New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-11-20


Repairs and supplies Restored 10 the Chief
Observation-Disclosures 10 be Appointed by
the Chief. &C.
I'm the Board of Aldermen, on Tuesday
night the Special Committee, to whom was referred
the suggestions OF the Chief Engineer IN regard to
some important changes IN the Fire Department,
made the following Report, which was laid on the
table and ordered to be printed
The Special Committee, TO whom was referred so
much OF the Annual Communication of the Chlei
Engineer as relates TO the constructions alterations
and repairs the apparatus and houses OF the FIRE
Department the mode Of appointing bel-rlnsers, also
so much as refers TO altering the S. stem OF lnveSga-
ting and acting upon complaints against tHemen'
respectfully -
That in the discharge Of the duty assigned them,
they have examined the proposition OF the Chlef En-
glneer as preSeuted III his ssnual communication
and recommended by HIM as essential 10 me pros
penty and efficiency of the Department. The sub.
iects referred TO your Committee have also received
the consideration Of the Board OF Engineers and
FoTemen OF the Fire Department, the report OF
whose Special Committee thereon We have exam
med, the many valuable suggestions contained
therein being the results Of practical experience,
have materially aided NouI committee III pehectihg
the ordinance herewith submitted for your consider
alton. II may be well 20 state In this connection,
that said report has received the sanction OF the
Board OF Engineers and FOremen, and must be con
sdeTeG ~ the voice OF the Department.
Your Committee, after the investigation they
have made OF the present regulations OF the Depart
ment prescribed by ordnance. are convinced that
great necessity exists for alterations thereto IN
many irrDOrtant particulars. They have therefore
embodied III an ordinance such changes as 10 them
seemed 20 be demanded 10 promote the weilbemg
ana more efficient admin Straton of the business OF
this important organization The alterations con-
templated may be- briefly stated a. follows
FIRST. IL Is proposed that there shall oe organized
in place Of the present Board OF Lnglneers anu
Foreman, two separate and distinct organizations
TO be STYLED " The Board of Engineers and " Inc
Board of Foremen." The first named to be COM
posed of the Engineers the second, oil the fore-
men OF the varous Comp ineS.
Second The organization OF Board OF Com
nlSsloLers," 10 be composed Of exempt tlrenen iol
the trial OF all complaints made against Fremen.
Third The Enlargement OF the powers OF the
Chief Engineer in respect 10 Repairs and supplies 10
the VARIOUS Companies, their apparatus ana houses
Fourth lowest the appointment of tue Beil-rlns
ers with the MSyor and Chief Engineer, WIN the
power OF removal.
To the first of these propositions your COMMITTEE
do not anticipate any objection. Tne duties Oh SAID
Board denied BY The subsequent sections oil the
ordinance, and It is deemed indispensable that The
pSweTs conferred therein should De delegated 10 the
TWO distinct ORGANIZATIONS.
The second proposition is presented 20 your con-
slcefa'ion With confidence. as a measure demanded
10 remedy an evil Which Is universally complained
of and one threatening 20 sap the foundations OF order
snd discipline IA the Department The present mode
of acting upOn complaints mace by tne Chef En-
gineer Is insufficient, he complains, and In the
opinion Of your Committee upon sufhcen. grounds,
of the delay IN many instances and Of the entire
ueslec. II action IN others, upon the communics-
t,ons presented by him 20 the Common Council and
referred 70 Tie Committees on FTe Department. II
IS not 10 be- Ctned that large portion OF the cases
az irNlbordnotion thus presented by him are LEFT
unpuu,shod and that. from political and other
fuences Justice is not melted out 10 deliaquen,S 1t
Is ySoposod that hereafter the tral OF these COM
plants be vested III Board OF COMMISSIONERS 10 oe
composed Of Exempt Fuemen, who unQaestionaoly
are Well qualified for this duty from their experience
and nom their knowledge OF the wants OF The De
partment III tins particular. The ordinance pro
ylaes that the decisions OF said Board SHAH De SUD
matted 10 the Common Council for approval.