The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1895-05-29

(Omciall

Wichita, Kan. May =, 1880
Council met in regular session. res
ldent Oliver in the chair. and all coun-
cilrnen present except Harris and Saw
yer.
The minutes OF the last regular and
intervening meetings were read and APP
proved as read.
\ communica ton from Fire Marshel
Walden, with reference TO retrench-
ment in his department was received.
which read as follows:
To the Chairman and Members OF the
Gentlemen-Withy your approval / re-
spectfuiliy submit 10 the mayor and
council The following communication
and recommendations:
To the Hon. Mayor and Council:
Recommendations OF your honor
able body with reference 70 the fire de-
partment has usually been upon recon-
mendations made by the fire marshal.
The urgent demand on the part OF
your honorable body that strenuous eff
fort be made in the direction CT econ
omy and that the heads OF departments
outline the most practical method of re-
ducing the expenses OF their respective
departments and at the same time
maintain as near as possible its present
standard OF efficiency calls for intel
ligent thought and wise conclusion.
such at least as my experience and
knowledge Will permit.
That this conclusion will be the sub
ject for much comment. argued pro and
con. commentator on one side, CEN
sure on the other is very evident.
There are but few of the general pub
lie who acQuaint themselves with the
requirements or necessities for efficient
fire protection. how many who read
this article have informed themselves
how 20 alarm the department should
hair - H. 49,
many unjustly criticise. l believe II TO
be the general opinion OF our citizens
that We have an efficient organization.
The per capita statement accompany
ing this communication will show the
relative expenses OF departments In
cities OF like population and IL Will be
seen that we nave not been extrava-
CANT but on the other hand maintained
our department as cost necessary 10
insure good services The clamOr for
retrenchment in public affairs extend
20 all sections Of our country, and II is
we'll advised that economy 10 the extent
that public service is not impaired
should be used, beyond this. it is no
economy.
An appropriate estimate OF expense
70 maintain the department as now or
ganized for the present year Will be
abOu. S1S.500. 10 curtail this expense
and retain as nearly as possible its
present standard Of efficiency. I would
recommend that fire stations number 5
and be closed during the months Of
June, July, August. September and Oc-
tober.
In supper. of this recommendation. or
plan Of reduction, / will state that dur
ing the summer months the nights are
shorter, people are not in doors as
much as in winter and more liable 10
get prompt notice TO the department. |
The streets are better. quicker time is
made in responding 10 an alarm. One
or the most numerous causes OF fire and
one that prove most damaging Is from
defective fiues. but few OF the chimneys
being used during the summer months
greately reduces the number OF fires
from this cause. and i deem IL better
judgment If reduction in expenses OF
the department be made that il be made
that il be done at a time when the fire
hazard is not SO great.
During the winter season the nights
are longer, people return earlier or re-
main indoors. windows and doors clos
ed. constant fire in both stoves and
furnaces, chimneys in constant use. few
people stirring about the liability of fires
TO be futher advanced. Handling of
frozen hose, roads in bad condition.
makes 1t necessary that during the
winter season our department should
be fully equipped. hence l have thought
the above method OF reduction the most
practical. Those who live in the out
lying districts may claim that my rec
ommendation is adverse 20 their in
terest, but / assure all that with the
means a my disposal every effort Will
be made in the direction OF good er-
vice. Respectfully submitted.
4 II