Evening star., 1901-04-15

plete his fifteenth year as chief of the de-
partment. He thanked the Commissioner
for his consideration of him. remarking
that he retires with the kindest and most
grateful feeling for every one connected
with the District government. 1t appears
that the chief wished to submit his appIi-
cation about a week ago, but that Com
missioner Macfarland, upon learning of it,
requested him to wait at least a week
longer, and give the matter more mature
consideration.
Mr.. Paris explained to the Commissioner
that he felt that, having given the best
part Of his life to service in the depart
ment he had now reached a time when he
should retire from active service and rest
for the remainder of his days. He stated
that he is yet In excellent health, adding
that his application for retirement was an
entirely voluntary matter. Mr.. Macfarland
told the chief that his application was, as
he said entirely voluntary, and assured
him that, had he so desired, he could have
remained at the head of the department
as long as he (Macfarland) remained Com
missioner.
Commissioners Endorsement.
After moving that the application be
granted and the chief be allowed a pension
OF 500 month, the maximum amount
authorized by law, Commissioner Macfar-
land indorsed the application as follows:
1 desire to record my appreciation of the
long and faithful service Of Chief Engi-
.neer Paris in the fire department. and to
say that believe he well deserves the hon
orable retirement which he now voluntarily
seeks" Mr.. Macfarland, in referring to
the matter later, stated that the chiefs ap-
he was much gratified to know that the law
permitted the Commissioners to allow so
well-deserving public servant to rest the
remainder Of his days upon SO comfortable
competence He had hoped, he added
that the chief would not retire for some
time, and for that reason, he explained, he
has given the question of his successor no
consideration.
tted, since the retirement of Chief Paris
was first mentioned several weeks ago, with
the belief that the fire department should
have an executive head as well as a fire.
hghting head, and by some people he Is ex-
pected to so recommend to his associates.
1t can be stated upon the best Of authority,
however. that Mr.. Macfarland has not
reached such a determination Should he
take a man from the department as its
head. 1t is quite generally believed that that
man will be First Assistant Chief Belt.
Third Assistant Chief Frank J. Wagner has
been mentioned as likely to succeed Chief
Paris. but it is understood his friends will
not antagonize Mr.. Belt in the matter, but
will urge his appointment as the latter's
successor in event OF Mr.. Belts promotion.
Native of District.
Chief Paris is a native Of this city, hav-
ing been born in the old first ward (West
End in December. 1885. He was educated
in the schools Of that section-public and
private. While learning the trade of plas-
terer he became a follower Of the old-time
fire companies, running with the old Union
company, Of which he became a member
when he reached the required age, and sub
sequently he united with the old Western
Hose Company and was for years one OF
the most active of the volunteers In
April 1861, he enlisted in the Henderson
Guards, Captain G. j. L. Foxwell, serving
the Union in the three months service.
April l, 1867, Chief Paris entered the
regular service of the District fire depart
ment, which then consisted of but three
engines and two trucks (or hook and lad
deD companies, with but three men exclu-
sively employed on each, and six extra
men, who were privileged to work at other
business when the department did not re-
quire their services.
He was driver of No 1 Company of
which Mr.. W. w. Goddard was foreman,
for about year. when he resigned ard re-
turned to his trade. About two years later
he re-entered the department, and in 1870
was made foreman of No. 1 Engine Com
in, May 1, 1886. Mr.. Paris was placed in
charge Of the department. Since then he
has participated in all the important fires,
giving intelligent direction to the improved
methods of fire fighting introduced since he
was a mere runner in the excitement Incl
dent to the fire alarms of old. He will
have the satisfaction. when he sewers his
connection with the department, of being
in command of a force of fourteen engines,
six trucks and three chemical engines, With
over 25O men. There are also in the de-
partment a water tower. a combination
wagon. four fuel wagons, two supply
wagons, two reserve engines, two reserve
hose carriages, four buggieS Zone reserve)