Evening star., 1898-09-26

the department: Sixteen engines fourtaan
in service. two In reserve; sixteen hose car
rtages, fourteen in service two in reserve.
five trucks four in service one in reserve.
one chemical engine. capacity 16O gallons:
one chemical engine. capacity 40 gallons.
touI iuel wagons, two in service, and two
TO De placed in service within thirty days.
Two supply wagons in service; one two
wheel hose reel and appliances. There are
also IN the department one buggy for the
use OF the chief engineer, one buggy each
for the use Of the two assistant chief enet-
neers, one buggy for the use of the fire
marshal, one extra buggy, and one hose
reel and appliances loaned to the residents
of TenleytoWn
Recttng the extent of the renairs ,nada
the past year, the chief says:
Inc appropriation for the past year was
1880. and was too small for the demands
made upon it. and. consequently, some
work that was absolutely necessary tn be
done had to be left until the now appropri-
alton became available. The appropriation
FOR the current year is $1,000. which, while
1t is an increase of $500, is not sufficient to
keep the various engines, hose CARRIAGES
trucks, etc. In the condition In which thew
should be kept. and the best results cannot
be obtained from them unless it is done.
An increase of $500 Is therefore asked
which amount, II allowed will enable us
order.
Hose Required.
The increase of $1.750 in this appropria-
t1on Is asked by reason Of the compa nies
that We're organized during the past year
and the intention to place hose carriage
at Brightwood. which viii require a consid-
erable amount of additional hose. The last
session of Congress increased the appropri
alton S1250, but this amount will not much
more than replace the hose nat was burst
during the past twelve months Hose for
all companies must constantly be replaced
as they are required to have at least two
changes of serviceable hose at all times
which amounts to about twenty-five hun
ored 1eet Tor each company.
Fuel Account.
The appropriation for the current year
for the purchase of fuel was increased by
$500, making the total amount allowed
s3,ooo. 1t is estimated that it .will be nee
essary to increase this amount by 81 600
Durlng the last hseal year there was de-
ficiency, and with the increased number
of companies a correspondents Increase in
this Item will have to be made
Horses and Forage.
An increase of 81 ,OOO-is asked in the an
preparation for horses This appronriatio,
Is always wholly expended. A fire depart-
ment must have g6od horses. and as the
life of the average horse is but three or
Tour years they have to be constantly re-
placed. During the past year thirty-tiye
horses We're purchased at a cost of S197. So
90 per morse. At the same time fifteen
were condemned as unfit for further ser
vice ana turned over to the property clerk
with the new companies organized during
tie year. and the number Of horses report
ed as unSerViceable by the veterinary sur-
geon, which will have to be replaced this
slight increase is necessary. 1t is necessary
ma. an increase or at least 81 900 be made
IN the appropriation for forage, which is
asked by reason of the increase that was
made in the department during the past
year.
Contingent Expenses.
Inc appropriation for contingent eX-
penses Tor the current year is not adequate
Tor the demands that must be made upon
It, The necessity for an increase in this
appropriation has been plainly set forth In
my former reports. All expenditures un-
der this head are conducted upon the most
economical principle, and nothing is allow
ed company except that which Is abso-
lutely essential for the proper conduct of
the department. The appropriation for this
fund has only been increased twice since
1890, and then only to the extent of 50 UpD
While the department has been increased
by ten companies. During the year lust
ended 1t was found necessary to ask an ap-
preparation In the deficiency bill of 81 500
For the current year the sum of $40 600 is
allowed, which is but increase of $500
over the present appropriation, and with
the increase In the department during the
past year 1t VIII be difficult matter to
keep 1t supplied with the necessary items
purchased from this fund without having
another deficiency. 90
For the next year an increase Of $1,000 is
asked, which Will in measure give the de-
partment the facilities it should have
Office for Chief Engineer.
iaf Of is
rental of suitable quarters for the office of
the chief engineer. At the present time a
room 17x25. In the basement of the Dis
trict building, with two windows looking
out on an alley that is constantly occupied
by vehicles belonging to the DISTINCT, must
answer for all the purposes of an Office, as
Well as for the storage Of all records files
etc., belonging to the department. Five
employees are also compelled to occupy this
room 1t is not only tll-adapted for Office
purposes. but there is no accommodation
Tor storage purposes whatever.
This appropriation should be made, as it
Is hardly possible to properly conduct the
affairs OF the department In such quarters.
New Companies.
The generous increase in the force during
the past year resulted ip good work on the
part Of the firemen While the damage
done during the past twelve months was
greater than during the preceding year, the
general results show the better equipped
department prevented q large number of
more serious contiagraaions. Had it not
been for the destruction Of the power house
of the Capital Traction Company the losses
would have been less than during the pre-
ceding year. This immense structure, filled
with the most tnfiammable and costly ma
terial, caught fire in the night, and the
flames spread with such rapIdity that it
would have been impossible for any depart
ment to have saved the building from ruins.
1t was because of the destruction of this
building that the losses amounted to SS4S-
S36. While the figa,iess chow a decided in
crease in the number of alarms turned in
the losses compare more than favorably
with those of past years. With the in
crease as recommended it is hoped that
there will be a stil further improvement in
this direction.
Engine company No. IA, located on Sth
street between d and E streets northwest.
was organized and placed in service during
the past year. This company, located in
the center of the business interests of the
city, and established only a short time be-
fore the close of the fiscal year. has proved
valuable adjunct to the department.
Protection for business Center
The business center Of the city is also
better protected by reason of tks estab
lishment of chemical company with a