The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1873-12-08
"LaWless Firemen."

IL is DeEeved that there are rev I'VE
lope only very few, if any members
# our fire department who do not appre-
late the responsibilities Of their position
Who are reckless and lawless in their con-
luct, and who bring reproach upon the
good character of the fire department.
Last Monday evening, while the companies
we're in session at their respective houses,
the town was alarmed and hose carts
were on the streets almost stimuli |
taneously with the alarm. AT
ter a run through the mud, to the in
jury of the machines, hose, fremen's
clothes, and muscle the machines were
put up. 1t was false alarm, believed to
have been given by some fireman for the
purpose of compelling others to turn out,
Last Friday night the Fifth Ward Hose
company gave an entertainment to some OF
their brother firemen. at their hose house,
at which some beer kegs were emptied,
and pretty jolly time had-by some, at
least, Some of the party, at late hour,
secured fre-plug wrench and started
away with it. George Alters followed
them, and took it away from them. Be-
lieving that they intended to give fire
alarm, he went to the Water Works engi-
neer, Fred Cramer, and induced him to
pay no attention to any alarm, should one
be given. During the night four alarms
we're given from at least three different
plugs on Exchange street and vicinity
Those who gave the alarm were heard by
Mr.. Schnitger who raised a window
and demonstrated with, them, fol
which he got abusive and insulting
language. Cramer paid no attention to the
alarm, one of which was for the Sirth ware
mo such ward in the city The intention!
of Alters and Cramer were good, but MIR
Cramer is liable 10 dismissal for his course
as he is required by the Water BoarC
rules to answer all alarms. Not to do 81
might endanger the city He cannot tel
whether alarms are real or false, and hi
duty is to answer all alarms and put OF
more pressure Immediately. He mean
well, however, and he should never agail
take the responsibility of disobeying tn
rules.
Alters refused to disclose the names o
the parties who had the wrench. He shoul'
be summond before the Mayor and be re
. auired to disclose the names or b
dismissed from the Fire Department. MI
Alters is good fireman, and good man
but he should not be permitted to shiel
lawlessness on the part of any fireman.
: there are any lawless fremen in the de
: partment they should be dismissed
y there is any lack of discipline in the depar
e ment means should be taken, at once, I
assert proper discipline. There are goo
men in the department, and they shout
d stand up for discipline and good order, an
Y, expose the lawless and disorderly member
c. They cannot afford to remain Indifferent al
~ be counted on the wrong side. They {
not belong on that side, but they will
n counted there unless they make an effo
n to expose and punish the lawless men. II
lg people of this city will disband the emit
ly department and form a new one befO
ID they will submit to such outragcs as ha
I'd been perpetrated. The guilty men sh
- be hunted out, and the heretofore go
name of the department indicated a
n preserved. Those who are not for law a
Oh order are against it. There can be no ne
ho trality in this business.