The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-05-27

signafled with the hammer, and the men in
the sink told him that would do. He was
also overcome and taken out.
John Burfoot reiterated what Jack Walker
had said
John Green, JEFF. Coleman, Lewis Hobbs,
and several other witnesses, testified that
they had noticed gas at various times, but
did not consider it of serious nature.
Mr.. Jewett and Mr.. Marks stated that
Mr. Heinrich was capable mine-manager.
John Peel was asked why he stopped
work at the mines, and he replied that he
thought Messrs. Benson and Canoe were
incompetent gas-men, and didn't care to en-
danger his life. He thought that the acci-
dent was caused by the doors in the main
level being left open.
Thirty-four witnesses were examined,
and the testimony was not concluded until
after Z ?. NJ, at which time Judge Clopton
announced that he would inform Justice
Elam as to whether he would take any fur
ther steps in the matter.
SENI-ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE RICH
NoSD FIRE DEPARTNENT.-The semi-annual
inspection OF the Richmond Fire Depart
ment, as required by the city ordinance,
took place last evening after the adjourn
ment OF the Fire Committee. The inspec-
tions Of the department are always interest
ing, but they have become more so recently,
as one or two new engine-houses have been
that the horses may be hitched inside of the
building.
Some excellent time was made yesterday,
but not as satisfactory as the very efficient
chief, Captain AiDslie, and his commanders
intend hereafter.
The committee, in company with the
Chief Engineer, visited Washington Hall
first. One OF the men was stationed at the
gong to give the alarm, while the Chief kept
the time. The fremen were strolling about
the engine-house when the alarm was given
1t was now very exciting scene as the mer
hurried into the stable and out again Will
the horses. The hook-and-ladder truck
Captain Minor, hitched up and was out ir
fifty-tive seconds; Company A steamer
Captain Phillips, in sixty seconds. The mer
were in their uniforms, and presented {
very credtable appearance.
| The men OF the Brook-Aycnue engine
Company D, Captain Sublett, were mex
| tested, and their time was thirty-fivc seconds
Next in order was Company 3, Captain
Herndon, Third-Street steamer. Here the
men were not so quick, possibly because
they had to hitch up with open doors ant
the machine partly in the street. Their bes
time was fifty-fvc seconds. The visitor:
next inspected Company C's Captain Purks
new engine-house, OH Main street neal
! Twentieth. There the time was thirty-tivt
seconds.
From Main street the committee went tc
Company F's Captain Taylor) engine
house, on Church Hill. This is also new
building, but the tiremen have not long hat
their steamer, and two of the horses are no
vet familiar with the alarms or their places
at the apparatus. However, with all these
disadvantages, the men hitched UP, ant
were in their places and ready to start ir
twenty-five seconds-the best time made
during the evening. At this engine-lsoust
the firemen have established the nucleus Of
what they hope will in time become fine
library. They have also ornamented theil
house with number OF beautiful flowers
and seem to be as happy as lords.
The visit was a very interesting one, ant
was very much enjoyed by the party. II
now seems to be very necessary that the
committee should have the entire manage
ment OF the Fire Department, election OF
the officers, and not the Council. Many
improvements are needed which can alone
be accomplished by the committee. The
new Council will no doubt make the neces-
sary change in the ordinance.