The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-02-22

Of steam Isfler the thrd by suocssicn, and ho fourth
by satchisg ire when IN state Of ntoxcaison. Eleven
we're wouep OF whom owed their deaths TO their
csthes taking FIRE from stoyes or hghs, and four 70 tho
Same accident occurring from fluid lamps. Tan were
snd s ST s IRE
from fluid lamp.
Tie introduction Of steam IRE engines II 4 subject
which just attracting great deal Of attention.
Objections made by many 70 their adoption In the
belief that hand engines are superior to them Pracsi
Of steam TO the service Of nro engines Of those
provemen.s the advantages Of which, both In labor
saving and economical point Of vew cannot longer DO
Our city hut especially the commercial portion
OF IL. is very different from what quarter OF
century ago The enormous increase when has taken
place since that period population and the
limits into which rs crowded, have rendered necessa
~ for builders 70 ind in elevation the accommodation
stores and warehouses daily rendering the service o
the Fire Department Of greater labor and difficulty
engines Of greater power enable the hremen throw
water into the upper stories OF these buildings has been
shown besdes that in proportion - the service OF the de-
psmeni becomes heavier from these causes, is facility
for mapnpg the engines enectuay 70 essened, nasmuch
the population Of the lower part Of the city being
driven up town, by the multiplication OF stores. We
shall therefore, have either to racri6ce the preudces
which exist against modify ing tho character OF time
honored insututon or we shA have 70 adhere TO sys
ten which not always adequate 10 ia requirements In
sge which advancement the hrst condition Of
cess 1t not be said that the nremen Of New York
nave NfOne renamed BtANODaIy.
Let not be understood casting any reflections ON
the members Of the department by this observation It
my belief that more patriotic, more energetic and
dsnterested yet OF does not exist than this
fine body. They but human, however, and much
to spare them some portion or the fatigue and toll by
which they are overtaxed as 70 protect abe general in
terests, that alude to steam power.
From my observation Of the working or steam engines
At nres am Impressed with the belief from the present
be pleased adept them a auxiliary force As regards
the character Of the different engines used may well
here add that do not believe the self propellers will be
found servceabe - those drawn by hand, SUCH for
instance, AZ the now IN nee by Company No. g. In
their gradual introduction the greatest should be
taken In their manufacture and none but the most com
petspt machDsts should be employed 40 that may
be reasonable security against accidents The question
may arise a. 70 how many Of these engines would be
present be sufficient for down town purposes The en-
poyment OF steam renders . less number or engines
up Continuous stream. which Of Tie utmost Importance
in che ckiug the rapidity Of a contiagraton.
Hitherto the freen have been impressed with tho idea
that the introduction Of steam tire engines would u some
way interfere with their priv members OF the
psrnept am happy 70 say that this feeling gradually
disappearing.
The tables annexed exhibit total Of forty three IN
cendiary or supposed nccndiary hres-an increase Of
three the corresponding SIX months OF the previous
year. The whole number 6f fires amounts to i54-an
Of nine The arrests o. against ii for the
respond ng period Of the previous year.
OF
Among The most frequent causes Of Ores enumerated IN
this report are, chimney fues TO- sparks on roofs
cidents TO children with matches lights 49, friction OF
machinery, gas gas lights In store windows, IL
combustion and supposed combustion, 10 camphene and
fluid lamps, 49, steam boilers, chimneys, Is window
curtains, Is intoxicaton, s.; fireworks, ID; false
alarms, IT,
LOSSES ny FIRE.
The total losses by IRE for the period embraced in my
report amounted TO s730 43an increase those OF
the previous six months, but decrease Of S50s go
the Losses OF the corresponding six months OF the pre-
vous year. The total amount Of loss paid by insurance
companies was $427 ,567.
OFFICIAL COOPERATION.
Permit me. in conclusion 70 express my grateful &C.
knowledgments his honor the Mayor the Police Jus
tees, the Police Commissioners, the Telegraph Opera
tors aud the Police Department generally the ready
assistance they have 1t all times Afforded me-
To the Fire Department my special thanks are due for
the cordial aid by which have been enabled 70
many obstacles that might other wise have lain in
the way Of my Investigations.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
ALFRED E BAKER, Fire Marshal