The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-12-30
FIRE COMMISSIONERS.
Chief kellogg Sends Message to the
Board-Fire Crew.

At the meeting of the board of fire COM
missioners last evening, Chief Kellogg pre-
scented communication covering several
matters OF considerable interest to the tire
department. A brand of hose was selected
and the anomalous position of the board
was briefly discussed. Chief kellogg's
communication read as follows:
Gentlemen: On the I'D inst. communication
from the secretary of the board of public works,
requesting me to provide place for the two new
chemicals, assigning one of them 10 the engine
house, corner Broadway and Terrace, and the
Broadway and Terrace streets. is already occu-
pied, and room at heada uarters viii have TO be
provided, no action has been had looking TO ear
Fying out the order of the board In order TO
provide for the establishment of another COM
pany, houses viii have TO be purchased for the
horses, and requisition for the purchase has this
day been made, aud ii viii not be possible 10 To-
cate the company before the first OF next week
(Mopday). II appears to me that the ordinance
creating the department requires the action OF
the city council before an additional company
can be created. l inclose copy of the ordinance
Tor your inspection.
You will notice that the ordinance also pro-
vides Tor the iireboat, but limits the number of
employees ON said boat, but as the ordinance
conflicts with the United States laws regulating
steamboats,, action by the council to conform 70
the United States laws must be had. am in
formed the 6reboat has been formally accepted
by the city. If so, IL becomes necessary to as
sign her to her station and provide aeeommoda-
W.
honorable body make requisition for the neces-
sary furniture and bedding. after investigating
the necessities for the same. would also di-
rect your attention 10 Columbia street at the in-
terseetion of Third street In its present condi-
ton, our apparatus cannot use Columbia street
without great danger TO men, horses and appa-
rstus presume in ali matters pertaining to
the fire department the board OF fire commits
sioners are the proper persons for the chief to
confer with, and all communications or sugges-
tions from the chief should be made TO either
hrap fof - through
board of FIRE commissioners.
Questions of authority in these matters have
already been raised, and the sooner settled the
less friction will occur Another matter in rela-
ton 10 the freboat. She VIII have TO be in
spected by the proper authorities and entered at
the customs house and proper payers secured be-
sorc going into service and would suggest that
proper steps be at once taken for placing her in
4 condition ready for use. The new companies
will have 10 have hats and badges. and would
recommend that you have the board take the
necessary steps to procure them. Very respect
fully submitted, 9, hELLo6G,
Chief OF Department.
One section of the ordinance referred to
provides that the hreboat shall be differed
by only a captain and an engineer, while
the United States marine law requires sea-
going vessels TO have four licensed officers,
viz. a captain pilot and two engineers
Another section provides that the chief of
the nre department shall be appointed by
the common council while under the ex-
by the board of nre commissioners. Chief
Kellogg was instructed 10 make a draft of
an ordinance which shall cover every
branch of the fire department., and submit
il at the next meeting.
A communication from the board of
public works was read, asking for list of
the furnishings necessary for the Iireboat
Snoqualtnie- Chief Kellogg was directed
TO make out the list with the assistance of
the captain of the boat. Chief Kellogg
was also directed, In connection with
Building Inspector Compton, to submit
plans for the Slip where the boat is 10 be,
and also for quarters for her crew
The board of public works sent in
second communication. asking for advice
concerning the purchase of l0.0O0 feet of
IRE hose In reply 10 this Mr.. Faegre in
troduced the following written resolution:
Whcareas the agent of Eureka Hose Company
made 3 proposition 10 furnish 1900 feet Of Par
sgop hose. 70 stand pressure Of 40 pounds and
70 lsst under guarantee OF ave years service.
Now. we, the IRE commissioners, have carefully
considered all the facts in relation to the several
brands Of hose and have come 20 the conclusion
for our use, and we would respectfully request
that the board Of public works purchase the
Paragon hose 81 the cheapest possible price, re
curing the guarantee - 10 pressure and lasting
qualities stated IN their bid.
The resolution was adopted.
Mr.. kahaley said that there seemed a
great deal of doubt about the powers of the
board of IRE commissioners, and that there
was occasionally a clash with the fire and
water committee, and he wanted to have
these powers exactly defined. The clerk
gaS Instructed 10 send communication
Z, the common council, asking il 10 define