The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1898-08-13
Will 1t BE Needed.

More than once we have called
attention to the necessity for organ
izing hose companies in Opelousas.
After many published utterances
regarding the necessity of water
works, a magnificent tank has been
erected and water is abundant.
But where are the means of utiliz-
ing this water?
Anticipating the necessity for
them we have repeatedly directed
attention to the matter. Nothing
has yet been done. The fire which
occurred Oh the lst inst. and which
totally destroyed Rthc large livery
stable of Evans &HLawler and the
large framed stole room, or ware
house OF !. X. sIandoz & Bro. to-
gether with some buildings of less
value, occupied by o. Dardeau,
shot;ld afford sufficient admonition
to the property7owners of Opelousas
to be prepared for such occurren-
ces. The water tank and pipes
proved to be ali that could be de-
sired. But hose was lacking. We
have q few pieces of old and nearly
worn ont hose, belonging to Opel
ousas Steam Fire Co. No. /, but not
enough to prevent a large destruc-
ton of valuable property that might
have been saved had we been pre-
pared for if. Che hose leaked bad
ly, and with no adequate organiza-
ton, it was clumsily handled and
the flames had their own way,
whilst hundreds stood by, help
lessly looking iii their merciless
ravagcS.
Had there been even two cOmpa-
MES with serviceablo hose, much
loss might have been avoided. This
is indisputabIe.
The old hose We at present have
belongs to the Fire Co. The town
has no proprietary interest in it
notwithstanding it has expended
thousands for watcrworks. Of what
reliable avail are these, without
adequate means of using the water?
We cali the special attention of
all the property owners to the al
visibility of procuring the neces
sary hose. 1t is certainly less costly
to them to do this, than to have
their property destroyed. Water is
abundant, and we believe we can
Justly say that the tank we have is
one Of the finest and mcst sufficient
to be found iii any town of equal
size in tho State, or elsewhere.
The property holders complain of
taxes, and this is urged as q reason
for not doing more to build up,
beautify and protect the town. But
we would ask them, if what is re-
quired to procure sufficient hose,
is half as costly to them, as exces-
sive insurance and occasional des-
truction of valuable property? If
the proposition were submitted to
Messrs. Lawler, Evans and Sandoz
to replace their property, on con
dition that they would pay their
share OF the cost of sufficient hose,
does anyone doubt what the answer
would be? Whilst it is the duty
of the owners Of property to furnish
the necessary means for this pur
pose, seeing that the town is
powerless by Constitutional and
Charter limitations, to do it, it is
equally apparent that those who
will organize themselves in com
panies to extinguish fires, can not
reasonably be required to do more
than give their combined services
to combat and ektingnish them as
often as they may be called on to
do Sc. In doing this their contri-
buttons may be fully equal in value
to any outlay or subscription the
property owners may make for the
purchase of all necessary hose. y.
We repeat our suggestion.
Young, active and vigorous men-
organize two, or three hose com
panies at once, and say to the pro
perty holders, we are now ready to
protect your homes and other
buildings from the ravages of fire.
We will stand ready to heed the
tap of the fire alarm bell at all
hours, and under all circumstances,
yea even to risk our lives in the
work. But you must furnish us
the available means. Give us the
hose. The town is powerless to do
it. Will you do it? Don't delay.