The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1899-10-21
FOR BETTER FIRE PROTECTION.
Shall We Have Chemical Engine and
Fire Alarm System?

Shall We Have a Chemical Engine and
Fire Alarm system?
Some time since the.board Of fire
delegates took up the matter Of getting
reduced fire insurance Irates in this
city with the board of underwriters
for the Pacific, an1 obtained from
them certain concessions as to reduc-
ing rates, provided that an electric
alarm system were established and
chemical engine added to the fire ap-
paratus. The matter was fully dis
cussed with the underwriters, and as
result, the following proposition was
submitted by them to the city council:
I'm the matter of fire insurance rates
of your city, which are based on pro-
lection provided, consisting of fire
department equipment and water
supply, we beg 10 advise that the
present rates established for your city
are subject to the followsng reduction,
provided the equipment is improved as
specified:
"For alarm system, reduction OF s
per cent will be allowed. For chemi.
cal fire engine, further reduction OF s
per cent will be allowed, making In all
10 per cent reduction for the features
named, equipments in both cases to be
up to tbs standard of our equipments.
"The fire alarm system shall be
system by boxes or signal stations
having direct electrical communication
with large bell that will strike num-
Der OF the box including locality of the
nre. Seyen stations, placed at points
to be indicated by our representative,
will be established to protect property
located below the bluff. II it is the
intention to protect buildings located
on the bluff, the number will have to
be increased in accordance with the
extent of territory to be protected.
"The chemical engine to be one of
make approved by this Office, and con-
sisting of two so gallon tanks mounted
on vehicle. being commonly known
as chemical fire engine.
"The reduction will apply to all
buildings under the protection of the
system, except dwellings and private
stables"
Acting upon this proposition, the
board OF delegates appointed a COM
nittee to canvass the town for the
purpose OF securing funds.by subscrip-
lion for the purchase of "a chemical
engine and paying tho expense of put
ting in an electric alarm system. The
reported it had secured
sufficient subscriptions to meet these
expenses, and employed E. M. Win
gate to collect the subscription, but
,he Times-Mountaineer is informed
that some Of those who subscribed re-
use to pay until the alarm system is
and the chemical engine
purchased.
This seems rather short-sighted on
he part of those whose insurance will
'e affected, since there will be no
eduction in rates until the change has
'een made, and all that any one was ask
ID to subscribe is 10 per cent of their
insurance premiums, which Is only
he amount they would save by the
Inauguration Of the system. And the
'nly way to get the reduction being to
utin the alarm system and the chemi-
al engine, by refusing to pay their
inscriptions they are only delaying
he date when the reduction of their
Insurance premiums will be made.
Since the apparatus cannot be added 10
he fire department until 1t is paid for.
is not a business proposition to
clay.