The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04
THE OFFICE OF CORONER.
Urgent Necessity for q Suitable
MOrGue.

MOrRue.
1.-THE most important statement In the
annual report Of the coroner Is that winch
calls attention once more to the need FOR
a suitable norgue, which, as he says, IS
so seIf-evident as to require no demonstra-
uon.' The Commissioners recommend an
appropriation Of $4,000 for building for
that purpose It is hoped that the District
may no longer be obliged to use portion
If the stable in the rear Of one OF the police
stations, which is the only place now avail
able for morgue.
The total number OF deaths investi-
gated by the coroner during the fiscal year
was IT'S, decrease Of six from the num-
Der investigated in the year before.
"The greatly increased use OF electricity
In the District OF Columbia has made 1t
necessary to establish new department
Of the District government. which ought
to have full recognition commensurate with
the Importance Of its work. which also In
cludes the gas and naphtha lighting sys-
tens telephone service. and fire alarm
telegraph A portion OF the officers and
employees Of this department are on the
permanent rolls Of the District govern
meut. but considerable number are SIM
ply on the per diem rolls. The efficient
head of the department, the Electrical En-
gineer, is himself carried on the per diem
rolls. As matter Of business organiza-
ton and for the good effect II would have
upon the men engaged in the work, this
Department ought to be placed on the
same basis as other departments OF the
District government.
.The Fire Department has maintained its
reputation for efficiency, although during
the year it had no remarkable fires to
fight. It responded, however. to 639
alarms during the fiscal year. and did good
service as usual. The need for an enlarge
ment OF the department, and for the i'm
provement Of the existing buildings be-
longing to it Is still great. notwithstand-
Ing the fact that through the action OF
Congress two additional truck companies
and one chemical engine company have
been provided. The increased facilities
for rapid transit have spread the popula-
ton of the District over all portions Of
II. so that there has been general and
rapid increase in the number Of buildings
| in the suburban places which. therefore.
anpeaI with reason, for fire protection
| that cannot be given without weakeniD g
| that to which the older portions OF the
District are entitled. At the same time.
the normal increase of population ard the
| number Of buildings in the city Of Wash
| ington, including Georgetown, demand an
] Increase OF fire protection there. The
| Chief Of the Fire Department gives good
reasons in his annual report :or ar in
crease of three new engine companies
| and two new truck companies. The Com
missioners would gladly ask for all of
| these, but, in view of the other pressing
| needs OF the District, they have asked in
| their estimates for only one new engine
company and one new truck company.
and defer the others until next year. A
stable where the sick and disabled horses
Of the Fire Department may be treated.
and extra horses kept. is greatly needed.
| and Is once more asked for.