The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-09-17

existence of the crime of arson 1 be-
lieve that there are but few that re-
alize its enOrmity or extent; for if the
people generally could be enlightened
upon this subject there would such "A
cyclone of public Indignation sweep
down upon our governor and legis1a-
ture as Kansas has never seen before.
1t is an amazing fact that almost every
state superintendent of insurance for
thirty years has given distinct warn
ing of the existence and gravity of this
evil. and yet our governors and legis-
lators have been unnoved by these ap-
peals
There is but little reason to doubt
that the loss by incendiaries in Kansas
is not below the average in other states.
The official report of Massachusetts
shows that prior to the adoption of the
fire marshal law their averages loss from
incendiary fires was "a per cent Of their
total loss. In 1902 the fire loss in Kan
sas was $3.50, 901. One-third of that Is
SAG. 967. This represents a very con-
sentative estimate the loss by incendf-
arism for last year in Kansas. 1t IS
impossible to reach any accurate infor-
nation on this subject as we have no
bureau of information or system of rec
ords covering these points That the
situation demands prompt and thorough
investigation and vigorous regulation is
self evident"
Mr. Scott quoted from various reports
showing the success met with in other
states in prosecuting cases of arson.
In numerous instances the most persist
ent offenders have been insane persons.
From a letter from Fire Marshal Joseph
E. Shaw of Massachusetts, he quoted as
follows:
There is no question in my mind
about the desirability of investigating
all questionable fires. Whether a con-
viction is secured or not II mas a ten
dency toward deterring those who have
a desire to commit the crime OF arson.
do not believe in the policy of assess
ing the insurance companies to pay the
expenses of the Office of fire marshal.
NY Judgment in the matter would be
that the fire marshaTs office should be
untramnTelled by any connection with
any interest in the state except those
which pertain to the department of JUS
tice."
With the purpose of restoring the good
name of the lightning rod industry Prof.
West Dodd. a member of a firm of light
ming rod manufacturers. gave lecture
before the convention of the mutual CO.
operative insurance companies at the
hotel last night. The lecture
was illustrated by a number of very in
teresting experiments with state cleo
tricity, demonstrating the philosophy OF
lightning Prof Dodd has lectured fire.
quently before similar conventions in
the country. His purpose is to prove to
the insurance men that proper rodding
will save building from being struck
by thunder bolts while unscientific work
is dangerous
To one of the poles of his static machine
he had fastened a broad plate, represent
ing the surface of the earth, while from
the other pole was suspended smaller
plate above the large one in the relative
position of lightning charged cloud to
the earth. On the lower plate were set a
number of miniature houses and barns
and string of fence with a COW standing
by Some of the houses were provided
with lightning rods with good ground
others were rodded, but were
not connected well with the earth. while
some had no rods at all. An iron building
will not be struck by lightning A rail-
road train never is. Prof. Dodd showed
how a chimney. tin valley in a roof
and a screen door. in an unrodded house.
will serve as conductors for the discharge
and will make 1t very easy for the build
As explained by Prof Dodd, the theory
of an electrical discharge called light
ming is this: A cloud charged with cleo
tricity attracts to itself the electricity in
the earth takes the easiest channel it can
find in the shortest route to the cloud.
1t ordinarily escapes from the highest
point a building or tree or fence. If
good metallic connection is made between
the earth and the house, tree or fence, the
electricity escapes easily. This connec-
ton can be made with ordinary fence
wire.
Last nights lecture was not previously
announced. but was attended fully by the
to the convention.
Railroad tickets bought ana sold.
Dutton House.