The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1897-01-13
THE FfRENIEN.
The Ball Week From Friday Promises to
Be a Success.

BE a Success.
Ely Fire Department No. l are
meeting with but fair encouragement
for their ball which occurs at the
Turf hall week from Friday eve
ding. A few tickets are being pur-
chased by liberal citizens who feel the
necessity of assisting the department.
in their work. But. there are others,
who, to use their own words, ''are
tired of putting up money for an in
stitution which has practically done
nothing for several years" To these
we would direct the question, what
do they want the fire boys to do.
Was there ever case Of fire in the
city, where those who voluntarily
banded themselves together for the
common good of the community,
without pay, have refused to appear
and do their duty as far as laid in
their power? Did ever one of these
croaking kicl1ers who have so much to
say, do anything in case of fire only
stand around and ridicnle those who
do try to do their duty as enterprising
citizens?
Some say eff the city wants fire
department, let them pay for it,"
To hear such remarks as these, would
give common man the delerium
tremens. BY the existence of a fire
department, insurance rates are made
lower. Does the city get the benefit
of the lower rates or does the individ-
ual get it? Where then does the
benefit to the city come in? Should
the council levy fire department tax,
these same kickers would raise howl
over the increased percentage of tax
alton, and where the fire department,
at the present time, does not ask
more than a'dollar now and then, the
increased taxes would amount to
three times as much. Many do not
see it in this light, in fact many are
too thick headed to see anything in
any light excepting their own i'm
portant self. If collections are made
for church or some other worthy
object, just tell the collectors to go to
the city council and get their money.
This is different they say. Well, we
think it is the same thing.
Surprising your property was on fire.
OF course, there are men ia all towns
who would sooner see their property
on fire than otherwise, especially
where a good chance IS given to sell
out to an insurance company, but
those who have no insurance, what
would they say if the alarm was
given and no one responded? Their
remarks could easily be conjectured.
Every citizen in a small town should
be a member of a fire department.
If disabled or not in position to be an
active member, be at least man
enough to be an honorary member
and do your duty towards yourself
and neighbor. Stop this COMPOUNDED
grumbling.
Every man in town is supposed to
be in favor of making the most of the
city. Each one is anxious to have
the conditions favorable to making
money and increasing the value of
their individual property. In order
to do this all must work together in
harmony under such plans as will
tend to these ends. In order to build
a house the contractor and owner
must agree on one plan, to build a
town the builders must do the same.
No town or city exists wherein there
re not personal differences, but these
may be settled in the back yard, but
in public affairs where the interest of
one man is the same as every other
man, let there be unity of purpose
and plan. What that plan should be
is easy to determine. Whenever there
is public meeting called, be there
Whenever body of people get up
something for the welfare OF the COM
munity. do all you can to further the
project. Lend your aid personally
and if possible, financially, towards
the desired ends. Don't for ever go
about with a face as long as a fiddle
and tear down what Others are trying
to build up. If you can do nothing
more, keep your mouth shut and thus
lend valuable assistance.
Ely has in the past been very lucky
regarding fires no serious conflagra-
tions having result ted, but this is not.
the fault of the fire department.
They were always willing and ready
to be called. Now it is your turn to
be willing and ready to respond to
the call. When member comes to