The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-12-04

Safety Board Oyerrides Fire Chief
just to "FaVOr the Companies"

The Board of Safety bought 1900 feet of
hose for the fire department yesterday
morning at a cost of $6,165, an average of
1872 cents foot. The board had advertised
for 5000 feet, more or less. President Ma
guire said yesterday afternoon that more
than the amount originally advertised for
had been bought because the board learned
that rubber was advancing, and it was be-
lieved it could be bought cheaper now than
a year hence. This argument originated
and was advanced by the hose agents. Mr..
Mcguire said he knew this condition to be
true of his own knowledge.
while cotton is going down." he said
1.-The price of woolens, leather and rubber,
among other articles, is advancing. We
might have to pay 20 per cent. more year
hence
The board bought various amounts of
nine different brands of hose, the price paid
ranging from GA to 50 cents foot. But 800
feet of,Eureka hose was bought, at 80 cents,
although Chief Barrett, like former Chief
Webster, expressed the opinion that this
was the best in the market. He wanted the
board to buy at least 1900 feet The board
concluded to buy only small amount of
this brand, as the department now has 5000
feet of 1t.
why did the board buy so many differ
ent varietes?' Mr.. Mcguire was asked.
1--WE want to test the various brands for
future reference. Lighter and cheaper hose
will serve very well in North Indianapolis,
Brightwood and places where there no
large buildings. Down town, where great
pressure is used the best hose possible is
desirable. All hose is guaranteed for three
years. We have Eureka hose that has been
in use since 1893"
Mr.. Mcguire said that the board also
wanted to give al the companies part of the
business.
The best qualities of the new hose will be
used in downtown districts in place of
some that has been in use for a good while.
All the hose OF the department Will be APP
portioned after the new fire houses are
ready for occupancy, Jan. l. None of the
hose bought yesterday is to be delivered I'M
til after that time. The board has avail
able $500 flor hose next year. After the
hose Bought yesterday is paid for about
$l,400 will remain in the fund for emer-
gences. Mr.. Mcguire said that, unless ac-
cidents occur, the hose bought yesterday
will make it unnecessary to purchase more
for year.
Only one of the many agents that APP
peared before the board yesterday went
away without contract Each figured out
that he had the only" hose and wanted
to talk about it all day. The board limited
the agents to five minutes each in which to
present the claims of their wares. Follow
ing is q list of the various brands OF hose
bought, the amount purchased and the
price paid:
b. F. Goodrich Company, 1,500 feet
Goodrich at 80 cents ....................$1,20 200
| New Jersey Car Spring and Rubber
Company. 1000 feet Aurora at S0c..... 500
Fabric Fire Hose Company 500 feet
Unique at soc Observation-Disclosures. 720
| Chicago Fire Hose Company, 600 feet
National Jack at soc acknowledgements. 500
| Boston Betting Company, 500 feet I'm
perial at Csc NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. 325
Mineralized Rubber Company, 500 feet
Salamander at 64c Observation-Disclosures. 800
| Central Rubber and Supply Company,
| 800 feet Dragon at sec ................... $40
Eureka Fire Hose Company, 500 feet
Eureka at SOC OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. 720
Boston Woven Hose and Rubber Com
pany. 800 feet Boston +. j. at S0c..... $40
Total, 1900 feet Sc. 165