Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-03-08

The original estimate as prepared by
the clerk, called for but one engine, at
a cost Of -, 500, and this led 70 quite
spirited debate between MesSrs. Horst
man and Marsh, which was started by
Mr.. Marsh inQuiring:-
"WhO gets the engines?
Mr. Horstmann-The Eighth ward.
Mr.. MarSn-Where does the Seventh
come In?
Mr.. Horstmann-Oh, that comes next.
Mr. MarSh-It comes next, does IL?
I've been talking engine in this Com
mittee for three years, now, and when
an engine is to be purchased, someone
else gets IL.
Mr.. HOrtsmaun-If a majority Of this
Committee thinks Ia is more necessary
on the Island, / haven't a word 20 say.
Mr. MarSh-And all want is square
deal. But I have always understood
that the Department was % ask for two
new engines this year. l think We ought
10 have them.
Mr.. HortSmann-Yes, and we would
have gotten one OF them last year, II II
hadn't been for Mr. O'kaue. He OPP
posed it.
Mr.. Marsh-There is no question
about it. but that the fire department is
being allowed 20 run down. To-day we
virtually have but one engine, the
Niagara. The others are so unreliable
as 20 be scarcely worth counting, and II
anything happens 10 the Niagara AZ a
fire, Of which there is danger, Of'course,
this city will be left In pretty bad
shape, and somebody will stand 20 loose
the price OF a good many engines. We
ought not 20 hesitate about asking for
these engines, and throw the response
bihty OF a refusal upon Council. l know
its a good deal Of money, but there is
great deal at stake. i believe it is sound
economy 10 keep the department up.
An efficient department, with good en-
gines, etc, is a mighty satisfactory
thing about the time dangerous fire
gets started. Two Of the engines have
seen a quarter of a century Of service.
and they are out Of the fight. 1t is not
exactly the proper thing 10 see city Of
40, 600 people limited 10 one fire engine,
which is practically our condition.
All the members Of the Committee
agreed with Mr.. Marsh, and the second
engine was included In the estimate. 1t
was also ordered that statement Of the
condition Of the department and its nee
essities be drawn up and laid before
Council.
Bills 20 the amount OF S15s o. were or
dered paid. The bill for extras at the
Atlantic, reduced from Sl31.O7 10
S12O.45, was referred To the Police Com
mittee, and the bill for rent OF ground
for the temporary engine house in North
Wheeling 500. was referred 10 the Chief
for investigation.
The ordinance transferring the care
and control Of the IRE plugs 10 the Fire
Department was read by the Clerk. IL
provided that the plugs should here
after be under the supervision, care
and control OF the Fire Department and
the Chief thereof. that the latter should
inspect aud keep the same in proper
order, and that an necessary repairs
should be made by competent per-
sons. upon order of the Chairman OF
the Committee. The Chief said that
his original idea and agreement
was not 20 keep the plugs in repair, but
10 merely inspect them, see whether or
in cases where they were not 90 report
them 20 the Water Department. In re-
ply 70 this explanation, members of the
committee told the Chief he already had
that power, without the enactment OF
the proposed ordinance. There was
SOME disposition 90 have fun with the
Chief over the ordinance, and some life
like pictures Of Mr.. Hea.y going out in
the morning with wheel barrow. pick
and shovel TO dig up defective IRE
plug were drawn. The Chief took it
good naturedly, and the ordinance was
laid aside for further inveStig cation.
A new set OF harness was ordered for
the Eighth Ward hose house, and after
some time spent I'D considering the fur
nishlng the Nigilant engine house, sale
of the temporary house on Seventh
street, etc, the committee adjourned.