The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-07-16
FIRE CISTERNS LEAKING
MANY WILL HAVE TO BE CONNECT
ED WITH WATER MAINS.
One Contractor Who Has Put Down
Much Defective Cement-No As
phalt for North Delaware.

II Siit WcDSter 1nlOFU1cu III DoaA
of Public Safety last night that a number
of the fire cisterns are in bad condition.
Some of them are very leaky and cannot
be depended upon in cases of emergency
Where the clsterns are near enough to the
water main Mr.. Webster recommended
that they be connected. Even if they do
leak ii will not make much difference. he
says. as water can be turned into the els
terms after a fire breaks out. Where it is
impracticable to make connections he sug-
gested that the ~cisterns be repaired 1t
will cost from $40 to $50 each to repair the
cisterns- The expense of making connec-
tons TO the water mains will amount to
about the same. II was Mr.. Webster's idea
TO ask for bids on the reDairs and that
plan will be followed IL il Is found that the
work is under the jurisdiction of the Board
of Public Safety. President Mcguire was
not certain but what the matter would
come under the jurisdiction of the Board of
Public Works. Mr.. Webster could not
state the number of cisterns that need re-
pairing, but said that he would ascertain
to-day. \ special meeting of the board
may be held 10 consider the subject. TIL
matter of placing a ladder truck in the
M"adison-ayenue house was discussed
afresh, the fire at Lieber's brewery demon
strating the necessity for a ladder truck
on the South Side. Mr.. Webster recon-
mended two years ago that an addition be
built to the Madison-avenue fire house in
order to give room for a truck. Nothing
will be done at present. President Mcguire
complimented Mr.. Webster and the depart
ment for the excellent manner in which
the brewery fire was handled. He said ne
had been Informed hat the firemen did
prompt and efficient work.
President Mcguire is dissatisfied with the
now fire houses. The floors have been laid
in brick. They are very slippery and Mr..
Mcguire inquired if there is not danger of
the horses falling and being injured. Mr..
Webster replied that he suggested to the
Board of Public Works that cedar block
or plank floors ought TO go in. but the
board insisted on using brick. A fireman
was injured at engine house No. s. on East
brick flooring. Mr.. Webster said that the
floors might be changed hereafter If it
proves necessary. Mr.. Mcguire declared
that if changes are 10 be made now is the
time. before valuable horses are killed or
crippled.
Reports for the month ending June 80
were received from the heads of the va
rious departments. Superintendent Colbert
reported that 81, 1884, 80 worth OF stolen goods
were recovered during the month. For
violating the liquor laws but ten arrests
were made; DRINKS. 90; violating bicycle
ordinances. %: gambling. Il; assault and
battery, So; insane, g., and obstructing
were numerous arrests fog minor offenses.
The patrol wagon 20 telephone
calls. hauled q! prisoners TO station house
and travelled 1868 miles.
l.. A. Griner, the departments veterinary
surgeon. reported that he had treated thir-
~ horses. The animals. he stated, were all
in fairly good condition, with the exception
of a few tha. were crippled beyond re-
demption- President Mcguire suggested
horses, which Mr.. Webster said were scat
tered around at the different houses. To
this suggestion he replied that the lame
horses were used occasionally when others
were injured. They are good for two or
three runs. but go lame at once.
Police balif Kurtz reported that sos cases
were disposed of by the Police Court. OF
the prisoners $40 were sent to the work
house and ~twenty-six TO the grand jury.
Prisoners were discharged for lack of evil
dence in 1853 cases. while ffty-two cases
were dismissed without trial. Appeals
were taken IN five cases.
During the month there were forty-six
fire alarms answered by the fire Depart
ment Wagons made runs a~ggregating $40
miles and r. $50 feet of hose were laid.
Total receipts of the Westminster for the
Police powers were granted to James
Ware. in "Shantytown;" Alto Perdue. for
the Salvation Army on Kentucky avenue;
Charles Fausset, for the Indianapolis
Light and Power Company. and Charles
Hamilton, for the Indianapolis basket
works.
Mr.. Johnson. of Boston, invited the board
to go with him TO tne Grand Hotel. where
he had on exhibition apparatus showing
the working of the United States Fire and
Police Telegraph Company. He showed by
practical demonstration that two, three or
more boxes can be turned in at one time
without interfering, and that when one
alarm was finished the others would ring
in successfully. Later on. he said, his
company would have on exhibition in the
office of the Board of Public Works COM
plete apparatus, showing the workings of
the police system as well as the FIRE. He
asked an opportunity to be allowed TO COM
pete with other companies. declaring that
his, apparatus was both better and cheaper.
Although the department does not need
new boxes. Mr.. Maguire assured him that
he had made a favorable impression and
promised TO inspect his exhibit when it is
placed.