The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1902-10-10
TOWN OWNED BY fIREMEN
Continued From First Page.

Billings-Privilege of selecting its
own subject.
Following the adoption of the re-
port the minutes Of the last annual
convention at Missoula were read and
approved without correction.
The discussion of the first topic on
the programme was then taken up.
The subject involved the question of
the best means of establishing fire
alarm systems in small cities and was
led by Chief French of Great Falls.
The chief announced that the subject
was too deep for any man in Montana
to handle properly, and the. best way
to get at the meat of it, in his opinion,
was to allow the delegates and all in
terested to ask questions and from
the answers gain what information
possible. He advocated the advis-
ability of city councils in granting
franchises to light or telephone com
: panies to reserve the right for a fire
alarm wire on the poles as one of the
provisions of a charter. He further
advocated the use Of only the best
materials in the inauguration of a
system, however small. He was of
the opinion that Billings could put in
a f%irstclass small system at a cost of
about $500, which would give it about
seven miles Of wire and three boxes.
After Chief French had finished his
remarks the question was taken up
in al informal ann and discuss
ed by various delegates, and the dis
cussion had not yet ended when the
noon adjournment was taken.
Afternoon Session.
President Bond called the conven-
ton to order at 2:25.
Chief French of Great Falls resum-
ed the topic of a fire alarm system.
He illustrated with a diagram on a
blackboard how the system should
be put in, and answered clearly a
number Of questions asked by mem
bers of the convention.
Chief Day of Helena also elucidat-
ed the workings of the system in a
clear and intelligent manner, and
was subjected to several pertinent
questions, which he answered fully.
The relative merits of copper and
iron wire were discussed and the
consensus Of opinion was in favor Of
copper as easier to handle and re-
curing less battery space and cheap
er in the long run.
Mr.. Bender Of Livingston respond
ed to the topic: what Inducements
Should Be Given the Members Of Vol
unteer Fire Departments in the Shape
of Amusements to Keep Them About
the Fire Station"
The speaker began his remarks by
saying that when the question was
~propounded some one had remarked
that plenty of beer would be the best
inducement. He deprecated the idea
and while not advocating total alb
stinence, thought that having beer in
the fire station was a custom not to
be encouraged. He advocated pleas
antly' furnished rooms, with facilities
for cards and other games, and music.
The whole matter rested with the
chief to see that the men under his
charge were encouraged to stay
around the hall by proper forms or
amusement. He also advocated an
electric alarm system as a good
to encourage attendance at the
station.
He wound up by a eulogy of Chief
Nelson of Livingston.
c. F. Burton paid a high compli-
ment to the wives of the Billings fret
men as encouraging their husbands TO
associate with Chief Bond.
What System of Government is
Most Productive of Good Discipline
and Efficiency in a Fire Department,
and What Constitutes a Complete
Life Saving Apparatus for the Vari-
GUS Cities of Montana" were the
topics assigned to Assistant Chief
Shinnick of Butte.
A very able paper was read by the
gentleman which brought on an in
teresting discussion.
Chief May of Missoula made a
rousing speech, advocating strict dis
cipline and advocated a free hand for
the chiefs in the management of their
department.
Mayer George advocated that the
chief should have absolute control of
the department. He should have the
hiring of all paid men and power to
dismiss them when he considered
such action necessary for the. good
f the service.
The mayor paid a neat compli-