The times., 1897-05-11
MANY ON THE ANXIOUS SEAT
Firemen Stirred Up by Changes
at the District Building.
ROSS ALWAYS THEIR FRIEND
They Don't Know What Reforms Mr..
Wight May Wish to Introduce
All Matters Relating to Building
Permits Transferred to Mr.. BLACK.

The main topic OF conversation yester-
day among the members of the fire de-
partment was the change of heads that
occurred at the District Building on Sat
urday, when the Commissioners reorgai-
lied the board and the assignments for the
ensuing term were made
Cnder the new assignment the fire de-
partment was taken from the control OF
Commissioner Ross, who has had charge
for some years, and transferred TO the
new Commissioner, Mr.. Wight The change
was made for the better government of
the department in order that all matters
pertaining to municipal control and pre-
lection would come under the exclusive
charge of one Com missioner, and WITH that
end in view ali such departments OF the
District government were allotted to him.
For many years past the fire depart
ment has been under the care of Comi,is-
siuner Ross, and the men have grown TO
look on him, rs every one else does that is
associated with him, as their friend and
counsellor in allmatters pertaining to their
welfare The present high stdncard of
The District fire department is due in a
great measure to the sturdy SUPPORT and
encoura cement that has always been given
the roen by John W Ross.
While he has always been well content
to let the control of the department affairs
remain as much In the hands OF Chief Par
ris as the practice of the office OF q COM
missioner would allow, Mr.. Ross always
has taken d lively interest in all matters
pertaining 10 the advancement of that
branch of the Districts protection, and
he has always been frequent and well
come visitor at the various houses, where
the men were ever ready 10 greet him with
expressions OF friendship
The change OF Saturday, therefore, has
shaken matters up a trifle, notwithsrand-
ing the efforts Of the members to suppress
their anxiety, and feeling of unrest VIII
exist until the new Commissioner has
shown his hand in the management of the
fire department. While there viii probably
be no changes, there may be some lew
departures that Mr. Wight may deem nee
essary for the betternent of the service, and
that is the pro:a bility that is perpleNing
the men.
Conlui ssioner Wight has been careful
observer Of all branches OF the city govern
Inent and on account of his position as
secretary of the Board of Trad. he has been
brought into closer contact with them than
the majority OF citizens; and, while it is
not thought that he viii in any way intro
duce changes that will upset old customs,
il is quite probable he has SOME new ideas
for the perfection of the present system
which he may introduce when he tas fully
grasped the duties of his new office.
Another change in assignments that took
vla M hat Wi g.,.a Of
considerable interest to builders and con-
tractors, was the transfer of the inspectors
of buildings and elevators from Commits
sioner Ross TO Commissioner Black. This
change will in the long run he of much
benefit to all concerned, because it VIII
enable the department to do its work
with greater dispatch than formerly. All
building permits heretofore have been re-
ferred TO the engineer department. for
regarding sewer, water and
other connections, and We're sent from one
department to another. Under the pres
ent arrangements the engineer depart
Inent viii have exclusive control OF all
building matters, and IL is thought that
this change will benefit the builders and
contractors, and obviate many of the IN
evoidable delays that existed under the
old order of things. Instead OF passing
before two Commissioners, as formerly,
the applications and examinations win he
confined to the engineers department.,
and Inspector Brady will he greatly aided
in the administration of the affairs of his
department OF the public service.
Commissioner Ross will have on his
shoulders the heaviest burden OF the serv-
ice, being in charge of all financial mat
ters pertaining TO the District; and that
means q great responsibility. The trans
fer TO him of the auditor and collector Of
taxes meaHs an additional amount of care
and attention that will present many per-
picking complications