The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1872-12-11
HOW A CHICAGO FIRM is INSURED.


The Chicago Post gives the follow
ing interesting account of the manner
in which a prominent firm in that city
is protected;
John V. Farwel & Co do not
mean to suffer again by fire if careful,
intelligent and comprehensive efforts
at prevention will avoid a conflagra-
grafton. Their immense stores on
Monroe street are FIVE stories in height.
To guard them during the night the
firm employ three watchmen, who are
known to be vigilant, and who will be
apt to discover in its incipiency and
check there any fire which may spring
up upon the premises. The precau-
ton of providing watchmen, is, how
ever, an ordinary one, useful, but IN
the opinion of the Messrs. Farwell, not
all sufficient. Their system of prottc-
tion against fire by no means rests
simply upon the services of their men.
Their engineer is on duty at plight, and
should fire be discovered on any Of the
floors the watchmen communicate with
him by means of knob, which, when
touched, sounds gong in the engin-
eer's room and indicates by the num-
ber of strokes the floor upon which the
fire is found. The engineer thus alarm.
ed opens the valve of monster Bah
cock stationed upon the premises an
engine having pressure of three hun
dred pounds to the square inch, and
by a system of pipes the chemical solu-
ton is forced to the top of the build
ing. The Babcock having been put in
order, the engineer enlists the services
of the natural enemy eff fire by opening
valve of the apparatus connected
with the artesian well which of its own
force elevates water to the fourth, and
by aid of pump, to the fifth floor.
The pressure of This engine is such that
no fire engine in the city can compare
with its sti longest stream. To stay the
flames those agencies are put into in
stantaneous operation, but the efforts
against the fiery element do not cease
here. BY the touching of a knob the
news of the fire runs with lightning
rapidity to the private fire department
of the firm at their stables on Fifth av-
enue near Van Buren, street, some six
blocks from the store. The fire de-
partment consists of twenty drivers,
who sleep in apartments provided in
the stables. Reused by the striking
Of the gong the fire brigade are in
stantly upon their feet, and hitching
a horse, ready harnessed, are off 10
the store. Upon their arrival they
mount to the floor upon which the fire
is at work, divide into squads, and
work the hose and Babcocks. They
will, of course, be aided by the city
department, which will reach the scene
as rapidly as possible. This aid will
be facilitated by the careful foresight
of the Farwells, for the engine first ar.
irving may connect with the artesian
we'll and at once get forcible stream
upon the fire building. Further sup
plies of water may be had from a res
ervolr under the sidewalk on Franklin
street. This reservoir is supplied by
the powerful artesian we'll. 1t is 1870
feet long by eleven feet wide, and con-
tains four feet of water. To save the
peris liable stock from the deluge of
water and chemicals, which upon oc-
casion may descend upon it, the EN-.
ployees are required, before leaving
the store each night to cover the goods.
laden tables with impervious il,cloth.
These, are in the main, the precaution-
ary measures adopted by the Messrs.
Farwell. Additional to these they
use divers minor precautions, which will
suggest themselves to any prudent
mind, but which, unfortunately are too
often neplected