Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1876-01-15
The New Fire ENGINE.
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF FL
COMMISSIONERS.

SPECIAL MEETING OF BOARD OF FIRE
COMMISSIONERS.
A special meeting OF the Board of Fire Com
missioners was held at 1 O'Clock to-day
present President Morgan and Messrs Ba-
con, TAFT, Hume and Reed. The chair stated
that the object of the meeting was to confer
together as 70 the views of the members of
the board in relation to the test made yes
terday OF
TIE CAPACITY OF THE NEW FIRE ENGINE
Mr. Hume noticed that IL took a longer
time Tor the new engine TO get up sJeam than
the old engines. The stream thrown bysSo
was the prettiest he had ever SEEN though
somewhat smaller than that OF No. 5, but
when the nozzle of No. 6 was changed to the
same size, No. had the advantage. He also
noticed small escape of the steam around
the joints. This was doubtless owing to the
packing not being yet saturated and fixed.
Mr.. Reed thought they should have an
oiher test, and use water OF equal tempera-
ture In both euginesi
Mr.. Hume thong ht that No. 3 could get up
steam a little quicker than the new engine.
Chief CTODin thought No could beat
at any time. At this point Commissioner
hetCham entered the rOOm.l Chief CrO1tu
continued, saying that the new engine was
IL all respects superior TO the old ones. 1t
was lighter by between two and three thou
sand pounds, ard in design wins more solid
ard In construction mcTe perfect, and be
was certainly favorably impressed with the
test yesterday.
The chair said that the stream thrown By
the new engine was remarkable forts steady
and even discharge.
Col. TAFT thought no further test wac :
cessary. and they might safely accept the
engine as satisfactory.
Some objection was urged To the No. on
account OF the position OF the drivers seat,
which is located between the boiler and the
cylinder.
Mr. Reed thought this quite a serious mis-
Ike in Its construction.
Col. TAFT thought this might be changed
by the manufacturer IL requested
The chair stated that il had been repre-
scented TO him that this could not be done; IL
il could be- 10 was n small matter. If this
engine is to be sent around from one COM
pany to another TO supply the place OF en-
gines which may be in the shop for repairs,
IL would be necessary to have all the hremen
educated 10 its uSe.
Chief Cronin thought there would be no diff
fculty.
Mr.. Hume thought the No. yesterday did
rot have fair chance, as the steam could
not be put up to the marx on account of a
leak in one OF the steam pipes.
Chief Cronin stated that her steam was up
TO 1I5.
Mr.. Reed made motion that No. 4, No. 5
and No. 6, embracing I'll the kinds of engines
in use in this city. be brought out at the next
trial and have fair test IN the competition.
The Silsbee had not had chance with the
Clapp & Jones; let them all be out together
This motion was adopted.
Mr.. Hume thought there should be no par
tlcular limit as TO steam pressure; let them
90 their best in given time, but not to over
step the bounds of prudence.
Mr.. Reed stated that Mr.. R6iney, agent for
the firm Of Clapp q Jones, was now in this
city. and would he present at the test.
Some discussion followed on the hose test,
and Mr.. Hume moved that the president Of
the board be requested to call the attention
of the Board OF Health TO the subject of fire.
qUent coal oil accidents, causing cOnfiagrd-
Tons and loss of property. as well as life,
with the view OF procuring appropriate leg
islation for the regulation of The manufac-
tUTe and safe of illuminating fluids. Some
discussion followed as TO the proper au-
thority.
General Bacon said ID was the business Of
the Board Of Health 10 regulate this matter
without further legislation.
The motion OF Mr.. Hume was adopted.
Adjourned.