Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-12-19

THE STEAM ALARM WHISTLE
purchased about two years since at an ex-
pense unwisely limited to 500, and placed
on basis of 81 per week for its use, has
been for months almost useless and practi-
cally ignored by the department. Unless
it is put in order and regular use, or some
better and more far-reaching alarm than
the Market house bell is secured, the ssmin-
ute men" are practically of little value for
day service, as they are seldom at fire
when most wanted, namely, at its start.
Your committee recommend that the
present whistle be put in good position
and perfect order, and used regularly until
something better in the way of an alarm
can be found.
If an adequate alarm is provided, your
committee recommend that a select force
of minute men, eight or ten, in the bust
ness portion of the city, be always main
tanned. If not, then that all minute men
be dispensed with, and the amount now
paid them be used to secure larger num-
Der OF full paid and always
AVAILABLE FIREMEN.
Your committee also recommend that
at least one of the newest and most ap-
proved ''stop MOBILES" be at once procured,
and also one of the best face shields or
respirators, and carefully tested. If sat
isfactory, more of them should be
promptly supplied. At least one 'sFire-
mans" newspaper, giving latest and best
information concerning fire department
work, etc., should be furnished to each
engine house, and the securing of good
libraries for such houses should be en-
couraged and promoted.
Your committee approve the determi-
nation of the board of commissioners to
make promotions in the force, so far as
practicable. competency and experience
and not outside in&uence, being the neces-
sary recommendation.
AS complaint is made that
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
is not working in entire harmony with the
fire department, your committee recon-
mend that proper orders be given to the
police to see that the doors of engine
houses are promptly closed when fremen
are not on duty, and that their
personal effects are properly guarded; also
that the police are instructed to protect
hose when laid, and promptly stretch bar
rier ropes.
Your committee are much pleased with
the plans of the Milwaukee department, in
having good,
FAST TROTTING HORSE,
trained like the engine horses of the de-
partment ready for instant use of the chief
engineer, so that he or his assistant can
be first on the ground at any fire, make
his examinations and perfect his plans
before the department arrives.
To secure the practical work
ing of this plan, they recommend
that the new engine house proposed, on
Sixth street, be made the headquarters of
the chief engineer, with improved faciH-
ties suggested to adapt it to the uses pro-
posed.
The question of organization of slight
brigade" equipped with portable fire ex-
tinguishers, is worthy of consideration.
Your committee are of the opinion that
the history of large fires in this city is not
an entirely creditable one to the fire de-
partment or the city. The city has been
extensively economical and the depart
ment unfortunate or worse. Your COM
mittee therefore recommend, finally, that
all really needed supplies of men and ap-
paratus be at once furnished. If the
record is not then improved, that a com
plete reorganization be promptly effected.
DAN'L R. MOVES,
PETER BERKEY,
A. Moon,
E. j. HoDGsoN,
Committee,