The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-11-21
IN COMMON COUNCIL.

In the common council there were a
few orations delivered, but all things
considered business was rushed
through with commendable dispatch.
There certainly was a great temptation
to some OF the councilmen to make a
few dramatic situatA ms in view of the
approaching election, but unless %
cumstances warranted it, there WASH t
a sound heard, save the voice of Presi-
dent F. w. White reading off the petit
lions and orders.
When the communication from the
board Of fire engineers on the order pro-
viding for the discontinuance of the
night watch in the various fire engine
houses was read, there was quite a de-
bate. The fire engineers reported Shat
in their opinion it would not be advis-
able.
Mr.. Connolly thereupon presented a
resolution setting forth that it was for
the best interests of the city that the
night watch be discontinued. In sup
port of his resolution, Mr.. Connolly said
that it was unfair to the men and en-
tailed severe hardships upon them. In
Providence, the night watch has been
entirely discontinued. 1t was in no
sense necessary.
Mr.. Meagher, in seconding the motion
for the adoption of the resolutions, said
that he agreed with Councilman Con-
nelly. fIe told of his trip to Providence
with the fire committee when it was in
Vestigating the police signal system in
use in the principal New England cit
les, and said that Providence, a city
with population greatly in excess of
that OF Worcester, did not burden it's
flremen with this unnecessary night
duty. In some of the fire houses in
Worcester the fire engineers have per-
mitted the men to discontinue the
watch, and it should be so in every
house.
Mr.. Wheeler moved as an amendment
that the resolution be referred to the
committee on fire department. This
brought Wesley Merritt to his feet. Mr..
Merritt made a rousing speech for the
firemen in support of the resolution.
He said that he had six years expert
ence as a fire fighter, and was compet-
ent to judge of the matter on its mer-
its. The night watch was Of no advan-
tage at all. 1t was simply a waste of
light and fuel The fact that there was
a man on the floor when an alarm was
rung in did not mean quicker hitch.
Mr.. Gallagher who was for II years
in the department, and who possesses
a thorough knowledge of the new sys-
tenn, said that he too, could not see the
experience that a man who must fight
fires should have all the sleep possible.
Unless he has a good rest q. fireman is
useless at a big fire. He heartily in
dorsed the resolution.
Mr. Johnson seconded the amendment
of Mr. Wheeler. Mr. Mcmahon said
that while he did not approve of any
man being overworked, he did not like
to NEEDLE with the fire department.
81 1aa
to a discontinuance of the night watch,
and he favored the reference of the res
olution on that account Mr.. Wheeler S
amendment prevailed, 13 to 6.
Mr.. Davis introduced an order re-
questing the special committee on
parks. consisting of the committees on
finance and streets, to report relative to
park in Quinsigamond.
Councilman O'Leary raped this or
der pretty hard. He said it was a
scheme that would not be tolerated for
minute by those who wished to have
parks established in other sections of
the city The order did not pass.
Mr.. O'Leary introduced an order pro-
viding for the Immediate construction
of a crosswalk on Green street at the
intersection of South Harding street.
This was seconded by Mr.. Mcmahon.
Mr.. O'LeaKy explained that the work
was of immediate, urgent necessity.
Mr. Wheeler moved that it be referred
to committee.
Mr.. Inman said he knew something
of the conditions at the place in ques-
ton and favored Mr. O'Leary's order,
Amid great applause, the only APP
plause that has been heard in the COM
mon council chamber in years accord
ing to one oldtimer, Wesley Merritt
the worthy namesake of the hero of the
Philippines. said that he was not so