Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-27
FIGHT PROPOSED STABLE LAW
LIVERY MEN OBJECT TO FIRE
= 1877 CHIEFS PLAN.
Oppose Idea Of Keeping Stock on
Ground Floor Only-Many
Speeches Made.

Half a hundred horse owners and liv-
cry stable men are on record as oppos-
ing the recommendation made to the
Commissioners by Chief Belt Of the fire
department that no horses or other ami
mails be stabbed in building on any floor
above or below the ground. They made
their protest at public hearing before
the board of Commissioners today.
The recommendation of the fire chief
was made several months ago. The Com
missioners are considering its adoption
Before taking the step they have invited
expressions from those who would be at
at the hearing declare such requirement
would be unjust and impracticable and
would mean confiscation of property
w. s. Knox, who operates a stable Of
over 200 horses, said such a requirement
would necessitate moving all the stables
into the suburbs. where they could be con-
structed on acre lots.
IF we cannot stable our horses above
the ground f1oor,' he said, 1T means we
would necessarily have to look for just
about twice or three times as much
ground for our stables as we have al
present.
This would be a serious proposition
unless we move to the country. where big
lots are plentiful. :"
Aside from providing for the stabling
building, Chief Belts proposed regulation
would require erection Of standpipes, in
stallation Of axes, fire extinguishers and
q certain amount of two-inch hose: the
erection of an automatic skylight intend
ed to relieve the building from smoke,
gases and flames and to reduce the dan
ger of suffocatiOn. The regulation also
would provide for the introduction of a
uniform method of fastening horses in
their stalls.
missioners, said he has had fifty years
experience at stabling horses. After care
fully considering the proposed regulation
he favors the provision of fire safety ap-
planes. He. however, considers the
stabling. on the first floor only as i'm
practicable.
Il have made study of modern livery
stables" he said. land have visited the
best stables in all large cities. 1t might
interest you to know that in those cities
all the big modern buildings stable horses
on floors above the first floor.
IT believe what is needed as an extra
fire precaution Is to drill the men en-
gagged In working about the stables in
handling hose and fighting fires. They
should be formed into small fire de-
partment. In the event Of an outbreak
every employee should know his place and
his particular duty. @ :s
That such a regulation as is proposed
by Chief Belt would mean confiscation
and would work hardship on stable
men is the opinion expressed by p. E.
Johnson.
Commissioner Mcfarland announced
that 1t is the desire Of the fire chief to
have this regulation affect stables al
ready in operation. and not only those
built or altered in the future. The cor
poration counsel has been requested to
Inform the Commissioners whether they
have authority to do this.
In the event they have not, Mr. Mac
farland announced legislation will be
asked Of Congress giving them that pow
err However, before the matter is taken
as far as Congress the Commissioners
will give another hearing