New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-10-09
FIRE. RISKS IN CHICAGO.
RESULTS OF GEN. sHALER's INsPEcTIoN-THE NEEDS
OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND CITY.

RESULTS OF GEN. sHALERs INsPECTI0N-THE NEEDS
OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND CITY.
Gen., Shaler returned from Chicago yester-
day n,ornng after thorough inspection OF the f"o
Department Of that CITY, He said in reply to On inquiry
that the gentlemen who had invited him to make 'ns
inspection would most probably request him TO presen'
written report of the result OF It, embodynR ADVICE 10
any needed Improvement ana that ne did not WISH "
annterrew to anticipate that report He had made up
hs mind not to reside in Chicago permanently, and GER
taalY he would not charge Of the Fire Department.
there until he was invited to do 90. He had had long
conferences while there with the Mayor, President
Sheridan of the Board Of Fire and Pohce the Board OF
Aldermen and the Citizens Association upon the SUD-
,eot Of such vital interest to Chicago and he had very
MAINLY gwen his views and advice. He had been enter
tanned very generously by the citizens and shown all
their for extngnishng fire. He had inspected
hydrapts hose engines, alarm boxes and fremen' nau
gone over the frame and lumber Districts and had tested
the capacity of the engines by special trial made
especially for his observation by IL OF the best engines
n the city, He could not say now what would be tue
tenor of bis proposed report but had no hesitation In
repeatns what he had said at meeting Of the Citizens
Association after he had made q cursory inspection
Chicago had On unusual number Of frame buildings ana
there was an immense amount OF very COMMISSIONS
material n her umber-yards. The fire apparatus was
INADEQUATE for the great territory IL had to cover
There were only 20 engines. hook and ladder COM
pan1es, ana bdOcOchs. AncJ oushs w h"'o
many There were three engines IN the burnt district
on the sonth side, but they should have nine. Inc
hydrants OF the Chicago pattern the best OF the
kind and the general water privileges. with the lake
and river were immense. He had suggested In view OF
these water privileges, that Chicago should have
number OF floating engines few tugs, fitted up as
fire engines might save the whole lumber district The
fire alarms are far apart They should DE III
every block. The gongs and bells are also too slow.
The companes should be larger and the engines should
be Of a uniform pattern. He believed that with plenty
engines efficiently worked there need be no rear Oh
fire. The citizens complained that wind blowing az
the rate Of 80 OF miles hour would carry SPARKS
quarter OF a mile away, and thus new fire wouid
break out before old quenched but ne nau
suggested to them that this account they ought 10
have more ngiues, and that some should be satoned
during brisk fire with especial WOW to quelling iu'
cpient fires.
VISIT OF CHICAGO OFFICIALS.
The Commissioners of the Board OF PuDuc
Works Of the City Of Chicago, consisting OF Messrs'
Prindeyille wahl, and Thompson, In company Win
Major Cen Shaer called yesterday upon Commissioner
Van Mort at the Department Of Public Works for the
purpose of acquiring information relative to the wafer
system OF this city, and particularly that OF eevatne
water on the high service system, now In successlui
operation IN the upper part of this island Commits
soner Mort offered them every faculty Tor an efa
inaton system of reservoirs mains supply pipes
and fire hydrants in this city, whch Will uhuouocuy
be of service them in improving the water Supply IN
Chicago He also requested Chief Engineer Tracy 10
accompany them on tour OF inspecti99n ol INC reSei
yoirs High Bridge and the High Service Tower.