The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-05-20
COMMITTEES REPORT.


| L L.
May Is, 1903.
To the Mayor and City Counil
Gentlemen: Certain requests having
come up from the fire department,
your standing committee was instruct
ed to investigate and report on same.
We, therefore, beg leave to make the
following:
The major portion Of the property,
save the real estate, Of course, is own
ed by the volunteer fremen, all Of
which is cared for as those of paid
fire department, but there are certain
things, however, hose, for instance.
and rubber goods in general, that need
constant repairs.
To make the. department more
efficient, the fremen have requested
that hook and ladder truck be added
to it, knowing of our limited water
mains, and by experience, that the
best results are obtained by quick
work at the very beginning of con-
hagration, that chemical engine
be provided also.
Realizing, however, that both can
not be provided, we therefore, recon-
mend that a combination hook and
ladder truck and chemical engine be
purchased, and that the Mayor and
City Clerk are hereby authorized to
enter into contract with the Seagrave
Company for the same, at the price
specified. That the same be operated
by No. 3, Hose Co.
We herewith hand you specifications
with cost of same of the machines we
recommend.
Further, that the antiquated hook
and ladder truck hose wagon now in
use be retired.
Very respectfully,
". H. Epperson, Chairman.
Geo. W. Dick,
j. A. Schwerin.
Mr.. J. G. R. Wilder of the fire de-
partment was present to urge pur-
chase of the Seagrave machine. He
stated that his company, Monaghan
No. 2, had agreed to permit Delgar
No. 3, to handle the machine as they
desire to do so, but promises that in
any emergency his company will
guarantee to operate it. Mr.. Schwerin
stated that Mr.. W S. Graham, Fore
man of Delgar No. 3, has assured him
that his company will man the ma
chine and use it, all without addition
al expense to the city. Mr.. Schwerin
moved that the offer of the Seagraves
Co., be accepted. Mr.. Epperson second
ed the resolution. The Mayor vacated
the chair and opposed immediate pur-
chase of the machine. He expressed
the fear that the committee is not as
well posted as they should be in so
important a matter. Thinks as good
truck might be procured at less price
if there is competition, and Council
shvuld be careful in expenditure of
public funds Messrs. Boyle, Chand-
ler and Hurst expressed similarwiews.
Mr.. Wilder stated that his purpose is
merely to benefit the city Our water
mains do not extend to all parts of
city, the machine will be valuable
addition to fire equipment and is very
necessary.
Mr.. Johnston stated that his COM
pany does not fear competition. He
has put price of machine as low as
it can be made, with little if any pro-
fit.
Mr.. Chandler offered as substitute
to Mr.. Schwerin's motion that the
Seagravcs contract be accepted, sub
iect for 80 days to right of counter
mand, and in case Council concludes
to buy a truck of different grade that
the said company be given ali oppor-
tunity to submit an additional bid.
Mr.. Chambers substitute was lost by
the following vote
Yeas: Boyle, Chandler, Hurst.
Nays: Dick, Epperson, Schwerin,
Finn.
The original motion was carried as
follows:
Yeas: Dick, Epperson, schwerin,
Finn. Nays: Boyle, Chandler, Hurst.
Mr.. Finn's vote had been recorded
at last regular meeting by consent of
Council in favor of Immediate accept
ance of the Seagraves offer.
Counci1 then adiOurned