, or if not, cut it out altogether and depend entirely on the Fire Alarm. I was fortunate in being in the vicinity of Chemical No. 2’s House when one alarm from Box 68 was rung in. and they were all hitched and ready for a start when the first four blows were struck off, and then they had to wait for the old ” slow coach ” of an alarm to go off the rest, thus losing much valuable time, when, with theg ngs striking quicker, they could have been a long way towards the fire when the first round was off. By pulling two boxes at the same time some of the Companies which should have gone to Box4went toBo47. Engine8got the alarm correctly, and credit is due Captain Childs, of that Company, for the efficient manner in which he handled the fire. By his good judgment in directing his stream a large blaze was prevented. I am of the opinion that Easterbrook has struck a bonanza, judging from the orders he is receiving from all parts of the country. Itis pleasant to see the Firemen take an interest and help an enterprise of this kind along. He can supply anything in the line of fire supplies at the lowest rates. “H. J.J.,” your items were received ; will attend to them at once. Accept thanks for same, and send along anything that you think will be of interest to readers in other parts of the country, as THE JOURNAL goes over all the United States, and there are others who like to k low what is going on at the ” Hub ” as well as ourselves.
“KEY.”
CINCINNATI, O.
CINCINNATI, April 8—Fire business in the Parisof America, for the quarter ending March 31, was very dull, there being fifty-six alarms by telegraph, two of which were second alarms. This does not include alarms received by telephone nor stills. On the evening of March 17, Box 123 struck. The Company responding did good work, the fire being in a foundry and machine shop, and it was confined to the building. During the progress of the fire, an old lady was frightened to death. A ball was given March 31, for the benefit of Ed. Perry, formerly stoker of No. 14, Steam Fire Company. It was a grand success financially, and those who attended, among them a large number of Firemen, enjoyed themselves immensely. Poor Ed. Perry has hosts of friends who sympathize with him in his many years of affliction. George Postel, pipeman, of No. 4 Fire Company, while going to Box 74 not long ago, fell off the Hose Reel and hurt his hand ; it laid him off duty for several days. Henry Roll, stoker, of No. 13, has been very sick, but is now on duly. He has been a member of No. 13 since the organization of the Paid Fire Department in 1853. Lick Run, Twenty-fourth Ward, is to have an Engine-house built this year, then look out for Steam Fire Company No. 21. At 9.05 P. M., while writing to THE JOURNAL, our bell struck sixty-three. I called the Box, and out we went on the first round to the fire, which proved to be in one of the buildings of the White Lead Works, owned by Eckstein, Hills & Co. We worked one hour. Samuel Oakes, Pipeman, of Marion Steam Fire Company No. 8, has resigned his position. Sam is a good Fireman, and Fire lads wish him well in his new business. SIGNAL.
THE TORONTO HOSE AWARD.
TORONTO, ONT., April 13.—The Fire Hose question which has for a long time past agitated our citizens, our press and Councillors, has been brought to a close by the recent award of contract for the purchase of 4500 feet of Rubber Hose. The awarding of this contract has caused so much comment, and there are so many singularities about the affair, as to justify a letter on the subject in your columns. The facts are these: The Fire and Gas Committee advertised for tenders for the supply of 4300 feet of hose. Knowing that the Chief of the Fire Brigade would mot recommend the hose that the Toronto Council has now purchased, on account of his previous experience with the article having been very unsatisfactory, a report was taken to the members of the committee by an interested party, that the Chief was to receive a commission in the event of cotton hose being purchased. This report had the effect of the Chief’s judgment and experience being set aside as regards the purchase. When the award of the Fire Committee was made known to the Executive Committee, there were so many unaccountable things connected with it that that committee would not pass the report without having the various brands of hose tested. Some ten days elapsed without hearing anything more about the test; but one day, at a quarter before 2 o’clock the agent of the cotton hose received notice to send up to the] Fire Hall, new cot on hose for, a test which was to take place that day at 2 o’clock. When the cotton hose agent protested against such a short notice being given, as he had not a section of new hose in his warehouse, the Chairman of the Fire Committee, wished to, and insisted upon testing the old cotton hose which is now in service in the Department, against other competing companies new hose, which by some means or other they had been able to have ready for the test. This was of course strongly objected to by the agent of the cotton hose, and being sustained in his objections by several members of the Council, that part of the scheme was abandoned. The following extract from the Toronto Globe, of April 3, speaks for itself:
