Minor Topics
We respectfully request all persons who have the welfare of the Firemen at heart, to whom we send this number of the FIRKMAN’S JOURNAL,, to act as our agents in obtaining subscribers. If not able, to do so themselves, will they kiiully hand the paper to some one who will take an interest in it, and make a little exertion in our behalf. It is only by means of a liberal support that we can hope to make the JOURNAL worthy of the Firemen of the country, and live, up to the standard we have fixed for ourselves. The enterprise is one involving very heavy weekly expenses, and we rely upon our subscriptions to savetts from loss. We trust our friends in the Fire Department throughout the country will give a generous response to our efforts to cater to their interests.
The total losses by fire in Detroit, Mich., during the month of October last amounted to $6,907, upon which there were insurances aggregating $23,950.
We acknowledge the recept of the reports of Chief Engineer David Scannell of San Francisco It is well compiled and speaks well for our old and esteemed friend. We would congratulate him on his re-elec!ion to the head of tho Department which he has held with so much honor and credit to himself.
The thirty Firemen and employes of the Buffalo, N. Y., Fire Department, who were dismissed for political purposes, have been reinstated by the Supreme Court. The efficiency of the Fire Department, and not the political faith of its members, is a matter of grave importance to the citizens of Buffalo. To make the Department efficient and reliable, it should be beyond the control of politicians.
A hand fire engine, purchased by enterprising citizens for the town of Brookville, Pa., remains unclaimed at the railway depot in that place, The Borough Councils refuse to pay the freight charges and bring the machine into use, and no one else is inclined to pay the sum of $1.15 to get the engine out of the custody of the freight agent. And meanwhile, the whole place lies exposed to being swept out of existence with a fiery besom.
The question of tho utility and Iruslworthinoss of the Holly System of water works as a solo rolianee in case of fire, is ono that gives rise to much discussion in fire and insurance circles. As an anxilliary water supply the Holly system is admittedly valuable, but whether or not it will do to trust to alone is a problem the solution to which is being much sought for. We shall be ploased to print tho experience of Firemen who are familar with its workings in those cities and villages which have adopted the Holly system.
The first number of the JOURNAL is pretty sure to be open to criticism on some points. It would bo surprising if it was not, for it would bo too much to expect it to bo fully matured at its birth. But we trust it will convince all who are interested in Fire matters that “ we have come to staythat it is no catch-penny affair, to die off after a few months, disappointing the hopes that have been raised regarding it. We see chances for improvement, and shall hasten to make them at tho earliest opportunity ; meantime we ask tho hearty cooperation of Firemen and their friends everywhere to enable us to make of tho JOURNAL a paper worthy of them.
We send the first number of the JOURNAL to many Firemen and others in various parts of the country. If you like it, and want to encourage us in a good work, send us §2 for a year’s subscription, and get your friends to do likewise. We desire agents in every city and village in the country where there is a Fire Department, and shall be happy to correspond with any one who may desire to represent us. Correspondence on fire matters respectfully solicited.
