The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-11-16
work when the Hemenway school build

sr. Don MacRae said he a listened
with interest to the discussion. As a tax
payer and citizen OF Wilmington. ne Vas
interested In the action Ii was proposed
to take. He had. however. been absent
from the city and did not KNOW the status
Of the matter. lie thought for years
past a paid department was very desira-
bic. and he was satisfied a paid depart
ment would do more efficient work than
a volunteer department He thought
good men could be secured at even 80 a
month. and the establishment of a paid
department. was about the only thing the
administration had done that entirety
satisfied him. He said he believed II was
the duty of this body TO endorse it He
thereupon offered n resolution TO that
effect. which was seconded by Mr.. ID. L.
Gore.
Mr.. MacRae added that IL the paid de-
partment was conducted on q political
basis IL would not be oae-tenth as good
as ii is now.
Mr.. Fishblate again urged reasons
against aking action. and denied that
politics worked him In the matter and
that he had only the interests of the tax
payers at heart. He wanted the matter
considered carefully before 1t was en-
dorsed.
Mr.. Keith again explained tina the
board OF aldermen had acted in accord
ance to the wishes OF the Southeastern
Tariff Association.
a. j. Marshall. Esq. said we had bet
ter keep our hands off this matter. This
Chamber could not afford to get into
politics. and it would only bring strife
and contention. and destroy the object
for which the Chamber is organized.
Mr.. MacRae said he did not think poll
tics cut any figure. and he believed there
was nothing improper in the action pro-
posed.
Mr.. w. n. Harriss agreed with Mr..
Marshall, and said one out OF 20 per cent.
of the members were present at any rate.
He, therefore,, moved as A substitute for
Mr.. MacRae's motion that the matter be
~ al ~ ,a~ -zaA~ ~.
Chamber 80 a full attendance could be
present.
Mr.. Fishblate seconded Mr.. Harriss'
motion.
At about the same time, MT. MacRae
called for the previous question.
Mr.. M. w. Jacob said the motion OF
Mr.. Harriss had been seconded before the
previous question was called, and he
hoped there would be no gag law, but let
everybody have an opportunity to get all
the on the subject that could
be had.
MI. MacRae disclaimed any intention
to enforce gag law and went on to eX-
plain himself.
Mr.. Fishblate called him to a point OF
order.
Then Mr.. Keith arose to make an ex-
PLANTATION, and things got considerably
mixed up. from a parliamentary point OF
view.
Mr.. c. c. Covington inquired of Colonel
Walker Taylor. who is a member Of the
WA oooio vi 1lio1 < "hdG hddl-
antee we had that the rates would be
reduced, and whether. if action was post
poned now one would have any larger
meeting than now.
Colonel Taylor said all the discussion
was wide OF the mark. He explained
that the present rate Of insurance before
the fire department was crippled was II
cents On the 500; that since two COM
panies withdrew. the Southeastern Tariff
Association had chafed under it, and
threatened to increase the rate. The
local board here prevailed on them not tc
do 1t, but finally they sent their repre-.
sentative here to re-rate the town and
increase the insurance rate Is cents. In.
stead OF taking that action. however, II
was argued that If a paid satisfactory
department were established, the rates
would be decreased 10 per cent. instead
of increased. Hence this recommended.
ton was laid before the board OF alder
men. Colonel Taylor said we ought tc
have a paid department. He said he
made no promise himself that rates
would be reduced. and that the paid de.
partment must be satisfactory to the
tarin association before there would be
Mr.. MacRae said he did not want tc
stand In the light Of one in favor of gag
law. and he withdrew his motion to cal
the previous question.
Mr.. Harriss moved as a substitute for
Mr.. former motion that this
matter be postponed till the next meet
ing. and meanwhile be referred to a
SOAlHlAttcc CONSISTING OF colonel Walker
Taylor. and Messrs. D. L. Gore and Don
MacRae. all OF whom had expressed
themselves in favor Of a paid depart.
ment. Mr.. Marshall seconded the sub.
Stitute.
Mr.. I. F.. Bagley said he favored a
paid department., and SO far as politics
was concerned a paid department meant
putting twenty men into politics and
taking about 400 out of politics.
Mr.. M. w. jacob offered a compromise
substitute that the Chamber adopt a
resolution that 1t favors a paid depart.
ment. such as meets the satisfaction OF
the tarin association, not to cost exceed.
ing SIS, 900.
Mr.. MacRae drafted the following a.
his resolutions:
Resolved, That this Chamber does
hereby most heartily approve of the
movement now On foot by our city gov.
in regard to a paid fire depart.
ment; provided, that the said department,
shall be entirely in accordance with the
requirements of the Underwriters Asso.
citation, and at a cost for equipment and
maintenance Of not more than 81, 900 Del
year; and believing that IL such a de.
partment Is properly controlled, 1t will
result IN great saving to our property
owners. both in the way Of salvage and
IN reduction IN insurance rates.
Inc vote was then ordered.
Mr.. Harriss called for the ayes and
nays on his substitute, to refer II TO a
committee. The substitute was lost. the
ayes being Messrs. S. III. Fishblate. w.
N. Harriss, A. J. Marshall and T. w.
ClaWson. All the others present voted
against Mr.. Harriss' substitute. and
then Mr.. MacRae's resolution was adopt-
ed by the same vote.