” It is averred by the cotton hose firm that the test was not a fair one ; thaLtheir hose was tested with a gauge supplied by the New York rubber firm ; that the gauge was not registering correctly at the time the hose burst, and this statement is supported by evidence tending to show that another gauge which was attached to the hydrant at the same time was registering a much higher pressure. The New York gauge, it appears, burst at the„same moment thecotton hose went,and, therefore, it cannot be brought into evidence. Subsequently the rubber hose were tested, with the results already mentioned. The defeated tenderers contend, therefore, that this test furnished no just reason why their hose should be passed over. As to the quality of the hose, the New York rubber firm produced testimonials from some forty municipalities in Canada where their hose had been used. Against this the cotton hose men produced twenty-five testimonials from the same places, and of later date, showing, they declare, that their article was superseding the rubber hose. From four of these places—Cornwall, Peterborough,Owen Sound, and Barrie—came very emphatic condemnations of the kind of rubber hose which the Toronto Council is now recommended to purchase. It is alleged against the rubber hose that no one but the manufacturer can tell the quality of it. Given a price, and the hose will he forthcoming whatever the price may be. The reputed rubber contained in the hose may be one-half real rubber, or it may be only onetenth. In any case, the cotton hose men say, the life of rubber hose is short, and the hose itself entirely untrustworthy, because of the uncertainty of its lasting power. It is said that two years ago, Alderman Farley and two or three other members of the Fire and Gas Committee, in their capacity as members of the then committee, threw out a tender of this same New York rubber firm for the identical quality of hole, on the ground that the previous experienci of the city with the article had been very unsatisfactory. The firm’s tender was then 90 cents, and the accepted tender was 94 cents. Since lh; time when the 90 cent tender was rejected, the city has had no dealings with the firm. – If this is correct, the public are concerned to learn what are the circumstances which have caused the change in the views of the committee. The committeemen’s defence may be that they nave obtained a six years’ guarantee from the New York firm, whereas the others only offered a three years’ guarantee. The answer to this is that the six years’ term was a secret arrangement with the New York rubber firm, and that the other tenderers gave as much as they were asked to give, and would cheerfully have given the six years’ guarantee if it had been suggested to them. As a matter of fact, no guarantee of hose is worth much. Whenalengthbursts.it is impossible to prove that it has not been driven over or otherwise maltreated. Of the thousands of feet of guaranteed hose that the Toronto Department have burst, only one lot, we are told, was ever replaced by the manufacturer, and that not rubber hose.
As the purchase of hose is a heavy item of expense constantly recurring, it is the duty of the Council to see that the taxpayers’ money is not wasted on inferior articles.”
The whole affair, from beginning to end, was sgyone-sided, that the wonder is that such men should advertise for tenders at all, for the matter was virtually disposed of before the tenders were opened. TORONTO.
BROCKTON. MASS.
BROCKTON, April 14.—Fires abound in the neighboring towns, and fire extinguishing apparatus and supplies are booming. Stoughton has voted to buy two Steam Fire Engines and a large supply of hose. Randolph will buy more hose, and an effort will be made to procure another Steamer and dispense with the Hand Engines. L. Button & Son will put a Steamer in Weymouth, on trial, and if it throws her water as well as the General Bates Hand Engine, of same maker, the trade is sure to follow; the Steamer will be located at the landing, and the old Amazon Engine will go out of service. Randolph has a lively fire bug, and his many attempts shows that he means business. East Bridgewater, is a town of 9000 population,with mills, iron foundry,factory,etc.,and not a single piece of apparatus ; and the result of a fire is the total loss of all property in danger. Bridgewater,a town noted for its wealth and iron foundry, factory, etc., the State Normal School and State Work-House, has, for its protection, but one small Engine in service, run by a small Company of men. Easton, the home of the Ames, with its mammoth shovel works and other factories and public and private buildings, has no apparatus except the steam-pump attached to the private works. The Abington’s, Centre and South, have nothing in the Fire Department line. These towns will all rush for fire apparatus when they get singed as Stoughton did. Captain L. S. Hamilton, of S’eamer No. 1, attended the ball of Foxboro Steamer Company, on fast night, and reports a fine time and the best treatment and attention. Roy is a live one for a veteran of 24 years’ service in the Department, and as a smoke eater he can’t be beaten. The editor of one of the locals does not see the need of pulling any particular box jn case of fire. If fire was seen by a watchman at a distance, he should pull the first box at hand. That is logic—to have the Department make a run in the opposite direction, as they are duty bound to answer the box number as struck on the tower striker. We have a lot of this editorial fire talent in town, which is never satisfied except when the Department is in a wrangle. If these pen-and-ink Firemen would take a few lessons on a muddy,slushy line of hose,or get bored with a iK-inch stream on a frosty morning, it would improve their ideas of the fire business. Chief Eldrcd has put a curb-bit on the aspiring member who would wear his shoes, and everthing is quiet at the trout. Captain Henry Willis Is the coming man on board ; and for further vacancies which may occur, such men as Captain E. I’. Howard and Captain L. S. Hamilton will come to the front ; and with such men as the?e on deck, harmony and improvement will be the order and watchwords of (he Department. Belmont Chemical Engine No. 4, has procured a large photograph of Chief Eldrcd, for the Company hall, and the other Companies should follow suit. Fire duty is nothing in this town. This Department will reorganize May 3d, for the ensuing year, and we expect things to be booming by tha’ time.
