St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-03-25
tendent of the fire alarm, with instructions

| tendent OF the fire alarm, Will instlucliohS
| to put in the same.
In answer to similar resolution oHereo
by Alderman Starkey in the council, 10 nave
the commissioners place fire alarm boxes on
the corner of Mendoza and Seventh streets
and on the corner of Reaney street ana ureen-
brier avenue. it was found that the latter had
already been located in that spot by the SUI
perintendent of the fire alarm and he was in
structed to confer with the alderman concern
ing the other, which was located within
block of the point desired.
The resolution of the council authorizing
the purchase of second-class steamer,a new
four-wheeled hose carriage and set OF Pom
pier life saving ladders was received, and the
clerk was authorized to advertise for propos-
ais to be furnished by April IA. In regard to
steamers, bids will be received for both first
and second class piston and rotary engines,
that the commissioners may determine on
the merits of all makes and the difference in
price between the two grades. A long dis
cussion as to the merits OF the piston and
rotary steamers and their capacities under all
circumstances was freely discussed, with the
view of giving the city just what it most
needs to successfully fight big fire as well
as a little one.
The matter of the confirmation Of the ap-
pointment of Mr.. Connolly as engineer OF
the new No. 2 steamer, postponed from the
last meeting, was taken up by the motion OF
Mr.. Sehliek not to confirm and OF
an amendment by Mr.. Parker to confirm.
Each of the members very clearly and
succinctly stated their reasons for taking
positions for the motion and for the amend
ment. The consequence was long, thor
ough and minute investigation as 10 the
ability of the present force for promotion, all
seeming to desire that the steamers be
handled by competent men, the only point
of difference finally merging into the claim
that If competent engineers could be selected
from the department ITSELF it would be pref
cradle to going outside. 1t was shown that
there engineers in the department who were
most capable, but that the only two stokers
eligible to be promoted had not yet seen
service enough for the position. At this
point Chief Black made the statement that
two OF the present engineers
had been offered the position
of engineer on No. 2, and had refused for
certain personal reasons before he appointed
Mr.. Connolly. On this all the members
recognized the need of strengthening the
department with the best capable outsider
for the position in question, when Mr..
Schliek Withdrawing his motion. all voted to
confirm the selection of engineer for No. 2
made by Chief Black.
Another favorable omen of the COM
missioners thus happily coming to be of one
mind on this subject, was and openly ex-
pressed opinion by all to purge the depart
ment holding so much valuable property and
so vital to its safety of all incompetent ser
wants, whether they be engineers or in the
lower ranks of the force, and to offer every
facility for those in the service who had
brains and ambition a chance to learn, so
that on their merits they might prove eligible
to promotion, as opportunities should occur.