The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1853-12-22
Shall we do Anything /!


/ Within the past three or four weeks we have had
no less than fire fires in city, three Of which have
involved loss Of over 81 500, and had the others
not been discovered in time, much greater destruc-
ION of property would inevitably have been the re-
suit. Fortunately the location Of two of the build
'ngs burned, prevented the spreading of the flames,
hut had the third, fourth, fifth one, got under way
there is no telling where or when the fire would
have been arrested. Are our citizens fully Impress
ed with this fact! Do they no, the impending
danger hanging their heads, and they willing
to ENJOY" little mare sleep, little more sumher''
until the devourng elements shall he close upon their
track driving them into the cold blasts of winter
without shelter, and it may be without food? "In
time Of pcace, prepare for war" said Washington,
and the saying is appropriate now as then, for
unless something is done, and done speedily, to com.
bat the Fire King when he comes, we may rest
assured, that half, il not two thirds Of our city
on some OF these cold nights, will be laid in uns.
Well, wha, is necessary says one. Organ
reform a company, appoint cool headed, coura.
geous man as leader, and then when a fire be
on hand and act in concert, not dividing your forces
by pulling on opposite ends Of the rope. In unity
there is strength.
1t is true, we ought TO have had an engine and
regular fire company long time ago, but inasmuch
AS we have not, and there is prospect Of getting
one this winter, let us do what we can under the
eircumstances--Iet us start the movement, so tina,
early in the spring an apparatus be procured,
and some efecttal means devised to protect our
property from fire. To do this, we must organize,
and organize now; our young stand ready TO
take hold of the movement, and all that is necessary
is 10 call meeting and talk the matter up, our men
o. wealth in the time giving it their cooperation
and i'iluence. company Of young, energetic men,
under good discipline, with Buckets, could do
much towards arresing the flames at fires, and with
the aid of our citizens working in harmony with
them, we feel confident much good could he ac-
complished The energy displayed at the cGnHagra-
ton Friday evening last, is sufficient proof 10
tina, most efficient company could be formed, and one
which would render good service in cases Ct emer-
gencv Shall act in the matter! Shall We be
prepared to combat the frey elements, or shall we
allow them TO drive from the field! These are
questions nj great interest to business and
citizens generally and unless action is taken,
and taken at an early day. they not complain il
they lose all they haze by their negligence and in
difference.
There is another sub jet connected with this mat
ter which is deserving ofatcntion We ailude to the
want of good reservoirs, These cannot be built no,c.
As the winter is too far advanced, hut il is not too
late to agi,ae the subject. The many inexhaus,ihe
springs in and about ST. Paul, would more than Gil "A
dozen reservoirs, and also furnish sufficient water
for ordinary purposes in every house in the city,.
Why no; make Of this water' why not apply it
to good purpose. instead OF allowing 10 waste
itself now! The spring the Bluff, in conse-
iuence Of its height, is particularly well adapted for
fire purposes. Convey the water f.om this spring 10
pipes into the city, (Which lie done at a small
cuse) and then attach hose and the force OF the
water in It's effort TO seek its level would throw i,
high to do much good service. When
not improve them! Why fold cur arms and wait VI.
Ill confa,raton shall lay the best portion Of our
city ia ashes, then ourselves the necessity
Of action. Ia another year hundreds of new
houses will be erected in our midst and many more
inhabitants viii be added 10 present population.
i hen there will be still greater necessity for
complete preventive against destruction by fire.
Let lis then DO what we can for the organization ci
a company. Let those conyersant nitli city and
it, wants in this particular, give the subject ther
attention. Let there he meeting called and the
matter discussed, and we have strong faith that good
results VI i'll follow.