BROCKTON BOY,
AN IMPOSTER.
SYRACUSE, N. Y., April 15.—On the third of this month, a young man about five feet nine inches high, light complexion, well dressed, nnd wearing a badge of the Dover, N. ],, Fire Department of which he claimed to be a member, called upon me and wanted assistance to get to Fort Wayne, Ind. I gave him fifty cents, with which to obtain breakfast, as he said he was hungry, and left him with Cap tain Ecklc of the Truck Company for investigation, before further investment. The Captain offered to direct him to a restaurant, when he claimed to have had his breakfast. Some of the men offered to telegraph to his peopled Dover, but he was in no hurry about furnishing their address, and after visiting the House of Steamer No. 3, and not getting much encouragement he disappeared. This morning 1 received a card trom Captain Rose, of Alert Hose, Rochester, where he had put in an appearance last week, claiming to be an Assistant Chief of the Dover Department and bound East. 1’ost him, he is evidently a fraud.
IRA WOOD, Chief S. F. D.
CLEVELAND. O.
CLEVELAND, April 14.—At the last meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners all the members were present. At the next meeting the re-organization of the Board will take place, when President Radclifte and Commissioner Lutton will retire. President Radcliffe has been a member of the Board for four years, and has been thought a great deal of by the officers and men. Mr. Lutton has served only one year. Several requests were made to violate the Fire Ordinances in regard to buildings ; the pay rolls and claims were approved and ordered paid. The St. Clair street Railway Company presented a bill of $25 for damage done car by colliding with Truck No. I. F. Shotwell would like $21.65 for the same accident, damage done his wagon. The old Steamer No. 1, which was sent to Seneca Falls for repairs and returned, is to go back to her old House, and now we have two extra Steamers. George H. Lamb, the member of Hook and Ladder No. 2, who resigned some weeks ago, wanted to be re-instated, but several of the Commissioners say that to become an active member one must first serve on the sublist, and when he resigned he lost all claim to the Fire Department. Such is the rule and they decided it must not be broken, as it would be an act of injustice to the subs—a stand well taken. William H. Howe and C. Beverlin. were made members ol the Department subject to the ninety days rule. The Chiefs’ report for March was, 34 fires, 417 1/4 miles run, 34K hours worked, 12,900 feet hose worked through. 16,830 feet of hose in the Department, 67 horses. The Telegraph Department are running the wires as fast as they can to get the telephones on the Houses. The Charity Ball was a grand success here. Fire Laddies did all the decorating and did not get a word of thanks, but Firemen are getting used.to that. And now I want to say a word to Veritas, of Keene, N. H.: You have got a good Department there, but do not ask for two Steamers, ask for one first. I know that place as well as any one, and you never can get two at once ; get a Steamer and locate her by the City Hall, and keep one man with her all the time, and when you have a fire you will have something to put it out with; you have not had many fires there in the last eight years with the exception of J. S. Tafts’ regular burn out, but if you will get the swinging harness, and get your horses from Martins’ stable, you can get out very quickly and handle any fire you may have in that city. Keene will have to see more than the head of the square burn out to make her purchase two Steamers. There is too much old fogy element there. Since I last wrote I have visited the Columbus, O., Department; they have three Silsby Steamers, but do not use them as they have the Holly Water-works; they have three four-wheel Hose Carriages, three two-wheel Hose Carts, one Chemical Engine and Truck combined, and two Hook and Ladder Trucks. They have the swinging harm ss and several of the Houses are very neat and convenient. Chief Hienmiller is a first-class gentleman, and knows his business and the Fire Laddies under him speak of him very highly who are as good, a set of men as you will see in any Department. BENT.
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