The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-06-17
SEATTLE. MONDAY, JUNE II.
TIE FIRE DEPARTMENT TROUBLES

The people OF Seattle have about come
20 the conciuson that there should be an
end TO the tomfoolery IN the admnistra-
ton OF the affairs Of the fire department
A controversy which at one time was re-
carded with some interest has now become
irksome. and there is n widespread de-
mand that a trouble which has gradually
assumed the characteristics OF a farce
should be Immediately settled without any
more nonsense.
The people of this city naturally take an
interest In our fire department. Many OF
years ago. active members OF the volun-
teer organization. The lessons OF the great
CONFEDERATION OF 1883 are yet fresh in mind
and whatever Is done toward providing
adequate protection against fire or main
tanning an efficient department viii always
receive the cordial approval of every good
citizen.
The people have always been willing
and always will be willing. to appropriate
enough money to provide a splendidly
equipped and thoroughly organized serv-
Ice They insist that we have only the
best apparatus. demand that competent
men be employed. and want the affairs OF
the department 10 be conducted IN plain.
common sense. buslnesslike fashion.
The wranglings OF the last year or two
have become tiresome. The only interest
the general public now takes in them
grows out OF belief that they are unnoc-
essary. iIl-advised. Improbable and de-
moralizing No doubt there are merits on
both sides OF the question but the people
have long since wearied Of listening 20 the
merits OF tho case. What they want Is a
strong. capable. efficient and well-organ-
lied ire department. and il the mayor.
council and commission cannot agree TO
provide the city with such. then Jet them
give way TO others who can and viii.
Ohstlnacy. friendship. personal grudges
and numerous other forces and motives
have kept this nce department brou so
long before the public that a relief from
81 would be received with profound graft
Jude and Thanksgiving. II controversial
differences similar 10 those SO much
talked OF existed between private citlzc rs.
as such. there would be little solicitude
and no desire expressed for settlement.
but when they prevail In an important
department OF our ci,y government and
have reached the petty. personal and
poppycock STAGE. 90 the manifest det~i-
mcnt OF The service ia that department.
i, Is about time that The leading actors
realized thAt thoy are unfaithlul 90 their
trusts in not doing that for which they
were elected.
The people are not SO Overwhelmingly
IN favor OF ANY one man for chief. not
withstauding the fact that some may be
delueed With that !Iea The universal
desire IS that an honest aud capable
officer be selected for thar position. II
any one believes that the whole city IS
80 profoundly Interested in the candidacy
OF any particular individual as 70 allow
81 this idiouc pickering 10 continue iu-
definitely ne is seriously mistaken There
IS 100 much az stake to permit OF tho CON
troversy being drawn out much loaEer.
and the sooner those closely identified
Nth Il ON both sides realize this che bet
ter II VIII be Tor mo fire department ana
the more gratifying 20 TIE community at
LARGE.