The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1885-11-27
a New Question.


The question Of "who are the Volunteer
Firemcn' does not come up very often in
this section for answer, as all who know of
fire company outside of the large cities
know that it is an organization banded to.
gether voluntarily for the purpose of saw
ing property from destruction, and the
many whose lives are IN danger within u
burning building, This body of men is be-
coming more prominent each day, for their
noble deeds and bravery displayed whilst
in the line Of duty, and upon retirement or
awaiting the second call of fire alarm,
which summons them to the rescue of the
perishing. Therefore we as citizens should
at all times be ready to extend our hand
men in red shirts, who when the summons
comes, be it in the morn the noon day eve,
or in the cold, still night, rush forth even
at the risk of their lives to save the humble
the millionaire. Therefore, uphold your
department at all times, they need encour-
agemcnt and should have il. True it is, we
have often heard it said that firemen as Il
general rule are rough class of men. We
would, however, deny this assertion, for we
know whereof we speak, when we say
that the organization known as the Penn.
sylvania State Firemen's Association is
composed of fire companies who have men
of honor, worth, integrity belonging to
their ranks. We also venture to say that
there is not more hearted set of
men living than those belonging to the
volunteer fire departments. Yet they are
left without the proper protection, entire
ly dependent upon themselves and the
good graces of the citizens who see fit TO
contribute to their wants. The paltry sum
which is donated annually to their use by
Councils, in many instances does not more
than keep their apparatus in working
order, therefore leaving nothing over and
above actual expenses. Their treasury
should not be bankrupt at all times, for
they as well as other organizations delight
in bcautifying their halls and meeting
places in order that each member may de-
light himself in the thought of being one
of the number of This noble band of pro-
tectors, who needless of storm, rush forth
on hearing the fast tapping bell warning
them OF danger, to the rescue of the unfor-
tunate whose dwelling is now erwrapt by
the flames.
At the recent meeting of the Volunteer
Association, at Harrisburg, in September,
committee was appointed to frame a suit
able bill to be presented at the meeting of
the Legislature, which is that we as Vol
unteer Association have the same rights
and privileges accorded to us as in New
York State and Others. One portion we
ask for is that we as an association receive
a certain percentage of all foreign insurance
taken in this State, and said sum to be
divided among The companies composing
the asso -iation. Also an act to pension all
firemen who sustain injuries whilst in the
line of duty. Now, viewing the situation
from fair and square standpoint, what
would be more just to comply with the
wants of the association 1t is the duty Of
every citizen to use his influence to have
the volunteer firemen recognized in this
particular point, and we call upon the mem
bers of the Legislature to inquire into and
inform themselves as to the wants of the
iremen and use their best judgment in
bringing about the proper protection. The
cry of unconstitutional" may come up.
This is an old cry and scheme which
should be done away with. If the boys are
asking too much, and in wrong way,
then it might be well to shape the bill in
such measures that would more clearly
meet the eye of the Legislator in sympathy
with the tiremen, Let the iremen have q
chance, and may his best interest be look
ed after. Citizens of this grand old Key
stone State, arise from your slumbers, and
do your duty, protect your flremen as do
your sister States. .-Sdiasgrope Correspondent
=.