New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-03-01
EDITOR REPUBLICAN,:

your indulgence, beg of you to make an
other effort in our behalf.
For four years past the annual loss upon
our contract with the city of New Orleans
has averaged $4,000 per annum, by rea-
son of the depreciation of city securities,
which we were compelled to receive in
payment of par services rendered. Other
contractors. who furnish materials to the
city, estimate and provide for the deprecia-
ton by increasing the price Of the com.
modities they furnish, but in the case of the
fire department. it is acknowledged by
every official connected with the State or
city. that the contract price of $4,000 per
year is below the actual cost OF maintain
ing the department.
1t may be asked why we continue con.
tract that does not pay. To this reply.
because We have founded magnificent
system of charities, based upon this organ
ization, and the noble services of the de.
partment for the past thirty years have won
a name and place in the history Of this
State that endears the organization to every
member connected with it, and through
this love and feeling of pride we have not
only renewed a contract that does not in.
trinsically pay, but for fear of doing aught
that would endanger its perpetuation have
submitted to $4,000 of loss in the past
four years. which is being taken from the
accommodations husbanded in by-gone years."
But all things must have an end, and we
see with fear and trembling the end OF our
organization fast approaching.
We see our bonds and city securities sold
for song to satisfy the obligations that
we have incurred in our efforts to faithfully
fulfill our contract with the city. and at the
present rate of loss it is. perhaps, but the
question of twelve month until irretriev-
able bankruptcy must ensue. We have
appealed to the Administrators Of the city
for relief. and believe that with the lin.
tied means at their command we have been
paid as prom pity as the embarrassments of
the city would permit this past year. We
have borne our losses and embarrassments
without a murmur. fearing to do aught that
would incite hostile action toward us. and
hoping for reliet. We can get no assurance
of relief from the city administration. and
although the session Of the Legislature is
drawing to a close. and although il has
been passing bills with almost lightning
rapidity. dispensing charities with lavish
hand, we have yet to see city member
with nerve and honesty enough 70 lift his
voice in our behalf.
The police might be dispensed with and
the good right arm of our citizens could. in
case of necessity. defend themselves and
their property. Schools might be closed
for period without danger to the commu.
nitv.
We might not pay the interest on our
debt, and vet the citizens Of this city would
pursue their avocations. and commerce
would 90 on. How much greater, then. in
Importance the protection of the lives and
property guaranteed by the efficient ad-
rninistration of our fire department And
what great calamity might not be appre-
hended from its disorganization Such a
calamity would not, of course, be permitted,
but mention it to contrast the Importance
of this department compared TO other inter-
ests which have received such careful at
tention at the hands of our Legislature.
When we fight the fire fiend we do not
know race or color. and the poor colored
mans hut commands our services as fully
as the rich mans palace.
Is it not through the efficient exertions of
the iiremen of New Orleans that the annual
profits of our underwriters are swelled to
the masnifcon: sum of five millions of
dollars per annum, and they represent but
about one half Of the property of THIS city.
Estmatin. the profit to individuals who
underwrite their own property. here we
have the spectacle Of one organization say
IN. to its citizens ten million dollars per
year. forced to beg charitable loans Of the
very underwriters whom We enrich. and
forced to tax our hard working. self-sacri.
ficin. members individually 10 maintain
our organization.
1t would seem but reasonable that the
insurance companies. who are enriched
through our exertions. should contribute
the principal amount required for our sup
port. But here step in our leg islators; and
no: content with appropriating to State
purposes license tax upon the insurance
companies. at the same time prohibit the
city from deriving any assistance from
these companies. i. would be but fair for
the Legislature to authorize all taxes and
licenses levied upon insurance companies
to be paid into special fund Of the city for
payment to the fire department upon its
contract. or certainly enact Law setting
aside from the gross cash receipts collected
by the city Sill 500 per month. called for by
our contract. II this is done We will pocket
our losses for the past four years, and
gladly continue to maintain the efficiency
of the organization which has won the ad'
cliration of this continent.
If something is not done to give relief.
financial ruin, bankruptcy and distress
| mus: follow, and the five hundred widows
and orphans. who have been transmitted to
cur care by fellow members dead and gone.
Will soon have to look elsewhere for the
protection and supper. it has been our pride
and pleasure to extend them.
Should you deem the picture OF our dis.
tress everdrawn. am sure Messrs. Marks.
Witt. Burke. or any other prominent men,
Der Of the fire department, vii! vouch for
It's t.u.hfu!ness.
Yours truly.
ACTIVE FIREMAN.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
VALUABLE IMPROVED REAL ESTATE At