Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-04-26

nl,9."An Active Fireman" seems disposed
70 keep the late action OF the City Council
before the citizens. His effort to cast censure
mon that BODY has induced him to invent u
Law 70 sui, his own views and wishes upon the
sphiect. ask permission to inform HIM ut
he is really ignorant on the subJectl that he
aryues from false basis. lie says The coun-
c;Is have violated an established regulation OF
the Fire Department. by taking Junior VINO
bsnnens TO be- one of the first and most ethcient
gardens we ever had) and making him se-
nior warden, &c" Now | would ask this
nac,;ve Fireman" where he finds Law or au.
thority to support the Department IN making
any regulation whatever in regard to the ap-
n,;n,ment of wardeus. The Laws of the State
for the organization of the Fire departments
makes it the imperative duty OF the Councils
70 elect wardens, and also to number ana
classify them in such manner as may best
promote efficiency and the good OF our cl'-
gems. Since the organization OF the depart
ment the courtesy has been extended TO the
companies of nominating wardens. ana TO the
present day they have never failed to elect
III "a nominated in that way. Finding that
in the absence of the Chief Engineer, the sue
cession was becoming perpetual to the old
est company, by reason of their having war.
den No. |, the present Councils rs an act OF
Justice and right to the other companies as
we'll NJ 10 the interests Of the Citizens at
large. determined to adopt a system which
should give No. | warden to the different COM
psnies in succession, and thereby enable the
representatives OF toe people to exercise u
wholesome and judicious discretion as to the
qualifications OF the person to bill so RESPONSE
Die position. Firemen and citizens should
consider seriously the fact that our city trea-
sury is liable to be called upon at any time to
make good any damages that may result to
private property. by cause of inexperience or
in competency in performance Of the duty OF
Wardens. Hence the necessity OF Council
taking action and looking well to the number
log of them
The objections professedly urged against
the new Law for preventing unlawful as
semblages, 81 ;" does not seem to me to be
the cause OF the trouble. as much as the &C
ton 10 regard to the Wardens, which has
been 80 we'll and wisely changed from the
old system. In conclusion, let me say, that
should the necessity arise for additional AID
from our citizens to put the companies into
ehclent and active service. tney can % ioouu
and in sufficient numbers. to- for the pur-
pose. Many who have retired from service
are ready to fall into line again, under the
present arrangements.
have had many opportunities OF aso En-
tanning the sentiments of large number
Of Citizens in regard to the existing contest
against law and order, and | take great
pleasure in saying that the action OF Coun-
Gil meets their entire appreciation. and will be
endorsed and upheld by their action ii found
necessary. am one who never failed III
duty as an active Fireman, and remained
member Of Company. until seit-respect
caused me to retire am now ready again
to take part under existing or still further
amended laws. il they prove as etfectual to
remedy disorder, as do those so much COM
planned of. And trust our City Councils
won't give back in the good work.
A FIREMAN OF 1927.