The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-03-01
WESTMINSTER, Nd, Feb. 10th, 1884.

WEsrMISsrEB, Nd, Feb. Goth, 1884.
VIM. B. Thomas, Esq, Mayor Of Vest
nainster,-Dear Sir Il have given your COM
municaton, dated January l It'll, much thought
and, at your request, submitted its contents
to the Fire Department at its last regular
meeting. After careful consideration by that
body, was instructed to answer. The facts,
to which you call attention, we fully appre-
ciate and know to be true. The abundant
furnished, and the ire-plugs distributed
through the city, have inspired our citizens
with such feeling of security, that they gen.
orally believe that their houses are safe from
the destroying element, because of the pro
lection afforded by the water works. This
would be comparatively true, if we had sut-
ficiently large quantity of hose, but it is pos
itively certain, that, with the small amount
of apparatus we have, there is property within
the corporate limits, upon which, in case OF
fire, not one drop of water could be thrown
from any plug; and it is equally true, that in
the event of another great fire, such as that,
which visited our city last April, with the
limited supply of hose at command, 1t would
be utterly impossible to stop the course otthe
flames. A moment thought will convince
any one that more hose is absolutely necessa-
ry for the proper protection of all our citi-
teal and important question arises, "How
shall this want be suppliedY' As you have
stated, the corporate authorities have not the
means to purchase more hose, nor have they
power to make an assessment for that pur-
pose This is question, which interest not
only the Mayor and City Council and the Fire
Department but is ofequal Importance to each
citizen. 1t is my opinion, with which the
other members of the department agree, that
it is only necessary for the Mayor as the re-
preventative of the city to make known the
necessity which exists, in order to have the
want supplied. The Fire Department, which
| have the honor to represent, is not a selfish
body, organized for private benefit, but is
simply a portion of the citizens, who, having
at heart the public good and having as their
object the protection of all, are organized SO
that that protection may be the better afford
ed. Composed as it is of volunteers, who
have not hesitated to give their time, their
money and their best efforts to successfully
accomplish the purposes of their organization,
its members, always ready and willing, by day
or night, to respond to every call, to risk life
and undergo any danger for the good of the
community at large, feel that to take upon
themselves any responsibility in this matter
would be an assumption of the duties and
rights of the corporate authorities, who as the
representatives of the whole community, are
the only proper persons from whom an appeal
of this kind should come.
therefore suggest that you in your official
capacity, in such manner as you may deem
best, let the public know the pressing need,
so that all of our citizens may have an oppor-
tunity to contribute as each may feel able,
and | feel certain that an appeal thus made
will meet with hearty response.
Yours Respectfully,
WIN. L. SEABRooK, President W. F. d.