Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1868-12-24
gpeat GnrrsspnudenGa.
Stray Thoughts Of an Old Fogy.--Fire
Engines

We do not mean to talk much about Fire
Engines in general, bat in particular. w. are
practical IN our views, and write to accomplish
something-not merely to attract attention, or
to while away an hour. We mean, then, to
say that Woodstock wants good Fire Engine.
and pants 1t badly. Ours is a seooden torn to
very great extent; the houses, in II great
measure. are old, and would make most capital
kindling. whenever spark shall happen TO
fall upon them. How " G have lived this long
without being absolutely burned up, is mys
terry which cannot be solved upon any other
heory than that of most kind. indulgent
and benefcent Providence. Citizens, do you
ever think of your exposure in this particular,
and remember that by your inaction, sloth
and indisposition to use the means of self
preservation placed within your reach, you
are tempting Providence ? God is only dis
posed to help those who will help themselves.
unless they are incapable of effort. You live.
and breathe, and slum5er as though you never
expect TO hear the fire bell in the night" any
more; as though you were all insured against
accident or loss. flow many of you hare in
snred your houses, your shops, offices and
stores against the encroachmens Of that most
fearful element? Very few. we believe, and
vet YOU all live in finder boz, needing but a
spark to ignite all your possessions. What
are your objections?
First, That the old one was no account. Then
see that the new is not like the old one. Let IT
have q larger jet, and more power; let 1t be
understood that it is not intended merely t
squirt scater for he amusement of boys, AM the
annoyance of dogs and cats, but for real and
genuine work.
&c "ond, You object that it will not be at
ten,. d TO-: will be exposed. injured &c. This
i on,v ., .rp,, uent that applies to all otler
property. Let d su- '"''e i'oo'e '0 '"''' 'oi ~
at central point, ana ~, hep' '''''ei proper
management and CONTROL by = 'O-''p""S u
gained for that purpose.
Third, The cost! What would it be? -
few hundred dollars, Not as much as a small
fire would consume in half hour. How a5
surd TO raise the cry of economy in such a mat
ter, involving so mach Of interest I'D securi-
ty. both of mind and property
Fourth, -Ionfy is so scare. j.,ervbody who
has been in the habit Of he ing tobacco or
smoking p.e or segar, sti II che IS and smokes
Money is 'cnty enor h for thet. although it
is mere Jury, not nece.s,ty. We have
not heard Of any nan who ts.,.es i dram less
on account OF the increased cost Of liquor OF |
hardness Of the times. Our tanc;es imagina |
tons, appetites, propensiries, and even vices, |
are iudulg ed with he same abandon which dis |
tnguished in the flush times We; the very |
moment you c. mence talking about mourning |
some expense fo. an article useful and even |
necessary to the pl ic welfare, these would BE-
ecOaon'zers bristle up around you ike so man. |
hedge hogs. The true co Sc is not TO mint |
such AS are too unrt asonable to be convinced |
bat for the ''City Fa'hers" w.o lave the |
power aud She sword 10 move right onward N |
anal ers Of feeessary reform. having once set
sed definitely The question as 10 what Is |
aece-sary Ii they do ,his some. of course
will gr1nat'e Bn, what if hey do? LH tA.m |
qrua,b5e. Let Us have good, suhss Mia FL
Engine, anu that at once. Delays are dan |
gerous.