The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-03-26
IMPROVED COTTON SHEDS
THE MODELS HELD OUT TO THE
WORLD By NEW ORLEANS.
Inspector Cleary, of the Board OF Un-
derwriters, Makes Tour in the In
terest OF His Employers-strong Com
partments, Rigid Rules. Etc.


summer will witness many changes in the
present cmpty-formed cotton sheds Of
Memphis and also the building OF few
new ones on improved plans. The sub
ject was literally discussed Immediately
after the late severe cotton fires, and elicit
ed learned opinions from local experts.
The public, and especially insurance men,
was greatly wrought up over the protec-
ton Of cotton from fires, and the board Of
underwriters entered upon preliminary
investigation with a view OF reviving the
question at the proper time and determin-
ing upon the methods best calculated to
bring the desired immunity. Being in the
midst Of the heavy cotton hauling season,
II was impractcable TO reach conclusion
at once, and within comparatively brief
period all agitation had been stilled, so far
as the outside world knew. Those on the
inside were, however, only observing strict
business principles and keeping their own
counsels
In every effort to render fire losses more
infrequent and light, Mr.. James T.. Cleary,
late chief OF the fire department. was a
warm and intelligent co-operator. His
long experience rs fireman and student
OF conditions and material favorable for an
attack from this quarter, caused those who
placed fire risks to seek and respect his
opinions. As result Of their dual regard
for him, and with n sincere desire 10 re-
, ward him for long and efficient services in
the past, he was approached to become in
spector for the board OF underwriters.
After studying his interests from every
,.nnt ~ he .l.tnf torI...l 4. r,
resignation, which was accepted, and he at
once entered upon the discharge Of his
newly assumed obligations. Among the
first assignments given him was visit TO
New Orleans to inspect the cotton sheds OF
that city. He was accompanied by Mr..
Columbus Bierce, also an expert on such
matters, learned through long connection
= with the shed OF Messrs. Brooks, Nelly &
Go. Together the gentlemen made the
visit, and completed their examination in
one day, returning the next. As II was
only preliminary step, with report in
tended solely for the hoard, Inspector
Cleary has maintained an almost rigid
silence. An APPEAL reporter learned
some Of the most salient points, however,
and publishes them rs an index TO what
will be adopted in this city as plans for all
sheds erected in future. II is also very
likely that most OF the old ones will be re-
modelled after the improved plans now be-
ing used at New Orleans. said the in
spector:
"what impressed me most with the
sheds at New Orleans were the strict and
rgidly enforced rules and regulations in
operation at every one. Matches are as
scarce M mosquitoes around the north
pole, and everything Is reduced 10 clock
teoflr In nrl.r In trai tho
Of the rule prohibiting matches | asked an
employc for one. NO, sir, said he, Il
haven't n match about me, neither will
you find one about the premises. Were
TO violate that rule, my head would inn
mcdatcly drop into the basket and |
would he blackistcd, thus having the
doors OF every other shed in the city closed
against me.
'Nwhat is the latest style Of architecture
in shed building?'
'An admirable and secure one, render
ing enormous loss almost impossible. The
shed Is divided into ire-proof compart-
menls, each compartment having capacity
for go or 900 bales OF cotton. These
are inclosed from both the adjoining
streets and interior court, but with broad
openings into both. The floor OF the court
Is us bare OF cotton as a wollkept parlor.
Were the compartments closed, a visitor
could discover by no outside sign what was
the nature OF the contents. Another ex-
cellent precaution Is the close scrutiny to
which every bale Is subjected before being
stored within. II the slightest sign Of
scorch or mud appears, from contact with
dray or wagon wheels, the bale Ii con-
signed to the sidewalk until all suspicion
OF danger Is over. They. have no long
sheds like our compress and Senatobia
street specimens, which will hold from
$4,000 10 1900 bales. There the capacity
ranges from 1000 10 about 5000"
'Do precautions exist against incendiary
fres7"
"The best that can be devised. was re-
quested, while on q recent visit there, 10
utilize Sunday for inspection tours, and,
without any tangible reason, suspected
that all liberty OF this kind was denied.
no stated 10 the gentleman who suggested
the tour, but consented 10 make the trial.
We arrived at a shed, but found every en-
trance closed. Our presence was made
known by rapping, though, and a watch
man came 10 the door. No argument or
entreaty could prevail over his strict ODE
diencc 10 orders. lie was firm, but polite,
and further stated that when the doors
closed on Saturday night not even an en-
ploye. could gain admltiance until preceded
by the superintendent Monday morning"
"Will your report TO the board OF under
writers have the effect OF notwithstanding
:. cotton sheds in this city2"
THAT, OF course, / cannot say. do
not even know whether or not there will
be any new sheds built here this summer.
In case there are, Il Is natural 10 suppose
the builders viii desire 10 use every adj.
vantageous point TO be obtained. In such
cases, New Orleans will furnish the models
as she undoubtedly has the best in the
country"
care all the sheds there Of the charac'
ter YOU have described"
"Oh, no, only two or three Of them,
recently erected. The old ones are jus
like our smaller ones, with open compart
ments and attendant liability to the spread
OF fire when once started"
Inspector Clcary Is highly pleased will
his new field OF operations more no from
the fact that his name Is still on the fire
department muster, though without pay
And ms pleasure Is shared by his new EN-
ployefs, M they rcpose unrestricted conf
Ia HE tnla ff.f. al INDIGNANT