The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-01-30
A GOOD BILL.

Assembly Bill 42O, by Mr.. Johnson, is
measure that should receive the unani-
nous vote of every member of Senate
and Assembly. 1t is simple and direct
and commands necessity. It provides
that wherever a schoolhouse is two
stories in height or more, the proper au-
thorities shall provide adequate fire
escapes for such stories.
There is no question concerning the
benefcence of Mr.. Johnson's PROPOSE
ton. No matter how broad and nu-
merous the stairways may be in such
buildings, there should be fire escapes
also, because oftener than not in case OF
fire in such structures. the smoke and
flames are first drawn up through and
along the f1ue that any form of stair
way necessarily makes.
In fact, the law ought to be in this
day and age of humanity and enlight-
eminent that any structure, of any char
acter whatever used by human beings
should be provided with adequate fire
escapes. But in the case of school
houses especially the escapes should be
of a character that can easily be used
by children, or into which they can be
deposited even if panic-stricken, and
thus be sent safely down.
There are several forms Of semi-au-
tomato escapes which will exactly fill
~ y, re- NJ
bill under consideration. One Of these
which is in use under ordinance in Mil
waukee, if we mistake not, is a canvass
chute, which, being twisted, receives its
burden, and as it rapidly unwinds car
ries it swiftly but safely to the ground.
But no matter what the devices are,
lofty schoolhouses should be provided
with the best.
There are two omissions from the bill,
however which ought to be filled
Doubtless the author will see the viz
tue of requiring some one to see to 1t
that the school fire escapes are kept In
or by reason of non-use become un-
weildy and valueless in time Of need.
Also, it would seem that while 1t IS
made by the bill the duty Of school
trustees and Boards of Education to
provide the fire escapes, there should be
a severe penalty attached for failure to
do as the law-if this bill becomes law
commands.
=, ie> nra1 1av mr. d.
ing penalties for failure to do duty
imposed upon officials, it is likely insult
ficient A school board that neglects to
supply fire escapes for lofty school
houses should be held to answer for
felony, since the neglect involves hui
man life, the lives of little children
which the law ought to guard jealousy.
Governor Mount of Indiana, has the
courage to talk to his people as they
deserve. Lynchings, white cap persecu-
lions, and the like, in the old Hoosier
State, have brought disgrace upon 1T.
But things have been even worse, for
organizations to prevent the punish
ment of lynchers have been formed in
some sections. This gives the Govern
or opportunity to say to his people that
any county that can organize sentiment
to protect lynchers, "can also organize
against crime and punish criminals IN
the Courts of Justice" But the Gov
ernor fails to follow up his rebuke to
the people who can but will not stand
by the law, by Indicating plans through
which these goody- goody, stay-at-
homes while white caps roam, this or
derby and very proper element, can be
stirred or prodded up to duty doing.
There are certain lucky creatures
which never feel the pangs of thirst,
for they are so constituted that drink
is unnecessary to them and they never
swallow drop of water IN their lives.
Among these animals are certain ga
zelles OF the Far East and the larnas Of
Patagonia.