The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-12-05
MAYOR PROMISES IMPROVEMENT.
Letters Sent Out-Chief Webster's Rec
concentrations Laid on Table.

Mayor Taggart and his boards have taxi
en- hold OF the fire protection question and
the Mayor declares there are to be re-
forms. Said Mr.. Taggart yesterday after
noon:
I'VE are going at this question earnestly.
IL the department is poorly equipped the
condition shall be remedied. If there Is any
blame to be attached to the department we
shall learn it. II there is something radi-
cally wrong with the water supply we will
find it out. The disastrous South Meridian
street fire has demonstrated that the wires
must go under ground. Had the water pres
sure been all that is claimed of it, the
streams could not have reached the top
floors, because of the wires. You can say
that we are going to fight this question to
a finish and something is going to be done
The city will buy additional apparatus il
the money can be raised in any possible
way"
The Board of Works, after a consultation
with the Mayor and city attorney. took hold
Of the protection question in a vigorous
manner, as vigorous as the statements
made on the same question directly after
election. The same enthusiasm now exists
as existed then, when the blush of victory
was still fresh. One letter was sent 10 the
water company demanding an explanation
TO the company. which says that during a
fire the company shall be in a condition to
sead streams one inch in diameter TO a
height of one hundred feet In the. letter
ii is alleged that the streams at the South
Neridlan-street fire were very defective. AM
other letter was addressed TO the telephone
company. in which the great detriment of
cited and the question asked regarding the
intentions OF the company The ordinance
requiring the wires TO go under ground was
prepared for the compliance with it, The
board wishes TO know if the company pro-
poses to respect the ordinance and IL is
stated that its observance will be expec ted
TO the Western Union Telegraph Company
Members of the board declared the ordi-
nance will be enforced If possible.
Last night IL was expected that the ques-
ton or better fire protection would come
up for consideration at the meeting of the
Board OF Safety. Chief Webster was there,
his convictions concerning the necessity of
better equipment not changed one bit. May
or Iaggart was expected but he was feel
ing unweil and retired at early hour
SO the nre question was passed. During the
meeting there was one significant little in
cident, which may indicate the board has
under way an investigation of the person
mel OF the fire department. Chief Webster
submitted the names of four or five men
who We're appointed on probation, with the
recommendation that they be permanently
appointed. Mr.. Mcguire, president of the
board. did not glance at the list He tossed
1t over to Clerk Herrick with the remark
I'VE will lay that on the table and con-
slider it with other matters concerning the
department."
Mr.. Webster said nothing, there was
nothing for him TO say. He sat for a few
minutes and then remarked
Has the board any further need of me?'
Just wait while, may want TO talk
to you,' said Mr.. Mcguire. But few min
utes later 1t was announced that Mr.. Tag
CART could not be present, so Mr.. Webster
excused.