The times., 1897-09-14

of men at the present time allowed each
company. 1 have, therefore, asked an
appropriation for so additional privates,
which VIII enable the firemea 20 obtain
the twenty days leave allowed tham by
Congress, and to which they are so justly
entitled.
The Increase of 10 foreman, 8 engineers
6 firemen, tiIlerman, 10 hostlers, and o.
priyates is asked to equip the additional
companies recommended in these estimates.
1t is also estimated for an increase in
the number of watchmen, from : to 40
1T is again estimated for one machinist
t. oe placed in charge Of repairs 10 appa-
ratus.'
1t is recommended that an appropria-
ton OF So 900 be allowed for the erection
of an additional stable In the rear of No s
enginehouse.
The ground on which it s proposed to
erect tins stable is owned by the District
OF Columbia.
During the year just ended the trial
comInittee Investigated but twenty lone
charges against members OF the depart
ment, and of this number three cases
were dismissed. No frivolous charges have
been brought, but when a member has
been guilty of the violation of any rule
or regulation OF of any neglect he has
been promptly dealt with.
The system adopted-that all persons
appointed TO membership should serve a
probationary term Of twelve months-has
been enforced during the past year with
beneficial effect. During these twelve
months, as has been the custom, TIE men
who we're appointed have been subjected TO
four ations, three conducted
by the officer in charge of the company in
which the appointee is assigned, and the
final one by the assistant chief engineer
of the company IN which the appointee is
doing duty. AT these final examinations
the men mast be proficient I'm the location
Of fire alarm toXes, fire hydrants, route
10 boxes, perfect in the use OF all ap
paratus and appliances, besides being
thoroughly familiar with the modes OF ex
tlnguishirg fires, and well conversant with
the rules and regulations general and
specific orders, and all matters pertaining
10 fire business. These examinations are
very essential. and all the men are COM
PEELED to learn oil there is to learn which
gives q more efficient, and consequently
a more effective, fire department. Promo
SQDJtIt
to twelve months probation, but the quar-
terly examinations are dispensed with.
If at the conclusion of the probationary
term an officer or private passes a salts
factory examination, his position is made
permanent. If, however, the examination
fails to he satisfactory, the member is
summari!y dropped. Daring the past year
only one member was dropped OH account
of his failing to satisfactorily serve his
probationary term.
To keep the standard OF the department
high must be the constant care, and by
the practice of these examinations none
but the very best men are enabled to
receive permanent appointments or pro-
motions.
Although Congress has, within the past
fey years, made appropriations for slight
increases in this department, the city OF
Washington is yet sadly in need of addi-
tional engine and truck Companies, with
the requisite namber of officers and men
to properly man them,
During the year just closed this CITY
has been very fortunate, having had very
few large fires, and only upon two occa-
sions was it found necessary to call out
the entire department. One was the burn
ing OF the large planning mill of Thomas
W. Smith, the other, the building known
as The Rink situated on II street and
New York avenue, between Thirteenth
and Fourteenth streets northwest, and
occupied by the Lansburgh Furniture Com
pany, which occurred on the night OF
December IS, 1896
There is great necessity for an In