The New York herald., 1874-07-28
THE NATIONAL BOARD OF FIRE
UNDERWRITERS.
Its Action Relative to the Late Confln-
gratiOns I'm Chicago-Sweeping Chang e es

Its Action Relative to the Late Confia-
gratfOns I'm Chicag0-SweeYing Chang es
Recommended.
The National Board OF Fire Underwriters have
been greatly exercised over the repeated d;sas-
trOus CONGREGATIONS in Chicago, and concluding
that on the principle OF self-preservatiOn thor.
Ough investigation OF the subject was demanded,
they, through the Executive Committee, in
June last appointed committee for the
purpose OF investigating the basis upon
which the Chicago Fire Department stands !;
Its strength, general efficiency, to whom and TO
what extent Its responsibility. aud to report
suggestions OF evidently needed Improvement. {.
The report of the committee was presented to the
Board on the 2lst INST, but only made public yes
terday 1t condemns IN unmeasured terms the
entire system OF the Chicago Fire Department
which it characterizes as portion OF the political
machinery OF that city. The department. is
nOminally under the superintendence OF a Chief
Msrsnai, who is In fact poweriess to resort to any
decided measures looking to It's Improvement
being completely at the mercy OF the political
term, are completely demOralized, and are igno-
rant and careless OF discipline The committee
present organization, and a Board Of Fire Commits
sioners on the New York plan, who shall be the
head, entirely independent OF political influence.
rhe following Is the report submitted by the
Executive Committee on the cath Instant
Whereas It appears from report presented to the Ma
tive that ne Condition Of Ss Fire. @ 6eSa
ment OF the city OF Chicago, to efficiency and reliab
who snsasee in the bushes, s Of
sraons uy the nesessy and
more immediate projections, safeguards aud guarantees
that without guarantee, the Of re nsur
the the S ss
therein and thereby entang upon both stockholders
Resolved, That, the National Board of Fire Under.
w'aa aa vew t1 Of t from
nesty recommend all companies, members OF the Board,
Chicago on and alter the is, day S oetober proxmo S @
unless the m projections and reforms be at once
i,rst.T establishment of permanent fire limits CO.
vestng in suitable persons the eniorccment OF the laws
manufacturing and other establishments endapgcr
no. s enre sn ns sy n such districts but the safety of
Seoond-rhe enactment of stringent building law for
the government OF the city, and its thorough
oy , bureau as IN other cities which law
shall be provided with proper iron shutters doors
a % OF 'ds @ % Ss sr Hs Ire
re n. the S1s as Of wall m e r. of
ana eupolas buildings unless they be constructed
Wholly OF hreprooi material and rtguiatlon limiting
sss the same be constructed wholly OF areproof
Thri.The complete reorganization oithe Fire Depart
men Of the city under the direction Of Board OF Com.
its care the eradication OF political innteDce fsvorit
Tue cpartncnt tne ntfOducUtn ~ n thorough
and efficient military discipline among Is members the
augmentation ana Improvement oi its fire apparatus;
the organization within the department OF a corps OF
sapper ana miners to be trained y ie use Of expo
ducton oi foating engines tor upon the river ana
lake fronts.
touthlhe Immediate increase Of the Size and number
Ssbscs S ne TneT mains rs and pRes as we e hydrsn,
special hazards and rows Of wooden buildings
.FWh-The establishment Of 4 Fire Mtrshais Bureau,
charged with investigation into the origin Of all nrcs
anu with power to secure G.e punishment OF inccn
diaries
S'rt-rhe passage OF law which ibsll secure ne
gradual removal OF the lumber yards aud special halar1s
which now threaten the city upon ihe southwest ana
northwest to isolated localities well as the removal
of the wooden buildings and unlawful structures now
endangering valuable sections 0 tho tnsness part ot
the city.
on motion the report was adopted unanimously
and the President OI the Board directed TO forward
copy to the Mayor Oi Chicago. as well as 10 all
National Board mcmDcr3