The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1885-05-07
NEW QUARTERS
For Our Firemen-The Advantages Of
Market Hill.

For Our Firemen-The Advantages cl
Market Hill.
For number Of weeks past the
question of site on which 10 put
building for the accommodation OF
Hook and Ladder No. l, and Colorado
No. 2, fire companies, has occupied the
minds of the members of both
these splendid organizations. The,
are aware that the term Of stay liz
their present quarters on Bois d'Arc
street is of short duration, owing to
the sale of the building to Col. l.. j.
Driskill. In view of this fact the
City Council, at recent meeting,
empowered Mayor Robertson to
purchase piece of ground on
the block east, and immediately
in the rear of the Hotel Brunswick
This place, from various causes, was
deemed unsuitable by the parties
most directly interested-the firenieI
themselves-and protest against the
location was written out.
A STATESMAN man happening to
meet Mr.. S. w. French, Chief of the Fire
Department, asked his views on tnt
subject which We're readily giv,n
Said the chief: "both companies favor
the purchase by the city of sufficient
ground, on the hill near the city hall,
whereon to locate the companies. We
want the street, West Hickory, grad, d
OF course, so that the building may be
easy of approach. There are
ut least three good reason.
for choosing this site: economy, cen :
tral location, and permanency. 1t is
economical because nothing will have
to be paid for the land. 1t is State
property, on which the city has Il
lease Of ninety-nine years. The mon
ey thus saved can be added
to the amount expended on the
building. AS regards location
no place could offer superior
advantages, being right in the heart of
the city. Lastly as to permanency.
There would be no question of re-
moval for several years to come.
Once installed on Market hill in sub
stantial ccmmodious building, and
the tiremen would feel that they had
come there to stay" This was about
the substance of The talk with
Chief French. Other Gremen, mem
bers OF both companies, were con-
verSed with and all OF them reitter-
ated the views expressed by him.
Mr. w. IL. Brown, OF -Four Eyed"
Brown as he Is familiarlarly called, ex-
chief, and the present able foreman OF
Colorado No. 2, spoke Enthusiastically
of Market Hill. We want the city to
grade the street from the Christian
Church to the Avenue, SO as to gain
easy accessibility. The particular
spot wanted is just west of the Daily
Dispatch Office, AM separated from
it by an alley. Here we desire some
56X100 feet of ground for house for
the two companies. There is now on
hand for that purpose the sum of
81, 800 L think that if the council
will turn over this to the firemen they
will be responsible for such building
as would be satisfactory in all re-
Spects. While we do not want, nor
are able to build. any gorgeous struc-
ture, still handsome house can be
put up, one that will reflect credit on
the city and the department My
idea Is to have 1t of brick, two stories
high, dimensions, say 46 by 80 feet,
with arhall on the second floor. Now
the last is an important point. The
absence of a good, large nall for gen
eral public use has been long felt.
Ours could be utilized for social and
OGner purposes, IOr winch moderate
rent could be charged. 1t )
would be frequently in demand
from its central position"
In conclusion Mr.. Brown remarked |
that the place spoken of had such
superior advantages, and was so unan-
the choice of the members
Of both companies that he doubted
not its adoption by the Council at its
meeting on Monday night.
In reference to the above comment
S scarcely necessary. The gentlemen
quoted only voice the general desire
If their companies. The volunteer
ire department of Austin, as proved
by its past history and services, is one
Of which any city might well be proud.
The men who comprise it are body
Of gallant and public spirited men, and
It is nothing more than right that
their wishes on the subject should
meet the fullest consideration.
LIFE PREsERvERs.
Ii you are losing your grip on life
try wells Health Remover" Goes
direct to the weak Spots'