The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1904-05-04
The FIRE DEPARTMENT
GOES OUT OF BUSINESS
rIembers Resign and the Council Ac-
cepts-WiII Try to Organize
New One.

The members of the fire department
of this city, at their meeting last Thurs
day evening, voted to disband the organ
ization at noon next Thursday. They
are incensed at the recent action of the
council in dismissing John Lemon, the
extra fireman employed about two
months ago. Lemon was dismissed on
the plea,,of economy and the members
of the fire department critcise the coun-
ell for its action in paying high salaries
to the sewerage and drainage engineers.
The fire boys also have other grievances.
One of them is that council refused. sew
eral weeks ago, to allow bill of So to
one of the members for pair of trou-
sers ruined at a fire. They say that
there is an ordinance now in force pro-
viding for reimbursing members to the
extent of So for clothing damaged, but
claim that it has only been taken adj
vantage of three times. Yet the council
say the firemcn, refused to allow the
bill on the ground that it would be II
dangerous precedent to establish. The
iremen are allowed 81 each for attend
ing each fire. They claim that the
council usually wrangles over the pay
ment Of this sum.
Driver Johnson of the fire team re
signed the other day, there being trou-
BILE between him and Street Commits
Sioner Kaufman. One of the causes of
complaint is that the latter allows his
men to use the toilet in the fire quar-
tiers, which they leave in a filthy con
ditions Another seems to be Il clash
as to which of the two men is custod-
ian of the property kept at the fire hall
The tiremen feel aggrieved at the dis
missal of Lemon. Johnson's assistant
Two men, they say, are absolutely
necessary when alarms are turned in
to get to a fire quickly. The council
men. when they discussed letting Lemon
out, said that either he or johnson are
negligent: that they do not keep lock
on the shed where the hay and grain
are stored; that they have been bed
ding the horses on hay that costs $40
per ton when the city buys shavings
for that purpose; that the fire quar-
tiers are not as well kept with two men
as they were with one.
The fire insurance agents of the city
say the various companies will advance
rates if the department disbands from
ID to % per cent. At the present writ
ing it cannot be foretold what the out
come of the difficulty will be. The peo-
pie generally appreciate the department
The Herald believes, and it is hoped the
difficulty can be adjusted. The depart
ment. for volunteer organization. is a
highly efficient one. The boys and
Chief Hauser have always taken much
interest in it and pride in their work
At the council meeting Monday even
ing. communication was read from
% members of the department tender
ing their resignation. The designations
were accepted on motion of Switzer. and
the council will undertake to form a
new department with the cooperation
of the citizens.
The firemen held a meeting last night
and Chief Hauser says the department
has sold its furniture and effects, divid'
ed the cash on hand, which amounts to
$500 or $500, and will disband as an or
ganization tomorrow. He says that the
firemen will give grand banquet to its
friends tomorrow night, the committee
in charge of the affair being Ed Merwin,
Fred Jungst and Harry Null. The only
city official present at last nights meet
ing was Alderman Fisher, but he was
not there in his official capacity. Chief
Hauser says that all the tiremen have
agreed not to join new department.
Chairman Rand of the fire committee
SAYS a number of the old tiremen have
told him they will join new depart
ment, including Driver Johnson. Mr..
Rand says he hears there is trouble
among the firemen themselves over va
rious matters, but Chief Hauser en-
phatically denies that any friction ex'
lists.
Rinehart's is the place for ladies tc
buy suits, skirts and waists, as we have
the very newest and up-to-date lines