The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-12-17
PAID FIRE SYSTEM idea
Boara Of Trade Meeting Considers 1t
Favorably.
MILL URGE IT IN COUNCILS
surauco Premiums SsS.OO0 LeSs Than
Now - Bloomsburs Car Company
Wishes to Raise $4,000

WtSuSD W AeAsS V~OsVSO'
A well-attended meeting Of the board
of trade last night discussed and acted
upon several matters Of Importance,
notably the paid fire department idea.
which was considered favorably and IN
detail.
Before Luther Keller. chairman. read
the report of the manufactures commit
tee he suggested that Secretary Ather-
ton retire from the room. The report
was, In part, as follows:
Your manufactures committee begs 10
offer the following recommendations:
First-In order to fittingly celebrate the
twenty-fifth anniversary of the incor-
poyation of this body, we recommend that
banquet be given during the coming
winter or spring in honor Of that occa-
sion.
Second-We recommend the nomination
and election of ID. b. Atherton for secre-
tary OF the board, for the ensuing year,
and that the salary be tixed at S2'Voo per
annum.
The Recommendations Approved.
The recommendations were consid-
cred separately and each was unanl-
mously approved. Mr.. Lansing, OF the
committee, stated that Secretary Ather-
ton had not asked for an increased
salary, but that Chairman Keller, VIII
liam Connell. T. ]. Foster. w. II. Peck.
Frank l.. Martin and Joseph Levy OF
the committee, were unanimously OF
the opinion that the increase from $l,sOo
to $1,000 would not be more than
proper compensation for the secretary's
valuable services.
For the manufactures committee,
Secretary Atherton read the final propo-
sition submitted by the Bloomsbury
Car company, which concern has been
solicited to locate its plant in Minooka
on land owned by William Connell and
near the junction Of the Delaware and
Hudson, Delaware, Lackawanna and
Western and Central Railroad of New
Jersey tracks. The car company Will
agree to move its business to this sec
ticn if the board will place at least
$40, 900 of first mortgage bonds and pos
sibly another issue of $4,000. 1t was
the sense of the committee that the
first issue of bonds could be placed. but
not the second issue. On motion the
committee was instructed to continue
its investigation of the company's prop
osition and solicit subscriptions for
$40, 900 worth OF bonds.
Regarding Paid Fire Department.
The report of the special committee
appointed to investigate the paid fire
department idea was read as follows:
We, the undersigned committee. appoint
ed at the last meeting Of the board to m
vestigate the wisdom Of reorganizing the
fire department of this city, beg to submit
the following for your careful and favora-
BILE consideration:
In order that we might arrive at an in
telligent conclusion. and be prepared to
furnish positive and absolute proof of the
wisdom of our position, We addressed let
ters to the chiefs of the fire departments
in the following cities: Savannah, Pater-
son, Pittsburg, Philadelphia, Rochester,
Albany. Toronto. Syracuse and Trenton,
asking a series of questions relative to the
cost of maintenance, equipment, ETC., Of
their respective departments. In each
case answers were received to all ques-
tions asked. We find from these questions
and answers, and from other sources, that
In every city in the country with popu-
lation Of 100000 and in many cities of q
less population. that they have full or
practically paid system, and In every in
over the volunteer Is very marked.
1t Is the testimony Of every chief in the
cities aforementioned that under the paid
system they have perfect control over
their men at all times, while under the VOL
unteer system 1t Is very much the re-
| verse. This fact alone Is sufficient to
warrant a reorganization Of our depart
ment.
The Cost Of Equipment
The subject of the cost Of equipping
and maintaining a paid system in this
city has received our careful considera-
ton. and with the end In view that We
might be intelligently Informed on this
question. we invited our present efficient
chief to consult and advise with us. The
subject has been treated in detail, and the
following statement will show what new
apparatus. etc, Is required to equip and
reorganize our department into first
| class paid system. and also what 1t will
cost to maintain the department per year.
and place 1t on par as regards efficiency
with any system in the country:
NEW EQUIPMENT REQUIRED.
Two combination wagons, 1850
ESirs horses needed for the de. S'"oO
partment ........................... 1000 OO
Telephone In each fire station. 10000
New hose badly needed.......... 100000
Improved appliances required. 1,0c0. .OO
Total .......................... 1880. %
COST OF MAINTENANCE PER YEAR.
One chief and fire marshal COM
bined .....................s s 1900 %
One assistant chief. 1.OOO.OO
driver, 5000. ....................... 1.2OO. .Oc
One veterinary surgeon (contracD.. 10000
5 steamers-5 pc Id, 2 call men each
captains, 500; 20 men,
engineers, 500; s stok-
ers, $50. 100
- 1880 OC
combination wagons, 4 paid men
each; 2 captains, S720; men, $500 5,O40 OF
| One Chemical, 4 paid men-l cap
tain. s7eO; men. $500. ............ .2,52oO(
One Hook and Ladder. paid men
i captain, $72O; men, 5000. s,l2O0r
hose wagons. paid men each
captains. s72O; q men, 5000. 17.s4oC(
Keeping and shoeing 40 horses I'll