Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-19
FAMILIES IN WANT.
Sad Feature of Last Nights Loss Of
Life.

The fire last evening on LOUISIANA avenue
and the resulting loss Of life has caused
renewal of the discussion which followed
the fatal fire at the Knox warehouse in
July, 1894, to the effect that there Is abso-
lutely no provision made here for the re-
lief of firemen injured in the line of duty
and for the families of members of the de-
partment who suffer loss Of life in fighting
the flames.
A proposition was made at the time re-
ferred to. that a fund be established, by
contributions from fire underwriters and
others, which should be used solely for the
relief work in cases such as those de-
sorhed but nothing ever came Of IT.
The tragic event connected with the
Knox confederation also brought wildly to
the knowledge of the citizens of Washing
ton the limited remuneration received by
the members of the fire department in re-
turn for their dangerous and laborious du-
ties and the utter 1nadequacy of the fire
mems relief fund to provide for the fami-
lies of those who may meet their death In
the discharge of their duties and for the
maintenance of the men themselves who
may become incapacitated for further work
in a similar manner In the funeral SER
vice preached over the body of one of the
firemen who lost his life in the Knox con-
Migration Father McFeely Of st. Domi-
MICS Church called attention in emphatic
sentences to the disregard shown firemen
in the matter of financial emolument and
public recognition.
A petition was drawn up and widely cir
cuIated throughout the city praying Con-
gress that the salaries of the members of
the fire department here be increased at
a uniform rate of - per cent, one-half OF
the increase to revert to the flremen's relief
fund.
The serious consequences Of the fire last
evening again demonstrated the establish
ment of such a relief fund for the fire de-
partment that would insure the ability to
take care of the numerous pensioners de-
pendent upon 1t.
Contributions for Relief.
There We're many visitors to the Office of
Chief Paris today who came to offer sub
stantiaI sympathy with the survivors of
the dead fremen in the shape of contribu-
tiors of money.
A touching incident was observed about
neon when a lady came in and handed
Chief Paris some silver, asking him to
apply 1t to the purpose Of relieving the
families Of the dead.
Never mind my name" she remarked
Just put down cash. l am nurse, and
if any of the injured men or any Of the
women whose husbands or sons have been
taken from tnem need a nurses services,
/ will cheerfully give mine"
She gave the address of a gentleman Ev-
ing in suburban village, to lie called on in
case she was needed. and then departed.
Immediately upon hearing of the fatalities
nounced the intention of the Marine Band
to give a concert for the benefit Of the
families Of the dead firemen.
Three persons. actuated by the sincerest
charitable motives. called at the office of
Chief Paris today to give what they could
toward assisting the families of the de-
ceased hremen. One man gave -, and
two others gave 81 each. Chief Clerk Hesse
Of the fire department will receive any
contributions of this kind that are made.
Duty of Congress-.
'"This fire has caused a great amount Of
suffering, both mental and physical" said
a citizen to a Star reporter today, land I
think that Congress should make an appro-
priation Of 5000 for the family of each
man who was killed, and should also in
crease the amount of the pension fund.
Delays are always dangerous, and there
can be no excuse for delay in this matter.
Congress should act promptly in the mat
ter and relieve those who have been left
without support"