The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1874-05-29
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.


There is no organization of which New
Orleans is more justly proud than the Vol
unteer Fire Department. In point OF eff
cheney it is not excelled by any similar body
Of men in the United States. The esprit d.
corps, the friendly and liberal rivalry, and
the general exemplary conduct of its mem
bers are traits of character that have given
historic fame to the fremen of New Orleans
To their vigilance, promptness, zeal and ex-
celent discipline, the citizens Of New Or
leans are indebted for that degree of safety
and immunity from the ravages of fire
which is SO marked and apparent.
| This organization SO far has remained i'll
tact, notwithstanding several efforts have
been made, since the accession o! the Re
publican party to power, to substitute for it
paid department, and thus destroy the
volunteer system. Failing in this, another
blow was aimed at its integrity by attempt
ing to force the introduction Of negroes in
its ranks This, too, has failed up to the
present time. But there is no telling what
will be the next move on the part of the
Radicals to obtain control OF this powerful
and influential organization.
Although not political body in itself,
yet from the very fact of its thorough and
complete organization, and from its long
existence and time-honored reputation, it
necessarily must exercise more or less intiu-
ence in every political campaign. Its men,
bers embrace some of our best and most re-
spectacle citizens, and the honest and in
dnstriOus of the community, and they are
all thoroughly identified with the interests
aud the welfare of both the State and city,
That it is an organization powerful for good
or evil as it may decide to act is un4ues
toned 1t is, therefore, of the last import
ance that so potent an element should be
closely guarded and religiously protected
against all attempts at it's perverson and
improper use.
We are led to these remarks concerning
the Fire Department, by vague rumors that
have reached our ears, which, if true, we
fear are frarght with mischief, and calcu-
lated to mar the harmony that has hereto
fore characterized that organization, and to
seriously impair that usefulness for which it
is so justly celebrated. Scheming, design
ing and unprincipled politicians Of the Rad
ical party having failed to accomplish their
selfish purposes by overt legislation are now
resorting to stealth and insidious snares.
With the approach of the coming cam
paign, it becomes matter of great impor-
lance with the Republican party, if not
exactly to control, to neutralize in a meas
ure, the influence Of the Fire Department.
This is proposed to be done by the gradual
of Radical office-holders and
leaders as members Of the various compa
MES. Already has this work commenced,
and we have heard Of the election of some
prominent Republican politicians. The
names of others are up for election. SO far,
the applicants have been white, but as they
become members, they will in turn begin
proposing men of the Pinchback color, and
step by step, they will advance IN the work
Of amalgamation until the point is reached
when the sable Barber, Antoine and Chester
will be knocking for admission at the doors
If the different companies. When that day
comes, it is easy to predict what will be the
ate Of that splendid organization. As the
'ocial presence Of the negro is destructive to
'very class of society, care should be taken
to exclude its introduction.
We would, therefore, caution the Fire
Department., for WHICH we entertain so
much esteem, and for the integrity and
rood name of which we are so sol,citous,
against the cunning attempts Of those who
Ultimately seek the disintegration Of their
association. Let them beware of this Tro-
an horse! When once within their eta
lei, and suspicion has been lulled, look out
or ruin and destruction.