The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-11-16
lex" CRITICISED.
A Suggestion That He study the Sub
tect on Which He Writes,

Savannah, Ca, Nov. Is, 1S97.-Editor
Morning News: In Sundays News there
appeared an article signed Eek" under
the heading of Queer Economy" in
which, among other things, the author
says "the official report for the year 1896
gives $4,000 as expenditures of the fire de-
partment' This, in round numbers, Is
correct the exact amount being SCI, 226. 81,
or just $4773.42 less than the amount au-
thorized by council, and exactly a. 460.O9
less than 1t cost to operate the department
when 1t was under the management of
the fire committee of council If a reduc-
ton of $4,000 In the expenses for one
year and a saving of $4,773.42 out of the
appropriation does not indicate economy
on the part of the commission what does
it Indicate? Continuing further, the au-
thor says "the requisition for the coming
year is $S,SS2 mot especially the odd 81
in proof of the nice figuring OF those econ
omists)." If Eek has any idea of bust
ness, he will perhaps understand that
approximated figures must be determined
upon by some basis of calculation, if the
compiler hopes to attain semblance of
accuracy. In the case referred to, the
cost of the various subdivisions of the
fire department expenses are based upon
what they were for the most recent pc
RODS of the past year, and very naturally
an odd So could creep into the total.
1t is worthy of note that "Ex' credits
these economists with mice figuring"
and if he has any doubt as to the nicely
of the figuring let him consult the official
requlsition and he will find, perhaps to
his amazement, not only odd dollars. but
odd cents, in the several subdivisions of
next years expenses.
As to the increase in the budget for the
coming year over the amount authorized
for 1897, permit me to inform Eek" that
the acquisitions of the various depart
ments includes such unusual or eXtraor-
binary expenses which are necessary for
proper and efficient survice. These items
as shown on the fire department requisi-
ton, amounts to $17,8S2 all of which are
itemized and 1t is entirely discretionary
with city council to allow or deny any or
all of the items named The commission
has wisely asked that provision be made
for things in which the city and the de-
partment are deficient. No increase in
the regular expenses is asked, except such
as are incidental to increased force, horses
and apparatus made during the past year.
all of which were found to be absolutely
necessary in a properly managed and eff
ficient fire department. Was there any
harm in asking council for a special APP
preparation to defray the expense of in
door fire alarm boxes for the several or
any grieVouS error in asking for money to
put the fireA alarm wires underground,
when special and valuable facilities had
been given free of charge to the city by
the telephone company? Was there any
extravaganza in asking for money to buy
hose to replace such as had become unfit
for use by reason OF age and length OF
service? Was 1t very wrong to ask for
money to overhaul and remodel the fire
alarm system, many of the boxes on
which are over % years old? Were the
commission eXtravagant when they asked
for a special appropriation to defray the
expense of an additional hose station in
Robertsvllles WHORE the property owners
have long been deprived of necessary pro-
lection? Was it a mistake to ask for an
additional hose station south of Anderson
street? Did the board show only lack OF
economy when they asked for money to
buy key boxes for uptown districts by
which fire alarms could be turned in
without the delay attending the hunt for
a policeman? 1e
Did the commission do wrong in asking
that IS per, mouth be added to the pay of
the prlVates; that the flremen who spend
nine days and nights out of every ten in
their respective engine houses, be paid
$65 per month, the same as that paid po-
licemen, who are on duty eight hours and
off duty sixteen hours?
Was there a mistake made when the
board asked for a fire inspector, whose
entire time would be spent in removing
things liable to cause fire, and thereby re-
duce the annual loss? I am afraid "Ex''
did not go into this matter deep enough
to get an Intelligent idea of the subject
and I would suggest that hereafter he
become thoroughly familiar with his sub
iect before he undertakes to critlcise Of
ficials working for the public good.
ar Truth