The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-07-29
FIRE TEST OF TEE TYBEE.
The Little Steamer Powerful Aux
Hilary to the Fire Department..

The Little Steamer "a Powerful Aux
Hilary to the Fire Department.
The revenue steamer Tybee was tested
al the Merchants and Miners wharf yes
terday for the purpose of ascertaining her
water throwing capacity since her machin-
cry has been slightly changed to cOncen-
trate the force of two pumps on one
stream. Among those who witnessed the
test were Fire Commissioners Cunning
ham, Carolan and Hull, Fire Chief Ma
guire, Vice President John NJ Egan and
General Superintendent T. D. Kline of
the Central and Mr.. C. w. Haskins of
New York.
Lieut.. George B. Maher of the Tybee
had everything in readiness to show the
efficiency OF the little steamer to advant-
age and the work she did was highly COM
mended. The expense of the changes that
have been made was paid by the city IN
view of the courtesy in rendering the ser
vices of the steamer and in addition the
commissioners have provided several
lengths Of 255-inch hose
Fire Chief Mcguire and his assistants
got things in readiness for the test by
laying out 100 feet of hose, to which was
attached three-quarter-inch nozzle. When
the pumps started with about 1876 pounds
pressure a pretty stream was thrown about
tried with equally as good results, after
which the three-quarter nozzle was again
tried on $50 feet of hose, where the fric-
ton is, of course, greater, reaching from
the steamer to the Central Railroad ele-
Vator. The elevator is about sixty feet
nigh. but the stream easily covered the
south end Of the roof. The stream from
the lncn nozzle, however, lacked some of
reaching the roof, but showed plainly that
very effective fire fighting could be done
with it.
After the different nozzles We're tested
chief Mcguire showed how the Siamese
nozzle works, converting two streams into
one. He also had a hose jacket for hur-
rtedly stopping leaks where hose bursts
me Jacket IS of heavy iron and rubber
It's work was shown by disconnecting the
hose leaving about an inch between The
ends, then adjusting it and turning on
the water. There was no leakage and the
commissioners We're satisfied, not only
from this test, but because of the time
the jackets saved in patching hose at the
rice mill fire, that they are an important
part OF the department appliances.
The Fire Commissioners as well as Vice
President Egan, were highly. pleased with
the excellent showing Lieut.. Maher made
with the Tybee. The steamer will now re-
spond in the event Gre breaks out along
the river front, but it is understood she
Is not to go in places, or remain suffi-
GENTLY near the fire to risk sustaining any
damage. The steamers crew will do all
the handling of the machinery, while the
hose and making all connections will be
in charge of special force detailed by
Chief Mcguire.
In few days the commissioners will
nave a telephone connected with the Ty-
bees dock There will probably be a half
dozen or more wires in the cable togeth-
er with connection with the fire alarm
system, 10 arouse the boats crew. The
men will know which boxes are along
the river, though it is not expected an in
dicator will be put in, as any fire where
the boat could aid, would be plainly visi-
bic from the dock.
The courtesy shown in proffering the
services of the boat during fires gives
the city powerful advantage in protect
ing property along the wharves While
the arrangement is for no definite time
and there is no obligation on the part of
the boats crew to respond or render SER
vice, still the Tybee is sure to put in
some valuable strokes in case she is need
ed. Steam is kept up day and night
which will leave very little to be done
before starting on a run. She will be
met by the special force of firemen, with
a supply of hose and other equipment.
and will be working before any Of the en-
gines could possibly get 10 the scene