The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-06
STEPS DOWN.:
BELT TAKES HIS PLACE
Engineer of Fire De-
parfmenf Resigns. to Take
Effect Tune 30--Hfs Sac
cessor Immediately Named.
Mr.. BELT A FIRE FIGHTER
SINCE SIXTEENTH YEAR

Robert ". Dutton, Chief Engineer of
the Fire Department, today rendered
his resignation 10 take effect June 80
Mr.. Dutton requested leave of absence
after June TO-. He will spend the twenty
days leave mostly in Washington. clos
ing Cd his connection with the Fire De-
partment. and making preparations for
assuming the office of Assistant Recorder
of Deeds, 20 which he was appointed
yesterday
Immediately upon the receipt of Chief
buttons resignation. which was ac-
cepted with regret. Commissioner Mac
Engineer William T. Belt TO the office
of Chief Engineer. to take effect July /
Each CT the Assistant Chief Engineers
was promoted one grade by Chief Belts
advancement
Dutton Recommends Belt.
In handing his resignation to the
Commissioners, Mr.. Dutton recommend
ed the promotion of Assistant Chief
Belt to the head of the department. He
told Commissioner Macfarland that his
work as Chief Engineer had been ably
seconded by Assistant Chief Belt. Mr..
Dutton declared it to be the choice of
the department, and so far as he knew
OF the citizens of the District. Com
missioner Macfarland replied he had no
other intention than 10 promote Mr.
Belt, and it afforded rim great pleas
ure TO receive the commentator of his
superior.
The appointment of Mr. Dutton to the
Office of Assistant Recorder of Deeds
gives universal satisfaction today. and
no less so the promotion OF Mr.. Belt.
Both Washington Born.
Robert W. Dutton, the retiring Chief
Engineer, is Washington boy and has
lived here all his life. Before being ap-
pointed 70 the position from which he
has resigned he was engaged in the
Navy Department and in newspaper
work. While a reporter he took great
interest in the fire department and stud
led It's organization and needs.
Upon the retirement of Chief Paris
in April. 1901. he was selected as Chief
Engineer. His administration of the de-
partment is universally recognized as
above criticism, but by action OF Con-
gress in framing the last District ap-
preparation bill he was ieglslated out
of office.
William T. Belt, the new head of the
department, was born in the District
of Columbia October 13. 1886, and has
been connected with the Fire Depart
of he -
teen years of age.
At that age he Joined the Franklin
IRE company, which formed one of the
companies that composed the volunteer
fre department. Upon the organization
OF the paid fire department he was made
a member. and has been connected with
It, off and ea, ever since its organization
Risen From the Ranks
He has served in every position in the
Fire Department from private to Chief
Engineer. He received his promotions
on account of efficiency and faithfulness
ID duty.
On May I. 1886, he was made acting
foreman, and May Is of the same year
hts promotion was made permanent
June 1. 1887. he was promoted to acting
assistant chief engineer, and remained
as such until June /, 1888, when the po-
sition was made permanent by an act of
Congress. In 1889 he was made acting
assistant chief engineer, and was pro-
NOTED to second assistant chief engi-
neer, and remained such until 1894.
when he was promoted to the position
of first assistant chief engineer, which
he now holds.
In addition TO being the fire fighting
head of the department, Chief Belt has
devoted much of his time, especially in
the last two years, to the inspection of
hotels. apartment houses, theaters, etc,
for the purpose of ascertaining if they
were properly protected against fire. and
for recommending certain appliances for
their better protection, and has met
with great success in this line.
His record is without blemish and
no charges of any kind have ever been
preferred against him during his long
and faithful service. He has often re-
ceived words OF commentator for his
services from the press. the general
public. and those whom he has had oc-
casion 10 be associated with,