The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-11-03
~. Nn.U Fire slrEantxntion.

- ,n.,t,ution In cur city IL looked to with
A., ~ ,nterest BY every one. 1t 10 TO be
aa..a ,h.. the manner Of its organization, and the
ch.r.o,er and disposition OF those who compose ",
iii IA .uea A. not to disappoint the expectations
OF the ftieads Of the ue~ sJ''em.
m. ham already aunouneed that JOHN j. Far
=, saturday elected Chief Of the new Fire De-
p.r.meut The Csuneii paid 10 Mr. D. great COM
r,,nsnt In cophding to him 90 important an e'hcc'
,,,,,a ,nf.rior ia Its solemn responsibilities to
.nv other 10 the gft Of the city He has had expe-
,,.,o. and serviee In two nsids--ss firemsn aud
:. . m,,,,.yx oficer--in which he should have &C
ou,red the tact aud judgment necessary for his new
nt,,a These facts recommended him to the con-
Alteration of the Council, and doubt turned the
.n.Ie in his favor 1t should be bis study and his
nride not to disappoint the confidence reposed in
him. In the selection OF the men to aid bm'in the
per formance Of his duties, his wishes will no doubt
b. consulted lie should surround himself with
Discreet aud sober men, For the
ssks Of his own reputation. as we'll % the
welfare Of the city, this should be the character Of
hts auxiiiaries The body Of the organization ought
70 be most carefully selected II should also consist
of respectable sober aud reliable citizens In their
SELECTION every consideration OF personal condition
that Affects reliability should have weight. There
fire. mon OF family should have the preference, l.
O., where two men off,r, one married and one
single, other things being equal. the married man
should be chosen. Policy aud humanity alike dc
tate such prefer eucs in the bestowing Of emoiu-
msnt or perquisite Tighten, where 1t can be done,
the burthen of him who carries the burthen- Inc
motive for faithful service is with him stronger
and he 10 more likely TO be constant and prompt
70 duty, than he who may leave by the nrst tram
who may DO here to-day and gone Tomorrow
The Dspartmeut should be made up of men who
are likely to remain 10 It. Ranks that are ever
ehangiug cannot be very efficient.
Mr. Fry has capacity, and We trust he will bring
Il TO bear In - most effective manner. At the
very outset, let him set his face against all ex,
essses, al irregularities. With this view the reg
ulatious Of the Department should be rigid, and
Yigidy enforced. There is great deal in the e1
citing and irregular service Of the fireman to
tempt to dissipation. His life is series OF sur
prizes, and his service has no respect TO time. 1t
10 more probable that he will be summoned at Mid
night than At midday. The fatigues aud excite
msnts of such q service are great Inducements to
intemperance. The history of fire companies eve
y.where illustrates this natural tendency. NO
thing can check it, but discipline; and Dir. FAY
knows what that Is we'll enough. If be but estab.
fishes bis department upon the proper basis, and
sxacts of each of his subaterns and men the proper
observance of the regulations prescribed, he will
entitie himself TO the highest praise, and help on
that great revolution which begun few years
since In Cincinnati and which has been so benefi-
cial wherever tho example of that city has been
followed.
We would again impress upon all concerned the
importance of regarding the new organization as
An arm of the police-responsible aud accountable
directly to the city authorities-a body with seli'
Gus duties and responsibilities. which has neither
the time privilege to indulge in any exhibi ion
Of mere show aud equipags,-whose efficiency and
whose own welfare and bappiDes can best be pro-
NOTED by directing its attention and Its efforts
wholly to the acquiring OF high degree OF discip.
line, and to the efficient discharge of its duties