Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1854-10-24
\ FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The Times has repeatedly called attention
70 this subject, and has urged the necessity for
some immediate action On the part Of our citi-
zcns. Winter will soon set in, and then it will
be too late to procure the necessary instruments
to fully equip Fire Department or even well
organized Fire Company. What do mast be
done speedily. We arc glad to see the Common
Council moving in the matter, for it shows that
the Importance of the subject has attracted their
attention. At their last meeting, Alderman
Becker, introduced the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the City Attorney be instructed
to draft an Ordinance for the regulations Of the
Fire Department of the city and also an Ordin-
ance to prevent fires within the limits Of the city.
Adopted.
Resolved, That the Committee on the Fire De-
partment be instructed to inquire what property,
If any, there is belonging to the Fire Depart
mcnt of this city, in whose hands it may be, and
what is requisite for an immediate organization
of said department. Adopted.
We observe also that the Pioneer has taken up
the subject. 1t says,
A FIRE DEPARTMENT.-Inasmueh as winter is
at hand, would it not be we'll for our citizens to
see to it, that before navigation closes, we pro-
cure good fire engine, with the necessary hose,
in order to guard against fire? Heretofore st.
Paul has been fortunate in being rarely and light
ly visited by the devOuring element. But this is
no reason why we should not be prepared to re-
sist its attacks hereafter. Our city is now more
compact than it has ever been, and the buildings
being chiefly of wood, were a fire to break out,
the destruction of property would be great. We
venture the assertion that there is not town in
the United States of half the size of our CITY that
has not well organized fire department. and
yet our citizens rest indOlently, without taking
any precaution against the inrOads Of destructive
fires.
Let the citizens cooperate with the Council
and the press, and a Fire Department can be
ganzed in very short time. We know that the
young men are willing to give their services, and
all that is needed is the influence and money of
property holders, and as they arc more interested
than any other class, it is to be hoped that they
will promptly come forward and aid in the good
work. AS VIC have before remarked, st. Panl is
not always to be free from fires. Her turn must
come sooner or later, and when it comes, great
destruction of property will follow. Suppose at
the present time fire should break out on the
corner of Third and Robert st.':where would end?
Not before it laid tie whole block of buildings
in that vicinity in ruins, and not before thousands
and thousands of dollars would be scattered to
the wind. Had good Fire Company, with
an apparatus, been in existence ut the time the
Sintomince Hotel was destroyed, $4,000 worth
Of property could easily have been saved. Now
mark. An engine will cost from 81 500 to 81
600. In this one instance there would have been
saving of $4,000! Quite an item in this coun-
try We submit if it is not proper, in fact if it is
not absolutely necessary that some action be
taken for the immediate organization Of u Fire
Department. Gan ounce of preventive is worth
a pound of cure.'' Bear this in mind, and act
accordingly.