The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1868-07-23
A Word to the Fanltinder.

Late on Thursday evening Of last week
the quiet slccpcrs Of our town were sud
denly startled by an alarm of fire, and
among the first to respond to the call
were to be found the Union and PhGnix
Fire Companies in force awaiting orders
to 90 into action. The Phoenix Company
arriving first on the ground, found ad-
joining the hardware store of j. Matlack
a few barrels Of shayings had been fired,
and considering it entirely unnecessary
to descend the hill to set into operation
united with the Union Company on the
opposite side Of the street to extcrminatc
the fire. \ few strokes of that engine
supplied with water from the {" pool +"
below extinguished the fire, and the com
panies then returned to quarters gratiiied
that the work had been accomplished
with so little labor.
Yet all did not return satisfied, and the
writer greatly regretted to hear so much
complaining and faultlinding, particularly
when it was uncalled for. If some men
were disposed to exercise little reason
with their judgment and be willing to
submit to the orders OF an officer placed
in authority IN time of fire, the eflicicncy
honor and good name of company would
! be much better maintained than by hay
ing half dozen individuals trying to
regulate company by wanting to DO this,
aud that, to go here, aud go there, all
through fear Of compaRx losing its
valued reputation by not going into ac-
ton. If in time of fire, or false alarm,
the instructions Of single officer can be
obcycd, something definite may be ac-
complishcd, often with great saving OF
time, much confusion avoided, and great
deal Of i'll feeling prevented. Then if a
company fails to accomplish its work, OF
there is any mismanagcment in its opera
tions, the public has some one to attach
the blame to, and if that officer has not
exercised proper judgment, let him at
once be removed, aud more competent
person put in his stead, but until then
let there be a cheerful submission to the
orders of him whom the company has
placed in authority.
In the hour Of battle the distinction OF
a good soldier lies not in setting up his
own authority and doing as he wishes,
but in being in his proper place fully
armed and equipped, always ready to act
with, and only with, the word of com
mand. So it is with the successful fire
organization, each member is found re-
naming quietly in his place awaiting or
ders to 60 into action, or do whatever he
is bid to 90, and will not be found mur-
muring aud ccnsuring the commanding
officer because every mau in company
of so has not the privilege of carrying
out his particular ideas when called on
duty. And again, if some persons who
arc thus anxious to exercise upon an en-
ginc at night when the occasion does not
require it, would only be equally desirous
OF attending meetings, and practicing by
day light when company is ordered out,
they would, through practice, become
better disciplined fremen and learn some
thing of order, and obedience to com
mands which are so essential to promote
the growth and prosperity of well-es-
tablished company. go.1
An observance Of these suggestions will
greatly tend to harmonic company,
friendship will strengthen with its growth,
good works will speak its highest praise
and mutual good feeling will always pre-
vail with its members. ENGINEER.
At recent dinner party in Boston