Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-09-15
The Ftremen,s Convention.

&c Is not necessary 10 give any STATISTICS W
prove the vast and growing Importance of the
fire service of the country. The destruction
OF life and property by the ravages OF the flames
experienced by nearly every community In the
land, Is enough to impress on every one the inn
portance OF the science OF lighting fire, for it Is
q science, even II there were no great confla-
grations like those of Chicago, Portland and
Boston TO send thrill of horror through the
world. But strange as it may appear, the
country Is likely In the long run to profit by
the Boston and Chicago calamtties, for the
great fires In those cities led to the organiza-
ton of the National Association OF Fire EngI-
neers who met III convention here last week
Washington was honored by their presence.
for In this city OF national conventions, we
have seldom seen body of men with more
ability and general Intelligence. Coming FROM
the north, the south, the east and the west,
they fraternfZed In the most cordial spirit and
devoted themselves as one man TO the business
before them, discussing the best means to pre-
vent fires and to suppress them when they
occur. man who depends only upon his own
experiences to gather useful information in his
trade and calling will learn slowly; but IL he is
brought often in contact with other men of the
same calling. and with larger experiences, he
VIII learn rapidly, for he can avail himself of
the means Of their successes and avoid
we have stated, the country Is likely to
save over many times, the losses by the great
fires. These fire engineers and the leading
insurance men, for they, too, have a large
interest In the matter and are Jealous in pro-
noting the usefulness of the fire service, get
together once year, and not only exchange
experiences and discuss the best means Of pre-
venting and fighting fires, but have exhibited
before them the most improved apparatus and
appltaI ces, comprising every article required In
equipment Of fire department. All this Is
particularly valuable to the fire chiefs of the
several cities, who can thus get In day or two
q mass Of information 1t would take them other
wise many days and long and weary journeys
to acquire. The annual address, by Mr., Ben
nett, of Hartford, Conn, an able paper on
Fires, their causes, remedies and Effects
deserves to have a wide circulation through the
country. Speaking Of incendiarfsm, he men,
TONED as one OF the most dreaded sources of
nreS In our cities the friction caused by the rub
bling OF large policy Of insurance against
small stock. Among the important recommended
lions OF this convention we're the following
That inspectors OF buildings cooperate with
the fire departments OF all cities: that post
MIGRANTS are preferable to fluSh as they can
more easily be distinguished. especially In dark
and stormy nights; that all fire departments
SC,
this method more force and water can be OBJ
tanned; that the fire alarm telegraph should be
under the control Of the chief of each fire depart
ment; that fire authorities or competent agents
should have entire control of building lnspec-
lions, combustible materials, inspection of
steam boilers On land or water and other mat
tiers affecting fire hazards, etc. The recon-
mendation that standard hose coupling be
ADOPTED In all cities having fire departments
was referred to committee authorized to
memorable Congress on the subject. On the
subject Of fire escapes it was recommended that
they should be appliances by which speedy and
safe communication can be had with any part
OF building; also that permanent escapes are
preferable, and should be under the control of
the fire Department.; that In many cases people
become panic-stricken, or the escape Is out of
order, and by detailing f1remen to look after
this matter all trouble will be avoided, for they
VIII become acquainted with the use Of the fire
escape and look out for flaws, thus enabling
two men to do more service than twenty.
These are only few Of the results Of this con-
ventton, but will give the public some idea Of
Its character and extent.