The American. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1857, 1857-11-11
AN ACT comforting certain powers on the Mayor
So .-..- relative TO fire companies - -.

AN ACT comforting certain powers on the Mayor
relative TO fire companies. ~. 49,
Be IL enacted BIZ tie Board of aldermen and Boayd
of Common Obunch of tie city of Washington, Thai
the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized whenever
in his opinion it may be necessary for the preserva
ton Of order and safety Of persons to district
confne within given limits any of the fire companies
of this city and any person or persons who may be
found with assisting aiding, or abetting, either by
engine reel hook and ladder vehicle, or other piece
portion Of the apparatus used for the extinguish
ment of fires, so districted confined, beyond the
limits so prescribed by the Mayor shall upon con-
yction thereof before any police magistrate be sub
ject to fine for each offence Of not less than ten nor
more than fifty dollars. ta-i-Es tH
SEC 2. And belt enacted, That the Mayor is hereby
authorized and empowered in case he shall find the
districting of any company to have proved insult
cient, if deemed by him necessary TO prevent rotng
and disorder in the city TO take possession of and
close up any engine, hose hook and ladder house or
building, with all the apparatus therein, within
this Corporation; said house building to remain
closed for period not exceeding ninety days at any
one time; and any person or persons who shall en-
ter or attempt TO enter any house or building SO
closed or taken possession Of OF use or attempt 10
use any Of the apparatus belonging thereto without
the written consent Of the Mayor, SHALL upon con-
viction thereof before any police magistrate be SUBJ
fifty dollars for each offence Procided, That when
ever the Mayor shall exercise the powers conferred
by the first and second sections Of this act he shall
report the 10 the Councils at their next meeting
after such exercise Of power, with his reasons
thereof
SEC. 8. And be IL enacted That any person or per-
sons who, under the FORM pretext, or semblance of
being fire, hook and ladder, or hose company, or
under any form pretext whatever, shall organize
themselves or combine, associate, or assemble to-
gether so TO create disorder endanger the peace
Of the city, prevent interfere with the preserva
ton Of order and safety of persons, shall be and
IL. Ill n L. - l.
under the eighth section of the act of Congress ap-
proved May the fifteenth, eighteen hundred and
twenty and, upon due proof thereof before any
police magistrate of this city, shall be required TO
give good and sufficient security In the sum of fifty
dollars for their good behavior for one year. and In
default Of such security, shall be imprisoned in the
workhouse of this Corporation for period Of not
less than thirty nor more than ninety days. OF until
such security shall have been given.
SEC. 4. And be IL enacted That il shall not be law
full for any person persons TO form or establish
any fire company within the limits of the city of
Washington without having first obtained the con-
sent of the Mayor and City Councils of Washing
ton and any person or persons forming or estab-
fishing such fro company within the limits of this
city, any person who may be found hauling or aid
irg and assisting in hauling any fire engine or other
fire apparatus to OF from any FIRE or elsewhere said
organization existing in violation of this section,
shall be subject TO fine of not less than five nor
more than ten dollars for each offence.
SEC. 8. and be II enacted, That IL shall be the
duty of the Chief of Police the Captain of the Aux
iliary Guard, or any other police officer or member
of the auxiliary guard, to take possession OF any
fire-engne other apparatus belonging to any fire
company or bearing the name of any fire company
existing in violation of this acts ProUided, That
nothing in the fourth and fifth sections of this act
shall be construed 70 interfere with the right
of legally constituted fire. hose or hook and ladder
companies TO form their own constitution and by.
laws, not inconsistent with any ordinance of this
Corporation.
SEc. 9. and be u enacted, That nothing contained
in this act shall be so construed as 70 prevent the
Mayor from ordering the police or auxiliary gurd of
this city 10 take out and work any apparatus at a
summon 70 their assistance. IL in his opinion, he
should deem il necessary; and It is hereby made
the duty Of said police or guard 70 perform such
duty when ordered by the Mayor
SEC. Z. And be- Enacted, That oil acts and parts
Of acts inconsistent with any Of the provisions OF
this act be and the same are hereby repealed.
Approved, Nov. 4, 1857. aa.'.