Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-01-17

from TINS source, Ike all others. being
deposited with the City Auditor.
FIREMENS PAY VERY SMALL
We would respectfully call your atten-
ton to the pay of the fremen in this
city. There are very few cities that
obtain the services of men for such
small compensation. A large proportion
of the men on continuous duty receive
pitiful sum, when you consider that
they are in service every hour, day and
night, and are engaged in the most
hazardous work, end they would leave
their families destitute, indeed, were 1t
not for the fact that a generous COM
munity, approaching their efforts, have,
by unsolicited contributions, created a
fund, amounting 10 at least 5000. which,
under an Incorporated board, is paid to
the families Of the deceased members
The Board of National Underwriters
have echoed the sentiments of this board
in reference 10 an increased permanent
force, the organization of two adj
dtional chemical companies, and the
increase of our water-mains and supply
at certain points in the city. These
recommendations are sometimes de-
signed as an ultimatum, and are fol-
lowed by increased insurance rates; and
they have been recommended on other
occasions by your humble servants who
are ready TO furnish estimates at your
command. Many of their recommended
tons have already been adopted by this
board, where they carried no increase
Of pay-rolls and we hope to establish
this fiscal year combination chemical
wagon which, we are satisfied, will re-
duce one of their suggestions without
any increase of salaries. This board con-
templates placing large engine in the
central part of the city this year, which
will still further reduce their suggestions,
transferring light, third-class in busl-
ness district, to replace one now about
ready for the reserve department.
THE DEPARTMENTS NEEDS.
The water-tower. new defence against
fire. and feature that no department
can regard itself complete without, Is
what this department earnestly needs. 1T
protects the lives of the men by keeping
them off ladders and rapidly floods a
building, and is very inexpensive TO main
tain. AS this requires the employment OF
at least four men, we recommend that you
give IL your consideration.
The city dumps continue to give the de-
partment a great deal Of unnecessary
work.
We repeat the accommodation to sepa-
rate the Fire and Police departments at
the comfort of all interested.
We also renew the recommendation for
the appointment of a fire marshal, whose
duties would be to examine the causes or
fires, besides the construction OF build
ings.
We continue to request your honorable
body to place more fre-hydrants through
out the city. All information teaches US
that we have less than any city OF our
population. A hydrant in the centre OF
each commercial block is necessary.
We have lived within the scope of our
appropriation and return balances, with
the exception of the payroll of the Fire
Department, which was exceeded by Sl.S.
which was occasioned by an extraordi-
nary expense protecting the Exposition
building during the great reunion and the
Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical So
ciety's Fair.
FIRE-ALARM DEPARTMENT.
This arm of the service continues to
give satisfaction, and Is rapidly augment
ing under its skilful corps of officers. In
previous report you were informed
about the damage wrought by the cy-
clone, and the rapid restoration Of the
system with so little cost. Continued
improvements are OF daily occurrence,
which are detailed In the report Of the
Superintendent.
The supremely vital question now with
our fire-alarm and police-telegraph SER
vice Is whether the construction OF the
subways will be finished by July. 1897,
according TO ordinance. since IL is appa-
rent that no overhead wire can be relied
upon. and are a constant trouble ana
expense Norfolk. Lynchburg. and many
smaller cities are advanced in this re-
spect. and 1t Is one of the reproaches
10 our fair city that is commented on
by ell visitors, Independently Of the dam
ger element. AS soon as the means can
be devised the entire system OF auto
MATES will be replaced by system OF
modern date known as the Manual Sys-
tenn. which will still further perfect this
admirable and progressive department.
You are respectfully referred 10 The |
report Of the physician TO the DEPART
ment, DR.. Edward Mccarthy, for irnpor-
tant information.
The thanks OF the board are due to his |
Honor, the Mayor. and 10 your honorable |
bodies for the patient and generous con-
siderations always granted the depart