The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1893-06-13
HOW TO PREVENT FIRES.

O0O0ON W M i
the United States. The Hon. Edward
Atkinson recently stated tn 1t I'd nre
losses of the present year are likely 10
reach $3.50. 600, OOO.. The cost OF sus-
tanning insurance companies will not
be less than sos, 900, 900. The COST OF
fire denartments cannot be less than
S35 600 OOO." I am not aware Of any
statistics that give the number of lives
lost by fire, but 1 think that thousands
of lives are probably lost annually in
this manner.
1t seems to me that there must be
remedies which, if rightly applied, will
tend to largely decrease this destruc-
ton of life and property. Believing
this, l submit to you suggestions which
might, perhaps, if carried out, prove
beneficial to the entire community.
suggest that in n or more of the
large cities there be established a col
lese of instruction having for it's object
the teaching of the most scientific
methods for the prevention and extin-
guishment of fires.
In such a college a course of instruc-
ton should be devoted to that which
relates to the prevention of fires and
the best methods and materials of con
struction of freproof buildings. Par
ticular attention should be given to the
study of fire escapes and methods and
appliances for removing persons from
burning buildings. Then the student
should be informed as to the best ap-
paratus to be placed in the buildings
and used before the engines arrive.
Students should be taught the chemis,
try of fires ard how to scientifically
fight oufagrations. instruction should
also be given in explosives and in the
proper methods of blowing up build
ings, and in every way students taught
so that they may be competent to serve
as heads of fire departments and in
struct subordinates.
Such a college should be conducted
under discipline similar to West Point,
and all fire departments should be
semi military in this character. I am
of the opinion that firemen should be
enlisted in the service for a term of
years in a similar manner as men are
enlisted in the army, and in event of
disability or death the city should pro
vide pensions, in like manner as pen
sions are now granted by the govern
ment for military services.
Perhaps no city is De tier adapted for
the location of such a college than the
city of Boston-furnishing as it does so
many large fres-as object lessons;
but perhaps until such a college is
established and is prepared to furnish
graduates, the army would supply the
best chiefs of fire departments.
There are also men in civil life who
during the war had similar experiences
to that of officers in the regular army
and have commanded large bodies of
men in action; and it is precisely those
qualities which make the efficient sol
der, that max e the successful fireman.
In times of great confagration,
age, GOODNESS and discipline are essen
tial, as well as the habit of thinking
and acting quickly. All these things
are common military virtues, and they
should be utilized in civil life,
Perhaps the most striking example
of the value of army training in civil
affairs is shown by the appointment of
officers Of the regular army to take
charge of the buildings and grounds
of the Worlds Columbian Exposition.
These army officers know nothing nor
care nothing of the politics or pull"
of applicants who desire to serve in the
guard. 1t is simply a question of a
mans abilities and efficiency, and the
man appointed are taught, as regular
soldiers are taught, obedience and fdel
ity to duty.
It may be pertinent to say in this
connection that foreign exhibitors were
unwilling to send their costly products
until they received the assurance that
the Guard would be efficient and would
be commanded by officers of the army.
1t would be advantageous if the Sen
ate was to pass a resolution empower
ing the Secretary of War to detail to
any Of the large cities of the United
States an army officer qualified to take
charge of the fire departments, on the
same principle that army officers are
now detailed as instructors in colleges.
Hon. Edward Atkinson at a recent
hearing before the Boston city council
committee stated that the total fire tax
upon the people annually was, approx
mately, $3.50, OOO, 900. This is the esti