The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1868-01-11

snrer NODE or making the alarm in
case of fire; than the, one now ia |
use; yoiir committee are well aware
OF the faults, ia the present arrange
ment of spreading the fire alarru, the
present tower being too low, and not
situated in commanding position;
but the finances of the city forbids
the outlay that would be necessary to
build o tower of sufficient height and
strength to answer the purpose: your
committee would Recommend that
his Honor consult with the President
ana directors of the Charlotte and
South Carolina Railroad, also the
officers of the South Carolina Rail-
road, for the purpose of aiding the
authorities IN this matter. A watch
man Is on duty at those depots, who
could ring an alarm, agreed upon in
case OF fire, which would materially
assist in spreading the alarm, so that
1t could be heard in the different
portions of the city; timely alarm
may often save large amount of
property. Some change ifTrou the on,
now IS use is absolutely necessary, or
at all vents, some assistance from
other sources. A bell might be pro-
cured at small outlay for the pur-
pose, and suspended on the State
House building, where watchman
Is always in attendance, and could
readily assist in spreading the alarm.
Ii such an arrangement meets with
the appreciation of Council, a code
OF signals could be arranged between
the main bell and the Others. that
would prevent confusion and unneces-
sary ringing. Your committee would
further report, that the Fire Depart
ment OF the city consists of but two
regularly organized Fire Engine
Companies, namely: the Palmetto
ana the Independent; the former
commanded by Capt. W. B. Stanley;
the latter by Capt. J. G. SutphenN
each OF these companies have enroll
ed about fifty working members.
Ihe Palmetto Company, by the un.
tirlng eAertions of individual mem
bers of the company, soliciting con-
trlbutlons from brother firemen and
others, in different portions of the
United States, enough to build the
6iieii of house to protect their
apparatus from the inclemency of the
weather. Some $500 to $1,000 is
required to finish the said building.
to make it available for the uses of the
company. 1t is the opinion of your
committee, that an appropriation to
that effect should be made. Some
repairs IS also necessary on their en-
glne-in other respects, the company
is In good working condition. The
Independent Company are also erect
ing building for housing their ap-
paratus, which will soon be ready for
that purpose. This company has also
made strenuous extertions to place
herself bock in her former conditi,n.
and Is now ready for active duty.
The hose of this company is good.
but not sufficient, being only 500
feet, where 1000 is requisite. The
faimetto's hose is not of the best
neither in quantity or quality. Your
committee would earnestly call the
attention of Council to the fact, that
the Fire Department of this CITY
costs less to the city, than that of any
other city or town on the continent;
1t has been kept up by the praise
worthy and patriotic members of the
several companies, and seldom have
they called upon the city authorities
for assistance. A good working, we'll
governed Fire Department, is neces-
sary for the prompt stopping of
confiagrations, and the security of
the citizens property; and we can
look back with pride on onr small
Fire Department, and point to many
instances where the fire demon has
been subdued by them. Your COM
mittee would further report, that a
petition. signed by numerous citi-
zens, calling attention to the danger
GUS condition of a wagon yard, in the
central part of the city, surrounded
by wooden houses, where camp-fires
were burning at night. Your COM
mlttee took prompt action in notify
ing the parties complained of, who
promised to abate the nuisance forth
with. Your committee has also ex-
amined several stoves pipes, which
were not in accordance with existing
ordinances, notified the parties as to
the necessary alterations, which has
been compiled with, as far as your
committee are aware of. All of which
is respectfully submitted.
JOHN MCKENZIE.
w. Il. WALTER.