New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-10
TWO FIRE PLATO0NS OUT.
MORE TIME OFF FOR MEN.
Hayes agrees 5cith Croker That Old
ISustem Is Best.

As anticipated by Chief Croker. the platoon
system which has been tried for three months in
the Sd Battalion OF the Fire Department has proves
a failure. and Commissioner Hayes yesterday
dered the system discontinued In place OF IRE
time of which the firemen would get under tEs
operation Of ,-.a two platoon system they will get
in addition to the twenty-four hours leave Of ar
sence every i've days, which they now have. an
a month. This extra leave OF absence was granted
without any request from the men.
In his order to Chief Croker diseonttnuing rts
two platoon system. Commissioner Hayes says thar
at the same time he received the CHIEFS report
the workings Of the system he had the
conclusion from private observation that the system
was neither the interest Of the city nor lov ts
welfare of the
Il have always been in favor OF more tirle %
for hremen.' he said. and have been awaiting tbs
result OF this test to carry my views this subject
into effect. take pleasure in doing tbs
time account Of the magnificent work done BY
yourself and the men under your command. during
the most trying winter experienced in years. anc
for the splendid services 1 extend 10 the officers
and my sincere thanks and congratulations % -
The Commissioner then orders the extension o.
leaves. which may only be withheld from engineers
OF steamers when there Is d shortage OF men. WheE
the department receives its fUu complement Of en-.
gineers this restriction is be removed Tbs
Civil Service list OF engineers is almost ready. aud
several appoint ments OF engineers will De made II
few days.
Chief Cookers report ia part as follows:
The result, after a thorough trial. has proved (sE
cOnHdenIly predicted By persons experienced n F1Ts
Department matters time and time again thai nc
actual benefit resulted 70 the members Workng
under this system; in fact. the reverse has taken
place, and II has been clearly demonstrated De-
yond the shadow OF doubt that the system has
affected the discipline heretofore maintained IN tbs
battalion. Serious diSSenSiOuS among the men have
occurred, at fires they do not WORK with that VIE
and enerby formerly displayed; with the fun
complement OF engineers and IN each COM
p<tny as claimed by the friends OF the measure
there was SHOWN upon q great many occasions InaL
companies did not possess sufficient number or
men at hreS. thereby allowing the flames 10 spread
anu neCeSSlLallnS the calling OF additional eoIapa-
MES 10 assist them in eXtHg gushing nres OF mag
nitude that formerly such companies had no trouble
in subdulng.
The above criticisms which have offered are in
dOrSed IN almost every particular these officers
u true expression could Ge obtained from the mem
hers themselves a great majority Of them would
emphaucaliy lndOrSe my sIaTeInen mt that the con
tinuance OF the TWO platoon system in the Fire
moralizatiOn or the 6spartment-be OF absolutely
benefit 10 the members themselves. increase Lhs
cost OF the force BY at least s. to 80 per cent
without Swing the citizens of this city any ace-
Quate return.
Chief Croker has always been opposed TO the sys-
tenn and has fought it at all times. The hreTnsn
on the other hand. have fought Just hard tor T.
no longer enthusiastic in its favor. most OF them
having become converts 10 chief Cookers views.
1t would make no difference. says Croker n his
report. Ii each company had TWO officers. tS0
engines and twelve men N each platoon; the sEs-
tenn would not be effective, and, IN my opinion, e
city where "a paid fire department. exists should
entertain proposition suca the two platoon
system COntemplateS.