Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1882-05-20

posed of splendid material and well OFF,
| cered The roll contains over one hun
| bred active and efficient members, sub
divided into Hose, Hook and Ladder
companies and fire police. These men
are always ready and willing to do their
utmost in the extinguishment of fires
whenever they may oc cur without regard
to weather or to time. Midday or mid
night, rain or shine, snow or sleet, the
tap of the fire bell always brings them
promptly to the front Without hope or
expectation of reward or compensation,
they have stood the brunt of storms and
danger to save the imperilled property Of
our citizens, and their efficiency has been
demonstrated on more than one occasion
The organization, by virtue Of the ordi-
nance creating it., is under the care and
control of the Council, and one of its
most important duties, in my opinion is
to see that these men a, e literally suppl
ed with all necessary apparatus for sue
cessfully combating fires, and with the
necessary rubber clothing to protect them
selves from exposure. The Council should
see that the Firemen lack for neither
encouragement nor supplies.
OANI An NONOl1lONs
The sanitary condition of the city is
good, and will compare favorably with
that of any neighboring towns. While
small pox, scarlet fever and other epidem-
ic diseases were all around US during the
past winter, but two or three sporadic
cases occurred here, and they were prompt
ly taken in charge and the disease coufin-
ed to the premises in which it appeared
In my opinion, the appointment by the
Council of City Board of Health, which
could in case of necessity, act in conf uRc-
ton with the Local Board for the County,
would not be an unwise measure
POLICE REGULATIONS.
With population of over 1000, we
have but one police officer. No matter
how active and efficient the one officer
might be, it would be utterly impossible
for him to see and arrest every violater of
the ordinances and besides, he could not
be expected to be on duty more than six
teen hours out of the twenty -four. ut
considering all the circumstances, the
peace, quiet and order of the city has
been exceptionally good. Formerly the
Corporation employed from three to FIVE
police, and they had plenty work to do
1t would greatly add to the protection Of
property and the better enforcement of
the laws if the police force were increased.
OF course this will entirely depend on the
condition of the finances. 1t is however,
matter for the consideration of the next
Council.
THE MARKET.
Some means ought to be devised by
which we could have better market, and
have it kept up during the entire year.
In the matter of well regulated market
we are far behind our neighbors. there
is no good reason why this should be.
We have the population and the sur
roundiugs to give Us a frst-class market
during the entire year, and know ofno
good reason for not having it. II it is
| the fault of the present market ordinance
or the inability to enforce its provisions,
| it ought to be amended and re-enacted to
meet the requirements. We certainly
| ought to have as good market as our
neighbors. Whatever the cause, it should
be removed, and Martinsburg have first
| class market.
| THE CITY BUILDING.
| the new city DulllluR, now III Tdplu
course of completion, was real necessity
1t will not only be invaluable as furnish
ing Offices for properly conducting the
business of the Corporation and affording
safe deposit for its books records
but it will be an ornament and credit to
the city. 1t also furnishes convenient
| and comfortable room for the use Of the
Firemen, to provide which has heretofore
cost the Corporation considerable trouble
and expense. 1t is rs much due the fire.
men as to the members o the Council and
officers o the Corporation that they
should have oomforta place for their
meetings and the transaction # their bu-
sIness.
CONCLUSION.
In closing up the business of this fiscal
year, it is gratifying to be able to con-
trast the present sound and healthy con-
dition of the Corporation finances with
the bankrupt and almost ruined condi-
ton in which we found them four years
ago. II is a record worthy to be proud
of, and one which no fair-minded citizen
will hesitate to give you proper credit for
Very Respectfully,
w. T LOGAN.
Mayor.
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