The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1897-04-09
school Boy Ffre,neu.

Cambridge ,tMass.) Manual Training
School for Boys is the fire battalion.
In conduct and appliances this is moth
ing less than Il reproduction of the real
fire organization under the civic govern
mcnt, and it gives the youngst4r FORUM
ate enough to secure it's advantages
practical knowledge and training in the
Whole science Of fighting fire. The drill
Was first introduced as an optional fca-
tufes in the school, but it's success was
SO pronounced and the benefit 50 unaues-
tionable that it has been made conpul-
sorry npon'fall boys physically able to
take 1T. .-
The conifulsion involves no hardship,
however. for the dullest boy cannot help
finding the exercises interesting. Before
he can enter the battalion proper semi
military course is given him, consisting
OF the simpler marching movements, set
training identical with those used in the
school of the soldier. The course also
includes emergency lectures by compe
tent surgeons. Lectures arc also given
to assist the boy i'll famiiarizing himself
with the various appliances Of the fire
man business. He then learns the use
of the ladder trucks with all the diff
fercpt laddcrs-straight ladders. extern
sion ladders, roof ladders-han dling the
ladder dogs, the lifeline gun. jumping
nets. lifebelts, lifeharness, and all the
other Appurtenances.
y hand engine, fully equipped for
work, and hose carriage furnished with
oil the necessary nozzles and couplings.
hydrant,. gate, goosc-neck. reducers and
automatic shut-offs, are also provided.
This rather elaborate but interesting
course preparation is completed in De-
cember. The regular practice begins on
The first Of January. and about the first
Of March The battalion is prepared to be-
gin the real outdoor practice and ticn
the fun commences. Each piece Of the
fire department apparatus is under COM
mand of a boy officer: for the fire bat
TALON is constituted in the same manner
as the military organization which is u
feature Of the same school. Each COM
pany has a captain. Il lieutenant, Il ser
seantand a corporal, and orders are reg
ularly issued to the department and read
at roll call.
To become an officer is no empty honor
tor the boy must have satisfactory rec
ord for good conduct and good standing
III his studies in the other departments
Of the school; he must have been on
drill a year, and he must pass q rather
severe examination in military exercises,
rcd-cross, or emergency work. and the
handling of fire apparatus. If success
full. he IS made corporal: and promo
titiAS stlt IdDlu HOE tar -
\ wooden structure forty feet high
called the tire-drill tower has been erect
ed near the school buildings, ..proyided
With window and other Openings or
the general plan of three-story house
Here every Thursday afternoon an imag-
iliary fire is fought and ina ginary res
cues made with all the excitement and
knowledge and sense of responsibility.
attendant upon real confla grafton. On
the arriya. of the battalion at the tower.
ladders are quickly raised. lines of hose
laid. and water thrown with a skill and
speed and relish which speaks equally
for the value of the work as manner
OF training and a source of fun. Some
times the lower part of the drili-tower
is supposed to be i'll flames. Then the
l1fegun is called into use. An arrow at
tachcd to cord is shot up into the top
story. carrying a heavy rescue line to the
.fancicd victims. The gun used for this
purpose is very powerful one. and the
brass-wcighteI arrow discharged from it
is never again seen by the battalion. An
emergency corps is always Oh duty at
such times, and one can imagine the
youth comprising this department insist
ing upon taking Il share of the exercises
by forcibiy restoring to consciousness
and administering unpa tn bic remedies
to their unwilling comrades, with that
perverse but enthusiastic enterprise So
characteristic of boys. The boys who
may, perhaps never be called upon to put
their knowledge to practical use: but
they get from it great variety of bcnc-
fetal exercises. ...-
,. What is still more valuable, it. induces.
habits of alertness and prompt obedience,
capacity for instant and correct Judgment
in sudden emergencies, quickness in ac-
in the midst of confusion and :danger-in
short, the sturdy, noble qualities (which
every wideawakc American boy ought to
cultivate