The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-05-25
AGAINST THE ENGINE.
Fire Commissioners Disapprove
the Water0us Machine.
MANY FAULTS POINTED OUT.
Ctsy Council - Ne A. viseA - Reject IL
IA Exsninsstso Of the Aerial Lad
der "a Ne Made redsy.

The board Of ere commissioners came
ont iat-footed last night IN condemnation
O! the Wateross fire engine and decided
that although they had not been con-
suited In the purchase Of the engine. il
vas sheir duty not TO remain silent and
permit its purchase wisnou: . protest.
They declare that ii Is faulty IN cons,ruc-
tion. that parts OF the machinery which
should be Of hard metal are OF iron. which
viii soon rust; i. Is too heavy. and that IT'S
power is insufficient With the exception
Of Com missioner Jones. who Vas absent.
the board uas unanimous IN its opinion
ome reluctance Vas expressed to NEEDLE
IN the matter, bat DR.. kIoeber. who is
mayor pro TEN and ex oasc:o chairman Of
the board. was strongly OF the opinion
that whatever the members Of the board
might think abou. the failure to consult
them. II va. their duty es the responsible
heads OF the department to aid the council
IN arriving at > conclusion 1t was not .
private matter, bat one Of very great pub
JIG importance.
Mayor kloeber presided over the meet
ing, The members present being f. j.
Foster, J. l.. Kahaley and ]. c. Nasel.
Chief Hunt reported that the Fremont
volunteer 1remen desired to be affiliated
with ths city department, and the chair
appointed Foster and kahaley . commit
tee to confer with them. 1t Will also con-
salt Corporation Counsel Donxorth as TO
he legality OF IN arrangement by which
the volunteers may - Organized as q com
pany with . nominal salary Of 81 . year.
The subject OF . rule as TO absence Of
frenaen from duty for meals was consid-
cred and it VA resolved to make . regula-
ton that all offs be reported. the chief.
assistant chief aud superintendent Of fire
alarms to be exempted. Company No. }
need not report except at meal hours. |.
was also resolved that the superintendent Of
fire alarms should not be required to wear
a uniform.
The chief reported that the big gray
horse had become baiky; he had spells
and xas unreliable. Except for that he
was%iihoct . blemish and worth more
than any other in the department He
will be tried at the .irehoat station. where
he can be constantly exercised. as he is
always better when kept at steady work.
On the suggestion of the chief the board
decided TO recommend TO h council that
fire hydrants be placed at twenty-five adj
diiional points.
Considerable discussion took place over
the action TO be taken by the board as to
the acceptance Of the new apparatus.
Commissions Kahaley thought the board
should cooperate with the board Of public
works in making sure that il was all in
good shape. DR.. kioeber expressed his
belief that the council vas very willing to
act in harmony with the board. so that the
interests Of the city should best be served.
Commissioners Foster said he should feel
mortified il. after advising its rejection.
the council should accept the Waterous
engine: Ii the board intended expressing
an opinion. however. o was the time to
do it.
Commissioners Kahaley thought the en-
CINE was faulty in construction, too heavy
and without sufficient power. Il is not
| such an engine as the city had calculated
upon.
Commissioner Foster also thought il
was not such an engine rs the city wanted.
| lie was willing TO support a motion that
the engine be rejected.
Commissioner Masel thought the mat.
ter might safely he left 10 the council.
with the contract md the report on the
test before them.
The members in q general discussion
said that communications TO the board II
public works were not attended TO. but
they Jared better AZ the hands of the
council.
COMMISSIONS kaha!ey finally moved
that, as the engine recently seLt by the
Waseroas company shows poor workman
ship and ON test had failed TO come up to
the requirements, IL should be rejected.
Mr.. Foster said il was his opinion that
ii should be rejected, bu. doubted the ad-
visibility OF any recommendation.
Mr.. Masel said it might be the engine
ordered by the board of works. but il was
certainly not what the city wanted.
The resolution was adopted and or
| dered TO he transmitted 10 the city council.
The board agreed ~ examine the aerial
ladder today. and adjourned.