The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-16

face drainage. A moro equal distribution of the
water should be secured, aud sewers Of more am
pie Dimensions constructed, convenient for lateral
and local drains. with suitable drops and ccs pools
at proper places ia order that they may be readily
cleaned out The size, course. and general oharac-
ter OF private sewers should be determined and
regulated by law; as also the right of other pro-
perty holders in the vicinity TO connect with them,
and upon what terms. A iudicious system, adopt
ed now in the infancy of our city, would prevent
in time To come those serious evils under which
older cities labor from defective sewerage and
tribute largely at TO the cleanliness and health
OF the city. hope that this mere suggestion will
be sufficient to secure your attention TO this import
ant subject.
In this connexon ] would suggest whether il
would not be proper, within certain parts Of the
city, to prohibit the erection of frame houses This
powor Is exercised in other places, and within pro-
per limits might be brought into operation, to the
great advantage and beauty of our city.
The Inspector of Fire Apparatus reports the sew
eral engines in servceable order. The new engine
OF the Northern Liberty Company has been
cciyed, and gives satisfaction
regret 10 call your attention TO fact, too pain
fully notorious, that collisions have occurred be-
tween the companies in the central and northern
parts of the city. These disturbances are con.
demned IN the strongest manner by the officers
and discreet members of the different com npanes,
who have deservedly won the confidence and es-
teen OF the community by their good conduct and
aborious service. must be permitted. however,
to say, that with them great degree will the
question whether city shall be disgraced by riots
DclWecn tne similar 10 tfOse IN
some other places Without the exercise of firm
ness on their part to restrain, and, if necessary, TO
expel the unworthy, the encouragement of all idle
Jealousies and rivalries, and OF ready opera
ton with the officers of the law, all efforts
part will be in vain. In their hands is the NOR al
influence, rightly exercised, capable of maintain
ing order and preserving the good character of
their respective companies. II Is for US, by judi
cious laws and just appropriations, TO sustain
and encourage them in these efforts. The pay
system has been suggested to me advisable ::
this would be radical change, Destroying the
volunteer feature which has heretofore created
a feeling of generous rivalry, and would devolve
upon the Corporation the selection of all 9th =
GERS; and, in fact, the exclusive management
OF the entire department. Perhaps combination
of the two SYSTEMS might be effected free
consultation between the companies and commit
tee of the two Boards might lead to a perfect
organization. lay before you the following sug-
gestions, with confident belief that much good
would be effected by the enactment of them into
law: That the officers of the different companies.
upon occasions of fire, alarms of fire, should be
invested with police powers that the police officers
should be required 10 be present at all fires within
certain wards or DISTRICTS and report themselves to
the superintendent of the fire companies, and, in
the of his absence to the president of the
pany in their ward nearest thereto; that there be
appointed a superintendent of fire companies, who
shall discharge the duties now required of the in
speCor of fire apparatus; that he be invested with
the powers of police magistrate, shall attend, MS
far practicable, every fire, and exercise general
upon the condition of the companies, the number
! of members of each company, the condition of the
several reservoirs, the amount of appropriations
and disbursement, the number of fires within that
time and of what class OF buildings, and the failure
of police officers TO attend; that he shall report all
disturbances, and the names of the companies
gagged in them; attend to the prosecution of all
for violation of the laws in relation TO fire compa
nies or breaches of the peace connected Herewith,
| and report the same in his quarterly report
In the appointment of such officer the obj cot
| should be 10 secure friendly medium of commu -
| nication between the different companies, and be-
| tween them and the Councils. Through him dis
| scnsons between them might be more readily
! healed, and the wants of the companies made
| known to the Councils. Every must have OBJ
served that, whilst the officers actively engaged
in the management Of their respective companies,
there should be some invested with authority
TO exercise general superintendent, direct the
removal Of furniture, take charge of II, regulate
and prohibit, if deemed advisable, the furnishing
Of intoxicating drinks, remove all disorderly ill
disposed persons from the vicinity OF the fire, and
attend generally To the preservation Of order and
the protection of the hremen on duty. IL is very
desirable that before the ensuing winter some ac-
ton should be had 10 remedy the defects of the
isting organization.
The number Of hogshcads of tobacco inspected
during the last year wac l07, being 100 less than
the number of the year preceding.
The following quantities Of lumber, fuel. hay,
&c, have been reported by the respective officers,
having been measured, inspected, and weighed
during tho past year: