New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-17
PERIL FROM PARLoR MATCHES.

Such regulation Of the storage and sale OF
matches as the Fire Department of this city
cOntemplates raises a comparatively new ques-
ton Hitherto municipal State and national
legislation in America and Europe has related
mainly to the manufacture of these useful artl-
ces, not 10 their use. Owing to the inhammable
and explosive character of some OF the ma
terials needed in making them, extra precau-
tions are requisite in the factory. Again, pain
full diseases have affected operatives who have
occasion to handle yellow phosphorus. and in
some countries the use of that substance has
been prohibited by law. What the Bureau OF
COmbustibles wants to stop in the metropolis,
though, is something else. 1t aims 10 sup
press what is commonly known as the parlOr
match, which ignites with friction with any
rough surface, and to compel the public TO sub
stitute therefor the safety match, which will
not light unless scratched on It's own box.
A great deal can be said in behalf OF this
policy. The careless use of matches by children
and servants, the frequent dropping Of them on
floors in homes and shops by other people, and
the occasional flight to a distance of detached
tips have led to an immense amount of de-
struction OF property by fire. Year after year
the underwriters have complained, protested
and pleaded, either through periodicals devoted
10 insurance interests or through the lay press.
So long people are free to choose. however,
they are comparatively Indifferent to these
facts considerable number already use the
safety match in their households but they con-
stitute a small minority. If compulsion could
be resorted to unquestionably there would be
a reduction In the fire losses of this city, and
the effecfof NETWORKS example would doubt
less be felt in other large centres of population.
So far as dwellings and places of business are
convenience. Matches are still necessary there
for lighting lamps, gas or fires in stoves and
ranges. In spite of the growing use of cleo
tricity and steam. the old methods of illumina-
ton and heating have not retired altogether
from service. These require matches, but 1t
matters little to any one whether the safety or
the parlOr match performs this class of duty.
The chief objection to the proposed measure
will come from people who want to light their
cigars or pipes. Smokers are exceedingly nu-
merous. and must be reckoned with. A large
proportion of them are accustomed to carry
matches in their pockets, usually in metal
boxes AS constructed at present the latter
would no longer be available if filled with
safety matches. A man may carry the paste
board box in which such matches are sold and
which has a coating Of the compound essen
tial TO ignition. The safety match box of the
present day, though, is larger. more cumbrous
and less ornamental than the personal match
box of the smoker He will be exceedingly re-
luctant to make a change. He will entertain
highly uncomplimentary opinions of any one
who undertakes TO force him to do so. Indeed
he is entitled 10 much consideration
Whether the objections are grave enough 10
outweigh the advantages of the regulation in
question is nice point. With disinterested
judges, if such could be found, the latter would
probably be recognized as constituting superior
claim in shaping public policy. II ought not 10
be difficult, however. TO minimize the draw
backs TO the use OF safety matches. Should
the silversmiths design special box for safety
matches. providing it with broad, shallow
groove in which layer OF the requisite com.
position for lighting a match could be deposited