Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-08-16
The Fire Department.

ACTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS LAST NIGHT.
The Board OF Fire Commissioners met last
night, all the members present, and A commu-
mCatCn was received from II. X. Miles, super
intendent Of the fire alarm telegraph, saying
"1he recent severe storms ana lOug-cOntlnued
rains have greatly demOTalized the Old AMI
worn out lines of the fre-aiarm telegraph, rend-
erlng extensive repairs an absolute necessity.
had hoped that further repairs in the way OF new
wire could be dispensed with by the building Of
new lines, a. provided for by the Legislators at
It's last session. But by virtue OF that bill
guarded as it is by its own provisions against
nasty acton, much time must necessarily elapse
before II will be possible to enjoy the benefits of
new and wholly reliable fire. telegraph. Mean
while cannot, a. superintendent of SO import
ant atranch Of the fire department, willingly
suffer the system now in use to become wholly
unreliable. l therefore respectfully suggest
that sanction be given by your board for such
repairs, to be made Immediately, as NAV be
reliable current of electricity. This work ought
TO be commenced at once, and with your sane
ton propose TO do So"
He also submitted a cOpv of a communication
which he had addressed to the Governor, in
which he says: 1.-THE worn out condition of the
fire alarm telegraph of this city admonishes me
daily of the urgent necessity OF speedily pro-
yldDg new lines and boxes. l therefore beg to
call your attention to AN act TO provide for a
ire alarm telegraph &C., approved June &c.
the Board OF Public Works to the Importance
OF commencing the work without delay"
On motion OF Mr.. Collins, that portion of
lating to the repairs was referred TO the COM
mittee on telegraph, and the remainder for
warded 10 the Board of Public Works with the
earnest request that immediate steps be taken
TO have new fre-alarm telegraph constructed.
Mr.. Booker, from the committee OH hose, re-
ported favorably on the request OF the chief en-
gineer for the purchase of 600 feet OF hose, &C.
and the purchase was ordered.
On the It commentator of the committee on
buildings, through MIR. Bayly, it was ordered
that the necessary repairs TO the No. and
No. engine houses be commenced, on the best
terms that can be made.
MIR. McDevitt moved that the Board of Pub
lie Works be requested 10 pave the street in
'front.' Of the Franklin engine-hOuse to 18th
street with Belgian pavement, the cobble
stones not being able to stand the action of the
engine; agreed to.
Mr.. Morgan offered a resolution, which was
adopted, requesting the Secretary of the Navy
TO appoint John Walker. a member OF No. 5
engine company, who lost his leg by an acct
dent IN the line OF his duty, TO such position
in the Navy department as be may he compe-
tent to I'LL. committee was appointed 10 wait
upon the Secretary and urge this appointment.
unanimously promoted to foreman OF the hook
and ladder company.
The secretary submitted a form of circular
he had prepared to be transmitted TO the chief
engineers OF other cities for a national conyen-
ton.
Mr.. Booker spoke of the similarity of the
uniform buttons OF the department with those
OF the Pullman car pOrteTs, and moved that the
color be changed from white To red, like those
Of the police force; referred to the committee
on rules and discipline.