The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1908-06-12


engines and hose carts of the benzint
buggy type was the proposition ad
vanced to the firemen during the con
vention session yesterday afternoon un
der the order of Topic No. l. Captain
Barrett of Company No. l., Minneapo
lis, read the papers.
''The automobile in the fire service;
is it reliable in its present develop.
ment ?''-this was the question that
brought the discussion properly before
the meeting in the form of exhaustive
articles by the firemen of st. Paul
Duluth and Winona.
OF course, there were some obiec-
tions to the suggestion of supplanting
the horse drawn apparatus with that
supplied with gasoline or electrical mo-
tor power, but all things considered
it was the general opinion that the
time is not far distant when horse
will be curiosity in modernly equip
ped fire station.
A small line carried on the cart to
attach to the end of the big hose
line would not take the place of chem
icals and only in small measure
prevent water loss in volunteer depart
ments according to the vonvictions of
the fremen of Benson, Morris and Hen
derson.
If the fremen are not keeping pace
with pace with the improvements in
fire protection in proportion to the
increase of confagration hazard, they
are not disposed to admit it. The
question was asked the volunteer de-
partments at Fairmont and Hastings
and both answered that their respec-
tive towns are keeping pace and
properly.
Captain Barrett said: "The present
day business man is too enlightened
to invest in any fire apparatus which
is not absolutely safe and reliable. The
auto fire apparatus, which is recognized
throughout several states of the Union
also in South Africa and other foreign
countries, is the coming fire appara-
tus of the world. There is no ques-
tion of the automobile fire apparatus
being entirely reliable under all con-
ditions, and | have no doubt this is
demonstrated every day in your city,
V
hard service while they are at it, but
will cover 100 miles in service, where
the fire apparatus would not cover
one. The development of the air cooled
gasoline engine has practically elimi-
mated all opportunities for uncertainty
It's parts are very few; they are all
simple and are so constructed as to
give the utmost strength where
strength is required, and the utmost
lightness where service will permit, but
every engine of this kind must have
a carburetor, timer and sparker
which of course involves a battery
of some kind, and to know that all
of these parts are in proper working
order and adjustment requires the con-
tinuous careful attention of a compe-
tent operator Nothing but gasoline of
the best quality should pass through
the carburetor; foreign matter of any
kind in minute quantities will even
tually accumulate in the carburetor:
and thus effect the supply of gasoline
furnished. While these machines are
constructed with two gauze strainers
in the gasoline tank and very fine
eauze strainer in the trap, manufac-
turers have found that particles would
pass through in the most unaccountable
way, and thus effect the operation of
the machine.
autos that are equipped with two
batteries, a storage and dry cell so
that if one shows weakness the other
can be thrown into service are prefer
able but batteries at their best will
depreciate in strength without service !;
hence, this point requires daily careful
attention.
Gentlemen l believe it is seldom
that a piece of horse-drawn fire APP
paratus sees 500 miles of service in
year, and by making an ample sup
ply of parts in stock, the machine
can be kept in working order at all
times. An extra carburetor, battery
and other extras of that kind should
be kept on hand, and then with careful
inspection there can be no failures
Even with little carelessness, 1T Is
doubtful if an auto will fall down
as many times in year as Will
horse. When you take into consider
alton the distance to be Travelled and
the speed available, the machine can
cover three or four times the territory
that can be covered by team, and
it can go back as quick as it went
out Barring accidents, there is nc
excuse except carelessness for the ma
chine not to operate successfully when
ever it is called upon" .
Topic No 4. Water works in small
cities; which is best, the Direct OF
Gravity System? was answered in the
simple fashion, "Both." Papers on this
topic were read by representatives OF
the fremen of Aitkin, Blue Eartl
and Pipestone and the majority be
leved the use of both systems com
bined is best. If they must take I
choice the direct system was to b.
preferred.