The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-06
Famous Fire Chief NH Inspect Birmingham. Fire Ospaft-
 mtnt Thoroughly
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS
 WILL SOON BE MADE
Three Conferences Between Citizens, Mayor and Aldermen and Insurance Men Took Place Yesterday.
 Water Question.

The fire conditions in Birmingham were thoroughly discussed in every phase yes- ferday between citizens. representatives of the municipality and representatives of the Southeastern Tariff association. Three meetings were held. In the morning the insurance representatives met the agents of the different companies doing business in Birmingham and the situation was dis cussed from every standpoint.
 At noon business men and those citi- gems who are interested in fire condi- lions and the insurance rate conferred with the Southeastern representatives anent the situation.
 The most important gathering was held In the afternoon, when Mayor Ward, AL derman O'Nell, chairman of the miscel- laneous committee, with Aldermen Coop CT, D. R. Copeland, Heidt, Klotz, Parker. Stockmar, Forney and Gum, met and conferred with c. F. Low of New Or leans; S. Abram, s. Y. Tupper, Milton Dargan, F. O. Hawkins, Thomas Eggles- ton, A. B. Andrews, E. A. Hancock, J. s. Raine, Sr., of Atlanta, and Lloyd Batre of Mobile, representatives of the South eastern Tariff association. At the confer ence the following well known business men were present and participated in the discussions: R. M. Goodall, Colman Blach, D. M. Drennen, Oliver Chalifoux, J. D. Collins, B. r. Moore, R. E. Collins. H. J. Porter and others.
 Every phase of the fire situation at by the representatives of the municipality xxyfI. the Southeastern Tariff association last February. This means that the depart ment will be increased numerically and that the equipment will be all that can be desired.
 Automatic Water Mains.
 The old automatic water main system was discussed, and it was agreed that on the part of the city the automatic ques- tion Is to be settled by ordering the Water Works company to remove the source of the reputed trouble, and at all times place flow of water in twenty-four inch mains. Heretofore, it is said, that in a a number of instances that the water company has worked the automatic indi- cator to such an extent that in twenty four inch mains, when there was no fire, that only a sufficient flow to fill twelve inch mains was placed in the pipes. This will be remedied by ordering the displace- ment of the automatic indicator and gauge.
 The firemen of Birmingham will be nrilled in the method of fighting blazes. This was decided upon when the city, through the mayor and councilmen pres ent, agreed to employ former Fire Chief Hale of Kansas City, Mo-, who will come to Birmingham for the purpose of making a thorough investigation of the department and the equipment. He will drill the firemen and instill into them the art of fire fighting. Chief Hale will in- spect the water plant, mains and in fact everything connected with the depart ment
 Another important question agreed up- on was the inspection of water mains and competent men will be employed by the city to conduct the investigation. The Inspection will be made for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not the Bir- mingham Water Works company has compiled in detail with the contract with the city to furnish water mains of cer- tain capacity.
 First Class Rate.
 As soon as the city has complied with The agreement made some time ago by the mayor and board of aldermen and the