The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1893-11-28
rHE rRorEcrIoN on pROrnRrY.
The Coming Convention of Fire Chiefs
in San Franclsco.

Secretary Worsley, of the Association
Of Fire Chiefs has addressed the fol-
lowing letter to the Fire Chiefs, In
surance Agents. and others, who are
to meet in January In San Francisco:
To the chief engineers and repre-
Sentatives of the fire department SER
vice, insurance unions, inspectors, cleo
tricians and manufacturers of fire
department appllances-GeLtleme
Fully recognizing the advantage to be
gained by uniting the manufacturing
interests of fire department appliances
with the insurance interests, as placed
upon property guarded by men of
quick PERCEPTION, sound judgment, cool
and prompt executive ability, and to
unite every branch Of the fire depart
ment service in one grand organlza-
tlon, the Pacific Coast Association Of
fire chiefs was organized and has for
its aim an object second in Importance
to that of no mechanical organization
in existence, and 1t commands the at
tention and assistance of every pro-
gressive man in the fire. department
service
That these interests are better sub
served by the meeting together of the
heads of departmnts for the dis
cussion Of all topics pertaining to the
management of department affairs cam
not be controverted. AS well might
the physician hope to succeed by
throwing aside his books. ignoring the
experience of others of his profession
gained by long years of hospital prac-
tice, and confine his knowledge to the
facts gained in his own limited prac-
tice, as a department chief expect TO
succeed when ignoring the advantages
accruing from attendance on these
association meetings.
The annual increasing fire loss is a
menace to orr national prosperity, ncc-
withstanding the uses of our mouern
Improved machinery and methods en-
ployed While these losses are appalL
ins, sight must not be lost Of the fact
that this sum represents but an in
flnitesimal part Of the property wall
ues committed to our care; hence / say
that the department chief owes 1t to
his city, his state and to the nation that
he does not confine his operations to
experience gained by him alone: but
he must reach out in all directions.
gather in and combine the experience
of others with his own.
This association is formed for Just
such a purpose that we may each one
Of us profit by the experience OF others,
a knowledge OF which is gained by
attendance at our meetings, Not alone
to nremen are these meetings OF prac-
tlcable benefit, but they are attracting
the attention of lawmakers, who watch
with interest for the printed reports
Of their proceedings, and are beginning
to use them largely for their guidance
In formulating their laws and ordlnan-
ces and plans and specifications for
their buildings. Great is the pity that
they did not sooner turn to these
sources for information.
And yet the labor Of this great or
ganizatlon has just begun. The second
annual convention ,and exhibit OF the
association will be held in San Francis
co during the Midwinter Fair, and it Is
to be hoped that at that time every
department on the Pacific coast shall
have representation in It, meet with
US at our meetings discuss with us
their views and experiences, SO that
they may go back to their homes bet
ter prepared to protect the interests
committed TO their care.