Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-10-12
oHAMBER or ooMMERor.
A Fine Record-Still Considering the Fire
Department Matter.

A Fine Record-still Considering the Fire
Department Matter.
At the regular weekly meeting of the cham
Der of commerce yesterday morning the secre-
tary, W. d. Rogers, made report of the
amount due the chamber for delinquent dues
and fines as follows: Dues for 1878 5000; 1879
$3.50. Fines due for 1879 $3.50; 1880 thus far,
$40. Total $50. Mr.. f. Willius suggested
that the accounts be advertised and sold to the
highest bidder. An examination of the report
showed that large portion of the dues were
against those who were either dead or had left
the city, and on motion the report was referred
to the committee on finance with authority to
place them in the hands of q competent person
for collection.
The report of the committee on fire depart
ment was then taken up and discussed at
some length.
Capt. Berkey said that the increase of taxa
ton, as reported by the city and county esti-
mates, was in rouudnumbers $l20. 900, of which
$50, 900 was for the fire department. He paid
a deserved compliment to the city council,
which he said was in favor of economy. The
committee of the chamber had made good
report and all they had recommended
was no doubt needed. he said however, that
before the city purchased additional engines the
question of q supply of water should be con.
sidered, and in order to obtain this. legislation
would be necessary. In regard to the matter
of insurance he said the rates were lower than
any city in the United States in proportion to
its size. He was in favor OF safety, but at the
same time he was in favor of economy. Refer
ring to the two recent great fires in which
about million of dollars worth of property
was destroyed, he said the insurance companies
we're perfectly satisfied with the work of the
fire department of the city and classes
it as A, No. |. The truth was that the
Ill
matter how many engines they had.
W. P. Murray said the increase in the amount
of the tax levee was due to extraordinary ex
penses for new school buildings, interest on
bond, etc. and the recommendation of the
committee would largely add to the amount if
adopted. He favored sending the report to the
council or that committee of the chamber be
appointed to confer with the council.
Mr.. E. J. Hodgson said that the residents on
st. Anthony's Hill had been struggling for
years to obtain some protection against fire.
They had been taxed year after year and so far
they might as we'll have paid their money for
protection from fire in Hong Kong. 1t was
subject. few additional cisterns would not
answer the purpose. regular system of
water works was needed.
Mr.. Murray said there were q great many
things TO be considered in this matter, and he
favored a recommittal of the report to the
committee and conference with the council.
MIR. Noyes wanted the report adopted, as it
was simply recommendation. and it ought to
GO to the council for their action.
Gen. Sanborn moved that the whole matter
GO to the council for such action as they saw
lit.
Mr. VIM. Lee said if the report was sent to
the council it would go there as the recon-
mendation of the chamber. He wanted some
decided action, either one way or the other
He did not believe in having BIZ much fuss, and
then shirk the responsibility and throw it upon
the council.
Mr.. McClung agreed with Mr.. Lee and moved
that the action upon the report be postponed
for one week. which motion prevailed, and the
chamber adjourned.