Portland gazette and Maine advertiser. (Portland, Me.) 1805-1818, 1811-04-08

Dlght.-Does our property become o
prey to lis fury Alas our lives are
often within Its grasp. From the many
recent accounts of the rayages Of this
destructive element, it might be sup
posed that alarm would pervade the
country that the thoughtless would
awake from their treacherous repose,
and unite with the vigilant, in prepara-
tons for safety. But how different is
the case.-Mankind are too much en-
gagged in the concerns Of the day, TO
guard against contingent evils. They
listen with passing attention to the dire
fnl news of wasting conhagrations, and
ruinous piles feel momcntary SYM
PATTY fcT the unfortunate sufferers, and
then retire to congratulate themselves,
that the danger is so distant, and that
they are safe. The misfortunes Of 9TH
ers are not their own, and the tribute Of
a sigh IS the only passport to forgetful-
ness. Laments5le indeed is the fact,
that 50 large portion Of the Gonmu-
nifty are so wiliully blind to their own
interests, are regardless ct the interests
of others-that while only few towns
in this Province, have, with laudable
spirit, and rare exertion, made suitable
provision for protecting their houses
from the flames, and their property
from destruction the greater part APP
| pear to be unconcerned for their safety,
without vessel 10 quench the fatal
| spark, or a single instrument TO "pluck"
even brand from the burnjng."-
Must this scourse IF humanity glitter
in their path, must their hearts be kind.
led with a live coal from their own
dwellings,, before activity will rouse its
energies, and liberality lend helping
hand F? Charity forbids the thought.
May less awful stimulus excite the
careless and Indifferent 10 sense OF
duty as well as interest. 1t is therefore
hoped that every town in proportion TO
lis ability, would furnish itself with the
necessary Instruments for repelljng end
supPressing FIRE. Experience has con-
iirmed the very great importance Of the
| Fire Engine, as an extinguisher, and
for rescuing buildings from impending
ruin.-While single bucket Of water
may stifie flame in the moment of its
rise, it is the peculiar Office of this pow
erful machi1e, TO reach ii in the height
q its -elevation, check its rage, and SET
bounds TO its rap4city. The use and
niece ssily of fire-hooks, ladders, buckets,
&c. must be obvious TO every one, who
pays the least regard to the subject
We are all liable to mislor;unes by fire.
One common fate involves each one Of
US. Il is the part of wisdom 10 prepare
Tor the worst, to use every possible
means in our power TO soften misery,
II we cannot prevent it. Let none sleep
in fancied security, and deceive them
selves with the vain hope that they are
exempt from the casualties Of life. -.
Let no one imagine that because he is
retired from the crowded street, and
compact neighbourhood, his dwelling
is sanctuary from the fiat of fate
That while a few are on the foreground
of danger, and tremblingly alive for
their safety, he ought to possess no
fears for himself or others, but quietly
and unmolested enjoy his retreat. Such
reasoning as this, like the voice Of a
Syren, ailures only to destruction 1t
conceals the rock on which, perhaps, his
fortune, and even life, may be wrecked
forever. ii, therefore, we are bound by
the strong cords of human commise-
ration and fellow feeling, not only 10
| ply, but relieve the children Of mis-
fortune, whose property has become a
sacrifice 10 the desolating fame, " hat
stronger motives, our own interest -
what more generous eXcitements, the
security and happiness Of Others, can
prompt us TO guard against calaniti-s,
and thereby avert them.
G.s.s~ AtrH 81, 1871.
zs ssys:szars--
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